Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 507 Everyone Has a Background

Back in Los Angeles, Cao Yang continued filming "Pirates of the Caribbean" at Disney's studios.

Because the main actors all immersed themselves in their roles, even when performing in front of a green screen without props, their performances were almost indistinguishable from real scenes as soon as the camera started rolling.

So the filming progressed very quickly.

In other words, setting up many scenes takes a lot of time. For example, you might spend half a day painstakingly setting up props and lighting, but the actual filming only takes about ten minutes.

If it weren't for the time-consuming set design, even if two sequels were filmed together, it could have been completed very quickly.

In fact, it's not just the scene setup that takes time; special effects production is even more time-consuming.

Fortunately, many of the special effects for the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel were outsourced and could be produced simultaneously, which saved a lot of time.

In fact, with Cao Yang's intervention, several domestic special effects companies obtained contracts.

According to historical timeline, between 1990 and 2010, the first generation of special effects companies in China began to emerge, but at that time they had neither technological advantages nor competitive advantages.

Since 2010, with the development of the domestic film and television industry, especially the popularity of animation and fantasy themes, Huaxia Special Effects Company has ushered in market opportunities and become an undeniable force in the global market. With its cost advantages and combination with Hollywood production processes, it has gradually gained a foothold in the international market.

Later on, Chinese special effects companies went from OEM manufacturing to independent research and development, achieving synchronization with the international market in terms of content and technology, and gradually began to redefine the cost-efficiency ratio of the global special effects industry.

In layman's terms, the technology is not outdated, but the price advantage is obvious.

However, with Cao Yang's intention to cultivate domestic special effects companies, the development of these companies will definitely be faster than in the previous life, and their technological reserves will be more complete.

Just as Cao Yang was busy filming, the time came to September 16th, and "The Founding of a Republic" was to be released in mainland China.

Perhaps influenced by the all-star cast of "The Founding of a Republic," or perhaps because September is a special month, patriotic war films accounted for almost half of the movies released this month.

However, when it comes to box office revenue, there's not much to say.

In the first half of September, before the release of "The Founding of a Republic," almost all films, including "Cow," failed to make a splash in the market.

The significance of "The Founding of a Republic" is different. Although Cao Yang, as the producer, did not return to China to attend the premiere and promotion, he still recorded a video.

This film is considered a landmark in the first commercialization of a modern mainstream work, and its selling point is obvious: initially, many viewers went to the theater just to see the stars.

However, in reality, "Assembly" was the first mainstream film to be commercialized and marketed.

The commercialization of patriotic films like "The Founding of a Republic" is different from that of "Assembly," directed by Xiao Gangpao, and audience expectations are also different.

Just by looking at the director of "Assembly," viewers can roughly understand that the film cannot be a true patriotic film.

Of the three directors of "The Founding of a Republic," none of them—Han Yucai, Tian Yong, or Huang Jianxin—are traditional commercial film directors, which is why audiences have different expectations.

The first group of viewers who actually bought tickets and went to the cinema did so to see the stars.

This resulted in the film's box office performance on its opening day not being very good, only reaching 1500 million.

Of course, the so-called poor box office of 1500 million is relative. Compared with Cao Yang's "Joker" and Xiao Gangpao's "Tangshan", it is much worse.

It also falls short of "Like Father, Like Son".

However, "The Founding of a Republic" was released on Wednesday, and its box office of 1500 million yuan set a new record for Wednesday opening weekend box office.

Furthermore, it's only the first day of its release, and it's a weekday, so it's not yet time for the movie to "show its power."

In addition, viewers who saw the movie were surprised to find that it was actually quite good.

On Thursday, the second day of the release of "The Founding of a Republic", the box office increased slightly, reaching 1800 million.

On the third day, which was Friday, the box office soared to 2900 million, showing a significant increase.

Seeing the box office trend, President Han breathed a sigh of relief.

This film is a key project known to everyone at the top. If the box office results are unsatisfactory, he, as the chief director, will certainly be held responsible.

Mr. Han is well aware that the box office will definitely be very high on Saturday and Sunday.

Because the "perk" of companies and institutions booking entire theaters or providing movie tickets is about to begin.

If President Han understands this, the higher-ups must also understand it, which is why President Han attaches great importance to the box office performance in the first three days.

The first three days saw relatively few external factors at play, resulting in more realistic box office figures. Almost the entire audience went to see the movie purely for entertainment purposes, rather than for any other reason.

Not only did President Han breathe a sigh of relief, but Little Cannon also breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Gangpao was quite wary of "The Founding of a Republic," which was also produced by Cao Yang and featured an all-star cast, even though he had a role in it.

He was genuinely worried that the box office record for Chinese-language films, which "Tangshan" had just set, would be broken by "The Founding of a Republic" in just over a month.

Given the hundreds of celebrities and the possibility of even more "private screenings," it's quite possible.

Fortunately, the combined box office revenue of "The Founding of a Republic" in the first three days was only a "mere" 6200 million.

The combined box office of "Tangshan" on its opening and second days of release reached 7900 million yuan, which is 1700 million yuan more than the box office of "The Founding of a Republic" in its first three days.

Moreover, "Tangshan" raked in 5100 million views on its third day, Saturday, and its total viewership reached an astonishing 1.3 million views over the three days.

Xiao Gangpao estimates that even if "The Founding of a Republic" has a box office boom on Saturday and Sunday, it definitely can't compare to "Tangshan".

Lately, Xiao Gangpao's mood has been like a rollercoaster, filled with both gains and losses.

From the jubilation when "Tangshan" hit the box office, to the excitement when "Assembly" received nine Golden Rooster Award nominations, to the anxiety when "The Founding of a Republic" was released...

Do you think this is over?
We've only just begun.

He is now worried about the Golden Rooster Awards ceremony on October 17th.

These things were all bothering him, making him lose interest in "If You Are the One," which was in post-production. He stopped working overtime to oversee post-production and went home on time.

Furthermore, she always looks worried.

"Just say what you want to say. I know you men are all the same. Do you want her to give birth, or do you want to give her money to have an abortion?"

Xu Fan patted the sofa next to him, gesturing for Xiao Gangpao, who seemed preoccupied, to sit down. He then said, "If you can't bear to part with her, I'll make room for her. We can part amicably. I've seen this kind of thing a lot." "Huh? What?"

Little Cannon looked bewildered, his mouth slightly agape as he stared at Xu Fan.

"Were you talking about me? What do you mean by being born to make room for someone else?"

"Stop pretending! Did I say something wrong? Do you want me to name names? Which name do you think I should say? The host? Or those child actors?"

Xu Fan said sarcastically, "I used to turn a blind eye, thinking you were just playing around. But I know you. You see through the entertainment industry and know why they approach you."

But I miscalculated. I've been thinking about it these past few days, and it seems some vixen is pregnant with your child.

Little Cannon finally realized what Xu Fan was talking about.

"Hey! What nonsense are you talking about? What are you talking about?"

He reached out and took Xu Fan's hand, kissed it, and explained with a wry smile, "There's no such thing as being pregnant. You're just overthinking things. It's not true at all."

I have been a bit worried lately, mainly because of the nine Golden Rooster nominations. You know, Lao Tian's film is competing with "Assembly"...

At this point, Little Cannon paused, seemingly observing Xu Fan's reaction.

However, Xu Fan remained calm and did not show anything.

"Lao Tian's 'Pieta' won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival. To put it bluntly, even if Cao Yang is trying to reform the Golden Rooster Awards, how can the Golden Lion Award winners be ignored?"

Moreover, Lao Tian was Cao Yang's mentor, a connection I can't compare to. Winning one or two major awards for *Pieta* is practically a certainty.

At this point, Little Cannon paused, looked at Xu Fan, and tried to glean some information from her face.

Unfortunately, Xu Fan seemed to be listening intently to Xiao Gangpao's analysis, and she even widened her eyes in surprise, saying, "So that's what you're worried about! I thought you..."

Then, as if she had agreed with what Little Cannon had said, she nodded slightly.

What major awards do you think Pietà will win?

Xu Fan asked.

Her tone suggested that she was merely curious, not interested in Lao Tian.

“I really analyzed this matter seriously. Among the two major awards, Best Feature Film and Best Director, Pietà will win at least one. My biggest worry is that Pietà will sweep both awards.”

Little Cannon said with a wry smile.

What he wants most is definitely Best Feature Film and Best Director, even just one of them would be great.

I'm afraid that "Assembly" won't be able to compete with "Pieta".

Films recognized by the Venice Golden Lion have received certification from the world's most prestigious film festival. Such films are entitled to any award at the Golden Rooster Awards, and there will be no surprises or controversies.

"In addition, 'Assembly' has another strong competitor, which is Chen Kaige's 'Forever Enthralled,' which is also a film that entered the main competition unit of the Berlin Film Festival and is a biographical film that is easy to win awards."

Don't forget, Chen Kai is also Cao Yang's senior apprentice, and the two have a pretty good relationship. The problem is they might prioritize their own people. If that happens, "Assembly" can forget about any major awards; they'll probably be lucky to get a consolation prize.

Xu Fan paused for a moment, then comforted him, "You don't need to worry too much. Don't forget, you're also one of Director Cao Yang's people. You've already collaborated on two films, both of which were critical and commercial successes."

Little Cannon's eyes lit up, and he unconsciously grinned, reminding everyone: "Three! Three! The one currently in post-production, 'If You Are the One,' is also a collaboration with Director Cao."

Then, he chuckled, as if explaining to Xu Fan, but also as if comforting himself, and said:

"Director Cao and I are definitely on the same side. Otherwise, he wouldn't have collaborated with me on three films in a row, and he certainly wouldn't have allowed 'If You Are the One' to be called a sequel to his famous work, 'On the Beach at Night Alone'!"

"Hmm, so what are you still worried about?"

"Yes, what else do I have to worry about?"

Little Cannon couldn't help but think: My relationship with Director Cao is still very close. I support all his decisions and all his work, and I follow his lead... More importantly, whenever there is a suitable female lead in my films, I almost always use one of his women...

This kind of relationship is no worse than that of a nominal senior brother like Chen Kaige, right?

Then, another idea popped into Xiao Gangpao's mind: How about I take a position in the directing department of Beijing Film Academy? If they think I'm not qualified... I'll go to Beijing Film Academy for further studies first, and then take the position?
Cao Yang was certainly unaware of Xiao Gangpao's worries and inner thoughts.

Jon Favreau was still the director of Iron Man 2.

When he was preparing for the movie with Cheng Jianye, he told Cao Yang that since Black Widow was a special agent and the sexiest and most action-oriented character in the film, shouldn't she undergo special training for a few weeks to make her fight scenes more exciting?

Cao Yang thought Jon Favreau's words made sense.

But this means we need to quickly finalize the casting for Black Widow and try to ensure she completes her special training before filming begins.

So Cao Yang had Cheng Jianye and Jon Favreau audition the actresses first, and then select three to five candidates before making the final decision himself.

Many actresses who wanted the role, along with their agencies, quickly sprang into action.

Isn't this exactly where connections and resources come in handy?

After a week of interviews, Cheng Jianye and Jon Favreau gave Cao Yang a five-person list: Emily Blunt, Jessica Alba, Gemma Arterton, Jessica Biel, and Scarlett Johansson.

Jon Favreau highlighted two players on this five-person list: Emily Blunt and Gemma Arterton.

According to Jon Favreau, both Emily Blunt and Gemma Arterton have a rugged appearance and a sexy figure, and both have experience in action films.

Cao Yang was surprised that Emily Blunt was nominated. Did Europeans and Americans think that a tough appearance is more suitable for playing a secret agent?
Or perhaps he's better suited to action movies?

According to Cheng Jianye, not only director Jon Favreau believes that a rugged appearance is an essential quality for a secret agent, but he also asked several directors and producers he knows, and most of these Americans share the same opinion.

Gemma Arterton was also highlighted because she also has a rather rugged appearance.

Furthermore, he also played the sexy and beautiful MI007 female agent "Strawberry Garden" in the movie "Quantum of Solace" released last year, so he has experience playing secret agents.

However, before Cao Yang could decide which one to choose, Jon Favreau called him and said that he had received a call from Woody Allen, who recommended Scarlett Johansson to him.

Then, Cao Yang received a call from Martin Scorsese, who said that he had been asked by Woody Allen to recommend Scarlett Johansson to Cao Yang.

(End of this chapter)