Ning Weimin's words were like throwing a bomb in the conference room. All the participants could not restrain their excitement, and the "explosion" blossomed.
No one could have imagined that Ning Weimin would adopt such a simple and crude way to solve the obstacles in casting.
Yes, the major entertainment agencies are not willing to get involved in the dispute between the Burning Department and Fog Production because they are afraid that the future of their artists will be targeted, but what about those big-name stars who have already become famous? Is there any fear?
Some celebrities even have many big names as friends behind them.
Just like Takakura Ken and Misora Hibari, they not only have political backers, but they also had an irreversible friendship with Kazuo Oka, the third generation of the Yamaguchi-gumi.
Even though Ikuo Shubo was closely related to the Yamaguchi-gumi, the largest violent organization in Japan, there was definitely no way to compare with these two in terms of friendship or status. There was a huge gap.
What's more, these famous actors have acting skills and are popular. Many of them have won awards, so they have the ability.
If, as Ning Weimin said, each of the more than a dozen primary and secondary characters in the drama can be chosen based on their compatibility, actors who best suit the characteristics of the characters, then this drama will be How gorgeous it must be!
This is a feat that has never been achieved since Japan had its own TV series.
Just like the movie "Crazy Rich Asians", as long as the news is released to the media, it will stir up the whole of Japan and bring unimaginable influence.
Not to mention the gimmick of Seicho Matsumoto, the original author, personally "designating the role".
And as long as this drama is successfully completed and sent to the TV station for broadcast, the ratings will not be low at the beginning, at least 25% or more.
For such a TV series with an unprecedented lineup of actors in Japan, I am afraid TBS TV station will also feel the pressure.
So what if Ikuo Subo is causing trouble?
I am afraid that TBS TV station would not dare not give it a prime time slot, otherwise it will be scolded by the Japanese people, and it will offend all the famous actors who have spoken out in this drama.
In short, if you do not consider the huge costs involved, this method does have countless benefits.
As a result, almost all of the participants present "burned" after just thinking about it for a moment.
"President Ning, it is really impressive that you and Matsumoto-san have such courage. I personally admire your decision so much, and I will try my best to make suggestions. However, there is one thing I wonder if you have considered. However, the schedules of these famous actors may be a problem..."
Of course Ning Weimin understood what he meant. Since he is a famous star, he must not worry about work.
If you put one or two people together, it’s easy to talk, but if there are as many as seven, eight or even a dozen people, it will be more difficult.
"It doesn't matter, let's draw up the list first, and then we will work hard to coordinate according to the best plan. Anyway, if we want to talk, we will talk about the most important characters first. As long as the core characters and the few major villains in the drama are decided, Things like Big Boss President Hasegawa, Medical School Director Hashida, the female publicist at the nightclub, and the professional shareholder behind her, Takahashi Katsuo, are all easy to mention. Besides, don’t forget, we are not affiliated. The TV station's production team has to rush to complete the project within a month or two. Sometimes, we have more flexibility in time and ample funds to coordinate. What we are pursuing now is the quality of the film. At most, we can shoot whatever we can. I believe Director Nomura will also make good arrangements for the content. "
Okamoto was immediately enlightened.
Nomura Yoshitaro is also very satisfied with Ning Weimin's attitude of sparing no time and money to produce high-quality dramas, and he also nods frequently.
However, Mitsuru Watanabe, who is in charge of finance, is impatient. What he is most afraid of hearing now is the words "don't care about money".
If the bosses of this crew really don't have any scruples and spend money as they please, wouldn't he still have to bear the pressure on the accounts in the end?
So he interjected almost in a pleading manner, "President Ning, I'm very sorry. Although you said it first, I still have to say something. If your plan is really implemented, the amount of money it will cost is incalculable. Big-name stars The salary is high, and we don’t like to play villains and supporting roles. If we ask for more time slots and ask them to play supporting roles, God knows what price we have to offer to impress them. And the most taboo thing about the crew is waiting, there are so many. People, waiting for one more day is a waste of one day. So..."
Unexpectedly, before he finished speaking, Matsumoto Keiko became unhappy.
"Watanabe-kun, these matters are not within your scope of authority, and we have already given sufficient consideration. You don't need to say anything more. You just need to cash the check as required."
The rare serious tone really didn't save Mitsuru Watanabe's face, and he blocked his mouth with just one sentence.
It can be seen from this that Matsumoto Keiko is so superstitious about Ning Weimin.
It can be said that although the current Fog Film Factory is a company solely under the name of Matsumoto Keiko, Ning Weimin is actually in charge.
So those present all took Mitsuru Watanabe as a warning and secretly kept this observation in mind.
However, Ning Weimin understands Watanabe Mitsuru's worry and loyalty very well.
He really didn’t want this confidant to be unable to come to Taiwan.
So out of consideration, he patiently explained to Mitsuru Watanabe and sang the red face perfectly.
"Watabe-kun, as a member of the Financial Supervisory Board, you are a little worried about financial expenditures. I can understand that. But please believe that given our current situation, these financial expenditures are absolutely necessary. And we also have certain measures to solve your problem." "For example, we can choose stars from Shochiku Geineng. From the perspective of multi-faceted cooperation, Shochiku will be willing to cooperate with us, right? President Omoto is a decent person and won't be able to find a star." Our allies are asking for high prices. We can also consider stars from Toho Entertainment, not only because we are both studios, but also because we don’t ask for liquidated damages from them. If we are still willing to continue to use their stars, this Renqing Dongbao should keep it in mind and know how to return it."
"In this case, once a few main characters are determined, it will be easy for us to deal with it. The lineup of several major roles will be announced again, which will definitely shock the entire Japanese entertainment industry. Think about it, will no one be willing to play other roles? As long as we don’t skimp on the remuneration, I’m afraid we won’t beg those stars to participate. It’s a drama, but those stars who don’t have the opportunity to participate in this drama will feel regretful and even embarrassed.”
“In addition, there is another biggest advantage for us to find these big-name stars to star. , is the stability of the crew. Not only will they have to pay a huge price for breach of contract, but they will also suffer a greater loss to their personal reputation. We must be stricter about the contract no matter how small the role is this time. Let those people take advantage of it, interfere with our filming, and ruin our finished film.”
What Ning Weimin said is indeed clear and logical.
In this way, Watanabe Mitsuru couldn't say anything more, and even admired him for being so thoughtful.
Then things really got on track. No one at the meeting expressed doubts about the plan. Instead, they all actively brainstormed, began to seriously discuss the roles, and put forward their own opinions. selected candidates.
Director Yoshitaro Nomura was the first to speak, "Let's first identify the biggest villain, President Hasegawa. Although this character does not run through the entire season and plays mainly in the second half, the style is very demanding, so he can It’s quite important. Well, I personally think it’s better to look at older men with a gloomy temperament and a more magnetic voice. If you consider Shochiku or Toho, what about Toho’s Katsuki Kobayashi?”
< br>The Keishu Kobayashi he was talking about was a film actor of the same era as Toshiro Mifune, active in the Showa and Heisei periods.
His representative works include "The Great Battle of the Sea of Japan", "Hakkoda Mountain", "Ghost Story Snow Girl", etc.
He has appeared in hundreds of movies so far. Although he mostly plays supporting roles as he gets older, he is still a prime supporting role.
Won the Best Actor award three times and the Best Supporting Actor award once.
But even with such qualifications, Hashimoto Shinobu still raised objections.
"His acting skills are very mature, but he has played too many roles, and he seems to have no personality..."
Nomura Youtarou doesn't mind either. He knows that Hashimoto Shinobu is just talking about things, so he still has to be patient. to express their opinions.
"Yes, usually, a good actor needs a strong personality, but there is also a drawback. That will limit the roles he can play. Keishu Kobayashi looks very ordinary, but he can play any role. You also admit his His acting skills are excellent. I believe he can play this kind of role well."
Hashimoto Shinobu thought for a while and seemed to hesitate. Maybe he wanted to give the director some face. The first choice was not good. Deny it directly.
"I am temporarily convinced by you, so let's list him as a candidate first."
He then turned to Matsumoto Seicho, "Ms. Matsumoto, you are the original author , since Chairman Ning has advocated that your candidate should be the main choice for this production meeting, can you also propose one? "
Matsumoto Seicho laughed, not polite. , "Well, if you ask me to say it, I will say it. The candidate I like is Mikuni Rentaro."
As soon as this name came out, everyone immediately became commotion, not for any other reason, because this is a big shot in Japanese film acting.
Mikuni Rentaro was also a famous actor active in the Showa period. His main works include "Bloodline of Death", "Red's Fate", "Hakkoda Mountain", etc.
In particular, he has a rich acting career, first in Shochiku, then in Toho, and later in Nikkatsu, winning numerous awards.
Now I basically no longer work as an actor, but I have become a famous director.
Coincidentally, his film "Shinluan Baidao" won the Special Examiner's Award at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
While in France, Ning Weimin and Matsumoto Keiko also chatted with the director and famous actor for a while at the official dinner.
What’s more important is that his political stance is anti-war and pro-China. The Japanese star of the Sino-Japanese film "An Unfinished Game of Chess" is his.
So this time Ning Weimin responded first, "This candidate is good, I think he can be the first target. Of course, you can continue to recommend, we must prepare at least three candidates in case It’s inconvenient.”
In this case, the deputy director also made a suggestion, “In my opinion, President Hasegawa is a sinister and domineering person. It is best to have someone who has experienced a lot. The vicissitudes of things can only be achieved without anger. If you ask me, the image alone always reminds me of director Akira Kurosawa. ”
As a result, the scene burst into laughter.
No one expected that he actually recommended this great director.
"I said, your choice is too funny. Director Akira Kurosawa has never participated in a movie."
"That's right, a famous director may not be a famous actor. How is that possible? Invite him to play such an important role?”
“I say, you are bold enough. If such words reach the ears of Director Akira Kurosawa, you will suffer a lot...”
< br>
Everyone couldn't help but have different opinions, and they all accused the assistant director of unreliable candidates.
However, Ning Weimin didn't think so. He immediately stopped the commotion at the meeting, "No, no, don't deny it completely. Of course it is impossible for director Akira Kurosawa to play such an important villain. But this It's a good idea, and it's working. How about we ask Akira Kurosawa to appear in this drama? It would be best if he plays the role of the director himself, who is a guest of the heroine's nightclub. Director Akira Kurosawa can talk a lot, but I can’t be too stingy about the price. Do you think the director would be tempted by such a scene for five million yen?”
As soon as he said this, no one was happy anymore. Instead, everyone gasped, shocked by Ning Weimin's heroic act of spending so much money.
I don’t know how many people think this, but there’s no need to ask.
Directing is not a high-paying job, and the salary is much lower than that of the leading actor and actress in a play.
Especially director Akira Kurosawa, if he hadn't sold his personal studio not long ago and used the money to speculate in stocks, he would probably be burdened with debts that he still hasn't paid off.
How could he not be tempted by such a simple thing and earning such a large amount of money in one day?
So many people's ideas were completely opened up because of Ning Weimin's idea.
The next step is equivalent to Ning Weimin setting a tone for everyone. Everyone is no longer polite in recommending candidates based on the role. That is really not considering the price.
But having said that, the positive effects are also visible and tangible, not to mention that the cast of these actors only temporarily exists in verbal discussions.
But as creators, everyone was extremely excited. Not to mention the two male actors Utsui Ken and Miura Tomokazu, even Matsumoto Keiko herself, as the heroine, felt an unprecedented excitement.
If she could really get together with these famous actors and act opposite each other, she would have the urge to compete and prove her acting skills.
To put it bluntly, if all these people come together, the four major awards in the Japanese film industry will be meaningless.
Winning the Best Actor or Best Actress once is the minimum basic requirement.
As a director, Yoshitaro Nomura is of course even more excited. Even though he has been a director all his life, he never dreamed that he would direct such a TV series in which almost all the actors are famous actors.
Of course, because of this, he also feels a great responsibility.
You must know that almost all of these famous actors are veteran actors. If the supporting roles are not done well, the protagonists will be suppressed and lack luster.
So how can he achieve the correct effect in the roles played by these famous actors, and prevent the low-key role from overpowering the original outstanding role? This will be the most serious problem he faces. Can he not follow the role? Just take it seriously when you make your choice.
The only one who could remain calm on the scene was Seicho Matsumoto, although as usual, every character should express his opinion first.
But every time he opened his mouth, he only mentioned the name of the recommended candidate, but never participated in the actual discussion. He only looked down at what looked like a script in front of him.
This made the crew members both grateful and admired.
Many people couldn’t help but admire secretly in their hearts.
Look at Mr. Matsumoto, he is truly a master, neither pretentious nor arrogant.
How sensible, how low-key, and so humble.
No wonder he always publishes excellent works and becomes the first person in the social reasoning school.
Actually, to be honest, it was a joke for these people at the scene to think so.
Because it is not what they think, it is purely made up by their own minds.
You know, the reason why Matsumoto Seicho came to this muddy water to stand up for Ning Weimin was not in vain.
Ning Weimin also gave this master certain benefits.
Of course, it’s definitely not cash or any valuable gold, silver, or jewelry.
Ning Weimin is not that vulgar, and Matsumoto Seicho is not that philistine.
Speaking of which, this gift was completely insignificant to Ning Weimin, but it was something that the master could not refuse.
Because what Ning Weimin used to reward Matsumoto Seicho was none other than the synopsis of a suspense drama that was popular around the world - "The Squid Game" that he had watched in his previous life.
He wrote it and offered it to Matsumoto Seicho as creative inspiration. As a result, in this era where even the movie "Battle Royale" has not yet appeared.
The excitement and setting of this story immediately fascinated this socialist reasoning master, allowing him to experience an unprecedented brainstorm.
So the two agreed that the novel written by Matsumoto Seicho based on this story line could be signed and published as his personal literary work, and all the royalties would belong to him.
However, the distribution rights of this novel in the Chinese region belong to Ning Weimin.
The film and television adaptation rights also belong to Fog Studios for free.
No, so even during the meeting, Matsumoto Seicho was too lazy to pay attention to other things.
He is now focused on studying the plot in his hands.
I have to say that from this point of view, we can know that there is really no need to worry about Watabe Mitsuru's financial health.
Because of this guy Ning Weimin, he can even invite great gods without spending a penny. Who has this ability? (End of this chapter)