EFB Chapter 28 New Script
Chapter 28 New Script
A temporary photography studio in the Kwai Chung Industrial Zone, Hong Kong.
The studio was brightly lit, and a makeshift green screen backdrop had been set up.
"Mr. Tang, grab a box of Vita Lemon Tea, run a couple of steps forward, turn around and smile at the camera, just be natural."
"no problem."
Director GG sat back down in front of the monitor and, with great ceremony, called out:
"Action!"
The upbeat Lemon Tea Guy music begins to play.
Tang Long's steps were crisp and rhythmic, characteristic of a martial artist.
Reaching the designated spot, he picked up the Vita Lemon Tea box, tilted his head back, took a small sip, and turned to look at the camera.
A clean and cheerful smile appeared on his lips, and his eyes shone brightly, perfectly focused on the subject.
Director GG slapped his thigh:
"Click, perfect, that's the feeling! Sunny! Refreshing!"
"Director, is that a wrap?"
"It's done, one take, no need to film anymore."
"In that case, I'll call it a day."
"Mr. Tang, this is my business card. I hope we can work together again in the future."
Director GG initially thought Tang Long was a rough and tough guy, but he never expected him to have such a clean and sunny side.
Moreover, she has a great temper, doesn't act like a diva, and is highly capable in her work. She is simply the most worry-free person he has ever worked with.
Tang Long smiled and accepted the business card, then picked up his backpack and left.
It was so easy, HKD 80,000 in GG fees came in so easily.
This 80,000 yuan will make him much more financially comfortable.
I've been here for over half a year now, and although I've filmed two movies, I haven't earned a single penny.
He spent all of his 200,000 yuan salary from "A Chinese Ghost Story 2" and "The Blade" on self-marketing.
He only had a few tens of thousands of yuan left from his earnings from "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer," which he had almost used up recently.
If he doesn't earn any more money, he'll have to rely on his parents or live off a woman.
As the saying goes, every cloud has a silver lining. At this time, Vitasoy approached him and asked him to film a promotional video for their lemon tea product line.
Three months of portrait rights, filming a TV show, and HK$80,000 in fees.
Tang Long decisively signed his name on the cooperation agreement.
When he got home, Tang Long habitually pressed the phone button to see if there were any messages.
There really was one today, and Cheng Xiaodong told me to go there tomorrow.
It seems there's been a result regarding "A Chinese Ghost Story 3." He's been working hard to secure the male lead role in that film.
Tang Long brewed himself a pot of tea and then went to his study. There was still one last bit left to write in the new script.
The next morning, Tang Long finished his boxing practice, took a shower, and arrived at Cheng Xiaodong's office feeling refreshed.
"Boss, you were looking for me?"
Cheng Xiaodong looked displeased, and even seemed a little embarrassed when he saw Tang Long:
"Ah Long, the male lead role in 'A Chinese Ghost Story 3' has fallen through. The production team has already signed a contract with Tony Leung."
"As expected, it's been almost a month and there's still no confirmed news, so I knew my chances were slim."
"After Zhang Guorong declined the role, Director Xu included you in the pool of candidates for the male lead."
But Nansun Shi felt Tony Leung was more suitable and insisted, leaving Director Tsui with no choice but to compromise.
"Actually, it's because I'm not famous enough."
Tang Long didn't have a strong attachment to the male lead in "A Chinese Ghost Story 3".
The only memorable aspect of the entire film for posterity is the aerial drifting of Zen Master Baiyun.
Master Baiyun's aerial drift, Xiao Yuanshan's side flight, and Jiao Enjun's aerial turn in the bamboo forest are collectively known as the ancient costume wire ceiling.
However, he was still somewhat dissatisfied with being eliminated because he wasn't famous enough.
"Ah Long, there's more bad news. Director Tsui has promised you the role of Leung Kwan, the second male lead in 'Once Upon a Time in China,' but that's gone too."
Golden Harvest insisted on casting Yuen Biao as Leung Kwan, leaving Director Tsui with no choice.
Cheng Xiaodong didn't want to tell Tang Long, and Xu Ke also preferred Yuen Biao.
He is no match for Yuen Biao at all now.
Tang Long was prepared for this; when Xu Ke personally invited him, he knew he wouldn't get the role of Liang Kuan.
"Hey bro, could you take me to meet Director Tsui?"
"Ah Long, don't be impulsive. It's common for roles to be snatched up by others in the industry."
Going to confront Director Xu will only make him dislike you; you don't have the right to negotiate with him right now.
"What are you saying, boss? I'm not some idiot who would go to Director Tsui for an explanation over this."
"I thought you were young and hot-blooded and wouldn't accept it." Cheng Xiaodong's expression softened.
"I'm not convinced, but I also know that if I don't have the ability, I should talk less."
"Take it easy. You're in much better shape than you were six months ago. By the way, what do you need to see Director Xu about?"
"Find him for cooperation."
"A collaboration? You've written a new script again?"
Seeing Tang Long nod, Cheng Xiaodong's voice sounded slightly urgent:
"What genre is it? Is it still a martial arts story?"
"That's right, it's still a martial arts story."
The new martial arts film market is still on the rise, and Tang Long naturally wouldn't miss out on this blue ocean.
"Let me see it first."
"Boss, the script is still at home."
"Do we absolutely have to collaborate with Director Tsui? Could we produce it ourselves, like 'The Blade'?"
"The new script requires a much larger investment, and we can't raise that much funding."
Moreover, the film is a new type of martial arts film similar to "Swordsman," which allowed Director Tsui to capture its essence.
Although Tang Long remembered the original film, it was ultimately from the perspective of a viewer.
"The Blade" is relatively simple and has a distinct style, so he was able to replicate it with Cheng Xiaodong.
"New Dragon Gate Inn" is not that simple.
If we end up trying to imitate a tiger but ending up with a dog instead, we might ruin this classic. Collaborating with Tsui Hark is the safest option.
That's right, Tang Long's new script is indeed "New Dragon Gate Inn".
"New Dragon Gate Inn" can be said to be Tang Long's favorite martial arts film, and also the most classic martial arts film in his mind, without exception.
Now that he has the opportunity to travel to this era, he naturally hopes that he can create this classic.
Therefore, when choosing his next project, he did not hesitate to write "New Dragon Gate Inn".
Li Lianjie is currently busy preparing to film "Once Upon a Time in China" and has not yet made contact with Cai Ziming, so he will not try to steal Zhao Huai'an away.
Given the script, Tang Long was confident he could land the male lead role in the film.
"Okay, I'll take you to see Director Xu tomorrow."
When Cheng Xiaodong thought about how difficult it was to get investment for "The Blade" back then, he immediately gave up on that idea.
"I was originally going to try to get Yan Chixia for you, but since you have new plans, let's go with your idea."
"Thank you, boss."
Tang Long felt a warm feeling in his heart from the constant thought of being remembered.
The next morning, Cheng Xiaodong brought Tang Long to the film studio.
"Director Xu, Ah Long is here."
Xu Ke gestured for the two to sit down, then looked at Tang Long:
"Ah Long, Xiao Dong told me you've written a new script and want to collaborate with me?"
"Yes, Director Xu."
Tang Long handed over the script.
Xu Ke took it, looked at the five big characters written on the cover, raised an eyebrow, and glanced at the other person in surprise.
New Dragon Gate Inn!
He didn't know if it was a coincidence or if the young man in front of him was on the same wavelength.
He also had the idea of remaking the Shaw Brothers classic film "Dragon Inn".