Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 623 Reunion, the Bold Words of Yesteryear
The release of "Black Swan" did indeed bring a small but pleasant surprise to the otherwise quiet March film market.

While it can't compare to the blockbuster films released during the Lunar New Year season, for an art thriller, this is already a result that should make all theater managers very happy, especially considering it's traditionally a slow season in March.

The cinemas were very accommodating, allocating a very good number of screenings. Even after the opening weekend, the proportion of screenings on weekdays remained firmly above 35%.

"Wu Chen's films have really made a killing for theaters, which is not a good thing."

"I'm not worried about these art films, but I'm afraid that when his 'Interstellar' is released in the future, it will clash head-on with the film, and I might not even get a chance to screen it."

"There's nothing we can do; they're just too good at making money. These people in the theater chains are all snobs."

"."

Many executives at film and television companies in the industry felt a little uneasy looking at these screening data.

After all, in a highly competitive period, even a slight difference of 1% in screening rate can have a significant impact on box office revenue.

Films like Fan Binbin's "Buddha Mountain" were significantly affected.

Under the overwhelming dominance of "Black Swan," its screenings were further reduced.
"It's alright. Losing to Director Wu's Oscar-winning film is not our fault," Fan Bingbing's agent, Mu Xiaoguang, comforted her.

"It's alright, it's not shameful." Fan Binbin took a deep breath, not showing much frustration.

Her eyes were fixed on a news report in the entertainment section of the table.

Mu Xiaoguang glanced over and saw that it was a promotional press release for the new film "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" starring Li Bingbing and Jun Ji-hyun.

According to the production company, the film will not only be released on a large scale in North America, but will also be submitted to this year's Cannes Film Festival as a key project.

This is the biggest threat to Fan Binbin.

Nowadays in China, there are only a handful of actresses who can hold the same level of fame as her.

Apart from Liu Yifei, who is already out of reach and on a different track, she is fearless towards everyone else. Given the opportunity, she is confident that she can crush them all.
At that moment, Wu Chen and Liu Yifei were leaving together.

In the car, the two were still discussing the new script.

"We have the script outline and the main characters' biographies, so we can submit the filing now."

Wu Chen thought for a moment and then said.

The project approval and filing process takes some time. Submitting it now and waiting for him to finish the script is just the right time.

"Hmm," Liu Yifei nodded upon hearing this.

The two have a clear division of labor: Wu Chen is currently focused on scriptwriting, while Liu Yifei is taking care of the production and preparation matters.

Having served as the producer of "Love is Not Blind," she has accumulated ample experience in this area.

The car soon stopped in front of a private restaurant called "Meifu Family Banquet".

This is a dinner invitation from Hu Jing for the two of them.

Now, thanks to the phenomenal success of "Scarlet Heart," Hu Jing's popularity has skyrocketed, and her career has experienced a second boom.

She had been wanting to invite Wu Chen and Liu Yifei to dinner.
Wu Chen was just too busy, so the meal was postponed until after the New Year.

Hu Jing had been waiting in the private room for quite some time.

"Director Wu, Yifei, you're here! I can finally treat you to a meal." Hu Jing smiled and stood up, handing over the menu.

"Why bother with such an expensive place?"

Wu Chen smiled and shook her head, looking around at the antique and stylish decor, knowing that this meal would definitely cost her a fortune.

"Do you think I'd treat you two to street food?" Hu Jing said reproachfully.

"Sister Jing, you know what, back when Wu Chen and I were in school, we especially loved eating in the alley behind the back gate."

Liu Yifei smiled and flipped through the menu, casually ordering a few signature dishes. She then handed the menu to Wu Chen, who waved his hand, letting her take charge of the arrangements.

Hu Jing has been receiving so many work-related calls lately that she can't keep up. In the time it takes to eat a meal, she received several work-related calls.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I've been just too busy," she said apologetically.

"It's okay, it's normal. It just means you're popular." Wu Chen nodded with a smile.

"Director Wu, you're such a busy person, how come I haven't seen you make any phone calls?" Hu Jing asked curiously.

She didn't believe Wu Chen had less work than her, especially since he had only just returned from the Oscars a few days ago, and his movie was still showing.

“I left my other work phone at home,” Wu Chen explained calmly. “This phone I have now is the only one with a number like yours.” He earns money to live comfortably, not to let money control his life.

Who wants to be working 24/7?

"Director Wu, I can't learn that."

Upon hearing this, Hu Jing shook her head with a wry smile.

She's not Wu Chen; if she dared to do that, she'd probably be out of food.

Wu Chen looked at Hu Jing, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "By the way, Sister Jing, do you have time in the next two months?"

Liu Yifei was stunned for a moment, then realized what was happening and smiled at Hu Jing.

Hu Jing was taken aback at first, then her eyes lit up instantly: "Director Wu, you want me to make a movie?"

“Yes.” Wu Chen nodded and explained, “But don’t think too much about it. It’s not an important role. Just a cameo. It’s not a big part. It’ll only take a few days.”

In "The Warmest Thirty Days of My Life", in addition to the male and female leads and several important supporting roles, there are also quite a few guest roles.

Since he was going to make a film, he decided to go all out and make it a big one.

"No problem! Not just a few days, I'm fine with months!"

Hu Jing nodded without hesitation, her excitement evident.

She didn't even ask what role it was, how much the salary was, or try to find out any information about the new film.

This kind of straightforwardness with high emotional intelligence makes people feel very comfortable.

After the dinner, since Wu Chen had drunk some red wine, Liu Yifei drove the car.

The car drove smoothly along Chang'an Avenue in the night. Liu Yifei would occasionally turn her head to look at Wu Chen, who was gazing out the window in deep thought, her eyes filled with curiosity.

"What are you thinking about?"

"It's nothing, I was just thinking about whether to invite all the people who filmed 'The Dark Side' back then to make cameo appearances."

Wu Chen only came up with this idea after deciding to invite Hu Jing.

Since there's a high demand for roles in the new movie, why not take this opportunity to get everyone together for a reunion?

Moreover, he made some bold statements when he started filming "The Dark Side".
Now seems to be the best time to deliver on that promise.

No film is more suitable for bringing everyone together than this movie about time and warmth.

Moreover, the team behind the scenes this time is basically the same as the original team from back then.

“Sure!” Liu Yifei’s eyes lit up. “Look, Teacher Zu Feng is perfect for playing the male lead Shen Shi’an’s mentor-like boss.”
Then, Dong Xuan could play the girl who stayed at Shi An's house for the entire summer vacation. I think she should be considered Shen Shi An's first love.

"Ahem!" Wu Chen coughed lightly, interrupting, "I don't think that counts at all."

"Yes, yes, no, that doesn't count."

Liu Yifei couldn't help but laugh at Wu Chen's eagerness to deny it.

Her smile, illuminated by the night and the soft lights inside the car, appeared exceptionally gentle and captivating. Her eyes curved into beautiful crescent shapes, as if filled with starlight. "But in the script, she actually likes Shi An."

"Concentrate on driving!"

"Oh!"

Liu Yifei obediently responded, but she couldn't suppress the smile on her lips.

Sometimes, teasing Wu Chen can be quite fun.

"Let Shu Chang play the role of the female lead's best friend," Wu Chen said, still pondering the casting.

"What about An's younger sister then?" Liu Yifei suddenly suggested. "What do you think about letting Qinqin play the role?"

Liu Yifei's suggestion caught Wu Chen's eye.

That's a very good suggestion.

However, if that's really the case, wouldn't almost all the actors who have acted in his movies before have to come together in this new film?

(End of this chapter)