Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 563 My contribution is huge!
After hanging up the phone, Jiang Wen hesitated to bring the still-steaming cigarette to his lips.

His brows were furrowed, and a hint of hesitation lingered on his face.

Zhou Yun leaned back on the sofa, looking at him like this, and couldn't help but speak:
"What happened? Weren't you just patting your chest, saying you'd help Director Wu teach Feng Xiaogang a lesson? What did Director Wu say?"

"He said he didn't need it, that he had his own way, but I'm wondering if he has any films to release. Is he going to rely on those few low-budget films produced by Starry Night Pictures?"

Zhou Yun chuckled and pushed the ashtray towards him, saying, "Since Director Wu said he has a way, then he definitely does. Maybe it's not just in the movie."

Jiang Wen was stunned for a moment, then slumped back on the sofa as if deflated, stubbing out his cigarette: "Damn it, now I can't pretend in front of him anymore."

Zhou Yun was stunned for a moment when she heard this, and then couldn't help but roll her eyes at him.

So that's the reason?
Meanwhile, the domestic summer movie season continues to be a mix of box office success and heated debates.

Although Inception was impacted by the promotional campaign of Aftershock, resulting in a slightly slower growth rate, it still maintained strong word-of-mouth and continued to rise, with its cumulative box office exceeding 4.7 million yuan and heading straight for the 5 million yuan mark.

Meanwhile, Feng Xiaogang's "Aftershock" achieved resounding success thanks to Huayi Brothers' continued promotional efforts.
The most painful one has to be "My Beautiful Boss" produced by Starlight Entertainment.

After several days of release, the box office was still struggling at the level of a few million. Lu Zheng was so anxious that his face turned red. He was trying his best to make the film's box office figures break through the ten million mark.

On the other side, the wind in Hengdian carried the sweltering heat unique to August.

A vast filming location for a period drama was bustling with the sounds of gongs, drums, and firecrackers.

The period drama "Scarlet Heart," co-produced by Starry Night Pictures, Pegasus Media, and Shanda Literature, has finally wrapped up filming after nearly four months of intense production.

At the ceremony, the actors, crew, and investors all made an appearance, surrounded by media with their cameras and microphones.

"Filming for 'Scarlet Heart' has officially wrapped up, and the production team has announced that it is expected to air this year."

However, just the next day, another grand stage was erected in another part of Hengdian World Studios.

The costume drama "Palace," produced by Mango Investment, held a grand opening ceremony and media conference.

On stage, Yu Zheng, impeccably dressed in a suit, faced the microphone and flashing lights, enthusiastically introducing the project:

"The story of 'Palace' revolves around the most talked-about 'Nine Princes' struggle for the throne' in the Qing Dynasty, and uses the female protagonist to travel through time and space."
The play revolves around this little-known history, showcasing the tragic love story of the male and female protagonists amidst the treacherous power struggles of the court, and depicting the growth experiences of each historical figure in the drama.

The reporters below the stage looked at each other in bewilderment.

"This feels exactly like 'Scarlet Heart,' which wrapped up filming yesterday!"

"Yeah, even the time-travel background is exactly the same: the struggle for the throne among nine princes, and the female lead time-travels. Isn't this just a different body?"

"That's strange, could the similarities in subject matter be that drastic?"

For a moment, whispers arose from the audience.

Finally, a reporter couldn't resist asking the question:

"Mr. Yu Zheng, since 'Scarlet Heart' is also set against the backdrop of the struggle for the throne among the nine princes in the Qing Dynasty, and its setting is highly similar to that of 'Palace,' is there any suspicion of plagiarism?"

"Viewers might get confused about the relationship between the two shows. What's your opinion?"

"If viewers see this as a copycat work, are you worried that its reputation will be affected?"

Yu Zheng simply smiled and waved his hand, completely unfazed, speaking rapidly:
"Time-travel dramas are bound to have similarities set in the same era, especially the struggle for the throne among the nine princes, which is a popular background. It's perfectly normal."

Furthermore, when we were kids, we would memorize good sentences we came across, and unconsciously use them in our own writing. The same applies to TV dramas; they need to be passed down and developed.

I even think that using lines from previous TV dramas is a kind of tribute.

These remarks almost made the media present roll their eyes.

To interpret "using lines from one's own play" as "paying homage" is truly audacious.

Media reports that day quickly flooded in:

[Filming for "Palace" begins in Hengdian; plot sparks controversy: too similar to "Scarlet Heart"!]

[Yu Zheng responds to "collision": Repetitive lines are a tribute; time-travel dramas should carry on the tradition!]

[Media questions Yu Zheng about plagiarism; Yu Zheng responds: The struggle for succession among the nine princes is a popular topic, overlap is normal]

With Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng making a strong debut, can "Palace" present a unique time-travel story set in the Qing Dynasty?

The report immediately sparked heated discussions both inside and outside the industry.

Meanwhile, in Calgary, Canada.

After traveling to multiple cities around the world to promote "Inception," Liu Yifei finally arrived in Canada.

However, she did not come to join the film crew this time, but to visit the set and take the opportunity to return to China with Wu Chen.

When she appeared on set, she immediately caused a small commotion.

"Crystal, congratulations!"

"I heard that Inception has already grossed over $5 million worldwide!"

"Wow"

In an instant, congratulations rose and fell, and the atmosphere was ignited.

Liu Yifei smiled and had her staff place the large pile of food they had brought onto the long table in the rest area, her voice crisp and clear:

"Everyone, please eat first! I brought lots of things you like! There are sandwiches, burritos, fried chicken wings, hot dogs, and iced cola and coffee!"

You are truly an angel!

"That's great! Our director has never been this nice to us!" "Yeah, Crystal is so much better than the director. If you hadn't come, we wouldn't have gotten any rest!"

"."

The crowd laughed and joked, crowding around the table.

Wu Chen stood aside, looking at this group of "traitors" speechlessly, and said with a stern face: "If you say another word, we'll keep filming!"

Upon hearing this, everyone scattered like birds and beasts, but all wore smiles on their faces.

Looking at his feigned seriousness, Liu Yifei stood in the afternoon sunlight, her clear eyes sparkling with laughter, like scattered starlight. Her gentle smile seemed to brighten the somewhat dull film set.

In the afternoon, as the last shot was successfully completed, Wu Chen looked at the monitor and raised his hand to shout, "Cut!"

Filming for Interstellar in Canada has officially come to an end.

"Rest for a day, then depart the day after tomorrow."

The timing was perfect; he needed to take the entire crew to China to film that crucial cornfield.

The following day, Universal Pictures and China Film Group released press releases almost simultaneously.

"The international co-production sci-fi blockbuster 'Interstellar,' directed by Wu Chen, will move to mainland China in mid-month to build unprecedented large-scale sets after successfully completing overseas filming."

As soon as the news came out, netizens showed great anticipation and curiosity.

"Where is it filmed? Where is it filmed? Does anyone know?"

"It seems like we've been filming for three months already, it should be wrapping up soon, right? Hurry up, Wu Chen!"

"I really want to go to the set and see how Wu Chen makes movies!"

Meanwhile, media reporters were frantically trying to find out when Wu Chen would return to China.

"Have you received the itinerary information yet?"

"No, there aren't many flights from Canada to Beijing."

"What if it's a private jet? We might as well just wait it out; it'll only be a few days!"

"."

August 8, early morning.

Capital International Airport.

With a roar, Wu Chen, along with Liu Yifei, Matthew McConaughey, and other core members of the production team, boarded the Gulfstream G550 business jet prepared by Universal for everyone and landed at the airport first to rest and recuperate.

The majority of the remaining staff will travel in business class cabins;

The camera crew, art direction equipment, props, and other core equipment were transported separately in the cargo hold of the same aircraft and in several connecting cargo planes, arriving one after another.

This arrangement is for efficiency and to avoid congestion of equipment and personnel.

The news of their arrival had already been caught by reporters who had been waiting for days.

When Wu Chen, Liu Yifei, Matthew McConaughey, and others walked out of the VIP passage, followed closely by a large entourage, the media who had been waiting at the scene instantly swarmed over.

"Director Wu, where will 'Interstellar' start filming next? Can you give us a hint?"

"I heard that the scale of the location shooting in China this time is very large. How long will the shooting take?"

"Evie, Inception has surpassed 5 million at the box office. Do you think it can go even higher? Were you involved in any of the domestic scenes for Interstellar?"

The microphones handed to them almost blocked the way, and the scene was in complete chaos.

Wu Chen narrowed his eyes, not hearing the question he wanted, and then he and Liu Yifei used the excuse of keeping it a secret to brush him off.

Finally, a reporter from Sina Entertainment had a flash of inspiration and shouted:

"Director Wu, 'Aftershock' has already surpassed 420 million yuan at the box office. Director Feng Xiaogang said it will break 500 million next week and 600 million the week after. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen smiled slightly and stopped in his tracks.

It has to be Sina, they know what's good for them.
When Sina asked this question, other media outlets immediately followed suit.

"Director Wu, what are your thoughts on the controversy surrounding the opening day box office of 'Aftershock'? The final announced opening day box office was 3640 million yuan, which is less than that of 'Back to 1939'."

Wu Chen chuckled.

"To be honest, I feel quite sorry for Director Feng."

I remember a few months ago, the bureau did a report that there were 500 more movie screens nationwide. I sincerely hope that more and more films will have higher and higher box office returns, which would prove that our domestic film industry is booming, wouldn't you say?

He paused, then changed the subject, his smile widening:

"Of course, I also congratulate Director Feng on his film breaking 5 million and 6 million."

Oh, right, I remember Director Feng saying something like last year that if "Aftershock" grossed over 6 million, he'd give me a big thank you, didn't he? Am I mistaken?

The media personnel's minds raced, immediately recalling that interview from years ago. Their eyes lit up with fervor, and they nodded repeatedly.
"No! No! Director Wu, you're not mistaken, that's definitely true!"

"Oh, that's good." Wu Chen nodded and added sincerely to the camera, "When it breaks 600 million, everyone remember to remind Director Feng."

"My contribution is huge!"

(End of this chapter)