Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

Chapter 123 Project Launch Conference: Reactions from All Sectors!

"China Film Group, the Political Department of the Air Force, Aviation Industry Corporation of China, Wanda Group, Enlight Media, and Yinghuang Media, together with director Tian Xiaole, held a press conference in Beijing to announce the launch of their new film project."

10 month 7 day.

The National Day holiday has just ended.

The project launch meeting for the Pacific Rim was held in the CPPCC Auditorium.

Reporters from major media outlets arrived at the venue early to secure advantageous positions.

According to previously leaked information, this is a movie with a budget of 500 million yuan. I wonder why so much money was spent to make a movie.

Ten o'clock in the morning.

Tian Xiaole, Han Sanping, Ye Ning, Wang Changtian, Yang Shoucheng, and two military investment representatives attended the project approval meeting.

Meanwhile, Leyu.com obtained the exclusive online live streaming rights.

In Tian Xiaole's view, the so-called project approval conference was just a publicity event, a show.

A movie is a product; it all depends on how well you tell its story, how you recommend it, and how you get the public to accept it and pay for it.

The commercial appeal, the film's content, and its contribution to the industry are all messages that need to be conveyed to the outside world.

The group entered the venue right on time.

The once noisy hall fell silent instantly.

"Are those two in uniform from military-related departments?"

"Judging from the shoulder insignia, they seem to be air force personnel!"

"This investment lineup is probably the best in China!"

Reporters at the scene whispered among themselves.

···
Han Sanping spoke first.

His speech consisted of two points, which he presented to all the reporters present in a simple and direct manner.

The mainland market needs blockbusters, and it also needs directors who can make blockbusters. We need to let audiences see blockbusters made by Chinese people.

Then came the complaining.

When discussing the pressures faced by local filmmakers and the responsibilities they should bear...

After Han Sanping finished speaking, all the reporters and media personnel focused their attention on Tian Xiaole.

"The budget of 500 million for the sci-fi blockbuster 'Pacific Rim' is just the initial estimate, and there is a possibility of additional funding later. I will set an example by investing 100 million first, and I will prioritize using my investment."

The Pacific Rim project is so huge that Tian Xiaole estimates that it was his initial commitment of 100 million yuan that gave others confidence, which led them to be willing to follow suit.

After all, it doesn't seem very reliable to put the post-production work in China.

The questions that reporters are most concerned about are why it takes so much money to make a movie and how to recoup the costs.

Based on an investment of 5 million, the film needs to gross at least 15 billion to break even.

In 05, you told everyone that one day, a Chinese film would gross over 10 billion yuan.

Everyone just chuckled and believed that day wasn't too far off.

If you said a movie could gross 20 billion yuan, some people would believe you.

When you say that a movie can gross 50 billion yuan, everyone will think that this person must be sick.

If you say that one day a movie will gross 150 billion, everyone will think you're crazy, like you escaped from some mental hospital.

Tian Xiaole gave everyone an unexpected answer:

"It's basically impossible for this movie to make a profit at the domestic box office. Last year, the total box office was only 15 billion yuan. Based on the data from the first half of the year, it is expected to break 20 billion yuan this year."

以每年总额的40%增长速度，电影以2-3年制作周期来算，07年也才将近40亿，08年58亿。

Therefore, the film's goal is global distribution.

Now, let's blast it open!

The reporters were in an uproar: Chinese-made films can be distributed globally?

It seems like it might actually work!

Tian Xiaole has established connections with Lionsgate and 20th Century Fox, but are they really willing to publish your work?

Hollywood has always been prejudiced against Chinese films. They might actually be able to get some period martial arts films released, but now they're making science fiction movies, which are Hollywood's exclusive genre.

Several investors also looked directly over.
As if to confirm, is it really going to be released globally?

After the scene quieted down, Tian Xiaole continued:
"Hollywood distribution isn't as difficult as we think. As long as a movie can make money, they'll rush to distribute it."

This film is not only made for domestic audiences, but also for international audiences.

Therefore, 80% of the film's post-production special effects will be produced domestically, to upgrade our digital special effects industry and strive to catch up with the world's second-tier level.

Buzz!
The scene was just like a vegetable market at seven or eight in the morning.

The reporter's head was about to explode!
I feel like my worldview is collapsing. 80% of the special effects were made in China. What kind of fantasy story is this?
It's one thing for Tian Xiaole to have wild ideas, but the other investors are also going crazy with him?
Wang Changtian and Yang Shoucheng looked helpless. Did they really think they wanted to? They were just submitting a pledge of allegiance.

They value Tian Xiaole's ability to go overseas.

The two military representatives also looked annoyed, not only because they suspected they had been misled by Han Sanping, but also because they wanted to demonstrate their soft power.

As for Han Sanping, he could only blindly follow along.

China Film Group's responsibility is to cultivate film and television talent and develop the film and television industry; this is their bounden duty.

The scene was chaotic, with reporters asking questions all at once, making it impossible to hear anything clearly.

Tian Xiaole pointed to a reporter who had raised his hand, inviting him to ask a question.

The scene gradually became quiet.

"Director Tian, ​​your thinking is far too optimistic. Whether it's global distribution, post-production special effects, or the science fiction genre, these three areas have always been off-limits for us. What makes you think you can make a good film?"

This is the question everyone wants to ask.

Tian Xiaole understands their lack of confidence; after all, you can't look at things from a God's-eye view.
The fact that the US was willing to allow the Pandas to join the WTO is also due to the rise of the EU, the euro's challenge to the dollar's hegemony, and the EU's quagmire in the Middle East.

Incidentally, they can transfer low-end industries to the EU and jointly contain its development.

From then on, every year brought a new look, a phenomenon that could be described as changing rapidly. Coupled with the boost from the Olympics, the economy entered a period of rapid growth.

Even so, anyone who says that the economy will soon surpass our daily lives is considered delusional.

Tian Xiaole understands the lack of self-confidence among people in this era.

One film, Wolf Warrior; one film, Ne Zha!
This can break the defenses of many people who have received implants.

At the same time, Tian Xiaole also admitted that he was being somewhat optimistic, after all, China's digital industry has nothing and is in its infancy.

But they were determined to do it. They had the machines and equipment, and two groups of people went to Hollywood to learn.

They need to have projects to practice on; the results are another matter.

The self-denial and lack of confidence that comes from the outset are subconscious perceptions that cannot accept that Chinese people can make science fiction blockbusters and show them to foreigners.

This should have been a cause for celebration, and also an important form of cultural export.

Before it even started, many people were already doubting themselves, feeling that this track wasn't for them.

Tian Xiaole replied:

"Why did this film cost 5 million? Blockbusters are meant to drive the development of the entire film industry. I plan to use 3 million to improve domestic special effects, to the level of Titanic, which is Hollywood's level ten years ago."

It's impossible to achieve this overnight; reaching the level of Hollywood ten years ago would be sufficient.

If a romance film can rake in global box office revenue, why can't the more visually stunning Pacific Rim?
Tian Xiaole also wanted to use this film to break the West's perception of Chinese films.

···
After the project launch conference ended, Tian Xiaole mostly answered reporters' questions.

Reporters and media outlets immediately reported on the scene.

For a time, news about Pacific Rim and Tian Xiaole was everywhere on major portal websites and related media.

"Director Tian Xiaole's new film, a sci-fi disaster film, is confirmed to have an investment of 5 million yuan in its production."

"Tian Xiaole will invest 3 million yuan to upgrade the domestic digital industry. 80% of the post-production special effects for Pacific Rim will be done in China."

"Pacific Rim will be released worldwide!"

"China's first sci-fi blockbuster, Pacific Rim, is a joint investment by China Film Group, Xiaole Pictures, Yinghuang, and many other companies!"

At the same time, many media outlets questioned whether China is capable of producing such a large-scale production, and whether the hundreds of millions of yuan would end up disappearing without a trace.

The news spread immediately.

Immediately afterwards, netizens across the country went wild!
The entertainment industry is in an uproar!

The visual effects companies, eager for funding, were like celebrating the New Year; they were also hoping to participate in the projects.

The most excited are the actors and stars in the mainland entertainment industry. How many actors will be needed for a 500 million yuan sci-fi blockbuster?
Moreover, Tian Xiaole is used to using mainland actors, which will be their opportunity.

In no time, female celebrities who had engaged in in-depth conversations with Tian Xiaole and major talent agencies were all frantically searching for her.

Tian Xiaole's phone had been switched off long ago. He had guessed this would be the outcome before the project launch, and he guessed that the investors would also be in for some trouble.

"What are you going to do next?"

Han Sanping saw Tian Xiaole, who was hiding in his office and leisurely lying on the sofa, and asked.

He also wanted to know how the movie should be made.

"In terms of the scenes, I plan to build several coastal cities using 100:1 scale models for actual filming."

As for the design of the beasts, actors wore suits for combat simulations, and later, CGI technology was used to overlay the filmed beast footage onto the screen, creating a very strong visual effect.

Listening to Tian Xiaole's description, Han Sanping felt that the film's visuals were overwhelming and would be very impressive.

"The beast costumes were made by Beijing Film Studio. They have been in the industry for decades and have excellent skills in various film and television designs and productions."

"Even if you hadn't said it, that's what I was planning to do, otherwise I wouldn't have brought the blueprints with me."

Tian Xiaole took out a thick stack of drawings from his bag. There were sketches of various wild animals with their markings clearly depicted, as well as miniature versions of cities that he needed: Shanghai, Hong Kong Island, and Tokyo.

"I'll leave that to China Film Group to coordinate. Next, I'll be in charge of the actors' auditions. After they're selected, they'll need to undergo a period of physical training."

Han Sanping highly approves of such meticulous arrangements, believing that with such a large investment in the production, it is not excessive to have strict requirements for the actors.

After leaving China Film Group, Tian Xiaole went straight back to the company and joined the post-production special effects department.

I saw a mix of complex emotions flickering in everyone's eyes: excitement, anticipation, and confusion.

Tian Xiaole guessed it; entrusting such a large project to them, who had no experience, made him somewhat insecure. "The post-production of 'Pacific Rim' will be a major test for you. The machines and equipment are all state-of-the-art; it's time to prove that our special effects skills are no worse than those abroad."

I hope you can all pull yourselves together and give it your all to achieve this goal. Can everyone do it?

Tian Xiaole practically roared out the last sentence.

can!
can!
can!
All the employees responded with their shouts, which echoed throughout the entire floor.

Having ignited his fighting spirit, Tian Xiaole handed over the tasks.

The requirement is to construct street scenes from Shanghai and Hong Kong Island, strictly adhering to a 1:1 scale, and to include scenes of destruction and collapse caused by the Chrysanthemum Beast.

It is technically very difficult and requires overcoming many challenges.

Tian Xiaole wouldn't work in isolation; he emailed James, offering a threefold increase in salary and asking the Pangu Color engineers to come and share their experience.

He believed that the hefty sum would definitely attract a group of people.

The Chinese aviation industry team, as expected of a national institution, cleared out the necessary training grounds in just two days, demonstrating exceptional efficiency.
There will also be dedicated instructors to oversee the actors' physical training.

The infrastructure project is being handled by China Film Group, which is also a state-owned enterprise. All the necessary procedures and documents have been approved by the relevant departments, and construction of the replica city can begin at any time.

After coordinating with the project teams from China Film Group and China Aviation, Tian Xiaole finally had time to focus on casting.

Pacific Rim can be described as an ensemble piece; more accurately, the film's biggest selling point is the powerful and imposing mecha, while the actors are relatively secondary.

But the actor's image is also very important, since he is playing a soldier, so Tian Xiaole raised the bar for the audition.

"The male lead should be between 30 and 40 years old, with a rugged appearance and a strong physique..."

"The female lead must be between 20 and 25 years old, physically fit, and have flexible limbs..."

"The male supporting actor is between 35 and 40 years old, with a robust and muscular physique..."

"..."

···
There are six main actors, five men and one woman, as well as a child actor aged 8 to 10.

The requirements for the roles were very detailed, even strict, because this was the main cast and there was no room for error.

As for other actors with fewer scenes, they need to go through audition directors to find suitable actors from various universities and film studios.

The audition roles have been sent to various talent agencies, who can recommend qualified candidates to come for interviews.

The only female lead has become the target of many actresses, but the age column directly cuts off more than half of them.

There aren't many young actresses who meet the requirements.

"Sissi, you perfectly fit the requirements for the only female lead role, why don't you..."

"Mom, let's submit our resumes and audition according to the procedure. It's a big production with a budget of 500 million. How could we possibly decide on someone with just a few words?"

Liu Yifei understands that her mother is thinking about her career, but she's being too optimistic. Besides, they're just friends; why should a few kind words be enough to give her a role?

Seeing her daughter firmly shake her head in refusal, Liu Xiaoli could only sigh helplessly.

With only one female character in the cast, and the only female lead, you can imagine how fierce the competition will be.

Since her beloved daughter refused, she couldn't say anything more and could only submit her resume according to the procedure.

The freshmen of the 05 class at Beijing Film Academy have already spent almost half a semester.

Many of them are about the same age as Liu Yifei, but the difference in their acting careers is astounding.

"Honey, you seem to fit the audition requirements for the female lead in Director Tian's new film quite well. Have you submitted your resume yet?"

Zhang Xiaofei asked Yang Mi curiously, who was the most famous student in this year's freshmen class.

At a very young age, she starred in the highest-rated work of her acting career, "King of Beggars".

Yang Mi is also a resource-rich actress; she immediately joined the cast of "Wang Zhaojun" after finishing "The Condor Heroes," playing the female lead, Wang Zhaojun.

When it comes to auditioning for roles, Yang Mi seems a bit insecure. Among actresses her age, the one who played Xiaolongnu is quite dazzling.

"Director Tian is still a graduate student at the university, so he should go back to school often. If we're lucky enough to get in touch with him, then there will be opportunities in the future..."

Zhang Xiaofei and Yang Mi exchanged a glance, seeing hope in each other's eyes.

Jing Tian looked at the announced audition requirements, pouted, and looked a little aggrieved.

"Uncle Lu, I don't think I'm suitable for the female role's age."

"Don't worry, there must be a reason why Director Tian agreed to let you audition. Just prepare well."

Lu Zhen smiled and comforted her, while also thinking of a way to make Jing Tian, ​​an ordinary person, famous overnight if she could get the role.

Hearing this, Jing Tian smiled:
"I'll be ready."

"Sister Hua, Xiao Le Pictures has sent us the actor requirements. They're only accepting resumes so far. Based on the auditions for the roles that have been announced, several of the company's actors seem quite suitable."

Upon hearing her assistant's report, Wang Jinghua's eyes lit up, and she became somewhat excited.

After leaving Huayi Brothers, she established her own agency, but Orange Sky Entertainment couldn't provide any film and television resources. She had to rely entirely on her fame to get projects, which left her feeling overwhelmed.

If her actors actually get the role, especially the male lead, then no one will question Wong Jinghua's status as the top agent.

"I'll polish up the resumes that meet the requirements. Oh well, I'll do it myself."

Wang Jinghua personally prepared the artists' resumes, striving to make them as perfect as possible.

At the same time, various brokerage firms and agents were also doing the same thing.

···
The assistant came over and told Tian Xiaole that the number of resumes they had received was seven times that of before, and they were still coming in continuously. If it didn't stop, they would run out of space to put them all.

Tian Xiaole ordered a halt to all paper and mail communication.

On the other side of Hong Kong Island, the Hong Kong media started stirring up trouble, not only criticizing the project but also targeting Tin Siu-lok.

"The film 'Pacific Rim,' with an investment of 500 million, is a science fiction disaster film. Its attempt to promote the development of the special effects industry in mainland China is far too unrealistic."

"Will actors from Hong Kong Island have a chance to participate in the casting for Tin Siu-lok's new film, or will they be turned away again?"

The story of Ip Man has also been brought up again.

The unspoken rule of co-productions is that each side has one; let's not even talk about the ones that were solely funded before!
【Ip Man】 was invested in by Hong Kong, but the male and female leads were played by mainland actors.

Furthermore, film auditions are never open to artists from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Such reports keep popping up!
Huo Wenxi announced immediately that casting for "Pacific Rim" would be open to actors from Hong Kong, which reduced the media coverage.

"Investigate, find out who's behind this."

This is clearly an attempt to sow discord!
"The matter was handed over as soon as the news broke."

"Yes, you did a good job."

Mr. Yang was very satisfied with Huo Wenxi's reaction and continued:

"Explain the situation to Director Tian to avoid any misunderstanding that we are trying to force him to use more Hong Kong actors."

"Okay, Mr. Yang. The audition requirements have been released, and here's the list of recommended actors..."

When it comes to actor auditions, Mr. Yeung is also in a lot of trouble. After it was announced that actors from Hong Kong Island could also participate, many actors have been asking about the roles.

"According to the published requirements, the male lead, Fengzai, is quite suitable. Send his resume over. Also, send a copy to all the artists in the company who meet the requirements."

Huo Wenxi nodded, thinking that people from Yinghuang probably wouldn't approve of Tian Xiaole's way of doing things.

·
"Heh, just a clown. You can handle it yourselves."

Tian Xiaole also saw the Hong Kong media report, but unexpectedly, Huo Wenxi called to explain the matter.

"Director Tin, do you have a choice regarding the actors from Hong Kong?"

“I did consider it. I’ve been in contact with Lau Tak-wah a few times. The role of Chow Tin-hung is quite suitable for him. The character has a bit of a Hong Kong gangster style.”

"Then let Yinghuang invite him to this spot."

"Of course you can, but you have to make it clear to him about the salary. The actors' salaries for this movie won't be high."

The actors' salaries for "Pacific Rim" will not exceed 10% of the total budget, as the limited funds will be used for filming and production.

The entertainment industry's attention has been drawn to another news story.

"New commercial director Ning Hao has submitted a new script, which is still a commercial theme."

Major film and television companies in the industry immediately turned their attention to Ning Hao.

They couldn't get involved in Tian Xiaole's project, nor did they have the guts to do so, but it was different for Ning Hao's project.

The success of their first low-budget commercial film suggests they won't take big steps and will most likely continue with low-budget films.

Bad Monkey's phone is ringing off the hook.

There are only a handful of commercially successful directors in China, and Ning Hao is one of them, working alone.

Being harassed like this makes it virtually impossible to concentrate on work.

Xing Aina voluntarily accepted an interview with reporters and revealed some information about the script.

"The movie is called 'Extreme Job,' a comedy commercial film with a script provided by director Tian Xiaole."

These words bring to mind Tian Xiaole's track record: the films he has directed and the scripts he has provided have never failed.

The most controversial issue surrounding Pacific Rim right now is whether the large investment and post-production done in China will meet the required standards.

"We'll keep a quarter of the 20 million production cost for you and give the remaining 20% ​​out."

Seeing Ning Hao's pained expression, Tian Xiaole asked curiously:

"After deducting your director's fee, you still can't come up with anything left?"

That makes sense, though. Ning Hao was paid a fee for filming [Stone]. Although the price for filming Jing Tian's MV was high, it would be really difficult for him to come up with five million yuan at once.

Tian Xiaole was able to spend so much money because of the box office success of "The Shallows," and it was in US dollars.

In particular, Lionsgate's production of "Annabelle" is already in the process of selecting a release date.

Horror movies are a goldmine, providing Tian Xiaole with a continuous stream of financial support.

The final result was that Ning Hao paid an additional one million yuan in cash to secure a 3% share.

Tian Xiaole took half of the share, and the rest was given to China Film Group, Wanda Group, and Enlight Media, who took it all.

By the time Yinghuang learned the news, it was too late.

Since Tian Xiaole wasn't personally directing the project, they couldn't say much, after all, they had already pledged their loyalty.

(End of this chapter)