Chapter 8 Going to China Film Group
“I know you must be worried about the issue of censorship. In fact, I have an idea in my mind, which is to try to make it a thriller rather than a horror film, and avoid those violent and bloody scenes. But I don’t know whether it will work or not, so I want you to help check it.”
Zhang Chen flattered me again, and Teacher Fu was very pleased.
At this time, a teacher next to him said: "Zhang Chen, what are your plans for the filming of the movie?"
They are all insiders, and you can tell whether the script is good or not by just looking at it.
Zhang Chen's script is of absolutely high quality. It would be a pity if it was shot randomly, so everyone wants to hear Zhang Chen's thoughts.
Zhang Chen was just thinking about what to say, but he was so sleepy that he handed over the pillow and said, "I'm going to find all the cast and crew from our school. This can save a lot of money, but I'm not very familiar with recruiting... ..."
"That's no problem. The teachers in the performance department will definitely be willing to help. I'll say hello to those in other departments when the time comes."
Teacher Fu has a lot to offer. The teachers from the performance department also nodded when they saw this.
Of course the school should support Nortel’s own students when they make movies, not to mention providing them with internship opportunities, which is basically a mutually beneficial thing.
"I plan to use the studio of our Qingying Film Studio as the venue..."
"Shooting on all sets?" asked another acting teacher.
"Yes, if it is a real scene, the cost is too high."
Teacher Fu thought for a while: "Okay, I will help you coordinate, and the price should also be favorable, including with our regular I can also introduce you to the props factory that I cooperate with.”
Hearing this, Zhang Chen felt happy. Renting the studio was the most uncertain part. Now Teacher Fu agreed to help. There should be no problem.
Zhang Chen continued to make a wish: "I want to borrow the equipment from the school..."
"I'm afraid this won't work," Teacher Fu rejected him without hesitation this time. "The equipment in the department is too old. It's okay for use, but it's not very practical for filming. I suggest you rent it from Qingying Film Studio and let me help you negotiate."
Zhang. Chen originally wanted to get a bargain, but since that didn't work, forget it.
Moreover, Teacher Fu is right, in terms of equipment, you really get what you pay for.
"If this is the case, I think this movie can be made with almost 2 million."
Zhang Chen gave the final budget, and the other teachers secretly estimated it in their hearts. They felt that it was very different from this, and they felt that He looked even higher at Zhang Chen.
"Lao Fu, you are a good student."
The teachers in the performance department were full of praise. A sophomore student's cost estimate is almost the same as that of these old guys. Very capable.
Teacher Fu also nodded repeatedly beside him, feeling quite proud.
In his opinion, his students can control the budget within 2 million, which is a very wise choice.
It is generally accepted in the industry that it is easiest to recoup the cost of a movie with a price tag of less than 2 million.
Because the movies produced, as long as they are not too bad, can usually be sold to movie channels for 78,000 yuan, plus the income from box office share and DVD copyright, it is generally not a big problem to get back the money. .
For a student’s first film, being able to make it without losing money can actually be considered a success.
"As for passing the review, I feel that your idea should be feasible. When the time comes, the school will help me say hello, and there should be no problem~"
Film censorship in China is a metaphysics. There is no hard basis for what can and cannot pass.
Nortel is a mountain after all. As long as it does not touch the red line, there is still room for maneuver.
Zhang Chen was overjoyed when he heard that the school was willing to help.
The success of this film has been verified by later generations. He is not worried about the commercial performance at all. The only uncertainty is whether it can pass the review. Now that he has the endorsement of the school, the issue of passing the review has been solved. , how could you not be happy.
“In terms of funding, how big is the gap?” “Well, there is only one intention to invest at the moment...”
There is no intention. This is slang in the industry and everyone knows it.
When Zhang Chen came back, he had an extra card with him. In the card was 100,000 yuan given by his parents.
My family is not a wealthy family, and 100,000 is already their limit.
But it is a drop in the bucket for movies.
The filming cost of "Dark Invasion" should be less than 2 million. This is due to the extensive use of school resources. Otherwise, the cost is estimated to be doubled.
After thinking for a moment, Teacher Fu shook his head helplessly: "I'm afraid the school can't give you much help in attracting investment, and you have to find a way on your own.
China Film Group targets young directors every year It is difficult to apply for support funds. I can help you make a phone call to facilitate a meeting, but the final result depends on your luck.”
After thinking for a long time, Teacher Fu gave the answer. A solution that is not a solution.
For most directors, raising investment is the most difficult part of the entire film project.
If he could easily get an investment of 2 million, he would have gone off to make his own movies, why would he still be here as a teacher?
"Thank you then."
Zhang Chen originally had little hope that the school could solve the investment issue. He had his own plans, but the support funds from China Film Group were a way after all. You can try it, just in case it works.
"As it should be, the school has always been encouraging students with ideas."
After leaving Teacher Fu's office, Zhang Chen and Cao Bingkun walked in Nortel's On the road.
The day after tomorrow is the official start of school, and students have already returned to school one after another today.
Nortel is indeed a famous art school. There are many handsome men and beautiful women on campus, and you can meet some familiar faces from time to time. Those are all newcomers to film and television who have already made their mark on the screen.
Towards evening, Zhang Chen received a call from Teacher Fu. He had already agreed with Director Zhang, the head of the relevant departments of China Film, that Zhang Chen could just go directly tomorrow morning.
The next morning, Zhang Chen arrived as promised.
This time he did not plan to bring Cao Bingkun, and planned to go to the meeting alone, but Lao Cao insisted on following him, so Zhang Chen had to let him wait downstairs.
After explaining his purpose to the front desk, the front desk led him to a reception room, served him tea, and then there was a long wait.
About half an hour later, Zhang Chen drank all the water, and Director Zhang finally arrived late.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, something has temporarily delayed me. Please bear with me~"
Director Zhang is a middle-aged man in his forties, fat and polite with a polite face. He smiled warmly, apologized as soon as he walked in, and spoke politely.
Zhang Chen naturally said it was okay.
"Professor Fu said that one of his students wrote a script and wants to apply for support funds. Can I take a look first..."
"Of course."
Zhang Chen divided the script and footage The script was handed to the other party, and the other party took it and flipped through it quickly.
The reception room became quiet, except for the sound of pages being turned.
Director Zhang flipped through the pages very quickly and finished reading the script in a short time. I looked at the storyboard a few more times, and there was a hint of surprise in my eyes, but it only passed away briefly.
The other party did not speak immediately, as if he was organizing his words. After a while, he finally said: "You are Director Fu's student, so we are our own people, so I will tell the truth."
(End of Chapter)