Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 50 New Base

January 1, 2004, early morning, Beijing.

The sky outside the window was just beginning to lighten, and the city was covered with a thin layer of pure white.

Fu Yibai woke up in Fan Binbin's apartment. The woman beside him was fast asleep, her face, devoid of all stage glamour, appeared quiet and gentle.

Last night, she rushed back, bringing news of the steady box office performance and rising media acclaim for "Cellphone," as well as her passion and affection.

Gently removing her arm from his waist, Fu Yibai got up and went into the bathroom.

The warm water washed over my body, taking away the languid feeling of a night of passion.

After drying himself off and changing into a clean shirt and trousers, Fu Yibai walked out of the bathroom.

Fan Binbin was already awake, sitting on the bed wrapped in a blanket, her eyes still sleepy, her long hair slightly disheveled, yet she exuded a unique, languid charm.

"So early?"

Her voice was hoarse from just waking up.

"Yes, the company is moving today."

Fu Yibai walked to the bedside, bent down and kissed her forehead.

"You should sleep a little longer."

I can't sleep.

Fan Binbin grabbed his wrist, her eyes clearing up a bit.

"There's a New Year's tea party at Huayi today, and Sister Hua insisted that I attend."

I suspect it's another test.

"Go as usual, and smile even sweeter."

Fu Yibai spoke in a flat tone.

"Remember, you are now Huayi's most popular and most 'grateful' artist."

"Okay."

Fan Binbin released his grip and gave a slight smirk.

"Acting is something I'm good at."

After leaving the apartment, Fu Yibai drove directly to the company.

The first rays of the new year's sunlight shone on a brand-new, stand-alone office building on the East Third Ring Road in Beijing.

The silver-gray glass curtain wall reflects the morning light, with clean and simple lines. The metal logo with the four large characters "Chenxi Media" hangs on the side of the building, gleaming coldly in the winter sun.

Fu Yibai slowly drove into his private parking space in the underground garage.

He got out of the car and took the elevator directly to the lobby on the first floor.

The marble floor is so shiny it reflects light, and the seven-meter-high lobby is spacious and bright. Facing the entrance is an arched reception desk, and the background wall features an art installation of the Morning Light Media logo.

Zhao Qi was already waiting there. Today she was wearing a dark blue business suit, her hair was neatly tied up, and she looked very energetic.

"President Fu, the relocation of all departments is proceeding in an orderly manner and is expected to be basically completed by this afternoon."

Zhao Qi quickly stepped forward and handed over a list.

"This is the floor plan. The first floor has a lobby, reception area, and showroom; the second floor has offices; the third floor has editing rooms, recording studios, and post-production center; the fourth floor has artist training rooms, meeting rooms, and a lounge area; and the fifth floor has your offices and those of several senior executives, as well as a small private screening room."

Fu Yibai took the blueprints and glanced at them. The layout was reasonable and the functions were complete.

"The efficiency is good."

When is the annual meeting scheduled?

"Tentatively scheduled for January 15th, in our own third-floor multi-functional hall."

As the two were talking, Wang Peng and Lin Wei arrived one after the other.

"Mr. Fu, please take a look at this."

Wang Peng handed over a document.

"In Berlin, we registered for the main competition."

The film festival officially replied that the preliminary review has been passed, and invitations are expected to arrive before January 10th.

Fu Yibai walked and looked around, nodding as he went.

"In addition, we received news from Berlin that they may arrange for 'No Country for Old Men' to be screened as the opening film in a special screening."

"This is a good thing."

Fu Yibai returned the document to Wang Peng.

"Maintain close contact with the PR firm in Berlin, and don't be stingy with the money when necessary."

We want the Golden Bear for Best Picture, not to be a runner-up.

As they were talking, the group had already reached the fifth floor.

Fu Yibai's office occupies the entire east side of the floor, with an area of ​​over 150 square meters.

The entire floor-to-ceiling window faces the East Third Ring Road, offering a wide and unobstructed view.

The interior design is modern and minimalist, with a black, white and gray color scheme, complemented by dark solid wood furniture and leather sofas. The bookshelves are filled with various film books and trophies, including the gleaming Berlin Silver Bear.

On the wall behind the desk hangs an abstract ink painting, adding an artistic touch to the austere space.

"good."

Fu Yibai sat down in the large office chair and took a moment to feel it.

After explaining a few more tasks to the three of them, Fu Yibai let them leave.

Everyone left the office.

The following day, at the new location of Morning Light Media.

The initial busyness following the relocation has gradually subsided, and all departments are now operating smoothly in the new environment.

"Mr. Fu, Director Lin Wei and Director Ning Hao have arrived."

Liu Yan pushed open the door to report to the supervisor.

"Let them in."

The door was pushed open, and Lin Wei and Ning Hao walked into the office one after the other.

Ning Hao held a bound document in his hand, his face showing the excitement of staying up all night.

"Director Fu, the complete shooting plan and budget for 'The Unknown'."

Ning Hao placed the documents on the table, his tone solemn.

"I consulted with Mr. Wang repeatedly and calculated that if we use all actors with high cost-performance ratios, we can keep the cost under eight million."

Fu Yibai opened the document and quickly browsed through it.

The budget details were clearly listed, including actor salaries, set construction, and schedule arrangements... Ning Hao had clearly done his homework.

"Do the actors have any ideas?"

Fu Yi asked without looking up.

"have!"

Ning Hao immediately responded.

"The male lead is Ma Xianyong, and I'm looking for Chen Jianbing."

His rough yet stubborn spirit is particularly appealing.

As for the role of Ma Jiaqi, who is paralyzed from the waist down, it places extremely high demands on the actor.

It requires both the ability to maintain a static performance for extended periods and the ability to convey emotions through dialogue and eye contact.

My initial consideration is Zeng Li.

Fu Yibai's fingers paused slightly as he turned the page, then resumed as usual.

He looked up: "Reason?"

Ning Hao was prepared.

"First, Zeng Li has solid basic skills and strong control over her lines and micro-expressions."

Secondly, her aloof image aligns with the character's initial indifference and resistance to the outside world.

Third, and most importantly, she just won the Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival last year, which will be a boost to the film's promotion.

Fu Yibai closed the budget sheet and leaned back in his chair.

Zeng Li.

This name has been absent from his life for a long time.

Have you contacted her in person?

Fu Yibai asked.

"A message was delivered through her agent."

Lin Wei answered.

"They didn't directly refuse; they just said they needed to see the complete script."

Fu Yibai tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

After a moment, he spoke.

"Give her a script, but also look for other backup candidates."

Filming for this movie will begin after the Lunar New Year holiday, and it is expected to be released during the summer season.

Don't let actor issues delay filming.

Lin Wei understood immediately.

"clear."

"What about the other characters?"

Fu Yibai looked at Ning Hao.

"Those two stupid thieves, Glasses and Li Datou, I want to use Huang Bo and Lei Jiayin from the company."

The two actors' temperament and acting skills are a perfect match for these two roles.

Ning Hao's eyes lit up.

"Can."

Fu Yibai nodded.

"I agree to the budget proposal in principle."

You and Mr. Zhao will finalize the specific contract details.

Ning Hao nodded vigorously: "No problem!"

After the two left, Fu Yibai sat alone in his office for a while.