Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 471 Sold it?
In September in Los Angeles, the sea breeze carries a dry, salty scent, and sunlight shines on the glass facade of Lionsgate's headquarters.

Wearing a simple shirt, Wu Chen pushed open the door and walked into the building. The receptionist had already recognized him and smiled as she invited him to go straight to the upper-level office.

Michael Burns was very happy to greet him.

Now You See Me 2 is doing very well at the global box office, having already surpassed $300 million. Whether it can surpass the first film directed by Wu Chen is hard to say, but it is expected to break $500 million.

"Is it warm yet?" Wu Chen asked with a smile.

"We've been here for a while, we're already in the screening room, let's go over there."

The screening room was dimly lit. As the end credits rolled, James Wan looked up, saw Wu Chen, and waved with a smile.

The two chatted casually for a few minutes, and then Michael asked his assistant to bring him coffee.

Wu Chen came here to see the quality of the finished product of "Lurking 2".

Whether or not you watch it isn't really important, since Lionsgate has already started promoting it. However, Wu Chen could tell from Michael Burns' envious look that the sequel was still very well made.

After leaving the Lionsgate building, the two found a corner cafe and sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, surrounded by the aroma of coffee.

Wu Chen took a sip of coffee, his tone calm yet certain: "Lurking 2 was filmed quite well, even better than I expected."

Wen Ziren nodded.

He agrees, saying that a sequel this good is already quite successful, as most sequels start to lose their reputation in the second installment.

"Any inspiration for a new script? I feel like writing might become more difficult after the second installment."

James Wan then asked, after finishing the second film, looking back at the connection between the two films, he had a vague feeling.

“It’s a bit difficult. It’s a bit difficult to maintain its reputation and quality. Michael keeps asking me if the ‘Insidious’ IP can be sold to Lionsgate.” Wu Chen looked at the pedestrians passing by outside the window and said softly, “If I can’t think of a good sequel, I plan to sell it directly.”

Wen Ziren paused slightly, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes.

This is an inevitable path for some horror film IPs as they reach a certain stage of development. However, "Lurking" is the film with the highest revenue share he has made in recent years, and he is a little reluctant to part with it.

Wu Chen saw through his thoughts and reached out to pat him on the shoulder:

"Don't worry, I'm just saying that the sequel to 'Lurking' is difficult to film, it doesn't mean there's no inspiration for other horror movies."

Wen Ziren's eyes lit up.

"I trust your horror movies the most." Wu Chen chuckled.

After chatting about movies for a while, their conversation gradually turned to their directing careers.

James Wan said a lot, one of which was that he hoped to direct a truly big-budget production.

"Every director wants to direct a blockbuster, but the feelings are definitely different."

Wu Chen wasn't surprised by Wen Ziren's idea.

Art films, low-budget films, high-budget films—each type of film has a different feel to it. James Wan clearly doesn't like art films; having made so many low-budget films, he naturally yearns for high-budget movies.

However, because he has made so many horror movies, he has been labeled as such, and most Hollywood companies are looking for him to make horror movies.

This is also a source of distress for James Wan.

There was no chance.
"In that case, if a suitable opportunity arises, I can recommend you for a position," Wu Chen said upon seeing this.

There's no need to be too stingy with your reputation in this regard; you should still help when needed.

James Wan was somewhat moved; Wu Chen might be the only one left who still believed he could direct a commercial blockbuster.

"Dinner's on me tonight, and you absolutely have to have an extra drink."

"No, no, no, don't do that. We have to go back tomorrow, so let's just have a simple meal."

In Beijing, where the autumn winds are just beginning to blow, the sky is high and clear, and the air carries a slight chill of early autumn.

The most powerful tribute film in history, "The Founding of a Republic," will be released on the 16th, and news of the premiere has been widely circulated.

Inside the China Film Group building, Han Sanping hadn't stopped moving since morning. His secretary quickly caught up and reported, "Chairman Han, the premiere tomorrow has been thoroughly checked. There are no issues with the venue, security, or the VIP seating."

He knew all too well how much Han Sanping valued this film.

This is also Han Sanping's first film in eighteen years.
"Have you managed to contact Wu Chen?"

Han Sanping was still a little worried. He was hoping Wu Chen would come and help him take a look at the finished film. He had been feeling quite anxious lately.

If the box office is poor, can it still be called a tribute?
If the box office is dismal and they get slapped in the face, that wouldn't be good.
"Director Wu's phone is off; he must have flown back."

Upon hearing this, Han Sanping breathed a sigh of relief.

The following afternoon, sunlight streamed through the villa's curtains as Liu Yifei sat in front of a vanity mirror, applying light makeup.

Wu Chen leaned against the doorframe and yawned: "That's good enough. Is there any difference between you putting on makeup and not putting it on at all?"

"Don't make me laugh, or your makeup will look terrible."

Liu Yifei couldn't help but chuckle, but she was clearly pleased with Wu Chen's words, her face beaming with happiness.

"Take my advice, light makeup is fine."

"You said it yourself, so I believe you. You'll know you're wrong if you don't look as good as others."

After fiddling with it for a while, Liu Yifei came out carrying a light beige handbag.

Her long hair cascaded slightly over her shoulders; she wore a black short-sleeved leather dress with a slightly futuristic metal ring design; and small, delicate earrings.
At this moment, he appeared both cold and captivating, with a touch of casual nonchalance.

"Don't worry, there's definitely no such thing. If anyone dares to publish an article that outshines you, I'll have President Cao remove her from the trending topics," Wu Chen joked as he opened the passenger door and then walked around to the driver's seat.

"You're so domineering, how can you be like this? Even President Cao is afraid of you." Liu Yifei covered her mouth and chuckled.

The premiere of "The Founding of a Republic" was held at the Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium.
Simply put, it's big enough to accommodate the people invited by China Film Group.

The film's creators, guests from all walks of life, and several performing artists from Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong gathered together.
The main creator, Han Sanping, brought dozens of actors to the premiere ceremony, and the red carpet covered the entire entrance.

As soon as Ren Zhonglun arrived, Han Sanping grabbed him and started talking non-stop, going on and on about everything from south to north, as if he wanted to go through the entire filming process.
Seeing the other person's eyes almost squinting into slits with laughter, Ren Zhonglun was quite speechless.

But then he thought about it again and realized that if this mission succeeded, it would be enough for Zhongying and Han Sanping to brag about for a lifetime.

If it were him, he'd probably also have a long, drawn-out discussion with the person.
It's just that being transformed into him by the person who was talking so eloquently is very uncomfortable.

Fortunately, screams erupted from behind, reporters' flashes continued, and the screams of fans grew louder and louder.

You can tell at a glance that another big name is coming.

"Director Wu, Yifei, look here!"

"The two of you move closer, let's take a picture."

"Effie, try a different hand gesture for taking photos. This gesture has never changed!"

"."

The reporters' voices rose and fell.

Wu Chen couldn't help but smile upon hearing this.

Han Sanping stopped talking immediately upon seeing this, let Ren Zhonglun go, and prepared to greet the two.
Ren Zhonglun simply stood there and didn't leave.

Han Sanping chatted and laughed all the way, and Wu Chen and Liu Yifei could clearly feel his joy.

"Director Wu, Yifei, they're here, just in time, one piece at a time."

Ren Zhonglun suddenly spoke up, and Han Sanping's expression froze slightly.

Damn it, he hadn't even finished bragging when Wu Chen and the other guy were dragged away?

(End of this chapter)