Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 467 Youthful Spirit is a Non-Renewable Thing

In August, the summer heat in Beijing was still unbearable, and with the global success of "Now You See Me 2," mainland cinemas were bustling with activity.

Meanwhile, in the temporary training camp, it felt like being in another world.

Bunkers built with old wooden stakes were erected on the muddy ground, trenches stretched out, and old helmets, old rifles and sandbags were scattered all around.

The air was filled with the smells of rust and dust, as if one had stepped into a battlefield of the 1930s.

The occasional sharp whistle broke the silence of the camp.

In the center of the training field, Zhang Yi and Li Gan, dressed in camouflage uniforms, stood at the front of the line, waiting for the next round of physical training.

Sweat dripped down Zhang Yi's temples as he half-jokingly muttered, "It's been so many years since I was discharged from the army, but I still have to be pulled out for retraining every now and then. Filming might even be more tiring than when I was in the army."

Li Gan grinned and said happily, "Brother Zhang Yi, really?"

"Of course! Every time we film these kinds of TV series or movies, the director pulls us in for training. The focus of the training is different each time, so you'd better take it easy later. I'm a veteran of many battles."

"Hehe, I'm not afraid of that."

Excitement and curiosity flashed in Li Gan's eyes.

On the temporary stands to the side, Wu Chen and Ming Zhenjiang stood side by side, overlooking the entire training camp.

Ming Zhenjiang looked at the young and inexperienced Li Gan in the arena and suddenly asked:

"Director Wu, I'm quite curious, why did so many professionally trained young actors audition for the role of Huang Xiaoshan, and even some older actors who could have been cast with proper lighting and makeup, but in the end you chose a young man like Li Gan?"

Wu Chen pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Perhaps there's something they've lost, while Li Gan and the others still have it."

"Oh?" Ming Zhenjiang asked with curiosity.

Wu Chen smiled: "Youthful spirit."

His gaze fell upon the young, upright figure silhouetted against the setting sun in the distance, and he slowly explained:

"Huang Xiaoshan in '1939' represents both inheritance and the hope of the nation. He must possess a fearless courage, stubbornness, and perseverance in his ideals and beliefs."

"This feeling is like a light that only people at a certain age possess. But after experiencing society for a long time and tasting the hardships of life, many people lose this light, and no matter how good their acting skills are, they can never find that pure feeling again."

Ming Zhenjiang paused for a moment, then burst into laughter: "That makes sense."

He then remembered something else: "By the way, Director Wu, we've checked the filming location, is that it? I'll have someone get ready."

"That's it, it suits me quite well."

Wu Chen turned his head and watched Li Gan and Zhang Yi train, wondering if the two could develop a chemistry.
Meanwhile, the summer movie season this year was exceptionally hot, setting new box office records.

With "Transformers 3" preceding it and "Now You See Me 2" following it, along with several other decent films in between, the total box office has successfully surpassed 15 billion yuan, setting a new record for the summer movie season.

Consequently, many media outlets and industry insiders have begun to propose the idea of ​​a "golden decade."

They believe that 2009 will be the year that truly marks the take-off of the Chinese film market. The most obvious sign is that Wu Chen's "The Martian" directly broke the previous box office ceiling, leaping over 4 million, 5 million, and finally breaking through 6 million, becoming a phenomenal film.

As the first director in China to have a box office of 600 million yuan, Wu Chen is inevitably mentioned frequently.

Ning Hao called that evening and we chatted about this topic with a laugh:
"What do you think it will look like ten years from now, if the media predicts it will be just like this, looking back at 2009, especially after watching 'The Martian'?" Wu Chen leaned back in his chair, paused slightly upon hearing this, then chuckled softly, "Who knows?"

What will it look like if we look back at 2009 ten years from now?
"By the way, did the Huabiao Awards invite you?" Ning Hao asked in turn. "I heard that the bureau organized a big event this time, with all the directors whose films have grossed over 100 million yuan gathering together. It was a very large event, with hundreds of people invited."

Wu Chen smiled upon hearing this: "Yes, I was invited a few days ago, I'll be going."

This time, the Huabiao Awards are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. I should still attend, as it's a matter of courtesy, especially since the organizer is the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

His films have received a lot of preferential treatment over the years; it's not like he just disappears when something happens.
Ning Hao nodded: "That's fine, let's go together."

In fact, the Huabiao Awards had already caused a huge uproar in the industry even before it started.

As long as the directors and actors were not truly unable to leave, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television sent out invitations to almost all of them. Even Zhang Yimou, who was still working on the set of "A Simple Noodle Story," publicly stated that he would make time to attend.

Zhang Weiping seized the opportunity and publicly announced that Sony Classic Films had acquired the distribution rights for Zhang Yimou's new film "A Simple Noodle Story" in North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand, and that the two parties would adopt a distribution cooperation model based on guaranteed minimum revenue sharing.

This news surprised the reporters.

North American copyrights aren't easy to sell; everyone there is shrewd. There are only about five mainland Chinese directors whose works sell well in North America, with Wu Chen and Zhang Yimou being the only exceptions.

Seeing this, Zhang Weiping was very pleased. When pressed by the media about his box office expectations for the film, he responded without hesitation:

"Back then, 'Hero' grossed 250 million yuan at the box office, while no domestic film had ever grossed more than 100 million yuan at the time."
We now have over 4000 screens, an increase of more than 3000. Achieving 4 million yuan in box office revenue is not a dream. If it weren't for the limitations of the subject matter, I think it could be even higher.”

After saying this, Zhang Weiping strode confidently towards the film set, appearing full of vigor.

He has achieved his goal.

Zhang Yi frowned, pulled him aside, and whispered, "There's no need to talk about box office numbers."

“Why not?” Zhang Weiping curled his lip. “If it weren’t for the limitations of the subject matter, our film would have cost at least 500 million.”

Besides, if you don't have to go to the Huabiao Awards, then don't go. We haven't even finished filming here yet. Just ask the bureau for leave. Going there won't get you any money; it's a waste of time."

"."

Zhang Yi's face turned black upon hearing this.

Damn it, he always felt that Zhang Weiping was making enemies for him everywhere.

How could I possibly take leave and not attend the Huabiao Awards, which are celebrating their 60th anniversary?

It's not like I'm abroad and can't come back.
Seeing his expression, Zhang Weiping understood a bit, and then changed the subject to ask:
"By the way, weren't you looking for other investors for 'Under the Hawthorn Tree'? I know a few people who can help bring them in."

The filming rights will likely fall into Zhang Yimou's hands; he probably knows this from the movements of the agent, Gonghe Liandong.
"No rush, and Wu Chen has already made contact with an investor."

Zhang Yi declined.

Zhang Weiping introduced him, but he didn't want to use him anymore. Wu Chen's side was more reliable, and since he was not in the industry, he probably wouldn't interfere with his filming.

Upon hearing Wu Chen's name, Zhang Weiping's expression immediately darkened, and a hint of displeasure flashed in his eyes.

In the entire industry, the person he fears most right now is Wu Chen.

Moreover, he had a vague feeling that Zhang Yi was slowly slipping out of his control.
(End of this chapter)