The only sun in Huayu

The promotional campaign for "Nanjing" was immediately launched in full swing.

The poster bears the four large characters, "Nanjing! Nanjing!", which seem to weep in blood.

Below are the smoke-filled ruins and horrified, desperate faces.

The promotional slogans blend art and commerce, emphasizing a deep connection to history.

"An epic of war," "A young team handling a weighty historical subject," "Resistance rather than victimization," and "A Japanese soldier's questioning of humanity."

Lu Chuan was immersed in immense excitement and anticipation.

He personally participated in the selection of test screening theaters and the drafting of the guest list, insisting on inviting a group of influential film critics, scholars and media.

He especially wants to push for the release of the Japanese version of the novel!
He repeatedly rehearsed in his mind the scene where the audience would be captivated by his "artistic sublimation," especially the ending where Kadokawa picks up the camera.

His idea is absolutely amazing!
The indelible historical scars represent a poignant connection and inherent fame; let's elevate them through an artistic lens from a Chinese perspective.

The difficult memories of history and the unique narrative of a young director are sure to create a classic.

Perfect.

Lu Chuan, a representative director of the new generation, absorbed and drew inspiration from "Schindler's List," the most successful Western film reflecting on World War II, and transformed it into the highest level of cinematic art in the East.

This will hold a very high position not only in Asia, but also in the history of major films and the international art scene around the world.

On the most prominent stage, the second main battlefield, the massacre, an ultimate scene imbued with divinity and epic grandeur.

What is history, divinity, and epic when these three are put together?
It's "Investiture of the Gods"!
Lu Chuan wants to create a legend in the field of serious historical films, in black and white.

Through this film, history became known to more people, he became a leading director, and the film company reaped profits.

Triple win!

Ultimately, the authorities will acknowledge that this was a commemoration achieved through film.

He firmly believed that this stroke of genius would silence all the doubters and propel him to the pinnacle of his artistic career.

Lu Chuan had even decided that she definitely wouldn't thank Shen Shandeng for his valuable advice in her acceptance speech.

Of all the factors that contributed to his success, Shen Shandeng was the least important.

Throughout the entire publicity campaign, he made no mention whatsoever of Shen Shandeng's help!
This was his own idea!
Perhaps when he succeeds, he will talk about how he persisted in the art of filmmaking even after the master tapes were taken away.

He fought to the very end in front of Shen Shandeng's windmill!
Lu Chuan was daydreaming and finalizing the test screening date when Tan Hong called Shen Shandeng: "Director Shen, 'Nanjing' is having a test screening, are you free?"

If Lu Chuan didn't invite him, he couldn't refuse.

In addition to being known as "Shandong's Living Song Jiang" and "Timely Rain of the Entertainment Industry," Shen Shandeng is also known as "Underground Chairman of China Film Group."

There are only wrong names, no wrong nicknames.

Lu Chuan may not understand the gravity of the situation, but how could Tan Hong not?
In the world of film, no one can ignore Shen Shandeng.

"Okay, I'll go."

Shen Shandeng checked the time; it was the eighth day of the month, so arrangements could be made.

The main concern was that the audience might have objections, and it wouldn't be good if Lu Chuan backed out, so she agreed.

After the fifth day of the lunar new year.

Shen Shandeng returned to Beijing to work.

The festive atmosphere of the New Year has not completely dissipated, and many people are still immersed in the lingering charm of visiting relatives and friends.

On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Shen Shandeng appeared in a brand-new Grade A office building.

In the new year, Peak Pictures has undergone a complete overhaul.

It's no longer that small company crammed into half a floor; it has now booked an entire floor of the building.

The windows are bright and clean, and the view is expansive.

The brand-new logo wall gleamed under the lights, exuding an aura of ambition and progress.

Shen Shandeng stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the city gradually awakening below, feeling an urge to have it all under control.

Then immediately put your mind at ease.

This is Beijing, after all, and it's a bit of a tourist trap.

However, Shen Shandeng was thinking that once he had more funds, he would have to acquire land and build a building himself.

It's not just about the storefront; it's also a sure-fire way to make money.

Many companies in later generations lost money in their main business, but still made a profit by selling their buildings.

In the future, the rent alone will be enough to support half of the company.

"Good morning, Mr. Shen."

Lin Yueru knocked on the door and came in, dressed in a smart business suit and looking radiant.

She placed a beautifully bound report directly on Shen Shandeng's desk.

"Mr. Shen, this is my analysis report on the domestic film terminal market last year, as well as some preliminary thoughts on the future development direction of Dengfeng."

Lin Yueru had waited a long time for this day; only after securing the position of vice president could she bring it up.

“I believe we must seriously consider extending downstream in the industry chain and establishing our own cinema chain.” Lin Yueru analyzed clearly: “Currently, our content production capabilities have been validated by the market, but the box office revenue we share with cinemas is still largely dependent on the cinemas’ scheduling.”

"If we can control a portion of the terminals, we can not only gain more say in scheduling, but also share in non-box office revenue, building a more solid moat."

"This is a key step in strengthening our position in the industry."

Shen Shandeng was very tempted by these words.

The cinema business will be profitable for the next ten years.

Shen Shandeng picked up the report and quickly flipped through it.

Lin Yueru's data was detailed and her arguments were compelling, and he nodded frequently as he read it.

Even from the perspective of company development, controlling distribution channels is one of the ultimate dreams of content providers.

But after closing the report, Shen Shandeng pondered for a moment and then shook his head.

Right now, the focus is still on film production, and stability is the priority.

"Yueru, your judgment is spot on. Cinemas are definitely a battleground for the future. I'll keep the report for now."

Shen Shandeng pointed to his head, "But right now, our core focus must still be on content creation. Expanding too quickly will make our foundation unstable."

"Theatrical production involves huge investments and has a long payback period, so we should prioritize stability and first solidify our advantages in production."

Although Lin Yueru was somewhat disappointed, she understood her boss's caution and nodded in agreement.

Ma Youde came in.

Shen Shandeng talked to the two about the project plans for the new year.

"This year's highlights are '14 Blades' and 'The Eunuch 2'."

"Don't rush the filming of 'The Embroidered Uniform Guard,' and 'The Eunuch 2' must also be of the highest quality, especially the large-scale scenes and special effects. We need to leave enough time for post-production. I want the special effects to be stunning!"

"In addition, the brand of 'Lost in Thailand' cannot be allowed to die out. The script for the second film is almost finished, and we can start preparing for it."

Shen Shandeng directly copied "Breakup Buddies".

“I will grasp the core of the story, and then I will add a producer and let Xu Zheng be the first assistant director. He will do the actual directing work, which is a way of training him.”

Shen Shandeng still chose to be credited as the director himself.

It wasn't that Shen Shandeng was stingy, but rather that he wanted to adapt to local customs.

Traditional social circles emphasize seniority and interpersonal relationships.

For someone like Xu Guangtou, who is talented but also has his own agenda, favors shouldn't be given too easily.

If we don't put in more tests and make Xu Guangtou put in more effort, he won't appreciate it. Instead, he'll become suspicious and think we have ulterior motives.

Of course, promoting Xu Guangtou too easily could also make other veterans in the industry feel unbalanced and create unnecessary enemies.

It sounds ridiculous, but that's really how this industry is.

To reiterate, this circle isn't feudal; feudalism would be considered good.

Shen Shandeng did not want to be too unconventional.

After all, people like Wu Jing and Zhou Qifeng, who are not just ordinary people, but people with pure hearts and who know how to be grateful, are a minority.

Shen Shandeng did not say it explicitly, but Lin Yueru suddenly realized and pondered Shen Shandeng's intention.

Ma Youde had already taken out his notebook and written it down.

The boss's insightful observations are worth pondering repeatedly!

Lin Yueru's arrival earlier had made him feel threatened.

As Lin Yueru left, Ma Youde hurriedly said, "Boss, Mr. Yu from Bona sent a message through someone, saying that they feel they have limited resources to contribute to the 'Jinyiwei' and 'Dugong 2' projects."

"In order to make the project progress more smoothly, they are willing to give up 10% of their investment share."

"Oh, this, this, this." Shen Shandeng feigned reluctance, "I still need to talk to President Yu about having a meal together sometime."

Shen Shandeng was not surprised by this.

After the huge success of "Jiajing", more and more people believed in the grand promises he made before the new year, such as "three immortalities" and "a market of hundreds of billions".

Capital is the most pragmatic thing; the situation is no longer the same as before when he begged others for investment.

Instead, people started scrambling to give him money, finding all sorts of ways to do so.

After finishing the important matter, Ma Youde added, "Boss, Marco Müller himself came over for the short film 'Hit a Big Watermelon'."

Shen Shandeng was somewhat surprised by this: "Old Ma is being a bit too polite."

Ma Youde said, "He means that he wants to invite your new film to participate in the festival. Cannes has also sent an invitation, but it is the Asian selectors."

Shen Shandeng calculated the time: "We might not be able to make it to Cannes, but we can let them see the sample films."

Since he was going to film "No Man's Land", Shen Shandeng had no intention of hiding it.

If European film festivals dare to accept his heavily modified version, Shen Shandeng will respect them as true men. (End of Chapter)