Chinese entertainment starts with Hong Shixian

Chapter 407 It's a pity that Lao Guo and Lao Lu are directors.

Chaoyang, an office building outside Jianguomen.
This is the headquarters of the Emperor Group.

The main creators of the movie "But Always" gathered in a conference room for a meeting.

Director Zou Xian, screenwriters Yang Zhiwei, Liu Haoliang, and Bao Xiaoxi, and producers Zhang Yibai, David Tom, and Ye Ning...

There are a total of 15 producers.

This film has 4 screenwriters, 15 producers, plus a director who returned from overseas... a truly remarkable achievement.

These individuals have gathered here to discuss how to respond to the overwhelmingly popular and wildly successful film, *Brotherhood of Blades*.

Initially, these people's attention was not actually on "Brotherhood of Blades".

The subject matter of this movie is inherently flawed; it's a male-dominated action film with fighting and killing, and the only female lead is an unknown newcomer to the entertainment industry.

Therefore, Qi Hui deserves our attention.

They looked down on Lu Yang, a new director who only managed to make a few hundred million in box office revenue by taking advantage of cheap deals and under Chen Guofu's supervision. How much ability could he possibly have?

Moreover, he was arrogant and resistant to Chen Guofu and even Hua Yi's help regarding "Brotherhood of Blades".

Looking at myself, in romance films, I'm a version of the protagonist.
And what about the combination of Xie Tingfeng and Gao Yuanyuan? In what way are they inferior to Qi Hui?
Their attention is more focused on Hollywood blockbusters.

The Expendables 3, and the sci-fi blockbuster Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.

These two are from the same period.

Domestic sci-fi movies are niche, but Hollywood sci-fi movies are hugely popular!
But who would have thought that "Brotherhood of Blades" would be so unethical and pull off such a stunt!
Right now, all the attention is on "Brotherhood of Blades," and all the buzz is about "Brotherhood of Blades."
This immediately disrupted the promotional plans for "One Life, One Love".

If this continues, their movie might flop before it even gets released!
"Let's discuss what to do next," Zhang Yibai asked slowly, tapping the table.

Compared to other producers, he was the one who truly took charge.

Besides this film, he also has another film in production: *Fleet of Time*.

Coincidentally, it's also a movie about youth romance.

Besides these two films, Zhang Yibai will continue to produce "So Young 2: Never Gone," "Love O2O," and "Once Upon a Time" in the coming years.

All three films are romance movies. One of them, with its ridiculously long title, is titled *So Young 2: Never Gone*, starring Liu Yifei and Wu-Dai.

To be honest, this movie is awful in a very distinctive way.

Of course, the movie version of "Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms" starring Liu Yifei was also terrible, a level below "Tiny Times".

It has to be said, this Zhang Yibai is very... well, very capable!
Upon hearing this, the other producers all looked up at the ceiling, studying its design concept. Some even stared at blank sheets of paper, pondering the famous quotes and phrases on them…

Although they were nominally producers, they were essentially just tools to provide support to director Zou Xian.

If it weren't for the higher-ups worrying that Zou Xian wouldn't be able to control them, their names would probably all be listed as assistant directors.

Small meetings are held for big things, and big meetings are held for small things.

They must have already come up with a strategy, which is why they were called in.

Just relax and do nothing; with such a low salary, why risk your life?
It's not my own movie.
Looking at these seasoned veterans, Zhang Yibai couldn't help but feel a surge of anger.

Seeing this scene, Zou Xian felt somewhat helpless. He coughed lightly and said slowly, "We can't let 'Brotherhood of Blades' continue like this."

"Director, what are your thoughts?" Zhang Yibai asked with a smile, showing him great respect.

“First, target them online.” Zou Xian said slowly, following the pre-arranged plan: “Wasn’t ‘Brotherhood of Blades’ using that video for promotion?”

"Isn't their selling point real, hard-hitting fights?"

"Then we need to find a way to let netizens and viewers know that the video is fake."

Zou Xian's meaning is clear: to directly smear the video, since it's controversial and looks fake anyway.

This is such a good opportunity, let's make the most of it.

“Yes, is there any more?” Zhang Yibai asked.

The other producers remained silent, watching the two of them work together in harmony.

"Furthermore, we need to promote ourselves," Zou Xian said. "There's an old Chinese saying: 'To forge iron, one must be strong oneself.'"

"We are good enough that we don't need to worry about our opponents' underhanded tactics."

"You used Chinese idioms very well!" Ye Ning gave a thumbs up and praised. That sarcastic tone... The others pursed their lips, amused, but unable to laugh.

Zhang Yibai glared at him, then asked, "Does anyone else have any other ideas?"

"..."

No one spoke.

The movie isn't theirs, why bother with all that effort?
“In that case,” Zhang Yibai said, “Publicity Director, let’s do it this way.”

"Okay." The publicity director nodded.
……

Soon, some comments detrimental to "Brotherhood of Blades" began to appear online.

Many people began to question the authenticity of the video, suggesting it was a despicable tactic to promote the film.
"It's obviously fake, this video is obviously fake."

"It spins after being thrown, and you can even kick it and catch it? Are you ignoring the laws of physics?"

"Sir Isaac is going to be furious!"

Who is Isaac?

We usually call him Lord Bull.

"Bullshit! His surname isn't Niu (牛). Don't use Chinese surnames to give elegant British knights random names; it's disgusting!"

"Why does this guy have such a weird accent?"

"Palace Yuye Liquor?"

"Don't change the subject. What about that video of Qi Hui kicking the knife? It's so fake!"

"This is so fake! The topic change is so contrived!"

"..."

Lu Yang: Senior brother, someone has started to make a move, they've started attacking.

Lu Yang sent a message in the group.

Lu Yang had a deputy director keep a close eye on online public opinion.

He quickly realized that the situation had changed.

On set, in the rest area
Qi Hui was filming rehearsal scenes and was running around the forest set.

The actor who plays squad leader Yu Fei, although he has already "died" once, is still filming.

As soon as Qi Hui picked up his phone, he saw a message Lu Yang had sent in the group chat.

She immediately rolled her eyes: "Why are you telling me?"

"I'm neither the director nor your publicity director."

Lu Yang: But you're our biggest investor!

"And it's our main character!"

"It's not like that now, it's 'Wolf Warrior' now," Qi ignored Lu Yang, who was currently filming and was exhausted.

Guo Fan: Lao Lu, ignore this lazy bum. Tell me what you're planning to do, and I'll give you some advice.

Lu Yang: Lao Guo is still the best. Unlike some people, he has never made a single movie. Asking him is pointless. I really shouldn't have asked.

Guo Fan: Hmm, it's very good that you realize that.

Qi Hui glanced at the series of messages and curled his lip. Why were these two teasing each other like they were doing a comedy routine?

It's such a waste that he's a director!
Lu Yang: Hehe, I still have a video of Zhao Wenzhu kicking a knife. I'm going to give the guy who's behind this a good slap in the face!

Guo Fan: ..."

Since you have this thing, what are you doing here?

Showing off?
"Stupid!" Qi Hui suddenly messaged: "Why the rush to contradict yourself?"

"Oh? What insightful opinion do you have, senior brother?" Lu Yang asked.

This time he asked the question sincerely, without any ambiguity.
(End of this chapter)