Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 488 Waiting to Collect Money
The chill in Beijing was already bone-chilling, but the box office success of "A Simple Noodle Story" continued to climb.

After four days, the number exceeded 100 million, and it quickly approached 200 million.

The noise and chatter from the outside world, traveling thousands of kilometers, are blurred by the wind and snow when they reach the foot of Changbai Mountain.

Wu Chen didn't have the energy to keep an eye on those numbers—his full attention was focused on the final long stretch of filming for "1939".

The other half of his mind was on Avatar.

After the Los Angeles premiere of Avatar, David Lyndon was somewhat excited, or perhaps "excited" wouldn't even be the right word.

“Wu, I feel it. We are making a very correct choice. I believe the whole of Hollywood will be swept up in the 3D craze, but they will always be a step behind us.”

David Lyndon was now absolutely certain.

On the one hand, native 3D shooting is mainly controlled by Cameron. Unless it is borrowed for shooting, it has to be developed by itself like they did. This is the advantage of Interstellar.

Secondly, there are very few directors who can shoot 3D movies, and even fewer who are worth the large budgets of major studios. It's not easy to reach a cooperation agreement with them.

This also means that Interstellar will be the first native 3D film since Avatar, which is something that converted 3D films cannot match.

In addition, Wu Chen's appeal in the science fiction film field makes the probability of success almost 100%.

"Are you sure North American audiences will accept Avatar? It doesn't even open until tomorrow, let's see how the box office goes then."

Wu Chen smiled and replied.

He was quite curious about how Hollywood executives like David Lyndon viewed Avatar and what they could possibly think of it.

"A billion US dollars shouldn't be a problem. The visuals are absolutely stunning; this is the first time in decades that we've seen anything like it. 3D cinemas will be a huge boost."

Faced with David Lyndon's praise of 3D movies and Avatar, Han Sanping was also very curious. After hanging up the long-distance call he had just finished, he frowned and muttered to himself.

Is it really as good as they say?

However, after thinking for a while, he relaxed.

A few years ago, he would have worried about the changes in the domestic market after Avatar swept the globe.

But things are different now—after Avatar, the only original 3D blockbuster that has been approved is Wu Chen's Interstellar.

With Wu Chen around, he felt more confident: Cameron could deliver a stunning performance, but there were directors in China who could rival him.
The critical reception of Avatar swept across Europe, North America, and then Asia like a cold wave.

The premiere was covered in various entertainment news articles, almost all of which were full of praise.

"The visual effects are unprecedented."

"3Dimax is its true home."

Domestic viewers are eagerly watching the news.

"real or fake."

"The reports that the media relayed back all praised the unprecedented visual effects, and even I was tempted."

"There are so few 3D cinemas in mainland China, and even fewer 3DiMax theaters. They say there are only a handful!"

"."

The major cinemas were caught off guard by the overwhelming news reports. They were unsure if they could still make temporary changes to their screening rooms, but many cinemas still rushed to buy equipment and get started.

Xingchen Cinemas was the first to complete the renovation, leaving Xu Dong dumbfounded when he saw his peers rushing to get things done.

"Boss, what are we doing now?"

Xu Dong immediately sought advice, feeling that although his boss didn't understand the details of the cinema chain, he was very farsighted about the industry landscape.

"Build a strong brand, provide excellent service, ensure all 3D glasses are available, and have a full complement of staff."

Xu Dong nodded repeatedly, "Boss, I've written it all down. Is there anything else?"

"Take the money." "Huh?" Xu Dong was taken aback for a moment, then laughed, "Got it, boss!"

"Um"

Xu Dong has a high level of execution and understanding. After hanging up the phone, Wu Chen also put aside other matters and focused all his attention on "1939".

The wind at the foot of Changbai Mountain was like a knife, stinging people's faces.

The crew huddled in the cold wind, their breath condensing into mist, making everyone shiver.

Seeing this, Wu Chen couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing feelings, thoughts

In this kind of weather, even wearing a down jacket feels cold, let alone the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army troops who fought here seventy years ago.
It should be noted that due to the fierce fighting, the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army was reduced from a peak of more than 3 to a minimum of less than 2000.
In winter, most people can only eat grass roots, chew tree bark, and drink snow fruit to fill their stomachs.
The only leather boots in the army were used to make soup for New Year's Eve dinner.
Wu Chen called out, "Is everyone ready? Let's continue filming and get this movie released as soon as possible."

These days, everyone has felt the same way through filming, and more than ten soldiers have mentioned the stories the veterans told them, which has made them even more deeply moved.
Everyone is puffing up their cheeks.

"Director, the props are ready."

"The film crew is fine."

"."

The crowd quickly responded, and filming officially began for the final long scene of "1939".

At the same time, "Bodyguards and Assassins" was released on the same day that "A Simple Noodle Story" broke 200 million yuan, but at this time the industry was shocked by the news of "Avatar".

The film grossed a whopping $2.41 million worldwide in its opening weekend. While this figure may not seem particularly extravagant, according to global media reports, this was largely due to a shortage of screens and the fact that most people wanted to see it in 3D. Additionally, the film's box office performance barely dipped after entering weekdays.
This is absolutely terrifying.

The China Film Group building, with gray and white views outside the windows.

Han Sanping specifically called his secretary over again, flipped the calendar to the back, and pointed the pen at "January 4th":
"Don't release Avatar on the 2nd, it's too rushed, change it to the 4th."

Although it was only two days, it was the limit of what he could delay. He was also under a lot of external pressure. He had done everything he could for the Lunar New Year film season.
"Delayed by two more days?"

"I don't think Avatar is that scary. There's no need for all the Lunar New Year films to crowd together and avoid each other."

Many viewers were puzzled.

The word-of-mouth from Hong Kong has already reached back.

Someone went there specifically to see it, and came back with a curt remark:
"Don't be silly, Avatar is the real blockbuster. If it were released during the Lunar New Year holiday in December, it would wipe out all the other films."

"Director Wu, do you know about Avatar? Is it really that exaggerated?" Zhang Yi looked at the various exaggerated reports in the media, half believing and half doubting.

"You'll know once filming wraps up."

"We should be wrapping up filming soon, right? Things have been going well for everyone lately. If we just have a bit of luck, we might just make it. Avatar won't even be released in mainland China yet."

Zhang Yi muttered to himself, patting Li Gan on the shoulder, "Are you going back to Harbin after filming wraps up? You're a hot commodity at all the art schools now, have you thought about where to go?"

Li Gan scratched his head and chuckled, "I haven't decided yet. I was hoping to go to Zhejiang University of Media and Communications."

"You have plenty to choose from, but theoretically, going to the Beijing Film Academy would be the best option, since you're one of Director Wu's protégés."

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Wu Chen glanced at Zhang Yi, looked at Li Gan, and was about to give him some instructions when his phone vibrated in his pocket.

Tong Gang's secretary in the bureau.

"Director Wu, Cameron is scheduled to come to China at the end of the month for promotional activities and exchanges. I was wondering if you have time?"

Wu Chen immediately understood.

For a top-tier global director like Cameron to bring a blockbuster film for promotion and exchange, it's usually necessary to arrange mutual visits with directors of equal standing.

This tells the outside world that we also have creators of equal caliber and level, and that the film industry is not a one-way learning process, but an equal exchange.
(End of this chapter)