Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Let's release Chapter 491, *Interstellar*.

The winter sun shines obliquely through the translucent blinds of the China Film Building, casting a warm, pale golden glow.

Hurried yet steady footsteps echoed from the end of the corridor, and the secretary entered carrying a stack of statistical reports.

"Mr. Han, Avatar's box office yesterday was higher than the first day."

He handed over the report, saying, "The current statistics already show over 40 million. At this rate, by Friday or Saturday, it's very likely that we'll break the opening day record of 'The Martian'."

To be honest, he was also shocked.

Keep in mind that the opening day was Monday, and yesterday was only Tuesday, but the box office and enthusiasm are still rising. Just thinking about how he took his family to see a movie last night, and how the audience's excited and unsatisfied expressions were when they left the theater, made it all clear.

"Hmm!" Han Sanping responded casually, shifting his gaze from the report. "What's the feedback from the domestic film sector?"

Upon hearing this, the secretary couldn't help but give a wry smile: "They all say they can't survive, and that we're messing up the schedule."

These words made Han Sanping laugh in anger.

Damn it, it's only been three days since it was released, and it's already failing to survive?

The secretary opened another form and continued reporting: "Many domestic films that haven't been released yet have asked us to change their release dates, such as Wong Jing's 'Future X-Cops'."

Han Sanping sighed. He knew he should help when needed, so he waved his hand and said decisively, "Change it."

For domestic films, the current situation is chilling.

Because Avatar's box office figures in China were still climbing rapidly, with the numbers surging forward wave after wave, and at the same time, news came that its global box office had exceeded 11.3 billion, ranking second in film history, which further boosted the film's performance.

The entire film industry was silent.

Because of this trend, even "The Martian's" box office records couldn't be stopped, let alone other movies.
"How can this possibly compete with domestic films? It's like trying to make plastic crash into a piece of metal."

"Who can blame them for having the technology? We're still arguing for ages about adding 100,000 to the budget for a single special effects scene, while they've already spent nearly 500 million US dollars."

"This is not a matter of money; it's a systemic gap in the film industry."

The industry is in despair.

At this time, comments from some public intellectuals quickly took over social media platforms, with particularly strong voices.

"This is the tragedy of Chinese cinema. Can our directors make 3D masterpieces? Or will we have to wait many years?"

"Chinese films lag behind in industrialization by at least twenty years. Hollywood can make 'Avatar,' while our top directors can only make 'A Simple Noodle Story.' That's the reality."

"Avatar was truly a dream come true, shocking a generation. As for us, we will forever remain in a small-scale, low-level cycle."

This is why we can't make movies like this, why we can only ever indulge in 'low budget' and 'low quality'.

"Forget about sentiment and cultural connotation; a movie without technical support is destined to be second-rate."

Amid this pressure from public opinion, the voices of public intellectuals are even more overwhelming, as they spare no effort to denigrate the current state of Chinese cinema.
These words are not empty rhetoric, because most domestic directors' films appear dull and lackluster under the pressure of "Avatar," and that sense of contrast is painful, especially for domestic directors.
On the other hand, netizens are divided into two opposing camps.

Some insisted on the theory of idealism, while others shouted that technology was king, and they debated each other until late at night.

At this moment, Lu Xun was overjoyed, even hoping that Avatar would quickly surpass The Martian's box office record.
Perhaps seeing that industry insiders were reflecting on their actions, he, after a long period of silence, couldn't resist making a comeback with "Avatar":
"We should feel ashamed in the face of the purity of Avatar."

Audiences will use word-of-mouth to confirm this box office record. This is a complete defeat that we Chinese filmmakers must collectively witness and accept.

"This is a sad thing; it is an unavoidable fact." Lu Xun's words amplified the comments on Weibo and blogs, and for the domestic film industry, it was a heavy blow.

"This idiot, does he even have the right to speak here?"

Upon seeing this, Jiang Wen immediately began to curse and swear, but amidst his cursing, he couldn't help but ask Wu Chen, "What do you think? Avatar's 3D is indeed different. It's 100% going to break the domestic box office record."
Most importantly, we've lost our fighting spirit. A bunch of people are saying we won't be able to make a 3D blockbuster for the next two or three years, even that idiot Lu Xun thinks so.

If there's anyone in China who can stand against them, it's probably only Wu Chen.

You'll find out later.

"Ok?"

Jiang Wen was a little surprised, but Wu Chen didn't say anything more, and he didn't ask any more questions.
At this point, the General Administration of Sport also couldn't sit still any longer.

A notice was issued announcing the preparation for a high-level meeting, which would bring back all the major production companies, big directors, and core creators.

Han Sanping called.

"You heard about the meeting at the bureau the day after tomorrow, right?"

"Understood." Wu Chen nodded.

"I'm wondering if we should announce the news about Interstellar."

"Let's do it tomorrow morning. Mr. Han, can you inform Mr. Ren?"

Wu Chen did not refuse; he was well aware of Han Sanping's intentions at that moment.

"Okay, then what about Universal and Blumhouse?"

"I'll talk to the two of them."

After hanging up the phone, Wu Chen immediately dialed David Lyndon's number. The other party had no objection to the announcement and did not even hesitate.

This is a significant event for Global Times, although some high-ranking officials have been somewhat informed, most are still unaware of it.

The release of Interstellar at this time would definitely be a globally shocking event.

After thinking for a moment, Wu Chen called Zhang Huijun after communicating with Jason Blum.
The next morning, the cold wind in Beijing was shrouded in mist, and the newsstand at the street corner was crowded with citizens waiting for their newspapers.

The front pages of major media outlets are still dominated by "Avatar," and scalpers are doing incredibly well at cinemas. 3D IMAX tickets, originally priced at 150 yuan, are being sold for several times their original price by scalpers and are still snapped up instantly.

This scarcity, ironically, became an advertisement, stimulating more people to want to experience it.

"How much was the box office yesterday? I estimate it's going to break the single-day box office record of 'The Martian'."

"Yesterday was Saturday, so it's highly likely. Friday's box office was already 50 million, it was just a little short."

"It was bound to happen, there's nothing more to say, given how expensive the tickets are."

"."

While the media, audiences, and industry professionals were still discussing the matter, an announcement was quietly released on the official websites of China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, and Star Cinema Pictures.

The three companies simply issued a statement and did not even seek media coverage.
(End of this chapter)