Born from China's first strange book "The Classic of Mountains and Seas", this book not only inherits the excellent characteristics of ancient Chinese fantasy works, but also draws on the strengths of others, integrating mythology, magic, martial arts, romance, geography, humanities, and ancient history, and reproducing the flood era of the origin of Chinese civilization with epic brushstrokes, and reconstructing the magnificent and magnificent Chinese mythology. If you want to talk about epic spirit, this one should be the first, what kind of effect will it be to remake this story into a movie, Lin Mu had thought of this problem when he came into contact with this in his previous life. Now that the idea popped up, Lin Mu felt that this was an opportunity. This kind of fantasy of the new generation is different from the traditional classical fairy tales, because most of the people who create these works are young people who have grown up with a new cultural education, so the content of this kind is also mostly novel and easy to understand. As soon as this thought popped up, Lin Mu could no longer contain the excitement in his heart, such a story was something that both he and Tsui Hark could accept at the same time. But the biggest problem in front of Lin Mu is that although the author of this work has not yet started to write this work, he should already have an idea for this story now. If this story is put on the screen in advance, Lin Mu is most worried about the crash. In order to solve this problem, Lin Mu personally went to Shanghai. This is a work that he liked very much in his previous life, so he also knows a lot about the basic information of the original author. He believes that with his own memory, it should not be difficult to find the original author. But the result was completely unexpected, he used a lot of manpower and material resources, almost searched Beijing and Shanghai, but there was no trace of the author at all, and the information provided by his memory could not be wrong, so there was only one possibility left: in this world, the writer did not exist at all. In the end, he had to give up his efforts to find the author of the original work, and without the worry of crashing, Lin Mu began to adapt the whole story. The prototypes of the eight deletions of the script are basically taken from the characters in the original book, but in the whole plot, Lin Mu has made great adjustments to the original work. In the original plot, the relationships between the characters are too complicated. The intrigues behind the incident are endless. This is a common practice for building suspense and adding mystery and readability to the plot. But such a plot setting is not conducive to the performance of the movie. Like the adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings", Lin Mu must extract a main line from the complex plot and simplify the trivial plots, which tests Lin Mu's understanding of the original book and his ability to adapt the story. This successfully integrates many ancient Chinese myths and legends into the plot, such as Shennong tasting a hundred herbs and the battle of Yanhuang, which are all involved in the plot. When adapting, Lin Mu must also take these things into account, because the myths of Zhuo Jing's ancient times are a kind of cultural heritage, and the performance of these stories in the film is also a kind of promotion of Chinese culture and history. In terms of sorting out the relationship between the characters, Lin Mu first adjusted the relationship between the male protagonist and many female protagonists, except for movies like 007 that are specifically based on ambiguity and affection, in other movies, it is rare to have multiple heroines. There are many confidantes in the male protagonist, Lin Mu finally only selected the dragon girl Yu Shi concubine, and the holy girl of the Zaimu clan became the spiritual mentor of the protagonist, and the relationship with him has also changed from a lover to a kind of warmth between sisters and brothers. As for some of the other female characters in the middle of the game, Lin Mu has made adjustments. The women can hold the male protagonist with the stars. But in the movie, these characters should have more of their own independent personalities and thoughts. This is also the difference from the form of cinematic expression. Some of the characters are too facial. In order to create an epic grandeur in the film, Lin Mu has turned many characters into part of the plot rather than just a foil for the protagonist. In addition to the finishing of the original love lines. Lin Mu also focuses on strengthening the main line of friendship in the plot, because the friendship between men is a theme that many epic movies are happy to express. And the biggest adjustment of the whole plot. It is Lin Mu who simplifies all the intrigues and tricks lurking in many plots. Such a plot is a suspense setting, but the movie needs a very straightforward way of expression. Many Chinese films in later generations have fallen into a misunderstanding on this issue, and the directors and screenwriters of the films think that burying those intrigues into the plot can make commercial films more in-depth. I am also more able to show my level. As everyone knows, this has become a failure of the plot, and the audience will only feel that you are playing tricks after watching the film. Especially in epic movies, good and evil are clearly distinguished, and the kind of plot in which the good guys become bad guys and bad guys become good guys in the end is definitely a failure if it appears in this kind of movie. From the beginning of Shennong's death and the chaos in the world to the battle of Yanhuang and the unification of the world, Lin Mu absorbed the unique creativity of the original book, and finally wrote a story of his own. The script, called "The Classic of Mountains and Seas", was finally divided into three parts by Lin Mu, and his intention in doing so was obvious, because Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" was also divided into three parts, and Lin Mu wanted to see whether Western fantasy classics were more attractive to the audience, or Eastern myths and legends were more able to attract the audience's attention. Lin Mu here is busy writing a new script, while Tsui Hark has nothing to do all day. Since being rejected by Lin Mu again, he has been closed all day, and the management of the film studio has been lost to his wife Shi Nansheng. During this period, many production companies came to him with scripts, but he didn't even read them and retreated, and he didn't have the heart to make any movies during this time. On this day, Shi Nansheng returned home early before it was time to get off work, and at this time, Tsui Hark had just woken up from a nap, "Why did you come back so early today?" "I just received a script, and I thought you might be interested, so I sent it to you," Shi Nansheng explained to Tsui Hark as he raised the folder he was holding. Didn't I already say that I won't take films during this time! Tsui Hark interrupted Shi Nansheng's words impatiently, "If someone sends the script over in the future, you can just refuse directly." I don't have to bring it to my house again, I'm upset when I see this thing now! ”

I think you'd better take a look at this script! Shi Nansheng solemnly sent the script to Tsui Hark.

"Didn't I say it, I'm not in the mood to make a movie lately!" Tsui Hark was a little angry, he didn't understand how his wife, who had always been gentle and virtuous, couldn't get along with him in this matter.

"This script was just sent by Chairman Lin from the United States, if you really don't want to read it, then I'll just return it!" As he spoke, Shi Nansheng prepared the script to be placed in front of Tsui Hark.

"Wait, the script you said was sent by Lin Mu?" Lin Mu's name is indeed customary, and Tsui Hark immediately came to his senses when he heard it.

"You'd better see for yourself! It's going to suffocate you these days! Shi Nansheng glanced at her husband with disgust, and she was also surprised after receiving the script sent by Lin Mu. Because of the disagreement between the two on the issue of whether to shoot "The Legend of the Swordsman of Shushan", there was a big rift in the relationship between the two sides, which has always been friendly and tacit, and Lin Mu sent a script at this time, and its intention was indeed a little incomprehensible.

Doubts are doubts, Shi Nansheng still rushed back as soon as she received the script, she knew that this script was of great significance to Tsui Hark now, and this might be an opportunity for the two to get back together and work together again.

Tsui Hark didn't say a word and opened the script. At first, the expression on his face was solemn. Then he slowly stretched, and saw that at the end he had a big smile on his face. After reading the script. Tsui Hark let out a long sigh of relief, and his series of expression changes made Shi Nansheng, who was sitting on the side, also curious, "Did Lin Mu provide you with a better script?" ”

Although he hadn't read the script before, Shi Nansheng, who knew Tsui Hark's temper well, knew that the only thing his husband cared about during this time was the filming of "The Legend of the Swordsman of Shushan", and Lin Mu probably felt that the script provided by Tsui Hark was not very suitable. So he wrote a script again according to his own ideas. Apart from this possibility, Shi Nansheng couldn't think of any more suitable reason to make Tsui Hark have such an expression on his face.

"This script is more than good!" Tsui Hark exclaimed softly. Because of his unique style, the films he directed won the title of "Xu Lao Wei" in the Hong Kong film circle, and few people in Hong Kong can compare with him in terms of whimsy.

But after reading this script, Tsui Hark really served Lin Mu. Anyway, he himself would never have come up with such a brilliant idea, nor could he write a magnificent and magical script with such a plot.

"The script has been rewritten, so Chairman Lin Mu agrees with your idea of filming "The Legend of the Swordsman of Shushan"? . Shi Nansheng asked with a happy face.

Tsui Hark looked at Shi Nansheng with a puzzled expression, he thought that his wife might have misunderstood his netizen words, "This script has nothing to do with "The Legend of the Swordsman of Shushan", this script written by Lin Mu tells the mythological stories that happened in ancient China. But his idea is really good, if he can really present everything written in his script, I have no doubt that this movie will cause a global sensation, even more sensation than "A Chinese Ghost Story: A Lost World"! Tsui Hark said excitedly.

"And what about your previous script?" Shi Nansheng cautiously mentioned this issue.

"Compared to this script, my previous idea was that I could put it back for a while." Tsui Hark said indifferently, although he didn't plan to give up his long-standing dream, it was obvious that Lin Mu's script was more attractive to him. "Inform Assistant Liu and ask him to book a ticket to the United States for me immediately. Regarding the filming of this script, I want to talk to Lin Mu in person! ”

"Do you want to give Chairman Lin a reply first?" The careful Shi Nansheng thought of another question.

"Well, this matter is up to Mrs. Lao, you can handle it immediately, and I'll go get a visa." Tsui Hark, who had been closed for more than two weeks, finally couldn't sit still at this time, he was now desperate to see Lin Mu, and he was eager to get an investment from Paramount immediately. From the moment he saw the script, he was confident in the film's prospects.

Tsui Hark is not the only one who has confidence in this movie, Lin Mu knows that Tsui Hark will definitely come to the United States in person after reading the script. When he estimated that Tsui Hark should almost receive the script, Lin Mu was ready to receive Tsui Hark, he knew that this script had a reason for Tsui Hark to refuse, and Tsui Hark did not disappoint him either.

"If Chairman Lin had been born in Xiangjiang, it is estimated that he would not have me." I have to give you the name." Tsui Hark got off the plane and went straight to Paramount's headquarters without even taking a break. It could be seen that he was in a good mood now, so he joked with Lin Mu as soon as they met.

Although Lin Mu himself has made significant changes to the plot, the main creative idea of this script still comes from the original author; So Tsui Hark's praise did not make Lin Mu complacent. "Director Xu has traveled thousands of miles from the United States. Isn't it just to compliment me? Lin Mu said suspiciously.

"I've already read the script sent by Chairman Lin, and I won't say anything more, in fact, I only have one purpose for coming here this time!" In front of Lin Mu, Tsui Hark didn't have too many concerns, and directly said what he thought in his heart: "How much shooting budget can I get?" ”

He had long known that Xu Hark would come, and knew that he must have come to ask for money, so Lin Mu had already prepared everything. "In the Lord of the Rings trilogy, I promised Peter and Jackson no less than $100 million in the production of Sword and Soul. My idea for this "Classic of Mountains and Seas" is also to make three films, and the total investment will not be less than "The Lord of the Rings", my idea is to make this movie an oriental version of "The Lord of the Rings"! ”

"Then the two films were released in the same year and competed in the international film market." What Lin Mu wanted to say next was that Tsui Hark had already done it for him, and Lin Mu's thoughts coincided with Tsui Hark.

"When will I get the money?" Tsui Hark is already very satisfied with this cost investment, and now he is more concerned about when the film can start preparation, and he is now gearing up and eager to get the money immediately. Then go back to Hong Kong to recruit troops and do a big job.

"Money is not a problem, as long as you come up with a complete shooting plan and get the approval of the company's board of directors, the upfront investment will be available immediately!"

Tsui Hark knew that what Lin Mu wanted was just his own shooting plan, and the board of directors approved it was just a symbolic formality, but whenever Lin Mu wanted to make a movie, Paramount's board of directors would definitely not raise any objections, which movie Lin Mu fancied was not a lot of money in the end, which made all the company directors' trust in him to a kind of blind point.

"I think that's what you want!" Tsui Hark took out a plan from his briefcase, and although he came in a hurry this time, the preparation was not sloppy at all. All expenses must have a clear penalty calculation. This is the first step to getting investment from Hollywood studios, and Tsui Hark, who has already worked with Paramount, is naturally familiar with these things. On the way here, he had everything ready.

After taking the plan handed over by Tsui Hark, Lin Mu was not in a hurry to look through it. It's not like reading a script. You can browse quickly, what you see is just a feeling, such a document, it takes a lot of time to read it carefully and carefully, and in this regard, Lin Mu did not have the slightest slack because Tsui Hark was very familiar with him. This plan is not only for him to read, but also for the company's special person in charge for review. They then propose changes before they can be implemented into the terms of the contract.

"What do you think about special effects?" There will be a lot of strange beasts in the film, which poses a big challenge to the special effects production of the film, Lin Mu asked. I also want to see how well Tsui Hark knows the script.

"Hollywood's level of special effects production should be able to provide enough technical support for this film!" The production of the film "A Chinese Ghost Story: A Love Affair in Another World" gave Tsui Hark a comprehensive understanding of Hollywood special effects technology. Hollywood could have made a lifelike dinosaur eight years ago. Then there should be no problem in making all kinds of exotic beasts in the film now.

"I don't mean technical issues. Do you think Hollywood special effects designers can make visual looks with oriental characteristics? ”

Lin Mu's words reminded Tsui Hark that this problem he had encountered during the production of the film "A Chinese Ghost Story: A Love Affair in Another World", and Hollywood special effects crews who have no foundation in Chinese culture will always have some deviations from Tsui Hark's own ideas in terms of design concepts. "What do you mean?"

"Compositing is still done by Hollywood. But the styling needs to be done by local Chinese designers. I've already exchanged views with ILM's Lucas on this issue, and he agrees in principle with my idea of a collaboration! ”

"So what do I need to do?" Tsui Hark asked.

"You should be no stranger to this kind of talent in the Hong Kong film industry, of course, don't just look at Hong Kong, if possible, you can also invite some mainland designers to participate." Lin Mu's arrangement actually makes the film present an original oriental character as much as possible.

"When it comes to art, Japanese designers are also very thoughtful!" Tsui Hark mentioned such a suggestion. At the beginning, the cartoon "Xiaoqian" was completed in cooperation with Japan.

"Japanese culture is still more influenced by Chinese culture. Since their culture is all derived from China, why should we give up on the basics? Since we are filming Chinese mythological stories, it is important to reflect our own cultural characteristics! Lin Mu did not hesitate to reject Tsui Hark's proposal.