ebookslot Chapter 106 The Audition That Sets Rules
Chapter 106 The Audition That Sets Rules
Chapter 105 The Audition That Sets Rules
"I'm so sorry, but our director Zhang Jun has his own principles. If possible, please participate in the audition!"
"Yes, yes—Director Zhang Jun said that this is a matter of responsibility to the actors and the director."
He Xuan hung up the phone and said helplessly to Zhang Jun, who was sitting across from her drinking tea, "I heard you're preparing for a new movie, and this is all to try and squeeze people into it."
Zhang Jun shrugged and said, "That's why I dumped all this trouble on you, and now you're passing the buck to me."
He Xuan laughed and said, "Anyway, they're too embarrassed to ask you. Most people just give up after being politely refused."
Zhang Jun nodded: "That would be best. I'm afraid of those shameless people."
When the two talked about their new film, Zhang Jun said, "For the four main characters this time, I don't want to use any stars who have been famous for too long. One is too old, and the other's face is too familiar, so he's not suitable to play a student."
"You mean, you want to audition student actors at the Beijing Film Academy or the Central Academy of Drama?"
He Xuan was a little worried: "Isn't this too risky? These student actors have no fame at all, I'm afraid they can't carry the box office burden."
Zhang Jun, however, was very confident: "I've always been the main star in my movies, not some big-name celebrity. I'm confident that I can succeed even with new actors."
Zhang Jun paused for a moment, then continued, "I think the success or failure of a movie is not determined by big-name stars."
Having big-name stars can certainly guarantee a film's success, but ultimately it depends on whether the audience likes it.
He Xuan mimicked Zhang Jun's gesture, spreading her hands: "Okay, you decide what your performance is."
She then asked another question: "Are you going to attend the Hundred Flowers Awards and the Golden Horse Awards this year?"
"Go for it! You've already been nominated, why not go?"
Zhang Jun raised an eyebrow and said, "If I don't go, they might think I'm being disrespectful. Let's not cause them any trouble over something so trivial."
"Okay, Gao Yan and I will help you arrange your schedule." He Xuan indicated that she understood.
Since the Hundred Flowers Awards and the Golden Rooster Awards started being held alternately, award ceremonies in mainland China have become somewhat chaotic.
The Huabiao Awards were cancelled this year, and the Golden Rooster Awards were held last year, so the most important award in mainland China this year is the Hundred Flowers Awards. In addition, there are some unknown, unofficial awards.
Since entering the film industry, Zhang Jun has won more than a dozen awards of various dubious accolades. However, he has never accepted them, and these trophies are currently gathering dust in the warehouse of Guanzhi Film Industry.
Previously, when Zhang Jun and Han Sanping had dinner and discussed major historical projects, they suggested reforming mainland film awards.
He said at the time, "I predict that the mainland film market will enter a period of rapid development in the near future. I believe you have also felt this, Uncle Han."
But a rapidly developing market needs credible and matching awards, such as Hollywood and the Academy Awards.
Han Sanping asked in bewilderment, "Don't we already have the Golden Rooster Awards? The Golden Horse Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards can also serve as supplements, isn't that enough?"
Zhang Jun shook his head and said, "Of course not. The Golden Rooster Awards are held every two years, and there are too few awards, with most of them concentrated in the public eye."
There are dozens of jobs in filmmaking, and it's unfair that those behind-the-scenes talents haven't received recognition and rewards.
o
Zhang Jun's words made Han Sanping fall into deep thought. He admitted that there was some truth to what Zhang Jun said, but at the same time he felt that Zhang Jun was exaggerating.
In the end, he simply said he would look into it further and let the matter drop.
Zhang Jun said he had done his best, although the goal of the broken game that caused him to travel through time was to lead Chinese-language films out of chaos and disorder as soon as possible.
But after this test, Zhang Jun realized that it was basically impossible to change the status quo.
Fortunately, the game was uninstalled during the time travel. Since Zhang Jun didn't pursue the game's objectives, he probably wouldn't face any punishment.
Moreover, his continuous success in making good movies sets an example for the film industry today, which can be seen as indirectly fulfilling the game's objectives.
Now that the game knows, it can finally rest in peace.
However, if Zhang Jun knew which bastard development team developed this game, he would definitely—have a passionate interaction with that team and thank them.
If it weren't for this illogical event, how could he have traveled back in time and become such a force to be reckoned with?
Getting back to the main point, the film submitted by Guanzhi Pictures for this year's Hundred Flowers Awards is "Sherlock on the Plains".
The organizing committee of the Hundred Flowers Awards is very good at forecasting trends. This film was praised by official media, so it was nominated for three awards: Best Film, Best Actor (Uncle Benshan), and Best Supporting Actor (Fan Wei).
The Golden Horse Awards announced its nominations in mid-October, and Guanzhi Pictures submitted "Reign of Assassins" and "Crazy Stone".
"Crazy Stone" was released on September 30th last year and missed the last Golden Horse Awards selection, so it participated in this year's Golden Horse Awards along with "Reign of Assassins".
The film received four nominations: Best Feature Film, Best Director (Ning Hao), Best Original Screenplay (Ning Hao and Zhang Jun), and Best Editing, which is quite good.
"Reign of Assassins" received more nominations, including five major awards: Best Feature Film, Best Director (Zhang Jun), Best Actress (Zhang Ziyi), Best Actor (Andy Lau), and Best Supporting Actress (Fan Bingbing).
In addition, there were nominations for five technical awards, including Best Cinematography, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Action Choreography, and Best Editing.
There are a total of ten nominations, but it remains to be seen how many awards "Reign of Assassins" will win.
Zhang Junxian, along with Uncle Benshan and Fan Wei, attended the awards ceremony for the Popular Hundred Flowers Awards, which was held at the Hangzhou Huanglong Sports Center.
What's interesting about this year's red carpet is that it's no longer a traditional land-based red carpet, but rather a film crew entering in a boat.
Aside from that, there's nothing particularly noteworthy about this year's Hundred Flowers Awards. (Example: *Sherlock on the Plains*)
He only won one Best Actor award, which is Uncle Benshan's second Hundred Flowers Award for Best Actor.
After receiving the award, he specifically thanked Zhang Jun: "In the past, when I filmed rural themes, I always made the scenes dirty and messy, and portrayed the characters as very bad and of low quality."
But Director Zhang filmed a different kind of rural life, giving a vindication to rural China. I want to thank him; otherwise, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to play a rural version of Sherlock Holmes.
History has changed slightly; "Sherlock on the Plains" has successfully snatched the Best Actor award from "Zhang Side".
However, in some respects, "Sherlock on the Plains" was a commercial success, but it was also a rural-themed film promoted by state media.
It's clear that some people really pushed the authorities to their limits, constantly giving this film recognition; otherwise, Uncle Benshan probably wouldn't have won the Best Actor award.
But no matter what, winning a Best Actor award, plus the fact that Benshan Media made a fortune from the film and expanded its film and television business, Uncle Benshan is already very satisfied.
Currently, Uncle Benshan's focus is on self-produced dramas and the Spring Festival Gala. In addition, he has also filmed a road movie called "Return to One's Roots".
The success of "Little Miss Sunshine" has generated considerable anticipation for "Getting Home." With the addition of the golden duo of Uncle Benshan and Song Dandan, the film's success seems almost guaranteed.
Uncle Benshan also wanted to invite Zhang Jun to play a cameo role in the film, but Zhang Jun declined due to his busy schedule.
Since the Golden Horse Awards won't be held until mid-November, Zhang Jun isn't in a hurry to attend this year's awards. Instead, he's already started auditioning for "Bad Genius".
The audition was held in the rehearsal hall that Guanzhi Film Studio had recently rented.
A simple poster of "Bad Genius" was pasted on the wall, a few tables were put together to form an interview table, and a lone chair was placed opposite.
"It's quite rudimentary." Zhang Jun walked in and looked around.
"That's the effect I wanted."
He Xuan placed a stack of resumes on the table: "Let people focus on the performance, not on those fancy things."
Zhang Jun sat down and flipped through the resumes: "How many people are there today?"
"Twenty-three in the morning and nineteen in the afternoon, all students recommended by Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama."
He Xuan glanced at her watch: "The audition is about to begin."
Zhang Jun nodded and instructed the assistant director to set up the equipment. He, He Xuan, and Jiang Tao then formed the interview panel.
The first auditionee knocked on the door and came in. She was a girl with a ponytail, a slightly round face, and looked quite young.
"Hello teachers, my name is Li Meng, and I am a sophomore in the Department of Performing Arts at Taipei Film Academy."
She bowed, her voice slightly strained.
Zhang Jun nodded: "Draw a section of the script and prepare for five minutes."
Li Meng drew the scene where Lin Wei discovers Chen Qi cheating in the library. She read the script for a while, took a deep breath, and began to perform.
"How could you do this?!"
She pointed to the empty space, her voice trembling, "This is the SAT, not a school mock exam!"
Zhang Jun glanced down and jotted down a few notes on the resume. The performance was fairly engaging, but the tension was too overt, unlike Lin Wei's inner composure.
He looked up and said, "That's fine, thank you."
Li Meng was stunned for a moment: "I—I haven't finished acting yet—"
"That's fine," Zhang Jun repeated.
The girl bit her lip and went out.
He Xuan whispered, "Isn't that too harsh?"
"Time is limited."
Zhang Jun flipped to the next resume: "Next one."
Seventeen students have been tested this morning. Some performed well, but they all fell short of expectations.
Either too forceful or too relaxed, failing to capture Lin Wei's subtle struggle amidst pressure and moral dilemmas.
During the lunch break, He Xuan ate her boxed lunch and said, "I think that guy named Qixing is alright; he seems quite enthusiastic."
O
"This is a favored client, isn't it!"
Zhang Jun shoveled his food into his mouth: "The character of Lin Wei has to be portrayed with restraint. All her little thoughts are in her eyes and small gestures. Qi Xing's emotions are written all over his face, as if he's afraid the audience won't understand."
"And what a terrible name! It even includes 'Aisin Gioro.' The Qing Dynasty has been gone for almost a century; does she think she's a princess?"
He Xuan and Jiang Tao exchanged a glance, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes. Luckily, they were all on the same side; otherwise, if Zhang Jun's words got out, it would be a huge problem.
He Xuan changed the subject: "What position did Yang Mi get in this afternoon?"
"The second to last."
Zhang Jun glanced at the schedule: "Give her enough room for comparison."
The auditions continued in the afternoon, and Zhang Jun saw a familiar face: Bai Baihe. She had just finished filming "Days Related to Youth," and still looked a bit like a student.
She drew the scene where Lin Wei passes on the answers in the exam room.
The performance was very steady, and the subtle finger movements simulating passing an eraser were meticulously designed. Zhang Jun glanced at her a few more times and circled her resume.
"Feeling pressured?" He Xuan leaned over to look.
"good."
Zhang Jun said, "Next."
Finally, it was the second to last turn. The door opened, and Yang Mi walked in.
She was dressed very simply today, in a white T-shirt and jeans, with her hair tied in a ponytail, and her face was almost bare of makeup.
"Director Zhang is great, Producer He is great, Producer Jiang is great."
She greeted them politely, without saying much.
Zhang Jun handed over the script: "Just pick a scene."
Yang Mi was drawn in the round where Lin Wei decided to participate in the cheating scheme.
She looked down at the script for two minutes, and when she looked up again, her eyes were different. It was a complex emotion, a struggle, a calculation, and a hint of ruthless determination.
"I need money."
She spoke to the void, her voice soft, but each word was enunciated clearly.
"My dad's illness can't wait, and the school scholarship isn't enough—is the amount you mentioned accurate?"
Zhang Jun leaned forward slightly. The most difficult part of this scene was portraying Lin Wei's "self-persuasion"—she wasn't a born bad student; she was forced into a corner and made excuses for herself.
Yang Mi captured that sense of contradiction perfectly, especially when she said "Is it true?", there was a hint of wishful thinking and self-deception in her voice.
After the performance, Yang Mi stood there waiting for feedback.
"Go back and wait for further instructions," Zhang Jun said.
Yang Mi nodded, turned around and left, not glancing back at anyone else the whole time.
After the last audition, He Xuan tidied up the resume: "What should I say?"
"Bai Baihe is good, but Yang Mi is a better fit."
Before Zhang Jun could speak, Jiang Tao spoke first.
Zhang Jun pulled out the two resumes and placed them side by side on the table: "Bai Baihe's performance is more extroverted, which is suitable for scenes with obvious conflicts."
But Lin Wei's character is mostly repressed, and Yang Mi's restrained demeanor is more fitting.
"Then it's settled?"
"It's settled."
Zhang Jun wrote Lin Wei—Yang Mi on the cast list: "The auditions for the second female lead start tomorrow. Notify everyone who auditioned for Lin Wei today that those who are willing can come again."
He Xuan raised an eyebrow: "Are you paving the way for Yang Mi?"
"Rules are rules."
Zhang Jun packed his things: "They gave up the opportunity themselves, so they can't blame anyone else."
The next day, at the audition for the second female lead, Su Na, many familiar faces showed up. Bai Baihe was also there; she smiled at Zhang Junshi but didn't say much.
On the surface, the character Su Na is a naive and innocent rich girl, but in reality she is very shrewd; she just uses innocence to disguise herself.
After auditioning for over a dozen roles, Zhang Jun wasn't entirely satisfied. The characters were either too foolish or too shrewd; he couldn't find the right balance.
The third person to come in in the afternoon was Jiang Yan. She didn't have much performance experience, but she had participated in several skits on local TV stations.
She drew the scene where Su Na first asked Lin Wei for help to cheat.
Her voice was sweet and soft as soon as she opened her mouth: "Sister Lin Wei, I heard that you have excellent grades—um, I have a small request—"
Zhang Jun nodded. This was exactly the kind of attitude he wanted: outwardly innocent, but with every word carrying a purpose.
Especially when she said "it's just a small request," a hint of calculation flashed in her eyes, but it was gone in an instant.
Bai Baihe's performance so far has made it difficult for Zhang Jun to make a decision. However, judging from her appearance, Jiang Yan is more in line with the seemingly naive and innocent character.
So Zhang Jun suggested she try adding another scene.
Jiang Yan also played the role of Su Na pretending to cry after being caught in the exam room. Her tears came easily, and she secretly watched the invigilator's reaction while crying, with a hint of coquetry in her sobs.
"That's fine," Zhang Jun said.
After Jiang Yan left, He Xuan immediately said, "This is good, this is good. It captures that feeling of someone who seems innocent and naive on the surface but is actually full of scheming."
Zhang Jun wrote the name on the character: "She's the one."
The audition for the male lead is scheduled for a few days later.
The role of Chen Qi was more difficult to find than expected. He had to portray the arrogance of a top student without being annoying, and he had to show moral struggle without appearing weak.
Zhang Jun was dissatisfied with the dozen or so boys recommended by Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama. They were either too slick, too wooden, or had an idol-like attitude of "I'm so handsome."
"How about we actually go and check out the Shanghai Theatre Academy?" He Xuan suggested.
Just as Zhang Jun was hesitating, Gao Yan's phone rang. It was a teacher from the Central Academy of Drama's acting department calling.
Zhang Jun took the phone from Gao Yan.
"Director Zhang, I heard you're looking for young male actors?"
The person on the other end of the phone said, "I have a student here named Wen Zhang. He has acted in many TV series and has solid acting skills."
Do you want to take a look?
Zhang Jun was stunned for a moment. He knew the name Wen Zhang, of course, but he didn't expect it to appear at this time.
At this time, Wen Zhang had just finished filming "Struggle". In it, he played Xiang Nan, a somewhat cowardly but kind-hearted little man, who was completely different from the academic genius Chen Qi.
This is a very talented young actor.
"Invite him to an audition," Zhang Jun said to He Xuan.
When Wen Zhang received the call, he was having dinner with Ma Yili. After hanging up, he was stunned for a long time.
"What's wrong?" Ma Yili asked.
"Zhang Jun — Director Zhang Jun asked me to audition."
Wen Zhang's voice trembled slightly: "His new movie, the male lead."
Ma Yili's eyes widened: "Really?!"
"Guanzhi Pictures called tomorrow at 2 PM."
Wen Zhang, clutching his phone, exclaimed, "I have to—what do I have to prepare? The script? They didn't give me the script!"
"Don't panic."
Ma Yili held his hand: "You eat first, then we'll go shopping for clothes. You'll look more energetic tomorrow."
"Clothes are not important."
Wen Zhang shook his head: "The important thing is the play. I don't know what style he wants—"
"Then bring out your best."
Ma Yili said earnestly, "Wen Zhang, this is your chance. So many people would kill to get into Zhang Jun's plays."
Wen Zhang took a deep breath and nodded emphatically.
The next afternoon, Wen Zhang arrived at Guanzhi Film Studio an hour early. Ma Yili accompanied him and waited for him downstairs.
"Keep it up." She patted him on the shoulder.
Wen Zhang went upstairs, knocked on the door, and entered the rehearsal hall.
Zhang Jun and He Xuan were already inside, with a middle-aged man wearing glasses sitting next to them. It was later learned that he was the producer, Jiang Tao.
"sit."
Zhang Jun pointed to the chair and handed over a piece of paper: "Prepare for this scene in ten minutes."
Wen Zhang took it; it was the scene where Chen Qi was questioned by Lin Wei for the first time.
The dialogue is limited, but the emotions are complex. You have to portray the panic of being exposed, maintain the pride of a top student, and feel the deep shame of helping someone cheat.
Ten minutes later, Wen Zhang put down the script.
"Let's begin," Zhang Jun said.
Wen Zhang didn't immediately get into the zone; instead, he took a deep breath and adjusted his posture.
When he looked up again, he was a completely different person. His back was very straight, but his shoulders were a little stiff, and his eyes were evasive as he tried to appear calm.
"I don't."
He said in a very soft voice, "You've mistaken me for someone else."
He Xuan was writing something down in her notebook.
Wen Zhang paused for a few seconds, as if waiting for a response, then suddenly raised his voice: "I said I didn't!"
What gives you the right to do this?
He stopped mid-sentence, looked down, and unconsciously fiddled with the seam of his pants—a gesture not in the script.
"I just—"
Wen Zhang's voice softened again, tinged with frustration: "I just need that money, my parents—"
He didn't finish speaking, but his helplessness and struggle were already evident in his tone.
"That's fine," Zhang Jun said.
Wen Zhang instantly snapped out of character and reverted to his nervous demeanor: "Director, I—"
"Have you acted in stage plays?" Zhang Jun asked.
"I have acted in films and television series, including 'Thunderstorm' and 'Teahouse', which I performed in at school."
No wonder.
Zhang Jun nodded: "The emotional transitions are very natural, and the small gestures are well-designed. It's just that the dialogue could be a bit more restrained; movies and stage performances are different."
"Yes, I understand," Wen Zhang quickly replied.
Zhang Jun and He Xuan exchanged a glance, then Zhang Jun said, "Let's go back and wait for their call!"
Wen Zhang bowed and left.
As soon as the door closed, He Xuan said, "This is good, much better than the previous ones."
"It's alright."
While writing comments on the character list, Zhang Jun said, "They need some guidance to prevent them from bringing out the acting habits from TV dramas."
"Is it settled then?"
"It's settled."
Zhang Jun wrote down his name: "Notify him to come and sign the contract tomorrow."
Wen Zhang's steps were unsteady as he came downstairs. Ma Yili greeted him: "How was it?"
He said—tell me to wait for further notice.
Wen Zhang scratched his head: "But I feel like there's a chance. He asked me to adjust my lines. If he wasn't interested, he wouldn't have said this, right?"
"There's definitely a chance!"
Ma Yili hugged him: "Come on, let's celebrate with a big meal!"
Before they had even finished dinner, Wen Zhang's phone rang. It was a call from Guanzhi Pictures.
"Wen Zhang? Director Zhang has decided, the role of Chen Qi is for you. Come to the company at 10 a.m. tomorrow to sign the contract."
Wen Zhang hung up the phone and stared blankly at Ma Yili.
"What's wrong?" Ma Yili asked anxiously.
"I----"
Wen Zhang's eyes suddenly reddened: "I got it, the lead role in Zhang Jun's movie."
Ma Yili screamed and hugged him tightly, "That's great! That's great!"
That night, Wen Zhang tossed and turned, unable to sleep. At two in the morning, he shook Ma Yili awake.
"Ichili,"
He said softly, "Let's get married."
Ma Yili, still confused, asked, "What?"
I said, let's get married.
Wen Zhang sat up and looked at her in the darkness: "I have confidence now. After Zhang Jun finishes filming this movie, our status will be equal."
Ma Yili also sat up and remained silent for a while.
"are you serious?"
"Seriously."
Wen Zhang said, "We'll have our wedding after this movie is finished filming and released."
Ma Yili hugged him and accepted his proposal: "Okay."
Zhang Jun never expected that his movie role would lead to a marriage.
The audition for the second male lead, Li Jiaming, was much simpler. The character is an arrogant rich kid, and the actor needs to be able to portray that annoying arrogance without being too stereotypical.
Zhang Jun looked at several, but was not very satisfied with any of them, until Wang Kai walked in.
Wang Kai has well-defined features, but his eyes have a maturity beyond his years. The scene he was assigned to play is the one where Li Jiaming bribes Lin Wei with money.
Name your price.
He leaned back in his chair, speaking as casually as if he were buying a cup of coffee.
"One hundred thousand? Two hundred thousand? Isn't your dad's surgery still short one hundred and fifty thousand?"
Zhang Jun noticed that as he spoke, he tapped his fingers lightly on the back of the chair with a steady rhythm, which was a sign of his sense of control.
Very good, that's how Li Jiaming should be. When he uses money and power to crush others, he doesn't feel like he's putting pressure on them; he only feels like it's a transaction.
"He's the one," Zhang Jun said immediately after the audition.
With the four lead actors cast, Zhang Jun didn't conduct any more large-scale auditions for the remaining roles.
Lin Wei's father is a low-level worker, so we need to find a good actor who can portray the weariness and fatherly love.
"How's Fan Wei?"
He Xuan suggested, "He's exceptional at playing ordinary people."
Zhang Jun thought for a moment: "Okay, is he available recently?"
When the call was made, Fan Wei readily agreed: "It's Director Zhang's film. Even if I don't have the time, I'll squeeze it out. When do I join the crew?"
"I'll go to Shanghai first at the beginning of next month."
"Alright!"
Zhang Jun also decided to find a few Hong Kong actors, and he made a phone call to Andy Lau.
Andy Lau readily agreed: "Alex Fong and Kara Hui, right? I'll get in touch with them for you."
"Thanks, Brother Hua."
"Don't mention it. Your ability to cast actors from Hong Kong gives us an opportunity."
Andy Lau laughed: "By the way, 'Reign of Assassins' sold well in Southeast Asia, and Thailand even wants to buy the television broadcasting rights."
"Thailand?"
Zhang Jun suddenly remembered something: "Brother Hua, is Thailand safe now?"
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone: "Things have been pretty turbulent lately. There was an explosion in Bangkok last month, and there's been a lot of talk about a coup."
"Understood."
The original story of the film was set in Thailand, but given the current situation, no one dares to go there; safety comes first.
"Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong Island."
Zhang Jun spread out the map: "Let's combine the elements of these cities to create a fictional Pearl City."
In Guangzhou, he photographed slums in urban villages; in Shanghai, he photographed modern school campuses; and in Hong Kong Island, he photographed examination halls and commercial streets.
He Xuan wrote it down: "What about foreign films?"
"Sydney is going away for a few days."
Zhang Jun said, "The focus is still on the domestic part. You need to arrange for people to scout locations in the three places. I need to see specific photos of the sites."
"it is good."
A week later, all the actors' contracts were signed, and the location scouting team sent back the first batch of photos. Zhang Jun covered the office walls with photos and circled the alternative locations in red pen.
This is the scene that Yang Mi saw when she came to find him.
"You've started preparing so early?" She peeked at the photos.
"Prepare early for peace of mind."
Zhang Jun didn't turn around: "How's your script reading going?"
"I've watched it more than ten times," Yang Mi said. "The character Lin Wei—the more I watch it, the more complex she seems. She's not simply bad, nor is she simply good."
"That's right."
Zhang Jun finally turned around: "You need to portray her struggle, but don't turn it into a melodramatic scene."
Lin Wei consciously chose to do something wrong; she knew it was wrong, but she had her reasons.
Yang Mi nodded seriously: "I understand."
"If you understand, then go and prepare."
Zhang Jun waved his hand: "You'll be joining the crew next month. I want to see you suffer a lot."
Yang Mi laughed: "Don't worry, I won't embarrass you."
After she left, He Xuan came in with the schedule: "The filming schedule is set. Two months in China, one week in Sydney. As for the budget—"
"explain."
"Filming in three locations was significantly more expensive than filming in a single city, but the actors' salaries weren't high, so the total cost was kept under 200 million."
0.
Zhang Jun looked at the photos on the wall: "That's it. Notify everyone that we'll meet in Shanghai on October 25th to start filming."