Fooling Huayu for Thirty Years

Chapter 685 During the Spring Festival season, our "No Man's Land" is facing "Avatar"! (Yaya Art)
The Spring Festival of 2010 is coming, and so is the Spring Festival film season of 2010.

Although in previous years, we Chinese didn't really have the habit of watching movies during the Spring Festival.

But after these years, especially the success of last year's Spring Festival film season.

I guess I've developed this movie-watching habit.

Of course, at present, this release window is not very strong, and the number of moviegoers is not very high.

It's definitely not as good as the summer or Lunar New Year film seasons.

However, the trend is still positive.

In particular, this release date is completely synchronized with the Lunar New Year releases in Hong Kong.

This does make it easier for Hong Kong films to profit from mainland China... cough cough, you can't say that.

Regardless of whether it's Hong Kong films or not, this is the current situation.

Although Huang Baiming didn't earn much last year, he had already laid a solid foundation.

The Spring Festival film season has officially begun.

Needless to say, this year's Spring Festival film season in mainland China is still dominated by Hong Kong films.

Huang Baiming didn't earn much last year, but here he is again this year.

What was it last year again...? Oh right, it's the latest work from the "All's Well, Ends Well" IP.

So, is there any need to even think about it this year?
It's a happy occasion in the flower field!
That's right, "All's Well, Ends Well 2010" is here.

To be honest, when the movie "All's Well, Ends Well" was released, it really amazed many people.

Let's put aside the cast for now and just look at the many creative ideas in it. It's definitely a nonsensical comedy, but it's really interesting and hilarious.

For example, putting car logos, even Mercedes-Benz and BMW logos, on a horse's head makes people laugh.

Many of the comedic scenes were indeed quite excellent. Nonsensical comedy is not easy to perform; if it's not done well, it can be very embarrassing.

To put it bluntly, there are only a few masters in the world who act quite well, such as the American detective who played the bald man, Jim Carrey, and Stephen Chow in China.

Some actors just can't take on the role. Take Naked Detective, for example. After the original actor retired, no one could fill the role.

And Jim Carrey's "The Mask" sequel was just a terrible movie!
Needless to say, Stephen Chow was also in the spotlight. Later, fans kept hoping that he would stop directing and just act instead.

By the way, someone will definitely mention Mr. Bean.

But actually, Mr. Bean is a science fiction movie, and I'm afraid not many people know that the character of Mr. Bean is actually an alien, which was set up from the very beginning.

Okay, let's not worry about that detail.

Looking back at the cast of "All's Well, Ends Well" back then... Sam Hui, Leslie Cheung, Ricky Hui, Wong Pak-ming, Rosamund Kwan, Teresa Mo, Sandra Ng...

Each of these names is impressive enough on its own.

Therefore, "All's Well, Ends Well" was a very, very classic film back then!

But now?

Just looking at the lineup...

Louis Koo, Sandra Ng, Wong Pak-ming, Angela Baby, Poon Yuet-ming...

No, let's put aside the old issues of fame and ability. This cast is really similar to the cast of last year's "All's Well, Ends Well"!

Even Chung-Chi and Sandra Ng's father have roles in the show, and the casting patterns are also quite similar.

This is a co-production between mainland China and Hong Kong, so there must be mainland actors.

Last year it was Guo Tao, this year it's Pan Yueming... It's practically like a clone.

Okay, this is a period drama; last year's was a modern drama.

Hmm, judging from the cast, could it be that the two shows are time-travel stories?
Maybe this is a hidden plot they've set up.

What a mess!

Anyway, judging from this lineup, Huang, the big boss, hasn't come up with anything new this year.

To put it nicely, this is called a stable lineup.

To put it bluntly, you've got no one to rely on!
However, it also shows from another angle that Huang Baiming is here to fleece people.

The intention can only be described as obvious.

Fortunately, Wong Pak-ming isn't the only big name in the Hong Kong film industry; another big name has also come this year.

Big Brother Dragon!
Little Big Soldier.

This movie is the latest masterpiece by the eldest brother, Lung, and the biggest hot topic about this movie right now is... there is no Lung Prince!

It should be said that the elder brother Long's support for his son is evident to all.

However, the eldest brother, Lung, is quite protective of his reputation, so he tries to avoid acting in a movie with his son... well, he has acted in one before.

Conversely, this film, "Little Big Soldier," can be considered a work that Brother Long (Dragon) values ​​highly.

One of the male leads is Leehom Wang, who sings quite well and is also quite focused on developing his film career.

Regardless, he is actually quite good-looking.

In addition, Baoqiang is also in the movie.

Judging from the looks of it, this movie should be pretty good.

The other two films are "Hot Summer Days" and "14 Blades".

At present, "Hot Summer Days" is not viewed favorably.

Many people feel that this film is most likely made for Valentine's Day, and this year Valentine's Day and the Spring Festival fall on the same day!
That's right, it was just a coincidence!
So, this movie will be released during the Spring Festival.

Another film, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard," is inexplicably highly anticipated.

There's no other reason than that it's because of real bullets. His previous performance in "Ip Man" was outstanding, and this movie also features the mainland actress Yanzi Gege.

These two big names alone are enough to carry this movie.

These films are the rivals of "Crazy No Man's Land" in this year's Spring Festival film season.

Ya Ya took the initiative to find Ma Xun, and it wasn't just because she missed her Brother Ma.

Or perhaps it's because Ning Hao is currently in a rather chaotic situation.

Okay, the pressure is just immense.

Ning Hao was a little embarrassed to say it, after all, the movie had already been arranged with his boss beforehand.

Moreover, it was also a promise Ning Hao made to his fans: "See you next year."

Last year's "Crazy Racer" was indeed crazy enough, and its box office performance was also crazy enough.

This year's "Crazy No Man's Land" is basically the third installment in the Crazy IP series.

In fact, in the original timeline, Ma Xun knew very well that it would be difficult for this movie to even be released.

Ma Xun dares to say that he absolutely did not misremember. The original version of "No Man's Land" was reviewed for several years. It is said that Ning Hao remade it and went through a lot of effort before it was finally released.

I think it was filmed in 09, but it wasn't released until 13.

This film really didn't need to take four years to make.

Moreover, many of Ning Hao's fans online believe that someone is trying to suppress Ning Hao, a rising star in the directing world.

On the original timeline's internet, many people speculated about why the movie couldn't be released.

Now, under Ma Xun's guidance, the fact that this film has been released is itself a victory.

However, the opponents are indeed formidable; just look at the films featuring Big Brother Long and Huang Baiming.

They all come from very influential backgrounds.

How to do?
Of course, we'll have to see how ingenious Mr. Ma's methods work.

Just when Ning Hao was at his wits' end, he suddenly received a message from his boss.

He initially thought his boss wanted him to go to the Guangxian Building, but when he looked...

what? !

A banquet?

Ma Xun also gave him a hint: that he should dress nicely, because there would be many big shots in the industry there.

What kind of banquet is this?!
Ning Hao felt even more uneasy, but he really couldn't not go.

After tidying himself up, Ning Hao put on a suit he was going to wear to the film festival.

When they arrived at the destination, they saw...

"Haha, this must be Director Ning, haha..."

"Brother, you...you know me too?"

"Of course."

First, we encountered Brother Long. "Ah ha, Director Ning is truly one of the best among young directors."

"Mr. Huang, you flatter me."

They ran into Huang Baiming again.

Ning Hao's heart was pounding all the way here.

When he arrived in front of Ma Xun, his forehead was covered in sweat.

"what happened?"

"No, no, it's nothing."

I was too nervous.

Ma Xun was doing this to that bad monkey... He did it on purpose.

This banquet was a small get-together held by several film distributors and cinema representatives before the Spring Festival film season this year.

Let's have a chat. Besides, the Spring Festival film season is all about celebrating the New Year, so let's get a taste of the festive atmosphere in advance.

Last year was very successful, even quite unexpected.

Therefore, cinemas are paying great attention to this Spring Festival film season this year.

Basically, all the cinema chains have understood what this means.

That is, we must make this Spring Festival film season a success, no matter what.

Since that's the case, let's put our efforts into action.

The same old problems.

A movie release requires staff; theaters need a lot of employees.

You have to pay them overtime.

Not giving them money won't do; it could easily cause trouble. Besides, cinemas are established businesses, which means it's very difficult for them to abscond.

These are all costs.

Cinemas don't want their profitable business to lose money because of a single Spring Festival film season.

So, everyone discussed it carefully and studied it thoroughly.

Ning Hao figured all this out and realized that his boss had brought him here to broaden his horizons.

So, what's the key point?
"Boss, what's our plan this time?"

Ning Hao asked in a low voice.

There was no way around it; he was just too curious about it. His heart was truly like a cat's claws.

Ma Xun understood his thoughts and said with a smile, "I have a question for you."

“Okay, I’ll tell you everything I know.” Ning Hao was very sincere.

Ma Xun couldn't help but laugh at his expression, but business was more important. "So, who are the competitors for this year's Spring Festival film season?"

what? !

Our opponents? ...Isn't that too simple? They're just these people in front of us!
However, this is not a good question to answer.

What is the status of Brother Lung? Huang Baiming is a big shot in Hong Kong. And that "real bullet" is Fu Cheng from "Hot Romance"... They are all very famous figures.

Even if we are enemies, it's not good to say it directly.

After all, Ning Hao's status isn't that high.

Although Ning Hao's actual record is good, it's really not easy to reach this level.

Ma Xun gave him a unique answer: "You're overthinking it. There are no rivals for us here."

“This…” Ning Hao’s expression immediately turned cold.

What kind of talk is that from my own boss?

how can that be possible?
Ning Hao really couldn't understand it, but at this moment the banquet had reached a crucial point.

We can't just eat, everyone, let's have a chat.

Many of the business owners present included Qin Hong, General Manager Li, and Boss Ying Huangyang, among others.

In fact, Mr. Li is very worried now because their "Journey to the West" seems to be... not very good!

Simply put, there are very few people criticizing it.

This is really upsetting.

It seems that Ma Xun has never paid any attention to him.

Ignoring it is the greatest harm!

But in reality, Ma Xun is never free, just like right now...

"Everyone, let me speak too." It was Ma Xun's turn to speak. What was his take on this year's Lunar New Year film season?

All eyes suddenly turned to him.

Ma Xun calmly smiled and said, "We're all in the same time slot, so from a competitive standpoint, we're all rivals."

However, I must emphasize here that our Enlight Media's "Crazy No Man's Land" is no match for any of you!

Our only rival is Avatar!

As soon as he finished speaking, applause erupted!
clap clap clap...

Ning Hao clapped along, but his expression was very strange!

There's nothing I can do, my boss is just too awesome, what does this mean?
Is our opponent Avatar?
Their box office is almost a billion!
After this Spring Festival film season, over a billion... wait a minute!
Ning Hao was a smart man, and he immediately understood the brilliance of Ma Xun's move!

We're comparing the box office performance of "Avatar" during the Spring Festival period!

That means Avatar will still be released during the Spring Festival period, and our Crazy No Man's Land will go head-to-head with it.

It's fair to say that after more than a month in theaters, Avatar is nearing its end.

but!

This movie is truly a box office king, it's amazing!
Even though it's not a new film released during the Spring Festival season, it's still a force to be reckoned with!

And we... this is an overestimation!

Ning Hao smiled; his boss was indeed awesome!
At this point, many other business owners have probably figured it out as well.

Ma Xun is so good at this!
It's not comparable to films like "Little Big Soldier" or "All's Well, Ends Well 2010".

Let's go fight an even more formidable enemy!

We'll compare ourselves to Hollywood blockbusters!

The key question is, is there any other reason?

Look at it now.

Ma Xun is talking to his older brother, Long.

“We know each other so well, how could we be rivals?”

"That's right, that's exactly the point! Let's fight against the enemy together!"

That's absolutely right, and it even strengthened our bond!
Ma Xun's act was... absolutely perfect!
Ning Hao has truly witnessed advanced techniques, so...

"The negative aspects of operations..."

"Of course we should do it that way."

That's right! We'll definitely do the same in terms of marketing and promotion for our film, "Crazy No Man's Land".

In fact, doing this really made our movie stand out from the crowd!

Who cares if it can beat Avatar? Let's just brag about it first!

Moreover, Ning Hao has quite a few fans.

Ma Xun's move was absolutely brilliant.

With that, the arrangements for the Spring Festival film season were finally complete, and Ning Hao's pressure was greatly reduced.

Even if we lose to Avatar, it's not shameful!
This guy happily went off to do his job.

Ma Xun returned to his office...wait, why is there a steel pipe in this office?
"What is this?"

"Brother Ma, what do you think of my new dance?"

Ya Ya is truly incredibly talented in dance; with that slender and shapely figure, she can jump right onto the pole...

Art, absolutely art!

Ma Xun will watch the exciting show "Crazy No Man's Land" first.

(End of this chapter)