Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 378 Big talk
January 3

Zhang Chen didn't ask about the first day box office of "Kowloon Walled City", and Chen Xi didn't tell him because they were both busy.

Today is the day when the "Painted Skin" launch conference is held.

So far, in the past two years, Xingchen Entertainment has produced a total of 10 movies, including "The Darkness 1, 2", "The Shallows", "Manslaughter", "Crazy Stone", "Eden Lake", "Taken", "The Walled City", and "A Quiet Place" and "Searching", which have been completed but not yet released...

10 movies is supposed to be a lot, but there hasn’t even been a press conference for the launch of the film.

Zhang Chen really thinks it is unnecessary.

According to his previous thinking, movie promotion would only begin before the release, or at least after the release date was confirmed.

But that's not the case for other companies.

"Hero", "House of Flying Daggers", "Seven Swords", including this year's "Night Banquet", have all been promoted since the beginning of filming to maintain a certain level of popularity.

"Red Cliff" has been hyped since the casting.

According to Dong Jianqiang, this is the normal promotion and marketing model for a movie.

From the moment the film project was launched, the promotion and marketing has already begun.

The project approval for "Painted Skin" was extremely tough this time. I took a lot of effort to write the script, and even had to rely on Jing Tian's connections to get it approved.

Before filming began, the "The Promise" incident happened, which completely ruined the reputation of Chinese costume blockbusters.

If it had not been prepared for a long time and the collaboration with game companies, toy companies, etc. had not been discussed, the project might have failed.

"You will be the one dealing with the media in the future. Here are some questions I have listed that the media may ask. Please prepare them in advance~"

Chen Xi handed Zhang Chen a piece of paper. There were indeed more than a dozen questions listed on it, many of which were about him and Director Chen.

"Manager Dong asked me to remind you in particular not to speak without restraint and to think twice before answering questions..."

Dong Jianqiang was used to being cheated by Zhang Chen, and he knew Zhang Chen's character too well.

If provoked by the media, he might start to speak outrageously, and who knows who he will offend.

Every time Dong Jianqiang was driven into a state of panic by him.

This time he will stay in Beijing to preside over all matters related to "Kowloon Walled City", so "Painted Skin" can only be left to Chen Xi.

But he also specifically instructed that we must keep a close eye on Jin Chen and not let him cause trouble again.

"I know, I'm not a child."

Zhang Chen felt offended and treated me like a child.

"It's good that you know, but don't worry too much. I have also arranged for the media close to us to come to the rescue~"

As they were talking, the car drove to the destination and the two got out.

The launch conference was held in a five-star hotel in Yinchuan. When the two walked into the venue, Zhang Chen thought it was just an ordinary press conference, but when he arrived, he found that the scene seemed quite grand.

The launch conference is actually a notice to tell everyone that my new movie is about to start shooting and the actors are so-and-so~
It is advance publicity.

He thought that today's launch conference would just invite twenty or thirty media outlets and everyone could just chat and talk.

But judging from the situation today, I'm afraid it's more than that.

The huge hall is divided into three areas: the front is the podium, the middle is the area for reporters to ask questions, and the back is where the cameraman is.

Why do I say it feels quite large? Because there are more than 50 chairs in the middle area for reporters to ask questions. If they were all occupied, it would conservatively be estimated that there would be more than 40 media outlets.

As he passed by the hall, Zhang Chen actually saw someone greeting him. They were the two paparazzi brothers who had taken photos of him and Fan Xiaopang before.

Later he changed his career and became a journalist.

"It's you~"

Zhang Chen also greeted them with a smile. The reporter next to him was surprised and said, "Oh my god, you actually know Zhang Chen?"

"Let's talk later~"

Zhang Chen waved and followed Chen Xi to the backstage, leaving the two brothers bragging in front of the reporters, "Of course we know each other. We were paparazzi at first. When we were filming Director Zhang, he even passed me a cigarette~"

"Those two are the people I mentioned. If you encounter any difficult questions, you can choose to ask them~"

Zhang Chen was stunned by Chen Xi's sudden words. These two brothers were summoned to peace?

The paparazzi who was summoned to justice?

……

At the door, reporters arrived one after another, signed at the door, received red envelopes, and then looked for a place to set up equipment in the venue.

A press conference is actually just a way to spend money to gain publicity.

For the company, this is part of the publicity, but for many media reporters, it is an opportunity to receive red envelopes and make extra money.

All press conferences follow a fixed process, with no big news points. They are nothing more than confirming the main creative team, the start time, introducing the story background and investment situation, and boasting about the box office...

For a film like Painted Skin, which had a press conference all the way to Ningxia, many media outlets simply didn't come.

There's no point in coming all the way here just to get that little bit of travel expenses from you.

Veteran reporters usually give this opportunity to newcomers, calling it training, but in fact they are just lazy.

But today is different. After all, Xingchen Entertainment is the number one private film and television company in China, and Zhang Chen is a well-known big mouth who likes to reveal information at press conferences.

Many reporters came here for this.

As long as Zhang Chen opens his mouth, they will get a bonus. If they can make it a continuous event, such as a war of words, then the KPI will increase rapidly.

The press conference started on time at 9:30.

The entire hall was packed with people.

The words "Painted Skin" start-up press conference were written on the background wall of the podium. The reporter's question area below was almost full, and the area at the back was filled with all kinds of cameras.

Many reporters are still whispering:
"It seems like this is the first time Xingchen Entertainment has held a press conference~"

“They finally got it~”

"I hope there's something big today, and it's worth my special trip~"

As the reporters were whispering, the host came on stage.

"Thank you all for coming to the launch conference of Painted Skin. Let us first invite the film's creative team~"

As the music played, a group of main creators walked up to the stage one by one and appeared one by one. Fan Xiaopang was the first one.

Fan Binbin~
Huang Xiaoming~
Weekly News~
The little girl whose name I can't remember~
Zhang Jin~
ho~
The crowd was shocked as soon as they appeared, mainly because they were all wearing costumes.

Each one is magnificent and eye-catching.

Even Yang Xiaomi, whose name cannot be pronounced, received a lot of attention, because the appearance of the little bird spirit is so cute that it adds a lot of points.

The reporters felt that their eyes were not enough as the flashlights in the hands of the photographers behind them never stopped flashing.

Fan Binbin has picturesque features and is dressed in white, looking like a banished immortal.

After "The Shallows", she officially became a sexy goddess and received various announcements continuously.

But no one could have imagined that she had this side besides being sexy.

Recently, I heard that he and Zhang Chen collaborated on a new drama, but it has not been released yet.

Huang Xiaoming is dressed in leather armor, looking handsome and heroic. It is unknown who will win compared to Yang Guo in Zhang Jizhong's version of "The Return of the Condor Heroes".

Moreover, these two are both influential figures and are very popular.

Then came Brother Xun, whose style changed drastically.

Whether it's the young Taiping in "The Story of the Palace of Eternal Life" or Huang Rong in "The Legend of the Condor Heroes", they both took the quirky route. But looking at her outfit this time, is she preparing to change her acting style?
The photographers took pictures of Zhou Xun. Miss Zhou can be regarded as the most praised female star by the media. She is just like their own daughter. If her voice is unpleasant, then she has a unique voice. If she has many love affairs, then she pursues individuality.

Zhang Jin looks like a hero, and the huge sword on his shoulder is more eye-catching than he himself.

He was the second male lead in last year's most popular movie "Taken". Although he was not the protagonist, his popularity was not low at all.

Anyone can see that he is a rising star of tomorrow.

Then there is Yang Xiaomi. Although only a few people know her, it does not stop people from paying attention to her.

The wing shape is so eye-catching, and the fluttering eyes really embody the word "cute".

Hua Hua Hua~
The flash lights below kept flashing, almost blinding Yang Xiaomi's eyes. Then she looked at the people next to her, all of them had a happy look on their faces, smiling at the audience without even blinking.

Each one is experienced.

The reporters were eager to try it out and had many questions to ask just by looking at the lineup.

"Now, please welcome the director of this play, Director Zhang Chen, to the stage."

As the words fell, Zhang Chen walked up to the podium leisurely and once again consumed a large amount of film.

Zhang Chen waved as he walked onto the stage.

Smiling on the face, but cursing in the heart.

My eyes are almost dazzled by it.

After all the main creators have made their appearances, it is time for reporters to ask questions.

Without the host's reminder, a forest of meat had already been raised below.

The host picked a female reporter, who took the microphone and looked directly at Zhang Chen.

"Director Zhang, what the media and audience friends want to know most is what kind of theme Painted Skin is. We all know that the story of Painted Skin comes from Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, but looking at the looks of the leading actors today, it should not be a horror film..."

You don’t have to guess about the first question, you know it’s definitely left to someone else.

Otherwise, if someone is blind and starts asking random questions, detaching from the movie itself, the rhythm will be disrupted.

Zhang Chen smiled and replied, "Indeed, although Painted Skin is a horror story, we made appropriate changes and changed the original ghosts into fox demons.

Strictly speaking, our version of Painted Skin should be classified as an oriental fantasy action film. "Zhang Chen did not deliberately draw the line at love. Although Painted Skin is about love, part of the audience is male, and males prefer action elements.

If you say it is an action movie, female audiences will still watch it, but if you say it is a romance movie, many male audiences will not watch it.

Then, a reporter wearing glasses asked: "According to an online survey, the movie that the audience is most looking forward to is actually Taken 2. Why didn't Director Zhang continue to direct Taken 2, but chose Painted Skin instead?"

This question was asked by a real journalist, so fortunately it is within the scope.

Zhang Chen organized his words: "It is not a good thing for a series of movies to be too close to each other. Generally, it is best for a sequel to be two to three years away from the previous one, leaving the audience enough time to think.

As for Painted Skin, we have actually been preparing for it for a long time, even before Hurricane. The reason why we haven’t done it yet is because we have been preparing for the linkage with games and animations..."

Just when I was worrying about how to bring this up, someone handed me a pillow just as I felt sleepy.

"Since we're talking about this, I'd like to announce that the movie Painted Skin has cooperated with Perfect World. When the movie is released, the game of the same name will also be launched simultaneously. Everyone is welcome to participate then..."

"Director Zhang, can you tell me what the story of Painted Skin is about?"

Immediately, another reporter asked a question. Zhang Chen turned around with a smile and said, "I think it would be more appropriate for our main creative members to answer this question..."

At the launch conference, he couldn't monopolize the microphone all the time; he had to give others a chance to appear, which was also to promote the movie.

The microphone was handed to Fan Xiaopang, and Jiuyijie smiled and looked at the media: "Hello everyone, I am Fan Binbin, and I play the fox demon Xiaowei in Painted Skin. In my opinion, the story of Painted Skin is about a fox demon who wants to find love in human society..."

After saying that, she glanced at Huang Xiaoming.

Huang Xiaoming: "I am Huang Xiaoming, playing the role of Wang Sheng. From my perspective, Painted Skin tells the story of a general choosing between love and his mistress..."

Zhou Xun: "I am Zhou Xun. I think Painted Skin is a story about a woman who sacrifices herself for love..."

Zhang Jin: "Hello everyone, I am Zhang Jin. Painted Skin is a story about exorcising demons..."

Yang Xiaomi: "Hello everyone, I am a newcomer, Yang Xiaomi. My understanding of Painted Skin is that it is a story about friendship..."

Five people, five versions, simply silenced the media.

But everyone also understood that this story involves love, friendship, emotional entanglements, and a battle between humans and demons...

What is this story about?
Why do I feel more confused after saying it?

The host interrupted at the right time: "After hearing their answers, I'm afraid you will still be confused like me.

But the creators are standing here, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. "

This also allows you to ask your own questions.

Someone immediately asked: "I would like to ask Zhou Xun, what prompted you to decide to join this project?"

Mr. Zhou didn't expect that the first question was actually asked to him, and answered with a smile: "As Director Zhang said just now, the "Painted Skin" project has been prepared for a long time. When I received the script, I agreed without much hesitation. One reason is that I want to work with Director Zhang Chen for once, and the other is the theme of "Painted Skin" itself, oriental magic, which is still rare in China..."

Immediately, another person asked, "What about Huang Xiaoming? Why did you join Painted Skin?"

Huang Xiaoming: "My situation is actually similar to that of Brother Xun. We received the script very early, but some problems occurred in the middle of Painted Skin and it was almost aborted. To compensate me, Director Zhang also let me play a cameo role in Taken, but in the end the result was finally satisfactory..."

Listening to others asking questions continuously, Yang Xiaomi felt both nervous and expectant. She really wanted someone to ask her questions, but the reporters seemed to be avoiding her.

The third question: "I want to ask Director Zhang, I heard that this is another movie with a female lead. What prompted you to give the female lead role to Fan Binbin..."

Zhang Chen raised the microphone and thought for a moment: "This isn't really a female-led movie, but the heroine does have a lot of scenes."

After a pause, he continued, "As for why it was Fan Binbin, because she is suitable.

I can't think of anyone in the entertainment industry who is more suitable than her to play the role of a charming and beautiful vixen. Look at her look, which man wouldn't have his heart pounding? If not her, who else can play the role of a vixen?"

Zhang Chen's words touched the hearts of all the men present.

When looking for a wife, they would definitely look for someone like Ms. Zhou, who is dignified and steady, and who makes people feel at ease at first sight.

But if we want to find a third person, there is no one else we can think of except Fan Binbin.

Zhang Chen continued: "Look, the men all smiled as if they were finally someone who understands me..."

After Zhang Chen finished saying this, even those who hadn't laughed before started laughing.

“I remember when The Shallows was being filmed, the media asked me what I thought about the scene where Fan Binbin showed his thighs in the movie.

My answer at that time was to watch it intently.

I said at the time that Fan Binbin's beauty is unique in the entertainment industry, and I still say so now. What I want to tell you is that I not only discovered her sexy side, but also her charming side. For this, I just want to say to all the male compatriots - you're welcome..."

As soon as Zhang Chen finished speaking, the whole audience burst into laughter.

Many reporters were at a loss for words. They had never attended such a down-to-earth press conference, and it was so joyful.
On the stage, Fan Xiaopang's beautiful eyes were full of brilliance.

She felt a little embarrassed by Zhang Chen's praise.

Suddenly, a voice rang out in the crowd: "Painted Skin has an investment of over 100 million yuan. With such a huge investment, isn't Director Zhang afraid that Fan Binbin won't be able to support the box office?"

The scene suddenly became quiet. Anyone could tell that the question was a bit rude and was clearly directed at Fan Binbin.

Fan Binbin also frowned, but immediately thought of something and regained control of his expression.

Zhang Chen, however, seemed to be fine. He turned his head and said to Fatty Fan: "It seems that you have quite a lot of haters~"

This statement did not escape the media, and everyone heard it.

Fat Fan rolled his eyes speechlessly and was caught by the media, but he just thought it looked good.

Zhang Chen then replied: "To be exact, the investment in Painted Skin was 90 million, so it's barely enough to say that the investment was over 100 million.

This was indeed the largest investment that Xingchen Entertainment had ever handled. Due to various reasons, it was not going smoothly and the company was under tremendous pressure.

My media friends who follow me should all know that I have never been very interested in any actor’s box office appeal.

If we replace Fan Binbin with someone else for the role of Xiao Wei, won't it work?

Of course.

But it is not necessarily true that other people would be better than Fan Binbin.

Again, I chose her because she is suitable and we are used to working together. She has many qualities that I admire. I think she has what it takes to break out of Asia.

The reason why I looked for her for "Eden Lake" and "A Quiet Place" is because of this.

If the world needs a Chinese actress, then I hope it will be Fan Binbin, it’s that simple.”

Wow~
The reporters were excited.

Zhang Chen really spared no effort in protecting Fan Binbin.

The other people on the stage knew that Zhang Chen and Fan Binbin had a special relationship, but they did not expect Zhang Chen to defend her to this extent.

I'm just about to tell the whole world that I'm going to support you.

After so many years of playing around in the world, Mr. Zhou actually felt envious for the first time.

Yang Xiaomi was even more fascinated. How great it would be if I were the one being protected.

On the podium, Fat Fan held back his tears and turned his head away, not wanting others to see his appearance. However, deep down he felt that it was all worth it just to hear his words.

All the hard work I put in has finally paid off.

I won’t bother with you about the embarrassment you caused me a few days ago.

In fact, there is no need to worry about it. In order to accurately grasp what "charm" is, I have been learning from Zhang Chen a lot in the past two days. I don't know how many times I have been fooled by "Dawei Tianlong".

Chen Xi, who was in the audience, saw that the situation was getting out of control and immediately signaled the host to change the subject.

The host understood and forced himself to interrupt: "Let's see if other media friends have any questions?"

Then he ignored the raised hands of people around him and directly called on the two brothers who did not raise their hands.

The younger brother was still confused, but the older brother was a little better. He realized that it was his turn to act, and immediately asked the questions he had prepared in advance.

"I would like to ask, what is the expected box office of Painted Skin?"

Zhang Chen answered seriously: "Breaking 300 million~"

How many?

The reporter who asked the question was confused.

The other reporters were also confused and everyone thought they had heard it wrong.

The guy on the stage just now said that the box office forecast for Painted Skin is to exceed 300 million?

Was it a mistake?

What does it mean to break 300 million?
There was only one ancient man before, and no one will come after.
Nowadays, any Chinese-language film that can break the 100 million mark can be called a "hero".

If it exceeds 200 million, then it is a 'Hero of Liangshan'.

Over 300 million, what? Do you want to be the 'emperor'?

Zhang Chen continued to talk to himself: "I know this number sounds incredible, but it is not impossible.

For "Painted Skin", we have prepared the best cast and the best behind-the-scenes team. The art director is William Chang, the martial arts director is Yuen Woo-ping, and even the theme song is the popular "Painted Heart" from "Super Girl".

The special effects production is done by Hong Kong's Centaline Digital and China Film Digital Center, which are already the top special effects production companies in the country.

In order to ensure that the special effects are good enough, more than half of the 90 million cost is used for special effects production. In addition, there are multiple platform linkages, plus a good schedule, I think there is still a chance of 300 million..."

Zhang Chen was about to continue when a voice from below suddenly interrupted him: "Do you know what the final box office of the similar film The Promise was last year?
1.8 million.

This is also your first time shooting an oriental fantasy film. Why do you think Painted Skin can surpass The Promise? "

Zhang Chen searched for a long time but couldn't find the person to talk to, but he still answered: "Because I am Zhang Chen.

Before The Shallows, everyone just thought I was a horror film maker.

Before "Hurricane", no one thought I would make an action movie.

"Painted Skin", I want to teach you what is oriental magic, the door that Brother Chen Kai closed with his own hands, I will reopen~"

(End of this chapter)