Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 396 Preaching Good News

On December 2nd, the chill in Beijing intensified.

Chen Kaige's heart burned even hotter.

It has been three years since "The Promise" was released.
China Film Group held a grand premiere for "Mei Lanfang," extending invitations to the entire industry, and the venue was set at the Huairou National Film Digital Engineering Production Base.

Wu Chen and Ning Hao were among those invited.

Chen Kaige also made a special trip to attend the premiere of "Black Peony," so in return, the group went together.

"I am the first one here, and I am very pleased to be able to attend today's event. On behalf of the China Film Group Corporation, I would like to express my gratitude to all the guests and friends from the press who are present today."

Han Sanping delivered a passionate speech on stage, and Chen Kaige applauded enthusiastically, showing a strong sense of urgency to avenge his previous defeat.

"Do you think if 'Mei Lanfang' isn't filmed well, the media will ask you how it compares to 'Black Peony'?" Ning Hao asked with a soft laugh.

Xing Aina, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but gently pat him: "You're just watching the show, aren't you? That would be so embarrassing."

"I just think that given the media's ability to stir up trouble, if they really do a bad job, they'll most likely ask questions."

Hearing Ning Hao's words, Wu Chen shook his head. "The two films are not comparable. Although they are based on drama, the film genres are too different."

Liu Yifei's eyes widened as she looked at Wu Chen, who instantly understood and added with a smile, "If asked, just give an irrelevant answer."

A chuckle rippled through the crowd.

Han Sanping was only slightly excited, while Chen Kaige was much more excited. Facing the media and the audience, he spoke passionately and spontaneously:

"From the initial planning to the final filming of 'Mei Lanfang,' it took three years, and I never had an easy time."

As he spoke, Chen Kai's eyes reddened, and he made a special thank you to Han Sanping. After all, Han Sanping was probably the only person in China who would dare to take out the money without hesitation to produce an art film with a budget of 80 million.

Many production companies present were slightly surprised. Although they already knew that the film had a high investment cost, they were still a little surprised to hear Chen Kaige say it outright.

None of them had ever done such a large project before.

Han Sanping smiled and nodded slightly.

"Chairman Han is really generous." Ning Hao couldn't help but sigh softly. He hadn't spent 80 million on films from "Crazy Stone" to "Bad Genius".

“The copyrights for art films sell well,” Wu Chen replied with a light laugh.

"That's true, he's a Palme d'Or winner and a great director." Ning Hao's words weren't sarcastic; rather, they were tinged with envy.

Wu Chen could hear the envy in his voice.

"By the way, I want to make a movie and try to win an award."

Upon hearing Ning Hao's words, Xing Aina showed no change in expression, as if she already knew Ning Hao's plan, while Wu Chen nodded silently.

"Got an idea?"

"It's been a while. I mentioned before that Aina and I spent more than half a year living in the Western Regions. I've been thinking about it carefully these days, and I feel the time is right."

"Okay, let's talk later. I definitely support you."

Wu Chen smiled; he had no aversion to "No Man's Land".

Just as the two were still exchanging words, the main creative team finally finished their presentation.

The movie begins. Audiences, industry professionals, and media alike watched it very attentively, and the beginning was truly well-made, with excellent visuals, composition, and plot.

Ning Hao repeatedly exclaimed, "As expected of a great director, his skill is still there. 'The Promise' seems to be an unexpected success."

Wu Chen didn't know what to say for a moment.

He even considered suggesting to Chen Kaige that they split future movies into two parts, so that there would be a minimum guarantee.
The plot quickly reaches the middle part.

Dawn broke.
The plot has fallen apart.

Many industry insiders blinked repeatedly, scratching their heads, feeling somewhat bewildered; the content seemed quite absurd.
"Why did it turn into a lecture?" Liu Yifei was puzzled and couldn't help but look at Wu Chen, muttering to herself.

"Hard to say"

Wu Chen shook his head.

Ning Hao shook his head from time to time, with a hint of regret.

After the movie ended, Wu Chen and Ning Hao naturally couldn't escape Han Sanping's questions, especially Wu Chen. When asked about his opinion on the movie and its box office performance, Chen Kaige and Chen Hong both turned their attention to him.

After all, if we're talking about who has the best eye in the industry, it's undoubtedly Wu Chen.

This is not only recognized domestically, but now even major Hollywood media outlets have labeled Wu Chen as having exceptional insight.

The North American box office for "Paranormal Activity" has reached $80 million, and the daily box office still has potential. The global box office has exceeded $150 million, and is expected to reach $200 million.

This rate of return has been a hot topic in North America, becoming an investment miracle in this year's harsh winter, and the media is writing about it every day.

Jason Blum has appeared on numerous Hollywood media programs, and his behind-the-scenes story has been largely unearthed, though with considerable embellishment.

"For biographical films like this, the depth of the groundwork laid in the early stages really tests the director's control."

As for the box office, I personally feel it should reach 100 million, but the exact figure depends on the final audience.

Although there were no media present, Wu Chen didn't boast excessively, but he still made sure to say things that everyone wanted to hear.

Upon hearing this, both Han Sanping and Chen Kaige showed delight, each having heard something they wanted to hear.

A box office of 100 million is definitely high for an art film, and it's a form of recognition. With copyright and other factors involved, even an investment of 80 million can still generate some profit.

Of course, Chen Kaige's happiness also stemmed from another aspect, as Wu Chen mentioned.

Ning Hao's expression was strange, but he quickly concealed it.

Everyone was very happy. Chen Kai personally escorted them to the door. At this moment, Zhang Ziyi was all smiles, but there was a hint of anxiety in her eyes, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

She had originally planned to ask Wu Chen for some information when he and the others left, but Chen Kai was busy talking to Wu Chen and Ning Hao and didn't give her a chance to talk to him privately.

Warner Bros. has recently made a big move related to a new project by billion-dollar director Christopher Nolan, and this news was told to her by her new boyfriend.

She kept this news very secret after learning about it, because the project involved a suitable relevant role.
However, her boyfriend, who is a Warner Bros. shareholder, hasn't found out the specifics yet, but considering that Nolan made a special trip to China to visit Wu Chen on set before.

She was certain that the other party probably knew some inside information, and if she could get the relevant information in advance, she might be able to get ahead of them.

News of the premiere of "Mei Lanfang" spread rapidly that very night, and the overwhelming majority of reviews were positive.

Just as the Lunar New Year film season was preparing for the release of "Mei Lanfang," Wu Chen finally heard the good news he had been waiting for.

IDG's Xiong Xiaoge called.
(End of this chapter)