Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 586 is about a $1.7 billion blockbuster.

"Next year, we'll use US dollars to make domestically produced films!"

Although Wu Chen did not attend the celebration banquet for Bona's listing on Nasdaq, Yu Dong's bold statement had already spread throughout the industry through the media.

In Huayi Brothers' office, Wang Zhonglei was very disdainful:
"So what if it's listed on the US stock market? Its market capitalization is still not as high as ours."

Wang Zhongjun had no objection to this.

For listed companies, what else should they compete on besides market capitalization? Besides, this slogan lacks any imagination, and they're even using US dollars to produce a domestic film.
"Don't worry about him. Later, we'll establish a joint venture with Giant Interactive to officially enter the online gaming industry. We'll show the industry what a true pan-entertainment strategy looks like."

Wang Zhongjun leaned back in his executive chair, his fingers lightly tapping the table, appearing even more composed.

In his mind, a pan-entertainment empire with a market value of hundreds of billions had already taken shape.

As for movies, how much are they really worth?

At this time, Jiang Wen's "Let the Bullets Fly" had already been officially released.

Despite the fact that the film opened on a Thursday, theaters across the country did indeed feel the long-lost, almost frenzied enthusiasm of audiences for watching movies.

The next day, Jiang Wen stayed at home all morning, waiting for the exact box office results.

Upon seeing the numbers, he immediately called Wu Chen, who was in Los Angeles.

It was evening in Los Angeles.

"Thirty million, not bad." Wu Chen smiled slightly upon hearing this.

"What do you mean 'not bad'? What's with that tone?!" Jiang Wen on the other end of the phone paused for a moment, then shouted at the top of his lungs, "Damn it, the box office is exploding! Yesterday was Thursday!"

At this point, he couldn't help but mutter, "Chairman Han didn't believe it at first, and didn't even provide enough copies. Now China Film Group is printing more overnight."

The fact that "Let the Bullets Fly" showed its potential to become a hit on its opening day is largely due to Jiang Wen's flamboyant and highly memorable lines.

"Don't worry, let the bullet fly for a while."

"Actually, neither you nor money are important to me. What's important is 'not having you,' which is very important to me."

"I came to Goose City for only three things: fairness, fairness, and damn it, fairness!"

These lines, along with the initial positive reviews from moviegoers, quickly went viral online, further accelerating the film's wider appeal.

Immediately, the media followed up with reports.

"The box office exceeded 30 million on its opening day! 'Let the Bullets Fly' fired the first shot in its 'climb to the top'!"

"Wu Chen's prediction comes true? 'Let the Bullets Fly' receives both critical acclaim and box office success on its opening day, and classic lines ignite the internet!"

"The Wu Chen Effect: How a Prediction Can Ignite a Movie?"

"."

In Los Angeles, Wu Chen also let out a deep breath.

The battle in the domestic arena has begun, and his own film, "Black Swan," will officially premiere in North America tomorrow.

The first battle will be against two 3D films:

One is Disney's $1.7 million sci-fi blockbuster "Tron: Legacy," but it's not native 3D; it's a post-production film.

Another one is Warner Bros.' family-friendly 3D animated film, "Yoga Bear."

During this release period, although the media highly praised the artistic merit of "Black Swan," they were unanimously pessimistic about its box office performance.

Major mainstream media outlets such as Variety and The Hollywood Reporter have published articles on this topic.

"Art to the left, 3D to the right: Can Black Swan survive the light and shadow motorcycle of Tron: Legacy?"

Box Office Preview: "Tron: Legacy" Expected to Dominate the Weekend, "Black Swan" May Become a Niche Feast

"The Christmas box office battle: How much of Black Swan's positive reviews will translate into box office revenue?"

"."

On social media, discussions among movie fans clearly focused on supporting the blockbuster.

"I want to see 'Tron: Legacy'! Disney spent $1.7 million on it, I'd be a fool not to watch it!"

"Although it's not native 3D, it's still 3D, so the visual effects must be awesome!"

"Black Swan? I heard it's quite depressing. I'd rather watch something lighthearted for Christmas." "I'm planning to see Yoga Bear first; it's the best choice for taking kids."

Wu Chen browsed through these comments, not surprised at all.

That's how audiences are; when there are special effects blockbusters to watch, that's definitely their first choice.

However, the game it's clashing with is Tron: Legacy.
Wu Chen couldn't help but smile slightly.

The reason he didn't oppose Ramon setting the release date on that day was because he clearly remembered that although the film had a frighteningly high budget, the visual effects were really mediocre and the plot was barely passable.
As a result, the final global box office fell far short of expectations, causing Disney to suffer significant losses.

Jason Blum called at just the right time, inviting him out for a drink, and Wu Chen didn't refuse.

In the dimly lit, classically styled "Library Bar" on the first floor of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Jason Blum poured Wu Chen a glass.

"Have you seen the media reports? They don't seem to have much faith in your 'Black Swan,' as it's going up against Disney's blockbusters."

"It's normal that you can't beat them," Wu Chen said softly.

Jason was taken aback by the answer.

He felt that Wu Chen shouldn't have given up so easily.

Wu Chen abruptly changed the subject, picked up his wine glass, and the ice cubes clinked crisply in it.

"However, I'm not so easy to beat either. It's no problem for Tron: Legacy to outperform Black Swan at the box office, but if it wants to crush me, then I'll have to break one of its teeth."

"I knew it!" Jason laughed, raising his glass to clink with Wu Chen's. "Good luck, and hopefully you can turn the tables on them!"

“That’s still quite difficult,” Wu Chen chuckled and took a sip. “After all, it’s a big production worth $1.7 million.”

The following day, eight films were released simultaneously in North American cinemas;
But the most attention is undoubtedly focused on the three films: Tron: Legacy, Black Swan, and Yoga Bear.

Inside Paramount's distribution department, phones rang incessantly as staff worked tirelessly to communicate with major theater chains across the United States, compiling information on attendance rates.

Rebecca Sarkin stood in front of the huge electronic screen, listening to her subordinates' reports.

"Currently, the audience's first choice is undoubtedly 'Tron: Legacy,' especially in IMAX and 3D theaters."

Our "Black Swan" and Warner Bros.' "Yoga Bear" had similar attendance figures, but we performed exceptionally well in art-house theaters in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Rebecca Sarkin breathed a sigh of relief.

At least from this perspective, they should be able to hold their own today; it's normal that they can't beat Tron: Legacy.

In the cinema, however, the audience's reactions presented an interesting divide.

Most of the people who entered the venue chose to see "Tron: Legacy" and were determined to see a blockbuster movie with special effects.

After the show ended, audience members left the hall in twos and threes.

Young people watching "Tron: Legacy" have mixed feelings.

"The special effects were mediocre, and the plot was weak."

"Yeah, it's like a fancy dish, but there's no meat in it."

"Even in 3D, I don't think it's worth it."

"."

While the group was still discussing, the Black Swan concert ended, creating a noticeably different atmosphere.

A couple had just come out of the theater showing "Black Swan," and the girl's eyes were still slightly red.

“Wu did a really good job,” the boy exclaimed. “The psychological thrill was amazing, and Keira Knightley’s dance was so beautiful.”

"What amazed me most was the final scene where countless mirrors suddenly shattered," the girl's voice still carried a hint of shock. "Those mirror fragments flying everywhere were both beautiful and despairing; I felt my heart break along with them."

The first day ended amidst quiet murmurs from the audience.

The following morning, the official box office figures for Friday's opening day were released.

Disney's Tron: Legacy, $1700 million.

Warner Bros.' Yoga Bear, $460 million.

Paramount's "Black Swan" cost $560 million.
(End of this chapter)