Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 410 Guest Director, Avoiding Wu Chen
On the day of the return trip, the sun was shining brightly, but the area outside the Capital International Airport was already packed with media.

Despite Wu Chen and Liu Yifei's prior preparations, keeping a low profile as they walked from the plane, their faces completely covered by masks and sunglasses, they still couldn't escape the sharp eyes of familiar reporters and were blocked at the airport.

"Effie, have you read the script? What challenges do you think the role of the Dream Weaver presents for you?"

"Yifei, is your character the female lead or the second female lead?"

When will you join the crew? Will it be filmed in the UK or in Los Angeles?

"."

A barrage of questions flooded in, and cameras and microphones blocked the two in front of the glass door at the exit.

The two exchanged a glance and couldn't help but smile.

Wu Chen raised his hand first, politely blocking the view: "Thank you for your attention, but we cannot disclose the specific details of 'Inception' yet. The contract also stipulates that we cannot reveal too much information in advance. Please understand."

Liu Yifei nodded and smiled, answering a few questions concisely: "I have indeed read the script. There are many challenges. I hope to do my best to portray the character well. As for the time to join the crew, it has not been decided yet. I have to wait for the director's notification."

The response was brief yet polite, neither denying the collaboration nor revealing the details, leaving the reporters quite perplexed.

Although they failed to obtain crucial information, capturing footage of the two at the airport was enough.

Within half an hour, related news was all over major portal websites and entertainment forums.

[Wu Chen and Liu Yifei quietly return to Beijing; "Inception" makes its first appearance at the airport!]

[Liu Yifei responds to the role of the Dream Builder: It's a big challenge, and I haven't joined the production yet!]

【.】

The news is constantly being updated, and some people have even analyzed the airport video frame by frame, questioning whether the documents in Liu Yifei's hand are pre-production materials.

At that moment, Wu Chen had just taken off his trench coat and was leaning back on the living room sofa. Before he could even bring a cup of hot water to his lips, his phone rang.

Caller ID: Han Sanping.

"Chairman Han, there's no rush. Our collaboration means that even if Ning Hao starts filming first, it won't affect anything."

"That's not what we were talking about." Han Sanping waved his hand. "You should come and lend your support at the opening ceremony of 'The Founding of a Republic' in a few days. After all, you're a key participant in this project, and the idea for the actor's salary was actually given to me by you."

"No way, Mr. Han, you're just flattering me. I only made one suggestion, so please don't try to pin the issue of my salary on me."

Wu Chen replied with a wry smile.

"Don't worry." Han Sanping chuckled. "By the way, would you be interested in playing a cameo role or directing a scene?"

"A cameo role? What kind of role would be suitable?" Wu Chen suddenly asked.

Han Sanping paused for a moment, then pondered, "I haven't decided yet, but your cameo is definitely better than Ning Hao's. He was planning to do a cameo, but I turned him down because his image wasn't quite right. Your image is much better."

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen's expression turned somewhat strange; it seemed that Ning Hao had been disliked.

Liu Yifei was right next to her, listening to the sound coming from the microphone, her eyes also sparkling with laughter.

After a moment's thought, Wu Chen continued, "Then I'll take on the role of director, Mr. Han. Is there a long scene I can try out? It doesn't need to be too long."

"That's a good idea of ​​yours," Han Sanping chuckled, then took out a script from the drawer.

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, then the sound of papers turning over could be heard.

"Would you like a shot of the military parade at Xiyuan Airport?"

"I'll take this one."

Wu Chen's eyes lit up slightly, and he immediately agreed.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Given Han Sanping's personality, this military parade will definitely feature thousands of officers, soldiers, and actors, along with airplanes, tanks, and a military band—a truly grand spectacle.
"It's only because of you. If it were anyone else, I wouldn't want to give them a single shot in the parade. You have to show your skills, don't try to fool me."

"I've assembled dozens of antique-grade tanks, cannons, armored vehicles, and airplanes for this shoot," Han Sanping muttered, emphasizing the time again. "Remember, the 12th, nine o'clock in the morning. Don't be late."

"Don't worry, I'll be there on time."

Wu Chen isn't the only one invited to guest direct; many people in the industry have received such invitations, including Ning Hao.

The next day, when Ning Hao heard that Wu Chen had obtained the footage of the "Xiyuan Airport military parade," he was completely taken aback, his eyes widening in shock:
"Can this shot even be given away? I should have asked for one myself."

He suddenly felt a little uncomfortable, and wanted to cry but couldn't.

However, Han San had already rated the scenes where he was a cameo director. The main problem was that he had originally wanted to help out by playing a cameo role, but he was actually rejected.
"Who told you not to make a request? You wasted an opportunity."

"I found out that Director Jiang and Director Chen had both agreed, so I didn't think much of it."

"."

In early February, in Beijing, the chill of winter had not yet faded, but the film industry was already ablaze with competition.

The global promotional campaign for "The Martian" has officially begun.

China Film Group's domestic promotional campaign is also in full swing, like a fire at the end of winter, spreading across the entire Chinese-language market.

From the release of the main poster to the launch of the "countdown page," and then to the release of the actors' hand-drawn version of the Mars base, Sina Entertainment has finally launched a brand-new special page today. The layout is sophisticated, the visuals are calm, and the entire homepage is as cool and high-end as a spaceship.

The comment section exploded immediately:
"Sina has finally released a themed page for 'The Martian'! It looks very high-end and has a strong sci-fi vibe."

"More than two months left? Please, please release it soon!"

"Looking forward to it, hurry up!"

"."

Platforms such as Mop, Douban, Baidu Tieba, and Tianya have also begun various forms of promotion.

The netizens were very vocal, but Lu Xun was clearly not happy about it.

The film "Nanjing! Nanjing!" has been completed and, with Lu Tianming's help, has finally passed the review process, but the promotion has not yet officially started.

Lu Xun couldn't help but urge, "President Qin, we can begin our publicity campaign now."

"Director Lu, the publicity budget is limited. Unlike other films, it needs to be spent wisely. We need to start the pre-release promotion now, and then have a month to make a final push."

Qin Hong ignored Lu Xun's urging.

The aggressive marketing campaigns of films like "The Martian" are undoubtedly a recipe for disaster. What appeal does "Nanjing! Nanjing!" have to compete with Wu Chen's "The Martian"?

If it weren't for the lack of suitable scheduling, he would have preferred to switch gears immediately.

"By the way, Chairman Han said he wants to hold a preview screening. What time do you think would be suitable?" Qin Hong asked specifically, not forgetting what Han Sanping had said that day.

"The 21st or the 22nd!"

Lu Xun answered without hesitation.

This speed surprised Qin Hong, who looked up at him and asked, "Director Lu, is there a reason for this timing?"

Lu Xun hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, only saying half a sentence: "President Qin, the American Oscars."

He didn't say it explicitly, mainly because it was too embarrassing.

But if that bastard Wu Chen has the time, he might cause trouble again.

This screening must be held on a day when Wu Chen has no chance to cause trouble.

Qin Hong was not stupid; he immediately understood what Lu Xun meant.

He had sensed the animosity between the two last time, and then nodded, "Okay, I'll discuss this with Chairman Han, prepare for the preview screening, and invite as many media outlets and theaters as possible."

(End of this chapter)