Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 380 Differentiation is the key to competition

The crew of "Bad Genius," directed by Ning Hao, moved to Sydney yesterday, where they are reportedly set to complete filming.

"Director Chen Kaige is rushing to film the timeless classic 'The Orphan of Zhao,' a Chinese drama that was one of the earliest to be introduced to Europe and has been hailed as the 'Hamlet of the East.'"

"."

The movements of every director who earns over 100 million yuan have always been a focus of attention in the industry, but right now the one attracting the most attention is Zhang Yimou.

In recent days, Zhang Weiping of New Pictures has been spreading rumors and constantly complaining to the media:

"The company has been shut down for over a year, and operations have been extremely difficult. Over the past year, the expenses for employee salaries alone have been substantial."

Inside the New Pictures Company in Beijing.

Zhang Yi frowned as he listened to Zhang Weiping's incessant rambling, feeling quite a headache coming on.

He had heard similar words countless times, but seeing the sparse staff in the company now touched him. After all, it was because he was busy with the opening ceremony of the Olympics that the new visuals had been delayed.

Seeing this, Zhang Weiping said with a slightly agitated tone, "Old Zhang, look at any company in the industry that doesn't have a single film project for over a year, they would have starved to death long ago."

"What should we do then?" Zhang Yi rubbed his temples.

He was easily swayed and was quickly taken in by Zhang Weiping.

“We can’t repeat the same mistakes this time. Since we have the experience of the Olympics to build our foundation, let’s take a risk with our subject matter this time,” Zhang Weiping said confidently.

"Put your art films aside for now. Let's make a commercially viable film. That way, preparations will be simpler, rehearsals will be faster, and actors will be easier to find."

"It's not that easy. Commercial films aren't readily available either," Zhang Yi sighed, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

He actually has another film about Nanjing that's been filed with the bureau, and he's been wanting to start filming it for a while.

“Leave this to me,” Zhang Weiping patted his chest, his expression resolute. “By the way, I remember you mentioned before that you really admire the Coen brothers’ films, didn’t you?”

Zhang Yi paused for a moment, then hesitantly nodded slowly.

Meanwhile, near Sanlitun in Beijing.

The scorching summer sun shone brightly on the entrance of the newly built Xingchen Cinema, where construction was in full swing, with workers coming and going, and the Xingchen Cinema logo on the wall was particularly eye-catching.

Star Cinemas has been slow to expand in first-tier cities because it doesn't have existing cinema resources, and opening a cinema in a first-tier city is not easy.

Xu Dong has been working on this for a long time. There are three cinemas under renovation in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, but only two in Beijing for the time being.

Wu Chen and Xu Dong stood side by side not far away, looking at the soon-to-be-completed cinema, both feeling a bit emotional.

"You've worked hard these past two years, running around like this must have taken a lot of effort," Wu Chen patted Xu Dong on the shoulder.

Xu Dong looked at the cinema in front of him with some pride. After leaving the system, his hard work had finally paid off. His previous ventures in second, third, and fourth-tier cities were just small-scale operations. Only his work in first-tier cities was a breakthrough from zero to one.

"When will this cinema be completed?" Wu Chen asked casually.

"This one will be ready for use as early as next month," Xu Dong nodded affirmatively.

Wu Chen narrowed his eyes: "If the premiere of 'Painted Skin' is held here, can you guarantee there won't be any problems?"

Xu Dong hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded solemnly: "No problem, I guarantee the equipment will not malfunction."

“Then it’s settled. We’ll use the premiere of ‘Painted Skin’ as a chance to give our Xingchen Cinemas a big advertisement,” Wu Chen smiled, then suddenly remembered something and handed over a document. “By the way, for cinemas in first-tier cities, we’ll arrange for some of their theaters to install this 3D system, and then select the best-located cinema in each of the four cities to install the system.”

Wu Chen naturally wanted to install 3D equipment.

The trend is unstoppable. 3D is an inevitable step for the global film industry, but for cinemas, it is an excellent opportunity to make a name for themselves.

Xu Dong hesitated for a moment, then reminded him:

"Boss, these devices aren't cheap. From what I understand, a regular 3D theater costs at least 120 million yuan, not including renovation costs."
The more advanced version is even more expensive, starting at 600 million, and the other party won't sell the equipment directly; they'll sign a 'content playback + technical services' agreement.

As an industry expert, Xu Dong immediately discerned the price Wu Chen wanted for this batch of equipment.

"Do we really need to buy them? Many cinemas in China haven't even stocked up yet."

Wu Chen didn't hesitate at all: "Let's talk about it and arrange it as soon as possible. Sometimes, differentiation is the key to competition."

"Understood!" Seeing this, Xu Dong didn't say anything more.

Wu Chen planned to screen "Painted Skin" in his own cinema, so he naturally had to inform Ren Zhonglun, Han Sanping, and Pang Hong.

Ren Zhonglun had no doubts; this was indeed a good opportunity to promote the cinema, and it made perfect sense.

"Director Wu, how about we hold a special opening ceremony on that day? It'll make it more festive."

"Isn't the premiere itself the best opening ceremony?" Wu Chen chuckled.

"Row."

Han Sanping was much more straightforward: "Then the premiere of this new cinema needs to be grand, with more people invited, so that we can attract viewers."

"Haha, Chairman Han is right. We'll invite a few more then."

"That's right."

"."

At this time, in addition to the ongoing Olympic Games, people online are also starting to look forward to the upcoming movie.

After the controversy surrounding "Red Cliff," many viewers are feeling a bit apprehensive about the upcoming "Painted Skin."
"Hopefully, 'Painted Skin' won't repeat the mistakes of 'Red Cliff'."

"Probably not. Although Wu Chen didn't direct the movie himself, he's the producer, so he can at least keep an eye on things."

"Hopefully, there's Li Lianjie's 'The Mummy 3: The Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' coming out early next month. To be honest, I really didn't expect the First Emperor to become a mummy. Who was the bastard who wrote this?"

"."

Many people in China are criticizing "The Mummy 3," which is about to be released in the country.

It's almost the end of August.

The cast and crew of "Bad Genius" have returned from Sydney after wrapping up filming.

Liu Yifei returned home and immediately sprawled comfortably on the sofa. Her two cats approached from either side, and she gently stroked them, sighing with contentment.
"It's so comfortable at home."

"I won't be able to relax for more than a few days before I have to go to Vancouver again." Wu Chen waved the invitation in his hand. "It was mailed by Scarlett. The wedding is next week."

Liu Yifei sat up lazily, glanced at the letter next to the invitation, and asked curiously, "What's this?"

"Oh, the invitation to the Bazaar Charity Night conflicts with our trip to Vancouver. Let's go another time. Anyway, this kind of event isn't very interesting." Wu Chen waved his hand casually.

Liu Yifei certainly knew what Wu Chen meant.

Those who attend may not necessarily donate, and those who don't attend may not necessarily not donate; it's just an occasion for fame and fortune.

“If we’re not going, shouldn’t we donate something? I heard the theme this time is post-disaster reconstruction,” Liu Yifei said seriously after thinking for a moment.

"I'm still thinking about what to donate."

"Chanel gave me a lot of bags before, they were really nice, but I don't need them. Why don't I just donate them all? What about you, how about donating something related to the movies?"

Wu Chen nodded: "Okay, that makes sense."

Meanwhile, the publicity and promotion for "Painted Skin" has gradually intensified, and with the support of Shanghai Film Group, its momentum is no less than that of "Red Cliff".

Lu Yang made a special trip back to the Beijing Film Academy to promote his work, which attracted a lot of attention.

Seeing his disciple, Tian Zhuangzhuang couldn't help but sigh, "Your first film might be what other directors strive for their entire lives!"

"Alright, Lao Tian, ​​times have changed," Xie Xiaojing interjected with a smile, looking at Lu Yang, "Your teacher has high hopes for you. Do you have confidence in this film? If so, most of the professors from the directing department will go to the premiere to support you."

Lu Yang nodded affirmatively.

"Okay, then we'll wait and see." Xie Xiaojing smiled and patted Lu Yang on the shoulder. After he left, the two of them sighed with emotion.

"Lu Yang's filming should be pretty good. Wu Chen is very confident. I asked Lao Mu about it."

"That's good"

(End of this chapter)