Chapter 28: Discussing the New Script, Completion of the Late Jurassic Period

Chapter 28: Discussing the New Script, Late Jurassic Completed

David Smith hung up the phone.

Reclining on the sofa at home, he held a piece of bread in one hand and his laptop in the other.

He opened his email inbox and sure enough, there was a script document.

“This Man from Earth…”

“Hiss—sounds like a sci-fi film.”

“Let’s take a look first.”

He took a bite of bread and read line by line.

“This... seems like a sitcom, with very dense dialogue.”

“Moving every ten years?”

“The protagonist is way too mysterious!”

“Is this really a role written for me?”

His expression gradually grew serious.

The script was long, filled entirely with extensive dialogue.

After more than ten minutes, he was still reading.

He had forgotten to eat the bread, his face full of shock.

“Oh my God!!”

“This guy has actually lived for 14,000 years!!”

“Heavens! This bunch of professors must have their worldviews shattered.”

“Does he think he’s Jesus?!”

“...”

The bread left in his hand slipped to the floor as his mind blanked momentarily.

It felt as if he had taken a devastating blow.

Flipping to the end, the script was unfinished.

He immediately sat up on the sofa, took a deep breath, and swallowed hard.

“This story is too captivating.”

“Wow, I’m the lead actor…”

...

This was a coffee shop.

Qin Feng ordered a latte and arrived early to wait.

He held a book titled The Art of Film Directing.

David Smith pushed open the coffee shop door.

His features were handsome and refined, his eyes dreamy, exuding a naturally melancholic aura, dressed in deep brown clothing.

Qin Feng naturally remembered him and waved.

“Mr. Smith, over here.”

David Smith saw him and walked over.

He nodded and asked, “Are you the director?”

This director seemed quite young.

Could he have written the script?

Qin Feng put the book down, stood, and they shook hands.

“Yes, my name is Qin Feng, I’m the director of this film.”

“That script…”

“The rest of it is with me, but we need to talk first.”

“Alright.”

They sat down, and Smith also ordered a latte.

The surroundings were quiet, filled with the aroma of coffee.

Qin Feng adjusted his posture, trying to relax.

“Mr. Smith, what have you been up to lately?”

“Oh… nothing much, just taking on some small roles.”

“That’s perfect. Have you finished reading the script I sent yesterday? How do you feel about it?”

“I’ve finished.”

David Smith leaned forward, his gaze burning with intensity, and said solemnly, “I have to say, this story is fantastic! I’ve never seen such an amazing script!”

“Director Qin, tell me, did you write it?”

Qin Feng smiled and nodded, “Yes.”

“Wow! You’re incredible. How did you come up with such a brilliant idea?”

“Thank you. So, does this mean you’re willing to act in it?”

“I want to express my gratitude; it’s an honor! It’s been a long time since I had a decent role!”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Smith. Just relax.”

“As you can see, it’s a low-budget drama disguised as sci-fi. I guarantee no audience has ever seen a similar film.”

“The concept is clever and thought-provoking, and the actors’ performances are crucial.”

“I can imagine, once it hits theaters, it’ll do well.”

David Smith nodded repeatedly, “I wholeheartedly agree.”

He thought for a moment. “Director Qin, where are you in the preparation process? Have you cast the other roles?”

“Just getting started. You’re the lead actor; the others haven’t been cast yet.”

“Also, Mr. Smith, my budget is tight at the moment. But as you know, this film won’t cost much.”

David Smith took a sip of coffee. “Hmm, I’ve read the script; it won’t require much money. We’ll need to rent a house and gather some props, but we can manage.”

Qin Feng smiled, “Yes.”

“Mr. Smith, what are your thoughts on the remuneration?”

David Smith paused, “It’s rare to come across such a great script, and as the lead, just pay me whatever you see fit.”

“Well, I’m planning a buyout—a one-time payment of 800,000 Meijin. Would that be acceptable?”

“What?!!”

He was startled, his hand trembling as some coffee spilled on the floor.

“800,000 Meijin? That… so much? Director Qin, didn’t you say the initial budget was tight?”

For an actor like him, 800,000 Meijin was beyond his wildest dreams.

“It is tight now, but the mid-to-late stages of the film will have funding. I have another film releasing soon. In any case, you won’t lose a single cent of your pay.”

“Oh, I see... as long as you, the director, think it’s fine, I’m willing to accept.”

“Good, let’s settle on that for now. I’ll print out a contract later.”

“You can also help me find the other actors. Their acting must be good, fame isn’t necessary… after all, apart from you, I can’t afford to pay them much.”

“I understand, Director. Don’t worry.”

...

One month later.

All the Jurassic special effects were completed.

Color grading and sound effects were also done.

The film was ready only for promotion and release.

That day, Spielberg called Qin Feng into his office.

“Qin, it’s been nearly half a year in the blink of an eye. It hasn’t been easy, but this film is finally ready to meet the audience.”

“Has the release date been set?” Qin Feng asked.

“Kennedy is working on it, trying to get it out as soon as possible.”

“The distribution department has also started contacting theaters and channels.”

“Qin, during this period, you don’t have to come every day. Just come half a day on Mondays and Fridays.”

“All right, Director.”

Spielberg took off his glasses and rubbed his brow. “When this film ends, what are your plans? Are you staying with Universal Pictures?”

Qin Feng hesitated a moment. “Probably, Director. There’s some work I still need to do here.”

He looked at Spielberg earnestly.

“But sir, you know I’ve always wanted to be an independent director. I want to become someone like you.”

“In the future, I probably won’t be your assistant anymore. I have some ideas and want to start with low-budget films.”

“But I want to say that it’s not Universal I can’t leave—it’s you!”

“In these six months, I’ve learned and experienced so much. I truly want to thank you, sir!”

Spielberg felt a wave of emotion. After six months together, they had become like master and apprentice.

He regarded Qin Feng kindly. Though their skin tones were different, he saw his younger self.

Determined, persistent, and full of passion for film.

“Hey, you’re remarkable, Qin Feng. Among the young directors I’ve seen, you have the greatest potential.”

“Go ahead and make your films! Don’t hold back. Just follow your heart.”

“If you ever need anything, just ask me.”

(End of chapter)