Chapter 77

(Listen, I just found out that during Halloween, there's an event on Qidian where you can reward pumpkins. This book has passed the new book period, but it's still early for it to be on the shelf. Before it goes on the shelf, the only source of income is from rewards. Seeing others getting rewarded continuously, I'm envious. I'm also shamelessly asking for a reward. Let's make a deal: from today until it goes on the shelf, I'll update two chapters every day. If the total rewards exceed 10,000 Qidian coins, I'll add an extra chapter. I hope those who have the means can help me add more chapters. Thank you!)

(P.S., also asking for votes, I'm about to make it to the category recommendation list.)

The plot of "The Matrix" is not particularly complex. The entire script can be divided into two major scenes: one is the real-world spaceship, and the other is the Matrix. Chen Tian decided to shoot the Matrix scenes first, breaking them down by location. Despite shooting out of sequence, after more than a month of collaboration, the actors gradually immersed themselves in their roles, and the rest was just following the plan to shoot the scenes.

The highlight of the film lies in the Matrix scenes, where the combination of special effects and action is key.

Chen Tian placed great importance on special effects and would often discuss technical issues with Michael Sink.

"Boss, look, this is motion capture technology," Michael pointed to a few employees demonstrating body movements. They were wearing black sensor suits with sensors attached all over their bodies. "The actors perform various actions according to the script, and the signals are transmitted to the sensors. The camera captures their movements, which are then transmitted to the computer, so we can see the results in real-time."

"The scenes where the computer police transform are all done using this technology, achieving a very realistic effect."

Several staff members were helping the actors put on black tight-fitting suits and attaching white sensor patches all over their bodies. On the screen, a green 3D model appeared, mirroring the actors' movements.

Chen Tian nodded and pondered, "If we need to create animated characters, would we also use motion capture technology? What other techniques are needed, like animation techniques...?"

"Yes, we would need 3D modeling. However, our studio's animation techniques are not as advanced as DreamWorks, let alone Pixar. We can only achieve the level of simulating animal fur," he said somewhat dejectedly.

Chen Tian patted his shoulder and said, "It's okay, we're just starting. There will be many opportunities for improvement. Show me how the bullet time is coming along?"

"Sure, follow me," Michael Sink suddenly became excited. "After the initial failure of attaching small launchers to the cameras, which caused the cameras to explode due to high-speed movement, we tried many other methods. We eventually came up with a plan to place cameras all around the shooting target. This allows the cameras to capture each shot in quick succession, and then we process these shots."

"Did it work?" Chen Tian asked.

"Yes, the method is quite crude, but the effect is very noticeable. We've created the bullet trajectory special effect," Michael smiled. "Boss, this is an innovation. Most previous special effects were imitations of TV commercials, music videos, or other films, but this one is different. It has a unique charm and is our studio's original creation."

"Great, everyone has worked hard. Perfect it as soon as possible, and don't make the bullet trajectory look too unrealistic. I think the film will need it soon."

...

"Action!"

The scene being shot was Neo's first meeting with the Oracle, followed by a betrayal that leads to him being surrounded by computer police. The group escapes through a sewer, but the actual shooting location was a large set built in a studio. A traitor coughs, drawing the police's attention, and they start shooting at the wall.

Smith arrives, his hand piercing through the wall to grab Neo. Morpheus shouts and crashes through the wall, tackling Smith to the ground.

"Morpheus!" Trinity shouts.

"Take Neo and go, he's the key to our success. Go, go!"

A close-up shot captures the expressions on their faces from both sides of the wall. In one close-up, Chen Tian's expression is complex, as his character Neo has just met the Oracle and been told he is not the One. He had some hope, but now Morpheus is about to sacrifice himself for him, making his expression grim. His hand, gripping the wall's railing, shows veins bulging, revealing his conflicted emotions.

"Ow~~" A strange cry suddenly rings out.

"Cut!"

Shooting pauses, and everyone looks toward the source of the sound. Lawrence is still on the ground, and Hugo Weaving is holding his foot, his face in pain.

"Doctor!" Chen Tian shouts, rushing over.

"What happened?" "He's injured." "Doctor, come over..." The scene is chaotic.

Chen Tian walks over to Lawrence, who is covered in dust, and takes a clean towel to wipe his face. "How are you, Lawrence, Hugo? Where are you hurt?"

"My hand is sprained."

"My foot is sprained."

"..."

They look at each other and burst out laughing, truly a pair of unfortunate brothers. "Sorry, Director."

Chen Tian waves his hand. "Don't say sorry, your health is more important."

The doctor uses a spray to treat them and, after a check-up, says, "It's not too serious, but I'll apply ice. You'll need a few days of rest."

Chen Tian sighs with relief. "Everyone, take a break. Lawrence, Hugo, take good care of yourselves."

He frowns as he speaks.

"What's wrong?" Kate asks curiously.

Chen Tian doesn't speak, but he unties his shoes and socks, and everyone gasps. His calf is bruised and purple, looking quite severe. These injuries were from fighting, and he had been enduring them, only now realizing how serious they were.

Lawrence and Hugo look at him with admiration.

Kate, seeing the severity of Chen Tian's injuries for the first time, feels a mix of blame and concern, as do the others.

Injuries are common in action scenes, and everyone is used to it.

"Maybe we need to buy more knee and elbow pads," Yuan Heping suggests.

Kong Yiji looks serious. "I'll go and buy them, one set for each person."

Chen Tian nods and smiles. "Let's shoot the street scenes then. If there's enough time, we'll also shoot the fight between Kate and Charlize. McCawley, I'll leave it to you."

"What, me? Can I do it? It's such an important scene."

McCawley is surprised. "Should we call Mr. Spielberg over?"

He has been with Chen Tian since the previous film, "The Sixth Sense," where he also served as an assistant director, but that film had a smaller budget. This film, however, has a much larger budget, and for a film school graduate who hasn't touched a camera in years, the task is daunting.

Chen Tian says, "You have to believe in yourself, McCawley. You graduated from USC, don't let USC down."

McCawley looks conflicted. "Okay, if I don't do well, you can take over. I'll call Mr. Spielberg just in case."

Chen Tian shakes his head. He lacks confidence, but having Spielberg occasionally step in might not be a bad idea. McCawley quickly organizes the team, leading a group to shoot other scenes.

Kate has a scene to shoot, so she has to leave, though reluctantly. She looks at Chen Tian with concern. "Take it easy, don't overwork yourself. Rest until your foot is better."

"I will," Chen Tian smiles. "You be careful too."

Charlize is more straightforward. She gives him a quick kiss while Kate isn't looking and saunters off, leaving Chen Tian speechless.

The fight scene between Charlize and Kate was added by Chen Tian. It takes place when Trinity catches Neo and the others trying to escape through the sewer. They engage in a fierce battle, and the computer agents are indestructible, making their escape difficult.

This scene is crucial, highlighting the charm of Trinity and the female computer agent.

Director Yuan Heping has been preparing for this scene for weeks, training the actresses to bring out the best in their fighting styles.

"The more changes in a scene, the more interesting it becomes," he says, designing a special, fast, and powerful kick for Trinity, which he calls the Scorpion Kick. Yuan Heping treats foreign actors differently, as most have never been exposed to martial arts, so he uses encouragement to build their confidence.

Kate endured a lot of hardship for this move, but her dance background helped. She loves the Scorpion Kick and the agile fighting style, looking forward to the audience's reaction to her performance.

Chen Tian didn't spend too much time resting. After bandaging his leg, he reviewed the previous scenes to see if they needed reshooting.

A steaming cup of cream coffee is placed beside him, but the person doesn't disturb him, just leaves.

"Come back!"

Niu Yingying is surprised and looks back at him.

Chen Tian smiles. "Thanks for the coffee. Yingying, are you getting used to the crew? Have you called your dad?"

Niu Yingying smiles, showing her dimples. "It's great, Director. Away from home, my dad can't make me serve dishes anymore. It's so refreshing. And Mr. Atkinson is a great person; I've learned a lot from him."

"Is that so?" Chen Tian smiles. "I have a task for you. Take these two costume design sketches to Mr. James Atkinson for his review and modifications. Then find the best tailor to make them, and make sure it's done within a week."

"Okay," Niu Yingying agrees, but when she looks at the sketches, she exclaims, "Director, these are evening gowns, right? They're so beautiful. Whose measurements are they based on?"

"The men's suit is for me, and the women's is for Kate. The cost won't be included in the production budget; report it directly to me."

Niu Yingying's eyes light up. "Director, are these for the Golden Globe and Oscar ceremonies? Did you design them yourself? That's so cool."

"You're smart, don't let Mr. Atkinson know."

"Hehe, got it."

...

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