novellhall Chapter 273 La La Land
Chapter 273 La La Land
Chapter 272 La La Land
"Change the structure?"
Mark frowned: "The linear narrative is clear now, and it's easy for the audience to understand. What else do you want to change?"
"Let's move forward the timeline of Old Li's first encounter with the old man!"
Chen Xun walked to the whiteboard, picked up a marker, and said, "The current sequence is Old Li's daily life, then the shop is about to close, then the old man appears, then the memories, and finally the farewell."
"I want to change it so that the old man appears, then we go to Old Li's daily life, interspersed with flashbacks, and finally the shop is closing down to say goodbye."
He drew a diagram on the whiteboard: "The opening scene is an old man walking into the store to rent Casablanca. Old Li discovers that he rented the same tape last week."
"Let's throw out this mystery first!"
Why do elderly people always rent the same movie?
"Then we begin to explore Lao Li's daily life, allowing the audience to gradually understand that the loneliness of these two people is shared."
Lee So-yeon blinked: "But wouldn't that disrupt the rhythm?"
"Viewers need to establish an emotional connection with Lao Li before they will pay attention to his story with the old man."
"Hollywood and film festivals nowadays tend to grab the audience's attention from the very beginning."
When Chen Xun said this, one could feel that the industry trend prediction function was supporting his judgment.
"The judges have seen too many films. If the first three minutes don't capture their interest, even the best parts will lose their appeal."
Mark crossed his arms: "But the current editing is a proven classic structure. After you change it, the focus of the film will shift from Old Li's farewell to the encounter and mutual salvation of two lonely people, which changes the theme of the film."
"The theme hasn't changed; only the emphasis has shifted."
Chen Xun insisted: "Moreover, I think that in the upcoming awards season, narratives that focus more on character relationships and emotional drive will be more competitive than simple nostalgic sentimentality."
He wasn't entirely sure when he said that.
When he unlocked the [Industry Trend Judgment] feature, he immediately chose to use it.
His assessment of industry trends only had a 60% accuracy rate.
But Chen Xun was willing to take the gamble!
Lee So-yeon looked at Chen Xun, then at Mark, and finally gritted her teeth: "I'll listen to Oppa, you're the lead actor."
"Will we be able to meet the Student Oscars deadline?"
"Today is October 15th, and the deadline is November 30th."
Mark did the math: "If we make changes now, we should be able to catch up by working overtime, but I can't guarantee the quality. Things rushed out usually have flaws."
"Then let's work overtime!"
Chen Xun made the decision: "Li Suyan, are you alright?"
"no problem!"
Lee So-yeon's eyes lit up: "I'm willing to sleep in the editing room as long as we can make the best version."
For the next three days, the group spent all their time in the editing room.
Chen Xun's new structure did indeed bring a lot of work, as the originally smooth linear narrative was broken up and reassembled.
The transition shots needed to be redesigned, and after the order of some scenes was adjusted, there was a break in the emotional flow.
Mark complained as he worked, "This transition was so abrupt!"
"Inserting this flashback here will confuse the audience."
"Chen Xun, are you sure you want to cut it like this?"
"I still think the original version looks more natural!"
Chen Xun always answered confidently, "I believe this direction is correct!"
His stubborn insistence gradually aroused doubts among others.
Even James, who has always supported him, called after hearing about the change in editing direction.
"Chen Xun, Mark told me about your thoughts on editing."
The old man's voice was gentle, but his tone was tinged with worry: "I understand that you want to innovate, but sometimes a classic structure becomes a classic because it has stood the test of time."
"The changes you're making are very risky!"
"James, I understand your concerns."
Chen Xun stood in the corridor outside the editing room: "But I have a feeling that if this film is edited exactly as it is, it can only be a decent student work."
"But if we modify it according to my ideas, its potential will be greatly enhanced, so I'm willing to take the gamble!"
There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone: "Okay, you're the lead actor and one of the core creators of this film, so you have the right to make the decision."
"I can only hope your intuition is right."
After hanging up the phone, Chen Xun leaned against the wall.
He could sense that because of this editing controversy, James had come to think of him as young, arrogant, and conceited.
Not only James, but also the other veteran actors and professional team members in the crew now look at him with more doubt.
Chen Xun didn't have time to care about these things.
His intuition, fueled by predictions of industry trends, grew stronger and stronger.
Over the next three months, Hollywood will experience a surge in demand for films with nuanced character portrayals.
Audiences and judges weary from the bombardment of superhero movies will crave more touching stories.
If "The Last Roll of Film" were edited as is, it would simply be a heartwarming short film about nostalgia.
If it were changed according to his ideas, it would become a contemporary allegory about two lonely souls saving each other amidst the changing times.
The latter is more powerful.
A week later, the rough cut of the new version was completed.
There were a few more people in the editing room this time.
Professor Anderson, and two judges from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
Marissa and David were in charge of reviewing the submissions to the student Oscars.
The film begins.
The opening scene no longer depicts Lao Li's daily routine, but instead cuts straight to the point:
The old man pushed open the door of the videotape store, and the store bell rang softly.
Old Li looked up from behind the counter, and the two looked at each other.
The old man said, "I want to rent Casablanca."
Old Li checked on the computer, paused, and said, "You rented this tape last week."
The suspense is established.
Then the story unfolds about Old Li's daily life, interspersed with recurring scenes of the old man renting the same movie every week.
The story gradually inserts dialogue between the two, Old Li's memories, and the countdown to the shop's impending closure.
The climax wasn't the shop closing down, but rather the old man saying to Old Li after watching the movie for the last time, "I think I've seen you in the movie before."
The new version is 30 minutes and 12 seconds long, slightly longer than the original, but with a tighter pace and a more focused portrayal of the characters' relationships.
The playback ended, and the lights in the editing room came on.
silence.
A few minutes later.
Professor Anderson spoke first: "This version is edited brilliantly; it's completely different from the original script!"
Ms. Marissa adjusted her glasses: "I'm captivated!"
"The opening suspense was well set up, making me want to know how the story of these two people would develop. The original version was more relaxed, but this version is more captivating."
David was more cautious: "But there are indeed some awkward parts in the editing, and a few transitions could be polished."
"Wouldn't this structure make the judges feel that it's trying too hard for student works?"
I don't think so.
Chen Xun spoke candidly: "The judges of the Student Oscars are also looking for works with innovative spirit. Safe choices can ensure that you don't make mistakes, but bold choices may be remembered."
Professor Anderson looked at Chen Xun with the same gaze one would give a novel species: "Where did you come up with these editing ideas? This doesn't sound like something an actor would consider."
"This film is about memory, time, and the connections between people, and the new version's structure better highlights these themes."
Ultimately, Marissa and David agreed to submit the new version to the college's internal review committee.
However, they cautioned that if the jury does not approve the film, it will not receive an official recommendation from USC and will therefore be ineligible for the Student Oscars.
"The internal review meeting will be held tomorrow at 2 PM."
Professor Anderson stood up and patted Chen Xun on the shoulder: "I will participate, but the decision rests with the review committee. I can't influence everyone's opinion."
"I see!"
Chen Xun nodded: "Thank you, Professor."
The next afternoon, in the small screening room of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.
The seven teachers on the judging panel sat in the front row, including Professor Anderson.
Sitting in the back row were Li Suyan, Chen Xun, and a few other students who were concerned about the outcome.
Jack, Sophia, and Kevin all came.
The video has started playing.
Chen Xun could feel his own heartbeat.
This was the first time he had ever been so nervous waiting for others to evaluate his work.
Not as an actor, but as one of the creators.
During the 30-minute broadcast, he carefully observed the judges' reactions.
Some people leaned forward, some nodded slightly, and some held their breath at the crucial moment.
These are all good signs.
The film ends, and the lights come on.
The chair of the judging committee, a female professor with gray hair, spoke first: "Li Suyan, is this your graduation project?"
"Yes, Professor White."
Lee So-yeon stood up, her voice a little nervous.
"Did you handle the script, directing, and editing all independently?"
"I wrote the script and directed the film, and the editing was done in collaboration with Mark and Chen Xun."
Professor White turned to Chen Xun: "Mr. Chen Xun, I heard that you made important structural changes during the editing stage?"
"Yes, Professor."
Chen Xun frankly admitted, "I think the original version could have been better."
"You're an actor, why do you have such strong opinions about the editing?"
"Because I believe that acting is not just about what you present in front of the camera, but also part of the entire narrative."
"If the structure is wrong, even the best performance will be diminished."
The judges exchanged glances.
Next is the Q&A session.
The question is very technical: Why choose black and white photography?
What is the design intent behind the lighting and shadows in certain scenes?
Is the character's motivation adequately established?
Considerations for editing rhythm?
Lee So-yeon answered them one by one.
Chen Xun added some points.
The entire process lasted forty minutes.
Finally, the review committee held a closed-door discussion.
Chen Xun, Li Suyan, and the others waited in the corridor, and time seemed to pass by unusually slowly.
Twenty minutes later.
The door opened.
Professor White stepped forward with a smile: "The committee unanimously approved."
"The Last Roll of Film will receive an official recommendation from the USC School of Cinematic Arts for this year's Student Academy Awards."
Lee So-yeon covered her mouth, tears welling up instantly.
Chen Xun breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the weight off his shoulders.
"but----"
Professor White looked at Chen Xun: "Mr. Chen Xun, the committee has reservations about your editing choices."
"They think it's bold, but also risky. The final result depends on the judges' opinion."
"I see!"
Chen Xun nodded: "Thank you for your and the committee's recognition."
It was nearly dusk when I left the college building.
Still excited, Lee So-yeon grabbed Chen Xun's arm: "Oppa, we passed! We really passed!"
"Just the first step."
Chen Xun said, "The competition will be even fiercer next, with the best student works from all over the United States and even the world participating."
But he knew it in his heart.
With the guidance of the industry trend prediction function, this film is at least on the right track.
A 60% accuracy rate isn't high, but in Hollywood, sometimes a little bit of foresight is the key to victory.
The anxiety began the day after Lee So-yeon sent out her competition materials.
"Oppa, do you think they'll actually watch it?"
She asked the question for the third time: "With thousands of films released every year, won't our film get lost in the crowd?"
Chen Xun was reading the outline of the script for "La La Land" sent by Robert when he heard this. He looked up and said, "I'll read it carefully, but I don't know how long I'll be able to."
"So the first three minutes are crucial; your film needs to grab the judges' attention within the first three minutes."
This is the reality of the Student Oscars selection process.
The first round of initial screening was conducted by staff and a technical team from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The main focus is on reviewing basic qualifications.
The video must be no longer than 40 minutes, primarily in English or with English subtitles, the director must be a full-time student, and the work must have been completed within one year prior to the competition.
"The Last Roll of Film" meets all of these stringent standards.
"I'm a little worried about the technical review process."
Lee So-yeon bit her lip: "Our audio has slight background noise in some scenes. Although the mixing engineer said it's within a reasonable range, what if the judges are particularly picky—"
"That's beyond our control."
Chen Xun put down his phone: "What you need to do now is not to worry about what you've already submitted, but to think about the next step."
"If we make it to the semifinals, how should we promote it?"
"If it's not nominated, which film festival will it go to next?"
Lee So-yeon paused, then said, "I—I didn't think that far ahead."
Just then, text appeared in front of Chen Xun:
[The host was detected to be deeply involved in the independent film "The Last Roll of Film" and to be pushing it to participate in high-profile award competitions.]
[Triggering a Long-Term Task Chain: The Path to Independent Filmmaking]
[Task Description: During your acting career, complete the filming and performance of ten independent films, and ensure that each film wins at least one internationally recognized film award (including but not limited to: Oscars, Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Sundance, Student Oscars, etc.)]
[Task Reward: For each winning entry completed, you will obtain a character in its perfect state.]
[Reward Description: You can fully immerse yourself in the character and achieve a perfect portrayal of the role.]
Current progress: 0/10
[Special Note: This is a long-term mission with no time limit, but each film must be an independent film in which the host stars and is deeply involved.]
Chen Xun looked at the words on the panel, his heart beating slightly faster.
Ten award-winning independent films.
This goal sounds almost insane.
-
Many actors go through a lifetime without winning a single major award, while he won awards for all ten of his films.
But the rewards are equally enticing!
This means he can break through any performance barriers.
He can be that role whenever he wants.
This is practically the ultimate cheat code for actors.
"Oppa?"
Lee Soo-yeon's voice pulled him back to reality: "What's wrong with you? You're spacing out again."
"fine."
Chen Xun took a deep breath: "I was just thinking that the path of independent films might be more interesting than I imagined."
My phone vibrated.
It's Robert.
"Chen, have you read the script outline?"
Robert got straight to the point.
"Just finished watching it."
Chen Xun said, "Is Damien Chazelle, the director of 'La La Land,' the one who directed 'Whiplash'?"
"Yes, that's him!"
Rob's voice was filled with excitement: "Chazelle started preparing for this project after he finished writing 'Whiplash,' but musicals are a high-risk genre in Hollywood, and it took a long time to raise investment."
"It's finally settled!"
"What role does he want me to play?"
Chen asked.
"The male lead, Sebastian."
"A stubborn jazz pianist dreams of opening a pure jazz club, but is forced to compromise under the pressure of reality."
"This role requires the actor to have a background in piano. Do you have any?"
"I know a little, but it's far from professional."
Chen Xun spoke the truth.
He had taken elective piano lessons during his classes, but he was at most an amateur.
"Didn't you use the art team from Whiplash?"
"The team raved about you, so the director said this role was perfect for you!"
Chen Xun remained silent.
What a coincidence!
He has just embarked on the mission of making independent films.
La La Land, a mid-budget, auteur-driven musical, perfectly fits the definition of an independent film.
Moreover, if history hadn't followed the same trajectory, this film would have been a huge success at the Oscars.
"Send me the full script to take a look."
The video Rob released earlier was just a demo; the full version will be provided after he confirms his participation.
When is the audition scheduled?
"Next Wednesday!"
"Okay, let's arrange a meeting."
Chen Xun said, "But I have one condition: if I take on this film, I need real piano training. I can't rely on a hand double for the whole thing. I need to play the piano myself in at least a few scenes."
"That shouldn't be a problem. Chazelle wanted the actors to be as realistic as possible."
Robert paused for a moment: "But Chen, I have to remind you that the filming period for 'La La Land' is about three months, and the pay won't be too high. Chazelle's team is keeping the budget under control."
"Moreover, musicals are very risky in the current market environment."
"I know!"
"But I was just thinking, maybe I should take on something different."
If you don't complete the tasks, the rewards will be wasted!
Chen Xun hung up the phone.
Lee So-yeon asked curiously, "A new project?"
"A musical."
Chen Xun said briefly, "The director is the one who directed 'Whiplash'."
"Wow! That movie is so cool!"
Lee So-yeon's eyes lit up: "So, Oppa, you're going back to making commercial films?"
"It's not a purely commercial film; it's more of an independent film."
Chen Xun corrected, "The budget wasn't high, and the genre was niche, but the director had a lot of ideas."
He looked at the "0/10" progress on the system panel.
If "The Last Roll of Film" and "La La Land" both win awards, then the progress will be 2/10!
A week later.
Chen Xun met Damien Chazelle at a jazz bar in West Los Angeles.
The director himself was younger than Chen Xun had imagined, only in his early thirties, wearing black-rimmed glasses, simple jeans, and a plaid shirt.
He looks more like a graduate student than an Oscar-nominated director.
"Thank you for coming!"
Chazelle's handshake was firm.
Chazelle ordered two glasses of whiskey, then pushed the entire script in front of Chen Xun: "Read the script first, then we'll talk."