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

Chapter 260 The Idea for the Premiere of [Pacific Rim]!
The Lunar New Year film season has begun, and the films that have already been scheduled for release are now in the midst of a vigorous promotional campaign.

Among them, director Chen's "Mei Lanfang", Feng Xiaogang's "If You Are the One", and Ning Hao's "Crazy Racer" are the three films that audiences are most looking forward to.

What has attracted the most attention in the industry is the announcement by the Film Bureau of a new batch of approved films, including "The Message" and "Ip Man 3".

Media outlets that regularly monitor the official website rubbed their eyes to make sure they weren't seeing things.

Xiaole Pictures has actually partnered with Huayi Brothers to co-produce the spy thriller "The Message".

The collaboration between two industry giants in the film and television sector has instantly become a hot topic of discussion.

This must be the best project in the industry.

For a time, many people came to inquire about the news.

A host of talent agencies and actors in the industry are paying close attention to the actor auditions.

Immediately afterwards, Huayi announced to the public that the cast for "The Message" had been confirmed, and attached the cast list.

Apart from Luo Jin, all the other actors are Huayi Brothers' own people, which is very much in line with Huayi Brothers' style of keeping all the profits to themselves.

Xiao Le Pictures also occasionally holds public auditions.

Now that the two companies are collaborating, some actors in the industry are worried that opportunities will definitely become fewer and fewer in the future.

Also approved in the same batch was "Ip Man 3," but far fewer actors were paying attention to this film.

Filming was suspended due to Gao Yuanyuan's scandal, and there has been no news of replacing the actress after the restart, so it is highly likely that the original cast will return.

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"Uncle Han, this movie doesn't have a large budget. The biggest expense is the actors' salaries. We don't plan to bring in any other investors."

Han Sanping called to "question" Tian Xiaole, marking the first time he had partnered with another company to invest, bypassing China Film Group.

"Huayi is at a critical stage of its listing. My cooperation with them will help improve shareholders' confidence in Huayi."

Tian Xiaole needs to ensure Huayi's listing in order to acquire more shares and thus achieve control.

"What about the projects that follow? Will they all be collaborations with the Wang brothers?"

This is Han Sanping's biggest concern; Tian Xiaole's project has become a matter of his political achievements.

"Of course not, the partners will remain the same."

"That's good."

Hearing Tian Xiaole's words, Han Sanping breathed a sigh of relief and then brought up another matter:
“Wu Yusen has scheduled the release of ‘Red Cliff Part II’ for early January, which is more than 1 days after ‘Pacific Rim’, so it shouldn’t affect the film’s box office.”

From the very beginning, 【Pacific Rim】was not just an ordinary movie; it was a film with a mission and special meaning.

It not only shoulders the responsibility of developing domestic special effects, but also breaks the embarrassing record of Chinese-language films having no science fiction films.

Han Sanping would never allow anything to threaten the film during its theatrical run.

"Any movie that encounters Pacific Rim will be crushed into dust."

Tian Xiaole spoke with extreme confidence: "What level is 'Red Cliff'? Even if it were released at the same time, it would only be crushed."

They don't even look at the reputation of the first movie; it was already terrible.

Han Sanping had no idea that "Pacific Rim" would be a groundbreaking Chinese-language film.

"If all Chinese filmmakers were as confident as you, how could Chinese cinema not thrive?"

Han Sanping couldn't help but sigh.

This man in his fifties is dedicated to the revitalization of Chinese cinema.

He changed the subject and said, "Xiao Le, come to China Film Group tomorrow. We need to finalize the arrangements for the premiere of 'Pacific Rim'."

Tian Xiaole really wanted to say, "Isn't it too early to wait two more months?"

But considering Han Sanping's extravagant style, a grand celebration was inevitable, so preparations had to be made in advance.

·······
Tian Xiaole approached Chen Zhixi to inquire about the production progress of the model mecha, as this was where the bulk of the profits would come from.

"Boss, according to the data from FAW Group, the first batch of 6,000 units has already rolled off the production line, and BYD has 5,000 units. The second batch is being produced at full speed."

"It's too slow. The movie will be released in two months, which will drive huge traffic to related products. This amount is not even enough to fill a gap."

Tian Xiaole instructed, "Place another order and have FAW and BYD open another production line."

Chen Zhixi hesitated, then said, "The 1.8-meter-tall mecha is priced at 5999, which is equivalent to a month's salary for an average person."

Those who can afford to buy such expensive toys are generally middle-class families; only a minority of people waste money on this.

The miniature mecha is priced at 899, and not many parents can afford to buy such an expensive one for their child.

Chen Zhixi couldn't understand why anyone would buy this lump of iron.

But seeing Tian Xiaole's confidence and the fact that she had never failed, he swallowed his words.

Tian Xiaole guessed what she wanted to say. A woman would never understand the attraction of a mecha suit to a man.

When the movie is released, displaying two mechs at the theater entrance will be more attractive than any other form of advertising.

·······
The next day, when Tian Xiaole arrived at China Film Group, several investors from "Pacific Rim" were already there.

"The film premiere cannot be small; it's also part of the publicity."

Han Sanping made the decision immediately.

The other companies were used to his extravagant spending, and besides, the film had been in production for three years, so they all approved of the lavish approach.

Then, a problem arose.

Is this what constitutes a large-scale operation?

It needs to reflect the status of being the highest-budget Chinese-language film and the first science fiction film.

"I heard that Chen Kaige is going to put on a fireworks show at the Huairou base for the premiere of 'Mei Lanfang'. This plan is worth considering."

Wang Changtian's suggestion was immediately rejected by Han Sanping: "We don't need to follow the trend of others doing it. We should show a unique and prestigious style."

"How about the Great Hall of the People? We can invite all the well-known actors and stars from the mainland and Hong Kong. It will definitely be more lively than an awards ceremony."

Yang Shoucheng's suggestion was made because Cheng Long's "The Myth" had also been held there.

However, Han Sanping rejected it as well, because he had already planned to do it this way, but it wasn't original enough in terms of location and invited guests.

"Xiao Le, do you have any good ideas?"

"For a science fiction movie premiere, it should definitely be full of science fiction elements. Let's build one ourselves and bring out all the mechs that appear in the movie."

Tian Xiaole's suggestion came from the fact that the mechas made during the filming of the movie were still intact and stored in the warehouse.

Building a futuristic set isn't difficult; the Beijing Film Studio's soundstage can provide the space. With the construction team we've worked with before, plus the assistance of FAW and BYD, it's sure to be a sight to behold, unique in the film industry.

"This is a good idea. We should let all the invited guests experience the innovation of future technology."

After a morning of discussion, the details of the Pacific Rim project were tentatively settled.

In the afternoon, China Film Group came to Beijing Film Studio to coordinate the film studio.

Tian Xiaole returned to the company and began to conceive of the scene construction and design, aiming to create a visually appealing experience, as visual effects are very important.

First it was like this, then like this, this is the scene here, and finally like this...

Tian Xiaole spent the entire afternoon sketching out the desired design.

I took the blueprints to the team that built the set for Pacific Rim, and explained my ideas and the visual effects I wanted to achieve.

"The timeframe is quite tight. Can it be completed within two months?"

"Director Tian, ​​no problem. We've worked on these models before, so we have experience with them."

"That's good. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have any questions."

Back at the company, Tian Xiaole went to the editing room to work on the second trailer for "Pacific Rim".

Keep the runtime under 2 minutes, showcase as much as possible, and ideally, make a striking impression to maintain the film's popularity.

The first trailer showcased the monster's existence and abilities.

Now it's time to demonstrate humanity's ability to retaliate.

The first shot shows a giant monster flying in the sky. The camera zooms out to show several major Japanese cities in ruins.

Thick smoke billowed into the sky, causing unprecedented destruction.

The camera then cuts to a peaceful scene in Victoria Harbour, a fashion capital and Asian financial center, where people bustle about on the streets.

Suddenly, the sky slowly darkened, and when people looked up, they discovered that a huge monster had appeared in the sky, blocking out the sunlight.

The monster glanced coldly at the stunned humans, spat out a mouthful of saliva, and those touched by it instantly melted into a puddle of green water.

The other monsters, having received the order, began to destroy the city.

The scene shifts to a Hong Kong Island official pleading for help: "Calling the central government! Calling the central government! Hong Kong Island has been attacked by unidentified creatures! Requesting assistance! Requesting assistance!"

The scene shifts to a base where a piercing alarm sounds.

Chen Baoguo, who plays the commander, issues a support mission. The camera pans across the main actors, who respond in unison with "Yes!" as they quickly enter the aircraft.

Tian Xiaole left some small details unrevealed, without revealing the shape of the mecha.

The camera cuts to the cabin, where Hu Jun, Liu Ye, Liu Yifei, and Jing Tian are already dressed in combat suits and helmets that resemble spacesuits.

"Activate [Red Cyclone] and [Flame Fang] twice."

The scene of the four people shouting "Start!" is shown in close-up, with all four appearing on screen simultaneously.

Instantly, a virtual screen lit up in the cockpit, displaying rows of data in the helmet.

It's full of science fiction elements.

The scene shifts to Hong Kong Island being destroyed; firearms are completely ineffective against the monster. People are scrambling for cover, and the once bustling streets are now in chaos.

A seven or eight-year-old girl was separated from her by the crowd and sat on the ground crying helplessly.

dong dong...

A monster noticed the little girl after it trampled down a tea restaurant.

His cold eyes were filled with mockery, revealing a row of sharp fangs, and his huge hand slammed down.

Picture everything.

Boom boom boom.

The sound of metal clashing rang out, very jarring.

Piloted by Jing Tian and commanded by Liu Yifei, the [Flame Fang] blocked the monster's attack and protected the little girl behind it.

The little girl, who had covered her eyes, slowly opened them and looked up to see a mecha as tall as a skyscraper.

At this moment, I felt completely safe.

In this scene, Tian Xiaole wanted a crisis rescue that would suddenly appear out of nowhere, something that could quickly evoke the audience's emotions.

Zoom out and zoom out.

You can see the mech stomping on the ground, cracks spreading out, and its feet sinking directly into them.

Liu Yifei activated her battle mode, swung the massive mechanical arm, and clenched it into a fist.

The camera slowly pans across the screen, showing the [Flaming Fangs] and the monster facing off.

At this moment, the screen slowly went black, and the promotional music began to play.

"I firmly believe that you are the one supporting me."

"Always walking alongside me, looking up to wait for the sun to rise."

bang bang bang...

The screen was pitch black, but the sound of steel clashing could be heard.

A line of large text appeared.

"The first Chinese-language sci-fi film, Pacific Rim, will be released on the first day of the Lunar New Year. See you there!"

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Tian Xiaole planned to edit a 2-minute trailer, but the final version will be 2 minutes long.

It showcased the destructive power of the monsters, as well as the appearance of the [Flame Fang] and [Red Cyclone] mechs.

These enormous, futuristic mechs are the culmination of human ingenuity and the only weapon against monsters.

Tian Xiaole looked at the edited trailer and wondered when to release it.

The movie "Lurking" has been released in North America.

James sent an email saying that the film had a good box office performance in its first three days, grossing 13 million US dollars.

This figure is significantly lower than that of the Annabelle and Conjuring series, but the global market still exceeds 100 million.

Hollywood reports are still being reprinted by domestic media. Audiences have become numb to it, but some veterans and researchers are not having it.

They thought it was incompetent for Tian Xiaole, a Palme d'Or winner, to write such a low-quality script.

He has repeatedly called on Tian Xiaole to return to the essence of art and stop going astray.

After seeing the news, Tian Xiaole was too lazy to pay attention, but Lao Tian wouldn't stand for it and retorted.

"Some people talk about art, but behind the scenes they only talk about business and make pornographic films with nudity. Don't insult the word 'art'."

After Lao Tian lost his temper, all the old professors fell silent and dared not say another word.

There were a few who wanted to show off their seniority, but after remembering the old lady's presence, they didn't dare to step forward.

They simply can't stand that Tian Xiaole can earn US dollars.

Director Chen went to great lengths to combat piracy, appealing to relevant departments on multiple public occasions to strengthen copyright supervision.

The promotion of "Mei Lanfang" was carried out with great fanfare, and it was announced that the film would be submitted to the Berlin Film Festival for selection.

If Tian Xiaole were to release a trailer for "Pacific Rim," he'd probably steal the spotlight.

For Chen Hong's sake, let's wait until Director Chen's movie is released before going online.

On the 2nd, the premiere of the film "Mei Lanfang" was held in Huairou.

Chen Kaige is one of only two directors in China to win the Palme d'Or. Although "The Promise" has been met with much criticism, his position remains secure.

Almost all the major actors and celebrities in the industry, as well as various film and television media, were present, demonstrating its undeniable appeal.

It recreates two scenes: a hutong in the capital and the Shanghai concessions, demonstrating a considerable scale.

As soon as Tian Xiaole appeared, celebrities came one after another to greet her, and she became a key person to socialize with.

Han Sanping waved to someone in the distance, and the others, seeing that the two big shots were having a conversation, automatically kept their distance.

"Uncle Chen's movie premiere is as extravagant as ever."

Looking at the venue filled with Peking Opera elements, Tian Xiaole joked with a smile.

"These are all minor matters. I hope this film can help him return to his peak. There are too few directors in China who can make commercial films."

Han Sanping said with some melancholy:

"Biographical works are Director Chen's comfort zone; he might achieve good results in Berlin."

Han Sanping nodded noncommittally and said mysteriously, "There will be some special benefits for the release of this movie."

Seeing Tian Xiaole's surprised look, he added, "You don't need this kind of preferential treatment, and it's not worth it."

China Film Group was the largest investor in the film "Mei Lanfang," and Han Sanping was very supportive of Chen Kaige.

On stage, the entire cast appeared in Peking Opera costumes, which was a refreshing sight.

For some reason, Director Chen brought up the controversy surrounding "The Promise".

"It will take some time for the audience to understand [The Promise]."

However, the film "Mei Lanfang" will return to meticulously crafted art, pursuing greatness in the ordinary, hoping that the audience can understand the beauty and cost of Chinese culture through the film..."

Director Chen talked a lot on stage, as if he had a lot to say and couldn't hold it in.

Mei Lanfang's son, Mei Baojiu, presented the production team with a painting titled "Proud Plum Blossoms in Full Bloom," symbolizing the enduring fragrance of plum blossoms and orchids. He then took the microphone and praised the painting:
"During my time with Director Kaige, his pursuit of cinematic art made me feel his great soul..."

······
On stage, the two pretentious individuals engaged in a back-and-forth exchange, making it less boring.

The premiere did not screen the full film, but rather showed some clips, and ended with Li Min and Zhang Ziyi singing the theme song together.

The pyrotechnics team, hired at great expense, began to ignite the fireworks specially designed for the film.

The premiere concluded perfectly.

The news the next day was all about the premiere of "Mei Lanfang".

Chen Kaige is returning to biographical works, and despite the criticism from the audience, they still have high expectations for him.

Hopefully, he can return to the level of a Palme d'Or-winning director.

On the 4th, starting at 18 PM, "Mei Lanfang" began showing in major cinemas.

The results from 6 hours earlier will be counted in the opening day box office on the 5th.

"This is what they call preferential treatment? Then we'd rather not have it!"

Upon seeing the news, Tian Xiaole shook his head speechlessly and continued to keep an eye on the setup work for the premiere.

Han Sanping is right when he said that a successful premiere is also part of the film's promotion.

Unlike Tian Xiaole, others outside the public did not have an indifferent attitude towards Chen Kaige's behavior.

There are quite a few directors who have opinions, and they are all directors of art films, such as Wang Xiaoshuai and Jia Zhangke.

The difference was evident in the treatment received; with the release of "Mei Lanfang," major cinema chains prioritized its screenings, giving it the same prestige as commercial films.

The number of copies was even more extravagant, with 1400 copies made in total, including both digital and film copies.

It surpassed the number of films in "Red Cliff Part I", setting a new record for Chinese-language films.

首日票房不复众望，4号6小时拿到了500万，5号报收1000万，合计拿到1500万。

Its overseas performance was average, but it still surpassed the performance of most commercial films.

"Mei Lanfang" has once again set a new record for the highest opening day box office for an art film in China.

Wang Xiaoshuai, Jia Zhangke, and others shut up. Their film's box office revenue wasn't even as high as the other film's six-hour runtime. How could they have the nerve to speak?

·······
Lionsgate sent an email stating that the success of "Infiltrator" made them even more eager to acquire the exclusive rights to the sequel.

Tian Xiaole's reply to them was simple: they wanted to see "Pacific Rim" promoted and distributed globally according to Hollywood A-list project standards.

Send them the first trailer so they can generate buzz in North America.

Shortly after sending the email, I received a reply from Lionsgate, sent personally by Mike Byrne.

"Oh my god, this level of special effects is on par with many Hollywood blockbusters. Lionsgate is even more confident about the release of this film."

"Mr. Bourne, you've secured the rights to the sequel to 'Insidious,' and all that's left is to sign the final papers."

Tian Xiaole had to remind capitalists from time to time not to cut corners, since they were only in it for the money.

(End of this chapter)