RBCT Chapter 23 People from Shanghai Film Studio Arrive
Chapter 23 People from Shanghai Film Studio Arrive
President Huang and his colleagues had just finalized the authorization for the translation with the three guests from Yenching University.
Before the guests had even left, another group of unexpected guests arrived.
Zong Fuxian, a senior screenwriter from the Shanghai Film Studio's Literature Department and a renowned veteran screenwriter in the industry, along with two assistants, came directly to Yu Zhenyu's door, specifically requesting a meeting with the great writer.
Speaking of which, after reading the latest issue of "Story Club", I was deeply attracted by the wonderful stories.
They came to me this time because they wanted to talk to writer Yu about adapting a screenplay into a film or television script.
"President Huang, I have come to visit without giving you any prior notice. Please do not take offense."
After reading the latest issue of our magazine's "Story Collection," we were all captivated by the short stories.
After making inquiries, I learned that although those short stories were written under different pen names, they were all actually created by the writer Yu Zhenyu. In fact, they were five of the 25 works that writer Yu submitted to our story club.
We were all eager to try our luck, afraid of being outmaneuvered, so we came knocking on their door right away...
After meeting with President Huang, Zong Fuxian didn't mince words and immediately stated his purpose.
President Huang and Zong Fuxian were old acquaintances.
After all, we're all from Shanghai's arts and culture circle, and we have plenty of opportunities to meet in various meetings and paperwork.
He exclaimed in surprise, "Old Zong, you've always had a very discerning eye. What do you mean? You're implying that you've taken a liking to all five short stories by writer Yu published under different pen names in this issue of 'Story Club,' and are interested in adapting them all into film or television?"
Zong Fuxian and his two companions exchanged a glance and then laughed.
"Of course! Not only have we read the five already published, but if we had the chance, we could also read the other 20 stories in advance, so we'd have a general idea of what to expect. That would be an incredible favor from the publishing house, a huge help to our film studio!"
President Huang immediately understood why Zong Fuxian had come to his door with his two deputies.
This clearly shows that they have made up their minds to get all 25 of Yu's stories into the Shanghai Film Studio ahead of schedule.
Such an appetite, you have to admire it!
"Old Zong, the Shanghai Film Studio's annual production quota isn't even 25 films. If you're really planning to cram all 25 of Yu's stories into one go, aren't you afraid of offending your colleagues and incurring complaints from other film studios?"
"No, no, no, we didn't mean to hog it all. We just wanted to take advantage of our proximity and read the other works in advance so we could have a wider selection!"
"Hehe, you're quite frank, but this isn't something the organization can decide."
And unfortunately, Yu is currently in seclusion writing the sequel to "The Truman Show," and he doesn't allow anyone to disturb him or see anyone.
Before the three of you arrived, a group of people from Yenching University came to discuss the licensing of the English translation of "The Truman Show" and its overseas publication and distribution.
"Don't doubt it, they're still in the organization. If you're interested in meeting, I can introduce you right now."
Upon hearing this news, Zong Fuxian and the other two were immediately filled with awe.
Wow, the work is about to be translated into English and published overseas. That's really amazing!
Seeing the three people's shock, President Huang secretly felt a little smug, and then asked curiously:
"Old Zong, logically speaking, Comrade Yu Zhen's science fiction novel 'The Truman Show' has a far greater influence than those five stories in 'Story Club'. How come you don't even have the slightest thought of rushing to adapt it into a film or television series first?"
Zong Fuxian looked embarrassed, but still tried to explain clearly.
In short, filming was difficult; the factory simply couldn't create such a futuristic, high-tech live-streaming island.
President Huang expressed his understanding, but also sighed with regret, saying frankly, "If things really go this way, once the novel is published in an overseas English version, foreign film and television companies will probably be knocking on our door."
He let out another long sigh, feeling a strange sense of frustration welling up inside him.
Zong Fuxian and the other two also felt ashamed.
They dare not even entertain the idea of adapting their superior works into film or television, but can only secretly play tricks on their domestic counterparts and engage in so-called "first come, first served" tactics.
The domestic film and television industry, though not focused on material gains, has a long and arduous road ahead.
President Huang had someone summon He Chengwei and told him about the Shanghai Film Studio's attempt to take more than its share.
He Chengwei couldn't help but make sarcastic remarks, but considering that they were all from the Shanghai literary and artistic circle, he didn't tease them too much. He quickly made an exception and brought over 20 other manuscript copies of the works, allowing the three of them to look through them in the editorial office, but not to take them away.
If you find a story you like, make a list first.
After all, the other works have not yet been officially published.
Zong Fuxian and the other two knew that the editorial department of "Story Club" was already being very generous by providing such convenience, so they didn't say anything more and began to divide the work and cooperate, each taking a portion of the manuscripts and quickly getting into the reading state.
Do not see do not know.
The three of them looked at it for a short while, and like an old cat seeing a fat mouse, their eyes lit up with excitement as they held the manuscripts they had been given.
"This story, 'Hachiko, the Loyal Dog,' is truly wonderful!!"
"Hey Lao Zong, I've also seen a high-quality piece of work here. This piece, 'Mr. Donkey,' is comparable to 'The Message' and 'Shaolin Temple'..."
"Tsk tsk, I've already seen two works that are good enough to be adapted into movies. Lao Zong, we really came to the right place this time. The Story Club editorial department's inventory is full of real money..."
The three of them whispered among themselves, not exchanging many words, watching with great interest while quickly jotting down relevant information with paper and pen.
With these three new editors joining the editorial team, the rest of the veteran editors suddenly felt lost and uncertain.
How can we best describe their feelings?
They were all naturally happy to see Yu Zhen's work selected by the film studio and adapted into a movie for the big screen. When that happened, everyone would feel honored and happy for Yu Zhen.
But in the current situation, they clearly felt as if three thieving rats had suddenly fallen into the granary they were guarding, stealing their precious food right before their eyes.
In short, Shanghai Film Studio, you've really gotten a bit too rich this time!
Finally, as it was getting dark, Zong Fuxian and the other two took the list of works recorded in their notebooks and went to find President Huang and the others again. They were excited but also worried, saying that they really couldn't bear to delete more of the 25 works.
They wanted to take it all at once, and immediately wanted to finalize the adaptation rights with Comrade Yu Zhen.
President Huang, He Chengwei, and the other editors from the Story Club editorial department who hadn't left after get off work and were waiting for news immediately looked at the three of them, their faces becoming increasingly unpleasant.
Especially when Zong Fuxian, in his own cleverness, immediately released what he called a major positive development.
It is said that as long as writer Yu is willing to authorize all his works to the film studio, the studio will directly grant him a special quota for returning to the city to work, and give writer Yu a real job at the Shanghai Film Studio.
From now on, writer Yu will work directly in the Literature Department of Shanghai Film Studio, completely resolving any concerns about his unclear identity...
These words were a slap in the face to President Huang's hesitant and indecisive attitude.