As a reader, it's generally hard to get in touch with an author. Similarly, as a viewer, it's tough to reach a director. But that's not a big issue. Making money through investment is hard, but giving away money without expecting returns is incredibly simple. Countless documentary directors and independent filmmakers go around seeking funding, finding no help. Just put the word out, and leave the rest to time.
Back in the day, Tianya was at its peak. Mobile platforms hadn't taken off yet, and it was still the era of PCs. Later, as smartphones became more widespread, Tianya failed to adapt in time, leading to its decline.
Posting on Tianya: "I'm a total newbie wanting to learn how to shoot documentaries. Willing to pay well for guidance. Preferably someone who's published work before. I can consider investing in those with shooting plans. Interested parties, please contact me."
Get into the industry first, then develop from there. Once you're in the circle, you'll naturally achieve what you want.
It sounds ridiculous—people like him are rare in real life, and no one would be eager to hand over money. As the saying goes, "Eager sellers don't make good deals." Zhou You would need to carefully gauge the balance.
The biggest issue with shooting documentaries is time. Many require living and eating with the subjects, sometimes for years. Time is the greatest cost; the rest isn't much. Independent filmmakers also have no income during production. It's nothing like making a movie, which demands huge investments—millions or tens of millions at a time.
Zhou You initially set aside 5 million, hoping to support about 20 projects. He didn't expect to recoup the costs; it was his ticket into the circle, a way to eventually fulfill his dream of shooting a documentary.
As for following others around, Zhou You wasn't interested. Documenting people was exhausting, and some required living together. He only planned to shoot travel documentaries around the world, recording his own life.
Zhou You had a backup plan. If the internet didn't work out, he'd attend Douban's offline film screenings and talk directly to directors. Or he'd go to documentary film festivals—another channel for communication.
Thinking it over, Zhou You realized Luzhou wasn't the place for growth. Shanghai would be better. Should he buy a place there for convenience? The thought vanished in an instant. Shanghai's housing prices had risen sharply, but not as much as those stocks had profited. He wouldn't live there long-term, and maintenance costs were high. He wasn't eager to buy now; he'd wait and see later.
When profit drives everything, society becomes profit-driven. You reap what you sow. Don't expect to have it all—that's unrealistic.
Zhou You's head ached the more he thought. Forget it. He wasn't a professional investor, and he didn't expect to make money. As long as he wasn't taken for a fool and swindled, ending up with a bad reputation and labeled an idiot—that would be hilarious.
School was about to start, and the schedule was out. Zhou You only had one class a week and didn't need to be in the office. The pay was low, but the value was unbeatable. Calculated by hourly rate, it beat the big internet companies hands down.
His advisor had been good to him. Before the semester began, Zhou You planned to visit his advisor's home with some gifts. What to buy? A case of Maotai, two cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes, and some local specialties from home. Keep it simple and warm.
The advisor lived in the old district of Luzhou University, in the city. Zhou You had been there many times. The advisor's wife, surnamed Liu, taught in the Chinese department. She was always reading and teaching, exuding a gentle demeanor, never seen losing her temper.
Zhou You carried his things up to the third floor and knocked on the door. It was an old building without an elevator, but he was used to it. It was on campus, very quiet, with a great atmosphere.
The door creaked open. A handsome young man poked his head out and called, "Brother You, what brings you here?"
Wang Le, the advisor's only son, was still studying in Shanghai. A top student, he planned to study abroad later. He'd never caused his parents worry over his studies and had met Zhou You many times.
Zhou You was practically the advisor's last disciple, though this last disciple wasn't particularly impressive.
"What, can't I come over for a free meal?"
"Welcome, it's not like I'm cooking. You've struck it rich, bringing all this stuff." Seeing the gifts, Wang Le was surprised. He knew Zhou You's background.
"Heh, even a dead fish can flip over. Your brother You can't stay poor forever," Zhou You said cheerfully.
"That's great. Brother You gets rich, and I get a little shine," Wang Le said as he took the things. "Dad, Brother You's here."
The advisor was at home in shorts and a tank top, coming out of his study.
"What's with the gifts? Take that money and buy something for your parents," the advisor said bluntly, frowning at Zhou You.
Before Zhou You could respond, Wang Le jumped in to help. "Dad, Brother You's made some money and wants to show respect. Don't be ungrateful—that's not cool."
This was a good advisor, someone who truly cared about his students.
Zhou You quickly said, "I went home a couple of days ago, talked about the school job, and bought some things for my parents. These are local specialties they asked me to bring for you."
Hearing this, the advisor finally smiled. But then he asked with concern, "You haven't even graduated yet. Where'd you get the money? It's hard to earn extra in our field."
Zhou You knew his advisor wasn't easy to fool, so he used the excuse he'd prepared for the bigwigs. "I bought some football lottery tickets recently and happened to win a bit of money."
"Don't go wild with it. Next time you come, don't bring this stuff. Save some money to buy a house, or you'll be stuck on a fixed salary," the advisor said, sitting on the sofa and still reminding him.
"Don't worry. You know me. I've been with you for seven years, and you know my family. I bought a house right away, right next to the school—Xinyuan Community. The seller was a former chemistry teacher who said he knows you well." Zhou You thought it over. He'd have to mention it sooner or later, or his advisor would ask why he wasn't living in the temporary housing.
"Yeah, I know him well. He's retired now, living the good life. His kid's in Shanghai, I think."
"That's right. He sold the house to help his son with a down payment in Shanghai," Zhou You explained.
"That puts my mind at ease. At least you're settled. When I recommended you teach at the school, I was worried. Our pay is a bit low. Look at your aunt and me—we've taught our whole lives, not much to show for it. I've got a place in Xinyuan too, saving it for Lele."
Wang Le laughed. "No way. I'll make my own money. I'm not mooching off you. Spend it on yourselves, don't hold back."
Later, Wang Le went abroad and gradually lost touch with Zhou You. Zhou You never knew if Wang Le bought a house on his own, but it should've been easier overseas.
The three of them sat chatting while the advisor's wife bustled in the kitchen. The first time Zhou You came, he tried to help but only made things worse, causing trouble. So he just let it be.
Zhou You planned to travel abroad eventually and visit Wang Le. They weren't far apart in age and got along well.
Unknowingly, he'd been writing for so long. Keep it up, self. And dear readers, please throw in some recommendation votes. Thank you.