Huayu: Everyone's been reborn, who's still going to be an actor?

Chapter 23 Many people question me, who does he think he is?

The film "Buried" became a hit, which was reflected in its box office performance.

The next day, the daily box office revenue not only did not decrease but increased, exceeding three million.

On the third day, the daily box office continued to grow, directly dethroning "New Police Story" from its daily box office champion position.

The movie nearly grossed over ten million yuan in its first three days.

This made Cheng Yuan famous overnight.

Previously, many people believed that the film's box office success was due to Jiang Wen, not director Cheng Yuan.

But Cheng Yuan is generating too much buzz.

It's obvious to everyone that Cheng Yuan is the key to this movie.

Jiang Wen's role is undeniable, but the film was actually directed by Cheng Yuan.

Of course, Jiang Wen also gained a lot.

He acted in the entire movie himself, so he naturally contributed to the box office success.

"I don't quite understand some of it!"

Han Sanping looked at Jiang Wen and couldn't help but say something.

He really didn't expect "Buried" to do so well at the box office. Twenty million was a sure thing, and thirty million wasn't out of the question.

How many movies in a whole year actually gross over 30 million at the box office?

The key point is that this movie had a very low budget.

The production cost is only a few hundred thousand at most.

Regardless of where those hundreds of thousands came from, the filming costs were real.

With a budget of several hundred thousand, a single actor performed for over ninety minutes inside a coffin, and yet it grossed twenty to thirty million at the box office—it's simply unimaginable.

He felt that ten million for the film would be good enough, especially considering it won an award at Venice.

It was almost finished in three days.

How many award-winning films are actually box office hits?

Look at those films that went to Europe to compete for awards; either they had difficulty being released domestically, or their box office performance was a complete flop.

"Isn't it normal not to understand?" Jiang Wen said. "I don't even understand the world of geniuses, how could you?"

"What's that genius doing?" Han Sanping chuckled and said, "China Film Group is preparing to increase screenings and publicity efforts, so they're having him do some promotion."

"He's staying home writing a script," Jiang Wen said. "He told me before that he was working on a story about how rumors, lies, hatred, and suspicion ruin a man's life. Public opinion can be deceiving, and lies can become reality."

"Hmm? He doesn't seem affected. Besides, public opinion has shifted now." Han Sanping paused for a moment, then said, "Is he planning to adapt his experiences from this period into a movie?"

"The inspiration comes from my experiences during this period, but it's a different story," Jiang Wen said, shaking his head. "That kid said he didn't care, but he's holding a grudge."

"Should we still let him run the publicity campaign?" Han Sanping said. "It's still possible for this movie to reach the 30 million mark."

"Why don't you ask him?" Jiang Wen said. "He's the one who most wants high box office numbers."

Are you doing promotional work?

Of course we have to run.

With an extra million in box office revenue, he could earn hundreds of thousands more, enough to buy a small apartment.

China Film Group increased its screenings and promotional efforts, so Cheng Yuan naturally didn't mind doing promotional work.

Isn't it just about dealing with the media and movie fans?

"Is the script finished?"

Jiang Wen looked at Cheng Yuan and asked casually.

"That's about enough," Cheng Yuan said. "Let's make this clear first, you're not suitable."

"I didn't intend to act in it."

Jiang Wen shook his head. If he were to act again, how would Cheng Yuan get rid of those doubts?

Even if the role is good and suits him well, he can't play it.

"The role doesn't suit your temperament," Cheng Yuan said. "Your appearance isn't right either."

"You must have received quite a few offers from film and television companies recently, right?"

Jiang Wen changed the subject.

The box office success of "Buried Alive" made Cheng Yuan an overnight sensation, naturally making him a hot commodity for major film and television companies.

"Several film and television companies have indeed approached me," Cheng Yuan nodded and said, "However, I've turned them all down. Although many offered good terms, it would definitely affect my autonomy. After thinking about it, I'm open to collaboration, but I won't sign any contracts."

"Good that you understand." Jiang Wen nodded and said, "Old Han said that if you encounter any difficulties with your new film, you can go to him."

Cheng Yuan is rich now and can easily eat all the food himself.

However, he clearly had no such intention.

"Um!"

Cheng Yuan nodded.

He knew very well that he was still very weak at this age, and that it was extremely taboo in the industry to try to do something alone.

Collaborating with China Film Group is undoubtedly the best option right now.

"Let's go, the media are getting impatient."

Jiang Wen didn't continue the conversation.

This was a promotional event, and quite a few media outlets were present.

Cheng Yuan and Jiang Wen didn't expect that the first question would be so big.

"Director Cheng Yuan, Director Lu Chuan questioned you, saying that you haven't studied directing and couldn't possibly make a film like 'Buried Alive.' What are your thoughts on this?"

Lu Chuan is questioning herself?

Cheng Yuan was stunned, while Jiang Wen frowned.

"Really?"

Cheng Yuan couldn't help but say something.

He didn't have a good impression of Lu Chuan, but he never thought of provoking her.

Why bother with him? Wouldn't it be better to make more money?

Before his rebirth, Cheng Yuan had been repeatedly tormented by reality, so he wasn't that cynical.

But even though you don't want to provoke him, he doesn't take you seriously.

They're all from Beijing Film Academy, why bother?

This is the same root, why is it too urgent!

Well, even Cheng Yuan himself finds it disgusting to use such words to describe it.

We share the same roots, so how can we let people call him "Cheng Taro"?

"real."

Many reporters nodded in confirmation.

Some reporters even took out their laptops and played back footage of Lu Chuan questioning them.

This was prepared in advance.

However, it has indeed been questioned.

After reading it, Cheng Yuan's lips curled into a look of disdain.

This old guy's defenses have been broken.

The box office revenue of "Kekexili" over several days was less than that of "Buried Alive" in a single day.

The key point is that the two of them have a similar experience.

That means that Jiang Wen starred in all of their first movies.

Now that the two films are being released at the same time, it would be strange if the media didn't compare them.

If he wins, then Lu Chuan can stand on the side of a senior and give Cheng Yuan a few words of advice.

But he lost.

Whether in terms of awards or box office revenue.

Then he questioned whether Cheng Yuan was the director of "Buried Alive".

Losing to Jiang Wen is not shameful.

But losing to Cheng Yuan would be incredibly embarrassing.

He couldn't accept it.

Lu Chuan's doubts seem to make a lot of sense.

Even for someone who graduated from a directing program, becoming a director is incredibly difficult. What makes Cheng Yuan think he can?

If you can secure investment and have money to make movies, does that mean you can be a good director?

Is being a director so easy? Without accumulating experience on a film set, you're just a "Zhao Kuo" (a character known for his lack of experience).

Lu Chuan has connections and influence, and he only had the opportunity to direct his first film after he turned thirty. What makes Cheng Yuan so special?

He was just a tool.

"This reminds me of the story of Su Shi and Foyin."

Cheng Yuan was silent for a moment before speaking.

Everyone was taken aback at first, then they realized what was happening.

The story of Su Shi and the Buddhist monk Foyin may not be known to everyone, but most of the reporters present were certainly familiar with it.

Foyin had Buddha in his heart, so he saw Su Shi as Buddha.

Su Shi had filth in his heart, which is why he regarded Foyin as filth.

Cheng Yuan's meaning was simply that Lu Chuan was a tool, which is why she felt that he, Cheng Yuan, was also a tool.

"Did Director Cheng Yuan say anything to Director Lu Chuan?"

One reporter asked the question, clearly looking forward to a fight between the two sides.

It's only interesting when there's give and take; that's what makes news last and keeps it exciting.

"Many people question me, who does he think he is?"