HPDBC Chapter 175 What about your character design?
Chapter 175 What about your character design?
Gu Heng facepalmed. "Who the hell told you I was going to make that kind of heavy industrial sci-fi movie with spaceships flying around in space?"
He tapped the script on the table: "This is called soft science fiction! A suspenseful action film disguised as science fiction."
"The entire scene consists of only two elements: a speeding train and a sealed space capsule."
"There are no grand scenes, no special effects costing tens of millions, it relies on the infinite loop setting and the dense plot rhythm."
The movie "Source Code" had a budget of only 30 million US dollars in its original form, but it grossed 150 million US dollars worldwide and received rave reviews.
If we had spent only 30 to 40 million RMB to produce a film that achieved 80% of the quality of the original in 2009, it would have been enough to completely dominate the domestic market.
This film also holds special significance for Gu Heng, as it allowed the concept of Chinese-language science fiction films to take root in the minds of the audience for the first time.
Once audiences accept the idea that "Chinese people can also make good science fiction films," there will be much less resistance when making heavy industrial science fiction films like "The Wandering Earth."
Su Qing flipped through a few more pages of the script with some skepticism, but gradually her brows relaxed and a glimmer of light flashed in her eyes.
"Every train explosion resets time, creating an eight-minute loop... This setup is brilliant!"
"Yeah, I think so too."
Gu Heng leaned back in his chair. "The male lead needs to be someone with a tough-guy vibe, but whose eyes also have a story to tell. Give Xiaoming a call and ask him if he wants to get rid of that greasy, domineering CEO look and actually play a man who can win awards."
Speaking of Huang Xiaoming, Su Qing chuckled: "Brother Xiaoming has been getting a lot of praise online lately because of 'The Message,' he's probably riding high. What about the female lead?"
Gu Heng stroked his chin, and a figure that always appeared plain-faced and as serene as a chrysanthemum floated into his mind: "I'll go find Qianqian myself and ask her if she's had enough of raising cats at home lately."
In the evening, Gu Heng went straight to Liu Yifei's residence.
As soon as I entered, I saw Liu Yifei wearing a loose pink loungewear outfit, holding a white cat in her arms, sitting cross-legged on the sofa watching TV.
Liu Xiaoli, standing next to her, was slowly peeling an apple.
"Hello, Auntie," Gu Heng greeted her.
Upon seeing that it was Gu Heng, Liu Xiaoli's smile immediately blossomed like a spring flower: "Oh my, Little Gu is back in the country! Please sit down, please sit down, Auntie will pour you some tea."
Liu Yifei didn't even glance at Gu Heng, still staring at SpongeBob SquarePants on TV. She only reached out her slender fingers to scratch the cat's chin and muttered something lazily.
"What a rare guest, director! You've finally decided to come back from the glamorous world of Hollywood? Did Mimi drain you dry?"
Gu Heng had just sat down when he heard these words and almost choked on his tea.
Liu Xiaoli, standing next to her, had a strange expression on her face. She paused while peeling the paring knife in her hand, almost cutting her finger.
Gu Heng was speechless for a moment.
What about your public persona?
How did you manage to say such vulgar and inappropriate things with that angelic face and a completely expressionless expression?
Gu Heng pulled a script from his bag and tossed it onto the coffee table: "Eight Minutes, a sci-fi thriller. Lead actress, are you in or not?"
Liu Yifei picked up the script, initially appearing nonchalant, but after flipping through a few pages, her clear eyes gradually brightened.
It must be said that although she has a laid-back attitude, her aesthetic sense as an actress is still on point.
The female lead in this script has her scenes mainly concentrated in an eight-minute loop on the train. She is required to show the emotional transformation of her feelings for the male lead from unfamiliarity and doubt to trust in a very short time, which is extremely challenging for her micro-expression and dialogue skills.
"Xiaoming is playing the male lead?" Liu Yifei glanced at the cast list.
"Yes, I just called him. As soon as he heard it was this script, he turned down a terrible movie from Huayi Brothers and agreed without even asking about the pay," Gu Heng said with a smile.
"Okay, I'll take it." Liu Yifei closed the script and answered decisively.
But then she winked and smiled mischievously, "But Director Gu, let's make this clear first: if I get too tired on set, I'm going to go on strike."
"Don't worry, most of the scenes were filmed in a train carriage set up in the studio, where we're sheltered from the wind, rain, and even the sun," Gu Heng assured him.
Upon hearing that she wouldn't have to be in the sun, Liu Yifei immediately smiled with satisfaction.
That's just the way this girl is. She can endure hardship while filming, but if there's an opportunity to slack off unnecessarily, she'll absolutely not let it pass.
Liu Xiaoli listened with her heart pounding; this was a science fiction theme that no one in China dared to touch!
But when she thought about how this was Gu Heng's book, and saw how fast Vision Entertainment was making money, her anxiety subsided.
When has Gu Heng ever made a mistake?
Just follow along!
With the matter settled, Gu Heng stretched and stood up: "Alright, Auntie, you're busy, I'm going back. I still have to work on the movie."
As he reached the door, Liu Yifei suddenly called out to him from behind and walked up to him: "Gu Heng, even though Mimi isn't in the country, if I find out you're doing something bad outside, I'll tell on you."
Looking at that face so close to his, so beautiful without any makeup, and those eyes that seemed to be smiling but weren't, Gu Heng couldn't help but roll his eyes.
"I'm a model youth!"
Liu Yifei smiled knowingly, took two steps back, and waved: "Bye-bye, Mr. Jiaqian."
Gu Heng stumbled and nearly fell down the steps.
What the hell is this "money-adding layman"?!
The case is solved; this girl and the little fox definitely chatted a lot.
How did two goddess-level beauties end up like this?
Is it because I'm an added variable?
Impossible, absolutely impossible.