Huayu: A Commercial Director

Chapter 208 Who Reviewed It?

"I always feel like Chen Shou is implying something in his words."

"It wasn't just a veiled criticism; it was practically saying that while others could use public relations to influence judges for certain awards, he couldn't."

"Can this still happen?"

"Two Oscar nominations, even if those people are dissatisfied, there's nothing they can do. If they could win, that would be even more amazing. It's a pity it's a foreign language film."

"Nonsense, can a film that isn't a foreign language film even compete for an Oscar? If it's a film from mainland China, it can only compete for the foreign language film award."

"If we win it, it will be the only Oscar in China, and we won't need to give face to certain people anymore."

"They're still too young."

This interview with Chen Shouzhe on the internet has been interpreted by many people, and it is clear that Chen Shouzhe will not participate in domestic award competitions.

When "Mojin: The Lost Legend" was taken off the screens, the other three movies released at the same time, "The Great Wall," "Mojin: The Lost Legend," and "See You Tomorrow," were in the worst situation. "See You Tomorrow" had boasted about having no upper limit on its investment during filming, which was incredibly arrogant.

The result was an investment of 400 million, a star-studded cast including various celebrities and directors from Hong Kong, and it was estimated that it would need 1 billion in box office revenue to break even.

Before its release, the film boasted a box office of 3 billion yuan, but it fizzled out on the fourth day of release, followed by a barrage of criticism.

In the end, the film only grossed a little over 400 million yuan, and after splitting the profits, the company only received 100 million yuan, resulting in a loss of 300 million yuan.

Although they didn't lose as much as Great Wall, Great Wall had other companies to bail them out, while China Film and Le's only lost a little.

The Legend of the Dragon naturally made a fortune, leaving other companies envious but helpless.

Other film and television companies could only watch helplessly as Chen Shou made money, and there was nothing they could do about it. There must be quite a few people who wanted to get on board.

And we've already received the news.

[The film studio appears to have submitted a movie script.]

A rumor is circulating among major film and television companies that Chen Shou has already begun preparing for next year's film.

All of Chen Shou's movies for next year include A Chinese Ghost Story III, Huang Bo's racing movie, Wu Jing's second movie, Wu Ershan's Ghost Blows Out the Light series, Stephen Chow's Mermaid, and Yang Mi's Seattle movie.

There are already six films scheduled for next year, and with the films Chen Shou is making himself, at his pace, he's estimated to be making two more films.

This means that the situation next year will be even more difficult, and the film and television industry is already on edge, preparing for a tough battle.

Some people started suggesting to the higher-ups that all the films produced by the studio be placed together with foreign films, let them compete, and leave the remaining slots for them.

Their idea was good, but how could the higher-ups possibly agree to it? Was that fair to Chen Shouzhe?
Besides, with those movies, not to mention the quality, if they can't even produce anything worthwhile, is it because Earth's gravity isn't strong enough?

Unreasonable requests are rejected without hesitation, and one might even be verbally abused.

Meanwhile, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television is struggling with the decision of whether to accept the scripts submitted by film companies.

"We can't let them pass."

"Why can't we let it pass?"

"The scene is bloody and involves other countries, which will cause disputes."

"What dispute? It was already resolved back then."

“He has a lot of influence now, and if it is really made into a film, it will give the West an excuse.”

"Heh, I think that's just your excuse. It was a righteous act from the start. How can we let those who killed us get away with it?"

"The scene is bloody, involves foreign countries, and violates national principles; I will not approve it."

"Chen Shouzhe went to the Golden Shield Museum for a whole week. Did you all think that this movie was Chen Shouzhe's idea to make?"

"You mean, the movie was commissioned by Golden Shield?"

"What else do you think? Why would he risk making a patriotic film? Taking Tiger Mountain was made because of Director Huang of the August First Film Studio. This one is probably required by higher-ups for propaganda purposes. Are you going to censor it? It would be better if he just honestly made a science fiction film. Why go through all this trouble for censorship?"

Upon hearing this, the old men present did not look too happy. They were all in their sixties or seventies and had long since retired, but they were unwilling to give up. The only opportunity they could make things difficult for Chen Shou was when reviewing his films.

Now that Chen Shouzhe is becoming increasingly powerful, they are becoming increasingly helpless. If it weren't for Jin Dun's involvement, they would have rejected it long ago. Since Chen Shouzhe submitted the script, they have held numerous meetings to discuss its issues.

I've already watched it several times and picked out a few flaws.

The person who refuted their claims was from Xi'an Film Studio, and was once a production manager there. He is now in his fifties.

The auditors were mostly from state-owned enterprises. Zuo Shandiao (a notorious bandit leader) originally had a chance to get in, but he was blocked by this group of people. They didn't want anyone to come in and share the pie with them. Besides, Zuo Shandiao was too domineering, and they couldn't outmaneuver him, so they simply kept him out.

"I proposed that it be approved, but I don't want to be approached by the Golden Shield Film Studio, or even by higher-ups. If the higher-ups all agreed to this, you should all be retired by now," the production director of Xi'an Film Studio said with a smile.

The other old men looked very grim. Yes, if it really was approved by the higher-ups, could they possibly stop it?

They won't even be able to get past Director Tong's hurdle, so how dare they obstruct the main theme?

"I agree to the trial!"

An old man conceded.

"you……"

"I agree."

“You…” Lu Taro’s father looked at these people in disbelief.

The director of Xi'an Film Studio smiled. This film had a share from Xi'an Film Studio. When Xi'an Film Studio contacted him a few days ago, he knew he would have to put in some effort. After all, Chen Shou was one of their own.

They are children of the Northwest, and have always taken care of their hometown and helped it earn money. How could we not help them?

Once the film's approval documents are finalized, the official announcement from the Film Bureau will naturally follow.

[Film Bureau Announcement: The film script "Operation in Northern Myanmar," submitted by Shouzhe Pictures, has passed script review and is permitted for filming. This film is a patriotic commercial film that tells the story of the hostage massacre that occurred in northern Myanmar six years ago...]

This announcement was quickly reposted by the media, and people in the film and television industry were shocked when they saw the name.

The tragedy six years ago shocked the entire nation and is a sensitive topic everywhere. I never expected that Chen Shouzhe would actually make it into a movie.

As Chen Shou's second patriotic film, all production companies and talent agencies immediately sprang into action.

Good project.

It's safe to say this is one of the best projects next year. It's an opportunity to connect with higher-ups. This film is clearly commissioned by higher-ups, and it's a collaboration between Shouying Film Studio and Golden Shield.

"Chairman Wang, why don't you go there yourself?"

"Yes, I'll go myself."

“Mani, go ask Director Chen. Emperor Entertainment is willing to pay a premium.”

"Mainstream films, Mr. Wang, strive for a larger share, preferably over 30%."

"Chairman Ren, why are you so happy?"

"It's this movie. Chen Shouzhe and I chatted at the premiere not long ago and he invited me to participate. Luckily, I bought a ticket back then."

"We need to strive for more this time; we can't let China Film Group suppress us."

"Thank you."

"It's alright, we're family."

"Then you can come over tomorrow to talk."

"it is good."

Chen hung up the phone just as he was doing so; the screen showed the caller ID was from the Northwest.

"As expected, they were trying to trip me up. Luckily, I found someone." The phone call had barely ended when another call came in.

"Giving you a chance is useless. If I don't make you feel the pain, you'll really think I'm easy to bully."

(End of this chapter)