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

Chapter 178 Everyone get out of the way, Director Chen has something to say!

In the film market, Spider-Man 3 is raking in box office revenue like crazy.

During the May Day Golden Week alone, it earned 7400 million yuan, accounting for more than 80% of the total box office during the same period.

Having broken several records for imported films, domestic films released at the end of April were in a gloomy state.

Some film companies in the industry called for "protecting domestic films," and many companies and directors quickly responded.

Tian Xiaole just wants to say that these people are overthinking it.

Instead of wasting time and energy on this, you should use it on film production.

Audiences go to the cinema to watch popcorn movies and relax.

Instead of lengthy, paternalistic pronouncements that force together all sorts of meaningless values.

Tian Xiaole closed the computer webpage, knowing that this group of people had no chance of success.

Whether it's current market demand or policy factors.

The phone on the table rang; it was James calling, which surprised Tian Xiaole.

Because of the time difference, the two usually communicate via email.

"Boss, we succeeded! The Human Purge Plan was a success!"

James sounded excited; the movie's box office performance was unexpectedly good, exceeding everyone's expectations.

How much did it gross?

Tian Xiaole was very concerned about this issue, as it concerned whether Pangu Pictures could establish itself in the Hollywood film production industry.

"The film grossed $12 million in its first three days. Lionsgate urgently increased the number of opening screens to 2,300. With a 92% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the word-of-mouth for the film is growing, and the box office is expected to reach new heights."

James thought that with a production budget of three million, the box office would be so high that even Mexican specialty products wouldn't be that profitable, bringing him one step closer to his dream of a large estate.

Tian Xiaole was also quite happy, as the US dollars he earned in Hollywood were all from Leyu.com's financial support.

Leyu Blog is transforming into Leyu Weibo, and Rotten Egg is also developing a ticketing window.

Both of these businesses are operating at a loss and require substantial funding to support them.

They've managed to survive until now without accepting any other investment; they've relied entirely on the profits from horror films to stay afloat.

With such impressive results, "The Purge" garnered coverage from Hollywood media, and its production company, Pangu Pictures, came into the public eye.

Hollywood sees dozens, even hundreds, of such suddenly emerging companies every day. The fact that their first film achieved such success has drawn criticism from many.

"What incredible luck!"

The tone of voice contained a variety of complex emotions, including anger, jealousy, and questions such as "Why not me?"

It's a bit of a shame that "The Purge" can't be imported; the film's content is too dark and bloody, and doesn't align with domestic values.

Domestic media outlets, with their keen sense of smell, reprinted the news because Tian Xiaole's name was listed as the screenwriter.

This kind of exposure in Hollywood is a hot topic that the media wants to talk about.

"It is reported that the film 'The Purge,' written by Tian Xiaole, has achieved remarkable success in North America."

"【The Purge】 had an investment cost of $300 million and recouped its costs in three days of release."

"..."

···
"Is this kid keeping quiet and eating all by himself again?"

Han Sanping slapped his thigh, looking heartbroken.

Seeing her boss like this, the secretary next to her felt a little embarrassed.

Who can outeat you, Han Sanping, when it comes to eating all the food alone?

But thinking about it carefully, after all, he had just taken office and wanted to achieve results as soon as possible. China Film Group was a large and powerful company, so he had to cast a wide net, especially for Tian Xiaole's project.

Will this film meet the requirements for import?

Upon hearing the question, the secretary reported the information she had gathered:
"Mr. Han, the film's core theme is 'legal massacre,' and it is filled with a lot of violence, which does not comply with import policies."

"Haha, no wonder that kid didn't come looking for me, he knows his place." Han Sanping shook his head with a smile.

"Chairman Han, I also learned that the film's production company is called Pangu Pictures."

Upon hearing this Chinese name, Han Sanping put down his teacup. How could a proper foreigner understand the significance of the name 'Pangu'?

"You mean, this company was founded by Xiao Le?"

"Probably."

Han Sanping pondered seriously and instructed his secretary:
"Ask Xiao Le if he needs any help, China Film Group..."

Remembering something, he paused for a moment, then changed his mind: "Never mind, official involvement might backfire, let's just pretend we don't know."

"Okay, Mr. Han."

···
From the announcement of the project to the auditions for the actors, the much-anticipated "Kung Fu King" has finally made some progress.

Huayi Brothers announced that the crew will travel to Hengdian to film the first scene.

The filming locations in China were also announced, and it's safe to say that big-budget productions are different, covering deserts, bamboo forests, Danxia landforms, ancient building complexes, Jiuzhaigou, and more.

In an instant, it attracted the attention of everyone in the industry.

Ever since Liu Yifei and Li Binbin were confirmed to star in the film, scandals involving the two have been constant.

The film has started shooting now, but the production company hasn't replaced any actors, which has disappointed many people.

As the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony drew closer, Tian Xiaole informed the lead actors to make time for the event.

They should always have time; after all, having the opportunity to be nominated for the Cannes Film Festival even once in an acting career is extremely fortunate.

Wang Jinsong had been waiting for Tian Xiaole's call for a long time, and his red carpet outfit was already prepared.

Guan Xiaotong's side is also fine.

With her raspy voice, she called Tian Xiaole "brother" in a loud and boisterous manner, which earned her a scolding from his father.

Zeng Li had just joined a new film crew, and she was the absolute female lead. She couldn't leave for the time being, so they asked her to rush over to the closing ceremony.

Finally, I called Aunt Chen Hong, and she answered quickly; she was probably waiting for this call too.

“Sister Hong, you and Arthur, make time for our crew to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony.”

"We still have enough time to let Arthur experience the atmosphere of the film festival."

Chen Hong was very happy. Since Arthur was allowed to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, participate in films, and be nominated for film festivals, this would be the most important achievement in his acting career.

"Let's set off together then, so we can keep an eye on Arthur."

"Okay, just send me the specific time."

Chen Hong readily agreed.

"cough."

Chen Kaige coughed, took the phone from Chen Hong, and said, speaking from experience:
"Cannes is the most difficult award to win among the three major European awards. Congratulations on being nominated this time, but no matter what the result is, you should learn to take it in stride."

"Uncle Chen is right. Winning an award would be the best, but even if we don't, we're open to learning and would like to ask you for advice on how to win the Palme d'Or."

Tian Xiaole, acting like a junior, humbly flattered him.

His wife has already called him "brother," so a few kind words are enough to make up for it.

"Haha, that's a great mindset, but don't be too ambitious. Winning the Palme d'Or requires a certain level of cultural knowledge. I'll write a summary of my experience and send it to you later."

Chen Kaige was very pleased that Tian Xiaole, a director who had made achievements in both commercial and artistic fields, was so humble in front of him, which made him unable to help but adopt the attitude of an elder and say a few more words.

"Thank you, Uncle Chen."

Chen Hong, who was standing nearby, couldn't stand it anymore and snatched her phone away.
"Xiao Le, see you at the airport then."

"Okay, Sister Hong."

Director Chen looked at the phone after it was hung up, at the bright smile on his wife's face, and asked curiously:

"How can he call you Sister Hong? Doesn't that mess up the generations?"

"Calling me Sister Hong makes me feel younger; I like this nickname."

Chen Hong casually explained, picked up Arthur, and showed him a look of delight:
"Arthur, we're going to Cannes to walk the red carpet, aren't you excited?"

"Mommy, where is Cannes?" Arthur asked innocently, blinking his big, adorable eyes.

It was a lucky accident, exactly what Director Chen wanted; he has experience in this area.

Get out of the way, everyone, I'm about to show off.

What seemed like an explanation was actually a boastful statement:
"Haha, Cannes is in France, far from our capital. Dad went there 14 years ago. You'll see lots and lots of people there, cheering and applauding for you..."

Chen Hong glanced at her incompetent husband, then thought of his valiant spirit, and changed the subject, mentioning the upcoming production of "Mei Lanfang":
"There are a few scenes that haven't been set up yet, and the scheduled start time is too tight, so we have to postpone it. Otherwise, we would shoot other scenes first."

After listening to his wife talk about serious matters, Director Chen put Arthur down and let him go have some fun.

He liked this about Chen Hong; she was equally adept at social graces and domestic skills, and she handled the producer's work perfectly.

"Then let's postpone it. I'm very confident that you'll be in charge of the preparations."

···
The school called Tian Xiaole, offered some words of encouragement, and said that the banner was ready and could be put up at the school gate at any time.

This left Tian Xiaole speechless, as whether he could win an award, and what kind of award he could win, were all unknowns.

They've even prepared the banners. Who are they trying to fool?

"Boss, the promotional materials for [Hunting] are all ready."

Chen Zhixi knocked on the door and walked into the office to speak.

"okay, I get it."

Tian Xiaole needs to prepare for the film's promotion in advance. There are too many uncertainties in the theatrical release of art films, so selling the copyright is a more direct approach.

Renting a venue for the premiere and allocating time for promotion are all things Tian Xiaole needs to consider; he can't be as hasty as he was with "The Coffin in the Mountain".

After finishing her business, Chen Zhixi started chatting about gossip within the entertainment industry.

"The Kung Fu King, which was originally scheduled to start filming in Hengdian, was moved to Dunhuang because the sets hadn't been built yet."

"Such a large investment, and the preparation work is so poor?"

"That's right, and director Chen Kaige's 'Mei Lanfang' has also had its filming postponed."

Tian Xiaole shook his head. These were all big projects and big directors; it seemed like they were all being forced into things.

"While I'm in Cannes, I'll leave the company affairs to you. Keep an eye on the preparations for 'The Eight Hundred'."

After more than a year of training, Chen Zhixi's abilities have become apparent. Tian Xiaole intends to groom her into a head housekeeper and gradually delegate authority to her.

···
With the Cannes Film Festival opening ceremony approaching, all the films submitted by China that failed to qualify for the main competition flew there without fail.

Jiang Wen is under the most pressure. The investment cost of this art film, "The Sun Also Rises," is comparable to that of a commercial film, so the pressure to recoup the costs is enormous.

The reason I went there this time was to get a good price.

Feng Xiaogang is an undisputed top commercial film director in China, but compared to other directors, he is virtually unknown at overseas film festivals.

The promotional efforts for "Assembly" this time are very strong, aiming to increase brand awareness and sell copyrights.

Early on the morning of the 14th, a minivan carrying Tian Xiaole drove to the airport.

"Look, that's Director Tian!"

The reporters who were waiting at the airport had their eyes light up.

"Producer Chen just brought her son; they're heading to Cannes."

"It must be! Take the picture quickly!"

When Tian Xiaole saw the reporters taking pictures, she smiled and waved to them.

In the airport VIP lounge, I met Wang Jinsong, Chen Hong and Arthur, Guan Xiaotong and his father, who had arrived earlier.

"You're here quite early. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"I ate. I ate steamed buns and fermented mung bean juice."

As soon as Guan Xiaotong opened her mouth, she dropped her ID card and patted her stomach as she spoke.

"Xiaotong is amazing, eat more so you can grow taller."

Tian Xiaole patted her head and said with a smile.

Seeing that Arthur was such a big guy, yet still needed Chen Hong to carry him, Tian Xiaole felt heartbroken.

“Arthur, how old are you? You still need your mom to carry you. Learn from your sister Xiaotong.”

"Mom, put me down."

Arthur was a little afraid of Tian Xiaole. During the filming of "The Hunt", he scolded him a few times. Tian Xiaole struggled in Chen Hong's arms and wanted to get down.

"Come here, let your brother hug you."

After Tian Xiaole finished speaking, he reached into Chen Hong's arms and accidentally touched something soft, then picked up Arthur and pulled him down.

As a veteran actress, Chen Hong remained expressionless, but inwardly cursed: "You little pervert."

Before long, an airport announcement came on, and the group proceeded to board the plane.

The journey begins in Paris, followed by a connecting flight, taking a total of 14 hours before finally arriving in the town of Cannes.

Tian Xiaole noticed that there were many colleagues on the same flight, all of whom were filmmakers going to Cannes to promote and sell their films.

It started off quite lively, with people greeting each other, but it quickly quieted down as the flight became more monotonous.

At this time, the industry was buzzing with excitement thanks to media reports.

"The only Chinese-language film nominated for the main competition, the crew of 'The Hunt' departs for the Cannes Film Festival."

"I hope Director Tian achieves great success and wins gold or silver..."

"The creators of 【The Hunt】set off for Cannes, just like the film's title suggests, to hunt for awards at the film festival."

···
"Brother Xiao Le, I wish you success."

"Senior Brother Tian, ​​I wish you success."

"Brother Le..."

"Director Tian..."

Those who knew Tian Xiaole, or those who didn't, and those who had her contact information, all sent her their blessings via text message.

More cunning actors will send their blessings on their blogs and tag Tian Xiaole's account.

Most people are supportive, after all, it's the only Chinese-language film nominated.

A small minority reacted with sarcasm: "Is it that easy to win an award at Cannes? Just wait to be eliminated in the first round, haha."

···
Seeing the news reports, Zeng Li was extremely anxious. The crew of "Blue Archives" had just started filming, and she couldn't leave.

“Pear, aren’t you going to ask for leave? This is the red carpet for the opening ceremony of the 60th Cannes Film Festival, and the whole world’s attention is focused on that.”

"Yes, Pear, don't miss this opportunity."

The other two lead actors in the production, Zhang Meng and Bao Jianfeng, offered their advice.

"I just finished the opening ceremony, so it won't delay the filming schedule."

Zeng Li said with a smile, but the smile was forced. It was Tian Xiaole who told her to put filming first after the closing ceremony.

To Zhang Meng and Bao Jianfeng, that smile conveyed a sense of nonchalance and indifference towards awards and fame.

On the plane, Tian Xiaole planned to take a nap, and by the time she woke up, they would have almost landed.

I glanced at it casually and was immediately drawn to the newspaper.

Tian Xiaole remembered Jing Tian saying that she went to America once, and unexpectedly Lu Zhen got her the title of cherry spokesperson and even took a friendly photo with the governor of Washington.

Lu Zhen was like a headless fly; besides having money, he had no film and television resources whatsoever, so he could only resort to unconventional methods.

Since there are no opportunities in the entertainment industry, then get a title from outside. Given the current environment, it will be much easier to make a living in China after just one trip abroad.

She's a good nanny, but not a good agent.

Tian Xiaole shook her head and turned the newspaper over.

The film "Apple," starring Fan Binbin, has been confirmed for release on the 18th after several revisions.

(End of this chapter)