Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 350 Returning Home
Zhang Huijun received the call, and Han Sanping was no exception.

"Chairman Han," Kang Jianming said after a few pleasantries on the other end of the phone, before getting straight to the point, "You must have seen the bureau's report, right?"

Han Sanping smiled slightly and chuckled, "Of course I saw it. The report is very well said. Our film companies are all encouraged."

Kang Jianming listened to Han Sanping's evasive answers and his tone became slightly more earnest:
"Chairman Han, it's like this. After this document came out, the association held a small meeting. Everyone felt that it was of great significance that our mainland film won an Oscar for the first time. Why don't you talk to Director Wu Chen about the next Golden Rooster Award?"

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping's expression immediately became somewhat amused.

Those who have risen to this position within the system are not fools; he understands the intentions of Kang Jianming and the Film Association behind him.

To be honest, before winning Cannes and the Oscar, he was still somewhat interested in other awards.

But if all the big prizes have already been won, and you're telling me you still have many more prizes to win, even if they're small, that's not very appealing.

Moreover, the Film Association's actions were clearly due to the document from the Bureau, as they were afraid of being targeted by the Bureau or offending it.

Han Sanping quickly assessed the situation in his mind, then laughed, his tone quite cheerful:
"Jianming, don't worry, China Film Group has always actively participated in the association's various award applications. As long as it's a film mainly controlled by China Film Group, we'll submit every application that's required. Last year's 'The Knot' is a perfect example."
As for Wu Chen, if he's willing to apply, China Film Group will definitely support him 100% and will not stand in his way!

"Hehe, thank you so much, Chairman Han," Kang Jianming said with a forced smile, thanking him repeatedly while cursing under his breath.

After hanging up the phone, Kang Jianming wanted to spit on the ground: "Damn it, they're all masters of Tai Chi, so tight-lipped!"

At this moment, he finally understood that those two phone calls were a waste of time. Neither Zhang Huijun nor Han Sanping, these old hands, would say a word.

They've already won all the awards they could get, so having Wu Chen bring "Black Peony" to the Golden Rooster Awards wouldn't benefit them at all. If last year's situation were to repeat itself, it would only cause more trouble, so they don't want to get involved in this matter.
Upon thinking of this, Kang Jianming's eyes suddenly lit up.

Since no one wants to get into trouble, why should he? He gritted his teeth inwardly.

"Damn it, I'll drag it out too, drag it out for months. Anyway, by the second half of the year, I'll be promoted to a deputy position. Let whoever wants this hot potato take it!"

With this thought in mind, he felt much more relaxed, and a smug look flashed in his eyes.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in Los Angeles, Wu Chen, despite his busy schedule, still managed to take some time to visit Paramount, check on the post-production progress of "Black Swan," and sit down with Jason Blum to briefly discuss the release of "Paranormal Activity."

“Universal’s current plan is to target this year’s Halloween season,” Jason Blum said, frowning slightly as if he had something on his mind.

Wu Chen noticed something was off about the other person's expression, hesitated for a moment, and then asked in a low voice, "What's wrong? You seem distracted. Is there some kind of problem at your company?"

“Oh, no,” Jason waved his hand. “I just heard from an acquaintance that Bear Stearns is about to collapse and might be acquired by JPMorgan Chase at a low price. The recent economic situation seems a bit bad. I just thought of something.”

"You voted too?" Wu Chen raised an eyebrow.

"My money is all tied up in your various projects, I don't have any other money. But my house price has dropped a bit, but it's okay, it's not a big problem."

Jason Blum smiled and shook his head.

Wu Chen understood.

The subprime mortgage crisis in the United States had already arrived, but most people hadn't realized it yet.

However, for the film industry, especially for low- to medium-budget films, the crisis is actually an opportunity.

In my memory, the American film industry actually thrived during economic downturns.

After all, at this point in 2008, compared to entertainment options like travel and luxury spending that often cost hundreds of dollars, a $10 movie ticket was a truly economical and affordable haven.

It is precisely for this reason that between 08 and 10, Hollywood saw a surge in the box office revenue of a number of low- to medium-budget films.

However, the economic recession has a devastating impact on the film financing system.

Financial institutions went bankrupt or withdrew their investments, causing numerous film projects to be shelved. Companies specializing in art-house and independent films also suffered widespread closures, marking a major purge within the "independent film" industry.
However, these effects had little impact on Wu Chen.

He has plenty of projects and healthy funds, while Jason Blum's Blumhouse Films may have a real chance to rise because of this crisis.

After finishing up with "Paranormal Activity," he immediately called James Wan to discuss the matter, as he didn't want his two films to clash.

"So, are we going to postpone the plan until next year?"

Wu Chen nodded: "Yeah, next year then."

"Do you have any ideas for the script? Actually, if we don't have any really good ideas, we can slow down the pace a bit. Sometimes sequels are just bad additions, like how 'Saw' suffered from that!" James Wan couldn't help but say.

After the last time he ate meat, he still felt that cooperating with Wu Chen was great. The other party took a big bite of meat and left a big mouthful of soup; that's what a good partner is. In his opinion, this IP is enough to make several sequels, and making a fortune steadily is the right way.

"Don't worry, it won't be bad."

Hearing Wu Chen's confident voice, Wen Ziren felt relieved.

The following morning in Los Angeles, Wu Chen and his group traveled by car to Los Angeles International Airport, preparing for their return journey.

"When are you coming back? Hehe, I want to see the Oscar statuette," Ning Hao asked with a grin on the phone, rubbing his hands together as he spoke.

This award is a rare thing in mainland China.

"I'm getting ready to fly now. I'll arrive in China tomorrow afternoon, but I'll be too tired to go back, so maybe the day after tomorrow."

"to make!"

On the afternoon of the 28th, at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport, announcements were repeatedly broadcasting information about the recently landed CA988 flight.

This is a direct flight from Los Angeles to Beijing, and it's also the flight for the crew of the TV series "Black Peony".

Media reporters waited early at the exit area, in groups of three or five, carrying cameras and microphones. Some had even been waiting for hours, holding banners they had just taken out, their eyes fixed on the flight information screen.

"Is this the flight?"

"That's right, it's coming soon."

"."

Ordinary travelers couldn't help but glance at the passersby and whisper among themselves:
"Who is here?"

"They were also holding banners, it seemed like the crew of 'Black Peony' had returned to China!"

"Hey, let's wait a bit. Our flight isn't going to be here so soon just to watch the show!"

Amid the crowd's discussion, airport security guards began maintaining order at the exit, and several airport volunteers were temporarily reassigned to manage the media access.

As expected, just like when he set off, he was seen off by many media outlets, and his return was also accompanied by a large number of media welcoming him at the airport.

The only difference this time was that the media had secretly printed out several banners in advance and slowly unfurled them in front of the crowd:

"A warm welcome to the triumphant return of 'Black Peony'!"

Congratulations to director Wu Chen on winning the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film!

"Director Wu, welcome home!"

When Wu Chen stepped out of the glass door and saw the banners, he couldn't help but chuckle: "Are you trying to roast me alive by doing this? It would be unreasonable not to give an interview."

The media burst into laughter; clearly, this "welcome" was meticulously planned to create a situation where they felt they had no choice but to accept it.

"Alright, I'll answer three questions, okay?" Wu Chen raised his hand, his voice calm but tinged with travel fatigue. "Everyone's been on a plane for sixteen hours, it must be tiring."

"What about Iphie?" someone asked tentatively.

Wu Chen glanced at Liu Yifei, who was still a little dazed, standing beside him, and laughed, "She's a bit tired. Look, she's still not fully awake. I'll answer this question. Hmm, this counts as a question."

Everyone laughed.

Liu Yifei's cheeks flushed slightly, but she thoroughly enjoyed the feeling.

"Director Wu, you're being too protective of her, aren't you? You're being shameless."

"Hahahaha!"

Laughter filled the crowd, creating a relaxed and natural atmosphere.

After answering a few questions briefly, the crew filed out.

Upon entering the parking lot, people began to disperse in twos and threes: some went straight home, some were picked up by relatives and friends, and some got into the work vehicles that came to pick them up.

Landing, returning.
(End of this chapter)