Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 579 Don't take unnecessary cases, he's gone mad with killing.
November is traditionally the quietest month for the domestic film market, not only in China but also globally.

The film bureau is starting to get restless.

The goal of breaking 10 billion yuan in box office revenue this year is a dead end, and there is still a huge gap of more than 2 billion yuan. Relying solely on the Lunar New Year film season is full of suspense.

Therefore, not long after, an urgent notice was issued.

Four Hollywood imports—"Unstoppable," "Legend of the Guardians," "Resident Evil: Afterlife," and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 4"—will be vying for the mid-to-late November release slot, a piece of news that quickly spread within the industry.

"Luckily, we didn't plan to release it in November."

In the office of Starry Night Pictures, Liu Yifei was discussing the follow-up publicity and distribution with Xue Xiaolu, the director of "Love is Not Blind". Upon seeing this news, she couldn't help but feel a little relieved.

In such a niche release window, it's extremely unwise to pit a low-budget romance film against Hollywood blockbusters.

"Effie, so it's finally decided that next year's Valentine's Day slot will be chosen?"

Xue Xiaolu confirmed again.

This is ultimately a commercial film, and if it can achieve good box office results, it would be a great thing for her.

"Correct."

Liu Yifei nodded with absolute certainty.

Of course, November is an exceptionally important month for promotion, both domestically and internationally.

The three major domestic films released during the Lunar New Year season are already fiercely competing, with even the usually arrogant Chen Kaige personally stepping in to promote them, not to mention Jiang Wen and Feng Xiaogang.

In North America, Wu Chen is in the same situation.

Los Angeles, NBC's studio.

Against the iconic blue backdrop of "The Tonight Show," host Jay Reno's signature large chin and silver hair stand out prominently under the lights.

"Welcome back! Tonight we have two special guests, one of whom you all know, the beautiful Keira Knightley!"
And one more, whom I think most members of the Oscar committee are more familiar with: Welcome Oscar-winning director, Wu Chen!

Amidst enthusiastic applause, Wu Chen and Keira Knightley walked onto the stage, shook hands with Jay Reno, and took their seats.

"Wu, welcome back. I must say, every time you come, you bring a work that makes us both nervous and excited."

Jay Reno started with a smile, "We all know 'Black Peony,' which achieved amazing box office success in China and won you an Oscar."

What is the relationship between "Black Swan" and "Black Peony"? Is it a sequel?

“No, Jay, they are more like spiritual sisters,” Wu Chen smiled. “They both explore the inner struggle of artists who, in their pursuit of ultimate perfection, head towards self-destruction.”

It's just that one takes place on the stage of Kunqu Opera in the East, and the other on the stage of a ballet theater in the West.

Jay Reynolds turned to Keira: "Keira, how's it working with an Oscar-winning director known for developing actors? Did he yell at you on set?"

Keira Knightley laughed upon hearing this: "On the contrary, Jay Wu is the director I've ever worked with who understands actors' hearts the most."

He never yells, but he gets you into character in a very calm way. That's more captivating than any yelling.

“Wow,” Jay Reynolds exclaimed, his mouth agape in surprise.

"It sounds like you've had a very special journey."

Wu, everyone in Hollywood is talking about this upcoming movie right now, and the Oscar buzz is incredibly high. Have you made room in your house next to your little golden statuette?

This is a typical problem with a hidden trap.

Wu Chen smiled calmly: "Jay, if I say 'yes' now, Paramount's PR team will fly over and strangle me right now."

To be honest, our initial intention in making this film was to dedicate it to all souls struggling on the path of art. I especially hope that audiences will remember the character of Nina after watching the film.”

Wu Chen's words were perfectly watertight.

After the show aired, North American media coverage, driven by Paramount, was almost unanimously positive.

This is also a preparation for the upcoming premiere of "Black Swan".

Just as Wu Chen's promotional campaign was in full swing, Lu Yang's "Painted Skin 2" was finally officially approved domestically, and pre-production preparations began while the project was being filed for approval.

Huang Xiaoming was very shrewd; he called again to express his gratitude.

"Thank you, Director Wu! I now run my own studio and take on projects without middlemen taking a cut. I firmly oppose the industry's unhealthy price gouging trend. I just want the same pay as the first film!"

Wu Chen chuckled upon hearing this, for he certainly understood what Huang Xiaoming meant.

"Okay, but you still need to talk to Director Lu Yang about this," Wu Chen couldn't help but tease. "By the way, I glanced at your film, 'Summer's Desire.'"

"How was it, Director Wu? How was my performance?" Huang Xiaoming asked expectantly. "Don't take on too many projects unless absolutely necessary."

Wu Chen couldn't resist.

Huang Xiaoming was a little puzzled. He felt that his acting was pretty good. His charming and arrogant smile and cool hairstyle had attracted quite a few female fans.

However, after hanging up the phone, Huang Xiaoming suddenly remembered something and instead of calling Lu Yang first, dialed Zhou Xun's number.

"What's wrong, Xiaoming? Is something the matter? If not, I'm hanging up. I'm swamped with work at the studio right now."

Zhou Xun's voice sounds energetic and lively.

"Sister Xun, something big has happened!"

Huang Xiaoming quickly recounted the details of his conversation with Wu Chen regarding the film remuneration.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Zhou Xun's outburst of curses: "Damn it! Why didn't you wait until the movie was released before telling me!"

Huang Xiaoming was a little embarrassed. He swore that he only realized he needed to inform Zhou Xun first and make amends as soon as he finished speaking.

"Luckily I haven't discussed this yet, or you'd be dead!" Zhou Xun cursed as he hung up the phone, then immediately called Lu Yang without another word.

Lu Yang was overjoyed when he received the call.

The lead actor voluntarily took a pay cut, which saved the company a lot of money, so why not?

He immediately wrote a blank check, indicating that he would give him priority consideration if there were future opportunities.
Wu Chen soon learned the news from Lu Yang, and he immediately knew that it must have been the work of that sly Huang Xiaoming.

The news that the original cast of "Painted Skin 2" would reunite was quickly reported by the media.

As a film that grossed over 200 million yuan a few years ago, its influence is undeniable.

However, when the production companies in the industry found out that the production company was still using the same cast as the first film, they were immediately discouraged.

Even Xingchen, China Film Group, Shanghai Film Group, and Ningbo Film Group can't compete with them.

However, the actors were somewhat eager to participate.

The announced cast is supposed to be the original lineup, but so far only Huang Xiaoming and Zhou Xun have been confirmed. It's possible they might choose newcomers for the rest.
Just then, another piece of news, even more explosive, swept through the entire entertainment industry.

At the recently concluded Tokyo International Film Festival, Fan Binbin won the Best Actress award for her role in the film "Buddha Mountain".

Suddenly, the title of "international style" emerged, and press releases praising its status flooded the internet.

"A single word makes all the difference: Fan Binbin wins Best Actress in Tokyo, but what will become of Li Binbin?"

"International star finally crowned! Zhang Ziyi can only dream of achieving the A-list Best Actress title!"

"Has the battle between Bingbing and Fan Bingbing come to an end? Fan Bingbing takes the top spot with 'Buddha Mountain,' which will rewrite the landscape of top actresses in China!"

"."

Fan Binbin, who was being interviewed in Tokyo, was beaming and maintained a humble demeanor in front of the camera.
"I'm very happy about the international flair; I feel I still have a long way to go."

"You can't compare her to Effie; she's progressed faster than any of us. Just a few days ago, *Inception* surpassed $10 billion at the global box office, and I was congratulating her on Weibo."

That being said, the official press release presented a completely different picture.

"The war among the big flowers is terrifying."

Shu Chang lay on Liu Yifei's sofa, scrolling through the news, her mouth agape.

Fan Binbin went on a rampage in the comments section of these press releases.

"I'm fine." Liu Yifei lay on the bed, her delicate little feet swinging in the air, leisurely flipping through a magazine, seemingly completely unaffected.

"That's alright, you can't feel this level of combat anymore." Shu Chang also lay down, since this matter had nothing to do with them anyway.

Meanwhile, in Li Binbin's apartment, she looked at the reports and trembled with anger.

"She's just a Best Actress winner at the Tokyo International Film Festival! A third-rate international A-list film. Anyone who didn't know better would think she won Cannes or an Oscar! Why don't you try comparing yourself to Liu Yifei!"

Fan Binbin's press release was too malicious; her name was used as a direct stepping stone, almost as if they were stepping on her face.

On the other side, Zhang Ziyi's expression was also not good.

She never expected that she wouldn't even win a Best Actress award at a top-tier international film festival all these years.

Now that Fan Binbin has been praising her so much, she really can't think of any strong rebuttal points for the time being.
(End of this chapter)