Chapter 127: New Film

Chapter 127: New Film

The number of scripts sent to Lu Xu doubled, with movie scripts even surpassing TV drama scripts.

"Are there really this many scripts to be filmed in a year?" Lu Xu asked curiously.

"Not all of them will be released after filming," Xu Wen replied. "Many end up shelved and never get released."

Lu Xu noticed that the scripts he received were all very similar—he had read ten teen drama scripts in just one morning.

The protagonists shifted from playing badminton to basketball and volleyball, but the romantic subplots were always heavily featured, mainly emphasizing the conflict between sports dreams and reality.

Lu Xu also found an intriguing horror script with plenty of suspense and cleverly designed scary scenes. Unfortunately, the horror genre doesn’t have a big market right now, and Lu Xu had rarely seen any horror films do well—most just ended up on online platforms after a few days in theaters.

"Couldn’t find anything you liked?" Xu Wen asked.

Lu Xu nodded.

Xu Wen picked out a bunch of scripts for Lu Xu, covering different genres, including a few urban romantic dramas with a more artistic touch, focusing on the challenges of the seven-year itch in marriages.

These films seemed to be aiming for both box office hits and awards. Lu Xu had never taken on roles like these before, but he felt that scripts aiming for awards often felt forced, lacking naturalness, and the characters weren’t developed enough.

Lu Xu just couldn’t get into them. Even if he pushed himself to take on those roles, he wouldn’t be able to capture the essence of the characters.

As for other scripts, Lu Xu found a crime drama that looked promising, but the role he could play didn’t have enough standout scenes.

"How about playing a villain?" Xu Wen asked. "Would you consider it?"

"There’s a script here I think you’d be great for," Xu Wen said. "But this role is in high demand, and many actors are interested."

Although the role was a villain, the character was fascinating and well-suited for actors looking to transition. Moreover, the role had no age restrictions, making it accessible to actors aged 30 to 40.

Most importantly, the role had a lot of screen time, even outshining the main character.

The production team hadn't specifically offered this role to Lu Xu, but Xu Wen had kept an eye on it for him.

A famous director, a big-budget project, balancing plot and artistry—and even more, this director's past films had impressive box office records.

Naturally, actors in the industry flocked to his projects.

He only directed crime films and was a master at crafting crime art. His works deeply explored the cruelty and darkness of the world, and his camera work was widely acclaimed in the industry.

For actors, getting a role in one of his films could be a game-changer.

"What we’re seeing now is just the initial script," Xu Wen said. "Once filming starts, the details will definitely be revised. You know how it goes—big directors always have their quirks."

"Director Mu Lang is very dedicated. He's maintained a high standard over the years and isn't the type to chase fame."

"He's also quite low-key," Xu Wen emphasized to Lu Xu. "But his personality is eccentric, and his casting criteria are hard to predict. For one of his previous films, an actor was reportedly chosen because his shoe size fit."

Lu Xu: "?"

"That's just how it is," Xu Wen said with a bitter smile. "Not your average eccentric, right?"

"Even big-name actors have to tone down their attitudes around him," Xu Wen added, citing an example of a mid-tier actor who, relying on his popularity, acted out on set and was promptly kicked out by Mu Lang.

That actor's career never quite recovered after that incident. While his peers went on to win awards and rise to fame, he remained stuck in the TV world, paying a hefty price.

However, this wasn't due to Mu Lang's retaliation. The actor's difficult personality made it hard for him to land good roles that others could easily secure.

But indeed, many actors have made it big by starring in Mu Lang's films.

Lu Xu had previously watched Mu Lang's movies, which are full of intense character dynamics and often feature plot twists. Some of Mu Lang's works have even been adapted by overseas directors, earning both critical acclaim and a strong fan base.

Objectively speaking, Mu Lang is very skilled at bringing out the best in actors. Although he is not a photographer like Zhang Zhizhen, he has his own unique taste for camera work—creating iconic characters even if the actors themselves don't win awards.

"I'll give it a try," Lu Xu said. "This role has potential."

Lu Xu has played villains before, like Ji Xiuya. However, Ji Xiuya isn't the scheming type of villain; he doesn't rely on strategy but rather on sheer physical prowess, making him a walking disaster no one dares to cross.

Lu Xu doesn't need to consider a change in direction for now, nor does he need to showcase his acting skills through villainous roles. However, he is intrigued by this role because of its strong sense of mystery, which can spark endless curiosity through dialogue alone.

...

Lu Xu suddenly remembered something and turned to Xu Wen: "Are there any movies worth investing in recently?"

Since making a profit from the box office of *The Deception*, Lu Xu has been thinking about investing. He is currently in the stage of networking. Although he has a lot of connections, there's no guarantee he will always have roles to play in the future.

Lu Xu doesn't have time to stay on top of the latest good scripts in the industry. Big directors or those with outstanding works don't lack investment, so there's no opportunity for him to step in when needed.

He left this matter to Xu Wen, asking his agent to keep an eye out for him.

"There actually is one," Xu Wen said, sitting down and taking a sip of water before casually mentioning to Lu Xu, "But unfortunately, you can't act in it."

Most of the films in front of Lu Xu are directed by women and center around female leads.

Compared to male directors, female directors have a tougher time in the film industry. Female-centric works are also rare because everyone knows that movies centered on women aren't profitable.

Objectively speaking, not only are female-centric films scarce, but in most movies, female characters are just there for show. Either they are purely for award contention, or they are part of the rom-coms genre, which had some popularity a few years ago but has since faded.

Lu Xu skimmed one of the scripts—a martial arts film.

Martial arts films are already niche, especially those centered on female characters. However, this script is written with great detail, highlighting the bravery and passion of martial artists throughout.

It's not like *The Swordsman*, a martial arts film that feels disconnected and directionless, but rather a grounded and substantial story.

When Lu Xu decided to invest in films, he wasn't just in it for the money. He reads scripts, and other investors might not get it. It's no exaggeration to say that even works by new directors, as long as they show potential, can catch the attention of savvy investors.

Xu Wen also considered Lu Xu's perspective and recommended these relatively "niche" films to him.

This film is about the founder of a certain martial arts style. Due to the fame of one of its inheritors, the industry hasn't paid much attention to the founder.

After all, it's martial arts, it's kung fu.

In the minds of most people, kung fu is also a man's domain, and male directors are willing to channel their passion for martial arts into male-centric stories.

"Are you planning to invest in this one?" Xu Wen asked.

Lu Xu nodded: "What can I say? I've got money to burn."

Xu Wen: "..."

He had nothing to say.

But Lu Xu wasn't wrong—he spends so much time on set that he earns money faster than he can spend it.

Lu Xu then remembered the horror film script he had read earlier: "Does this one still have a funding gap? If so, I can invest in it too."

Horror films might not perform well at the box office, but if they are well-made, their performance on streaming platforms might not be bad.

Xu Wen left to fulfill Lu Xu's request, while Lu Xu took advantage of his free time to watch other films directed by Mu Lang—although Mu Lang hasn't directed many films, their quality is undeniable.

...

Mo Qi came back today, once again, feeling let down.

"Female Grandmaster" is a martial arts script she co-created with her good friend Lin Hui. The two have been friends since college, with Mo Qi majoring in directing and Lin Hui in screenwriting. They clicked right from the start.

During their senior year, Mo Qi and Lin Hui teamed up to write a script that became a hit at a college performance. Lin Hui participated in a screenwriting competition hosted by a company, won a prize, and thus embarked on a professional screenwriting career. Mo Qi, on the other hand, started directing short films and gradually tried her hand at feature films.

As female director and screenwriter, their works naturally aim to amplify women's voices. "Female Grandmaster" is a work they have been brewing for a long time and completed together.

Unfortunately, the script has been hitting roadblocks in securing investment.

Investors would dismiss Mo Qi the moment they met her and realized she was a woman director.

Some investors rejected the script only after reading "Female Grandmaster."

"This movie doesn’t have potential."

"Look, your heart’s in the right place, but your ideas are too naive. In that era, women had a very low status. Would there really be a female martial arts grandmaster who independently made a name for herself?"

"...A script that can’t turn a profit is worthless."

Mo Qi first approached major film studios, but after repeated rejections, she realized these studios weren’t lacking scripts. "Female Grandmaster" itself didn’t have the ability to attract investors.

Next, she shifted her focus to smaller investors who valued reputation, including industry-held "New Star Plans," which Mo Qi actively participated in.

But unfortunately, "Female Grandmaster" still couldn’t find any backers.

As time went on, Mo Qi and Lin Hui were on the verge of giving up.

To craft this script, the two poured their hearts into it, conducting research, visiting locations, and even exploring local legends, all to make the script more exciting.

They simply wanted to show the audience an extraordinary woman—a woman whose name deserves to be remembered, who stood up for others, and left an indelible mark on the martial arts world.

"Still, no one’s willing to back it," Mo Qi said dejectedly. "Lately, someone’s asked me to direct a short series. I’m thinking maybe I should take on a few more short projects, save up, and then tighten our belts to finish this movie."

"Then I’ll go ask my parents for some help," Lin Hui said.

"Me too."

Coming from families that could afford directing and screenwriting programs, Mo Qi and Lin Hui weren’t exactly strapped for cash, but filming a movie is just too expensive, and the money disappears fast.

"Why don’t I have ten million?"

"Why isn’t there a patron willing to take a look at me!"

Mo Qi howled, praying that the recently added investors, industry veterans, or even brokers would contact her.

At the moment she finished her roar, the phone did ring, but unfortunately, the number did not belong to any of her contacts.

With a small regret, Mo Qi answered the phone.

Having been frustrated all day, the corners of her mouth were turned down.

She couldn’t smile, really couldn’t smile.

Then, on the phone, a deep male voice inquired about "Female Grandmaster" and expressed interest in investing.

Mo Qi's mind went blank, and she didn't notice anything else—only the word 'film investment' stuck in her mind.

Right after hanging up, she quickly informed Lin Hui that someone was interested in 'The Female Grandmaster.'

However, Lin Hui was a bit concerned: "Is this some kind of scam? Is it private funding or from a film company?"

"Private."

Lin Hui couldn't help but remind her: "Then we should be careful. It's safer to have a company backing it; individuals might not be very reliable."

"The investor's name is Lu Xu."

Lin Hui was puzzled.

Mo Qi was shocked.

"Puzzled?"

"Shocked!!!"

"It's actually Lu Xu!"