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

Chapter 151 Monsters Arrive!

"Crack!"

Tian Xiaole took off his headphones and shouted into the walkie-talkie.

The footage we just filmed feels too straightforward. We need to build up some emotion first so that the audience's emotions will reach a breaking point when the monster arrives.

For example, if all the advertising screens on a busy street in Tokyo suddenly turn into static, it would be a sign of an impending threat.

Cars throughout the city inexplicably malfunctioned, and accidents occurred frequently on various roads.

A fast-moving maglev train suddenly derails... and so on.

With these visuals building up the emotional impact, the oppressive feeling is only truly felt when an enormous foot stomps down and crushes a building.

The moment the foot lands needs to be added in post-production as a 3D effect to create a sense of awe and impact, like stepping off a large screen.

"Junior Sister Yang, you are just an ordinary passerby. The city is falling. Your first reaction is to run, find cover to avoid falling billboards and collapsing cement blocks."

Your expression should be sufficiently panicked; let go of any celebrity airs and don't worry about your image.

Tian Xiaole's greeting of "Junior Sister Yang" made Yang Mi, who was just there for the occasion, very happy.

The famous director actually called me "junior sister"! He's so approachable!
"Senior Brother Tian, ​​I know how to act now."

Yang Mi makes a cameo appearance as an extra, and she has a terrified scene where she sees buildings collapsing one after another.

Now a sophomore at the Beijing Film Academy, she still has a bright and expressive eye, and her acting has improved from the stereotypical, sluggish performance she once had.

···
"Sister Li, are you done with your movie promotion tour?"

Not far from the film set, Jing Tian rested her chin on her hands, watching Tian Xiaole intently directing the filming, and casually asked Zeng Li, who was sitting next to her.

"Well, now we just have to wait for the box office results. This is my first movie as the female lead."

Zeng Li's path to stardom was much more difficult compared to her female classmates in the same year.

The film "The Barber" started filming in 02, but it went through a series of unexpected events, including the withdrawal of investment, the death of the director, and the replacement of actors, before it was finally confirmed for release at the end of this month.

The production company didn't allocate much budget for publicity, so in order to get the movie noticed, she and Chen Kun even started a scandal.

"Where's Sisi? She's not on set at all."

Zeng Li asked curiously.

During the training camp, through her subtle probing, she discovered that Jing Tian and Liu Yifei were both young ladies from wealthy families, but they were both very dedicated to their training.

The three quickly became close friends, and their relationship rapidly warmed up.

"Sisi is graduating soon and has been writing her thesis lately."

Jing Tian was a little envious; she hadn't even started school yet, while others were about to graduate.

However, seeing Tian Xiaole diligently filming, she cheered up again.

Tian Xiaole is a graduate student, but she hasn't graduated yet.

···
"That's enough for now, let's call it a day!"

After finishing a day of filming, Tian Xiaole finally had time to check on the progress of "Ip Man".

The most anticipated film at the same time was undoubtedly "Ip Man," which generated considerable buzz even before its release, thanks to its screenplay by Tian Xiaole.

Secondly, there's the imported film "The Da Vinci Code," but it's scheduled for release in the latter half of the month, so it won't affect the box office.

The film "Jasmine Blossoms," which previously tried to capitalize on the popularity of "The Thief," was limited by its subject matter, despite starring Jiang Wen and Zhang Ziyi.

The film performed poorly at the box office, earning less than three million in its opening week.

On the contrary, "The Barber," which is also an art film, grossed just over a million dollars on its opening day, which is a remarkable achievement.

"Senior Brother Tian, ​​may I have your contact information?"

"You haven't left yet?"

Tian Xiaole looked at Yang Mi in front of her. She only had one shot, and it had been filmed a long time ago. She didn't expect her to still be there.

Before the teeth were extracted, her face shape was a bit square, and her nose wasn't as upturned.

Wearing a cartoon short-sleeved shirt, her exposed arms showed off her fair skin, and she paired it with shorts, revealing her long, straight legs.

She did know how to seize the opportunity, daring to ask for contact information directly in front of so many people on set. Otherwise, given the difference in their social status, they would likely never have had any interaction.

···
The following day was May Day.

Filming is still ongoing at the Beijing Film Studio, while "Ip Man" has been released in theaters.

That day, Han Sanping came to visit the set and, as if to curry favor, told Tian Xiaole that the screening schedule for "Ip Man" was quite good.

Tian Xiaole wasn't surprised. There wasn't a single film that could compete with it during the same period, and theaters also need to make money, so they would definitely prioritize screenings.

He was more interested in whether Han Sanping had participated in the Battle of Red Cliffs.

"Uncle Han, did China Film Group invest in John Woo's project?"

"After conducting in-depth investigations over the past few days, the project is quite mature, and China Film Group has decided to invest a portion of it."

"China Film Group doesn't have a controlling stake?" Tian Xiaole asked.

Han Sanping smiled and said, "Since you don't think it's a good idea, then we should be more cautious."

It was made very clear before that Han Sanping had already finalized the cooperation, so Tian Xiaole couldn't very well discourage him.

At least they didn't take on too much and become the ones who get taken advantage of.

Tian Xiaole's inner monologue: With this money, it would be better to support the directing students at Beijing Film Academy than to promote people in Hong Kong.

"What was the project's investment cost? How much did China Film Group invest?" Tian Xiaole asked curiously.

"Of the $50 million production budget, China Film Group contributed $1,000."

"???"

He just casually mentioned ten million US dollars!

Or are we just being cautious?
Tian Xiaole is considering whether to include China Film Group in future projects; it's such a waste.

However, this number seems somewhat familiar.

He recalled that the initial investment cost was 50 million, but unexpected problems kept arising along the way.

Due to reasons such as changing actors and expanding sets, an additional 20 million US dollars was later added.

The official production cost was ultimately announced as $80 million.

Seeing Han Sanping still smiling, looking like a wronged fool, Tian Xiaole couldn't help but ask.

"If he asks you for money before filming even starts, saying the investment isn't enough, will China Film Group invest more?"

"China Film Group will send a producer over there, and every penny will be accounted for clearly."

Tian Xiaole chuckled, "Han Sanping is too optimistic."

The entire production team is from Hong Kong, so making money would be incredibly easy for them.

—Then came the "Oath of Allegiance," a straw hat costing seven thousand US dollars. Who knows how much kickbacks were involved?

"Then I wish you good luck."

Tian Xiaole gave a perfunctory reply, saying that it was fortunate that Hu Jun was starring in "Pacific Rim," so he didn't have to carry the sedan chair for those Hong Kong actors.

···
"Red alert! Red alert! Monster invasion detected in Victoria waters."

At the newly established Pacific Rim Island base, alarms blared incessantly as hunting squads assembled.

Hu Jun, Liu Ye, Zhang Hanyu, Huang Xiaoming... received the urgent notice and rushed to the operations room.

As the commander, Chen Baoguo didn't waste any words. He began to put on his combat uniform, his expression serious and his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

Upon entering the [Undying Blade] mech, he, as an experienced officer, can operate and pilot it all by himself.

Jiang Wu and Huang Xiaoming are father and son; the quick-witted latter is in charge of driving, while the composed former is in charge of commanding.

Piloting the [General] mech together.

Liu Yifei was in charge of command and control, while Jing Tian was in charge of piloting the [Invincible Iron Fist].

Unlike the direct destruction of Tokyo, Tian Xiaole's second battle was the first close-quarters combat between humans and monsters.

(End of this chapter)