NIP Chapter 541 Zhang Yimou's New Script
Chapter 541 Zhang Yimou's New Script
Qin Lan held Jing Chen's two little hands, and the little guy took three steps forward with trembling legs. He sat down on the carpet with a thud, looked up at Qin Lan, and grinned.
Qin Lan helped Jing Chen up again, then turned to see Fu Yibai standing in the entryway, and straightened up with a smile.
"You're back?"
"Um."
Fu Yibai changed into slippers and walked over, bending down to scoop his son, who was sitting on the carpet, into his arms.
Jing Chen grabbed his tie and put it in his mouth. He gently pulled the tie out and kissed the little guy on the forehead.
"When did filming wrap up?"
The day before yesterday.
Qin Lan sat down on the sofa, picked up the water glass on the coffee table, and took a sip.
"The production team was very efficient, finishing half a month ahead of schedule."
"Any plans for the future?"
"Not for now, I want to take a break."
Qin Lan leaned back on the sofa, tilting her head to watch Fu Yibai teasing his son, a faint smile on her lips.
Fu Yibai placed Jingchen on his lap, and the little guy immediately reached for the puppy toy on the coffee table. When he couldn't reach it, he turned his head to look at Fu Yibai and made "hmm hmm" sounds.
"Call me Daddy, and Daddy will get it for you."
Jing Chen blinked, stared at Fu Yibai for two seconds, then turned his head decisively and stretched out his two small hands to Qin Lan.
Qin Lan smiled and handed him the puppy toy.
"That brat."
That night, Qin Lan and Fu Yibai, having been apart for a short time, felt like newlyweds and spent the entire night together.
At nine o'clock the next morning, Zhang Yimou appeared on time in the meeting room on the 28th floor of the Chenxi Building.
He was wearing a dark gray cotton-linen shirt and holding a dark blue folder in his hand.
Zhang Xinyu personally led him to the reception room and brewed him a pot of Longjing tea.
When Fu Yibai pushed the door open, Zhang Yimou was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the bustling capital city.
He turned around when he heard the door open.
"Director Fu."
"Director Zhang, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."
Fu Yibai shook hands with him, and the two sat down on the sofa.
"Zhang Xinyu said Director Zhang has prepared the script?"
Zhang Yimou placed the folder in his hand on the coffee table and pushed it in front of Fu Yibai.
"First draft. Director Fu, please take a look."
Fu Yibai opened the folder.
The first page contains the film title, just two large bold characters: "Coming Home".
His gaze lingered on the title for a second before he continued scrolling down.
The screenplay is adapted from Yan Geling's novel "The Criminal Lu Yanshi".
The story spans from the 1950s to the 1970s, and the main plot revolves around an intellectual couple who are forced to separate during that special era.
After being reunited for decades, the wife has developed Alzheimer's disease and can no longer recognize her husband. The husband stays by her side as a "reader of the letter," spending the rest of his life waiting for a "return" that will never come.
Fu Yibai spent more than an hour reading through the script page by page.
"I think 'Coming Home' suits me very well."
Zhang Yimou picked up his teacup and took a sip.
"I've wanted to film the period scenes and the changes over time for a long time."
"It really suits you."
"This subsidiary has been invested in."
Fu Yibai closed the script.
The company funded the entire production.
You can use your own team.
Do you have any ideas regarding the actors?
"Lu Yanshi, I want to find Chen Daoming."
There aren't many actors in China who can simultaneously portray this kind of restraint and scholarly air; he's the most suitable.
"Where's the choice for the female lead?"
Gong Li.
After Zhang Yimou finished speaking, he added another sentence.
"I haven't worked with her for many years, but if the script moves her, she'll probably accept it."
Fu Yibai nodded.
Those in the industry know about the relationship between Gong Li and Zhang Yimou. Their early emotional entanglements and subsequent parting of ways are among the most famous stories in the Chinese film industry.
The fact that Zhang Yimou mentioned her name at this time shows that his determination for the project has transcended personal concerns.
"I'll have Mr. Zhao handle the film fees for Director Chen and Gong Li directly."
"Send the script to Gong Li first. If there are any scheduling conflicts, the company will help her coordinate."
"There's one more thing."
Zhang Yimou put down his teacup.
"I don't plan to distribute 'Coming Home' as a commercial film."
Arthouse cinemas might be a better fit for it.
Slow-paced arthouse films like these will be at a disadvantage in mainstream theater screenings.
"In terms of screening schedule, we can focus on art-house cinemas."
However, every single cinema in the Galaxy Cinema chain will screen "Coming Home".
This is Chenxi's own production; it doesn't need to compromise with the market.
Zhang Yimou remained silent for a while.
"Thanks."
Zhang Yimou put the script back in the folder, stood up, and shook hands with Fu Yibai.
Fu Yibai sat back down in his chair, picked up the landline on the table, and dialed Zhao Qi's internal line.
"Mr. Zhao, Director Zhang just brought over a new script called 'Coming Home'."
The company will cover all production costs. You should have someone coordinate with Director Zhang to finalize the detailed budget as soon as possible.
"clear."
After giving his instructions, Fu Yibai hung up the phone.
The phone call had barely ended when there was a knock on the office door.
"Enter."
Qi Yuan pushed open the door and walked in.
"Mr. Fu, the acquisition of Happy Twist has been finalized."
With a valuation of 32 million, Zhang Chen and Yu Kai agreed to transfer 64% of the shares.
The core terms have all passed legal review, and the exclusive agency agreements for Shen Teng, Ma Li, and Allen have been included in the contract appendix. Signing will take place next Friday.
"Well done."