Chapter 80

In the following week, Zhang Tan and Zhang Tongshun ran around to many places, leveraging numerous connections, and finally managed to gather all the young actors. Gao Xiaolan also secured the funding, which was fully credited to their account.

This small film was about to start shooting.

Zhang Tan had polished the script over and over again, to the point where calluses formed.

As his first film in this world, he could not afford to be careless. For a newcomer like him, who had no background or connections, one opportunity could either pave the way for a smooth future or lead to a complete downfall.

Zhang Tongshun was equally cautious; the first film of his comeback was of great importance.

The shooting location was chosen to be at the Pujiang Film City.

As the largest film city in the south, Pujiang Film City was always bustling with activity, with projects being shot there every day of the year.

After discussions among Zhang Tan and the others, the filming date was set for September 3rd, a good day, and they also notified the factory, inviting the leaders to attend when they had time.

"However, our project cannot compare to others in terms of publicity," Gao Xiaolan said.

"What do you mean?" Zhang Tongshun asked.

"First, the project is small. Second, given the nature of our film, it's best to avoid publicity or keep it minimal at this stage. Third, to avoid putting too much pressure on the young actors..."

Gao Xiaolan's words were well-received by Zhang Tan and Zhang Tongshun.

Although Pujiang Film Studio mainly produced animated films, the budget for animated projects was also quite high. In comparison, "Little Actors" was indeed a small project, with a budget less than half of that of "Chief Jin" next door.

Furthermore, a drama led by young actors had never been done before, and it was uncertain how the market and public opinion would react. However, it was expected that once the news broke, there would be a lot of discussion, with all sorts of opinions.

Finally, they wanted to create a relaxed environment for the young actors to avoid excessive attention.

Just as they finished discussing these matters, Zhang Tongshun stormed into Zhang Tan's office, slamming the door.

"Director Zhang, what's wrong? Who upset you?" Zhang Tan asked, puzzled.

Zhang Tongshun's face was dark as he slapped the desk, saying, "Too much! 'Chief Jin' is also set to start shooting on September 3rd!"

Zhang Tan was taken aback, his face turning grim. "What do they mean?"

Zhang Tongshun looked at him and said, "What else? They're deliberately trying to upset me!"

Although no names were mentioned, Zhang Tan immediately thought of "Wang Yifan."

Sure enough, Wang Yifan and Zhang Tongshun had a grudge. The last time they met in the elevator, Zhang Tan had guessed that they had fallen out. At the time, they had maintained a facade, exchanging greetings, but there was no further interaction.

Unexpectedly, Wang Yifan was waiting for them here.

"Are you all here?" Gao Xiaolan also arrived, clearly having received the same news.

"Confirmation just came in. 'Chief Jin' is indeed set to start shooting on September 3rd, and it was decided today. Whether they were first or we were first, they claim they were first. The key point is that they have already announced it publicly, and there are news reports online, so it's impossible to change the date. We have two options: proceed as planned or change the date."

Zhang Tongshun immediately said, "Let them change; we absolutely will not!"

Gao Xiaolan knew his temper and could guess his reaction without being told.

She looked at Zhang Tan, who said, "Although we haven't announced the start date publicly, it has already spread within the factory. If we change the date, it will seem like we are giving way to 'Chief Jin.' I agree with Director Zhang; we will not change the date."

The news of "Little Actors" starting on September 3rd had spread within the factory yesterday, and Zhang Tan had received a call from Jiang Rong, who was already aware. Therefore, when 'Chief Jin' claimed they had decided on September 3rd first, it was purely an excuse. Even if they had privately decided on the date, they hadn't announced it, so to the public, "Little Actors" was first. Now, the one that was first had to give way, which was too pitiful. Who wasn't a child of the factory? How could they be treated like stepchildren?

Zhang Tongshun looked at Zhang Tan with gratitude. He knew that for Zhang Tan, changing the date wasn't a big deal, but it was for him! Changing the date would be a loss of face, and Wang Yifan was clearly targeting him. He had just been forced out of "Chief Jin," and now he was being pressured to change the date. It was too much.

Gao Xiaolan smiled helplessly, "I knew you wouldn't agree."

Zhang Tongshun: "Would you agree?"

Gao Xiaolan: "Of course not. People fight for their dignity, and even the Buddha needs incense. We absolutely cannot give in; if we do, they will step all over us."

Zhang Tongshun smiled, "Our internal opinion is very consistent."

This made him very pleased.

Gao Xiaolan said, "The leader just talked to me. He didn't say it outright, but he hoped we would change the date. I didn't agree."

This was frustrating. The leader clearly favored "Chief Jin." To be fair, this couldn't be blamed on him, as "Chief Jin" was the hottest project in the factory at the moment, while "Little Actors"...

At noon, Gao Xiaolan brought the news that the factory leaders would attend the opening ceremony of "Chief Jin" on September 3rd.

This was bad news, but there was also good news: the factory leaders would also attend the opening ceremony of "Little Actors" afterward.

Zhang Tan comforted the frustrated Zhang Tongshun, "Director Zhang, think positively. They invited many media reporters and made a big fuss, so the leaders had to attend. On the contrary, we started quietly, and the leaders didn't forget us."

When he left work, Jiang Rong and Xu Jian were waiting for Zhang Tan at the building. Jiang Rong's first words were, "I heard you and 'Chief Jin' are having a conflict?"

Zhang Tan smiled bitterly, "You all know already?"

Jiang Rong said excitedly, "It's all over the place; everyone is gossiping, and it can't be stopped."

Xu Jian added, "What's the situation? Are they that aggressive?"

Jiang Rong said, "Zhang Tan, let's have dinner and talk while we eat."

Zhang Tan waved his hand, "No, no, I'm already full of anger."

Jiang Rong immediately pulled him by the arm, "Come on, think positively. Focus on making a good film; I'm looking forward to seeing you prove them wrong."

On September 3rd, at Pujiang Film City, after attending the opening ceremony of "Chief Jin," the factory leaders came to the set of "Little Actors" and gave a speech, smiling like a grandfather, as they were facing a group of children.

And so, "Little Actors" began shooting.

Zhang Tan, as the chief writer, had to follow the production.

He had followed many productions before, some of which were very easy, with nothing much to do. The script was set, and the director just had to follow it, with any issues not involving the writer.

But some projects were so exhausting that they could strip a layer of skin off a person. Not only were there countless emergencies, but the worst part was staying up all night discussing the script with the director. The most frustrating was when a big star would show up in the middle of the night and say, "Teacher Zhang, I think this part should be like this..."

And so, "Little Actors" began shooting.