The Rise of Chinese Entertainment in 2008

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuanyuan and the others hesitated for a moment, but ultimately fell silent.

They understand that even negative publicity can be beneficial, and their contracts include clauses for cooperation in promotion.

Although they can refuse to participate in later promotions on the grounds of damage to their reputation, the worst that can happen is to go to court.

But if that happens, which director will dare to use them in the future?

Therefore, they chose to remain silent and decide to observe the situation first.

On the other side, Liu Sanxi walked out of the movie theater cursing.

Although he wasn't a radical youth, he never considered himself a good person.

There are still basic human principles to follow.

He doesn't deny that the soldiers from those days might have felt some remorse.

After all, even if they are all beasts, there are a few beasts who have some humanity.

However, to make such a film based on that horrific history, and then portray an ordinary person as if they were a savior, is a desecration of our compatriots who died tragically.

Liu Sanxi watched the finished short film shot by Gu Ning, and the music made his scalp tingle.

Watching Lu Chuan's movies only makes my blood pressure spike.

"Hey, Lao Gu, did you already know the movie's plot?" Liu Sanxi questioned.

Gu Ning looked at the monitor and said, "His script has been revised several times, it's not exactly a secret. I've had someone inquire about the general content, otherwise why do you think I'm so confident?"

"Then why didn't you just tell me directly? Why did you make me watch that disgusting movie?" Liu Sanxi said irritably.

Gu Ning smiled and said, "That way you can truly feel at ease, right?"

"Depend on!"

Liu Sanxi was so angry that he started cursing loudly.

Gu Ning held the phone far away and waited for a minute or two. Seeing that he was still complaining, she put it away again.

After waiting a while longer, and hearing no more sound from the other end, he said, "Finished yelling?"

"..."

Liu Sanxi was silent for a moment, then asked, "When will the short film be released?"

"Wait a few more days. The media have already taken their money. Once public opinion picks up, they won't care about these things anymore."

Gu Ning said, "Moreover, there are still few moviegoers, so releasing a short film now will have limited impact."

"Then let him be smug for a few more days," Liu Sanxi said unwillingly.

…………

"Welcome, four teachers!"

Gu Ning and Fan Chunxi entered the private room, smiling and extending their hands to Liu Huan and the others: "I'm so sorry that I was too busy filming to personally greet the four teachers."

At the invitation of China Film Group, and after coordinating their schedules, we finally managed to invite the four guest mentors to come.

Gu Ning chose the same four mentors from the first season of The Voice of China: Liu Huan, Na Ying, Yu Chengqing, and Yang Kun.

If it were just for making a movie, you could simply hire four singers with some fame from the music industry.

However, in order to attract TV stations to approach her, Gu Ning needed to set an example for them.

Although some of these four people have questionable character, they certainly make the show entertaining.

Liu Huan smiled, reached out and shook hands with Gu Ning, saying, "Director Gu, you're too kind."

"Thank you for your understanding, Teacher Liu!"

Gu Ning shook hands with the other mentors in turn to express her apologies, and then invited the four of them to sit down.

"Director Gu, almost none of us have any acting experience. If we don't act well, please don't hesitate to replace us," Na-ying said.

She didn't mean it that way. Traditional music has been declining in the last two years, and she only agreed because she was invited by China Film Group and wanted exposure.

But she was also worried that she would be criticized because she had never acted before.

"Don't worry, Teacher Nayoung."

Gu Ning smiled and said, "The roles of the teachers are actually not difficult; they just play mentors on a talent show."

Gu Ning then briefly explained the format and process of the variety show.

None of the four have participated in many variety shows so far, and they don't think this variety show is particularly well-planned.

But after hearing this, they were all relieved.

It's just some actors singing, and then they give a few comments. It's not only in line with their profession, but it's also not difficult.

They are no longer worried about being in front of the camera.

Unlike actors, singers don't have to face the camera with all their works, but these singers were all very popular and often faced the camera.

"Four teachers, let's have lunch first. This afternoon I'll take you to familiarize yourselves with the location and try filming. If there are any problems, we can discuss them further," Gu Ning said.

"We'll follow Director Gu's arrangements."

Liu Huan and the others had no objections.

"Director Fan, please have the food served," Gu Ning said.

Fan Chun was delighted to hear this and went to make the arrangements. Soon after, the food was served one after another.

Because I had to film in the afternoon, I didn't drink alcohol at noon and just had a simple meal.

After the meal, Gu Ning arranged for the four of them and their assistant to rest in the reserved room before heading to the filming location at 2 p.m.

Gu Ning put a lot of thought into this plot. According to his plan, Meng Lijun's scenes on The Voice of China would take up about ten minutes.

Upon arriving at the prepared filming location, the extras playing the audience were already seated in their respective positions.

The camera positions have all been set up.

Gu Ning showed Liu Huan and the others around the venue. After explaining the play, while they went to get their makeup done, they recorded the opening scene.

Actually, shooting urban-themed movies is the least likely to lose money.

Because these kinds of movies are the easiest to insert GG (Goblin).

As long as the director has enough fame, he can recoup his investment in GG (Girls' Love) and even make a small profit.

A few years later, Feng Xiaogang filmed "Personal Tailor," with a total investment of just over 100 million yuan, but the product placement alone earned him 80 million yuan.

The film was filled with 19 GG references, leading viewers to jokingly call it a GG compilation.

But few people know that "Personal Tailor" was also licensed to produce a TV reality show of the same name. Huayi not only received licensing fees, but also participated in the program's revenue sharing.

Huayi Brothers' actions have taught all filmmakers a lesson.

Gu Ning's first film did very well at the box office, so naturally many companies wanted to have GG (Girls' Love) product placements in his films.

The method of implanting GG is based on the cost of GG, not on how convenient it is to implant.

For those who pay less in GG fees, a few shots will suffice.

Those who receive more screen time should not only be shown on camera, but also have lines to mention them.

If not arranged well, it will seem abrupt, as if it was added at the last minute just to add GG.

Gu Ning accepted several gigs and received over three million yuan in gig fees. No product placement was done during the previous filming; all of it was reserved for this scene.

It's reasonable for talent shows to start with some cheesy phrases, right?

The actor playing the host was reciting GG words on stage.

Gu Ning and Fan Chunxi watched from behind the monitor.

"Director Gu, this arrangement is brilliant!" Fan Chunxi gave a thumbs up.

"Haha, we should make money from product placement, but we can't let it affect the quality of the film."

Gu Ning laughed and yelled "Cut!" He picked up the megaphone and said, "Don't be nervous, relax, let's do it again."

"Okay, Director Gu!"

The actor nodded quickly, adjusted himself, and indicated that he was ready.

Gu Ning nodded and told the production crew to set up the clapperboard and continue filming.