Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 143 Kill them quickly!
"Director Cao, the attacks on the film have suddenly increased."

When the Olympic bidder noticed the large-scale media involvement, they specifically called Cao Zhong to remind him.

The attacks received before the film surpassed 100 million views are completely different from the attacks received after "10,000 BC" was specifically mentioned.

The massive criticism also had a negative impact on the box office.
On weekdays, box office revenue drops significantly.

On April 1st, the box office of "Disqualified Daughter" fell below ten million.

Although this aligns with the box office curve for the less popular March and April release periods, it's hard for Shen Ao not to suspect that this is related to those public opinions.

In terms of attack tactics, the media deliberately omitted discussing the events of 10,000 BC and instead attacked Yan Ni's whistleblowing actions in the film.

The practice of using white coats to isolate or even remove patients has been distorted into an attack on the system by the film's content!
Southern Media Group and other media outlets suddenly changed their stance and sided with the "system" they disliked.

Shen Ao's previous humility was interpreted by the media as an attempt to create an atmosphere of strategic retreat, and he was attacked for knowingly refusing to correct the problems in the film, which was deemed arrogant.

As for the story, there has been a sudden increase in news and film reviews criticizing the jokes as not being funny enough, the tragedies as not being tragic enough, and the plot as disjointed.

Related news media are also evolving, saying that Shen Ao has learned Cao Zhong's tactic of labeling people. Whenever someone says a movie is not good, they will label the media as lacking fatherly love, preparing to put both Cao Zhong and Shen Ao in a difficult position.

Cao Zhong was delighted upon hearing this.

The media's ability to distort the truth is truly impressive.

How do you plan to deal with this?

Cao Zhong asked about the Olympic bid.

“In the future, we will definitely be making works of even higher quality.” Shen Ao narrowed his eyes. “But this time, I’m going to put a lot of effort into ‘Left Right’.”

"How to say?"

"The media that have been attacking 'Disqualified Daughter' these past few days are simultaneously supporting 'Left Right.' Directors Left and Right have also given interviews to some media outlets these past few days, criticizing Director Cao's triple structure theory."

They used the idea that fate is paramount and sometimes requires sacrifice to explain Director Cao's earlier questioning of their distorted and pure maternal love.

The film emphasizes the cleanliness, purity, and human confusion characteristic of art films.
The film portrays the inherent human dilemmas faced by middle-aged men, focusing solely on their struggles with infidelity, without delving into the topic of being cuckolded.
He also claimed that he chose to walk a calm and solitary path on the road of blockbusters, which is not about being flashy, gorgeous, or fast-paced, and to use humanity and dramatic tension to explore whether to go left or right, and then to express goodness.

They also said that the stepfather's love in "Left Right" who can tolerate being cuckolded is greater than the sacrificial love in "Disqualified Daughter," and it is a great love for both families.

He also said that if the film doesn't do well at the box office, he will retire from filmmaking.

Shen Ao smiled.
"I felt this was a fallacy, so I made some preparations."

"Tell me your specific thoughts."

"I hope Director Cao can step in and help me arrange an art exchange with the two directors. I have made a lot of preparations, and I believe I can win the debate."

They are very confident in their Olympic bid.

“Don’t try to win through debate,” Cao Zhong shook his head. “You’ll only fall into the trap your opponent has prepared for you.”

"But I'm anxious." With box office numbers declining and Cao Zhong rejecting the bid for the Olympics, I was at a loss for what to do.

Cao Zhongdao said, "Don't try to explain or prove yourself. If you want to attack, isn't he trying to spite the audience? Then attack him until he's banned!"

"I don't understand," Shen Ao said, puzzled.

"Watch closely, I'll only teach you once."

Having experienced the repeated attacks on Wu Jing, Shen Ao, and others in his previous life, Cao Zhong knew that he had to be ruthless in dealing with this kind of narrative and public opinion.

Since we are now at odds with the two directors, we must kill them as soon as possible!
Cao Zhong glanced at the news online, pondered for a moment, and soon had a plan in mind.

That night, Shen Ao saw the news and publicity about Cao Zhong leaving the film crew during the day.

"Director Cao, the renowned director Zuo You claims that the human sacrifices endured by the parents in 'Left Right' are more profound than the paternal sacrifices in 'Disqualified Daughter,' and many media outlets have also taken a positive stance. What is your opinion on this?"

Cao Zhong looked at the media with a solemn expression: "I remember that this movie is adapted from a true story, but in my memory, the true story didn't have so much tension; it was pure love."

Then I suspect that perhaps Director Wang himself or those media people who support him have had similar experiences?
If that's the case, I'll support myself with both hands and feet.

The reporters were extremely excited.

"Does Director Cao mean that Director Wang's film deliberately creates an artistic adaptation that portrays morally degrading characters?!"

“If it’s their personal experience, I have nothing to say.”

That night.

Public opinion exploded.

"Director Zuo You's family situation has been exposed; the content of the film 'Left Right' may be based on Director Zuo You's personal experiences!"

Netizens were shocked!

"I understand Director Wang a little now. Did his father make a similar sacrifice? That's truly admirable."

“Is this true or false?”

“I watched Cao Zhong’s interview, and he only had reasonable doubts.”

"If it's true, I express my sympathy and support; if it's false, I have some doubts about the sinister intentions behind Director Zuo You's film."

When I saw the headlines in the news media, I suddenly realized what was going on.

Since they can't prove it themselves, they'll attack!
Because the other party is also unable to prove their own innocence!
……

"Cao Zhong! This is intolerable!"

"These disgusting media outlets, I'm going to make them come after my Green Corpse Cold."

The left and right directors have broken through the defenses!
But Cao Zhong's attack was based on suspicion, and he couldn't do anything about it!
The two directors were so angry that they were speechless!

His family was harmonious, but the media adapted the true story of "Left Right" into a joint adaptation of the true story and his personal events.

numb!

People back home called his relatives to ask when the incident happened and how they didn't know about it.

That night, Director Zuo called his friend, Captain Jia.

"Captain, Cao Zhong's attack is the most vicious personal attack! What should I do?"

Jia, already experienced, patiently said, "Don't argue. If you do, your movie will immediately become a movie that conforms to the structure of moral depravity."

Your dad got criticized online, but at least it doesn't affect you.

If you refute it, it will have a big impact on you!
As time passes, time will smooth everything over.

The two directors' expressions changed drastically.

"But my dad..."

"So, are you choosing your father's reputation or the legitimacy of your film?!"

The two directors hesitated and remained silent.

……

The following day, Cao Zhong continued to give interviews to the media.

"Director Cao, your remarks yesterday have sparked heated discussions in the media. What evidence do you have to support your speculation?!"

What evidence is needed for a guess?

"Isn't your attack a bit too targeted?"

"When did I attack? I only heard rumors that someone supported Director Wang's movie. If there's no real incident, they'll naturally refute me. Explaining is just covering up, and staying silent is admitting it. Do I need to teach you that?!"

The news came out again.

The two directors turned green with rage!

He thought about it yesterday, and realized that posting "Green Corpse Cold" was a bad idea! Posting it would be handing Cao Zhong a knife!
"Do you understand?"

Cao Zhong called the Olympic bid.

"This is called challenging someone to battle; self-proclaimed intellectuals have no shame."

Don't hesitate, attack decisively. It's not the weekend yet, you have plenty of time to attack.

"I'm leaving the future to you. Keep nagging me for three days straight, and on Friday I'll give you a surprise!"

Shen Ao's expression was complicated; his young mind had been greatly impacted!

For three consecutive days, the Olympic bid was bombarded with questions, but neither the left nor the right directors responded.

Despite the public outcry, the box office for "Disqualified Daughter" did not decline significantly again, maintaining a level of eight to nine million per day.

On Friday, Cao Zhong continued to give media interviews.
"The teachers at Beijing Film Academy told me that this was not part of Director Wang's family history, but I find it strange that Director Wang doesn't come out to clarify."
Or is it simply an inability to explain why their artistic adaptations have taken such a bizarre and erotic turn?

If a normal person were subjected to such suspicion, they would have come out to refute it long ago.

I feel sorry for Director Wang. Who spread these rumors?!

Cao Zhong was furious and lost his temper in front of the media!
The news came out,

Netizens were stunned.

"You didn't spread this rumor?!"

"If this wasn't a real experience, why hasn't the director on both sides responded in five days?"

"Could it be that they are deliberately pushing the boundaries of the bizarre and erotic?"

"If someone were to stigmatize parents, I would have already taken my shirt off and fought them! And with the public outcry so huge, don't tell me that the big directors on both sides can't hear it. He just can't explain why he turned a pure story of maternal love into an offensive art film."

“Maybe they’re just being generous and don’t want to respond,” a supporter asked.

"Aren't you generous enough to send your dad out so I can give him a piece of my mind!"

The battle for public opinion instantly became one-sided and suppressed.

Public opinion reversed completely in just five days!
In the past five days, "In Love We Trust" has grossed a total of over 1.1 million yuan at the box office.

With the reversal in public opinion, audiences no longer wanted to watch the movie; they just wanted to hear the responses from the two directors.

Countless reporters began to besiege him and interview him.

Director Zuo You has completely lost his mind! He feels like an idiot.

He's caught in a crossfire!

Captain Jia misled me!
Director Zuo You knew he couldn't turn the tide; no matter how he responded, he couldn't get around the core issue.

Why does a purely news story about maternal love involve a tug-of-war between two families? Why add the bizarre story of repeated IVF failures and the forced physical infidelity? Why not let the original parents divorce? Why include explicit erotic scenes in the movie?

It doesn’t make sense!
Even the best screenwriter can't explain this!
On Saturday, "My Disqualified Daughter" won the battle, with its box office surpassing 10 million again, reaching a total of 1048 million!
"Have you learned it?"

Cao Zhong called Shen Ao and said, "What those media outlets call you doesn't matter. Box office revenue is your achievement, and the big directors on both sides are just stepping stones for you. The so-called Silver Bear Award for Best Screenplay is nothing but your foot bath water."

"Congratulations, you're about to join the 200 million club."

I'm at a loss for words when it comes to bidding for the Olympics.

Two hundred million is inevitable.

And just in these few days.

Although box office revenue declined significantly during this off-peak season, 200 million is definitely a done deal...

He was so excited that he was speechless.

But having enjoyed the Olympic bid, he has no intention of giving the two directors a chance to restore their reputations.

On the fourth day, Shen Ao jokingly remarked to the two directors, "If Director Wang doesn't swallow his pride, he might retire from directing!"

This instantly sparked heated discussions in the media.

This news became the final straw that broke the camel's back for both directors.

At home, the two directors were so angry that they almost fainted.

He really didn't expect it.

His own impulsive words buried him in the process. Cao Zhong dug a hole for him, Jia Zhangke bought him a coffin, and the Olympic bid gave him the last handful of soil to build a grave.

The two directors trembled all over, too ashamed to know what to do.

The more frenzied he was when he won the award, the more destitute he is now.

……

Upon seeing the light, Wang Changtian was so excited that he was speechless.

During this period, while others were attacking Cao Zhong and the Olympic bid, his propaganda channels were working hard to protect Cao Zhong and the Olympic bid.

Regarding Cao Zhong's project
He paid a 1.5 times premium just to hitch a ride.

But unexpectedly, even a newcomer like Shen Ou could achieve such results. The box office is about to reach 200 million!
This is not just making money, it's making a fortune!
Given the cost of this film, Wang Changtian achieved his profit target for six months, or even eight months, with just this one film!
"Director Cao, Director Shen, if you need any publicity from Guangming, or if you need my help, please call me anytime."

Wang Changtian was quick to make overtures, fearing that the other party would reject him.

I wish I could personally serve them tea and water.

Who is Zuo You Da Dao? Although he's not good at commercialization, in the art field, he's about on par with Jia Zhangke.

Cao Zhong's box office of over 400 million is already quite good.

Shen Ao is a complete newcomer, defecating and urinating on the heads of the two big directors.

The world is changing so fast!

Moreover, it was the Berlin Silver Bear for Best Screenplay, which is incredibly prestigious!
"We need to latch onto Director Cao's coattails tightly." Wang Changtian decided that he had to engage in more resource exchanges. "We need to show all of our high-quality projects and actresses to Director Cao. He can pick whatever he wants!"

……

"Brother, I was an idiot. I let you down and betrayed your support and trust. I was wrong."

Bona, Yu Dong called Cao Zhong in tears, getting angrier and angrier the more he thought about it.
"I don't know what to say anymore. Back then, I felt that the Olympic bid was not as good as yours, so all the investment was put into 'Li Yannian'. Is it too late for me to cry now?"

"Two hundred million! Two hundred million just slipped right before my eyes!"

Yu Dong didn't know what to say, and kept cursing himself.

"Mr. Yu, it's not that bad. Nobody can predict this, right? Why talk about yourself like that?" Cao Zhong advised. "There will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

“Every path I’ve taken these past two years has been wrong.” Yu Dong was overwhelmed with emotion, but his eyes lit up at the mention of opportunity. “I really don’t know what to say anymore. I want to cry, but I don’t know who to call, so I can only call you. You’ve helped me so much, and I’ve been such a useless person. Director Cao, sigh…”

"It's not uncommon for a horse to stumble," Cao Zhong chuckled. "Who can guarantee they'll always win? Don't be too confident; Li Yannian might not necessarily lose either."

"I hope so." Yu Dong's words were firm and full of murderous intent. "Director Cao, if you have any orders, just give them. As for that so-called Director Zuo, I'll crush him with you."

“No, no, not at all,” Cao Zhong said. “After all, he’s a big director.”

Yu Dong slammed his fist on the table and angrily shouted:
"I didn't mean to express this to Director Cao on purpose, please don't misunderstand!"
I want to crush him, not because of your relationship with Director Shen, but to change the distorted values ​​and narrative structure of Chinese art films! It's for the sake of Chinese cinema!
Director Cao, I believe you understand me!
I'm making this clear to everyone in the industry: Bona Film Group will absolutely not use any of the actors from the movie "Left Right"!

I, Bona, am willing to be a vanguard in Director Cao's filmmaking endeavors!

A loud voice came from Yu Dong's end, which surprised Cao Zhong.

This guy is really gambling!
……

“Is that right?”

In Hong Kong, Lee Yan-kong looked at Lau Tak-wah, Sammo Hung, Maggie Q, and other members of the Hong Kong entertainment circle, his heart bleeding.

"Is the film submitted for the Olympics a blockbuster, or is our 'Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon' a blockbuster?"

"His weekly box office in the second week, with an average daily box office, was almost the same as our box office in the first four days?"

"Our publicity campaign, the global premiere, and even deliberately linking Maggie Q to the photo scandal to generate public opinion, all couldn't beat a newcomer?"

"Is this reasonable?"

Li Rengang became anxious.

"Without a big star like Andy Lau, and without the massive setup we put in, how could we win? Does this make sense? Does it align with market trends?"

"This is an unparalleled miracle!"

"I want to know whether he was falsely reported for box office revenue in mainland China?"

Everyone remained silent, heads bowed.

Li Rengang let out a long sigh.

Li Rengang is under a lot of pressure to secure the slot in early April.

With "Iron Man" and "The Forbidden Kingdom" set to be released at the end of the month, Lee Yan-kong originally thought that early April would be his best opportunity.

Unexpectedly, they beat the Hollywood film "The Children of Huang Shi," but couldn't even beat "My Disqualified Daughter" in the second week.

Liu Dehua's status as a top figure was dragged down by this incredibly bad Three Kingdoms movie.

In fact, Liu Dehua really wanted to tell Li Rengang

"Do you know that many viewers felt an urge to drag the director out and beat him up after watching the movie? Many viewers said you just put on a large-scale cosplay performance?"

But he didn't know how to start the conversation, so he could only sigh.

But in his heart, Liu Dehua was thinking of Cao Zhong.

From the comments, he knew that the audience had already been very supportive, taking in over 40 million yuan at the box office in their first four days...

Director Cao won both battles decisively.

This piqued Liu Dehua's curiosity, and he wondered if they could collaborate in the future.

……

Huayi.

Wang Zhonglei looked at Feng Xiaogang, whose emotions shifted from excitement to nervousness, and now to a slight breakdown, and then at his elder brother, Wang Zhongjun.

"Should we invite Director Cao to the premiere of 'The Forbidden Kingdom'?"

“Okay, that’s the way to do it,” Wang Zhongjun agreed.

"It's quite alarming that a film like 'Bidding for the Olympics,' which didn't have a high budget, could gross over 200 million yuan, and that there weren't as many negative reviews as expected."

Wang Zhonglei sighed, "It's obvious that Director Feng is under pressure."

“What pressure do I have? His movie obviously won’t reach my 2.9 million yuan box office.” Feng Xiaogang didn’t like Wang Zhonglei’s words, his brows furrowed and his tone hardened.

“The rate of return is always much higher,” Wang Zhonglei added.

"What do you mean?" Feng Xiaogang snapped. "If you're so capable, go and sign the Olympic bid! Who are you trying to instruct? Is the poor box office performance my fault? Do you even know anything about movies?"

Wang Zhongjun coughed twice. "Director Feng, don't be angry. Zhonglei is just a bit outspoken, he didn't mean anything by it."

The more they tried to persuade him, the more defensive Feng Xiaogang became. He looked at the two of them with displeasure.

"His film only succeeded because of its novel subject matter, the overwhelming public opinion against the two major directors, and its release during a less popular period. But can't you really tell how this film compares to 'Assembly'?"

Which movie is conscientious? Don't you have a clue?

Feng Xiaogang was heading towards the Wang brothers, but his face was turned towards Wang Zhonglei.

After he finished spraying, Feng Xiaogang slammed the door and stormed out.

Inside the room, Wang Zhonglei's face suddenly turned ashen.

"Damn it, this little firecracker really knows how to talk back."

Wang Zhongjun said, "I understand, I understand. Feng Xiaogang must have been under a lot of pressure these past few days. His previous invincible methods of manipulating public opinion and confronting reporters are like those of a primary school student in front of Director Cao."

"They can't come after me like that, just because I'm in charge of the music company's side of things,"

Wang Zhonglei looked at his older brother.

"But what he said makes sense. Why don't we go and talk to them, and try to sign an application to host the Olympics?"

"Director Cao is definitely not happy."

Wang Zhonglei narrowed his eyes. "Let's try to talk. After all, Huayi has a certain status, and we have far more projects than Director Cao. What if the Olympic bid is willing? Then we can talk to Director Cao again, right?"

Wang Zhongjun hesitated.

"Brother, don't worry about it, don't get involved. I'll handle it myself. I'll take responsibility for whatever happens."

Wang Zhonglei asked, "How much extra money will we make by signing the bid to host the Olympics?"

Wang Zhongjun remained silent.

But Wang Zhonglei knew that his elder brother had tacitly approved of his methods.

If they were able to poach Feng Xiaogang from China Film Group back then, it wouldn't be a bad thing if they tried to poach other people now.

Money can make the devil turn the millstone, let alone people?

……

4 month 8 day.

Yang Mi returned to China.

I made a special trip to the Nanjing film set to visit them.

He showed off his English and made his presence felt in front of the film crew.

That evening, Yang Mi made a request to Cao Zhong.

"I don't want it to run automatically anymore, can you move it?"

"Woman, how dare you speak to me like that?" Cao Zhong said, "You know best how hard I've worked. From Hollywood to the Olympic bid, to today's filming, and with Director Zhai Junjie, which side of the project haven't I been putting in a lot of effort? You want me to do anything?"

Yang Mi felt extremely sorry for him.

"Then I'll do it."

As the two were exchanging words, Yang Mi said, "Zhongzhong, I heard from Boss Jiang that 'Split' could be released as early as June. I'm a little nervous."

“It’s just a B-movie, so the release speed will indeed be very fast,” Cao Zhong said. “The marketing and distribution of this kind of movie is different from that of Hollywood blockbusters.”

"After all, it's an investment of sixty or seventy million, I'm afraid it will be affected by me."

“This movie isn’t just about you carrying it; it has James McAvoy and Shyamalan,” Cao Zhong said.

"I'm the only female lead, why shouldn't I be the one to carry the load?" Yang Mi said angrily, putting her hands on her hips and swaying back and forth.

Cao Zhongdao said, "Okay, okay, you take care of it. Go to Jilin early tomorrow. It's just a two-minute scene. The sooner we shoot, the sooner we can finish. Don't let Director Zhai and Tsui Hark think you're being arrogant."

"Is something going on on set?" Yang Mi asked suspiciously. "Are you trying to get rid of me?"

“You’re talking too much,” Cao Zhong said. “Can’t you see that there’s been a lot of online attacks on ‘Disqualified Daughter’ and its triple structure? Don’t you know who these attacks are aimed at? Don’t utter a single word that you shouldn’t say.”

"I was wrong," Yang Mi apologized decisively. "I'll be quick."

Cao Zhong closed his eyes.

The next morning, Yang Mi flew away from Nanjing.

"We Live in Nanjing" is entering its final two-week sprint.

This movie has been filming for six months. Due to Cao Zhong's strictness regarding the special effects scenes in Group B, many scenes have required multiple takes.

……

Inside the venue.

The box office for "My Disqualified Daughter" is still growing.

Although the box office revenue for the seven days in the second week declined compared to the six days in the first week, it remained stable until the middle of the third week when it started to drop again.
The trend is starting to stabilize, but the big data model predicts that the film's box office will still settle at around 2.7 million.

Shen Ao, Cao Zhong's assistant on "Nanjing Photo Studio", made his directorial debut and entered the 200 million yuan director club, ranking ahead of Chen Kaige!
Tianjin,

Chen Kaige has gone mad!
He threw several inexplicable tantrums on set, scaring the other actors so much that they didn't dare utter a sound.

Even Chen Hong didn't dare to advise him. She sensed that Chen Kaige regretted his decision to refuse the movie "Li Yannian".

I'm just too embarrassed to say it.

But it's no use regretting it now; there's no medicine for regret in this world!
Cinemas across the country have also fallen silent!

During their conversation, they talked about Cao Zhong, even treating him with the utmost reverence.

In the north, some cinema managers even put Cao Zhong's picture on the head of the God of Wealth and worship him every morning.

Until mid-April,
The news that "We Live in Nanjing" is about to wrap up filming has been circulating.

It swept through the entire entertainment industry!

The entertainment industry's attention is immediately drawn to this!

Meanwhile, Cao Zhong also received a message from Jiang Zhiqiang.

"Director Cao, I've taken care of everything on my end, and the music you requested is all ready."

The current situation is that the film can only begin its marketing and distribution when the final cut of "Split" is released.

I'm in Hollywood, ready to go at any time.

Upon learning of the box office results of "My Disqualified Daughter," even the last trace of doubt in Jiang Zhiqiang's heart vanished.

He's ready and waiting to make a big splash.

(End of this chapter)