Why am I surrounded by ghosts and fox spirits? Am I being haunted by some kind of filthy

Upon seeing the three Ningying people approaching, He Yi'an immediately recognized that the leader was Yang Hongtao, the director of Ningying Film Studio.

Ningying Film Studio is not yet a group-operated entity; it remains a film production studio.

Because of Li Kangsheng's relationship with him, He Yi'an had met him a few times, and his films received a lot of preferential treatment within the control of Ningying Film Studio.

In particular, it helped him suppress a wave of Hong Kong films.

In truth, he still owed others a favor.

"Director Yang has come from afar; it is my fault for not being a good host." He Yi'an greeted him with a smile and extended his hand.

He then smiled and apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, I just went out to take care of some things. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

"Director He, you're too kind." Yang Hongtao grasped his hands with both of his. "We apologize for our abruptness in coming without prior notice."

"Not at all, guests are always welcome. Besides, Ningying helped Langyuan a lot with the previous movie releases. Let's talk in my office."

He Yi'an walked ahead and led them to his office to sit down.

He didn't ask about the other two people, but they were probably project coordinators or production managers.

He greeted the two men politely, then sat down on the sofa opposite them. "Director Yang, what brings you here today?"

"We are here today because we have something to ask Director He."

Yang Hongtao didn't beat around the bush; he took a document out of his briefcase and handed it to He Yi'an.

"Director He, the film market is really hot right now thanks to you and Director Zhang Yimou. It's tough for Ningbo Film Studio. We also need to find our own way to survive. The success of China Film Group and Emei Film Studio has given us a good example. So we at Ningbo Film Studio have a project that we want to collaborate with Langyuan."

Cooperation?

What kind of cooperation could there be with Ningying?

In terms of real help and support in theatrical releases, Ningbo Film Studio and Emei Film Studio are far inferior, not to mention China Film Group.

However, after seeing the script that Yang Hongtao gave him, he immediately abandoned this idea and even became somewhat delighted.

Although the script had no title, He Yi'an casually flipped through it.

Xiaowei, Peirong...

Isn't this the movie "Painted Skin" starring Zhou Daru and Zhao (whose name cannot be revealed)?

Sure enough, after He Yi'an finished reading it, he confirmed that this was indeed "Painted Skin". Moreover, the general framework of the script was complete, with only some content and plot details still incomplete.

I never expected that this project would end up in his hands.

Upon further reflection, He Yi'an could also understand the reason behind this.

Just as Yang Hongtao said, they were envious of the profits made by Emei Film Studio and China Film Group.

At the same time, Ningying is indeed quite poor, and if they want to make a living on their own, they will have to find a way themselves.

He Yi'an and Langyuan are currently the best film production companies in the Chinese entertainment industry.

This so-called "best" is not He Yi'an's boast.

Langyuan and New Pictures are currently the most influential companies in the Chinese entertainment industry in the film market.

They are also the only two production companies that can independently produce films and earn over 100 million, or even over 200 million.

In such an ecosystem, He Yi'an doesn't even need to say much; other filmmakers with ideas or good projects will automatically come forward to ask if they would invest.

Compared to Zhang Yimou's New Pictures, which is a makeshift production, what else does it have besides Zhang Yimou? Can it even function without him?

Please visit [website address] to see the latest chapter! Address: dEqixs.oRg Langyuan surpasses NewPictures by leaps and bounds, not only in terms of the number of people involved but also in its production capabilities.

In addition, there are a series of successful examples in the film industry.

At the same time, Yang Hongtao had just taken office and was in dire need of results, and had previously helped He Yi'an.

With all these reasons combined, it was inevitable that they would come to He Yi'an.

They will only look for other companies if He Yi'an rejects them.

This is the benefit of fame. With ability and strength, He Yi'an doesn't need to go through the trouble of finding scripts himself; naturally, someone will submit scripts to him.

To be honest, from a later perspective, the script for "Painted Skin" was definitely not a particularly good project.

But all of this needs to be considered in terms of time.

At the beginning of the century, as Hong Kong actors moved north, they suppressed mainland actors and forcibly elevated the status of Hong Kong and Taiwanese actors, claiming that mainland actors could not carry the box office.

Let's set aside the false premise of letting actors carry the box office.

In He Yi'an's view, the quality of a film depends more on the director than on the actors.

The promotional aspect alone means that good scripts rarely get mainland actors to star in them. Because when investors want to make a film, their first choice is always a Hong Kong or Taiwanese production team.

If it weren't for the later requirement that co-productions must have half of the actors and crew from mainland China, they wouldn't have been willing to give up even one spot.

Under such a climate and pressure, the extent of involution is evident.

"Painted Skin" broke all that, because the male and female leads, and even the two female leads who were later cast in a bidding war, were all played by mainland Chinese actors, which was a first.

Even in later promotional posters, Donnie Yen's Kung Fu is often placed in the absolute center position, but the audience isn't stupid; they can tell the difference in content.

Therefore, this movie directly shattered the false proposition that mainland actors cannot play leading roles and carry the box office.

From this perspective, the role of "Painted Skin" is also positive.

Moreover, this project itself is profitable, just not as profitable as He Yi'an's.

After finishing reading the script, He Yi'an casually placed it on the table.

Many people are familiar with "Painted Skin" from Liaozhai. Actually, there's not much to say. It's a story about a scholar who is bewitched by a female ghost who paints her skin. The core point is an allegory about "appearance and physical form".

This point was also borrowed in the cutscene of the chapter "Little Thunder Temple" in "Black Myth: Wukong".

However, Ning Ying's adaptation clearly made some adjustments, retaining the framework of the original *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio* while adding emotional storylines, conflict lines, and commercial elements, but it was still too rough. "Director Yang, how long have you been preparing for this project?"

"It's been on and off for two or three months now."

For an expert like He Yi'an, what Yang Hongtao said today was very honest.

"I brought the script to you as soon as it was finished. As you know, period fantasy films involve large investments and high risks. Unlike China Film Group and Emei Film Group, we at Ningbo Film Studio are not big and powerful, so we are not confident in doing it alone."

"And we weren't sure if it was even possible, which is why we thought of coming to you. After all, Director He, you can be considered a true trendsetter in the film industry today."

"Some people even say that you can turn anything into gold and make any film a huge hit."

Listening to the other party's flattery, He Yi'an politely declined a few more times, while secretly making his own plans.

No wonder the script is so rough; it was probably just written and then brought over.

The original script was probably completed around 2004, when Yang Hongtao had just taken over, so he desperately needed to accomplish something.

However, due to the script being revised three or four times, the lack of approval, and the inability to find a partner, filming was delayed until around the end of 2007.

The original version, released in 2008, was directed by Chen Jiashang and starred the same few actors. It ultimately grossed 2.3 million yuan, which is indeed a commercial success by today's standards.

However, the Chen family version of "Painted Skin" followed a love triangle between humans and demons, which diluted the core themes of appearance and humanity in the original "Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio." Of course, this was more likely to pass censorship and to lean towards a more commercial genre film narrative.

In short, now that the project has been presented to He Yi'an, he has no intention of turning it down.

It can also help find things for some people in the company to do.

However, if Langyuan is to cooperate, then some things will need to be changed.

Whether Yang Hongtao is willing or not, He Yi'an still needs to ask.

"Director Yang, I'd like to ask, what direction are you planning for this script? Is it a story about love between humans and demons? Or is it just a superficial allegory from the original Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio?"

Yang Hongtao didn't expect He Yi'an to ask about the core issues right away.

However, upon further reflection, he realized that without such keen insight, the other party wouldn't have achieved such great success, so he truthfully stated his thoughts:

"We considered both directions, but we couldn't find a balance. As you know, in today's market, just talking about fables doesn't please the audience, and just talking about romance seems too shallow. Besides, Painted Skin also has some issues with passing censorship."

When He Yi'an saw that the other party did not forcefully determine the direction and style, he knew that there was still room for maneuver.

"That's perfect, Director Yang, I have an idea."

"Oh? Director He, I'd love to hear your insightful opinion!" He casually grabbed an A4 sheet of paper from the table, picked up a pen, drew a few lines on it, listed the core elements of the two directions he had just mentioned on both sides, and then drew an intersection point in the middle.

What is the core message of the story "Painted Skin"?

He Yi'an didn't wait for them to speak, but instead answered his own question: "Appearance."

"The idea that a person can become another person by putting on someone else's skin is itself a metaphor about identity and deception; if it is only filmed as a female ghost harming people or a love triangle between a human and a demon, then this core idea is wasted."

"My idea is to amplify the concept of appearance."

"Changing the female lead's identity from a ghost to a demon not only avoids censorship but also allows us to set her motives as something deeper than just harming people..."

"Something deeper?" This time, Yang Hongtao took the initiative to speak.

He realized that if he didn't speak up, He Yi'an would probably just talk to himself.

"It's actually the arc of the film's character development, or the motivation for doing all this. She wants to become a human, to have a human identity and emotions, and at the same time, she wants freedom and to be unrestrained... but she can only achieve this wish by taking over other people's bodies."

"In essence, this is a story about self-identity and identity anxiety."

He Yi'an spoke with great clarity, and Yang Hongtao listened more and more attentively.

As for the two people he brought, they had already taken out their notebooks and started taking notes as soon as he began speaking. "In addition, the male protagonist's character setting also needs to be adjusted. It's best if he's not a pure scholar. We've seen too many of these erotic scholar stories, so we need to make some changes."

"Then how should we change it?"

"We could add some martial arts elements to make him a person with a past, a complete experience, and a more well-rounded character. This would retain the elements of Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio while also increasing the space for action scenes in a commercial film."

After listening, Yang Hongtao slapped his thigh hard: "Director He, what you said is excellent! Your idea is much more reliable than what we wrote!"

After speaking, she looked at He Yi'an expectantly: "Director He? If we follow your line of thinking and ideas, then I wonder if Langyuan can cooperate and invest, and also, could you personally direct it..."

Let him direct it himself?

Good heavens, so that's what they were waiting for!

He wondered why Yang Hongtao was so easy to talk to; it turned out that the high-level hunter was appearing as prey.

But it's amazing that he came up with this idea. He even handed over Liu Cixin's "July and Ansheng" to Xue Xiaolu and Cao Baoping, so it's even more impossible for him to do "Painted Skin"!

"Director Yang, you flatter me."

He Yi'an didn't respond at all: "Cooperating with Ningying is possible, but I have to make it clear first. Langyuan can invest in this project, but I won't direct it. At most, I'll find a suitable director for it."

Yang Hongtao's expression shifted from joy to worry: "Director He, we are certainly grateful that Langyuan is willing to invest and cooperate, but this project will require a significant investment. If you don't come in person..." His concerns were not unfounded.

Currently, the only Chinese filmmakers who can truly make money from movies and whose films gross over 100 million yuan are He Yi'an and Zhang Yimou.

If someone else were to star in this fantasy drama, it might be a huge loss.

Ningying is not a fairyland; it's okay for them to lose money once or twice.

Ningying's current funding doesn't allow them to fail too badly.

"But my schedule is already fully booked for the next few years."

Although he was talking nonsense, He Yi'an spoke with a calm expression, after all, what he said wasn't entirely false.

He can start any project he wants, as long as he's willing.

But he was too tired last year, and the readers were tired of reading him too, so he definitely needs a break.

However, he offered a further explanation: "The second part of 'Three Kingdoms' has already started filming, so I definitely need to keep an eye on it. Also, 'The Original Code,' which I filmed last year, will definitely be released this year. I just finished negotiating a project today, so I really can't spare any time."

Yang Hongtao was somewhat disappointed, but he also knew about He Yi'an's workload and guessed that this was probably not an excuse.

But waiting a few years isn't impossible, but by then the daylilies will probably be too late. It's best to take the photos sooner rather than later.

"So... what suggestions do you have regarding the director? It's not easy to find a director for a fantasy film, especially one that involves supernatural transformations."

He Yi'an just said it casually, it's rare that he found a suitable person so quickly.

However, he had already put on a show and couldn't afford to reveal his true colors now, so he thought for a moment: "This project needs a director who can not only handle the pace of commercial films but also has an understanding of human nature."

"Too little experience won't do, and most people can't handle this kind of subject matter. However, I have a few candidates in mind, but I can't make a decision yet. If you're not in a hurry, Director Yang, can I give you an answer after I've sorted things out?"

Seeing that he had said that, what else could Yang Hongtao say? He quickly echoed, "No rush, no rush. This kind of thing does need to be done carefully. Director He, you can make the decision."

Seeing that even the factory director, Yang Hongtao, had made such a statement, He Yi'an was completely certain that Ning Ying was truly anxious and taking this project very seriously.

The fact that they adopted such a humble stance this time clearly indicates that they are not entirely confident about the profitability of this project.

So they wanted to get on Langyuan's bandwagon, just like Eying, and let them handle the operations so they could get a share of the profits.

Now that He Yi'an had guessed their thoughts, he was able to deal with them with even more ease.

Ning Ying had indeed helped him before, and He Yi'an was not an ungrateful person. Now that someone had come to him for help, it wouldn't be appropriate to turn them away.

But we can't agree to every condition. "Director Yang, how about this: we can work together to get the project approved first, and I'll refine the script. Then we can decide on the director and actors together, okay?"

I personally have high hopes for this collaboration, and Langyuan will take this project seriously. You can discuss the specific details with Mr. Zhong. What do you think?

"no problem!"

Having received a completely definite answer, Yang Hongtao finally stood up, satisfied, and shook He Yi'an's hand again: "Then, Director He, it's settled!"

He then called Zhong Lifang over and handed over all the follow-up matters to her, once again becoming a hands-off manager.

After everything was settled and Ning Ying's people left, He Yi'an returned to his office.

Looking at the first draft of the script for "Painted Skin" in front of him, he pondered the selection of a suitable director.

Chen Jiashang is undoubtedly the most suitable, but he just fought with the Hong Kong district. Even if there were no targeting of Chen Jiashang, he certainly wouldn't cooperate with him at this time.

After all, they need to maintain unity and be mindful of the impact.

Secondly, Chen Daren would be a suitable candidate.

As long as He Yi'an can give him a complete script and forcibly suppress him, preventing him from improvising, there will definitely be no problem.

Don't underestimate Chen Daren. While his films may lack narrative skill, his cinematography and directing abilities are absolutely top-notch. Besides, he's also directed fantasy films…

"Oh right! How could I have almost forgotten about such an important matter!"

Chen Daren is currently preparing to film "The Promise." If he doesn't hurry, by the time "The Promise" comes out, the fantasy gimmick will be ruined for years!

This is probably why Ning Ying had such difficulty finding partners in the first place.

After all, Chen Daren's masterpiece set a high bar; his fantasy epic almost sealed the fate of fantasy films in the Chinese entertainment industry, and other investors trembled at the mere mention of the word "fantasy."

So it seems Chen Daren also tricked Ning Ying!

"We can't stop! We have to move forward as quickly as possible, at least before 'The Promise,' or even around the same time?"

If they are one after the other, then this person will be hard to find.

While pondering, He Yi'an suddenly thought of someone.

There is one person who is not afraid of Chen Daren, and there might even be room for hype if they are released together.

Who is it?

Mu Deyuan!!! Is Mu Deyuan a director?

of course!

The legendary film "The Lonely Soul of the Black Building," which is said to have terrified people to death, was directed by him.

He later photographed "The Stormy Seas", "My French Years", and "My Long March".

He often takes his students with him on filming trips, providing guidance as he goes.

Thinking of his teacher, Mu Deyuan, He Yi'an suddenly understood everything.

Anyway, they're all evolutions of ghosts.

Mu Deyuan is definitely capable!

And with some marketing, there will be plenty of hype and buzz!

Marketing is public relations, and how can public relations be complete without He Yi'an?

He Yi'an pushed open the door and went straight to find Mu Deyuan. Whether he agreed or not, it was settled!

However, as He Yi'an walked along the street, his thoughts began to wander, and he felt something was off. It seemed that there were too many people around him who were connected to horror movies.

Let's not even talk about Mu Deyuan, who is himself, and now he's going to film a ghost movie adaptation of a fox demon.

Yu Feihong is an even bigger heavyweight!

Not only did he direct "Paranormal Activity," but now his adaptation, "Love Comes Again," while not explicitly mentioning ghosts, explores time travel and the waiting of souls.

It's not impossible that it will be called a horror movie at that time.

As for Xiao Liu...

She also acted in "A Chinese Ghost Story," but when she filmed it, she could only play a fox demon.

It still absorbs men's yang energy, and the photos don't show any demonic features; instead, they look more like ghosts.

However, the fox demon in Liu Cixin's "Hanson and the Beast" was quite well-made.

And then there's the story of three lifetimes...

See, it's all back to ghosts and fox spirits now?

"This is fucking weird, what the hell is going on with me?" ————————