novelnext Chapter 148 Zhang Qian
Chapter 148 Zhang Qian
Chapter 148 Relocation
June 5th, Friday afternoon.
Inside a studio on the outskirts of Paris, the crew of "Lucy" is immersed in their work.
Veteran actors Morgan Freeman and Liang Jiahui acted together in a simulated laboratory setting, creating a quiet tension in the air.
Luc Besson sat in the director's chair, staring at the monitor, his brow furrowing and relaxing intermittently.
As usual, Jiang Yu sat in the "VIP observation area" not far behind the director's chair; a folding chair with a small table, on which were water and a fruit plate.
Wen Muye was busy taking notes, while Jiang Yu leaned back in his chair, admiring the intricate workings of the film industry before him.
Suddenly, the light at the entrance dimmed, and a slight commotion and a few whispered words in French were heard.
The assistant director quickly walked over to Luc and leaned down to whisper in his ear.
Lu Ke raised an eyebrow, first surprised, then a playful smile appeared on his lips. He turned to Jiang Yu and Wen Muye and mouthed, "Surprise."
Jiang Yu followed his gaze and saw the producer walking in with three other people.
The middle-aged man at the head of the group wore a well-tailored light gray modified Zhongshan suit jacket. He had a refined appearance and an upright posture; it was An Shaokang.
Beside him was Aunt Zhu, who was smiling gently, and An Jialin, whose little hand was being held by Aunt Zhu and whose eyes were wide open as she looked around.
Today, Anjalin wore a tutu with daisies printed on it, a matching headband, and was holding a Minnie Mouse doll tightly in her arms. She looked like she had stepped right out of a fairy tale.
The French crew members were the first to react, and whispers spread like ripples.
"Professor An?"
"Counselor An from the embassy? What brings him here?"
"This entourage—are they representing the embassy to offer condolences?"
An Shaokang's gaze swept calmly across the film set, finally landing on Luc Besson, who was approaching.
A surprising scene unfolded: Luc, far from displaying any airs of a great director, opened his arms and shouted in a voice thick with French accent but exceptionally enthusiastic.
"Hello! My dear old friend! What brings you to my little temple, full of green screens and wires?"
What's even more jaw-dropping is that An Shaokang also smiled, took two steps forward, embraced Luc familiarly, and responded in fluent and elegant French.
"Luc, I hope I haven't disturbed the birth of your great art. I was just passing by and stopped by to see my daughter, and also to convey the embassy's greetings to our hardworking Chinese compatriots here."
The two patted each other on the back, their familiar gestures suggesting they were not meeting for the first time.
Jiang Yu understood.
It's perfectly normal for my future father-in-law, who works in cultural diplomacy and is based in France, to know a French national treasure like Luc Besson.
Judging from their level of familiarity, it's probably more than just a simple acquaintance.
Wen Muye whispered to Jiang Yu, "Boss, Counselor An speaks excellent French! He seems to know Director Luc very well?"
"A cultural diplomat needs to be quite capable," Jiang Yu said with a slight smile, and stood up as well.
At this moment, An Shaokang had already turned to the Chinese cast and crew present.
He cleared his throat, his voice not loud, but clearly carried throughout the relatively quiet corner of the film set, in fluent and standard Mandarin.
"Distinguished artists and filmmakers from our motherland, good afternoon. I am An Shaokang from the Chinese Embassy in France. I have come to visit you all today on behalf of the Embassy. I know that you are far from your homeland, working tirelessly here to create an excellent film, overcoming numerous inconveniences related to language, culture, and lifestyle. It has not been easy for you. On behalf of the Embassy, I would like to express my respect and appreciation for your professionalism and hard work!"
He paused, his gaze sincerely sweeping over the familiar and unfamiliar Chinese faces: "I hope everyone has a smooth work and a pleasant life in Paris, and please be careful. If you encounter any difficulties at work or in life, whether it's document issues, labor disputes, or anything else that requires assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the embassy at any time. The embassy will always be your home abroad, and the motherland will always be your strongest support!"
After he finished speaking, the room fell silent for a moment, then erupted in enthusiastic applause.
Liang Jiahui took the lead in applauding, and the other Chinese staff, whether actors, photographers, lighting technicians or production assistants, all showed genuine smiles and emotion.
Liang Jiahui stepped forward and said with a smile in his Hong Kong-accented Mandarin, "Counselor An, long time no see! You look even more radiant than before since our last meeting in Beijing!"
"Mr. Liang, you're too kind. I watch every single one of your works." An Shaokang shook hands with him, then looked at Wen Muye who was walking briskly over. "This must be Wen Muye, the young and talented director from Chasing Light Pictures, right? I've heard Yifei mention you before. She said you're quick to learn, hardworking, and have a bright future."
Wen Muye was so excited that his face turned slightly red, and he quickly bowed: "Counselor An, hello! I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it. It's all thanks to Director Lü Ke's excellent guidance and the company's support that I was given this opportunity."
At this moment, Liu Yifei also ran over, her face beaming with undisguised joy: "Dad! Aunt Zhu! Jialin! What brings you here? You didn't even tell me beforehand!"
She first hugged Aunt Zhu, then squatted down and kissed An Jialin hard, before finally looking at her father with a gleam in her eyes.
An Shaokang looked at his daughter, dressed in a lab coat and with a touch of theatrical makeup, and said gently, "I happened to have some free time this afternoon, and Jialin kept asking to see how her older sister makes a movie, so I brought her along. Hope it didn't interfere with your work?"
"No, no!" Liu Yifei shook her head, then winked at Jiang Yu behind her father.
An Jialin's attention was completely drawn to the various strange devices on set. She tugged at Liu Yifei's sleeve and kept asking questions.
"Sister, what's that big green screen for? Why are there so many lights on the wall? Is that camera very expensive? —"
The child's innocent words made the atmosphere more relaxed.
Morgan Freeman also noticed them. He recognized An Shaokang and walked over to greet him in his signature magnetic voice: "Mr. An, it's a pleasure to meet you here."
"Mr. Freeman, hello. It's a pleasure to see you again." An Shaokang shook hands with him. "My daughter is on the film set; thank you for taking care of her."
"No, no, no, it's Liu who takes care of us old folks," Morgan said humorously. "She keeps us young at heart."
Everyone laughed. Lu Ke seized the opportunity to say to An Shaokang, "An, your daughter is a true artist, hardworking and talented. You've raised a wonderful daughter."
These words brought an undisguised look of pride to An Shaokang's face. He patted his daughter on the shoulder and said to Lu Ke, "It's because she's so capable."
The visit to the set didn't last long. After watching the filming for a while and exchanging brief greetings with the main cast and crew, An Shaokang and his entourage prepared to leave.
Before leaving, An Shaokang specifically said to Jiang Yu, "Jiang, if you're free tonight, how about we grab a casual meal together?"
"Of course, Uncle. I'll arrange it." Jiang Yu immediately agreed.
An Shaokang nodded, waved to the Chinese staff present, and then left with his family.
After they left, the whispers about Liu Yifei on set took on a different meaning.
"Wow, Yifei's family is so amazing!"
"Counselor An is so familiar with Director Lü Ke, it seems he really has a deep background."
"She's a great actress, comes from a good family, and has an even more amazing boyfriend—she's a true winner in life."
"Now no one will dare to underestimate our Chinese team."
"7
Liu Yifei herself also sensed this subtle change.
During the subsequent filming, she seemed more relaxed, and a confidence stemming from her family's support and approval naturally emanated from her, making her performance more natural and unrestrained.
Jiang Yu saw this and felt gratified.
He knew that Liu Yifei was never someone who needed to rely on her background, but the solid support from her family always made her walk more steadily and calmly.
Dinner was at "LeJardin Secret," a hidden but highly-rated private kitchen restaurant on the Left Bank.
The restaurant is tucked away on the ground floor of an old apartment building. It has no eye-catching sign, but once you push open the door, you'll find a hidden gem inside.
A small courtyard covered by a glass dome, surrounded by greenery, with warm yellow light shining from retro wall lamps. Several wooden tables covered with linen tablecloths are arranged in a staggered manner, and the air is filled with the aroma of roasted meat, the richness of red wine and the fragrance of fresh herbs, making it private and cozy.
Jiang Yu booked the entire courtyard in advance to ensure absolute quiet and privacy.
As evening approached and the drizzle subsided, the Parisian sky took on a clear, grey-blue hue.
The group arrived one after another.
An Shaokang changed into a comfortable dark blue cashmere sweater, while Aunt Zhu wore a beige cardigan. The two looked more like a scholar couple enjoying a weekend dinner.
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An Jialin had exhausted herself with the afternoon's adventure, while Liu Yifei had removed her costume makeup, revealing her bare face with only a little lip balm and a simple white tulle dress.
The waiter led them to their seats.
Blooming white tulips and burning scented candles were placed in the center of the long table, creating just the right atmosphere.
"Thank you for your trouble, Xiao Jiang. This is a good spot; it's quiet and has a nice ambiance." An Shaokang looked around and nodded in satisfaction.
"I'm glad Uncle likes it." Jiang Yu smiled and took the initiative to pick up the decanter to pour a Burgundy red wine recommended by the restaurant for An Shaokang and Aunt Zhu. He also poured a small half glass for Liu Yifei and a glass of sparkling water for himself. "I have some work emails to deal with later, so I'll have water instead of wine."
"Work is important, just relax." An Shaokang waved his hand, signaling everyone to relax.
The appetizers were the restaurant’s homemade foie gras with fig bread and a refreshing chicory salad.
The foie gras is delicate and rich, forming a wonderful pairing with the slightly sweet and sour fig jam and crispy toasted bread, instantly awakening the taste buds.
In front of Anjalin was a small portion of vegetable puree and mini chicken meatballs prepared specifically for children. She ate with relish, temporarily forgetting her sleepiness.
The conversation started lightly with the afternoon set visit.
"Luc is a true cinematic poet, though sometimes he's like a stubborn foreman," An Shaokang joked. "He's really good at tapping into an actor's potential. Sisi can learn real skills from him."
"Dad, Director Lu Ke is so strict! I had to film that wrestling scene eight times today!" Liu Yifei took the opportunity to "complain," but her eyes and brows were full of smiles, clearly enjoying herself.
"Strict teachers produce outstanding students." An Shaokang nodded. "When you were learning dance as a child, didn't you fall countless times before you could dance well? There are no shortcuts to excelling in anything."
Jiang Yu listened from the side, understanding the situation perfectly.
An Shaokang's approach to educating his daughter is a typical combination of a strict Chinese father and an enlightened scholar, emphasizing both hard work and respect for personal choices and the laws of development.
It's not hard to understand why Liu Yifei, nurtured by this family atmosphere, possesses a gentle appearance but an indomitable spirit within.
The main courses arrived: classic confit duck leg and pan-fried sea bass.
The duck leg is sealed in oil at a low temperature for a long time, resulting in a crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat with distinct fibers. The sea bass is pan-fried to perfection, with a golden-brown skin and snow-white, tender flesh. Paired with lemon cream sauce and roasted baby potatoes, it's so delicious that you almost want to sigh.
As everyone ate and chatted, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.
After An Jialin finished eating, she started to get restless. Jiang Yu then asked the waiter to bring her drawing paper and colored pencils. The little girl was immediately attracted and began to concentrate on drawing at the small round table next to her. Every now and then, she would hold up the drawing paper to show everyone her "masterpiece".
After the meal, the waiter removed the main course plates and served an exquisite dessert platter, along with coffee and tea.
In a relaxed atmosphere, the conversation shifted to a more in-depth direction.
An Shaokang asked Jiang Yu about his upcoming schedule.
"I'm heading to London early tomorrow morning for two to three days." Jiang Yu put down his teacup, his mind clear. "I mainly want to check on the integration of the British independent production company and post-production studio we acquired before the new year, and meet with some local partners. Then I'll fly directly from London to Seoul, where there's an investment project in the semiconductor sector that I need to go to finalize some key terms."
"Seoul? Is that Hynix project?" An Shaokang was indeed well-informed.
"Yes, Uncle." Jiang Yu nodded. "Technological cooperation and strategic investment are very important for our future planning."
"Young man, you've expanded your business empire quite a bit," An Shaokang said, his tone laced with admiration and a hint of elder's concern. "But you also need to be mindful of the pace; health is the foundation of everything. I heard from Xixi that sometimes you get so busy you don't even have time to eat?"
Liu Yifei immediately complained, "Exactly! During those days in Texas, Wang Wei said he survived on coffee! He even hid his stomach pain!"
Jiang Yu smiled helplessly: "That was an accident—I'll definitely be more careful in the future. I've already got my eye on Aunt Zhu's cooking; next time I go back to Wuhan, I'll definitely go there for a meal every day to soothe my stomach."
Aunt Zhu was amused: "That's great! I may not be good at anything else, but I'm an expert at making soup that's good for the stomach. Little Jiang, you can come anytime."
""
As they joked and laughed, An Shaokang's expression gradually became more serious.
He glanced at his daughter, then at Jiang Yu, and slowly said, "Jiang, her mother, Aunt Zhu, and I have all seen what's going on between you and Qianqian. Qianqian has grown up and has her own judgment and choices, which we respect. You are a steady, ambitious, and capable person, and you are sincere towards Qianqian. We are very reassured."
, 7
This statement is almost a formal endorsement and entrustment.
Jiang Yu's heart skipped a beat. He immediately sat up straight, suppressed his smile, and solemnly replied, "Uncle, thank you for your trust."
Rest assured, I will cherish Yifei, support her dreams, and do everything I can to let her do what she loves with peace of mind. This is my promise.
Liu Yifei tightly grasped Jiang Yu's hand under the table, and nodded vigorously to her father and Aunt Zhu, conveying a thousand words in that single handshake and nod.
Anjalin seemed to sense the change in atmosphere, raised her head, and blinked her big eyes as she looked at this person and that person.
After dessert and coffee, as night deepened, the courtyard became increasingly tranquil.
Jiang Yu knew it was time to bring up that long-considered topic.
He gently stroked Liu Yifei's hand, looked at An Shaokang, and said in a calm but clear tone, "Uncle, there's something concerning Yifei's future development that I've thought about for a long time and discussed with her. I'd like to hear your opinion as a professional."
An Shaokang put down his coffee cup and looked at him calmly: "Oh? What is it? Tell me."
"It's about Yifei's nationality," Jiang Yu cut straight to the point.
The table fell silent instantly. Even An Jialin seemed to sense something, stopped drawing, and looked at the adults curiously.
An Shaokang's pupils contracted almost imperceptibly, and the gentle expression on his face was replaced by a deep contemplation.
He didn't look at Jiang Yu immediately, but instead turned his gaze to his daughter, with a silent question in his eyes.
Liu Yifei met her father's gaze without flinching, her tone calm and firm: "Dad, this is a decision Jiang Yu and I made together. I want to—change my nationality back."
An Shaokang remained silent, his fingers slowly swirling the coffee cup in front of him.
Aunt Zhu remained silent, considerately holding her husband's other hand, which was placed under the table.
At this moment, time seemed to stretch out.
Jiang Yu could feel the slight sweat on Liu Yifei's palms, and he himself was not entirely unmoved.
This incident touched upon An Shaokang's deepest complex feelings about family, separation, and belonging.
He divorced Liu Xiaoli years ago, and their daughter stayed with her mother. Later, they immigrated to the United States. Although the father and daughter had a deep relationship, the geographical and legal "separation" always existed.
As a diplomat, he understood better than anyone the symbolic meaning behind nationality and the weight of national identity.
He probably never expected that his adult daughter would take the initiative to consider returning to Chinese citizenship.
"Sissi," An Shaokang's voice was lower than usual, carrying a barely restrained undercurrent, "Have you thought this through? This isn't just about a piece of paper. It'll be very troublesome, the procedures will be complicated, the process will be lengthy, and—it might attract a lot of unnecessary attention, even criticism and pressure. Your current development doesn't seem to have been limited by this."
He spoke very objectively, even harshly, as a father helping his daughter weigh the most realistic pros and cons.
Liu Yifei took a deep breath, her eyes clear and bright: "Dad, I've thought it through. Trouble and criticism are things I'll likely encounter no matter what I do. This time, I want to follow my heart."
She paused, organizing her thoughts, her voice soft: "I went abroad when I was little because my mother thought it would be better for my development at the time. I'm grateful for everything my mother did for me. Now, I'm grown up. My career is rooted in China, and my heart is here too. What I want to act in are stories that can move Chinese audiences and also let the world see the face of China today. Jiang Yu is right, where your roots are, your heart will be at peace. As an actor, having Chinese citizenship makes me feel purer and more grounded. I don't want my identity to become noise when others discuss my work in the future."
After she finished speaking, she looked at her father with expectation, determination, and a longing for his understanding.
An Shaokang gazed at his daughter for a long time.
He saw true maturity and independent thinking in his daughter's eyes; it was not a momentary impulse, but a calm choice made after careful consideration.
His gaze then shifted to Jiang Yu, his eyes filled with complex emotions: "Was this also your suggestion?"
Jiang Yu met his scrutiny frankly: "Uncle, this is my analysis and suggestion, but the final decision was made by Yifei herself. I simply believe that, given her current career stage, future plans, and the context of our times, Chinese citizenship might be more beneficial for her long-term development and personal identity. Of course, we fully understand the difficulties involved, which is why we wanted to ask you, from a policy and practical perspective, whether this path is feasible? Just how difficult is it?"
An Shaokang leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and opened them a few seconds later.
At that moment, Jiang Yu seemed to see many emotions flash through his eyes: memories, feelings, struggles, and finally, a deep and profound sense of relief, and even a hint of indescribable excitement.
"Difficult—it is indeed extremely difficult." An Shaokang began, his voice slightly hoarse. "Chinese citizenship is one of the most difficult to obtain in the world, and it is even more difficult for those who have voluntarily given it up. The policy barriers are very high, the approval authority is centralized, the procedures are extremely cumbersome and complicated, the amount of materials required is enormous, and the outcome is highly uncertain. It usually requires extremely special and sufficient reasons, as well as—strong recommendations and guarantees."
He then shifted his tone, his voice becoming sharper: "It's not entirely impossible! Especially for someone like Xixi, who already has a certain international reputation, a healthy and positive image, and can make tangible contributions to the dissemination of Chinese culture and the enhancement of its international image through her profession, there is room for flexibility in handling individual cases at the policy level."
Seeing the instant light in his daughter's and future son-in-law's eyes, his tone became even more decisive: "Don't mention this to anyone yet, including her mother. Hold off on telling her for now. I need some time to consult with some old colleagues and friends in key departments to get a feel for the latest policy trends and the specific operational details. Wait for my news."
This is already a more positive response than expected!
Not only did they not object, they were even willing to personally step forward to explore and clear the way!
"Dad! Thank you!" Liu Yifei's voice was choked with emotion. This was not only support for her wish, but also a deep understanding and acceptance.
"Don't thank me, silly child." An Shaokang looked at his daughter, his eyes overflowing with paternal tenderness. "You wanted to come back, to figure out where your roots are—Dad is truly happy. happier than seeing you win any award."
These words carry immense weight.
Aunt Zhu, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but pick up a napkin and wipe her moist eyes.
The family dinner ended in an atmosphere filled with hope and warmth.
When seeing An Shaokang and his family off, An Shaokang made a point of letting Aunt Zhu take Jialin to the car first, while he lagged behind a few steps and stood side by side with Jiang Yu under the dim streetlights at the restaurant entrance.
The night breeze was cool, carrying the moisture from the Seine.
"Xiao Jiang," An Shaokang's voice sounded particularly steady in the night, "You've thought very far ahead and very thoughtfully about Qianqian's matter. Regardless of whether it works out in the end, I, as her father, am very grateful for your consideration for her future."
"Uncle, you flatter me. This is what I should do," Jiang Yu said sincerely. "Yifei deserves the best, including an identity that gives her peace of mind."
An Shaokang gave him a deep look, nodded, and didn't say anything more. He just patted him hard on the shoulder and turned to walk towards the waiting car.
On Saturday morning, June 6th, the sky over Paris was just beginning to lighten.
Jiang Yu said goodbye to Liu Yifei, who had come to see him off, at the door of his hotel room.
She had a scene to film this morning, her eyes were still a little red and swollen, but she seemed to be in good spirits.
"Text me when you get to London. It's raining there, so dress warmly." Liu Yifei straightened his shirt collar and whispered, "Don't just focus on work and skip meals again. Sister Wei," she turned to Wang Wei beside her, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "keep an eye on him for me. Take a picture of every meal and send it to me for inspection!"
Wang Wei smiled and said, "I guarantee I'll complete the mission, Yifei."
Jiang Yu lowered his head and kissed her forehead, then gently touched her lips: "Okay, housekeeper. Be careful while you're filming, don't push yourself too hard. See you in London next week."
"Okay, see you in London." Liu Yifei nodded and watched him, Wang Wei, and two assistants drag their luggage into the elevator.
As the Eurostar train speeds through the Channel Tunnel, a brief darkness falls outside the window, followed by the slightly gloomy yet lush green countryside of southeast England.
Jiang Yu leaned back in the spacious first-class seat, closed his eyes to rest, and mentally reviewed the key points of his trip to London and the aftermath of last night's family dinner, like watching a movie.
London, a long-established global financial center, is also a major hub for Europe's creative industries.
The acquisition of "Screen Light" and "Pixel Factory" is an important step in entering the European market and establishing a foothold.
He needs to personally check on the integration process, encourage the team, and deter any potential hesitation or complacency.
The train arrived at London St Pancras International Station on time.
Inside the grand Gothic Revival style station hall, people thronged, and various languages mingled.
As expected, the weather in London was overcast with a light drizzle, and the air was damp and chilly – a typical British scene.
Those who came to pick them up were Mark Fletcher, the former CEO of "Screen Light" and now the head of content development at Light Chaser Pictures Europe, a middle-aged man with gray hair, wearing a well-fitting tweed suit, and the typical demeanor of an English gentleman; and Rajiv Shah, the young and energetic Indian genius who was the founder and technical director of "Pixel Factory".
"Mr. Jiang, welcome to London! I hope this typical British weather hasn't disappointed you." Mark Fletcher stepped forward to shake hands, making a humorous joke with impeccable tact.
"Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Shah, thank you for picking me up. This weather is quite unique; it immediately gives me a taste of London."
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Jiang Yu responded with a smile and shook hands with the two.
He specifically told Rajiv Shah, "Mr. Shah, I really like the opening sequence animation your team did for the latest season of Sherlock. The collision of Victorian elements and digital technology is very creative."
Rajiv Shah's face immediately lit up with surprise and flattery: "Mr. Jiang, you've actually seen this? That's truly our honor! We've recently been experimenting with combining this stylized motion graphics with real-time rendering, and the results are quite interesting."
The group traveled by car to the temporary office of Light Chaser Europe in Soho.
The car wound its way through the narrow, ancient streets of London, the wipers moving rhythmically, painting the scenery outside the window like a flowing oil painting.
Even on rainy days, SoHo is full of energy, with all sorts of production companies, GGagency, design studios, independent cinemas and trendy bars lining the streets, and the air seems to be filled with particles of creativity.
The office is on the third floor of a modernized Georgian-style townhouse.
Although small in size, it is full of design sense, with exposed brick walls, industrial-style lighting fixtures, brightly colored furniture, and an interesting contrast with the old street outside the window.
The most striking feature is a corner with a curved floor-to-ceiling window facing the street, which has been transformed into a comfortable rest and discussion area.
"The environment is nice, with a strong creative industry atmosphere," Jiang Yu nodded in approval after the visit.
After a simple coffee and tea break, the meeting immediately began in the conference room.
Mark and Rajiv gave their respective reports.
Mark's report focused on content development and project integration. The core team of "Screen Light" has largely been retained, including two senior development producers. Currently, there are three key development projects at different stages:
1. *The Midnight Library*, adapted from a bestselling novel by a rising British author, tells the story of a disillusioned woman who, on the brink of death, enters a library where she can experience all the parallel versions of life in search of meaning. Emotionally nuanced, philosophically thought-provoking, with a moderate budget, it targets film festivals and critical acclaim.
2. *Dark Currents*, an original science fiction thriller script, is set on a near-future North Sea oil drilling platform where an accident triggers a series of supernatural phenomena and tests of humanity. The concept is novel, with ample room for visual imagination, making it suitable for integration with digital and cinematic technologies.
3. A proposal for a historical mystery series in the style of "Murder on the Orient Express," set on the Orient Express train traveling from Shanghai to Europe in the 1930s, with a Chinese detective as the protagonist. This was a project that Mark's team actively sought out, clearly featuring Chinese elements and targeting the co-production market.
"Mr. Jiang, our strategy is to give equal importance to 'small but beautiful' and 'co-production orientation'," Mark explained. "We don't blindly pursue Hollywood-style big-budget productions, but rather leverage the strengths of British cinema in scripts, acting, and humanistic depth to produce films with unique character, award potential, and controllable costs. At the same time, we actively seek out stories suitable for combining Eastern and Western elements, finding a place for Light Chaser's resources and digital technology in the Chinese market to shine."
Jiang Yu carefully reviewed the project materials, especially the proposal for the third historical mystery project, and nodded: "The ideas are very clear. 'Midnight Library' and 'Dark Currents' can proceed steadily, following the financing and production processes in the UK. What we need is experience and team cohesion. This 'Orient Express' project has a good idea, but we need to be cautious. The historical background, character settings, and cultural details must be accurate, and there can be no major flaws, otherwise it will backfire. We can continue to develop it further, and we should pay special attention to finding a screenwriting consultant who truly understands that period of history and the differences between Chinese and Western cultures."
"Understood, we've been keeping an eye out for suitable projects." Mark noted it down, his admiration for the young boss's pragmatism and long-term vision growing even stronger.
Rajiv Shah's presentation was filled with the excitement of a tech geek.
Pixel Factory's experience in real-time rendering, motion graphics, and special effects compositing, accumulated in the fields of Game of Thrones and music videos, is rapidly being transferred to the post-production of films. After the acquisition, Director Zhou Mu sent a five-person technical support team from the headquarters of Light and Shadow Digital. They not only brought more advanced software workflows and hardware support, but also began distributing some non-core special effects shots from projects such as Pacific Rim and The Hunger Games for test production. The results and efficiency exceeded expectations.
"Our biggest breakthrough is here," Rajiv excitedly pulled up a video on his computer, showing a curved shooting area made up of dozens of LED screens. "We've built a small virtual production testbed." While it can't compare to Los Angeles or Beijing Film Studios, it perfectly validates the entire process from virtual set construction and real-time rendering to actor performances and final compositing. We've already used it to shoot some background scenes of alien landscapes and futuristic cities for a BBC sci-fi series, tripling efficiency, and the feedback from the director and actors has been excellent!"
In the video, actors perform in front of an LED screen, which displays a realistic alien desert rendered in real time. The changes in light and shadow and the interaction between the actors are natural, making it almost impossible to tell that it was filmed in a studio.
Jiang Yu observed carefully, his eyes revealing approval: "Excellent! This is the significance of technology penetration and localization. London can serve as a showcase for Light & Shadow Digital's technology in Europe, a talent training base, and a solutions center for small and medium-budget projects. In the future, some European co-production projects can prioritize virtual filming and some special effects production here."
The cost model and pricing system need to be established as soon as possible.
"This is exactly what we're striving for!" Rajiv was greatly encouraged.
In the afternoon, accompanied by Mark, Jiang Yu paid a courtesy visit to the British Film Institute and two well-known independent production companies in the area.
Jiang Yu's identity earned him a warm welcome.
BFI officials are very interested in Light Chaser's influence in the Chinese market and its potential to promote Sino-British film cooperation; production companies, on the other hand, are positive about Light Chaser's technology and the Chinese capital and cooperation opportunities it may bring.
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