The literary era since 1979

Chapter 94: Wu Tianming from Xiying Studio
Lu Yao got a very good fortune and finally felt relieved. Fang Yan went back to Yanchuan with him from Yulin.

The guesthouse at this moment was no longer as lively as before.

Seeing that the dialect has moved away, writers, editors, journalists and young literary people from northern Shaanxi no longer come.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Fangyan prepared to move back.

So I went to Lu Yao's house to get my luggage. As soon as I reached the door, I heard Lu Yao and Lin Da quarreling inside. The sound was so loud that the whole yard could hear it. The crux of the quarrel was -

Lu Yao only cares about writing books and doesn't take care of household chores at all!
"I don't mind you leaving us alone and heading to the Baiyun Mountain Taoist Temple without even saying hello. I just wanted to ask you something."

"Since you came back, I haven't seen you during the day, but why can't I see you at night?"

Lin replied with anger in his tone.

"Didn't I tell you?"

Lu Yao explained that the golden time for his creation is from afternoon to three or four in the morning, while the morning is his rest time.

Thus, the habit of "starting the morning at noon" was formed.

"But I work during the day and sleep at night!"

Lin Da cried and complained aggrievedly that the couple were originally separated and could only see each other a few times a year.

As a result, now, I hardly see Lu Yao all day long.

I have to take care of all the trivial matters by myself, including taking care of the children.

It's simply a widow's life!
After arguing for a while, Lu Yao, perhaps knowing that he was in the wrong, remained silent, smoking and listening to Lin Da sobbing.

At this moment, a voice calling in dialect came from outside the house.

"Yanzi, why are you here?"

Lu Yao frowned and walked out the door.

"Look how careless you are. You bought a gift for your sister-in-law on the road, but it ended up being left at the guesthouse. I had to make an extra trip to bring it to you." Fang Yan was holding a box of crystal cakes in his hand.

This is a luxury and a rare item in northern Shaanxi.

Fortunately, the supply and marketing cooperative in Yanchuan also sells it, so my trip was not in vain.

"I?"

Lu Yao widened his eyes, at a loss.

"Yes, you even smoked lower-quality cigarettes to save money, and even asked me to borrow food coupons. How could you leave such an important thing behind? Take it quickly and give it to your sister-in-law later."

Fang Yan said: "Give her a surprise."

Lu Yao noticed the hint in his eyes, and even though he was slow to react, he understood his intention and gave him a grateful look.

Then he offered the crystal cake to Buddha and went back with it.

When Fang Yan thought about how Lu Yao had such a strong self-esteem, he was worried that he would not be able to bring himself to coax his wife. He was thankful that he did not blurt out like Sun Shaoan, "I really want to beat you to death."

I never expected that Lu Yao could do it.

"I'll give you the money and ticket for the crystal cake later."

"Don't worry, there's no need to worry about the money and tickets. When you come to see me in Yanjing one day, just bring me a box."

"How could this be possible? Thanks to you for helping me out."

Lu Yao sighed, "Otherwise..."

"Let's not worry about these things, brothers."

Fang Yan waved his hand, "But there is one thing that I, an outsider, should not say, but I still want to say it. It's not easy for my sister-in-law. You are in Chang'an, and she is here, working and taking care of the children alone. Please pay more attention to my sister-in-law if you can."

"I know I know."

Lu Yao took out a cigarette box from his pocket. There was no cigarette in it, only an empty shell. He said angrily and helplessly:

"Once her job transfer is resolved and our family is reunited, everything will slowly get better."

"Work is one thing, but you also have to pay attention to your life."

Fangyan took out his Xiangshan and slapped it on his hand.

"Ah."

Lu Yao nodded and continued chatting for the time it takes to smoke a cigarette.

Fangyan packed up his luggage and took it away. Lin Da lent a hand, and Lu Yao insisted on sending him to the guesthouse.

The couple was in perfect harmony, as if nothing had just happened.

Fangyan couldn't refuse, so he had to be accompanied by Lu Yao.

As soon as I returned to the guesthouse, I heard the staff say that someone called and asked for me by name. I asked who called.

It was Mo Shen.

I called back immediately and found out that Mo Shen was transferred to Xi'an Film Studio as a screenwriter after graduating from the training institute. Now that "The Great Qin Splitting" is very popular, Xi'an Film Studio naturally wants to adapt it into a movie.

So, he and the deputy factory director were specially sent to discuss the matter.

"What's the name of the deputy director?"

"Wu Tianming."

"Okay, let's set it for the day after tomorrow. I'll wait at the guesthouse."

After hanging up the phone, Fangyan touched his chin:
"Maybe my sister-in-law's job transfer problem can be solved."

"Really!"

Lu Yao was startled, "Yanzi, do you have a solution?"

………………

June 4, afternoon.

Fang Yan and Lu Yao met Mo Shen and Wu Tianming in the guesthouse. At this time, he was in his 40s and still had hair.

He looks sturdy and rugged, with bright eyes.

He can be considered a late bloomer. He was originally an actor at the Xi'an Film Studio, but due to his plain looks, it was difficult for him to shine as an actor, so he changed his career and became a director.

He rose to fame in the film industry with "Trill of Life". "Life", "Old Well" and "Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" made him one of the representatives of the fourth generation of film directors. But more importantly, he was also the mentor and spiritual mentor of the fifth generation of directors. Chen Kaige, Zhang Yimou, Gu Changwei and many others have all received his care and support.

Moreover, during his tenure as director, he brought Xi'an Film Studio to the top.

But now, Wu Tianming was just the deputy director who had just been promoted from assistant to the director. His face was filled with enthusiasm and he held her hand tightly:
"We definitely don't mean to neglect Teacher Fang."

"It's just that our factory director and other deputy factory directors are in their 50s and 60s. They are too old and their bodies can't stand the bumpy road."

"So Mo Shen and I will represent him and Xi'an Film Studio to come and talk to you in person about the adaptation of The Great Qin Splitting."

"In other words, Director Wu is fully responsible?"

Fangyan poured hot water for the two of them.

"You can say that."

Wu Tianming did not hide anything. Some important details, such as the appointment of the director, had to be brought back to the factory for a meeting to discuss.

"Of course, as for the script, if Mr. Fang is willing, Xiying Studio would be happy to hire you as the scriptwriter." "Oh?"

Fang Yan raised his eyebrows and looked at Mo Shen.

"Not long ago, Shanghai Film Studio held a preview of The Shepherd, and I was fortunate to attend." Wu Tianming said with a smile, "Director Xie is still as skilled as ever, and the film was shot very well. Of course, it is also thanks to you as the original author and screenwriter. This is what Director Xie told me."

"Thank you, Director, for the award."

"So our production team has no objection to you being the screenwriter for The Great Qin: Fission, and we all agree."

"Whether I am a screenwriter or not is not the point."

Fangyan changed the subject and the key point was whether the Xi'an Film Studio had the conditions for filming now. Even if everything was kept simple, at least a palace was needed to serve as the royal palaces of Wei and Qin.

Not to mention, there are scenes like the Jixia Academy.

There is no Hengdian Film and Television City now, so we have to spend money to build it ourselves.

"This this……"

Wu Tianming smiled awkwardly.

At that time, although the Xi'an Film Studio was a large film studio, its film copy distribution volume ranked last in the country, even worse than small studios such as Guixi and Zhujiang. It was too embarrassed to say hello to people when it went out, and as a result, it was financially stretched.

"So even if Xiying Studio gets The Great Qin: Fission, they don't have the budget to shoot it. They can't move all the money from other movies here, and then your studio's plan for this year will definitely not be completed."

Dialect analyzed seriously.

"That being said, Daqin belongs to northern Shaanxi!"

Wu Tianming thought he was going to hand over "The Great Qin Fission" to wealthy studios like Shanghai Film Studio and Beijing Film Studio, and he became excited for a moment, "Teacher Fang, there is no studio in the country that is more suitable for filming "The Great Qin Fission" than Xi'an Film Studio."

Then he winked at Mo Shen, suggesting that he speak a few words quickly.

"Yeah, Iwako."

Mo Shen added: "Xi'an Film Studio is a film studio born and bred in northern Shaanxi. Other film studios cannot have a greater affection and attitude towards the Qin State than us, and cannot attach more importance to and invest more in "The Great Qin Fission" than us."

Wu Tianming said anxiously, "Teacher Fang, the Xi'an Film Studio must get The Great Qin Fission at all costs. To be honest, this is also the intention of the main leaders in northern Shaanxi. They have issued a death order that The Great Qin Fission must be produced by our studio."

"You misunderstood me."

Fang Yan waved his hand and said, "I didn't say I wouldn't let Xi'an Film Studio shoot it. Even if it's not for Lao Mo's sake, I will let Xi'an Film Studio shoot it just for the love of the people of northern Shaanxi for The Great Qin Fission."

"That's good! That's good!"

Wu Tianming was overjoyed when he heard this.

Fang Yan looked at Lu Yao and Mo Shen and they smiled at each other.

For films like "Infernal Affairs", we should keep them and adapt them into films and TV series when the market becomes commercialized.

But films like "The Qin Empire: Fission" were left to film studios in the 1980s and 1990s. Although they were poor and had insufficient funds at that time, the entire crew, from the director to the actors, had their own aspirations.

With limited resources, we strive to achieve the best results.

For example, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms is simply a documentary shot by traveling back to ancient times with a camera. If people like Zhuge Liang and Cao Cao in history did not look like Tang Guoqian and Bao Guoan, then it must be the problem of Zhuge Liang and Cao Cao.

It’s nothing like the costume films of later generations, everything is terrible except the money!

We can earn less money by using dialects, but we cannot tolerate the work being turned into shit. Moreover, it was Shen Yanbing who personally directed and revised it.

"Yanzi, then we have a deal."

Mo Shen really enjoyed Fang Yan's selling his face in front of Wu Tianming. "After we go back and have a meeting to discuss a filming plan, you will hand over "The Great Qin Splitting" to the Xi'an Film Studio."

“The budget for filming is of utmost importance.”

Fangyan agreed and gave a reminder.

"Don't worry about this!"

Wu Tianming promised solemnly.

Next, it was Fangyan’s turn to receive his favorite part, the royalties.

Although the Xi'an Film Studio is poor, it is also a first-tier studio in the country, and its standards are comparable to those of the Shanghai Film Studio, Beijing Film Studio, and the August First Film Studio.

Generally speaking, a short feature film costs 500 to 800 yuan each, and a long feature film costs 1000 to 1600 yuan each. The original author and the screenwriter then divide the money according to a certain ratio.

"How much is the manuscript fee?"

Wu Tianming pointed at Mo Shen and said, "Usually, their editing and directing department will make suggestions, and then the director will approve them. But it's different for The Great Qin: Fission. The factory had already decided before we came."

“Completely in accordance with the highest standards of our factory.”

Mo Shen nodded and quoted 1600 yuan.

Fangyan showed a satisfied smile and said, "I'll take the job of screenwriter!"
"Of course, you have come all the way here, so I can't let you go back like this. I have a script here that is also suitable for being made into a movie. It's a local film, so the budget shouldn't be too high."

"Really!"

Wu Tianming and Mo Shen immediately became interested.

"If nothing goes wrong, this manuscript will be published in our October." Fang Yan handed the revised manuscript to them.

Lu Yao, who had been watching from the sidelines, suddenly changed his expression. The ease on his face disappeared, and he became visibly nervous.

After a while, Wu Tianming's eyes turned red, and he was surprised and happy:
"Great! Well written!"

"Well, Director Wu, am I right?"

"Teacher Fang is right. It will definitely be a good movie. Who is the author? Can you introduce him to me?"

"Far away, yet so close."

Fang Yan smiled and said, "That's him, Lu Yao."

After he and Mo Shen introduced each other, Wu Tianming and Lu Yao started communicating and talked about the film adaptation face to face.

"Do you think there's a chance for what I asked you?"

Fangyan asked in a low voice.

"I've asked around, and Lin Da can be transferred to the film publicity department of the factory, which is a perfect job for him." Mo Shen nodded and said, "I can't guarantee the success of others, but Director Wu is definitely reliable."

"He is only the deputy director now. My sister-in-law's transfer..."

"You and Lu Yao can rest assured. Let me put it this way. Even if he can't do it now, he will be able to do it in the future. It is said that because the factory's performance has been too poor in recent years, the higher-ups are very dissatisfied and have decided to replace the factory director with a new one and make drastic reforms."

"Is he the new factory director?"

Fangyan was not at all surprised that Wu Tianming became the factory director.

"It hasn't been decided yet, but he has the highest support. Besides, he is the one who got The Great Qin Fission from you now."

Mo Shen said happily: "Do you think his chances are good?"

"My novels are the capital for his progress."

Fangyan was so happy that he couldn't stop smiling.

　In reality, it was because of Lu Yao that Lin Da was transferred to the Propaganda Department of Xi'an Film Studio.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)