mijobooks 54: Jiang Wen
54: Jiang Wen
Adapting a novel of less than 200,000 words into a TV series of more than 20 episodes is not a difficult task for a professional screenwriter.
Moreover, it wasn't just one screenwriter working alone; it was four screenwriters working together.
Under the leadership of Zheng Xiaolong, director of the editorial department of the Arts and Literature Center, four top-notch screenwriters in China—Feng Xiaogang, Li Xiaoming, and Li Gongda—quickly adapted the script.
Next comes the project initiation and approval process. Then comes the budgeting of filming costs and the development of a filming schedule.
As for casting, the team had already started contacting and communicating with actors while rewriting the script.
"The filming budget is nearly 150 million foreign currency, because all the scenes will be filmed overseas, so the cost is shockingly high." After getting off work, Han Qingyan told Han Wen about the company's affairs: "This budget was made by Zheng Xiaolong. I asked some colleagues from the TV station before, and it seems a bit high."
However, as the chairman of Money Tree Pictures, I will be the producer and executive producer of this project, and I will travel abroad with the film crew.
From now on, all expenditures will require my approval. I will keep an eye on these people to prevent them from having any opportunity to sabotage things behind the scenes.
"Mom, filming is tough, especially filming overseas. I told you to hire a producer to oversee this project, but why won't you listen?" Han Wen said helplessly.
"Wenwen, this is the first project of Money Tree Films, and also the first project led by Mom."
Therefore, I have to keep a close eye on it myself.” Han Qingyan explained, “In the past, although I worked at a TV station, I didn’t have much of a connection with the film and television production center.”
Therefore, I don't know much about the specific operations of TV series production. This is a good opportunity for me to experience it firsthand.
Once I have experience and a solid foundation, I can delegate projects to others.
"The situation abroad is complicated, and this is a big project. It probably won't be completed in less than two or three months." Han Wen sighed, "Mom, you must be careful and take good care of yourself while you're all alone out there."
"Mom knows." Han Qingyan nodded. "I'll go with the film crew. Everyone's together, so nothing will happen."
"Okay." Seeing that she had made up her mind, Han Wen didn't try to persuade her further. "By the way, Mom, is there anything else?"
"And then there's the casting. Wang Ji has been confirmed to play the female lead."
However, the role of the male lead, Wang Qiming, has not yet been decided. Han Qingyan shook his head and sighed, "Director Zheng has his eye on Jiang Wen, but he has never acted in a TV series before and is not very interested in the role."
If it weren't for Director Zheng's sake, he would have refused outright long ago.
Right now, he's still hesitating. Besides, even if he agrees, the fee is astronomical. He probably wouldn't be able to get it without at least five or six hundred thousand.
After all, he had already become a double Hundred Flowers Award-winning actor with his roles in "Hibiscus Town" and "Spring Peach," and his performance in "Red Sorghum" even won the Berlin Golden Bear Award.
He is arguably the most famous and highest-paid male actor in China right now.
"Jiang Wen is indeed suitable for the role of Wang Qiming. Director Zheng has a very accurate eye for casting." Han Wen nodded: "But it doesn't matter. If he doesn't want to play the role, we can just find someone else."
There are so many male actors in China, but none can replace Jiang Wen. However, there is definitely someone who can play the role of Wang Qiming.
"Wenwen, are you sure there really are male actors like that in China?" Han Qingyan asked, somewhat incredulous.
Choosing Jiang Wen wasn't just about his fame, but also his acting skills and how well he fit the role. Meeting all three criteria is no easy feat.
"Mom, do you have Jiang Wen's contact information? Give it to me." Han Wen thought for a moment before saying, "I'll meet with him first and talk to him."
If he's willing, then it's him. If he's not willing, then find someone else.
The project cannot be delayed; time waits for no one. We cannot let the entire project be shelved because of Jiang Wen.
The staff and other actors are almost here. We can't afford to lose money like this.
Han Qingyan knew that Han Wen was right, so she took out Jiang Wen's business card from her bag and handed it to him.
"I'll call Jiang Wen right now and invite him over for lunch. You can have Xingzi reserve a table at the hotel and have it delivered directly over," Han Wen said, picking up the home phone to dial Jiang Wen's number.
"Hello, this is Jiang Wen. Who's looking for me?" The call connected, and Jiang Wen's distinctive voice came through the receiver.
"Hello, Ms. Jiang, this is Han Wen, the general manager of Yaoqianshu Pictures. I'm calling to discuss the casting of the role of Wang Qiming."
Are you free today? If so, I hope you can come to my house.
"I've prepared a warm welcome for you," Han Wen said with a smile. "Lunch is on me; I guarantee you won't leave until you're completely drunk."
"Han Wen, brother, I've heard Director Zheng and Screenwriter Feng mention your name before. I know you're Chairman Han's son."
They say you're a very outstanding and capable young man, and I really want to meet you.
Unfortunately, I'm really busy and I'm afraid I won't have the opportunity for the time being. Jiang Wen was a little surprised and smiled: "Han Wen, since you called me personally..."
Well, to be honest, I have no interest in acting in TV dramas. If it weren't for Director Zheng's strong invitation, I would have refused long ago.
So even if I go to your house today, I'm afraid we still won't be able to reach a conclusion.
Brother, I advise you not to waste your time and energy on this. You should think of other solutions as soon as possible.
"Teacher Jiang, have you made up your mind?" Han Wen continued to ask.
"Yes, I've made up my mind." Jiang Wen nodded.
"Teacher Jiang, hearing you say that makes me really feel sorry. Fortunately, I have already found an actress who can replace you."
Otherwise, this project might really be dragged down.” Han Wen smiled and said, “In that case, I won’t bother you any longer. I hope we will have the opportunity to cooperate again in the future.”
"Wait, Hanwen, what did you just say?" Jiang Wen was taken aback, his expression surprised. "You've already found someone to replace me?"
"Yes, Teacher Jiang." Han Wen nodded: "The other person is similar to you in terms of temperament, appearance, and age. The only difference is probably in acting skills."
However, I believe that under Director Zheng's guidance, his acting skills should improve rapidly and he will achieve remarkable results.
"Are there really people like that in China? Tell me about their situation." Jiang Wen became interested: "Han Wen, you're not kidding me, are you?"
"Teacher Jiang, you're overthinking it. How could I possibly lie to you?" Han Wen laughed. "He's a student at the Film Academy, named Jiang Wu."
She's a little younger than you, but makeup can make up for that. Her acting skills are definitely a bit worse than yours, but they're good enough.
"Han Wen, do you know who Jiang Wu is to me? What's our relationship?" Jiang Wen asked loudly.
"Teacher Jiang, I don't know." Han Wen shook his head.
"Okay, since you don't know, then let me tell you."
"Tell me your home address and wait at home. I'm coming to find you now." Jiang Wen almost laughed out of anger: "Didn't you say you wanted to drink until we dropped? Fine, today, let me test your drinking capacity."