Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 214: The highly anticipated "Black Peony"

Los Angeles, January 18th, night.

The lights of Beverly Hills were still shining, but Wu Chen had already embarked on his journey home, his face etched with deep weariness.

The brief joy following the Golden Globes was quickly swallowed up by the Oscars' public relations campaign.

He has barely had any real rest these past few days, and has finally learned what public relations is all about.

From private screenings for Academy members to "inner roundtables" hosted by various heavyweight film critics, to several closed-door cocktail parties held by Universal in Beverly and Santa Monica.
During the day and at night, I'm either exchanging pleasantries or on my way to exchange pleasantries.

Even Chadwick Boseman remarked, "Acting isn't as tiring as public relations."

At that moment, the plane glided into the sky, clouds swept past the windows, and Wu Chen was finally able to rest for a while.

Early morning of the 19th, Beijing Capital International Airport.

The cold wind carried a misty haze, and the sky was not yet fully bright.

Wu Chen walked calmly out of the passageway.

"Director Wu, it's all arranged. Just go through the VIP exit," Wang Changtian said with a laugh over the phone.

"Thanks, Mr. Wang, you saved my life," Wu Chen joked.

"Haha, the airport is a small matter, but many more media reporters are waiting for you to return to the film set. I can't do anything about that there. Besides, the popularity of 'Black Peony' has been steadily increasing these days."

Wang Changtian chuckled, and after hanging up the phone, he looked out the window in his office and couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

He felt that he had gotten lucky back then; otherwise, given Enlight Media's strength in the film industry, how could they have gotten involved with Wu Chen?

These days, if Wu Chen just says a word, people in the industry would probably scramble to give him money.

Meanwhile, the crew members who had arrived at the film set early were shocked, because reporters were already gathered outside the northeast gate of the Huairou Film and Television Base, waiting there.

"No way, so many people?"

"Even turning on the computer doesn't produce this much of a commotion."

"Would you say we became famous before we even finished filming?!"

"."

A sea of ​​reporters filled the room, including industry publications, portal reporters, and entertainment gossip reporters; even the crew members couldn't help but gasp in astonishment.

The reporters weren't in a hurry; they slowly squatted down.

These days, any news related to Wu Chen or "Black Peony" is incredibly valuable.

The news that Wu Chen won the Golden Globe Award for Best Director and "Get Out" won Best Picture is still being hotly discussed, and the Oscar nominations will be announced in a few days.

Because of Wu Chen, the attention given to "Black Peony" has skyrocketed, overshadowing the films of other big-name directors in the industry.

In addition, this is Wu Chen's longest-prepared film to date, and it has not even been open to the media for set visits, making it even more mysterious than the films made by Zhang Yimou.

Curiosity about this film has been soaring, especially after Wu Chen won the Golden Globe for Best Director. Everyone wants to know what kind of film this Wu Chen values ​​so highly.

Of course, this was followed by envy from actresses in the industry towards Liu Yifei and Li Qin, with their envy practically written all over their faces.

"At least Li An had an open audition, while Wu Chen was cast almost without any casting process. Such a great opportunity!"

"It's great that they're an acquaintance. A film that won the Golden Globe for Best Director might become an Oscar-winning director in the future, and it has a chance to break into the international film scene."

"How come she's so lucky? She was chosen right after finishing The Return of the Condor Heroes. I'm even willing to take on Wu Chen's big-budget art production. I'd be fine with being out of the spotlight for two or even three years."

"Is the gap going to widen even further?"

"."

At this moment, the most conflicted people are none other than the actresses of the same age and who rose to fame around the same time as Liu Yifei.

Huang Shengyi felt particularly complicated as she watched the industry buzzing about "Black Peony" and the female lead, Liu Yifei.

The other person was only starring in a movie that hadn't even finished filming yet, but their popularity had already surpassed hers—the one who was once hailed as the pinnacle of "Stephen Chow's leading ladies."

Now, she is mired in a lawsuit with Stephen Chow, and Star Overseas' film resources have all been lost overnight.

"Yang Zi."

Yang Zi glanced at the newspaper, which was about "Black Peony," and immediately understood Huang Shengyi's inner turmoil. He promptly offered her words of comfort:
"Don't overthink it. We're going to be a triple threat in film, television, and music. Don't you have a movie called 'Love Transfer' coming out next month?"

I'll find you some resources later, and I'll definitely create a leading lady just for you in the future.

Upon hearing this, Huang Shengyi nodded slowly.

Yang Zi secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

He didn't want Huang Shengyi to escape his control. He wanted not only her as a person, but also for her to make money for him; she was a cash cow.

Thinking of this, Huang Shengyi was immediately reassured:

We'll get our marriage certificate this year.

"."

Meanwhile, outside the film set in Huairou.

Wu Chen was immediately surrounded by a swarm of reporters as soon as he arrived at the film set, driven by Xiang Zhuo.

"Director Wu, from the Beijing Evening News, may we have a few words with you?"

First of all, congratulations on winning Best Director and Best Feature Film at the 64th Golden Globe Awards. This is the first time a director from mainland China has won both awards. What are your thoughts on this achievement?

"Director Wu, regarding the Oscars, several major American review websites and film critics associations currently list you alongside Martin Scorsese as one of the most competitive directors."

However, we've also seen many analyses stating that "Golden Globe winners may not necessarily have the last laugh," and there are even historical cases of "winning the Golden Globe but going home empty-handed for the Oscars." What's your opinion?

"Director Wu, 'Black Peony' is the film you've been preparing for the longest time. Can you tell us what this film is about?"
"."

Problems came crashing down like a tidal wave.

To maintain peace and order on set, Wu Chen selectively answered a few questions.

Especially the relationship between the Golden Globes and the Oscars.

It must be said that, compared to the Oscars, the Golden Globes are one of the few award ceremonies in Hollywood that treats everyone fairly.

Because both heavyweight films that are highly favored by the Oscars and low-budget films that are often overlooked during Oscar season have the potential to become "VIPs" at the Golden Globes.

Whether Get Out will be well-received at the Oscars remains to be seen.

Since he had already received the Golden Globe Award, he certainly couldn't afford to embarrass them after finishing his meal, so his response was quite standard.

The reporters looked slightly disappointed, clearly not having heard enough "explosive" content.

But soon, Wu Chen smiled slightly and casually added:

"Well, I can reveal a bit about what 'Black Peony' is about. It's roughly about someone who is disciplined, trapped, and then wakes up in a play."

The moment those words were uttered, they caught a glimmer of light in the eyes of all the reporters.

Soon, this brief introduction became the top story on the entire platform:
Wu Chen returns to the set of "Black Peony," revealing the plot theme for the first time: "A story of being trapped and then waking up."

[China's first Golden Globe-winning director returns to China to film a movie; media besiege the film set in Huairou!]

Wu Chen says the Oscars will happen naturally; "Black Peony" is a completely new attempt!

【.】

Just as the news was spreading across portal websites and forums, the crew of "Black Peony" officially entered the final month of filming.

The overall atmosphere of the crew was also refreshed by Wu Chen's return, the boost from external attention, and the rest they had taken these past few days, and all signs of fatigue were gone.

In a short time, efficiency improved and morale soared, resulting in even faster and better filming than in the previous period.
(End of this chapter)