Zhong Buyi, being a professional, sought advice from big names in the fashion industry to write a better script, and even had He Lu serve as the script's costume consultant.
With the country just opening up, there were very few domestic films and television dramas, let alone professional costume and styling teams.
For this TV series shoot, Chu Yu simply did her own styling, having Mandarin's design team design clothes for the main and supporting characters, and purchasing luxury goods and niche designer brands.
With the support of Chu Yu's team, Zhong Buyi thrived, and his script was very compelling, which greatly impressed Chu Yu.
“You studied directing, not screenwriting, but your scripts are better than anyone else’s.”
Zhong Buyi smiled and said, "These days, which director doesn't have three heads and six arms?"
Zhong Buyi turned his gaze to the actors who had come to the audition.
Chu Yu pointed to the group of people in the corner, "Those are all from my hometown. You don't need to worry about me. If you can play, then play; if you can't, then don't. In some ways, we're in the same boat, both working to make this show a success. I won't sacrifice the show's quality by trying to get actors for you."
Chu Yu is a sensible person, and Zhong Buyi has always known this. For a fledgling director, meeting an investor like this is simply the luckiest thing.
“There’s something I want to discuss with you,” Chu Yu said. “The novel is set in Hong Kong, and I’d like you to take the actors there to film the exterior scenes.”
Take some photos of the night view of Victoria Harbour, the narrow but vibrant streets of the harbour city, and billboards printed with traditional Chinese characters.
That's what makes a scene authentic.
Zhong Buyi's eyes widened. "Go to Hong Kong for location shooting? How much would that cost? If we shoot on the mainland, rent a location, decorate it, and pretend it's being filmed in Hong Kong, a million would barely be enough. But once we go to Hong Kong, the money will just flow out like water, and our budget won't be enough at all."
Chu Yu had considered this issue. If the budget wasn't enough, she would just add more. She figured that adding another million would be enough to get the film made.
She has a stable income, and she invests more while filming. If all else fails, she asks Dai Donglin and Mi Fei for investment. After all, she will receive dividends after making a profit, so she has nothing to be ashamed of.
"Don't worry about the money. Just ask and I'll do everything I can to help you."
Zhong Buyi swallowed hard.
He had just graduated and dared not even think about filming on location in the port city. Not to mention him, even his teachers had never been abroad. Suddenly being given such an important task made him both excited and nervous.
No woman had ever excited him so much. Zhong Buyi regarded Chu Yu as his mentor and nodded hastily: "Then I will calculate the cost of filming in Hong Kong and try to control the budget."
"no problem."
Zhong Buyi's aesthetic sense was quite forward-thinking. He did not favor the round faces that were popular in China, but preferred small, delicate faces with temperament and stories. In later terms, they were "movie faces".
However, a face with a story may not be suitable for TV dramas.
"Mr. Zhou, Director Zhong, hello, I am contestant number 12, Wang Yuling."
Wang Yuling is tall and beautiful with long legs. She has a striking appearance, which is not popular in mainland China these days. With her looks, she could easily become a movie star in Hong Kong or even debut in a beauty pageant.
Chu Yu quite liked her. The feeling of choosing a beautiful woman was wonderful. As an investor, everyone treated her kindly, and she could choose whomever she wanted.
With so many young and beautiful girls under her control, it's no wonder men all want to be her sugar daddy.
Zhong Buyi had Wang Yuling act out a scene. Wang Yuling's performance wasn't particularly outstanding, but it wasn't a big problem either. After all, Zhong Buyi had prepared a training camp for all the actors, and all the selected actors had three months of training.
As long as Wang Yuling is willing to learn, Zhong Buyi is confident that he can make her acting skills perfect.
"Could you please turn around?" Chu Yu smiled.
Wang Yuling turned around again, feeling embarrassed. This time, Chu Yu looked at her profile and jawline. Facial smoothness is especially important for looking good on camera. He also wanted to see if Wang Yuling was suitable for high-end clothing.
"If you were chosen, would you be willing to play the second female lead? That is, the villain in the drama?" Chu Yu asked.
Zhong Buyi nodded. Chu Yu's question was very necessary. These days, people are concerned about their image, and many are unwilling to play villains. Finding a suitable villain actor is not an easy task.
Wang Yuling came for the female lead role, and she was conflicted when she heard Chu Yu's question.
The female supporting character in the drama is a dancer and also the male supporting character's fiancée. She plays an important role when the female lead returns to seek revenge on the male supporting character. Naturally, she is just a villain who cannot have the one she loves. When she discovers that her boyfriend loves the female lead, her childhood sweetheart, she becomes insanely jealous and plots to frame the female lead multiple times.
This kind of role is not good. If you play this kind of character, you will be scolded on the street. Wang Yuling is under a lot of psychological pressure.
"I...I don't know," Wang Yuling said nervously.
Chu Yu smiled and said, "Whether it's the main character or the supporting character, the protagonist or the antagonist, everyone is part of the plot. A work cannot be separated from the efforts of all the actors. Your presence can make the female lead's scenes more intense. I hope you can give it a serious consideration."
Wang Yuling walked away nervously, only to be stopped at the door by a girl who was rather short and thin. For some reason, the girl limped and asked Wang Yuling for directions.
"Excuse me, is the audition for the drama 'The Businesswoman' held here?"
Chu Yu came out for some fresh air and happened to witness this scene. The girl stared at Wang Yuling with tears in her eyes. Although Wang Yuling did not have a wicked face, she was tall and wearing high heels. Her condescending demeanor perfectly embodied the words "vicious female supporting character".
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