Becoming a Movie Star, System Only Finished Loading After Ten Years
Chapter 135 - 132: Daoist Master, Where Has Your Sword Gone (Requesting Double Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 135: Chapter 132: Daoist Master, Where Has Your Sword Gone (Requesting Double Monthly Tickets)

The next day of filming began with a drizzly and bone-chilling cold.

When Qi Hao saw Daoist Suiyun, he felt a bit uneasy, after all, he had shown off his swordsmanship on a variety show.

But since the show hadn’t aired yet, Daoist Suiyun was none the wiser.

"Chinese Paladin 3" would air during the winter break, and the variety show was part of the premiere campaign, going online before the drama officially aired.

Qi Hao’s album was also slated for release around the same time.

The title song of his album was a track from the drama, allowing for mutual promotion and a win-win situation.

"Daoist, the bathhouses are really developed here in the Northeast."

Qi Hao reminded the fake Daoist not to miss out on experiencing a scrub; the scrubs here are invigorating, and if you ask the attendant if they’ve eaten, it gets even better.

"Haha, I’ve heard from friends. They said that decent girls can’t compare to these in terms of boldness; the nightlife girls aren’t as charming, and the private room girls aren’t as flirty... Northeastern girls have a unique flavor."

Daoist Suiyun was quite surprised that Qi Hao would chat with him about such topics.

"I... I didn’t mean it like that."

Qi Hao was speechless; this knowledge had entered his mind in a rather dirty way.

He clearly meant a proper bathhouse experience!

"Then it’s not interesting."

Daoist Suiyun shook his head, feeling that although Qi Hao had made money that most couldn’t earn in ten lifetimes, he had lost much joy due to his celebrity status.

"Daoist, aren’t you afraid of incurring Daoist Ancestor’s wrath?" Qi Hao was left speechless.

"Nature is Dao, foot massage is also Dao, skills are also skills..."

The fake Daoist nonchalantly waved his hand.

"Aren’t you saving up to get married?" Qi Hao felt this fake Daoist had lost his way.

"You’re so rich, and you haven’t gotten married either."

Qi Hao couldn’t argue back.

After chatting a bit with the fake Daoist, and seeing that preparations were ready, Qi Hao announced the start of the shooting ceremony.

Zhang Meng almost stepped forward to announce the start.

After Qi Hao spoke up, he realized Qi Hao was the actual director.

It was evident that Qi Hao had no intention of relinquishing this authority, standing confidently at the forefront.

Offer incense, pray to the Wealth God.

"Daoist Master, how about a demonstration of swordsmanship?"

Qi Hao intended to learn whatever he could; next time an opportunity arose, he aimed to showcase a brand new sword technique.

"It’s such a cold day~" The fake Daoist was wearing a military coat.

If he were to perform a sword demonstration, he would have to discard the coat.

"I’m asking you to wield something, it’s not like removing your pants, moving around won’t make you cold."

Qi Hao urged him to get to work quickly.

The others on site didn’t know what was going on, but since Qi Hao was the director and had set the process, they couldn’t say anything.

"Fine then." Daoist Suiyun shrugged off his coat and drew his long sword.

"Why is it fake this time?"

Qi Hao had seen Daoist Suiyun’s sword last time; it was of excellent quality. He even asked where it was bought.

"The last one was confiscated by the police."

Daoist Suiyun wiped his face, his words were tearful.

"Pfft~"

Many on site couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Even those who tried not to laugh were betrayed by their shaking shoulders.

"This sword is just as good, it’s my swordsmanship that’s being demonstrated, not the sword itself..."

Daoist Suiyun was somewhat flustered and exasperated.

So he displayed his ultimate skills, his gaze firm and profound, as if he was seeking a bridge to communicate with the heavens through the sword light, determined to let these mortals witness what is truly heavenly and Daoist.

"Bravo!"

After Daoist Suiyun finished, Qi Hao was the first to applaud.

I hereby declare, from this day forth, I’ve mastered this set of sword techniques.

Others followed suit with applause.

The swordplay was indeed eye-catching, and above all, watching it for free was a rare treat.

After the ceremony ended, Qi Hao announced the shoot of the first scene.

Worried that it might snow at any time, Qi Hao decided to film the outdoor scenes first.

The overcast sky today was perfect for shooting the protagonist group’s band performing the Russian classic "Three Horses" at someone’s funeral.

After being laid off, Chen Guili and a few friends struck out on their own, forming a band, wandering from weddings to funerals, performing festive and mourning songs. Life was a bit tough, but compared to other colleagues, they found a "way out."

"Teacher Zhang Meng, let’s start then. I’ll film first, and if you think there are any issues, we can discuss them."

Although Qi Hao didn’t mind others saying he was a puppet like Lu Yu, he didn’t intend to be completely hands-off.

Moreover, he was different from Lu Yu.

In front of the tyrant Jiang Wen, Lu Yu had no voice at all.

Lu Yu complained to the investors, crying that Jiang Wen was bullying him.

The investors advised him to think from another perspective; if he couldn’t resist, he might as well enjoy it.

As for getting rid of Jiang Wen, he should give up on that idea as well; he better not let Jiang Wen find out, or he might be the one driven out as director.

Qi Hao had absolute authority in the Steel Piano crew.

Zhang Meng nodded at this and said, "Let’s start filming then, just let me know when you need me."

According to executive director Gao Bo’s idea, on the first day of shooting, he should give Qi Hao a show of strength, letting him know whose opinion to listen to in order to make this film well.

Zhang Meng didn’t adopt it; instead, he warned Gao Bo.

The reason for hiring you as the executive director is because you have some capability, but if you don’t know your place and offend the financiers, getting kicked out of the crew would be a matter of minutes.

However, Zhang Meng also had a skeptical attitude towards Qi Hao’s skill.

He also planned to use the first scene to find out what level Qi Hao was really at.

"I plan to use a long shot that slowly pushes from right to left, mainly horizontal moving photography, minimizing movement directing from various angles, plus switching between distances. When switching to long shots, the composition needs to include those two big chimneys, giving me a fixed full shot. Look, this place is vast and desolate, with those towering chimneys, making the characters standing there appear notably insignificant, like little dots..."

Qi Hao discussed the camera movement issues with the cinematographer.

Initially, cinematographer Zhou Shuhao’s eyes were still looking over at Zhang Meng.

His thoughts were similar to many others in the crew.

A director shouldn’t direct the scenes; can’t you just go and lie on the new chair you bought?

However, as Qi Hao explained the shot with gestures, his attention was quickly drawn in.

Is this a rookie?

Is this someone who hasn’t directed a scene before?

Of course, Qi Hao had only spent two nights using "Sunny Days" as material, learning to film with Jiang Wen.

In addition, there were these more than ten years of filmmaking experience; even if he hasn’t eaten pork, he’s seen pigs run.

Even if he couldn’t become a veteran in a short time, he still exceeded everyone’s expectations of him.

Even Zhang Meng began to see Qi Hao in a different light.

This guy did his homework secretly; who was it that gave him extra lessons?

"Lighting..."

"Sound..."

"Props..."

For the first time, directing officially, Qi Hao earnestly went through each step, clarifying some uncertainties by discussing them with the relevant staff.

For instance, how to spray the rain, when to spray, how much to spray...

"Alright, everyone get ready, clapper... Start!"

As the clapper was struck in front of everyone, the entire crew immediately swung into action.

Several actors, draped in raincoats, played their music in the cold wind, with the traditional industrial symbol, the big chimneys, looming far behind them.

"Cut!"

After a take was completed, Qi Hao turned to Zhang Meng and asked, "Mr. Zhang Meng, do you think this shot is acceptable?"

He wasn’t arrogantly relying solely on himself.

Damn, this film has an eight million budget, with three million going to the screenwriter and producer fees, forcing him, the director, to take nothing to barely make ends meet, so why not have Zhang Meng oversee it after spending all that money.

Don’t forget, he’s currently playing with Zhang Meng’s "wife."

I’m merely secretly getting along with your wife, yet you disgracefully eavesdrop on us flirting from the corner, utterly shameless.

"Qin Hailu’s expression... best not to have any expression..."

Zhang Meng explained in detail from the film’s needs and from the director’s theory why it had to be shot this way.

"Okay, let’s redo this next shot!"

Qi Hao went with the flow and shot this take again.

Then it was the employer’s voiceover, and Zhang Meng volunteered to contribute his voice.

According to the employer’s request, the music was changed from the melancholic "Three Horses" to the brisk and cheerful "Step by Step," establishing the main undertone of the film "Steel Piano"—finding joy within hardship.

As the camera panned again, the set-up funeral hall and street entertainers came into view.

One breathing fire, another smashing wine bottles on their head...

The one smashing bottles needed a couple of tries before it broke after hitting their head again.

In fact, Qi Hao had thought of asking Daoist Suiyun to perform a sword dance, but Daoist Suiyun rejected it with a roll of the eyes.

Saying it was inappropriate to promote feudal superstitions.

It was a funeral for sending someone off, not chasing away ghosts.

Following that was an empty shot, with the massive factory chimneys towering above the funeral hall.

The funeral hall also bore a banner that read "Solemnly Mourning Mother."

These set constructions were arranged by Zhang Meng.

For instance, this next shot, presented in the script as a "shot drawing," clearly had an extraordinary meaning.

Representing northeastern industry with chimneys, once the nurturing mother of the Northeast, even China, who has now reached her time of demise.

With that, the first scene was wrapped up.

"Assistant, quickly get my sister some clothes to keep her from catching a cold."

Upon announcing the completion of the scene, Qi Hao immediately urged Qin Hailu to stay warm.

She was acting dressed in a qipao with just a blazer over it.

A classic case of beauty is suffering.

"You go ahead and film the next scene, don’t worry about me."

Qin Hailu was unconcerned; it’s just a bit chilly, not so many precise rules while filming.

The plan for today was to shoot two scenes.

The other scene involved Chen Guili holding an accordion, talking about divorce with his wife.

His wife’s role was played by Zeng Li, who was Qin Hailu’s classmate.

She was once regarded as a prominent figure in the Central Academy of Drama’s class of ’96, with decent looks, but her development has been quite average in recent years.

As Qin Hailu put it, she’s just one scandal with your Qi Hao away from hitting it big.