Chapter 365: Chapter 89 Kung Fu in Editing

“Like the previous ‘Howards End,’ he put a lot of effort into the costumes and settings, and the use of tones was just perfect, showcasing the quintessential British charm beautifully. The cinematography was equally impressive, perfectly conveying what he wanted to express: playfulness, fun, suspicion, subtlety, and more. Adrian must be the director in Hollywood who understands the United Kingdom best. I only hope that when the film is officially released, we can still see such splendid visuals, and I hope Miss Gwyneth maintains the standard of the trailer.” This article published in the Daily Mail about the trailer for ‘Emma’ reflects the attitude of most British media.

Firstly, as mentioned before, there were both praises and criticisms, but they were all subtly hinted at, at most grumbling about using American actresses for British roles and jesting about putting all the essence in the trailer; secondly, the publication was in a small corner on the bottom right of page four of the entertainment section, above was a celebrity scandal and below was a sunglasses advertisement.

“This film will soon have a preview screening, and I hope that those invited will attend,” Adrian stated simply through his spokesperson in response to these reactions, yet unexpectedly, this statement stirred much speculation.

Generally speaking, in Hollywood, a few preview screenings are held before a film’s release, attended mostly by film company staff and renowned film critics. The difference is that staff members are given vouchers to attend–of course, these vouchers can be transferred–while critics are invited. After the viewing, critics will express their opinions and write reviews in their columns, and ordinary people will make preliminary judgments and selections about the upcoming film based on these reviews. Therefore, the opinions of critics are very important, and many commercially-oriented films are often modified based on these opinions. Film companies also try their best to please these critics.

However, while critics might seem to hold a high status, the most famous ones often rush between three or four screenings a day, creating a symbiotic relationship. If a critic becomes too sharp-tongued and offends a film company, the company can blacklist them from preview screenings of all films produced by the company. This action, although might seem ineffective as there are other companies to attend, can, in fact, lead to a decline in popularity over time–never assume critics lack popularity.

Moreover, this involves dealing with film companies. If conflicts escalate to the extent that a film company seeks higher support, even the most famous critic must weigh their own importance. Hence, even if blacklisted, critics might still mock in their columns, but reconciliation is usually necessary in the long run. Those who are too arrogant don’t last long in any profession.

As a result, when Adrian released this statement through his spokesperson, many speculators began to wonder if he was displeased with a particular critic and wanted to warn or even blacklist them? After all, several critics had previously mocked him without mercy, and his company had just acquired ABC, holding a significant position in the media industry–and settling scores seemed quite plausible. These spectators analyzed excitedly back and forth, with the tabloids also joining in. What was merely a courteous statement was interpreted by them into countless possibilities, influencing even reputable media to some extent.

“How could that be possible, do I seem like that type of person?” At a cocktail party, when an amateur critic made an indirect remark, Adrian responded with a laugh.

He indeed found it amusing. Even if he wanted to teach someone a lesson, he wouldn’t use such methods. He preferred to use facts to slap their faces, just like with ‘Howards End,’ slapping them loudly was much more interesting, wasn’t it? However, if necessary, he wouldn’t mind using such methods to showcase his power, just like another foolish person who had subtly acquiesced over the phone and became much more respectful in person, though failing to completely hide his displeasure. Adrian was patient, waiting for him to lose his usefulness before naturally giving him what he deserved.

In fact, the reason Adrian said this was because he had accelerated the post-production editing of ‘Emma,’ planning to move up the release date. He overlooked one issue; as the year-end approached, ‘Braveheart’ would inevitably begin its promotions. For a major production, the success of box office sales largely depended on early promotions–he couldn’t possibly abandon ‘Braveheart’ for ‘Emma,’ could he? Of course, there were solutions, but to be safe, he decided to also move up the release date for ‘Emma.’ Anyway, the post-production montage techniques were mainly his responsibility and were… simply too easy.

“I believe every editor both wants to work with you and doesn’t want to work with you,” sighed Miller Green, who had worked on the initial editing for the film and was now Adrian’s assistant, in the editing room.

“Is that a compliment?” Adrian, eyes fixed on the computer screen, teased without turning his head.

“No, that’s the highest praise,” Green shrugged, then tapped the screen, “There’s a mistake here, right? I remember you wanted to portray the cunning of the female protagonist, so the glance backwards should come after the male protagonist turns around.”

Adrian paused, and after pondering for a moment, nodded in agreement, “Yes, you’re right, this indeed needs to be swapped.”

He then chuckled, “You see, I can make mistakes too. Without you by my side keeping watch, it could impact the entire movie, so don’t be so hard on yourself.”

“That’s why I said I both want and don’t want to collaborate with you.” Green sighed, “Anyone who sees your editing pace would feel ashamed and yet, take pride in being able to point things out to you.”

“That’s already flattery, Miller.” Adrian laughed heartily, evidently pleased.

The charm of picture storytelling lies in how the same set of images in a different sequence can convey widely differing emotions or even sometimes the complete opposite feelings. For instance, the glance back that was mentioned earlier, if it follows a happy conversation with the male lead and precedes a polite wave goodbye, it conveys a feeling of an unspoken affection; but if it follows a polite wave goodbye and precedes a happy conversation, it sends an ambiguous message; and if it’s after a fight with the male lead followed by him happily talking to another woman, it would have a chilly undertone.

Although these effects aren’t absolute and depend on the color tones and setting of the shots, as well as the actors’ performances, it does illustrate the importance of editing. Hence, post-production often takes more time than shooting. Directors and editors must carefully consider the entire story’s framework and pacing during editing, as small oversights can create confusion in details and affect the entire film. Therefore, many movie highlights end up in the trailers while the feature films themselves can turn out quite dull.

However, such issues don’t exist in Adrian’s hands; given enough time, he could always find any corresponding images in his mind. In fact, all his shooting is conducted with reference, making his shooting and editing much faster than most. Of course, he wasn’t merely copying; aware of his limitations, he never naively thought to randomly alter the rhythm and story of these classic films and expect them to be equally popular. More often, he was like a repairman, constantly adjusting flaws in the original while continuously learning. Making significant changes to originals without adequate foundation and achieving success was a feat only a protagonist with a ‘narrative halo’ in novels could achieve.

Thus, whether shooting or editing, he always brought along assistants like Green to remind him not to confuse the images in his head with the footage being shot. Even so, his efficiency in both filming and editing remained quite high. Especially now that non-linear editing was becoming common, making adjustments on a computer was more convenient than using splicers, and editing efficiency had also improved, making Green’s astonishment inevitable.

The workload had substantially increased, but it hadn’t impacted Adrian’s life negatively. The charm of his adorable daughter’s birth and Kate, glowing with motherhood, occupied much of his time, but he hadn’t forgotten about other women. Most other women had guessed something about his situation, as they all knew about Kate’s pregnancy; they just never showed it. Of course, their subtle emotions didn’t escape Adrian’s eyes, but he didn’t take it to heart. He continued behaving as he usually did, letting things take their natural course, including–

“Very good, very nice, I like this enthusiasm, where did you find it?” Eric Norton took off his headphones and turned curiously towards Adrian.

“In a bar,” Adrian replied with a smile and then gestured for Jennifer Lopez, who just came out of the recording booth appearing calm yet tense, “Come here, Jenny, listen to Eric’s feedback.”

Although not completely satisfied with his answer, Norton faced Lopez, analyzing, “Your voice is quite good, Miss Lopez, passionate, lively, and very powerful. Coupled with your earlier showcased dance skills, and…”

He appraised Lopez briefly, “And a great figure, adopting a Latin dance and singing style could be quite popular. However, although you’ve been a dedicated dancer for Jenny Jackson, it will still take some time to train and solidify the fundamentals. If you’re willing, we can set aside some time for detailed planning.”

“I think,” Lopez glanced at Adrian, nodding with a hint of excitement in her smile, “that won’t be a problem.”

“Did you really meet her in a bar?” Eric Norton asked after Lopez had left.

“Of course, why would I lie to you?” Adrian spread his hands.

“Turning an actress into a singer, and she’s actually not bad at it, that’s really something,” Norton said, shaking his head after looking at him for a long time, “Everyone says you have a great eye for actors and directors, now it seems we need to add singers to the list.”

“She was already a good dancer, otherwise she wouldn’t have become Jenny Jackson’s exclusive dancer. All she needed was training in her singing,” Adrian said nonchalantly, “Besides, who says being a singer means you can’t continue acting in movies?”

“Oh?” Eric Norton looked at him meaningfully but did not continue.

“Let’s leave it at that for today,” Adrian said, standing up, “Since Jenny has already agreed, and you think she has potential, I’ll leave the rest to you.”

“No problem, I will have the planning department come up with a suitable plan as soon as possible,” Norton nodded.

“By the way, how are those two girls doing now?” Adrian suddenly asked.

“The response to the two EPs we tested was good, and we can basically determine their distinctive characteristics now. As for their regular practice, they are still very diligent,” he said, showing a curious expression again, “Did you cast some kind of ‘magic’ on them, Ed? Every time you talk to them alone, they always seem very serious and hard-working.”

“It’s nothing, just some words of encouragement, you know, young people should be encouraged more. As long as you get the measure right, you can help them reach their full potential, and I’m quite good at that,” Adrian shrugged.

“That’s true, your keen eye is well known now,” Norton said teasingly, “So, are you not planning to teach a lesson today?”

“Not today, there will be plenty of time in the future,” Adrian replied, recalling the previous situation.

After leaving the record company’s artistic director, he quickly arrived at the lobby where Jennifer Lopez had been waiting for a while, wearing a tight trench coat, long pants, and thick-heeled leather shoes, which showcased her figure unmistakably, complemented by her naturally tanned skin, creating a distinctive allure.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” Adrian said with an apologetic smile.

“No problem, it was just a moment,” Lopez said without any impatience, and then naturally intertwined her arm with his as they walked toward the elevator.

“There’s a Spanish restaurant in West Forest District on Princeton Street, one of the best in Los Angeles. Maybe you’d like to try it?” Adrian’s hand slid around her waist and drifted lower as the elevator descended, feeling quite good.

“No problem,” Lopez smiled, brushing her hair which had risen slightly, looking quite flirtatious.

Adrian indeed met this Latina beauty in a bar. After successfully acquiring ABC, their media company became increasingly notable, making it impossible to skip certain gatherings he used to avoid. Why couldn’t he, being the chairman? One evening, after slipping out of a hotel gathering under a pretext, a passionate guy latched onto him to have a couple of drinks at a bar. After finally getting rid of him and ready to leave, he bumped into Jennifer Lopez.

As for whether it was a real coincidence, who knows? After a few exchanges, Lopez recognized him, and then there was no need to describe what followed. To be honest, Jennifer Lopez may not be considered a real beauty, but her figure, especially her well-rounded derriere, was top-notch among all the women he had seen so far, no wonder it would become a notable feature of hers in the future.

For such a sweet opportunity presented on a plate, Adrian wouldn’t miss it, even though his collection was already quite impressive. Occasionally indulging in one-night stands and trying something new wasn’t bad. Don’t forget what his desires were, how powerful the nature of desires could be, and how to control them. Caesar could nakedly proclaim, “I came, I saw, I conquered,” so why couldn’t he, with so many opportunities, say the same?

Oh, of course, Adrian couldn’t compare himself to Caesar. In fact, everyone wants different things, and while some may be deemed higher or lower from society’s perspective, essentially, there isn’t much difference. Therefore, adhering to the bottom line while following one’s inner desires without hiding or self-deception is what one should do.

However, Adrian wasn’t foolish, not every woman he slept with was guaranteed a movie. Now that his reputation was established, it was time to adjust his strategy. It was a good moment for Jennifer Lopez, who hadn’t yet achieved much in either movies or music. Adrian straightforwardly suggested she try singing and record an album, given her background in the field, and acting in movies could continue concurrently.

Although Lopez wasn’t top-tier in movies or music, she was relatively successful among Latino artists, meaning signing her as a singer would indeed be beneficial for the record company’s growth.

Here, you can get opportunities, every kind of opportunity, but whether you succeed depends on your own effort. This is the impression Adrian wanted to correct.

It’s hard to say how long it would take to change this impression. Lopez coming to the record company to audition and try out had certainly stirred someone’s heart.

The taxi stopped in front of the building, the young girl paid the fare and came to the front of the building. She gazed up at the building which seemed quite imposing to her now, took a deep breath, clenched her hands, and walked in.

Taking the elevator to the intended floor, she strode in. The receptionist was talking with someone and didn’t notice her, allowing the girl to smoothly enter the interior of the company. Although she had never been here before, using her clever and charming demeanor and sweet voice, she quickly found out where the office she was looking for was located.

After turning a few corners, the girl finally found the place she was seeking. No one was in the outside secretarial area, and the person who had given her directions had told her to have the secretary notify before entering. She remembered he was always accompanied by a beautiful secretary, but what should she do since she was not here now? Without much thought, the girl walked straight to the office door, took another deep breath, and gently knocked.

(To be continued. If you liked this work, you are welcome to go to wuxiaworld.site to vote for it and support it; your support is my biggest motivation.)