Chapter 81

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

This "Little Theater, Big Production" was about to start filming.

The script had been polished by Zhang Tan over and over again, to the point where he felt calluses forming on his hands.

As his first film in this world, he could not afford the slightest carelessness. For a newcomer like him, who had no background or connections, this one opportunity could either pave a smooth path for his future or ruin his career.

Zhang Tongshun was equally cautious, as this was his first project since his comeback, and it was of great importance.

The filming 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 filmed there every day of the year.

After discussions among the three, the filming date was set for September 3rd, a good day, and they also notified the studio, inviting the leadership 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 drama, it's best to keep a low profile at this stage. Third, we want 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 such projects was still quite high. In comparison, "Little Theater, Big Production" was indeed a small project. For instance, it couldn't compare to "Director Jin" next door, which had a budget more than twice as large.

Moreover, 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 clear that once the news broke, it would spark significant discussions, with all sorts of opinions.

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

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

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

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

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

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 of civility, exchanging greetings, but there was no further interaction.

Zhang Tongshun had not expected Wang Yifan to be waiting for them here.

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

"Just confirmed, 'Director Jin' is indeed set to start filming on September 3rd, decided just today. Whether they were first or we were, they claim they were first. But that's not the key point. The key is that they've already announced it publicly, and there are news reports online. So, we have two options: proceed as planned or change the date."

Zhang Tongshun immediately said, "They can change, but we absolutely will not!"

Gao Xiaolan knew his temper and could guess his reaction without him saying anything.

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

The news of "Little Theater, Big Production" starting on September 3rd had spread within the studio yesterday, and Zhang Tan had received a call from Jiang Rong, who was already aware. Therefore, when "Director 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 Theater, Big Production" was first. Now, the one that was first had to give way, which was truly unfair. They were all children of the studio, so why should 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 a matter of face for him. Wang Yifan was clearly targeting him, having just forced him out of "Director Jin" and now trying to force him 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 accepts incense. We absolutely cannot give in; if we do, they will step all over us."

Zhang Tongshun laughed. "We are all on the same page."

This made him very pleased.

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

This was frustrating. The leadership clearly favored "Director Jin." To be fair, this couldn't be blamed on them, as "Director Jin" was the hottest project at the studio at the moment, while "Little Theater, Big Production"...

At noon, Gao Xiaolan brought the news that the studio leadership would attend the opening ceremony of "Director Jin" on September 3rd.

This was bad news, but there was also good news: the leadership would also attend the opening ceremony of "Little Theater, Big Production" afterward.

Zhang Tan comforted the frustrated Zhang Tongshun. "Director Zhang, think about it. They invited many media reporters and made a big fuss, so the leadership naturally has to attend. On the contrary, we started filming quietly, and the leadership didn't forget us."

At the end of the day, Jiang Rong and Xu Jian were waiting for Zhang Tan at the building. Jiang Rong's first words were, "I heard you and 'Director 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 about it. Focus on making the drama great, and I look forward to seeing you prove them wrong."

On September 3rd, at Pujiang Film City, the "Little Theater, Big Production" crew.

At 8:30 AM, Zhang Tan drove to the set. As soon as he got out of the car, someone called out to him.

"Teacher Zhang, Teacher Zhang, wait a moment."

Zhang Tan turned his head to see the production coordinator calling him.

The coordinator was like a major domo, responsible for the entire crew's operations.

"Teacher Zhang, let's go over the script for the next few days."

Zhang Tan glanced at the neighboring set and said, "The neighboring set is really lively~"

The coordinator said enviously, "Who knew 'Director Jin' would also be here? There are many media reporters, and Director Lin will be there too."

"Director Lin?"

Zhang Tan then realized it was Lin Hongyi, the studio director.

He knew that the studio leadership would attend the opening ceremony of a film project, but he didn't expect the head of the studio to be there. This showed the studio's high expectations for "Director Jin" and also reflected the decline of live-action productions at the studio.

"Will Director Lin come to our set later?" Zhang Tan asked. Logically, he should, as the leadership was already at the door, and it was just a few steps to the "Little Theater, Big Production" set. It would be too discriminatory not to come.

However, the coordinator told him that Director Lin would not come to their set; instead, a deputy director would.

Seeing Zhang Tan's displeased expression, the coordinator, though also unhappy, explained, "The director hasn't attended an opening ceremony in a long time. I don't know how 'Director Jin' managed to get him here."

"I'll go check it out. I'll find you later."

With that, Zhang Tan wandered over to the neighboring set to see the commotion.