Chapter 99: This is not something that can be accomplished overnight. Are you sure he can do it? (3/4)

The hotel business center's outsourced conference room.

Zheng Quan and Chen Anzhi were holding a temporary meeting for the new drama.

The people gathered around the conference round table were all the core members of this Xin Qiji 1162 crew.

They wanted to shoot a historical film imbued with strong war colors.

In truth, the preparatory work demanded was far more complex than for many other themes.

Although the final presented effect did not necessarily correlate with the complexity of the preparation.

To shoot this kind of theme well was something that had to be done.

Just like some films with gripping plots, the preparation and shooting processes were not necessarily difficult.

Zhang Huaimou had previously filmed Kuang Biao, mostly in indoor environments. Although the plots appeared dramatic and gripping, these elements stemmed largely from the actors' performances and the narrative direction, bearing little relation to the quality of the shooting preparation.

Many stories could actually be resolved entirely within one scene at the film base.

Set up a few different indoor backdrops and then film some real scenic locations for variety, and that would basically suffice.

But war historical themes were different.

If one sought authenticity, when two armies clashed on the battlefield, the scene needed on-location shooting.

And such environments required vast spaces and atmospheric creation.

Personnel scale, props scale, even horses, vehicles, and so on.

This was merely the environment setup for one drama.

When filming began, many scenes, especially the fight choreography, would rely on professional stunt teams and special effects doubles.

For instance, how to mount and ride horses, how to wield swords, spears, and staves, the design of combat movements, and so forth.

These elements were unrelated to the plot but equally crucial, indispensable.

Precisely because of these teams and departments working in concert could they finally implement the specific actions required in the script.

Therefore, compared to some ordinary crews, Chen Anzhi's crew was larger and more complex in both personnel numbers and other aspects.

Preparing this drama had taken nearly a year.

Only now had they just completed assembling the team.

So many things still required specific blending and discussion.

"Everyone, it's rare to have such a complete team at this time, so let's temporarily convene in Galaxy City to discuss the filming location for the crew and some procedures after inviting the actors to join."

As he spoke, Chen Anzhi opened the screen projection.

It displayed images from a certain region, giving the impression of a desolate borderland.

"On-location filming is in Gubei Province, where the local authorities have already granted approval, and they are currently constructing temporary fake cities and other filming facilities... There is also a horse farm here."

Chen Anzhi explained in great detail.

From the local humanities and geography to why it combined so well with this film.

The similarities and advantages certain scenes had with the era of Xin Qiji.

Finally, after discussion by all present, they all agreed that the location selection was unproblematic and could be directly finalized.

Then, Chen Anzhi opened the actor images and said, "I will personally arrange auditions for the important roles. The male lead is tentatively Su Mu, followed by..."

"What? The male lead has been cast as Su Mu?"

"Director Chen, shouldn't we discuss this further?"

At that moment, the first disagreement of the meeting emerged.

Chen Anzhi looked toward the opposite side, his expression momentarily stunned, then a smile curved his lips.

The speaker was of similar age to him, an old acquaintance, named Yuan Zheng.

He was a veteran stunt performer in the industry, with a family tradition of martial arts. After entering the field, he had served as martial arts advisor for numerous films and dramas.

His stunt team, while not the absolute pinnacle of the industry, ranked among the top five, more than sufficient.

In terms of seniority and standing in the circle, he was on par with Chen Anzhi and Zhang Huaimou.

Indeed, in the realm of kung fu and wuxia films, his position surpassed theirs.

After all, there was specialization in every trade.

You might be an excellent director, but that did not guarantee you could direct fine fight scenes.

This was not merely a matter of shooting technique, nor solely the actors' fault, for fight scenes were not real martial duels but required carefully designed actions.

The environment, coordination of personnel, integration of action design, all had to come together to complete a fight sequence.

If the movements were slightly incoherent, poorly coordinated, lacking logic or aesthetic appeal, it was a failed take.

Thus, stunt masters, particularly experienced action instructors and seasoned stunt veterans, were jewels in the circle.

This was the area most requiring accumulated experience.

Good stunt actors were forged through countless fight scenes.

Only with sufficient hands-on experience in action direction could one claim mastery in that field.

"Old Yuan, what do you mean by that?"

Yuan Zheng set down his teacup, his hands callused from years of practice, his voice rough: "Since you've called me here, I'll speak my mind. I know Su Mu; I saw him at the awards ceremony the other day, but he isn't right for the role of Xin Qiji."

Before Chen Anzhi could respond, Zheng Quan interjected from the side, "Director Yuan, this hasn't been discussed yet. Su Mu was chosen as the male lead in advance."

Yuan Zheng turned to Zheng Quan: "Boss Zheng, I understand Qiguo is the investor and producer, and I have no right to overrule your decision. But since you invited me, I'll share my thoughts. The choice is yours to make."

"This..." Zheng Quan looked a bit troubled and finally turned to Chen Anzhi.

Chen Anzhi smiled, knowing Yuan Zheng's temperament well.

Most veteran stunt actors had this direct, no-nonsense nature.

They said what they thought, and if their subordinates fell short during shooting, they wouldn't hesitate to scold them on the spot.

Yet, they treated things impartially, embodying the resolve of one who had trained diligently for life.

"Old Yuan, whether Su Mu was chosen by me or by the investors, since we're discussing it, differing opinions are natural. So I want to hear your explanation."

"This Su Mu's dramas I've seen some of. His acting at his age is decent. If it were another role, I wouldn't stand in your way. But for Xin Qiji, the character's history and setting aren't something a young scholar like him can portray convincingly.

Admittedly, makeup can help the actor get closer, but that's merely appearance. The inner essence he can't convey.

A military general must be acted by someone who knows martial arts to achieve the right fluidity and spirit. Can he wield a sword? Ride a horse? Command with presence without fear? Or in battlefield combat with swords, spears, and staves—without training, it's one thing; with training, quite another.

Xin Qiji's innate strength and fierceness require time to temper.

Would you really have this Su Mu riding a tractor across the battlefield pretending to ride horses? Or employ stunt doubles for those high-difficulty maneuvers?

Many scenes can be achieved with a simple camera angle change, and you know this better than I.

Even if he insists on performing them himself, these can't be trained overnight. So I say he is unsuitable."

Zheng Quan remained silent.

Chen Anzhi: "This..."

Yuan Zheng, being a seasoned stunt performer, spoke with professional precision and sound reasoning.

Chen Anzhi and Zheng Quan truly had no grounds to refute him.

Meanwhile, the other crew members present remained silent, neither opposing nor endorsing, awaiting the outcome.

"That may not be the case. I feel Su Mu is quite suitable."

Suddenly, a tall, slender woman with a fair complexion cast a vote of opposition against Yuan Zheng.

Chen Anzhi glanced at her and chuckled, "Yuan Zheng, your granddaughter Yuan Shuang is opposed. What say you?"

Yuan Zheng: "..."

Chen Anzhi: "Enough. The Su Mu matter can be discussed further. Tomorrow I meet him, and I'll relay your thoughts and see what he says."