Switching the camera angle, focusing on himself, Li Yan waved his hand, revealing a somewhat unnatural smile.
"Hello, everyone. This is my first vlog. From today onwards, I will use the camera to record my life in the film and television city. Now, please allow me to give a brief self-introduction. My name is Li Yan, a recent college graduate. I've been interning at Lizhi TV Station since my junior year, working as a director's assistant. Finally, after graduating, I became a full-time employee.
But the joy of becoming a regular employee lasted only a few days, and I started to feel lost. The job was good, and the pay was decent, but was this really what I wanted?"
Switching the camera angle again, Li Yan walked along the streets of the film and television city, continuing to speak.
"On a business trip, I suddenly found my dream. I wanted to work as a director in film and television dramas. Initially, it was just an idea, but it grew stronger after becoming a full-time employee.
So, a month ago, I quit my job and brought my resume to Yao Dao, a director of film and television dramas whom I knew from work. He said they were preparing for a new drama and asked me to be his assistant. I would also help with miscellaneous tasks on set. The pay wasn't much, but it included meals and accommodation.
Of course, besides allowing me to observe and learn from him, Yao Dao also agreed to let me film vlogs with my phone, so I could practice the art of cinematography and storytelling through the lens.
The film and television city is also a tourist attraction, and I can film in places where tourists are allowed to. As for the production crew, as long as I follow the confidentiality agreement, I can still film my daily life. That's the end of this vlog..."
"Oh? Xiao Na, what are you doing here?"
Suddenly, a person appeared in Li Yan's camera, waving at him with a smile.
"Oh, Teacher Qin..."
Li Yan pressed the red "stop" button and greeted the person in front of him.
"Long time no see, Teacher Qin."
Qin Wei nodded, surprised to encounter a friend here.
"What are you doing here?"
Qin Wei was curious about why he appeared in the film and television base since he was a regular employee in the TV station. Even if there were issues with the show "Against the Wind," it wouldn't affect his job.
Li Yan scratched his head a bit embarrassedly.
"Well, I quit. Now, I'm a director's assistant and part-time production assistant.
By the way, you and I are in the same team."
"Being in the same team is great. We can take care of each other."
Qin Wei clapped her hands, but then suddenly remembered something.
"Isn't your job at the TV station a stable one? Why did you quit? What are you thinking?"
"Director Sun said..."
"Director Sun didn't quit either."
Qin Wei sighed and looked at him.
"Director Sun talked to you about pursuing your dreams as a side job. Your job at the TV station is stable... Well, never mind. Since you've quit, just do this job for now. You have my contact information. If you encounter any difficulties and need my help, feel free to reach out to me."
After saying that, Qin Wei was urged to leave by someone else. Li Yan listened to her words and couldn't help but feel moved in his heart.
In my line of work, I've come into contact with many celebrities, but I don't remember most of them. There are even fewer who have treated me as well as Teacher Qin. Last time, he insisted on paying me back for the action figure I bought for him, even though it cost a few hundred yuan. He even asked the production team for my contact information and didn't remove it after transferring the money.
Teacher Qin is truly kind-hearted, although he does have trouble remembering people's names...
...
Star Ablaze has just been approved and is currently in the midst of intense preparation. The production team will be conducting some on-location shots and collecting materials.
However, some actors are required to join the production team in advance, considering it's a period drama and their behavior and speech must align with the era. The production team has hired professional teachers to provide training for each character.
As soon as Qin Wei stepped into the studio, someone immediately came forward to greet her, calling her "Teacher Qin" and expressing words like "you've had a tough journey."
Their attitude was both good and enthusiastic, as if they were afraid of neglecting her.
"It wasn't tough."
"I'm not thirsty."
"I'm not tired. I'm in a pretty good mood..."
Qin Wei was completely bewildered and could only politely follow along until they reached the director.
After meeting with the director, producer, and others, the head of the production team arranged for her and her entourage to go to the hotel. That's where the training will begin and continue until the start of filming.
"Do we have any more tasks at the moment?"
As they stepped outside, Qin Wei asked her assistant, Li Liang.
Li Liang was diligent in her work and kept the daily schedule in mind. Whereas before, Qin Wei would have to consult the itinerary, now Li Liang could answer immediately:
"There's not much planned before dinner. After dinner, you'll meet the actor you'll be working with, and that's about it."
"Oh, the male lead?"
Qin Wei asked, suddenly calling out, "Xiao Tang!" to the person in front of her!
Li Yan, who was walking ahead, turned around and responded. With Qin Wei's distinctive voice, there was no mistaking it. Seeing the person beckoning him, he immediately ran over.
"Teacher Qin, is there anything I can do for you?"
Qin Wei nodded.
"This film set is newly built. I've been to the Republic of China Town before, but this is my first time at Damu Imperial City. Since you're planning to film a vlog, I won't get in the way or appear on camera. I'll just follow you around and explore."
The visiting hours for the imperial city have already ended, but Li Yao, the manager, readily agreed upon hearing this. He asked the others to take a break as well, no more than half an hour, and then he would take Qin Wei to the parking lot to join everyone.
Li Yan didn't object either. He filmed along the way and acted as her tour guide, introducing the scenery they passed.
"The DaMu Dynasty is thousands of years old, so there aren't many remaining relics. The wooden structures couldn't withstand numerous battles, so what's left are mostly foundations and pillars. Here, they've basically restored it based on historical records, although there's also artistic creation and embellishment. Nevertheless, the grandeur is impressive, and the resulting footage looks fantastic."
As he spoke, Li Yan led her through a long corridor and up a stone staircase, entering a massive wooden gate, and suddenly their view expanded.
"This is the plaza in front of the main hall, primarily used for shooting scenes of soldiers or other war-related scenes."
He finished speaking and pointed towards the central building.
"Compared to the unverifiable Qianzhao Dynasty in ancient historical legends, the turbulent Dixi Dynasty that lasted for seven hundred years, and the prosperous Da Mu Dynasty that spanned five hundred years, had the most profound influence on future generations."
While continuing to move forward, Li Yan ascended the steps and entered the main hall.
"There's no film crew shooting here at the moment, so it's empty inside. The feudal system was only established in the middle of the Da Mu Dynasty, and centralized power truly began in the later period. 'Star Ablaze' tells the story of the golden age of the Da Mu Dynasty, and the act of reducing feudal powers marks the beginning of the story."
...
Li Yan took her to other places in the film and television city. It was quite large, and he deliberately chose several locations that would be visited during filming, not just for the sake of his vlog, but also to introduce Qin Wei.
On one hand, it allowed Qin Wei to become familiar with the place, and on the other hand, it allowed him to keep up with Qin Wei's pace. Someday, he would surely be able to meet Director Sun. When that time came, he would definitely seek guidance from Director Sun in the professional field.
...
"It's getting late. The crew said to have dinner and meet the actor playing Star Ablaze in advance to get acquainted."
Li Yao saw that the tour was almost over and said to her.
Qin Wei didn't object and expressed her gratitude to Li Yan before leaving.
"Thank you for taking me around today. I'll treat you to milk tea later. I'm leaving now, goodbye."
Li Yan nodded and suddenly remembered the actor who played "Star Ablaze"...
He had just joined the crew this morning, and he played the role of a demonic king...
Oh, Director Sun... Take care...
