Chapter 66

Liu Weiqiang said with great difficulty, "This matter is indeed difficult to handle. I have been considering it for a long time. If we go with a manga style, we won't be able to cater to the market, as there are still a considerable number of viewers who prefer traditional martial arts films. If we make too many changes, we might lose this part of the market under such circumstances."

"But if we completely follow the manga, we really don't know if the young people will buy it."

This was what Liu Weiqiang was worried about. Although he was shooting "The Storm Riders: The World of Heroes" to save the market, if the style of the martial arts film changed too much, it was uncertain whether the audience would accept it.

He couldn't afford to take this risk; the greater the change, the greater the risk.

At this moment, Ye Ming stood up and said, "Director, I believe that since we are shooting this film under the banner of change, if we don't change anything and it's just like the old-style martial arts films, there would be no point in shooting it, and it would go against our original intentions. Moreover, if we adapt the manga into an old-style martial arts film, to be honest, people like Jackie Chan and Jet Li have already taken the old-style martial arts films to the extreme. No matter how good I am, I can't surpass them."

Jackie Chan and Jet Li are two superstars. Bruce Lee made the world truly understand what Chinese martial arts are, and Jackie Chan and Jet Li truly popularized kung fu films.

Even if Liu Weiqiang were as talented, he wouldn't be arrogant enough to challenge Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Therefore, Liu Weiqiang nodded and said, "I have also considered this issue. However, if we make changes and the audience doesn't accept it, the box office will be very poor."

The box office is a concern that a director cannot avoid, as the box office of a film affects whether someone will invite the director for the next project.

At this moment, Huang Qiusheng said bluntly, "Young people today are full of bravado, thinking they are always right. Change is not that easy. Ye Ming, do you know what change means? It could mean a complete failure. You don't understand the Hong Kong market. If Director Liu fails this time, no one might invite him to direct again. So many seniors haven't spoken, and you, a newcomer, are talking so much for what?"

Almost everyone present had more experience than Ye Ming. When the director asked a question, the seniors didn't answer, but Ye Ming did, which made Huang Qiusheng very displeased.

Therefore, Huang Qiusheng directly pointed out the issue.

Ye Ming smiled and said, "I believe the director thinks the same way. If Director Liu wanted to shoot an old-style film, he wouldn't be so hesitant. There are many existing formulas, and any one of them would work. But the director's hesitation indicates that he wants to change the style. Adapting a manga into a film, we are setting a precedent. No one thought that the 'Young and Dangerous' series could be filmed that way, but Director Liu succeeded. I believe the same will happen with the kung fu genre."

Huang Qiusheng glanced at Ye Ming with disdain and said, "Young man, you are too self-assured. Can you really understand the director's thoughts?"

At this moment, Liu Weiqiang waved his hand and said, "Let's not argue about this. Kung fu films need to be cautious, but since we are shooting 'The Storm Riders,' we will follow the manga's style. I hope everyone will work hard to make this film a success. Someone, show everyone their character designs."

Huang Qiusheng was now in a difficult position. The director's words clearly supported Ye Ming's idea, indicating that he indeed wanted to change the style of the kung fu film.

Huang Qiusheng was also worried that this approach might not succeed.

Zheng Yijian's photo was still okay. Although the style was a bit manga-like, it still had a flowing, long-haired feel, which was very fitting for his character.

However, when they looked at Guo Fucheng's portrayal of Bu Jingyun, it was a different story. His purple hair made him look like a foreigner, which was completely out of place for a kung fu film. This was a completely subversive performance.

In the 'Young and Dangerous' series, dyeing hair was not unusual, and the small-time hoods could dye their hair in all sorts of colors, which was realistic for their lifestyle.

But in a kung fu film, Bu Jingyun looked like a street punk. How could this befit his status as a superstar?

Guo Fucheng was not pleased and immediately changed his expression, saying, "Director, what is this? Purple hair? Are we shooting a street punk film or a kung fu film? Is this the sixth 'Young and Dangerous'?"

This was a complete challenge to Guo Fucheng's worldview. A kung fu film with a purple-haired character seemed to be mocking his status as a superstar.

Zheng Yijian couldn't hold back any longer and retorted, "As an actor, focus on your job. The character design is the director's and the designer's responsibility. If everyone starts criticizing their own designs, how can we shoot the film?"

This was a message to everyone, but mainly to Guo Fucheng. The battle between the two superstars had officially begun.

Zheng Yijian, as Liu Weiqiang's trusted protégé, naturally supported the director.

Facing the strong Guo Fucheng, Zheng Yijian would be at a disadvantage if he didn't have the director's support.

After all, in terms of experience and connections, Zheng Yijian couldn't compare to Guo Fucheng.

Zheng Yijian was actually trying to establish the director's authority.

Liu Weiqiang also stood firm and said, "The manga is like this. Bu Jingyun has blue hair. Why are you making a fuss over such a small thing?"

Unexpectedly, the director didn't give him any face, and Guo Fucheng immediately became angry, standing up and saying, "I have to be responsible to my fans. The contract doesn't specify this, and in the original manga, Bu Jingyun's hair is black, similar to a Qing dynasty hairstyle. I have some things to attend to, so I'll leave first. If there are any issues, please contact my agent."

Guo Fucheng left without hesitation, a right he had as a superstar and one of the Four Heavenly Kings.

Moreover, as an idol singer, he naturally had to consider his fans' feelings. Appearing as a manga character was a risk, especially if he thought it was inappropriate.

The meeting ended in a bad mood, a clear challenge to the director.

Film sets are like this. Everyone hopes for big stars to join, but if a star is so big that even the director can't control them, the film is in trouble.

Clearly, although Liu Weiqiang had been in the industry for a long time, suppressing one of the Four Heavenly Kings, Guo Fucheng, was not easy.

Seeing this, Liu Weiqiang knew the situation was hopeless, his face turning dark as he waved his hand and said, "Dismissed. The character designs are done. I'll say this upfront: if anyone complains about the designs, don't blame me for being harsh. If you don't want to act, there are others waiting in line."

Among the remaining people, Zheng Yijian was not a problem. His protégé would stand by him. Huang Qiusheng was an old friend, and they had discussed these issues early on.

Moreover, Huang Qiusheng had pointed out that Guo Fucheng might have issues with the design, but Liu Weiqiang believed that since it was an adaptation of a manga, a bit of exaggeration was not a big deal.

However, a big issue still arose.

Guo Fucheng left without giving any face.

Wang Zhiwen remained silent from the beginning, and Xu Jinglei, naturally, followed the lead, knowing that as a senior, Wang Zhiwen hadn't spoken, so she didn't want to either.

After the meeting, Xu Jinglei said, "Ye Ming, do you have time? If you do, let's have a coffee with Teacher Wang."

Ye Ming nodded. He and Wang Zhiwen, Xu Jinglei were all mainland actors, and in the same crew, they needed to stick together to survive.

Wang Zhiwen, a powerful actor, had a cold and distant demeanor, making him seem hard to approach.

Walking behind, he was silent, but you could feel his strong presence and confidence. Even facing Guo Fucheng, he didn't back down.

"The Edge of Youth" established Wang Zhiwen as a top star, and its popularity made him a household name. It became a classic of its era.

This TV series also won him the Best Actor award at the Flying Apsaras Awards.

"The Imperial City" won him the Best Supporting Actor award at the Golden Eagle Awards.

He was a top-tier actor and a representative of the acting school.

Ye Ming checked Wang Zhiwen's data and was shocked.

"Name: Wang Zhiwen, Age: 32, Acting: 980, Fame: 990, Martial Arts: 310, Insight: Four stars."

This was the data of a top actor, even higher than Huang Qiusheng's, and his insight was far superior.

No wonder Liu Weiqiang personally went to the capital to invite Wang Zhiwen.

If Ge You was a flowing river, expressing a wide range of emotions and creating many classic small characters, then Wang Zhiwen was a deep pool, mysterious and profound, with a natural coldness in his demeanor.

Sitting down for coffee, Wang Zhiwen said bluntly, "Ye Ming, do you know that what you did was very dangerous? This crew is not united but divided into three camps: one is Director Liu Weiqiang and Zheng Yijian, another is Guo Fucheng. Although they seem to get along, they are actually at odds, which even Shu Qi can see. You jumped in without thinking. It's very dangerous. Guo Fucheng might not appreciate your help, but you have definitely offended Zheng Yijian. Even as a supporting actor, given Zheng Yijian's character, this won't end well."

As a senior in the industry, although Wang Zhiwen didn't know why Guo Fucheng and Zheng Yijian were at odds, he could see that he shouldn't get involved unless it affected his interests.

The third camp in the crew was the neutral camp, including Wang Zhiwen, Xu Jinglei, and Shu Qi, as well as the Japanese actor, Chiba Shin'ichi.

Ye Ming laughed bitterly and said, "Teacher Wang, I know the issue. I did some research on the original manga 'The Storm Riders' when I took the role. I just said it off the cuff, not expecting to offend Zheng Yijian. From what I've heard, they didn't have any issues before, but they had a conflict over who would sing the theme song."

Xu Jinglei, who didn't know the inside story, said decisively, "What's there to hesitate about? Clearly, Guo Fucheng should sing it. As one of the Four Heavenly Kings, his influence is greater than Zheng Yijian's."

To Xu Jinglei, although Zheng Yijian was a rising star with a bright career, he couldn't compare to the established superstar Guo Fucheng.

Xu Jinglei exuded a mature and intellectual charm, like a female college student walking down a quiet, tree-lined path at dusk, holding a thick book, her long hair flowing in the night breeze, radiating the brilliance of a campus beauty.

Her smile, sweet and nostalgic, evoked memories of youthful days.

Liu Weiqiang didn't need to hesitate.

Ye Ming shrugged and said, "It's not that simple. Originally, the theme song was assigned to Zheng Yijian, but when Guo Fucheng was brought in as the other lead, he also expressed interest in singing it. Zheng Yijian has a contract, but as a superstar, if Guo Fucheng asks, it's hard to refuse. Moreover, the investors and director think that having Guo Fucheng sing might boost the box office. That's why they are hesitating."

Wang Zhiwen and Xu Jinglei were hearing this for the first time and fell into deep thought. This was a battle between two superstars, and they knew that if this issue wasn't resolved, the film couldn't proceed smoothly.

Liu Weiqiang, now furious, said, "What is this? He signed a contract and still dares to stand me up. The hair color is just an excuse. In 'A Chinese Odyssey,' Zhang Xueyou and Leslie Cheung were made to look so strange, and no one complained. Are Zhang Xueyou and Leslie Cheung less famous than Guo Fucheng?"

Technically, they were on the same level, but in terms of artistic achievement, Zhang Xueyou and Leslie Cheung were slightly higher.

However, the director of 'A Chinese Odyssey' was Liu Zhenwei, who wasn't necessarily more famous than Liu Weiqiang. But the producer was the renowned Wong Kar-wai, so even big stars like Zhang Xueyou and Leslie Cheung followed the director's requirements.

Huang Qiusheng, who hadn't left, waved his hand and said, "The hair color is just an excuse. He wants to sing the theme song, but Zheng Yijian has a contract. It's not easy to change. Some people use their fame to bully others. Unless you change the role, you'll have to compromise."

Liu Weiqiang, helpless, said, "Change the role? Do you think that's possible? Andy Lau is unavailable, and who can replace Guo Fucheng? Moreover, he was chosen by the producers, and changing him is impossible. If there's no other way, we'll have to ask Zheng Yijian to compromise. The film can't be delayed any longer."

Huang Qiusheng took a puff of his cigarette and said, "Director Liu, no one in this crew is easy to deal with. Even the lead actress, Yang Gongru, and Shu Qi are at odds, scheming against each other. If this isn't handled well, it will be a problem."

Liu Weiqiang thought for a moment and said, "Shu Qi is signed by Brother Wen. Yang Gongru wouldn't dare to offend him, right?"

Huang Qiusheng snorted and said, "Brother Wen's status is respected, and stars like Yang Gongru wouldn't dare to offend him easily, but don't forget her background. She's not an easy person either. Moreover, you know what kind of films Shu Qi started with. Can they get along?"