boyutpedia Chapter 162 Filming the Eagle Shooting
Chapter 162 Filming the Eagle Shooting
Mr. Shao's black sedan smoothly glided into the gate of TVB. The driver quickly got out of the car, respectfully opened the back door, and Mr. Shao got out of the car expressionlessly.
Accompanying him down the stairs was his assistant, who was carrying a folder containing the film and television adaptation contract that he had just signed with Mr. Jin Yong.
As Mr. Shao entered the television station building, he was greeted by the sweet voice of the receptionist. He simply nodded and walked straight toward the elevator without stopping.
In the office area, many employees were busy with their work, their heads down, amidst the clicking of typewriters, the ringing of telephones, and the hushed conversations between colleagues.
Someone caught a glimpse of Mr. Shao and instinctively wanted to go up and greet him, but seeing his hurried steps and solemn expression, they swallowed their words and just muttered to themselves.
Mr. Shao's office was on the top floor, and his assistant opened the door for him.
He then carefully placed the documents on the large mahogany desk before leaving.
Mr. Shao loosened his tie, let out a long sigh of relief, sat down behind his desk, looked at the contract, and couldn't help but smile slightly.
What does this contract mean for TVB? A good work is the foundation for establishing a foothold, and Jin Yong's martial arts novels are undoubtedly an inexhaustible treasure trove.
He was basking in this joy when there was a gentle knock on the office door. Entering was another secretary, a capable and meticulous young woman.
"Mr. Shao, this is your work schedule for this afternoon and tomorrow. I've prepared it."
The secretary placed the folder on the table, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the file, a hint of curiosity flashing in her eyes.
Mr. Shao looked up at him, in a good mood, and smiled as he pointed to the document, saying:
"Here are the film and television adaptation contracts I signed with Mr. Jin Yong, including 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' and 'The Eight Legions of the Sky.' TVB can use them to make TV series in the future."
Upon hearing this, the secretary was first stunned, then an expression of disbelief appeared on her face, and her voice trembled slightly: "Mr. Shao, you...you really signed the copyright for Mr. Jin Yong's works?"
"Absolutely true." Mr. Shao nodded.
"Okay, you can go now. While you're at it, spread the word so everyone can be happy too." Mr. Shao waved his hand, his tone relaxed.
The secretary acknowledged and withdrew, his steps much lighter than when he arrived. He had barely stepped out of Mr. Shao's office when he eagerly shared the news with several colleagues who also worked on the top floor.
The news spread like wildfire throughout the television station building at an astonishing speed.
"Have you heard? Mr. Shao has signed the rights to Mr. Jin Yong's novels!"
"Really? Jin Yong's novels? Those were the same ones that were wildly popular in Hong Kong, just like Lin Zhou's!"
"How could it be false? Mr. Shao's secretary said it himself, there's no mistake!"
In an instant, the previously somewhat dull office erupted in excitement. Everyone put down their work and gathered in twos and threes, excitedly discussing this major news.
"That's great! With Mr. Jin Yong's novels as a foundation, our station's ratings will definitely reach new heights! We'll reclaim the ratings that were stolen by 'A Step into the Past'."
"Absolutely! We were worried about the topic for our next drama series. For a while now, we've been completely overshadowed by Zhonghua TV, but we don't have to worry about that at all!"
"I've been looking forward to filming a martial arts drama based on Mr. Jin Yong's works for a long time. Those heroes and heroines of the martial arts world, those chivalrous deeds and vengeance—just thinking about it is exhilarating!"
Previously, the entire TVB was in a tense atmosphere because of Lin Zhou's broadcast of "A Step into the Past". Everyone was on edge, working cautiously for fear of making any mistakes.
At this moment, as this good news spread, the tense atmosphere that had permeated the station instantly dissipated.
Everyone's faces lit up with long-lost smiles, their voices became louder, and even their gait exuded a sense of triumph.
Within half an hour of the news spreading, everyone at the television station knew about it.
Even the security guards at the gate couldn't help but huddle together and chat about the heroic figures in Mr. Jin Yong's novels when they changed shifts.
Mr. Shao sat in his office, listening to the faint laughter coming from downstairs. Morale was high, and this was the perfect opportunity to move forward with the next phase of work.
He picked up the phone on the table and ordered in a deep voice, "Send word to the production department, directing team, screenwriting department, and the directors and managers of the marketing department to have a meeting in the main conference room in half an hour."
The secretary on the other end of the phone quickly agreed and promptly relayed the notification.
Half an hour later, the conference room was packed. Several key members of TVB were all present.
Everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation, their eyes fixed intently on Mr. Shao, who sat in the main seat.
On the long table in the conference room, there were several plates of exquisite snacks and tea, but no one paid any attention to them.
The people whispered among themselves, discussing the newly signed contract.
"Mr. Shao called us all here, surely to discuss which novel to adapt into a film?"
"I bet it's 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes,' Guo Jing and Huang Rong are such a classic!"
"I actually think 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' is pretty good. It has a lot of characters and a great storyline. It would definitely be a hit if it were adapted into a TV series!"
Just as everyone was discussing this, Mr. Shao walked in slowly.
The meeting room fell silent instantly, and everyone stood up to greet him.
"Please sit down." Mr. Shao waved his hand, walked to the head seat, placed the file bag on the table, and glanced at everyone. "The purpose of calling everyone here today is very clear."
Next, TVB is going to start filming its first Jin Yong martial arts drama. Today's meeting is to decide which one to film first.
He paused for a moment, then continued, "Every one of Mr. Jin Yong's works is a classic, but since this is our first time preparing to film large-scale scenes in mainland China, we have to take it one step at a time."
I've shortlisted two books: *The Legend of the Condor Heroes* and *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils*. Everyone, please share your thoughts.
Mr. Shao had barely finished speaking when the marketing director spoke first. He adjusted his glasses and said:
"Mr. Shao, let me share the marketing department's perspective. The storyline of 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' is clear, and the characters are vividly portrayed. Guo Jing's chivalry and Huang Rong's cleverness are almost household names."
Moreover, this novel has a wide audience, ranging from the very elderly to young children, all of whom can understand and enjoy it.
The production manager immediately chimed in:
"The marketing department makes a good point. From a production perspective, the scenes in 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' are relatively concentrated, with most of the story taking place in the martial arts world. Whether it's the desert scenery or the misty rain of Jiangnan, it's relatively easy to recreate them."
As for "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils", there are too many characters and three main storylines running in parallel, making it very difficult to film. In addition, it requires a large number of actors, which will significantly increase the cost.
"Since this is our first time filming a Jin Yong adaptation, it's better to play it safe."
A senior director from the directing team also spoke up.
"I support filming 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes' first. The most crucial element of a martial arts drama is the word 'chivalry'."
Guo Jing is one of the most representative heroes in Jin Yong's works. His growth from an ignorant boy to a great hero who serves his country and people is a very moving arc.
If Guo Jing is portrayed well, the series is already halfway to success. Moreover, the character of Huang Rong is clever, lively, and adorable, making her easy for the audience to like.
In contrast, *Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils* has a heavier tone. Qiao Feng's tragic fate, Duan Yu's infatuation, and Xu Zhu's extraordinary adventures, while captivating, might be somewhat difficult for viewers new to Jin Yong's martial arts novels to digest.
Some people have also raised different opinions. The manager of the scriptwriting department pondered and said, "The literary quality of 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' is actually stronger, and the characters are more complex. If it is filmed well, it will definitely be an epic work."
Moreover, audiences today are becoming increasingly discerning; they may prefer stories with more depth.
No sooner had he finished speaking than someone retorted, "That's true, but we have to consider the actual situation."
TVB had previously only filmed in studios, and had almost no experience filming on location in mainland China.
If you start by tackling something like "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," it's easy to fail. It's better to start with "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," accumulate experience, hone the team, and then film "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" when the time is right.
Mr. Shao cleared his throat and slowly began to speak: "I have heard everyone's opinions. They all make a lot of sense. 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' is indeed a good work, but as everyone has said, it is too difficult to film and is not suitable as our first Jin Yong martial arts drama."
He paused, then said with unwavering resolve, "I've decided that TVB's first adaptation of a Jin Yong martial arts novel will be 'The Legend of the Condor Heroes'!"