Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 490 Premiere

May 5st 1:0, "The Man from Nowhere" premiere
The premiere was held at the Workers' Stadium. Zhang Chen and Dong Jianqiang left the company an hour in advance.

The two chatted along the way:

"How can you be so confident in letting "The Man from Nowhere" and "Spider-Man 3" face off against each other?"

Zhang Chen looked at the neon lights outside the window: "Not really, but there is always a first time for everything. Spider-Man 3 is very strong, but we are not necessarily weak..."

"What did the Central Film Bureau say?"

"President Han said that they cannot take sides this time. They have just been complained about at the WTO and the relevant departments have contacted them. They cannot do it too obviously, so everything can only be done according to business rules..."

"That is to say, the theaters will not favor us, but they will not favor Spider-Man 3 either. Everything depends on strength?"

"Correct."

"That's fine too. Let's all do our best."

"By the way, what is our schedule?"

"42%, same as Spider-Man, this is just the first day. The theater chain will decide how to adjust it later, depending on the performance of the movie on the first day..."

"Haha, it seems that today's premiere is very important~"

"Yeah, by the way, have you heard that something happened at Red Cliff~"

"What happened?"

"It seems that on the first day of filming, Zhou Runfa quit the role~"

Zhang Chen curled his lips: "It's because of the pay again."

"Well, what do you think his asking price for Red Cliff is?"

"7800 million Hong Kong dollars." Before Zhang Chen could guess, he said it first.

Zhang Chen continued to curl his lips: "Normal, he is just a money-grubber. Didn't he sign a Hollywood contract when he made Curse of the Golden Flower? It must be the same this time."

"I'm just wondering, why would you quit on the first day?"

Zhang Chen sneered: "Not surprising, Wu Baige must have miscalculated. He must have thought that he had a good relationship with Chow Yun-fat, and A Better Tomorrow made the two brothers famous again. He thought he could get a low price, but Chow didn't give him face..."

Dong Jianqiang thought for a moment: "It's hard to say who is right or wrong in this matter~"

Zhang Chen nodded: "Yes, from Zhou's perspective, he would definitely want to quote a high price. If you think it's too expensive and you don't cooperate, then it's over~
But from Wu's perspective, Zhou was a bit too pretentious.

7800 million Hong Kong dollars, and he didn’t even think about whether he had the box office appeal.

If I were Zhou, I would definitely scold him. I don’t believe that he would dare to ask for a motorhome as a toilet when filming in Hollywood~"

"By the way, Zhou Runfa quit the show, so who did you find later?"

"Liang Chaowei, the offer is not low, it seems to be 2400 million Hong Kong dollars~"

"It's really not low. I remember that the pay of several mainland actors was not more than 100 million~"

"Doesn't that mean Liang Chaowei's pay alone is higher than all the mainland actors combined~"

"Let the publicity department publicize this matter and embarrass them. The salary of a Hong Kong actor alone is more than that of all mainland actors combined. Let's see how Wu Baige explains it..."

"Well, it's best if the two of them can't reach an agreement and continue to quarrel..."

Dong Jianqiang doesn't mind giving Wu Baige some eye drops. Although Liang Chaowei has no conflicts with them, since his wife Lin Jialin has publicly sided with Huang Moumou, don't blame us for hating her because of him.

When the car arrived at Workers' Stadium, the two were surrounded by reporters as soon as they got off. This was the first time Zhang Chen appeared in public after returning to China.

"It seems that I can't get in today unless I answer a few questions~"

Zhang Chen’s words immediately caused a burst of laughter.

The media likes public figures like this, who have a good attitude, are not arrogant, and know how to create topics.

"Let me make it clear first. I'll just answer one question, and then you can let me go..."

"Okay, okay~" The reporters also followed suit.

"Okay, then come on, it's not easy for you to squeeze in~"

Zhang Chen pointed to the reporter who was closest to him. He always treated the media like friends.

"Director Zhang, is your next step going to Hollywood?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Because you have reached the pinnacle in China, and I heard that you also opened a company in Hollywood..."

I thought the other party's question would definitely be about "The Man from Lone Ranger", but it turned out not to be.

Zhang Chen thought about it and decided to answer this question properly.

“Let me start with the conclusion. My main development direction is definitely in China. I will do business in Hollywood, but it is not my home turf.

Let me tell you the reason. First of all, Hollywood is not as good as you think.

Many people think that there are no restrictions when making movies in Hollywood.

Yes, in some aspects, such as subject matter, it is indeed much bolder than domestic films, but in other aspects, there are also various constraints. "

"for example?"

“For example, if Pacific Rim were in Hollywood, it would have been impossible to get the project off the ground.

That's America, and we have to do things according to American rules.

No one in Hollywood will invest in a science fiction film with a Chinese as the main character.

And even if the project is established, there are still a lot of restrictions.

For example, the shooting plan cannot be changed at will, and investors, insurance companies, and many other people can give you instructions.

The actors also strictly follow the eight-hour work system during filming. If you work one minute longer, the actors will turn their backs on you..."

"Ah, is that so?"

"Of course, if you have never been abroad, you will never know how far back in the past people in other countries still think of China. Let's put it this way, people in many parts of the world still think that Chinese people now have pigtails like those in the Qing Dynasty..."

The reporters burst into laughter again.

Zhang Chen said seriously: "That's why our country strives to host the Olympic Games, in order to show the real China to the world. Only when others understand you will they respect you..."

Everyone was silent.

Zhang Chen continued: "Actually, what I want to do is similar. I want to make real commercial films in China, films that are different from those of the fifth and sixth generations.

Movies are actually the fastest way for foreigners to get to know a country, and many people also learn about a country through movies.

Think about it, is this the case?

How do we know that America is strong and Africa is backward?
Not through movies.

In movies, Americans fly around the world fighting wars, and we think they are very powerful.

In the movies, Africans live in mud houses and have scanty clothes, so we think they are backward.

But in the real Africa, there are no fewer skyscrapers in Johannesburg, South Africa than here.

In the 80s, South Africa's highway mileage was the third longest in the world, after the United States and Germany.

South Africa also has rich gold mines and diamonds and is the only wealthy country in Africa.

But we didn't see this in the movie, so we don't know.

The situation in China is similar now.

China’s commercial films cannot go abroad, the only ones that can go abroad are art films.

Art films always like to shoot in dark and backward places.

So foreigners think that this is what China is like.”

Zhang Chen's words immediately silenced everyone.

Dong Jianqiang tried to adjust the atmosphere, "It's not that serious, it's not that serious, Director Zhang was just giving an example..."

Zhang Chen also said at this time: "Yes, it's just an analogy. Don't be like this, I made a light-hearted topic too serious~"

coo~
Finally, smiles appeared on everyone's faces again.

"Okay, we have to go in. There are still a lot of things waiting for us. If you have any questions, you can ask them at the premiere. Okay, see you later, everyone..."

……

At the same time, Lu Yang was also being interviewed.

“As a sequel to Taken, The Man from Nowhere follows the style of its predecessor, fighting violence with violence.

This is something that will definitely not disappoint Hurricanes fans.

Don’t forget, I was also the assistant director of Taken and was involved in the entire filming.”

"Of course the action scenes are hot. The action director and gun director are the same team. One third of the whole film is about fighting. It will definitely make you enjoy it..."

"Just in case you guys don't like it, we deliberately added a very strong villain. So strictly speaking, this should be a movie about two heroes..."

"Yes, Director Zhang did say that I would be the director of Hurricane 2. I know everyone is worried that I will mess up the sequel. I can only say that after watching The Man from Nowhere, your impression of me will change..."

"Of course I know Spider-Man 3, but I haven't seen it yet, so I won't comment on it. I'll leave it to the audience to judge which one is better, but I'm very confident in The Man from Nowhere..."

At the beginning, Lu Yang was indeed worried.

But the closer he got, the more confident he became.

Because Xingchen Entertainment has invested a huge amount in publicity.

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, Chengdu and Hangzhou, seven voting powerhouses, each city has launched a set of hard advertising. What does a set of hard advertising mean?
The right to use 100 advertising spaces on buses and subways for a period of one month.

The price is probably between 800,000 and 1 million.

This item alone cost nearly 700 million.

Not to mention the three places of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, how could one hundred advertising spots be enough?

Hard advertising alone is not enough, other supporting methods must also keep up.

Print media, Internet promotion, and ground promotion.

Money is everywhere~
Zhang Chen gave a budget of 2000 million, and it can be further increased.

……

Premiere

The red carpet was star-studded.

Many celebrities who are on good terms or not with Xingchen Entertainment came.

Since people learned that Zhang Chen had a company in Hollywood that was no less inferior to Star Entertainment, his status in the circle has changed.

It's ironic, but it's true.

At this stage, Chinese people still yearn for Hollywood.

I think it's a holy place for movies.

Not only Hollywood, but the entire United States is synonymous with advanced productivity and advanced systems.

All foreigners have a buff.

Let me put it this way, if you lose your bicycle, you will never find it back.

But if you have a foreign friend who helps you call the police, you will definitely be able to get it back.

There is an inferiority complex in society.

Just look at why so many celebrities choose to immigrate.

This inferiority complex will not improve until around 2020, when the country becomes truly strong.

Why Zhang Chen concentrated all his efforts and monopolized all resources.

It is also because of this.

Spider-Man 3 is a Hollywood blockbuster.

It's a Hollywood blockbuster, with many fans.

Many people would spontaneously sing praises for him even without getting paid.

"The Man from Nowhere" wants to compete with "Spider-Man 3", but it is naturally inferior.

There are too many audiences who are superstitious about Hollywood.

If you stop any audience member in the cinema and ask him how to choose between a Hollywood blockbuster and a domestic action movie, most of them will choose the Hollywood blockbuster.

There's nothing we can do about it; this is the current trend.

Therefore, if Zhang Chen wants to win, he must use both conventional and unconventional tactics. No matter whether the cat is black or white, as long as it can catch mice, it is a good cat.

Zhang Chen said: "Thank you all for coming to the premiere of Taken. After a year and a half, this sequel to Taken is finally coming to you. I have a few words to say to Taken fans...

Fans of "Taken", I received the razor blades you sent~"

There was first astonishment, and then chuckles.

The laughter was mostly concentrated in the Taken fan section.

Workers' Stadium can accommodate 6.8 people, but usually only a few thousand people sit at a premiere.

Apart from the stars who came to support the show, most of the people here are ticket-buying audiences.

Those who can watch the premiere late at night are either those who like to join in the fun or they are die-hard fans.

The stars don't understand the 'sending razor blades' meme, but Hurricane fans know it very well.

After the release of "Taken", Taken fans have been urging Zhang Chen to hurry up and make the sequel. Zhang Chen kept procrastinating, so fans threatened to send him razor blades.

Some people were joking, some people really sent it.

But no one thought that Zhang Chen would actually respond.

Zhang Chen suddenly started to stir up emotions:
“Domestic movie fans are all very tolerant. Even though they criticize domestic films every day, as long as there are good works, they will support them with real money.

If I find something I like, I will even watch it a second or third time.

"Taken" and I are honored to have such a loyal group of fans.

They were quietly following Taken.

In my mind, "Hurricane" is not just a movie, I want the universe.

I hope that even a supporting role has his own story, and even a villain has unique personal charm.

And then there was The Man from Nowhere.

Lu Yang was once the assistant director of "Taken" and he can maintain the consistency of the film style to the greatest extent.

Then, we had a problem with the release date.

In May there is Spider-Man 5;
In June, there is "Pirates of the Caribbean 6";
In July, there is "Transformers";
There is "Harry Potter 8" in August;
They are all Hollywood blockbusters, and even in Hollywood, they are among the most impressive ones.

From our original intention, of course we don’t want to collide with Hollywood blockbusters. Maximizing profits is the wisest choice.

But I don't want to disappoint the Hurricanes fans, they have been waiting for too long.
Finally, after careful consideration, the company decided to take the risk and release the film during the recent May Day holiday, even if it meant competing head-on with Hollywood blockbusters.

For us, box office is important, but fans are more important.

Movie fans are the foundation of our existence.

If you don't let me down, I won't let you down.
I hope you all like today’s episode of The Man from Nowhere~”

Zhang Chen's words immediately caused a commotion among the movie fans.

It turns out that there are so many hidden stories in the creation of "The Man from Nowhere".

It turns out that Xingchen Entertainment released "The Man from Lone Star" under such tremendous pressure.

The fans at the scene were just whispering, but the fans online were already arguing loudly.

If you don't let me down, I won't let you down.
Just because Xingchen Entertainment is so particular, I can't let them suffer any loss.

What's wrong with Hollywood blockbusters? Let them see the power of our "wind powder".

When the army sets out, not a blade of grass will grow!
Especially since they had just been to Hong Kong not long ago, their cohesion was strong at that time.

The several QQ groups that were previously involved were not disbanded, but instead became places for everyone to chat and gossip.

At this time, someone made a call in the group and immediately received everyone's response.

I will go to see it tomorrow. Not only me, but I will also take my friends to see it~
Although I haven't watched it yet, I decided to watch it twice~
If the box office of "The Man from Nowhere" is not good, will there be no "The Hurricane 2"? That won't work, I have to boost the box office.

……

The next day, box office statistics were released.

The box office of "The Man from Nowhere" lived up to expectations, earning 3400 million in a single day. It's not as good as "The Car" and "Painted Skin", but it's also something that others envy.

"Spider-Man 3" was much inferior in comparison, with a box office of 2800 million on the first day.

Movie fans were celebrating, they felt they had accomplished it all.

Xingchen Entertainment also breathed a sigh of relief as they had invested so many hard advertisements, soft articles, and various resources.

It seems worth it now.

Since mid-April, advertisements for "The Man from Nowhere" have been bombarding the screen.

It can be said that in several voting-rich cities, as long as you take public transportation, you will definitely see advertisements for "The Man from Nowhere".

Just by scanning the face, even someone who has never watched the movie can remember the name "The Man from Nowhere".

The fans are excited, but even more excited than the fans are other film and television companies in the industry.

"The Man from Nowhere" VS "Spider-Man 3", this is the first time in the history of Chinese cinema that a domestic blockbuster competed against a Hollywood blockbuster, and the Chinese filmmaker won.

A historic moment.

Even Zhang Chen's previous works were basically competing against Hong Kong films.

VS Hollywood blockbuster, this is the first time.

It was also at this moment that film and television companies realized that Hollywood blockbusters were not invincible. As long as they were well managed, they could still beat them to a pulp.

In addition, I didn't expect that the influence of "Taken" would be so huge. "The Man from Nowhere" is just a spin-off, not a formal sequel, but the box office is so amazing.

The next day, the screening schedule of "The Man from Nowhere" rose to 51%.

This is entirely an adjustment made by the theater based on the first day's box office data.

The screening schedule of "Spider-Man 3" was reduced, but the box office is still not low, still bringing in more than million per day.

This achievement is rare even among imported films.

Under normal circumstances, someone would definitely shout "wolf" and "protect domestic films".

But at this time, "Spider-Man 3" seems to be the one being bullied.

(End of this chapter)