The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 138: A heavily modified version of "Lost in Thailand," imitating the story.
There were quite a few people in Shen Shandeng's office.

The whiteboard lists keywords such as "Spring Festival travel rush", "going home", "boss and milkmaid", "contrast", and "funny".

"Travel Surprise" is the same as "Lost in Thailand". Internally, we still use this name, but externally we use a pseudonym for the film's publicity and marketing considerations.

Shen Shandeng wanted to do comedy because he had projects at hand, and when it came to copying, he didn't hesitate to do so.

In this day and age, comedy is indeed profitable, and audiences need it.

Zhao Benshan put it well: ordinary people just want to have some fun.

Whether it's the record-breaking "Lost in Thailand" or the success of Benshan Grand Stage and Deyun Club, it's clear that the comedy market is not just big, it's extremely big.

Since there is a market, Shen Shandeng is going to do it.

If we're talking about any deep-seated considerations, then Shen Shandeng had a vague idea in his mind: to use the comedy film to break free from dependence on external funding.

Shen Shandeng always felt a sense of crisis and was constantly thinking about how to escape.

Two or three years later, domestic film and entertainment capital emerged from the darkness, and foreign hot money poured in. If Shen Shandeng wanted to do something of his own, he certainly wouldn't be short of money.

Shen Shandeng's plan for the "Lost in Thailand" project was to finish filming during the Lunar New Year and then release it during the summer of next year.

Regarding the box office target, Shen Shandeng is not aiming too high. Breaking 100 million is a great success for him.

In addition to historical action series, there will be another money-making genre.

Facing various parties, whether it's China Film Group, Bona Film Group, Enlight Media, or Huayi Brothers, the initiative will be further enhanced.

The door wasn't closed properly.

Ma Youde could hear the conversation coming from inside.

Shen Shandeng's secretary reminded him, "Director Shen is holding a script launch meeting for 'The Journey,' and he takes it very seriously."

Ma Youde noticed this and gestured for him not to disturb them. He glanced around curiously and saw several young people in their twenties and thirties sitting in the conference room.

Ma Youde didn't recognize those faces; he only knew they were comedic talents the boss had recently found in the small theater.

Compared to the so-called "veteran screenwriters" in the industry, this lineup is incredibly inexperienced.

Shen Shandeng sat in the main seat, clearly listening to the creative ideas of the people around him.

Ma Youde stood outside the door, watching his boss, who used to be so assertive and decisive in every decision, now calmly focusing on his creative work.

After breaking the seemingly insurmountable record of "Titanic" and becoming the number one film in Chinese film history, "The Eunuch" has set a new record again, with box office revenue exceeding 400 million yuan!

With the Lunar New Year box office battle in full swing, both "The Warlords" and "Assembly" projects want to invite Shen Shandeng to participate in promotional activities.

Various interviews, magazines, clubs, cocktail parties, salons, and various seminars organized by the Film Bureau.

Overt and covert, vegetarian and non-vegetarian, patterned and plain.
Invitations of all kinds came in droves.

Not to mention the initiative gained by dismantling the "Creating a Sin" project, and the grudges and feuds with John Woo and Chen Kexin that had been formed before.

Any other director would probably be floating on air right now, basking in endless praise and celebration.

But what about Shen Shandeng?
Almost shedding the immense halo and clamor brought by "The Eunuch," she is like a calm hunter.

It combines historical action series with down-to-earth comedy, and is deployed on multiple fronts.

Each type has a frighteningly clear market positioning.

Ma Youde then reflected on his recent feelings of smugness; after all, he was now "Boss Ma," and he was somewhat self-satisfied.

I just feel that my skills are not up to par and I need to continue to learn from my boss.

The slight sense of pride that welled up inside me was utterly ridiculous.

Shen Shandeng's focus is not just on a movie, nor on a project.

Otherwise, they wouldn't have given him, Zhou Qifeng, Wu Jing, and even the screenwriters of stage plays and TV dramas in the room so many opportunities.

Shen Shandeng continued his relentless pursuit of building a massive, self-contained business company.

Ma Youde felt a sense of crisis. Could he keep up with his boss?

Zhou Qifeng is, after all, a graduate student and a top student; he deserves the extra credit for loyalty.

Ma Youde quietly took a few steps back, took a deep breath, found a place to sit down, and suppressed the restlessness in his heart.

Inside the office.

Shen Shandeng communicated with six screenwriters.

Pay close attention to Yan Fei and Peng Damo, who will later co-direct "Goodbye Mr. Loser," as well as Yu Baimei, Deng Chao's future golden partner, who is now writing TV scripts.

"Director Shen, I feel that the scene at the train station during the Spring Festival travel rush shouldn't just be about chaos, noise, and crowding."

Yan Fei spoke cautiously: "When I go home for the Chinese New Year, I always look forward to seeing my parents."

Peng Damo chimed in, "I think that during the Spring Festival travel rush, everyone is a migrant worker who has worked hard all year, carrying their hard-earned money and heavy bags. No matter how crowded it is, their hearts are warm! They all want to go home to see their wives and children!"

Upon hearing this, Shen Shandeng was very satisfied, as he had the same idea.

The reason he rewrote the script for "Lost in Thailand" was that he saw problems with the original version.

Although "The Eunuch" ultimately did not pursue awards, Shen Shandeng experienced everything he needed to.

They didn't suffer the hardships of trying to win awards, but they enjoyed all the benefits they were entitled to.

The original "Lost in Thailand" was indeed quite good for its time, but it cannot be denied that it did have an "other's" perspective.

To ensure that the filming of Shen Shandeng's version could be completed two years earlier and that the box office revenue surpassed the original, exceeding 100 million, he needed to avoid the deliberate or unintentional "other's" perspective found in the original.

Remove the sense of detachment from coldly observing the plight of Chinese people during the Spring Festival travel rush.

Shen Shandeng admitted the shortcomings of his original script: "When I wrote this script, I didn't think it through very comprehensively. I came to you guys because I wanted to write an immersive, funny, Chinese-style story about going home."

"What I want first and foremost are jokes, which I need you to polish. Also, these jokes need to be made with goodwill and understanding, and can even be self-deprecating, but not sarcastic."

Shen Shandeng spoke in a calm tone.

Those who engage in creative work must be able to create.

Comedy must make people happy.

Unlike commercial blockbusters, Shen Shandeng only has a grasp of the script's integrity and the narrative and main plot.

The essential elements of comedy films – laughs and jokes – are Shen Shandeng's weakness, and he needs the help of the screenwriters in front of him to make up for it.

Seeing that Shen Shandeng had no airs of a newly minted commercial director, Yan Fei and the others quickly lost their initial restraint and immersed themselves in the creative process.

They originally thought that they were just making minor adjustments according to Shen Shandeng's wishes, but they didn't expect that Shen Shandeng would really let them have their own ideas and even reject the plot points he wrote.

Yu Baimei felt this most deeply.

He is somewhat famous in the TV drama industry, but the higher the threshold for film, the more experienced people in the industry understand this.

Shen Shandeng not only gave them opportunities and offered extremely generous compensation, but more importantly, he showed them equality and respect based on professionalism.

Shen Shandeng put forward his requirements: "I am in charge of the overall project. This play is about the clash between two people with different identities, but I would prefer it to be white-collar workers and blue-collar workers, rather than elites and grassroots."

"Road comedies are not uncommon in countries where the film industry is more developed. The inspiration for my film came from the American movie 'The Road Trip'."

"There's nothing shameful about 'crossing the river by feeling for the stones.' 'Crazy Stone' was also made by feeling for Guy Ritchie. The main question is whether we can make it work and produce our own film."

Shen Shandeng looked around and noticed their nervousness, offering them encouragement.

He gave his assurance: "I am not one to enjoy glory alone. I am happy to share the benefits and glory of 'The Eunuch,' and I will do the same if the play is successful." "As long as someone is involved in the scriptwriting, even if it is just one page, I will put their name on it."

Everyone was breathing rapidly.

In recent years, the status of screenwriters has been declining year by year, with many directors simply using their own names when they have an idea.

Shen Shandeng nodded secretly as he observed the reactions of the crowd, disdaining to take credit for others' work.

He wouldn't do something like dragging someone out for seven or eight days, having them fill in the jokes, and then kicking them out.

It's not much money, there's no need to ruin your reputation.

Shen Shandeng subconsciously painted a picture of a bright future, something he doesn't even realize he's doing now: "You might be wondering why I'm approaching you? In my opinion, when it comes to comedy, the generation of Wang Shuo and Feng Xiaogang is passing by."

"Director Feng is slightly better, but Wang Shuo's era is definitely over."

"The future of comedy films belongs to young comedians; you are more in line with the tastes of young audiences."

"I'm currently short of people in various ways. Those who perform well could become screenwriters, directors, or producers in the future. I have many opportunities for you to showcase your talents."

Before he finished speaking, applause erupted in the room.

Everyone wished they had more hands, overwhelmed with excitement, their hearts filled with unwavering loyalty.

Shen Shandeng's awarding of a multi-million dollar bonus to the "Du Gong" team proves that he is indeed happy to share the glory.

The exorbitant script fees offered for the "Governor" film series were something they had never heard of before.

This good thing actually happened to them!
How could I not be excited!
After the meeting ended, Shen Shandeng stood up, patted Yu Baimei on the shoulder, and nodded to Yan Fei, Peng Damo, and others, saying, "You can work on the details yourself. I trust your judgment. What I want is a movie that can make people laugh until they cry, a simple road comedy that resonates with the emotions of our people."

Everyone left with excitement on their faces.

After finishing the launch meeting for "Lost in Thailand", Shen Shandeng organized the documents and went to the next meeting.

The scriptwriting for "Jiajing" has reached a crucial stage.

Seeing that Shen Shandeng's meeting was ending, Ma Youde sprang up like a spring and came over in a flash.

Upon hearing his secretary remind him that General Manager Ma had arrived, Shen Shandeng walked to the whiteboard, picked up a pen, wrote the character "囧" (jiong), and drew a circle around it.

"Youde, the publicity and distribution of 'Lost in Thailand' can be planned in advance."

Shen Shandeng highlighted the character "囧".

"The reason I used a pseudonym to lead the project was because of this word."

Shen Shandeng pointed to the character "囧" with his fingertip and said, "This character is inherently dramatic; it evokes vivid images and emotional tension."

Ma Youde quickly got into the zone; the boss is indeed the boss!

Marco Müller and Paperclip are now nothing more than defeated generals, meat on a chopping board, how they are cut and how much is cut depends entirely on the boss's mood.

What's more important right now is "Lost in Thailand," whose direction has just been set.

The fact that the boss specifically called the main creative team to his office for a script launch meeting shows how much importance he attaches to this project.

Ma Youde immediately followed up: "Boss, do you mean to hype up this word before the movie is even released?"

Shen Shandeng nodded and said, “Let’s give it new cultural connotations. The original meaning of 囧 is light, but the shape of the character represents depression, sadness, helplessness, and embarrassment, which naturally creates a contrast. We need to inject something new into it: optimism, humor, self-deprecation, a kind of vitality that is unique to Chinese people, a vitality of life and humor.”

Shen Shandeng briefly outlined the marketing strategy: "Find a few influential online communities, such as Tianya and Tieba, and guide netizens to use the character '囧' to make sentences and share their own '囧' experiences to start a topic."

"Let '囧' become a cultural symbol, a buzzword. When the film enters post-production, we'll push it further, ideally involving celebrities, and create a '囧' challenge."

"Don't be deliberate; let it be subtle and gradual, so that when the audience sees the title, they smile knowingly and naturally feel a sense of closeness. This is much more effective than blatant advertising."

Ma Youde was deeply moved.

This kind of operation is a game-changer in today's film and television promotion.

While others haven't even figured out how to conduct a roadshow, the boss has already moved on to more sophisticated marketing.

Although Ma Youde didn't understand that this was cultural implantation and emotional marketing, he obeyed.

He immediately replied, "Understood! I'll arrange for people to take care of it right away, and I guarantee that the character '囧' will become a hit before the movie is even released!"

After the business was over, Ma Youde leaned forward and whispered, "Boss, Muller called again, using the same old excuse, trying to push your conversation with Paperclip forward."

"His idea is to avoid 'The Creation of Evil' and only talk about 'The Hidden Dragon and the Hidden Tiger,' letting the traitorous Chinese paperclip add bricks and tiles to your narrative."

"The cultural specialists from Da Piao Liang mean to use this opportunity to connect with you; they're really desperate."

Shen Shandeng walked to the window, a faint smile playing on his lips. The results of "The Eunuch" were too outrageous; even Shen Shandeng hadn't expected it, let alone the parties involved.

Given the current success of "The Eunuch," Shen Shandeng has no interest in even if the three major European films and the Oscars were offered to him.

He's not the kind of person who would have a mental breakdown if he wasn't included in the "civilized world."

As for paperclips, Shen Shandeng felt they were already too far removed from his life.

Judging from its subsequent development, "The Sin" ruined itself, with only one film doing reasonably well at the box office.

Shen Shandeng didn't rush to make a decision, and looked at Ma Youde: "Youde, what do you think I should do?"

Ma Youde said solemnly, "The success of 'The Grand Eunuch' was a calculated move, using force to intimidate others. I think we should crush them with a righteous and overwhelming force."

Shen Shandeng nodded at him helplessly: "It's still my old method."

Ma Youde chuckled: "Doesn't this prove that the boss's approach is correct? It's still effective even now."

Shen Shandeng laughed and said, "Stop joking."

Ma Youde quickly said, "Didn't the boss ask me to study Han Han's team's marketing cases? I think we should follow Han Han and Wang Shuo's approach this year."

"Han Han's publisher, Lu Jinbo, orchestrated the publication of Wang Shuo's 'A Thousand Years of Cold,' a marketing campaign that 'cherished heroes,' which directly boosted Han Han's status, becoming a 'legend' in the literary world. We can take this a step further."

Shen Shandeng nodded.

Han Han's marketing was indeed successful; it wasn't just brilliant at this time, but his future film marketing will be even more brilliant.

Looking at Han Han's career trajectory, his relationship with Guo Jingming was initially one of love and hate.

The mid-term Han-Bai debate forced Bai Ye to shut down his blog, devastated the traditional literary world, and even had a flavor of devastating the Beijing literary circle.

And now, through the team's efforts, they've got Wang Shuo, a former bigwig in Beijing's cultural circles, to elevate Han Han's status.

Looking back, Guo Jingming could no longer see Han Han's exhaust fumes.

The ingenious operation, step by step, is truly breathtaking.

First, they partnered with Guo Jingming, who has talent but no background; then they crushed Bai Ye, who looks sophisticated but is actually a pushover; and finally, they got Wang Shuo, who has status but currently lacks talent and fame, to lend a hand.

With three consecutive leaps, Han Han has successfully navigated the cultural sphere, gaining fame, prestige, and substantial benefits.

The price was a bit too high. Those who wanted to promote Jiang Sheng in the future would find that their path had been blocked by their predecessor.

A shrewd calculation flashed in Ma Youde's eyes: "The boss has completely ruined 'The Creation,' and Paperclip's reputation here has plummeted, but his empty title of 'international art director' is still there."

"It would be better to let him publicly express his appreciation, saying something like 'a new hope for Chinese-language films' or 'a groundbreaking fusion of genres'."

"By taking advantage of this situation, we can use his last remaining influence to establish the boss's voice in the so-called 'art field' and shut those old-fashioned academics up their noses!"

The more Ma Youde talked about it, the more he felt that the plan was brilliant.

However, Shen Shandeng slowly shook his head.

(End of this chapter)