Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 443 One of the World's Most Expensive Films
"Just tell me how much you need for self-developed technology, and China Film Group will definitely support you."

Han Sanping spoke first, his tone crisp and decisive.

"Shanghai Film Studio too."

Ren Zhonglun followed closely behind, not to be outdone.

David Lyndon and Jason Blum exchanged a glance, and the former quickly waved his hand: "Han, Ren, the most important thing here is not actually about money."
"Wu wants to make a science fiction film, and Universal Pictures will definitely give it our full support, without a doubt."

Wu Chen smiled inwardly upon hearing this.

Universal's statement can only be interpreted as being based on the premise of the success of "The Martian," which is why Nolan told him to wait until the film was released before discussing it.

"What's the problem?"

Han Sanping couldn't help but ask further, his tone tinged with anxiety.

Knowing what David Lyndon was thinking, Wu Chen added, "David, I want a customized, project-based, scene-driven 3D shooting system, just for Interstellar."

Hearing this, David visibly breathed a sigh of relief.

What he was most afraid of was that Wu Chen wanted to create a highly versatile 3D system like Cameron did, which would have been an enormous undertaking.

He may have been fired by Universal, as the system is still under development.

Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun were not newcomers to the industry. After David and Jason explained it to them briefly, they quickly understood the key points.

"Wu, as far as I know, there are very few directors worldwide who can use 3D systems for filming. It's not the same as traditional filming."

David Lyndon raised concerns.

Currently, only Cameron is making big moves in 3D filming; everyone else is still in a wait-and-see mode.

On the one hand, they don't know how to film it, and on the other hand, they still have doubts about the 3D format.
Wu Chen smiled calmly: "Since I dared to bring it up, filming techniques are naturally not a problem."

A director might be questioned for saying this, but the person in front of us is Wu Chen, so his words are convincing enough.

Jason Blum immediately nodded in support: "Since Wu has said so, I believe there won't be any problems with filming."

As soon as he finished speaking, he thought for a moment and began to quickly estimate the costs:
"If we follow Wu's suggestion and develop our own 3D system specifically for Interstellar, it will be much faster than Cameron's universal 3D system. However, relatively speaking, this cost will be exclusive to Interstellar."

The cost will likely increase by 15%-25% from the original budget. Filming will be very difficult, and the salaries of most of the crew's behind-the-scenes personnel will have to be raised.

David nodded immediately: "Yes, and in extreme cases, this cost increase could reach 30%."

Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun couldn't help but gasp in shock.

This is equivalent to adding about 20% to the cost of "The Martian" for no reason, which undoubtedly makes it much more difficult for the film to make a profit.

Moreover, prior to this, only Cameron had operated similar technology globally, and his film had not yet been released, so the risks were considerable.

But at the same time, the excitement rising in their hearts grew stronger and stronger.

This will be the first Chinese film, and the second film in the world besides Avatar, to be shot entirely using native 3D technology—a film of immense significance.

Han Sanping almost immediately followed up with, "What is the approximate total production cost of 'Interstellar'?"

"Based on experience, it is expected to be no less than $1.4 million."

Wu Chen pondered for a moment before slowly speaking.

The original cost approximately $1.65 million, and even today, that cost wouldn't be much lower, especially considering that the technology is now somewhat outdated.
Jason quickly did some calculations and added directly:
"Considering the additional cost of native 3D, assuming a 20% increase, the actual total investment could reach $1.7 million or even higher. To be on the safe side, we should budget around $1.8 million."

Upon hearing this, the people in the room were all stunned for a moment.

With a budget of $1.8 million, it is definitely one of the most expensive movies in the world.

“David,” Wu Chen said with a smile, “Global can give it serious consideration, but developing our own native 3D system is imperative for me.”

David Lyndon couldn't make a decision here right now; after all, he was just a senior executive at Universal, and a film with this production cost would require a meeting to discuss it.

However, his words also made it clear that this 3D film must be shot.

"David, if Universal Pictures is worried about the risks, China Film Group can take on more of the share. We are willing to take that risk!"

Han Sanping couldn't wait any longer.

It's just a few tens of millions more; he never backs down at times like this.

Moreover, he was standing in front of the only director in China to have broken Chinese historical records, and also the top-grossing director in mainland China in international box office history.

Furthermore, as he had just learned, developing this self-developed system required a substantial core team, including: photography and imaging, technology and R&D, art and visual design, mechanical and industrial design, and so on.
If successfully completed, this will undoubtedly be a major milestone in the industrialization of China's film industry.
Even for that reason alone, he had to support getting started.

"Shanghai Film Studio too."

Ren Zhonglun hurriedly spoke, feeling inexplicably annoyed.

How come Han Sanping is always one step ahead of him?
David was taken aback upon hearing this and immediately stated seriously, "You two don't need to worry. We at Global News fully support Wu. It's just that some paperwork needs to be done, but I will handle it as soon as possible."

He quickly stated his position, saying that although he could not make a decision here, he could not allow the global market share to be destabilized before a decision was made.

Wu Chen smiled and nodded in understanding.

After everyone finished their conversation, they all left one after another.

David Lyndon, in particular, needed to rush back to discuss Interstellar with senior executives at Universal.

Han Sanping and Ren Zhonglun were not in a hurry, but the former spoke first: "What if the senior management of Global doesn't agree?"

"Then let's find a different partner, Paramount, Warner. Someone will be willing. Besides, the chances of Universal disagreeing are very small."

Wu Chen smiled, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

Even if "The Martian" fails to break records, it still grossed $700 million worldwide. As long as Universal isn't completely out of their mind, they'll definitely follow suit, even if it significantly increases costs.

If Universal shows even the slightest hesitation, Paramount and other companies will not be so lenient.

Han Sanping nodded: "That's true."

"Director Wu, we can start preparing for the development of this native system domestically. Alas, our film industry system seems much weaker at this time." Ren Zhonglun sighed as he spoke.

This native 3D system would be far too difficult to achieve using only the domestic film industry system.

Wu Chen nodded in response, "Visuals come first, and a large number of art teams must be prepared in advance."

Whether it's the visual effects or the composition of scenes like the black hole in "Interstellar," the art team needs to start working on them first.

Han Sanping chuckled lightly: "Looks like the Beijing Film Academy's Fine Arts Department is definitely in the running. But relying solely on the Beijing Film Academy might not be enough, right? How about considering the Tsinghua Academy of Fine Arts?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen couldn't help but feel uneasy.
(End of this chapter)