Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 72 Premiere
In the early morning of November 16, on the streets of Beijing, a cold wind swept through the alleys with fallen leaves. Steam rose from the door of the bun shop, and white mist wrapped in the fragrance of green onions filled the air.

Xiang Zhuo, wrapped in a down jacket, led Chu Tianshu to squeeze in front of the stall, a few coins in his hand, and shouted in a low voice: "Boss, eight meat buns and four cups of soy milk, please! Hurry up, we're going to be late for class!"

After paying, he glanced at the newsstand next to him. There was a pile of tabloids stacked crookedly on the stall, with eye-catching headlines.

He casually took out a few dollars, grabbed a few copies, handed one to Chu Tianshu, and said happily: "Look, Brother Chen is on the news again."

Wu Chen made a bold statement at the press conference: "Three million is fighting for tens of millions, and we can compete in the Lunar New Year box office."

[Beijing Film Academy's talented director reveals the copyright fees for "The Dark Side" exceeded US$300 million. Should Feng Xiaogang and Zhou Xingchi be worried?]

How did "The Dark Side" manage to earn over 40 million yuan with a 60-fold return from a 2500 yuan budget? Who is behind Wu Chen?

The two of them ate buns while spreading out the newspaper.

Xiang Zhuo grinned. "Damn it! A tabloid is a tabloid. It's full of nonsense. Is that what Brother Chen said?"

Chu Tianshu burst out laughing: "This one is even more outrageous. They're already telling Feng Xiaogang to surrender and withdraw the film."

"."

The two were so happy that they put it in front of Wu Chen when they returned to the dormitory, "Brother Chen, look at your bold words yesterday."

"Look at shit. With regard to these reports, if he can write even one word to me, I will think he is very merciful!" Wu Chen glanced at it and sneered.

I don't know about the tabloids and have never heard of them.

"Actually, it's been quite lively online, with everyone saying you're confident you can defeat Feng Xiaogang and Zhou Xingchi."

"They didn't mention the rate of return I mentioned, what a bunch of media." Wu Chen was speechless. "But the publicity effect was achieved. Let's go and start class first."

"Brother Chen, aren't you afraid that the box office will be too low and you'll be ridiculed by the media?"

The few of them were either eating buns or drinking soy milk, and went to class together leisurely.

Wu Chen took a bite of his bun and said unconcernedly, "I'll just reply with one sentence, that's all."

"Which sentence?" The three of them looked at Wu Chen in unison.

"I sold the copyright for over 300 million US dollars!"

"."

Just as the four of them were rushing to class, at the Huayi headquarters in Beijing, there was a constant stream of traffic outside the office window. A poster of "A World Without Thieves" was hung on the wall, and the silhouette of a train was cold and solemn.

Feng Xiaogang leaned against the sofa, cigarette in hand, ash falling on the coffee table, a pile of tabloids spread out in front of him, and his assistant reported in a low voice:

"Director Feng, Wu Chen said at the press conference that with a cost of three million versus tens of millions, the rate of return can beat both you and Zhou Xingchi."

Feng Xiaogang narrowed his eyes, blew out a puff of smoke, and sneered: "This kid is so cunning, he really is not afraid of those wearing shoes when he is barefoot."

Feng Xiaogang knew very well that Wu Chen was now in an invincible position.

Anyway, the costs and returns are there, and the pressure has never been on Wu Chen, but on him.

If you can do it, do it. If you can't, it's no big deal.

What about him?

If I can’t do it, won’t people laugh at me?
Feng Xiaogang suddenly felt unwell.

Just spray back, it seems there is nothing to spray, the opponent is a challenger, and what is there to spray.

The copyright was sold for more than 300 million US dollars.

The publicity and promotion of "Kung Fu" is under the supervision of China Film Group, and it is also being preheated. The publicity and promotion costs are naturally several times higher than those of "The Dark Side", but it is scheduled to be released at the end of the month, so there is no particular rush.

On the other hand, "The Dark Side" and "A World Without Thieves" are about to be released.

November 28, Beijing, China Film International Cinema.

At the premiere, night fell, LED lights on both sides of the red carpet flickered like stars, a huge poster of "The Dark Side" hung in the air, and the cracks on the mirror surface glowed coldly under the light.

"This premiere was arranged by China Film Group."

Wu Chen, dressed in a black suit, couldn't help but sigh as he walked onto the red carpet.

At least it was done with care.

Otherwise, there would be no need for this small crew's low-budget premiere to be so well done.

You have to know that in this era, there are basically no means of publicity and promotion, and the premiere, as one of the important ways of publicity and promotion, accounts for a considerable proportion.

What guests came, how many stars there were, and what the premiere scene was like, all of these represent whether this premiere will be reported in tomorrow's news.

this point is very important.

Many viewers know about your movie, but sometimes they just lack the attention of those few reports.

"Director, to be honest, I didn't expect this scene today when I was filming."

Hu Jing, dressed in a black veil, glanced at the arranged premiere. Not many media were arranged. China Film invited some, and some came spontaneously.

But compared to how deserted it was when it was first launched, there is a world of difference now.

Dong Xuan, wearing a red dress, walked hand in hand with Hu Jing and waved to passers-by and fans on both sides.

Although there are not many fans on both sides at present, most of them are just here to join in the fun and take a look, but those who can come now may be loyal fans in the future.

"What? You can tell fortunes? Remember to be more accurate next time." Wu Chen teased.

The two couldn't help but cover their mouths and chuckle.

"Director, could you please not be so humorous? You're making me laugh so hard that my teeth are showing."

There was a smile that could not be hidden in Hu Jing's beautiful eyes, but there was a hint of sadness in Dong Xuan's smile.

"How's it going, Director Wu? This premiere was alright, wasn't it?" Gao Chengsheng stepped over and smiled at Wu Chen. "I'm a guest today, too."

"Thank you, Brother Gao!" Wu Chen said sincerely. Han Sanping was not responsible for specific matters and was only responsible for giving orders. The rest was naturally taken care of by a secretary like Gao Chengsheng.

There is no doubt that the other party must have spent some time.

"You're welcome."

Gao Chengsheng smiled and patted Wu Chen's shoulder. Turning around, he noticed three figures approaching slowly from a distance. He was stunned for a moment and asked uncertainly, "Is that Director Zhang Yi?"

Wu Chen was also a little confused, but when he looked at Mu Deyuan standing aside, he immediately understood.

It turned out that my teacher was here to recruit people to support the movie, and a warm feeling flowed through my heart.

Wu Chen quickly led the main creators forward: "Teacher, hello, seniors."

"Dean Zhang has something to do today, so he won't be here. But your Senior Brothers Zhang and Gu said they wanted to come and see how your first film turned out, so I brought them here."

"Teacher, please come this way, senior brother!" Wu Chen extended his hand to lead the way.

"My goodness, Director Wu, is he so proud?"

Hu Jing shook her head. Although there were not many guests at this premiere, each of them was extraordinary.

Zu Feng, a teacher at Beijing Film Academy, understood this at this moment.

It was obvious that Mu Deyuan had brought them here to show his support, but if Zhang Yi and Gu Changwei didn't want to come, he couldn't force them.

Being able to come here proves the attitude of the photography department.

At this time, the media were caught off guard.

This premiere and the guests are totally out of proportion to the cost of this movie. If you don’t know, you might think it’s a blockbuster.

"Damn, who else among the new directors would be treated this way?"

"Wow, I remember when Lu Xun's 'Kekexili' premiered, no one from the Beijing Film Academy went."

"How can it be the same? Lu Xun embarrassed himself during the "Looking for the Gun" film. What if it happens again?"

"."

On the stage, Wu Chen knew that everyone didn't want to hear about him and the crew's filming, so after a brief opening, he started the premiere directly.

Zhang Yi frowned and stared at the screen.

He has already dabbled in commercial blockbusters and is not as averse to commerce as other fifth-generation directors.

He clearly saw the commercial and artistic elements in Wu Chen's film.

The suspense, twists and turns, coupled with the novel settings and the support of two beautiful female protagonists, is indeed quite good.

The only regret is that the space is limited, so the art is only briefly mentioned without going into details.

"Is this also the reason why Wu Chen didn't get the top three?" Zhang Yi sighed.

Mu Deyuan nodded. "Well, if I go there, I'll be at the mercy of others. It also depends on the judges' mood. Sitges is probably the right place for it."

"Very good." Zhang Yi said affirmatively.

At this time, on the other side, Gu Changwei, who had never understood business very well, felt that Wu Chen had wasted such a good subject.

A good art film, but it has some commercial content mixed in.

Can business surpass art?
Anyway, he can't make a movie that lacks artistic quality.

But compared to the analysis of several professional directors, the audience behind didn’t have so many ideas.

Nowadays, when watching movies, one either wants something vivid or something with a big scale.
Either you want a visual shock, or at least some new or novel things and stories that you have never seen before.

At least one of the three must be available before anyone is willing to spend money to buy a ticket.

Obviously, the suspense of "The Dark Side" is sufficient. Although there are no vivid and "exciting" scenes, the use of editing techniques and the abrupt ending of the blank space give the audience enough room for imagination.

Now many viewers feel as if they have seen something good.

"I didn't expect this, this plot is really unexpected!"

"Do you think the heroine will be locked up like this until she dies?"

"Does the male protagonist know that there is someone in the secret room? I feel like he knows."

When leaving the stage, some audience members were still talking.

If a movie can leave the audience with room for non-critical discussion, it at least proves that the movie is not too bad.

"Director Zhang Yimou, can you tell me what you think of this movie?"

"Director Gu Changwei, what do you think of this movie?"

The media did not miss any opportunity and chased after him impatiently with cameras.

"I think it's very good. I didn't even guess some of the suspense points here. It's a good movie and I feel very good." Zhang Yi answered a question happily and did not respond any more.

Gu Changwei was not good at speaking, so he finally managed to say two words: "Very good!"

As expected, with the support of Zhang Yi and Gu Changwei.

On the portal website the next day, the news about the premiere of "The Dark Side" was clearly placed at the top of the movie section.

Zhang Yimou and Gu Chang did not appear at the premiere of "The Dark Side"! How did this "three-no movie" attract $300 million in overseas purchases?

Fifth-generation directors collectively endorse the film! At the premiere of "The Dark Side," Zhang Yi jokingly declared, "I saw a pretty good movie." Gu Changwei succinctly declared it excellent.

"."

The day after the premiere, on November 30, "The Dark Side" officially landed in major theaters across the country to welcome audiences.
(End of this chapter)