Chapter 152 – Offer A Melody
Zhang Wentian has been inactive for nearly ten years, and is still a well-known director domestically and internationally.
Therefore, the comeback of this great director will inevitably attract the attention of all parties, even if he had made blockbuster films that made a loss. With his fame and connections, it is easy to attract enough investment.
The big stars in the film and television industry, plus the stakeholders of investors, will inevitably want to compete for roles in this new film. Even if it is a small role, they will fight for it.
It doesn’t matter if the film loses money. Zhang Wentian’s works always have the tradition of participating in foreign exhibitions and have won many awards. Who doesn’t want to walk the red carpet at those high-profile film festivals?
So even if they are paid less, many people are willing to not mind it as long as they got more appeal.
As a newcomer, an independent artist and a singer, Lu Chen has no qualification to participate in such a game. His influence and connections in the industry are still too small.
If it weren’t for today’s chance coincidence that let him use an absolutely classic “A Man Should Strengthen Himself” to move this great director, even if he used his connection to ask for a small role, it may not be available!
Now, Zhang Wentian took the initiative to give Lu Chen a small supporting role, which was a pleasant surprise!
Lu Chen has experienced three lives in the dream world. Among them, Mo Ran is a very talented actor. Unfortunately, his star luck is not good, he has always been in a supporting role and has never been a very popular.
This part of Mo Ran’s life has given Lu Chen a different feeling for the actor. He once made a vow in his heart that he would realize Mo Ran’s long-cherished wish in his own world and become a real protagonist.
However, rice has to be eaten bit by bit, and the road should be taken step by step. If one runs too fast, it is easy to harm oneself1, and Lu Chen doesn’t want to harm himself.
Therefore, he started his career with pop music, and waited until he had accumulated enough before moving on to film and television
Because of this good mentality, Lu Chen had never thought of asking Zhang Wentian for a role just now.
The script, the crew, and the actors were all in place. Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if he wanted to force himself in?
It would be foolish to arouse Zhang Wentian’s disgust.
Lu Chen was already satisfied to have his work be the theme song of the film.
However, the world is full of wonder. He didn’t desire or demand anything, but Zhang Wentian, in turn, wanted to return the favor.
Even if it was a small supporting role, Lu Chen was overjoyed and agreed without hesitation.
Acting contentious and reserved at this time would be silly, right?
Lu Chen’s joy and excitement made Zhang Wentian smile – that’s right.
If Lu Chen can remain calm and unmoved under such circumstances, then he really has to doubt whether the former is a reincarnation of an old monster, or whether his reputation has declined to the point where he can’t impress a young new artist.
The director nodded and said, “Let’s talk about the script, the acting contract, and the copyright transfer of your work.” Your part is in the latter part of the movie, so you have plenty of time to learn some acting skills and perform well!”
Unless a singer is a professional actor, otherwise acting is a big problem. Although Lu Chen’s character only has few scenes, he can’t be careless and just rely on his face to muddle through.
Regardless whether someone is a big shot or a newcomer, Zhang Wentian’s requirements are strict and serious.
Lu Chen said gladly, “No problem. I will try my best to learn.”
With Mo Ran’s life memories, he has the ability to do the role of the protagonist. A small supporting role was naturally easy.
But in front of Zhang Wentian, Lu Chen cannot show too much self-confidence. It was right to be modest.
Zhang Wentian nodded and said, “As for the arrangement of this song, and the soundtrack of the film…”
Lu Chen hurriedly said: “In terms of music arrangement and soundtrack, this junior’s ability is lacking.”
Are you kidding me? A soundtrack to a blockbuster is a big deal. He is still very self-aware.
This is Lu Chen’s biggest weakness, and that’s why he has to go to Beijing Conservatory of Music to study and accumulate knowledge.
Zhang Wentian said with a smile: “I mean I can’t give it to you, but as the creator of the theme song, I hope you can provide advice when necessary. I intend to let Professor Gao finish the arrangement and soundtrack.”
Ah! I’m got ahead of myself!
Lu Chen suddenly blushed. He was thinking too much – calm down, calm down!
At this time, out of the corner of his eyes, Lu Chen caught a glimpse of Qin Qing nearby, chuckling.
Showing a maiden’s loveliness.
Lu Chen can only smile bitterly.
The arrangement and soundtrack of the film are so important. It was impossible for Zhang Wentian to let him do it.
After all, his qualifications are too shallow and he has no experience.
Zhang Wentian gave Lu Chen a small supporting role as a mean of compensation, because Lu Chen provided the theme song.
Gao Yue said with a smile, “Just at the right time, Lu Chen is coming to Beijing Conservatory of Music to attend lectures, and it is also very convenient for us to communicate with each other.”
He was very considerate to resolve Lu Chen’s little embarrassment.
Lu Chen said gratefully, “Professor Gao, I want to learn a lot from you!”
Isn’t this another opportunity for him?
Since Zhang Wentian has entrusted this work to Gao Yue, who is also a professor in Beijing Conservatory of Music Composition Department, he must have rich experience, and if he can get the other party’s careful guidance, he will certainly get twice the result with half the effort in learning relevant knowledge.
Zhang Wentian encouraged: “Lu Chen’s work has given me confidence. Next year, I will participate in the Beijing International Film Festival, and I will definitely compete for the Best Music Award!”
Beijing International Film Festival, Shanghai International Film Festival and the Golden Peony Film Festival are the three major domestic film festivals.
Among them, the Beijing International Film Festival was established in 2000 and is sponsored by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television and Beijing Municipal Government. It is an international, professional, innovative, open, high-end and market-oriented large-scale film theme event. It enjoys a high reputation in the industry for its authority and professionalism.
The Beijing International Film Festival aims to integrate domestic and international film resources, and build a platform for exhibition and exchange. Since 2010, it has held an annual session and set up award-winning units, including 10 awards, Best Picture Award, Best Director Award, Best Actor Award, Best Actress Award, Best Supporting Actor Award, Best Supporting Actress Award, Best Screenplay Award, Best Photography Award, Best Music Award and Best Visual Effects Award.
The Golden Tripod Award of Beijing International Film Festival is very valuable* and has a certain influence in the international community. (TN: *original text is “gold content” which means how much value something has.)
Zhang Wentian was aiming for the Golden Tripod Award, which showed his strong confidence!
The Best Music Award was just an excuse. Best Picture and Best Director are what he really wanted to pursue.
At his level, it doesn’t really matter whether he can win a prize or not. What matters is the spirit to rise up again.
Zhang Wentian saying this was also a compliment to Lu Chen.
Chen Pu said disdainfully, “Next year? Can you finish this film and participate in the exhibition within a year?”
Gao Yue laughed heartily.
Zhang Wentian was speechless and could only pick up the teacup and drink water to cover up his embarrassment.
Chen Pu poked at his weakness, that is, he would drag and grind the production too much. For a production that other directors can finish in half a year, he often drags it for a year in order to strive for perfection, resulting in a huge increase in the budget and pitting several investors.
Putting down the teacup, Zhang Wentian said proudly, “I’m sure I’ll finish shooting within a year!”
The Beijing International Film Festival was held early December and it is now the end of August. Even if the filming is completed within a year, if you add in the time for post-production, one would be very nervous to participate in the film festival.
He must also complete it, otherwise it will be difficult to explain to the investors.
According to the requirements of the investors, after participating in the Beijing International Film Festival, it will be shown to the public on New Year’s Day, and winning major awards will undoubtedly play a significant role in the box office.
Now is not the 1980s – 1990s, investors are very shrewd, and always put the box office first.
Chen Pu “snorted” with a look of disbelief.
Gao Yue smooth things over and changed the subject. He asked Qin Qing, “Qin Qing, are you going back to the academy this afternoon?”
Qin Qing nodded and asked, “Professor Gao, what’s the matter?”
“That’s just right…”
Gao Yue pointed to Lu Chen and said, “Can you accompany Lu Chen to the Academic Affairs Office and find either Director Lu or Director Chen? Get Lu Chen a permit to attend lectures. “
Send Buddha to the West. Although he has already given Lu Chen a written note, but with Qin Qing leading the way to help, Lu Chen can get the permit and curriculum this afternoon, which will save a lot of trouble. (TN: Send Buddha to the West – a proverb that means to help people to the end or do good things to the end.)
Qin Qing was a little surprised, but she didn’t object: “OK.”
She has a reserved disposition. However, Professor Gao has already said that he would help and it wasn’t a very difficult matter.
Lu Chen smiled and said, “I troubled schoolmate Sister Qin.”
In fact, he can handle it by himself. There was no need to bother Qin Qing, but it’s not good to brush Gao Yue’s good intentions.
Qin Qing smiled.
She got up and said, “Then we should get going. If we’re late, the Academic Affairs Office will be off duty.”
“Wait!”
Chen Pu called out, “Qin girl. You play for us first. I haven’t heard you play the zither for a long time!”
As he said that, he glared at Gao Yue and blamed him for spoiling the fun.
Qin Qing sat down again and said graciously, “Then I’ll offer a melody for you elders.”
Zhang Wentian, Gao Yue, Chen Pu and Chen Jianhao all smiled.
Qin Qing’s family background is extraordinary. She is only beautiful and brilliant, but also intelligent and clever. Since she was in primary school, she has outstanding zither skills. (TN: Her name also means zither.)
There are many guests who can come to Yuming Tea Garden, and those who can listen to her play the zither is really few!
But when Qin Qing waved her fingers and played the zither, the smile on everyone’s face turned into a wry smile.
Because what Qin Qing was playing was the ancient melody “General’s Mandate”!
Compared with Lu Chen’s adaptation, what she was playing has the original charm. In the first part, she used a wide range of finger and left-handed techniques to show a scene of drum horn sound. The melody is tense and mysterious.
Then, in the second part, an image of a wise and brave general was drawn through exaggerated chanting and sliding technique of her left hand,
The third part, she used the continuously accelerating “fast four point” technique to express the situation of the rapid advance of the soldiers in formation. The fourth part depicts the scene of the two armies fighting each other, killing each other in the battlefield, and returning to their camp triumphantly.
The whole melody was composed of four parts that flow smoothly in one go. It has an urgent rhythm and her playing was full of vigor, demonstrating superb skills!
Zhang Wentian and the others were completely absorbed in listening.
Lu Chen had a faint feeling that this junior sister seemed to challenge herself in this way.
Of course, it could be that he was just imagining it.
____________
TN: The tune of the song “A Man Should Strengthen Himself” came from the Chinese folk song called “The General’s Mandate”. The music: Here. I think she was playing the zither part of the “song”.
TN: Original text: If one runs too fast, it’s easy to pull one’s eggs. Lu Chen doesn’t want his eggs to be pulled.
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