This director is vindictive.

Chapter 138: After reading eight novels, you discovered aliens?

For Chen Mo, he has rarely made "special effects" movies like "Ghost Blows Out the Light: Mojin".

There are many thrilling special effects scenes in the movie, but the actual shooting of the scenes is a completely different matter.

For example, filming the scene where the Iron Triangle encounters a giant water monster in the underground river.

Of course there couldn't be a real water monster on the scene, only a huge green screen.

Commercial films, especially special effects films, have very high requirements on the actors' acting skills in non-proper performances.

For example, in this scene, they need to make various corresponding expressions and movements to the air, pretending to have a fierce fight with the water monster.

This kind of play is a test for the actors, and also for director Chen Mo. After all, the actors need to imagine the picture, and he also needs to conceive the picture in his mind and then put himself into it, so that he can feel whether the actor's performance is up to standard.

The special effects director also needs to be on hand to make adjustments and provide guidance at any time.

Of course, the filming process of this kind of scene is not boring. However, if there is no camera, it really looks like a paranoid person gesturing, dodging, and talking to the air.
Anyway, during the filming, everyone in the crew was very happy except the actors.

In fact, the online drama of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is easier to promote, but the movie is really not easy to promote.

Because you really can’t promote things like “tomb robbing” and “ghosts”.

So basically, the positioning of "Mojin: The Last Dragon" is an adventure film, comparable to "Indiana Jones" and "Tomb Raider".

Why mention this? This has to do with Lu Chuan's tricky operation.

After all, Chen Mo and his team can be said to be the most direct and similar competitors of "Nine-story Demon Tower".

So, I was also watching the news video of the launch conference across the street.

At the press conference for the launch of "Nine-story Demon Tower," Lu Chuan stated directly: "The adaptation of the original novel was subject to many restrictions. The film had to find a new basis for the story, moving from a magical mythology system to a science fiction adventure. For a professional director, filmmaking is a job that must follow certain rules. I also wanted to make a film that would give me the feeling of starting over, like my freshman year. This time, not only the story, but also the imagery of the film will not be fantastical, but will be integrated into reality."

In this film, we incorporate archaeological elements such as the excavation of the Guanghan Tomb in Bashu, hoping to use the unsolved mysteries of science to find space for our film and find a way to combine imagination and reality. "

Chen Mo and the others were okay, but the author of the original novel, Tianxia Bachang, and Lao Zhang, who is also the screenwriter of the movie "The Ghouls", looked a little unhappy when they saw Lu Chuan talking.

However, what Lu Chuan said next became even more difficult to bear.

"So "Nine-story Demon Tower" has become a science fiction film?" a reporter asked.

"You can say that! A science fiction adventure movie!" Lu Chuan said confidently.

"Moreover, in the "Nine-story Demon Tower" project, half of the investment will be used for special effects production. The Hollywood special effects team makes the Kunlun monster come alive on the screen, and the scientific expedition team led by Zhao Youting and Yao Dazui engages in a thrilling decisive battle with it." Lu Chuan added.

"No, you said that "Nine-story Demon Tower" is a science fiction adventure and a monster movie? This can't be a monster movie, right?" The reporters below were a bit Spartan and couldn't help asking.

"Monster movies are a mature genre in Hollywood, but they are still a blank slate for Chinese films. I believe that 'Nine-story Demon Tower' will be a courageous breakthrough. Our 'Nine-story Demon Tower' will not follow the magical style of the 'Painted Skin' series, but will incorporate elements of alien civilizations, full of science fiction and adventure.

I believe there should be movies about superheroes and monster-fighting. I hope audiences will see the sincerity and imagination of our film. With a market worth 30 to 40 billion yuan, there should be enough space for a monster.

You have to say that Lu Chuan understands publicity and marketing. If anyone says that he doesn't understand, Chen Mo can just show him this video.

Why? Because you can tell by the way Lao Zhang was so angry that he was speechless.

Chen Mo was actually quite puzzled. He didn't remember that "Nine-story Demon Tower" was promoted like this when it started filming in his previous life. It seemed that Lu Chuan's bold words were really influenced by himself?

The movie hasn’t been filmed yet, but the promotion has already started?
You know what, his remarks did cause quite a bit of controversy and discussion.

Especially for book lovers.

"Oh my god! I was really looking forward to it. There are two 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' movies coming out this year, but what the hell are these superheroes fighting monsters? And aliens? I'm a die-hard fan of the books, and I've searched everywhere and can't find anything like it."

"No, why does it feel like a Chinese thriller?"

"That's fine. If we can't have ghosts, then let's just bring in aliens to join in the fun."

"Anyway, it's hard for me to understand. What the hell is this supposed to look like?"

"Isn't 'The Lost Tomb: The Mystical Ancient City' really good? Why do you have to be so different? Then why are you adapting something? Just do it yourself."

"Haha, how brave does he have to tell reporters that he's read all eight Ghost Blows Out the Light books? He must have read them all in vain, right?"

"I haven't seen Ghost Blows Out the Light, but it's not a big deal, right? Superheroes fighting monsters, there really hasn't been any domestic movies like that, right? I'm looking forward to it!"

"As long as the movie is good, I don't care if it's an adaptation or not!"

It’s true that this wave of publicity is really powerful. At least from a side perspective, it has really made everyone know about the movie "Nine-story Demon Tower".

So from this point of view, Lu Chuan's operation is still remarkable.

After all, that's how he filmed it and how he said it. It's better than when it's about to be released, everyone is looking forward to it for a long time and then finds out, what the hell is this?

Putting aside the movie itself, his way of promotion is still OK.

Of course, Chen Mo was also a little puzzled. If that was the case, then why did he still boast that he had "read all eight volumes of Ghost Blows Out the Light"?
As a bystander and a competitor, well, Chen Mo inexplicably felt a sense of humor.

"No, how could he do that?" Old Zhang was a little upset.

"Adaptation is not making up stories. If we do it according to what he said, then why call it "Ghost Blows Out the Light"? " Old Zhang looked confused.

"Hehe, is there a possibility? It's difficult for them too. After all, there can't be any ghosts." Chen Mo comforted from the side.

"Do you believe what you said?" Lao Zhang said unhappily.

"But, speaking of which, didn't they ask you to be the screenwriter?" Chen Mo was indeed quite curious.

You see, you are adapting the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" series, and the author Lao Zhang is here. Even if it is for publicity, it is a normal practice to invite the original author, right?
"No! Look at what they're doing. They're dealing with unsolved scientific mysteries and superheroes fighting monsters. What does this have to do with my book? Why would they come to me?" Old Zhang's face turned red with anger.

Chen Mo felt quite sympathetic towards Lao Zhang.

Because at this moment, Lao Zhang really didn't know what to say. After all, the filming had just started and the copyright had been obtained.

It was useless for him to say anything at this moment, and he felt very aggrieved.

Moreover, Chen Mo felt that the other party was eager for Lao Zhang to speak, so that they could create more hype.

Chen Mo thought, Old Lu, this is also promotional material that is delivered to your door.

In fact, it is true.

Because what director Lu Chuan said at the launch conference of "Nine-story Demon Tower" really made it difficult for book fans to accept.

Therefore, everyone immediately placed their hopes on another movie adapted from "Ghost Blows Out the Light", "Ghost Blows Out the Light: Mojin: The Lost Tomb".

After all, no matter how you look at it, Chen Mo's side is more reliable than "Nine-story Demon Tower". Although "The Lost Tomb" is a web drama, everyone is still quite satisfied with it.

The media reporters were naturally very sensitive, and they rushed over as soon as the press conference for "Nine-story Demon Tower" ended. They wanted to see what the situation was like for Chen Mo's "Mojin: The Lost Tomb", a similar competitor.
For this purpose, Chen Mo also held a media meeting specifically for media reporters.

"Director Chen, what do you think about Director Lu Chuan's suggestion to make "Nine-story Demon Tower" into a movie about superheroes fighting monsters?" The question asked by this reporter was really unprofessional.

Chen Mo couldn't help but look at him. Wow, holding a LeTV label, there's nothing wrong with that.

"I'm standing and watching! Actually, I'm a little puzzled. I've read all eight novels of "Ghost Blows Out the Light", but I really haven't found anything in the novels that is similar to what Director Lu Chuan said. Since you want to make a monster movie, why adapt other people's novels? Can't you just change the name and shoot it directly?" Chen Mo said with a smile.

Chen Mo directly called out the name and brought out the "read eight novels to pieces" joke to tease Lu Chuan, which made the reporters on the scene very excited.

It has to be you, Chen Mo! Just this one sentence and we have the news material!
"What about 'The Mojin'? Will Director Chen make an adaptation that goes beyond the original?" another reporter asked.

"Everyone should know that "Ghost Blows Out the Light: The Ancient City of Jingjue" is adapted from someone else's original novel. Adaptation is fine, but I will definitely not make up stories. Therefore, our crew specially invited the original author to participate in the scriptwriting, so everyone can rest assured."

"Let me make it clear here that there are absolutely no aliens in "Ghost Blows Out the Light: Mojin: The Lost Tomb" and no superheroes fighting monsters! There are monsters, but they don't have to be from outer space. Our Chinese culture is broad and profound. The original novel "Ghost Blows Out the Light" also explains the origin of "monsters". So, there can be monsters, but they are monsters from our Earth!

Hu Bayi and the other two are just tomb raiders, they don’t have any super powers, and they are not superheroes.” Chen Mo said with a smile.

"In my personal opinion, the most attractive part of "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is not only the fantastic ideas and thrilling adventures, but also the historical and cultural stories of the ancient tombs. This is a typical adventure novel with Chinese folk characteristics, so there is no need to learn everything from Hollywood." Chen Mo continued.

"Another question: why adapt "Ghost Blows Out the Light"? Isn't it because this work is a bestseller and a large number of book fans recognize this work? If it is adapted but has nothing to do with the original, why adapt it? This is not only disrespectful to the original author, but also to the book fans. It is completely unnecessary and will only cost a lot of money! Therefore, our "Mojin" will adhere to the principle of adapting it as close to the original as possible, and it will still be the story of the tomb raiders that everyone is familiar with. Thank you!"

Chen Mo's words seemed to be nothing wrong, but the reporters were all excited.

Here he comes, here he comes, here he comes again.

This weird and weird attitude is really something!

Even Lao Zhang couldn't agree more after hearing Chen Mo's answer.

The reporters have reason to be excited. After all, if Chen Mo and Lu Chuan were to flatter each other commercially without any tension, what would be the point?
And since they start filming at the same time, the schedules probably won't be too far apart. Let's fight, that would be the best!

This is definitely a "fight" that they have been looking forward to for a long time!

"Chen Mo implied that Lu Chuan's "Nine-story Demon Tower" was completely a wolf in sheep's clothing!"

"Enemies often cross paths! 'Mojin: The Lost Tomb' meets 'Nine-story Demon Tower', a head-on clash!"

"Chen Mo said he would respect the original work and the fans, implying that Lu Chuan was fabricating things!"

Of course, fans collectively support Chen Mo's side. After all, this side is more "authentic" no matter how you look at it. It has the precedent of "Ghost Blows Out the Light: The Mystical Ancient City" and the original author was invited to serve as the screenwriter.

He was not so polite to Lu Chuan.

Especially the joke of "reading eight novels through and through" made book fans extremely sarcastic.

"No, it's completely hypocritical. They want to use the fame of 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' to attract audiences, but they don't respect the original work. They even read eight copies of the novel to pieces. Where does that put their nerve?"

"Chen Mo is absolutely right. If you want to make a movie about superheroes fighting monsters, why bring up Ghost Blows Out the Light?"

"I came here for 'Ghost Blows Out the Light', but you told me it has nothing to do with the original novel. I'm so confused!"

"Supporting Chen Mo's 'Mojin: The Lost Legend' to hedge against 'Nine-story Demon Tower'! Where does this leave the book fans?"

"I read eight novels and found aliens?"

Lu Chuan saw that the outside world was buzzing with discussions about "Ghost Blows Out the Light", "Nine-story Demon Tower" and "Mojin: The Lost Tomb", which was indeed to his liking. However, when he saw that the fans were overwhelmingly on Chen Mo's side and were trying to harm him, it was a little beyond his expectations.

Naturally, the reporters would not miss such good news material, so they interviewed Lu Chuan again.

Lu Chuan saw this situation and realized it was not in his favor! Although he wanted to promote it, he didn't expect it to be like this.

How can that work?
"Maybe my expression is not good enough. The adaptation of the movie "Nine-story Demon Tower" is certainly not a fabrication, but an adaptation based on the original novel. Classic characters such as Hu Bayi, Wang Kaixuan, and Shirley Yang have all been restored in what I think is the most perfect way." Lu Chuan said "nonsense" seriously!
"What about superheroes fighting monsters? How do you say that?" the reporter asked.

“The target audience of Nine-story Demon Tower is not only fans of the book, but also many viewers who have not read the book. So, I explained it this way in the hope of introducing the movie through relatively simple and familiar words.

"Aren't adventure movies, to some extent, just superheroes fighting monsters?" Lu Chuan said modestly.

It’s just a pity that Lu Chuan has probably made too many art films, and he has no idea about publicity!

Of course, it’s not that we don’t understand, it’s mainly because the movie is so bad. Otherwise, this wave of publicity will lower expectations. But if the movie is good, it will have an unexpected effect.

In fact, Chen Mo was really used to Lu Chuan's left and right movements.

In his previous life, when "Fortress" was released, he was criticized by netizens, but he actually said: "Come at me, don't touch my actors and creators, they are the best, come to me if you have any problems!"

As a result, netizens were speechless: "I came here for you in the first place!"

This is nothing. The most incredible thing is that he published a comment on a social media platform about the movie "Catching Dolls" produced by Happy Twist in its previous life. He sharply criticized the movie "Catching Dolls" and bluntly said that it was "Mahua's low-quality, highly alkaline comedy dominating the Chinese film market, which is a cultural tragedy."

However, what is even more outrageous is that not long after, he released a statement saying that his account had been hacked and that the controversial comment was not written by him.

But then, the platform released relevant evidence, showing that the information of his login device, posting device and post deletion device were all consistent, making the whole incident fall into an even more embarrassing situation!

So, he was jumping back and forth, first saying that he wanted to subvert the original work and create a domestic monster movie, and then he came directly to try to save his reputation.

It also left many people stunned.

"I don't understand at all. What is this? Reverse marketing? That doesn't sound like it!"

"What the hell is this reverse marketing? It's nothing more than seeing the overwhelming amount of criticism and getting scared!"

"Waiting for the two films to be released, they're bragging so much about making a domestic monster movie that's divorced from the original novel. Do you have the ability to do that?"

The crew of "The Ghouls" has also been enjoying the melons for a while. Lao Zhang was completely convinced, but then he felt very aggrieved.

"Damn it, Director Chen, if he makes any changes, can I sue him?" Old Zhang suddenly remembered that Chen Mo was a celebrity in the "legal circle" and couldn't help asking.

"Well, you can consult a lawyer, but it probably won't be of much use. Of course, you can vent your anger through this." Chen Mo thought of his previous life. He seemed to have sued "Nine-story Demon Tower", but it was all talk and no action. After all, the copyright was no longer in his hands.

In the end, it seemed like I won the case, but I only received 50,000 yuan in compensation.

"We must sue. This is outrageous." Lao Zhang was really pissed off by Lu Chuan.

Chen Mo just wanted to say, what the hell is going on here? Wait until the movie comes out, I guarantee you'll be furious.

But speaking of this, Chen Mo was also thinking, should he make some adjustments to the release date? Well, there was no other reason, mainly because he had confidence in "Nine-story Demon Tower".

And this can also be used as an opportunity to promote it. Chen Mo always feels that Lu Chuan's "Nine-story Demon Tower" really contributed to the box office success of "Ghost Blows Out the Light: Mojin".

It’s such a good opportunity, just pull it out and give it a try when you have time, the effect will definitely be great!
So, from this point of view, Chen Mo really has to thank Lu Tailang, otherwise the promotion would be a real headache.

(End of this chapter)