Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 494 Meeting: How much does it cost?
The next day, around nine o'clock in the morning.

A large number of vehicles gathered outside the headquarters.

Leaders from major state-owned and private film companies, cinema chains, universities, industry experts, producers, and directors will generally arrive at the meeting venue in advance.

Wu Chen was no exception.

Just as he got out of the car, two tiny snowflakes landed on his shoulder.

Before he even stepped through the gate, someone called out, "Director Wu."

Turning around, I saw Ye Ning from Wanda Cinemas, accompanied by Zhang Lin from Wanda Film & Media. The two of them had come together, walking quickly.
"General Manager Ye, General Manager Zhang."

Wu Chen stopped and smiled in response.

"Director Wu, Xingchen Cinemas' performance this time has been remarkable. Wanda would also like to send someone over to learn from your experience and study your 3D projection process and frontline service details."

Ye Ning spoke first, and the topic didn't start with "Interstellar," but rather with the theatrical release.

It has to be said that Star Cinemas has made a strong showing in the industry this time.

From the brightness of the auditorium, the stability of the projection, the viewing experience, the process of returning and disinfecting glasses, to even the way people move around, everything was so meticulous that even the best in the industry couldn't find fault with it.
Ye Ning was partly looking for a topic to discuss, and partly genuinely felt that Xingchen had done a much better job than Wanda this time.

"Not at all. Xingchen only has a few cinemas, so it's easy to manage. Besides, we can't compare to Wanda in terms of viewership; we've just benefited from the 3D boom."

Wu Chen smiled and shook his head, knowing that everyone should know their own affairs.

Wanda Cinemas' advantages are obvious—in first- and second-tier cities, almost every Wanda Plaza is a local commercial landmark, and its natural customer traffic coverage can make up for many shortcomings.

The three walked in talking and laughing, and soon the line grew larger.

Wang Changtian from Enlight Media, Wu Kebo from Orange Sky Media, and Zhong Lifang from Little Horse Galloping all came over. The group gathered at the elevator entrance and entered the elevator going up with a "ding".

Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei, who were catching up from behind, walked side by side, while Feng Xiaogang lagged half a step behind them. Both of them looked a little depressed.

Logically speaking, as the first listed film and television company in mainland China, Huayi should be the protagonist at this moment, enjoying the glory of being surrounded and greeted by everyone.

But something doesn't quite feel right.
The heating in the conference room was on full blast, with a slightly dry, warm feel.

Directors such as Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Gu Changwei, and Ning Hao were all present, but Jiang Wen was absent, presumably because he was quite far away.
The meeting hadn't started yet, and people were still discussing things in small groups inside the room.

Zhang Yi couldn't help but exclaim to Wu Chen, "This is truly a big move!"

"The production costs are still not comparable to those of Avatar," Wu Chen said with a smile and a shake of his head.

This caused those around them to widen their eyes in disbelief.

Damn, Avatar's production and marketing alone cost close to $500 million. What, are you going to spend $500 million too?
Wang Zhonglei, looking most envious at the crowd gathered around Wu Chen, whispered to Feng Xiaogang, "Do you think it's possible for 'Aftershock' to be made in 3D?"

Feng Xiaogang's expression was complicated, and he finally shook his head:
"Domestic technology can't handle this, and the only option is to convert it to 3D. Wu Chen even explained the difference between converting to 3D and native 3D clearly. It might be more harmful than beneficial, so it's not suitable. As for native 3D, putting aside the R&D issues, we don't even know how to handle the cost problem."

Feng Xiaogang's words left Wang Zhonglei feeling helpless.

That's true, though; they still don't know how much the research and development costs will be.

On the other side, at the university level, Zhang Huijun was chatting with students from major art colleges such as the Central Academy of Drama, Beijing Dance Academy, and Communication University of China. Of course, apart from Zhang Huijun, the others didn't really join in the conversation.

The main problem is that I don't know how to set it up. It seems like the Beijing Film Academy can accept all of them, which is really frustrating.
The digital clock on the wall points to 9:05.

Staff members moved between the seats, handing out sign-in sheets and meeting materials.
The first page of the document contains statistics from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television on domestic box office revenue, number of moviegoers, and the rate of cinema expansion over the past year; the second page features discussions on the "Avatar" phenomenon and "Interstellar".
The third point is a summary of this year's key policies—one of which is highlighted in bold: "Accelerate the construction of a high-standard film production system and enhance industrialized production capabilities."

Everyone couldn't help but look at Wu Chen when they saw the second one.

This was clearly added on purpose.

At 9:15, the side door on one side of the stage opened, and Tong Gang and several deputy directors in charge walked onto the stage together.

Tong Gang didn't engage in much small talk; his opening tone was exactly the same as in the office—calm and direct:
"Last year was a year of rapid development for the Chinese film market, and we achieved double growth in box office revenue and number of moviegoers."

However, we must also be soberly aware that, in the face of the world's advanced film industry system, we still have shortcomings in technology, talent, and processes.
Regarding Avatar, everyone has their own opinions. We don't shy away from the differences.

Tong Gang called on Han Sanping to be the first to speak.
Technology, industry, talent, capital, and industrial chain
The points everyone discussed were pretty much the same.

However, when everyone discussed the box office of "Avatar" and the prediction of 1 billion was made, everyone in the room looked at Wu Chen in unison.

The prediction of 1 billion wasn't made by him, but by director Huang Jun. Seeing this, Wu Chen nodded and said, "Director Huang's words are indeed quite possible. If this trend continues in the long run, the box office will be very impressive."

Seeing that Wu Chen had given up, everyone lost hope, especially those companies with movies scheduled for release in January, who no longer expected any miracles.

"Although it's a billion, the gap between us and the American film industry isn't as big as some people online portray it, so we shouldn't underestimate ourselves."

If Wu Chen from "Interstellar" hadn't said those words, they might not have been as convincing, but at this moment, everyone nodded in agreement.

At least for now, it proves that the second director in the world capable of directing a native 3D film is from mainland China, which is incredibly exciting news at a time when Avatar has swept the world.

"Director Wu, could you tell me approximately how much it cost to develop the native 3D system for 'Interstellar'? Is it possible for a mainland company to do that as well?"

Wang Zhonglei asked the question that most people in the room wanted to know.

Tong Gang, Zhang Hongsen, and the others were also very curious.

They still don't know the exact amount.

"Yes, unlike Cameron's generic set, this custom set for 'Interstellar' will indeed be more expensive. I've roughly calculated it to be at least thirty million US dollars."

"hiss!"

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in unison.

When the production cost of most films in mainland China is less than 100 million yuan, this cost is frighteningly high, and it means that it cannot be shared evenly, like a disposable item.

Even Tong Gang and Zhang Hongsen exchanged surprised glances.

Wu Chen paused for a moment and continued, "The cost should only be a bit higher this year. Other camera companies are already focusing on research and development, and it's estimated that it will be available within two or three years. By then, most directors will be able to shoot it after learning how to use it."

"So, what aspects of technology are involved, and what systems do universities and industries need to cultivate?" Tong Gang asked at this moment.

The most important thing is not money, but the process and system in this area.

"It can be divided into two parts: hardware equipment and operation, and core technologies in post-production, such as stereoscopic image processing and dual-machine synchronous control system."
Technical things, like machines and systems, can actually be bought for training. I remember when I was in school, the Beijing Film Academy had already bought a motion capture system from "The Lord of the Rings." I heard from the teacher that it wasn't expensive, and we were able to learn it quite easily back then.

"Once Interstellar is finished filming, the system will also be able to..."

As soon as Wu Chen mentioned the Beijing Film Academy, and Zhang Huijun's smile had barely begun, the presidents and professors of major universities such as the Central Academy of Drama, Communication University of China, and Beijing Dance Academy couldn't sit still any longer.

"Director Wu, the Central Academy of Drama also has a corresponding talent pool, which is in great need."

Director Wu, Communication University of China

"."

For a moment, everyone was stunned and looked towards the school area.

How did the meeting suddenly change its tone? Just two minutes ago, they were discussing various technologies, talent, and funding.

"cough!"

Tong Gang smiled and interrupted everyone.

"Let's talk about this privately, let's get back to the main topic."

Wu Chen's *Interstellar*, as the second sci-fi blockbuster in the world to be filmed entirely in 3D, demonstrates to some extent that Chinese films are not inferior to those of the highest international standards.

"The film industry is undergoing a revolution, once again becoming a consumer target for ordinary people. The Chinese film industry is currently in a golden period of opportunity, and various measures are inevitable, especially in the area of ​​funding. You can rest assured about that."

The bureau chief's final words were very inspiring.

What's most important? Funding is the top priority, and judging from this trend, it's highly likely that the film and television industry is about to be completely relaxed and liberalized.

Wu Chen knew that the period of rapid development for the film and television industry had truly arrived at this moment.

After the meeting
Just as Wu Chen was about to get up and leave, Tong Gang's secretary called him over.

"In the 3D field, China will definitely catch up rapidly in the next few years. You're an expert in this area, you understand it well."

Tong Gang's words were very clear: he needed to take on some responsibilities at the right time.

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen did not refuse; someone had to shoulder the responsibility and move forward.
(End of this chapter)