I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 407 A Masterpiece!

June 5, 2012, a screening room at Relativity Media.

The projector played the first digital projection of "Killer: Dragon" after post-production, projecting it onto the large white screen in front of us.

Chen Jin, Kavanaugh, the CEO of Relativity, producer Michael Costigan, and several department heads from Relativity all watched intently.

In the end, Long, played by Chen Jin, killed the main villain, Vig, in a torrential downpour.

The fight scenes are brutal and realistic, not exaggerated at all, but full of a super violent aesthetic.

It's completely different from those exaggerated, flashy, and cheap-looking fighting scenes on the market.

After reading this, you'll have one feeling: this could happen in real life; and this is how a vengeful assassin carries out his final killing of a gang leader.

It feels incredibly realistic, as if you could immerse yourself in the world of "John Wick".

Wow, that's amazing!

Kavanaugh led the applause, a genuine expression of praise.

To be honest, Kavanaugh is also an action movie enthusiast, but in all the action blockbusters he's seen in his life, this is the first time he's seen a movie with such realistic fighting.

In fact, the current version is almost identical in plot to the rough cut version that Chen Jin showed him before.

With the addition of background music and a gloomy, sophisticated noir visual style, the film's overall quality is elevated to a whole new level.

If we're talking about visuals that can rival this movie, then the style of Nolan's "The Dark Knight" is probably the only one.

They all follow this punk-style dark aesthetic.

Yet this very quality gives the film a very high-class feel.

It's the kind of movie that, after watching it, gives you the illusion of falling in love with its quality, making you feel incredibly immersed.

Putting aside the spectacular fight scenes, this is already an excellent film with a great storyline. What's more... the action is definitely a huge plus. It doesn't feel abrupt at all; instead, it makes the movie cool and absolutely exhilarating.

Kavanaugh, it's been a long time since I've seen such a high-quality movie.

Completely different from typical commercial films, it has a feel of teaching the world how to make action movies; a masterpiece.

But clearly... this is a debut work!
Kavanaugh glanced at Chen Jin beside him with a complicated expression. In fact, this was the fourth time Chen Jin had watched this movie.

The fourth time after completion.

A few days ago, after the post-production was finished, he watched it by himself.

Before the post-production phase, he had actually watched it countless times from beginning to end, but this time... he cried.

Not directed by himself.

Instead, it enhances the details and pushes the action to the limit based on "John Wick," raising what was originally a 7-point or higher movie to 8 points or higher!

Without exaggeration, this movie is definitely worth 8 points or higher.

Even when looking at all the action-packed movies in the world, it is still at the top level.

Chen Jin was naturally moved to produce such a work on her directorial debut, which is why she couldn't help but express her emotions.

This wasn't his ability, but a buff given to him by the system; and he didn't let the system down by watching the original film from beginning to end again and again, which is why the entire Relativity community is now applauding "Killer: Dragon"!
The expressions on everyone's faces were not feigned or flattering, but rather a genuine appreciation of the work before them.

"At least from my perspective as a producer over the years, this is an action blockbuster that is above average!"

"Putting aside its commercial aspects for now, in terms of film quality alone, it's impeccable!"

Michael Costigan clapped his hands and spoke sincerely to Chen Jin beside him.

In fact, not only him, but all the team members of "Killer: Dragon" who watched the later episodes, including Ye Ruchang and a few others, were full of confidence in the film.

After finishing post-production, they couldn't believe how well the film had turned out.

The final box office results are unpredictable, but at least in terms of quality, the film has achieved perfection in everyone's mind.

When will the release date be set?

Kavanaugh is already looking forward to it; he has high hopes for this film, so he has poured a lot of ambition into it.

Whether relativity can reach the same level of legendary status requires a globally renowned masterpiece.

And the game right in front of us, Killer: Dragon, is definitely worth a try.

Even if it doesn't break the staggering box office figure of "The Dark Knight" at $10 billion, it can still cause a huge sensation among North American audiences who enjoy action movies.

Once this goal is achieved, the sequel can make money.

Kavanaugh is quite optimistic about the future of this second installment of "Killer Dragon".

"In China, summer vacation is from July to August!"

"I'm aiming for a strong performance in August!"

Chen Jin turned to Kavanaugh beside her and asked, "What about North America? Can you secure the August slot?"

There are only two months left until August.

Even if it's the end of August, it's only 3 months.

This timeframe is still too tight for North America; because North American films are always distributed globally, which usually takes at least six months.

Some even make various mobilizations and preparations a year in advance.

There's nothing wrong with mainland China; Chen Jin has plenty of ways to handle it, two months is more than enough.

It should be released at the end of next month without any problem.

However, August is also summer vacation in North America; Chen Jin can get any slot in China because China Film Group Corporation is very powerful in China and has a good relationship with China Film Group Corporation, so she can set a slot at will.

All you need to do is leave a gap for promotion.

As for North America, it wasn't just Chen Jin who said it; Kavanaugh, standing next to him, also had to ask his six major partners.

Despite seemingly having a cash flow of $10 billion and being regarded as a "sugar daddy" by the six major investors, Kavanaugh actually has to beg them for funding when it comes to issuing shares.

Investing in the six major film projects requires money, so they'll definitely give Kavanaugh face.

But the release date has to be the other way around, which is why Chen Jin asked that question.

With an uncertain release date and insufficient time for promotion, it's highly unlikely that "Killer: Dragon" will be released to North American audiences in August.

There's no need to worry about Chen Jin in China. Ye Ruchang returned to China a few days ago and already submitted the master tapes to the State Administration for review. This film is a Sino-US co-production, so it's not included in the plans for an imported film.

If the box office is good, the government might use it as a model of cooperation to promote, since China and the US are currently in a honeymoon period in the entertainment industry.

This is a very beneficial event for China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC).

"August is going to be tough!"

Kavanaugh's brows furrowed deeply, and he whispered a few words to the vice president behind him, his worry deepening.

"The competition in North America is very fierce in August, and the promotion in September is also a bit rushed. At the earliest, we have to move it to October!"

"But October is a slow period, mainly consisting of independent films and Oscar season!"

Similar to the Spring Festival and summer movie seasons in China, North America actually has more movie release periods and a strict system for classifying movie genres.

For example, summer vacation in North America is longer than in China, with the summer movie season lasting from May to August.

This release window is a major period for superhero movies and sequels, and it's also one of the most important in North America, accounting for over 40% of the annual box office revenue over four months. It primarily targets teenagers and families, featuring superhero, sci-fi, and action blockbusters. Actually, if there were distribution channels available, releasing *Killer: Dragon* during this period would have been the best option; there was absolutely no risk involved. Given the film's quality, even if Chen Jin were unknown, she would have easily made a fortune.

Unfortunately, not to mention Chen Jin, an outsider, even the original timeline of "John Wick" actually wanted to release it in this time slot, but Lionsgate still couldn't get it, scared off by the weekly blockbuster release.

During this period, there are 1-2 films from the six major Hollywood studios every week.

Everyone knows that this period is lucrative, and the Big Six certainly don't want other film studios to share the profits with them.

The entire summer movie season was almost entirely dominated and monopolized by the six major film studios.

Low-budget films might be worth a try, but independent films are usually released during the September to November months when few people watch them. This is also known as the "fall season," and many films that are nominated for Oscars are released during this period.

The reason for this release date is, as everyone knows, that most of the films submitted for the Oscars are "not very good"!
It's not very commercially viable.

While there are films that manage to balance Oscars and commercial success, they are far too few.

However, there is one exception to this period: Halloween.

Around this time of year, North American horror films reign supreme.

After November ends, it's obviously Christmas time, which will kick off the same New Year's film season in North America and China, lasting until January.

Oh, and there's also a Thanksgiving slot.

"If it were released in October, the box office would be very difficult!"

Although there is less competition, the audience is also smaller, so Kavanaugh still advised Chen Jin not to rush things.

"I can try to get the Christmas slots!"

"Isn't Christmas all about family comedies and movies for everyone?"

You think I don't know about the release schedules in North America?

Just kidding, when "The Battle of Jinling" was released, that old pervert Harvey analyzed it with him.

At the celebration banquet for the TV series "Jinling", Chen Jin got along very well with Li Zi and the others, and they had already formed a revolutionary friendship.

It must be admitted that North America truly captivated Chen Jin, making her reluctant to leave and unwilling to return home.

"The Killer...isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

Although this is also a thrilling movie.

"There's no such thing as appropriate or inappropriate. Christmas is all about comedies and family-friendly movies, but action blockbusters are just as popular!"

"December...too late!"

Chen Jin's main responsibility is to take care of the Chinese market.

"In August, I'll try to get things done in China by mid-August. It's okay if things are a little later in North America, but not too much later!"

"chan!"

Kavanaugh said with a hint of helplessness, "Why are you in such a hurry?"

"It's going to be fine if it's released in December, right?"

"Of course, it could be released in December, but there are already many Chinese films in that release window!"

"Action blockbusters are best watched during summer vacation!"

Chen Jin wasn't trying to put Kavanaugh in a difficult position.

Instead, this guy just takes the money but doesn't put in any effort!

The author didn't spend a single penny on "Killer: Dragon" (or "Relaxation"), and this guy is still babbling on and on. I'm not discussing this during the summer release; I'm giving him an order.

Chen Jin could certainly have been placed in December, but why did she do it that way?

China could have had a better summer movie season, right?
It's impossible to abandon China, our core market, just to cater to your North American needs, right?
Besides, what do you care if my publicity is tight or not? Chen Jin just wants Kavanaugh to have a summer slot available to keep up with China, not to listen to this guy's various suggestions!
If the summer blockbuster season flops in North America, Chen Jin will accept it.

The first John Wick movie in its previous life only grossed $1 million worldwide, mainly due to its release date.

The fact that the lead actor, Keanu Reeves, doesn't have that much box office appeal is secondary.

It was released in October.

It ultimately grossed $4304 million in North America and received great reviews, but there were no moviegoers.

This is a very real issue that needs to be considered.

Chen Jin believes that with the current quality of "Killer: Dragon," even if the marketing and distribution are lacking, as long as the word-of-mouth is good, people will naturally go to the cinema to watch it, because there are indeed many teenagers who watch movies during the summer vacation.

Movies like "Killer Dragon" are exactly the kind of revenge thrillers that young people love.

"All I can say is that I will do my best to try and see if it can be released in August!"

"We also need to organize screenings for managers from major cinema chains so they can assess the commercial viability of 'The Killer'..."

These things all take time.

"Of course that's no problem!"

"I am very confident in the quality of my film. After watching it, theater managers should all want to import it!"

Chen Jin must emphasize this point.

Even if he was unsure about the release of "Killer: Dragon", he still had to speak very forcefully.

Chen Jin actually only asked this guy for one thing: to help "The Killer" get a good release date and a screening slot, that is, a premiere theater.

Otherwise, why would they give away 40% of the profits for no reason?
You've taken this 40%, so you're supposed to get things done!

"Chan, we need to call an emergency meeting to discuss the safest solution for your movie!"

"You can choose to listen in, or... well, leave!"

"I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer today!"

Kavanaugh clearly saw Chen Jin's persistence, and he also saw the potential of "The Killer". He had to make good use of this opportunity that seemed to fall into his lap.

Kavanaugh's idea was actually quite simple.

After watching "The Killer," he subconsciously felt that the film's box office performance should be quite good.

Of course, he would prefer to proceed cautiously and choose a good time slot to maximize profits.

Summer movie season is a good time for movies, but it's too rushed. It's not the best time for Kavanaugh, who wants to make a lot of money.

"Okay, I'll wait for your call!"

Chen Jin understood the underlying meaning behind Kavanaugh's words.

However, he still wanted to say a few words to this guy: "Ryan, watching a movie doesn't actually take up much time!"

"Take a look at a few major publishers; I can guarantee they'll be very interested!"

Something that can be done in a few days can be put into full-scale promotion and preparation for the summer season. Is it really that complicated?
Obviously, Kavanaugh just didn't want to do it.

Because it's quite complicated, this guy wants to achieve the greatest profit with the least cost.

No wonder he came from Wall Street; he's simply the best product of capital.

(End of this chapter)