LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 38: Chapter 38: What Does It Mean to Be Focused?
Du Sheng had already looked into their recent activities and wasn't about to waste the opportunity to bluff: "We've had some discussions... about payment issues. I even have her private number. Director Ju suggested I consider joining Zhongyao next year when they're planning a major production." While part of what he said was true, most of it was exaggerated nonsense. But if it could improve his chances, why not?
Zhang Jun's eyes lit up slightly, clearly intrigued. The reality was that a few million yuan wasn't enough to finish producing this show. Even low-quality special effects would cost over a million yuan. Securing another investor was essential. Zhongyao Films was a great choice, especially since it had supported Zhang Jun in the past. And now, Du Sheng could serve as the connection to rekindle that partnership.
As an ambitious director, who wouldn't want to make their "child" as polished as possible? Moreover, Zhang Dahuzi's Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils was already in production and likely to air by spring next year, just before Snow Goddess Dragon. By then, both Du Sheng and Liu Tao would have some exposure, potentially gaining minor fame.
When Snow Goddess Dragon aired, their association with such a high-profile project would undoubtedly elevate the "three-no" production (no famous director, no big names, no major investment). Plus, Du Sheng's good looks and Liu Tao's heroic yet graceful aura far outshone the other candidates who had auditioned.
Even producer Li Leda, who had come in person after hearing from Qiong Yao's company, found the pair's cost-performance ratio unbeatable.
"Miss Liu, if you're cast as Shangguan Yan, can you join the crew within two weeks? Would you be willing to stay in the desert for an extended period?" Li Leda had a favorable impression of Liu Tao. After all, she was part of Qiong Yao's hit drama sequel, and the combined popularity of her two upcoming shows next year shouldn't be underestimated. The key was that signing her now offered incredible value. Pairing her with Du Sheng, who was also from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, created natural publicity opportunities and saved on marketing costs.
Liu Tao was delighted and replied readily, "No problem. I can wrap up my current commitments by next week." She knew she was on the verge of landing the role. As the saying goes, it's better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix. Being the lead actress in a female-centric show was a serious upgrade, even if the production budget was modest. Besides, she trusted Du Sheng's judgment and didn't believe he'd gamble recklessly with their futures.
Zhang Jun turned to Du Sheng with a smile. "I heard from Director Ju that you're quite skilled in martial arts and even served as an action director for Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils?"
Li Leda looked over in surprise. Such a young action director? Whether or not it was true didn't matter—this was the sort of claim easily verified in the industry. Before Du Sheng could respond, Liu Tao answered for him with a hint of pride, "It's true! The action sequences and choreography that Ah Sheng designed were not only approved by Director Zhao but also highly praised by Yuan Bin!"
Setting aside their personal connection, Liu Tao was genuinely happy to talk him up. She hoped Du Sheng would land a role in this show, so she couldn't help but boast about him. Her words made Du Sheng a little embarrassed, but he understood the underlying implication of Zhang Jun's question: they wanted to avoid hiring a separate action director to save costs.
For a wuxia drama, fight choreography was essential. However…
Li Leda excused Du Sheng and Liu Tao to wait in the lounge while he and Zhang Jun discussed the matter privately before reporting to the investors. Upon hearing about the duo's cost-effectiveness and Du Sheng's potential to reconnect with Zhongyao Films, the investor immediately approved. Initially, the investor's main goal was to promote Ren Ye through this production. Since most other roles were open to auditions, having a bit more security and even the possibility of splitting the investment was a win-win. And so, Du Sheng and Liu Tao completed their contracts that same day.
"That was lightning fast!" Wang Yaoyang exclaimed when he heard the good news. "After gaining some polish on Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, you've really become a hot commodity!" No kidding—Du Sheng wasn't just cast as the second male lead, Sai Hua Tuo; he was also entrusted with the action director role and even tasked with attracting additional investment from Zhongyao Films. Clearly, Snow Goddess Dragon was placing heavy bets on him.
Du Sheng chuckled. This was one of the benefits of working with smaller productions. Decision-making was streamlined, and there was less bureaucracy. Of course, without his knowledge of future outcomes, it wouldn't have been worth the risk or time to invest in such a low-profile project.
On the way back, Liu Tao, sitting in the car with a cheerful smile, teased, "The pay's a bit lower than I hoped, though." Her excitement about landing the female lead was tempered by the joy of having someone to share the moment with. After all, her agent was notoriously hands-off, busy dealing with another client in Shanghai, and only occasionally sent an assistant to handle her affairs.
"Compared to my 2,500 yuan per episode, your 4,500 isn't bad at all," Du Sheng said, helping her take off her jacket as he spoke. "This show will probably have 40 to 50 episodes, so it adds up." Still being a newcomer, this rate was acceptable for him. What's more, without an agency to take a cut and with additional earnings from his action director role, his total income would significantly outpace Liu Tao's. Adding up his savings of 100,000 yuan, his 75,000 earnings from Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils (post-tax), and potential income from Snow Goddess Dragon, Du Sheng was looking at over 300,000 yuan—enough to buy an apartment in a second-tier city.
"That's not bad at all," Liu Tao agreed with a smile. "Even though we'll be filming in the desert, the production covers food, lodging, and transportation. And compared to minor roles, the treatment is much better." At least she wouldn't have to share a room this time, as she did on Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. This time, she'd have dedicated transport and flight subsidies.
Du Sheng nodded slightly. In the early 2000s, 4,500 yuan held significantly more value, roughly equivalent to 10,000 yuan in later years. Plus, there weren't as many contractual restrictions. Even top stars like Ling Zhiying, whose popularity rivaled the Four Heavenly Kings at her peak, earned less than 30,000 yuan per episode for Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils. At the time, actor salaries weren't inflated to the absurd levels seen in later years.
Though Snow Goddess Dragon wasn't fully prepared yet, and several roles were still unfilled, Liu Tao was scheduled to join the crew in 15 days to familiarize herself with the environment and script. She would likely begin with indoor scenes. As for Du Sheng, his role as Sai Hua Tuo required fewer scenes, so he had more flexibility. He planned to use his downtime on Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils to brainstorm choreography ideas.
Three days of vacation passed quickly, and once they arrived at Yunfu Licheng Film and Television City, the crew resumed their tight filming schedule. The occasional closeness between Du Sheng and Liu Tao didn't surprise the crew much.
For one, pairing young actors wasn't uncommon, and it wasn't unusual for such bonds to dissolve once filming ended. For another, their characters had significant interactions in the story, so any off-screen rapport was easily explained.
Director Ju Jueliang and Zhao Jian, aware of the situation, might crack a joke or two but didn't let it interfere. And as for Du Sheng and Liu Tao, spending late nights "discussing acting techniques" became a regular occurrence.
What does it mean to be focused? Well, this is exactly it!