Chapter 6, Finalizing the Film
Later, people and the United States government searched for them, deploying helicopters and even satellites, but found not a single clue. People had no choice but to abandon the search efforts
After chatting for a while, the two agreed on the plans for the next day and bid each other good night. Wang Yang took a shower, brushed his teeth, and then collapsed onto the bed in his room. Exhausted from the day, he had long wanted to sleep, so he quickly fell asleep.
OK, no problem! Little Wang nodded with a smile.
She smiled at Wang Yang and continued, "I am currently at the café with him. Well, I will be back soon." After hanging up the phone, she shook the mobile phone in her hand and said, "I have to go home."
Jessica looked into his eyes, nodded solemnly, and said: "Yang, I believe in you, you can definitely do it!"
Both of these films are ultra-low-budget horror movies, shot entirely with DV cameras. They employ a pseudo-documentary filming technique, which poses no technical challenges, and this method was pioneered by the film "The Blair Witch Project"
He let out a sigh of relief, having been busy all day and feeling utterly famished, so he simply took out some food to eat. As he ate, he sat down on the sofa, which had several large holes in it, reflecting on the events of the day. He surprisingly felt a sense of "rebirth," as so much had happened today
Jessica's family practices Catholicism, and since her father was a soldier in the past, they have had a very strict upbringing. Wang Yang was already aware of this, and considering that it was indeed quite late, he nodded and said, "Well, let's settle the bill."
"Yang, I heard that you and Jessica have known each other since you were very young, and you promised to become a director and an actor in the future. Is that true?" another reporter asked
Jessica complained, "Yang, it's nighttime! Do you want to make me have nightmares?" As soon as she finished speaking, she laughed again and said, "That sounds quite interesting, so can I be the female lead in the movie?"
The twists of life are truly marvelous; he had completely forgotten about Jessica Alba, yet today he unexpectedly reunited with her. Furthermore, after being struck by a BB car, he miraculously glimpsed a future film
Wang Yang chose "Paranormal Activity" almost without consideration for several reasons. "The Blair Witch Project" is set to be released next year, which means it may have already been filmed; even if it hasn't, there is a risk of a clash later on. In contrast, "Paranormal Activity" will not be released until 2009, eliminating any concerns about competition. Most importantly, he currently has only 10,000 US dollars at his disposal
Oh, I see... Despite being praised by Wang Yang, Jessica's tone was filled with regret as she said, "Then I can always lend a hand, right?"
... ...
The film "The Blair Witch Project" had a production cost of only 60,000 USD. It roughly tells the story of three film students who, in October 1994, arrived in Burkittsville with a DV camera to investigate the local legend of the Blair Witch. In search of the Blair Witch, they ventured into the Black Hills near the town, but soon after, they disappeared
"Lingdong - Ghost Shadow Chronicles ... ... Lingdong - Ghost Shadow Chronicles ... ..." Wang Yang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, muttering to himself. Although he had not watched many horror films, he dared to say that this one was definitely good. He looked around the house; with a little renovation, wouldn't it just be a scene from the movie? The shots in the film were not difficult, and of course, he could shoot them ... ... He looked around the house again; with a little renovation, wouldn't it just be a scene from the movie? The shots in the film were not difficult, and of course, he could shoot them ... ...
Wang Yang pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No, Jessica, you are not suitable for this role. I need a woman who looks to be around twenty-five years old; you are too young. Moreover..." He joked, "You are too beautiful, which would distract the audience and prevent them from feeling the thrill."
In the classroom, only a few lazy claps echoed sparsely, and the naughty boy Peter even let out a hiss. The teacher ignored him and said, "Now, Jessica, please introduce yourself."
This is the story of "The Blair Witch Project". During its promotional campaign, the film claimed to be adapted from a certain copy, suggesting that it was based on a true story, but in reality, it is merely a work of fiction.
Jessica bent down and got into the car, made a gesture as if to make a phone call, and smiled, saying: "Stay in touch! I'm leaving, goodbye!"
"It's very simple, I am shooting a DV film." Wang Yang smiled as he revealed the mystery. DV film is a newly emerging form of filmmaking that utilizes digital characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive film stock and large production teams, thus providing many young individuals like Wang Yang, who lack funding, with the opportunity to showcase their talents. He confidently stated, "I haven't finalized the script for the film yet, but I already have some ideas."
Then you must take good care of it Jessica also smiled sweetly
Wang Yang smiled and said, "So am I"
Little Jessica walked down with her head lowered, timidly taking her seat. She quietly placed her textbooks and other items into the drawer, only to notice that the person next to her, named Wang Yang, was grinning and staring at her. This made her feel even more uneasy
In her dream, she returned to the second grade of elementary school. On that day, she arrived at a new school and, under the guidance of the teacher, entered the classroom. Although it was early in the morning, the classroom was almost filled with classmates.
Thus, a large number of films disappeared, leaving only a few. He began to examine them carefully, among which two were most suitable for his current situation. The first was "The Blair Witch Project," and the second was "Paranormal Activity."
Well, since God has given him this gift, he must seize it well; he cannot let himself drift along with the current! Wang Yang finished a sandwich in a few bites, leaned comfortably against the sofa, closed his eyes, and slowly entered the movie library of https://www.hetushu.com.
As the two of them exited the café, Wang Yang hailed a taxi for Jessica. Jessica leaned against the car door and said softly to Wang Yang, "Yang, I am really happy today. Thank God for allowing me to see you, such a good friend, once again"
A year later, several students went on an adventure to the Black Mountain Forest. In a very secluded cabin in the woods, they discovered a package containing the diary of one of the previously missing students, Haz, as well as a pre-edited film copy that documented all the terrifying events that occurred when Haz and the other two went missing a year ago
Goodbye! Wang Yang waved his hand, watching the taxi depart
The call was quickly connected, and Wang Yang immediately heard Jessica's voice saying, "Hello." Wang Yang promptly replied, "Jessica, it's me, Yang. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
However, this method of promotion, along with the filmmaking techniques of pseudo-documentaries, has opened up a new frontier. If all goes as expected, "The Blair Witch Project" will be released next year, subsequently grossing $140 million in North America, along with $108 million overseas, totaling a remarkable global box office of $248 million! Now, considering its production cost of $60,000
"Are you investing yourself?" Jessica was taken aback. In her impression, making a film, even a low-budget independent one, would require hundreds of thousands or even millions, right? She remembered that Wang Yang's family owned a restaurant and was not particularly wealthy, so where would he find the money to shoot the film? With this doubt, she asked, "Yang, could you tell me how much your budget is?"
Jessica was once again taken aback, "Ten thousand dollars? How much film can that buy? How long of a movie can that shoot?" She said in confusion, "Yang, you’re not joking, are you? How can ten thousand dollars make a movie?"
"Hmm, I am free now." Jessica then resumed her laughter
Having confirmed the film he was going to shoot, Wang Yang suddenly felt a surge of excitement coursing through him. He eagerly paced around the house, wanting to share this news with someone! He then thought of Jessica, took out the piece of paper with her phone number on it, and dialed her number.
The teacher shot Peter a stern look and said, "Peter, interrupting others while they are speaking is very impolite! Do you understand?" The teacher then asked Jessica, "Jessica, do you have anything else to say to everyone?" Jessica quickly shook her head vigorously. The teacher continued, "Alright, then Jessica, where should I have you sit?" He scanned the students below, but whoever he looked at, that child turned their head away, showing a clear unwillingness. Only Wang Yang, who was sitting at the back, did not turn his head. The teacher then said, "In that case, Jessica, you can sit next to Wang Yang. Yang, you need to take care of Jessica a little!"
Jessica did not say a word from beginning to end; she simply listened quietly as Wang Yang spoke incessantly. Gradually, her body relaxed along with the *illustration*, and her inner unease diminished more and more
"I like dogs, haha..." At this moment, Peter below burst into laughter, making Jessica hesitate to continue speaking. She felt completely uncomfortable, as if everyone in the audience was mocking her, ridiculing her buck teeth, her braces, her accent
Oh, is it so soon? Can you tell me about it? Jessica also said excitedly
Another film, "Paranormal Activity," tells the story of a young couple who move into a new home, a large house in the suburbs. However, it seems that something unclean exists within the house, as various supernatural phenomena frequently occur, accompanied by sounds that seem to come from nowhere. The couple decides to use a camera to replace their sleeping selves in order to see what is truly happening in the house. They install cameras in various corners of the house, hoping to capture evidence of ghosts. However, this decision leads them to a terrifying fate.
Yang, do you have a mobile phone? Here is my mobile number, and here is my MSN number... Jessica took out a piece of paper and a pen from her bag, quickly wrote down her mobile number and MSN number, and then pushed the paper and pen towards Wang Yang.
After returning to the previous cinema to retrieve his cardboard box, Wang Yang took the bus home. The place where he currently resides is a relatively remote and underdeveloped community in Los Angeles. The apartment building is quite old and dilapidated, with iron stairs covered in rust, and the corridors are filled with boxes of miscellaneous items. Despite its worn condition, the rent is affordable, only eight hundred per month, and the security is also quite good
"Oh, no, no..." Jessica quickly denied, her expression serious as she said, "Yang, I absolutely support you in making a film, and I want to offer you any help I can! Good friends should help each other, right? But your plan..." She furrowed her brows and shook her head, saying, "I just can't understand how you can make a film with ten thousand dollars. Maybe I just don't have that concept in my mind."
"Jessica, Jessica, look this way! Yang, Yang, over here, over here!" The reporters shouted, trying to attract their attention. One reporter loudly asked, "Yang, Jessica, do you think you will be the Best Director and Best Actress tonight?"
The production cost of this film, released in 2009, was even lower, at only 11,000 USD! Its box office earnings were 107 million in North America, 85 million overseas, totaling a remarkable global revenue of 193 million.
It is a horror film, roughly telling the story of a couple moving into a new home... Wang Yang recounted the story of "Paranormal Activity" and concluded: "The key is this kind of 'mockumentary' filming technique; it will be a groundbreaking innovation! All I need to do is renovate the house I currently live in, rent some furniture and appliances, even rent a DV camera, and then look for actors over in Hollywood. Haha, ten thousand dollars is enough to shoot and publish a book!" All I need to do is renovate the house I currently live in, rent some furniture and appliances, even rent a DV camera, and then look for actors over in Hollywood. Haha, ten thousand dollars is enough to shoot and publish a book!
Jessica, I want to be a director, I want to make films. I have been thinking about this since I was very young. And now, I have made my decision; I will take action, not just think about it, I want to make films! Independent films!
Ten thousand dollars is enough; it is sufficient to make a good film!" Wang Yang's expression also became serious as he said, "Jessica, trust me! You will see, but I need your support!
To her surprise, Wang Yang immediately shook his head: "No, I am not planning to seek investment. Besides, with my current resume, I wouldn't be able to attract any. So, I will invest myself!" He took a sip of the coffee that the waiter had just brought him. With a clear goal in mind, the coffee didn't taste so bitter anymore, and he smiled, saying: "I won't take on any role other than that of an actor; I will handle everything else myself. Of course, we can discuss distribution later. Right now, I don't want to think about so much; I just want to focus on making the film!"
Hearing Wang Yang assertively say this, Jessica was taken aback: "Making a movie?" Once she regained her composure, she could only think of one possibility and asked, "Do you mean to say that we should write a good script and then find investors to fund the production?"
This is my ... ... However, the place I rented has not yet installed the internet. Wang Yang took the paper and pen, wrote his mobile number and MSN number on the blank space at the bottom of the paper, then tore the paper in half and pushed the paper and pen back, saying: "Alright"
Hello, my name is Wang Yang. At this moment, Wang Yang began to introduce himself, saying with a hint of excitement: "I also like movies, and I think we will have common topics to discuss. Have you seen 'Cinema Paradiso'? Wow, that movie is truly amazing! I especially like Alfredo; he is so entertaining... Unfortunately, I never found out what film Alfredo edited, because when Toto was watching those films at the end, my mother covered my eyes and said I could only watch it when I grew up... I wonder, will I have to become a director like Toto when I grow up in order to have the right to see those films?... Unfortunately, I never found out what film Alfredo edited, because when Toto was watching those films at the end, my mother covered my eyes and said I could only watch it when I grew up... I wonder, will I have to become a director like Toto when I grow up in order to have the right to see those films? You see, Alfredo is a director, so he can watch; later, Toto became a director, and he could also watch..."
What he needs are low-cost films, the lower the cost, the better! With this thought, a number of movies came to mind, mostly comedies, but upon checking their budgets, most of them had production costs in the millions of dollars. Wang Yang couldn't help but murmur: "Lower, lower..."
The teacher clapped his hands to quiet everyone down and said: "Folks, starting today, we have a new friend among us, she is Jessica Alba, who has transferred here. Let's welcome her! Everyone, give her a round of applause!"
Jessica glanced at the number on the paper, then put it back in her bag and said happily, "So if you need any help, just let me know; and if you have decided what movie to shoot, remember to tell me. I really want to know how to make a movie with ten thousand dollars"
Thank you! Wang Yang smiled, and with the support of others, the heart that had been weighed down by heavy gloom for several days finally felt much more at ease, and this feeling was wonderful
Wang Yang revealed a mysterious smile, raised a finger, and said: "Ten thousand dollars! Jessica, my budget is only ten thousand dollars." He laughed heartily and spread his hands, saying: "That is all my fortune."
Wang Yang's rental accommodation is quite shabby; the white plaster on the walls has already peeled off, and there are only a few pieces of furniture that are nearly falling apart, with hardly any electrical appliances. As soon as he opened the door, he even saw a mouse scurry past in front of him
At that moment, a sudden ringtone echoed. Jessica said, "Excuse me," and took out her phone from her exquisite handbag to answer: "Mom? Oh, I know, I will come home for dinner. Yes, I originally planned to finish watching 'Titanic' before heading home, but guess what happened? I unexpectedly ran into a classmate from San Francisco at the cinema! Oh, he is different; he is a very good friend of mine." Yes, I originally planned to finish watching 'Titanic' before heading home, but guess what happened? I unexpectedly ran into a classmate from San Francisco at the cinema! Oh, he is different; he is a very good friend of mine.
"Alright, let me see what this movie is like..." Wang Yang selected "Paranormal Activity" and then began to "play" it in his mind. An hour and a half later, he suddenly stood up, drenched in cold sweat, took a long deep breath, and said, "Although there was a long stretch in the middle that was quite dull, the ending nearly scared me to death..."
He looked at Jessica, who still wore a face of confusion and doubt, and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Jessica, don't you believe it?"
Wang Yang exclaimed excitedly, "Jessica, I have some good news to share with you. I have already finalized what movie to shoot! I also have an idea for the script"
Meanwhile, in an upscale residential area of Los Angeles, Jessica was also sound asleep in her dreams
Upon thinking of this, Wang Yang raised his fist and shouted, "Just take it out!"
Oh, heavens! Brother Mouse, you must not eat my sandwich, that is my dinner!" Wang Yang shouted, hurriedly putting down the cardboard box and quickly walking to the equally shabby kitchen. He lifted the lid of the pot, and fortunately, the sandwich was still there
He had a dream in which he attended the annual Academy Awards ceremony. On the long red carpet, Jessica, dressed in a beautiful evening gown, was holding his hand. The two of them smiled as they walked into the award venue, while the reporters on either side of the red carpet continuously clicked their cameras, the sound of shutter clicks echoing, and the flashlights emitting dazzling light
"Alright, I will. " Wang Yang shook the paper in his hand and said with a smile, "This time, we cannot let Peter steal it."
Wang Yang was just about to respond when he suddenly noticed that the journalists and photographers were all holding DV cameras
Jessica, feeling shy and bashful for a moment, finally spoke in a soft voice: "Hello everyone, I am Jessica Alba. I like dogs, I enjoy movies..."
No, I certainly did not go to bed that early. Ha! Jessica over there started laughing, and her smile must be very sweet
Wang Yang smiled and said, "Of course, I can start working tomorrow. Do you have time to help?"