Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 489 Filming wrapped, good news!

The next day, at six o'clock in the morning, a thin layer of mist still shrouded the foot of Changbai Mountain.
The snow crunched underfoot, the echo swallowed by the white forest.

The heater in the makeup truck had just been turned on when the actors, still wrapped in their military overcoats and drinking ginger soup from enamel mugs, had their noses red from the cold.

The props team took out the military caps and quilts that had been drying in the greenhouse the day before, patted off the frost, and distributed them one by one.

"Everyone, hang in there a little longer. Let's try to finish this in the next few days, and each round will be better than the last."

Wu Chen stood in the snow and called out to the crew.

He ultimately didn't take on any work from the bureau.

The main problem is that the completion time of filming "1939" is hard to determine. Unlike ordinary films, if he were to leave midway to do something else, it would be a fatal blow to the crew. The atmosphere and chemistry that had been built up could be destroyed all at once.

While filming was in full swing in Changbai Mountain, on the other side of the world, Berlin was also shrouded in a gray winter.

On the long table of the film selection committee, there were several stacks of newly compiled film lists, along with materials and sample discs sent by special envoys from film festivals around the world.

The newly compiled list of "key directors worldwide" is at the top.

This is a routine procedure before the opening of the Berlin Film Festival every year: invitation letters are sent in advance to directors with international influence and a stock of films. Most of these directors can skip the layers of review and directly obtain "fast track" treatment.

Zhang Yimou and his film "A Simple Noodle Story" were among those invited to Berlin.

However, when the discussion turned to China, the renowned director Wu Chen was inevitably mentioned.

"An anti-Japanese war film? World War II, right?"

One of the curators in charge of the Asian region nodded: "Yes, but judging from the film synopsis, it may be different from the World War II narratives we are used to."

There is no doubt that European and American film festivals have a strong preference for World War II and anti-fascist themes, especially Berlin and Venice.

The two simply have different tastes—Venice is fond of atmosphere and aesthetics, while Berlin is more concerned with the trauma of war and ethnic issues.

"I heard he's still filming, and there's no news of it being finished. I don't know if it will be done in time."

"That's not something we should be considering. We must send him the invitation from Berlin; we can't miss out on such a great director's new film."

Berlin clearly doesn't want to let go of this Chinese-language director who has won Oscars, Cannes, and Berlin awards.

"Understood. He's been to Berlin. We have direct contact information. We'll get in touch shortly."

In the afternoon, the sky over Changbai Mountain was a few degrees whiter than in the morning.

Wu Chen just stood up from behind the monitor when his phone vibrated in his pocket.

"Berlin."

Wu Chen paused for a moment, then answered the phone.

It must be said that Berlin's atmosphere is indeed suitable for "1939".

In comparison, Cannes is the least suitable of the three major film festivals—the market, pace, and creative spirit of the film don't quite match.

Wu Chen did not refuse, and truthfully replied, "I don't know if there's enough time."

"No problem, as long as it's submitted before the deadline for the surprise video. We're really looking forward to your new film."

"."

"Everyone, cheer up! Filming's wrapped up! I have some good news to share!"

After hanging up the phone, Wu Chen clapped his hands.

He dared not tell the crew that the film was likely to be sent to Berlin, otherwise, if anyone felt guilty, the film might not be finished in the end.
A chorus of jeers immediately erupted from the film crew.

Cameron came to China to promote "Avatar," accompanied by producer Jon Landau and the CEO of 20th Century Fox.

China Film Group provided reception services.

"Doesn't Wu have time?"

Cameron's words were very direct.

He knew that Universal was also secretly planning a 3D film, and that Wu Chen was the director. He was extremely curious about it, but he didn't expect that the other party didn't seem to be there.
"Director Wu Chen is currently filming elsewhere," the staff member replied.

Cameron immediately expressed his regret upon hearing this.

However, he knew the other person would probably be going to the Golden Globe Awards, so they would run into each other there.

"For a film, it can create a dreamlike environment where the audience can experience the same thing and stay there. I think such a film would be very successful."

"Among Chinese directors, I particularly like the films of Zhang Yimou and Wu Chen. I've seen most of their movies. I'm really looking forward to having a conversation with them."

Cameron spoke fluently during media interviews and then returned home with gifts after the premiere.

The media naturally focused on reporting on it, but these reports made Chen Kaige feel somewhat uneasy.

In his view, there should be three top directors from mainland China, so why is his name missing?
Seeing this, Chen Hong quickly stepped forward to comfort him: "That foreigner's box office is impressive, but he doesn't know much about the industry and doesn't understand much about China."
I guess they've watched too many of Director Zhang's Olympic opening ceremonies!

After some comforting words, Chen Kaige's complexion improved considerably.

"Let's start filming our movie next March, and speed things up!"

"Hmm." The discussion among industry insiders and netizens was very heated. Of course, a lot of the discussion was about "Avatar" itself. However, the two parties involved were busy with their own things and didn't take it seriously.

The reputation of "A Simple Noodle Story" has completely collapsed. It originally broke 200 million in eight days, and theoretically it could have continued to reach 300 million or even 400 million during Christmas and New Year's Day. However, it has completely lost its momentum.

Zhang Yi was somewhat annoyed by Zhang Weiping's complaints.

"The script is yours to follow, even the actors listen to you, it would be good if it made over 200 million."

Zhang Yimou showed a rare moment of toughness.

Although he publicly says he's not afraid of being criticized and that criticism won't bring him down, given the state of the movie, it's no wonder he's in a bad mood.

"Without me, without Xiao Shenyang, whether we even make 200 million is questionable," Zhang Weiping stubbornly insisted, indignantly adding, "If you don't believe me, just look at your next film, 'Under the Hawthorn Tree.'"

"For 'Under the Hawthorn Tree,' I want to cast newcomers or people who are not well-known."

Zhang Yi left after saying that.

On the other side, Wu Chen was staring intently at the monitor, his breathing slowed down, until Huang Xiaoshan, Li Gan's brother, wiped away the tears on his face.

The camera slowly rises from behind Huang Xiaoshan, overlooking the entire battlefield.
Everyone on set remained silent, as if waiting for something.

"Cut! That's it!"

Wu Chen shouted, and immediately cheers and murmurs filled the quiet forest.

"Is filming really finished?"

"It's unbelievable! When I first learned it would involve so many long takes, I thought we'd be filming until next year!"

"It's over. I'm a little dazed. The last long segment, I think we filmed it over thirty times, but finally it was perfect!"

"."

Wu Chen leaned back in his director's chair and let out a long sigh.

Not far away, Zhang Yi suddenly remembered something and shouted, "Director Wu, you said there would be good news after filming wrapped up, what is it?"

"Haha, I almost forgot." Wu Chen chuckled, sitting up straight. "The Berlin Film Festival called a few days ago; if post-production goes smoothly, we should be shortlisted for Berlin."

As soon as Wu Chen finished speaking, laughter erupted on set once again.

"Director Wu, you're awesome!"

"To Berlin, to Berlin!"

Everyone said in unison.

This news was good news for everyone present.

Because this kind of resume can last a lifetime.

Being shortlisted for an international film festival is not only an honor for the on-screen team, including the director and lead actors, but also a public endorsement of the professional capabilities of behind-the-scenes departments such as art direction, costumes, and props.

In short, it means a raise and increased value.
That day, the crew packed up their supplies and returned to Beijing, where they held a wrap party.

After a few rounds of drinks, the news quickly reached the ears of the media.

Filming for "1939" has officially wrapped, and Wu Chen has led the team back to Beijing.

According to reliable sources, the war epic "1939," directed by Wu Chen, has been invited to the Berlin Film Festival and is awaiting post-production completion.

"."

Wu Chen didn't take the "leaking news" seriously.

The moment his production team announced it, it was clear the news couldn't be kept secret.

However, as soon as this news broke, envy and sighs followed from within the industry:

"It's so nice working with a big director's crew. The invitation came even before the movie was finished."

"The Berlin Film Festival—some directors might not get an invitation even after a lifetime of making films."

"This treatment, wow."

"."

Back at the villa, the warmth of the heating was overwhelming, and the cool air from outside still lingered on the glass windows.

Liu Yifei stood at the door looking at him, her eyes first filled with longing, then she couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"What are you laughing at?"

Wu Chen looked puzzled.

Liu Yifei walked over and gently ran her finger along the stubble on his chin:
"Is filming that busy? You don't take care of yourself at all. Your beard has grown so long, and it's quite prickly. Oh, and those sideburns too!"

Wu Chen was stunned for a moment. Liu Yifei had already come out with an electric shaver and sat on his lap. "Hurry up, sit still, be good, I'll shave you."

Smelling the familiar fragrance, hearing the gentle vibration of the blade, and seeing the lovely woman before him with her tender gestures, Wu Chen felt a sense of peace for no apparent reason.

At that moment, he suddenly felt that this was like a scene from a movie with perfectly matched sound and light, quiet and gentle.
(End of this chapter)