Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 533: "2012" Film Viewing
China Film Academy, internal screening room
An internal film screening will be held here in ten minutes, but this screening is rather special, as no reporters, media, or well-known film critics are invited, only the heads of the top domestic cinema chains.

Tan Hong from Star Media, Ye Ning from Wanda Film Group, Chen Xi from Golden Harvest, and the famous three domestic distribution experts - Wu Hehu, Gao Jun and Zhao Jun.

"Mr. Zhao~"

"Mr. Wu~"

"Mr. Ye~"

We are all old acquaintances and greet each other when we meet.

Seeing that Han Sanping was not there, some people asked others in a familiar manner: "Boss Gao, what is going on today? Why did you call us together and make it so mysterious..."

The other party also smiled and greeted everyone: "Don't ask me, I don't know either."

He raised his hand to check his watch: "But it's only a few minutes, the answer should be revealed soon."

As soon as he finished speaking, the door was pushed open from the outside, and Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun walked in together, followed by Zhang Chen.

"Mr. Han~"

"Mr. Ren~"

There were greetings from the crowd nearby. Han Sanping, the boss, stretched out his hand and said, "Everyone is here. I called you all together today because I have an important announcement to make.

As everyone knows, last year Director Zhang Chen and Warner Bros. collaborated on Pacific Rim, which set a box office record. This year, their second blockbuster 2012 has been completed and is ready for release. Today, we called everyone here to appreciate the quality of this film together..."

There were whispers from the audience, and someone immediately said, "That will definitely be a problem. Pacific Rim broke the record for big ships, so the new movie will definitely be a big hit..."

Among those present, some know "2012", such as Ye Ning and Tan Hong, who were originally investors of "2012".

But some people have never even heard of this name.

Zhang Chen and Warner are working on a new movie, and there have been rumors in the industry.

But there is no word about what the film is about or what it is about.

I was a little surprised when I heard it today.

"2012"?
Some people couldn't help but wonder, it sounds like a year, but the name doesn't tell what story it tells.

"Let's watch the movie first, and then talk about it after we finish~"

Han Sanping controls the rhythm. Without the media and reporters, many unnecessary links can be omitted.

As he spoke, Ren Zhonglun of Shanghai Film Studio looked at him with a smile. After he finished speaking, everyone took their seats and the screening room went dark.

First came the Warner Bros. opening credits, then the Star Entertainment opening credits...

The main film begins~
Cheng Long took his son on an outing and found that the lake in Yellowstone Park had dried up inexplicably, followed by a series of signs...

Until the first climax, Cheng Long drove his ex-wife and her family to escape in Los Angeles. On the way, the ground kept cracking, buildings collapsed, and the Cadillac passed through the buildings and escaped before being crushed...

Everyone here has watched countless movies, including many Hollywood blockbusters, but they are still shocked by the special effects in the movies.

A disaster film made by the Chinese!

Was this filmed by a Chinese?

Did we take this photo ourselves?
People knew the answer in their hearts, but still found it hard to believe.

Zhang Chen was sitting in the first row, unaware that the back of his head had become the focus of everyone's attention.

If eyes had temperature, the back of his head would have been burned through by now.

The story is still moving forward. On the plane, everyone opened their mouths in shock when they saw the entire Los Angeles plate sliding towards the sea.

Outside the screen, the audience watching the movie had the same expression.

The shock of special effects is one thing, and the imagination is another.

When did Zhang Chen reach this level?

Ye Ning's heart was filled with excitement, and so was Tan Hong. Nothing could be seen on Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun's faces, but their burning gazes revealed their feelings at the moment.

The most excited person was Lao Li, the one from Li’s Pictures and a good friend of Zhang Chen’s father.

The reason why he was able to participate in this project was entirely because of Zhang Chen's care for the coal boss group.

Zhang Chen kept saying that it was his project and you had no chance of getting in, but he still privately reserved a share for Lao Li, although it was not much.

Lao Li’s share is actually jointly held by coal bosses, and it is considered as a reward for their help in developing the cinema chain.

For two hours, the only sound in the small screening room was heavy breathing.

It wasn't until the movie ended and the lights came back on that everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

"It still has to be you, Director Zhang~"

"Director Zhang Chen, you are improving so fast. How can others catch up?"

"I knew it would be good, but I found that I had underestimated it..."

Everyone praised it generously.

Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun looked at each other and couldn't hide their smiles.

I have tried my best to hold it back, but I can't hold it back anymore~
"You are always so amazing, kid. It was like this with Pacific Rim last time, and it is the same with 2012 this time..."

The two state-owned CEOs looked at Zhang Chen as if he were their own son, especially Han Sanping.

Just based on the devastating special effects of "2012", the box office will definitely be good.

More importantly, this film represents political significance - it fills the gap in domestic disaster films.

This kid is really capable.

Last year, we made a domestic science fiction film, which was already considered amazing enough. Not long after that, we made another domestic disaster film.

The key point is that the quality of the film is not inferior to similar Hollywood works, and is even better.

At this moment, some people finally realized that they had started to associate the legends about the end of the world in 2012 that started last year, and after seeing the end of the world in the movie, they finally understood why it was called "2012".

This layout is a bit big~
This is the rhythm of deceiving the whole world~
“Do you think the movie is okay?”

"That's great. How much will this box office be? 5 million? 10 billion?"

Everyone speculated.

Zhang Chen interrupted their thoughts.

"Since there is no problem with the quality of the film, I will have to rely on you for the scheduling and promotion of the film when it is released..."

"That's necessary~"

"Leave it to me~"

At this moment, it was time for everyone to carry the flowery sedan chair. Everyone responded one after another, and the scene was very lively.

It has to be lively. With Zhang Chen's movie "Pacific Rim", all the cinema chains made a lot of money. Now he is tinkering with "2012". Maybe the annual KPI of the cinema chains can be completed ahead of schedule.

"There is one more thing. This movie is of a special nature. When promoting it, we must rely on the spread of rumors among the people. We cannot expose it to the public too early. Therefore, I need you to help keep it confidential. The submission for review must also be handled by the Third Master. I am afraid that if I do it alone, it may be leaked in advance..."

After Zhang Chen finished speaking, everyone patted their chests and made promises.

The more popular "2012" is, the more money they make.

No one would go against money, just keep it secret, it's a small matter~
Han Sanping also said that there was no problem at all. For ordinary movies, they would be reviewed first, and then the screening would be held after they passed the review.

But the audit department usually has spies from various companies.

Small film and television companies dare not say so, but the big ones definitely have their own people in the review department.

The quality of competitors' films often depends on information provided by these insiders.

Whether to compete in the same time slot or avoid each other, the opinions of insiders play a big role.

That's why Zhang Chen asked Han Sanping to help with the censorship. Otherwise, the plot of "2012" has been leaked before the movie has even been promoted. What's the point of promoting it? "Don't worry, I'll personally monitor this matter and make sure it won't be leaked. And the censorship will definitely pass smoothly. The movie is so good and it's a domestic first. I don't think they dare to cut it.

If they dare to edit it, I will bring up the Lust, Caution incident and see who will be embarrassed then..."

The Third Master acted very domineering today.

In Ren Zhonglun's eyes at this moment, the way Han Sanping looked at Zhang Chen was exactly like that of an elder towards a younger person.

I couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

It would have been great if I had discovered such an outstanding young man in advance.

However, he was already very satisfied that the other party knew to bring Shangying.

"Pacific Rim" has not yet been taken off the screen and the share of the profits has not yet been received.

But they had done a rough calculation privately, and it was quite a lot.

It’s different abroad and at home. Although there is a tiered profit sharing system, on average, it can reach about 40%-55%, and it’s in US dollars.

The revenue from a single movie, Pacific Rim, may be higher than Shanghai Film Group’s annual performance.

Several other companies had similar ideas. Wanda, Star Media, Light Media, and Golden Harvest all reaped the benefits of Pacific Rim.

Movies like "Pacific Rim" and "2012" are top-notch blockbusters even if they were released in Hollywood.

"When are you going to schedule it?"

After arguing for a long time, Han Sanping finally got to the point.

"What day is Red Cliff?"

"Red Cliff" was completed in December last year. Although the release date has not been announced yet, it has definitely been decided internally.

"Red Cliff is scheduled for July 7th, but you don't have to kill each other. Movie, don't act on impulse~"

Han Sanping was really afraid that Zhang Chen would deliberately compete with Wu Yusen.

After all, no matter how powerful he is, he is just a young man in his early twenties, and young people are full of energy.
He was the one who strongly advocated the blockbuster strategy, and both films had investments from China Film Group. The last thing he wanted to see was two blockbusters competing with each other.

Warner Bros. has long stated that "2012" can only be released during the summer, which means the three months of June, July and August.

"There's 'The Forbidden Kingdom' in May, and 'Red Cliff' in July. Currently, only June and August are vacant. So, if you want July, I can let 'Red Cliff' give up July..."

Between two evils, choose the lesser one. In comparison, "2012" is definitely the favorite.

"Red Cliff" can only be considered a picked-up.

Wu Baige: How dare you, boy?

Zhang Chen thought about it for a while and said, "June."

May is not suitable. "The Forbidden Kingdom" is also Jackie Chan's movie. You can't let Jackie Chan fight himself.

July is the best.

Generally speaking, July is the best time of the summer vacation as students just have their holidays.

But this year is special because the Olympics will start in August.

With memories of his past life, he knew that starting from August, nothing could compete with the Olympics for attention.

If "2012" is scheduled for July, it will only be popular for one month.

But if it was in June, even though students hadn't had their holidays yet, with Zhang Chen's appeal, the box office should be good, and the film could be shown for two consecutive months in June and July...

After the schedule was set, Han Sanping looked at his watch and clapped his hands, "Okay, everyone, it's almost time. We should also set off for the celebration party of Pacific Rim..."

That’s right, today is the celebration party for “Pacific Rim”, and only such an opportunity can bring these people together so easily.

The group drove to the celebration banquet.

The celebration party was completely different from the small screening room just now, with many media and stars gathered.

The arrival of Zhang Chen and his group immediately attracted the attention of the media.

On the rostrum, Zhang Chen and Han Sanping smashed the ice sculpture representing 500 million yuan, and the media witnessed this historic moment.

In the history of Chinese cinema, no movie has ever reached the astonishing box office of 500 million.

Zhang Chen, the only protagonist, will immediately become the focus wherever he goes.

Being introduced to each other, taking photos, and saying polite words~
There are many people who want to meet Zhang Chen, but few are qualified to be around him.

This is how socializing works: big circles contain small circles, and small circles contain even smaller circles.

During the conversation, someone mentioned the news about "Red Cliff".

The epic masterpiece "Red Cliff", which Wu Baige claimed cost 6 million yuan to create, was eventually divided into two parts, which will be released in July this year and January next year respectively.

The official explanation is that the project investment is too large and the story is too complex, and combining them in one film will affect the viewing experience.

Many people expressed disdain.

It was hyped up before, being the epic masterpiece with the largest investment in China, costing 6 million yuan.

Then it was completely defeated by Star Entertainment, and the investment in "Pacific Rim" was 8 million.

Moreover, "Red Cliff" was divided into two parts, which means the investment in each part was only 3 million.

Of course 3 million is not a small amount, but it is a bit inconsistent with Wu Baige’s previous boasting and he has been ridiculed by people in the circle recently.

Dong Jianqiang, Chen Xi, and Zhang Chen gathered together:
"Has the date been set?"

"Yes, June, Warner also means the same~"

"6 is not bad either, it can be kept for two months in a row~"

Thanks to Zhang Chen's popular science, people around him have a clear understanding of the Olympics.

No movie will perform well at the box office during the Olympics.

This time, "2012" did not use any administrative means, it was purely commercial competition.

Zhang Chen also wanted to see how much box office "2012" could get if it was purely commercial competition.
Dong Jianqiang added: "Tangshan has replied. They are willing to accept all our requests~"

"Then let's prepare according to that timeline. Filming will start next year and the release will be the year after next~"

Zhang Chen, the country's top director, is willing to direct it, and Tangshan is definitely willing to do so, it's just a matter of releasing it later.

Can wait!
A few days later, Xingchen Entertainment officially announced that Zhang Chen's new film will be released in June.

However, the title and subject matter of the film remain confidential.

This made the media very anxious. The schedule was not announced in this way. If you didn't say anything, how could we write the press release?
But it’s no use, I just won’t say it!

华谊兄弟
The two brothers were also puzzled when they saw the news:
Wang Zhongjun: "What do you think Zhang Chen is up to this time? The release date has been set, but he hasn't even announced his name?"

Wang Zhonglei: "I don't know either. The strangest thing is that I asked my friends in the review department for information, but they didn't know either. Not only the name, but even the genre. It seems that Zhang Chen's new film has been kept secret..."

"Forget it, let's not think about it for now. It's scheduled for June. Although it will affect us, the impact is not big. The real threat is Iron Man..."

The Wang brothers have been having a hard time these past two days.

The seven-day May Day holiday was suddenly changed to three days this year, which made their plans go awry.

But the release date has already been announced and cannot be changed, so I have no choice but to go ahead with it.

Then China Film Group unexpectedly gave them another setback. A week after "The Forbidden Kingdom", a Hollywood blockbuster "Iron Man" was suddenly released.

The Wang brothers were disgusted enough.

Is it just because "The Forbidden Kingdom" rejected China Film's investment that it has become like this?

(End of this chapter)