Chapter 4

Summer, having soothed his wounded soul, was ready to start filming *Midnight Werewolf*.

However, before filming, Summer decided to revise the script, adding some new plot elements. The original story of *Midnight Werewolf* was too thin, merely telling the story of a pervert, which was frankly even worse than the cavalry films from Japan.

Summer was unwilling to let his first directorial work be so terrible. Otherwise, if he became famous in the future and this film was dug up, it would be a huge embarrassment.

He bit the end of his pen, squatted on the ground, and pondered deeply, his fingers constantly drawing circles on the floor. One idea after another flashed through his mind.

A moment later, his eyes suddenly lit up, and he had an idea. He then started writing on the back of the script, his pen moving swiftly.

"Hey, what are you up to? It's been so long, and you still haven't started filming?" Bing, with his buck teeth, impatiently urged, his face dark.

*Midnight Werewolf* was set to premiere in three days, but only half of it had been filmed so far. There was no time to waste.

Summer, now brimming with inspiration, did not immediately respond to Bing's question. Instead, he insisted on finishing the last word before slowly standing up.

By this time, Bing's face was as black as the bottom of a pot.

"Brother Bing, sharpening the axe doesn't delay the chopping of wood. Look at this script I just wrote. If we follow this, I guarantee we'll finish filming in two days," Summer said, handing over the script.

"We already have a script. Why are you coming up with a new one?" Bing asked, displeased.

*Midnight Werewolf* wasn't even finished, and he had no intention of investing in another film.

"This isn't a new script. It's just an addition and modification to the original *Midnight Werewolf* script," Summer explained, waving his hand.

Bing's face darkened even more.

"Adding and modifying the plot?! Are you trying to bankrupt me? Do you know that every time you change the story, I have to spend more money? I'm making C-grade films to make money, not to fulfill your movie dreams," he shouted.

Bing had previously tried to expand his film company, inviting some famous directors to shoot films. However, those directors had many demands: large investments, famous actors, and artistic depth. But most of the films they made flopped.

After a few setbacks, Bing decided not to take risks anymore and stuck to low-budget C-grade films. Although the profit from each film was small, the returns were stable, and the risks were manageable.

Now, hearing that Summer wanted to take a risk, and remembering the previous bad experiences, Bing's face turned even darker.

"Brother Bing, you misunderstood. Just look at the additional plot elements I added. They only add about 98 minutes of transitional scenes. But by removing the two rape scenes I deleted, we won't increase the cost; instead, we'll save money," Summer explained calmly.

The original *Midnight Werewolf* was supposed to have five rape scenes, following the logic of "if the plot is thin, add more sex." The original director must have planned to attract the audience with these sexual scenes, but in Summer's view, it was overkill. While braised pork is delicious, eating too much can be tiring.

Moreover, the five rape scenes were almost identical, which could easily bore the audience. So Summer took the initiative to delete the last two rape scenes and added new plot elements.

"Are you crazy? Who watches C-grade films without sex and violence?! If you want to die, don't drag me down with you, you scoundrel!" Bing angrily threw the script at Summer and shouted.

Summer, with a grim face, picked up the script and handed it back to Bing, saying, "Brother Bing, please read the script first before criticizing me. If you think it's no good, we'll stick to the original script."

Bing, feeling uncomfortable at being contradicted, thought the young man was too proud. But after a moment, he snatched the script and started reading it hastily.

"If it's not good, you'll be in big trouble," he swore, no one had ever dared to contradict him like this.

However, after reading Summer's story, his eyes lit up, and he looked up, "Good job, you added the story of 'Rainy Night Butcher Lin Guoyun,' didn't you?"

Summer nodded.

"Rainy Night Butcher" Lin Guoyun was the most notorious serial killer in Hong Kong. From February to July 1982, he killed four women, dismembered their bodies, took photos, and made specimens, showing no humanity and extreme cruelty.

Because of this, Lin Guoyun's name was known to everyone in Hong Kong. In August of this year, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hong Kong government, causing a huge uproar in society. Many victims' families petitioned the governor's office to reinstate the death penalty to comfort the spirits of the victims, and the newspapers had been reporting on it extensively.

Summer had a sudden idea to incorporate the story of "Rainy Night Butcher" Lin Guoyun into *Midnight Werewolf*.

This way, the film could capitalize on the "Rainy Night Butcher Lin Guoyun" hype, taking advantage of the ongoing interest to achieve good box office results.

Moreover, with this change, the film would elevate from a low-grade erotic film to a socially profound drama, significantly improving its quality.

Bing, who had run a film company for many years, though he had always produced low-budget C-grade films, was not without discernment. Seeing Summer's idea, he knew it had potential.

"Alright, let's go with your version," Bing nodded.

Summer, seeing his agreement, breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Brother Bing. Since that's the case, let's not waste any more time and start filming right away."

Bing nodded and gestured to the crew members who were resting in the corner.

"Brother Bing!" they greeted respectfully.

"This is the new director. Follow his instructions," Bing pointed to Summer.

"Director!" they greeted Summer obediently, not showing any disrespect despite his youth. After all, this young man had just replaced the previous director, and no one wanted to anger him.

Summer had no prejudice against C-grade film actors, knowing they were just trying to make a living. He quickly scanned the room, and as expected, none of the actors were big stars.

With the low budget of C-grade films, it was impossible to hire famous actors. Thus, the main roles were played by washed-up stars and fourth-rate actors.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Summer, and from today, I'll be the director and cinematographer of *Midnight Werewolf*. I hope we can work together sincerely and make this film a success," Summer said with a smile.

"Of course, of course," the actors relaxed, seeing his politeness.

They were already unlucky enough to be working on a C-grade film. If they had to deal with a bad-tempered director who shouted at them, it would be even worse. Fortunately, this young director seemed fierce but spoke kindly.

"Alright, stop the chitchat and start filming," Bing urged again.

Summer smiled and began assigning tasks.

In his previous life, he had studied directing at the Beijing Film Academy and had worked on dozens of film sets, serving as a script supervisor, cinematographer, screenwriter, and assistant director. He had directed large crews with over a hundred people. Now, with the small *Midnight Werewolf* crew, he was confident and quickly assigned tasks.

Seeing his efficiency, Bing's confidence in him grew.

...

After assigning tasks, Summer was instructing the actors on their performances when his good friend Chen Yixin burst in.

"Brother Tian, I'm back," he shouted.

"Good, you're just in time," Summer nodded, "Is the little sister settled?"

"Yes, I took her to my place. My mom is with her, so she'll be fine," Chen Yixin whispered.

Summer nodded, "Alright. Go set up the lighting. I need a 2.5K cool light."

Chen Yixin's eyes lit up, surprised, "Wow! Brother Tian, when did you learn about lighting?"

Summer smiled, as a high-achieving graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, knowing about lighting was no big deal.

As a director, one must at least understand lighting, art direction, editing, and cinematography to communicate effectively with the crew. Otherwise, directing a film would be a disaster.

"I learned from the lighting technicians during breaks on set," he said with a smile.

"Oh, that makes sense," Chen Yixin realized, "Alright, I'll set it up now." He then went to adjust the lights.

Due to the extremely low budget, the entire crew only had four lights, which seemed very meager to Summer. In mainland China, a mid-budget TV series would have two truckloads of lighting equipment.

However, Chen Yixin, now a real lighting technician for the first time, was not at all bothered by the meager setup. He happily adjusted the four lights and quickly achieved the lighting effect Summer required.

During the new book period, I sincerely ask for your support! Thank you, everyone!