Entertainment from Divorce

Mid-November.

The news of the start of filming for "The Three-Body Problem" has stirred up ripples in the film and television industry like a stone thrown into a lake.

Whether it's cultural authorities, seasoned film critics, or professionals from major film and television companies, all have turned their attention to this hard science fiction drama written by Tan Yue and directed by a newcomer. Expectations and doubts are intertwined, forming a complex picture of the industry's perception of "The Three-Body Problem".

In the office building of the State Administration of Culture, Ye Wen had just finished a meeting about the year-end summary of the film and television industry and returned to her office.

The ginkgo leaves outside the window have turned golden, casting dappled light and shadow on the documents on the desk through the clean glass.

She rubbed her slightly throbbing temples, picked up the thermos on the table, took a sip of chrysanthemum tea, and her gaze fell on the document marked "Key Focus Area" on the corner of the table.
In the "Science Fiction" category, the name of the TV series "The Three-Body Problem" stands out.

The assistant knocked on the door and came in, handing over an updated summary of film and television project filings.
"Director Ye, these are the newly registered projects from the past week, as well as progress reports on several previous science fiction projects. Filming for 'The Three-Body Problem' has officially started, and Brilliant Entertainment has submitted a filming plan and a preliminary synopsis."

Ye Wen took the document, her fingertips tracing the words "The Three-Body Problem Starts Filming," and a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips.

As the director of the State Administration of Culture, she is well aware of the importance that the higher authorities have attached to science fiction in recent years.
Science fiction works can not only showcase a country's cultural soft power, but also inspire the scientific exploration spirit of the people. However, there have always been very few high-quality hard science fiction works in China, especially in the field of TV dramas, which is almost a blank.

"Finally, it's powered on." Ye Wen muttered to herself, flipping through the brief introduction to "The Three-Body Problem" in the file. When she saw Tan Yue's name, a hint of relief flashed in her eyes.

I had vaguely learned about the existence of this drama from my daughter, Chen Ye.

Now that filming has officially begun, she has even higher expectations for the development of science fiction films and television in China.

She picked up the landline on the table, intending to call Tan Yue to inquire about the specific filming progress and content focus of the drama, but hesitated as her finger hovered over the dial button.

"Let's wait a bit longer," Ye Wen said, putting down the phone and making her own decision.

“The crew has just started filming, and Tan Yue and Lu Chuan are probably busy getting to know each other. Calling them now would only bother them. It’s not too late to ask about the situation once filming is on track.”

She pulled out the relevant documents for "The Three-Body Problem" and placed them in a prominent position on her desk, secretly resolving to pay close attention to the progress of the series and to provide timely support should any issues require coordination from the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television.

at the same time.

In a coffee shop in Hangzhou, renowned film critic Wang Letian was sitting with several friends from the film and television industry. The lattes on the table had gone mostly cold, but the conversation was still centered around "The Three-Body Problem".

"Tan Yue made a bold move. His film had just gained a foothold in the global market, and he immediately started making a hard science fiction TV series. He's also a new director. He really dares to think and act."

A planning director at a film and television company sighed, his tone a mixture of admiration and concern.

Wang Letian pushed up his black-rimmed glasses and said confidently, "I think Tan Yue's works never disappoint."

"Think about it, from the beginning until now, which of his films hasn't been a critical and commercial success? His ability to select scripts and control quality is top-notch in the domestic film and television industry."

He paused, took a sip of his now-cold coffee, and continued, "Moreover, what's most remarkable about Tan Yue's works is that, whether they're comedies, dramas, or science fiction, he always manages to grasp the core of the story and the essence of humanity."

"As a hard science fiction work, The Three-Body Problem not only requires a grand cosmic scene, but also profound humanistic thinking, which is exactly what Tan Yue excels at."

"As for new directors, I heard that Lu Chuan was personally selected by Tan Yue, so he must have something special. Besides, there are veteran actors like Ma Guoliang and Zhang Lan to support him, so there's no need to worry about his acting skills."

“That’s true, but TV series and movies are different,” another film critic countered.

"A movie is two hours long, allowing you to focus on telling a good story; a TV series often has dozens of episodes, is longer and slower-paced, requiring a higher level of control over the plot and polishing of details. Tan Yue has never written a TV series script before, so it's really hard to say whether he can handle a long narrative this time."

"There's also the issue of special effects," someone added. "The production cost of a TV series is lower than that of a movie. There are so many sci-fi scenes in 'The Three-Body Problem.' If the special effects can't keep up, it will easily pull the audience out of the story, and even the best plot won't be able to save it."

Wang Letian smiled and did not continue arguing.

He understands his friends' concerns; after all, there have been many failed examples of hard science fiction TV dramas in China, so it's normal for people to have reservations.

But he had complete trust in Tan Yue, a trust stemming from the awe of the universe and the portrayal of humanity in "Interstellar".

He believes that since Tan Yue dared to film "The Three-Body Problem," he must have made full preparations.

“Just wait and see,” Wang Letian picked up his coffee cup and gently touched his friend’s cup across from him. “When this show airs next year, it might surprise us and even change the landscape of domestic science fiction dramas.”

Unlike Wang Letian's optimism, some executives of film and television companies hold a cautious attitude.

In the conference room of a leading film and television company in Beijing, a meeting about film and television project planning is underway, and the news of the start of filming for "The Three-Body Problem" is also mentioned.

"I think it's highly likely that Tan Yue's hard science fiction TV series will flop." The company's vice president shook his head, his tone somewhat dismissive.

"The success of Interstellar does not guarantee the success of a TV series. Movies can attract audiences with excellent special effects and a tight plot, while TV series require long-term emotional investment and plot development. Tan Yue has never worked on TV series, so he may not understand this logic."

"Moreover, the audience for hard science fiction is relatively small," the planning director echoed.

“Domestic audiences still prefer down-to-earth themes like family ethics and historical political intrigue when watching TV dramas. The worldview of science fiction dramas is too grand, and many viewers may not understand it or have the patience to watch it. Brilliant Entertainment’s bet on “The Three-Body Problem” this time is quite risky.”

The company CEO paused for a moment, then slowly said, "We can't be too absolute. Tan Yue's market appeal is undeniable; his works naturally attract attention and generate traffic."

"Moreover, the authorities are now paying attention to science fiction. If 'The Three-Body Problem' is well-made, it is likely to receive policy support, which will give it an advantage in subsequent broadcasts and promotion. We should pay more attention to their filming progress and the quality of the trailers before deciding whether to follow suit with science fiction."

The discussion in the meeting room continued, but Tan Yue was completely unaware of and unconcerned about these controversies and speculations surrounding "The Three-Body Problem."

At this moment, he was engrossed in the daily work of Brilliant Entertainment. The company's affairs were so numerous that he had no time to pay attention to external evaluations.

In the CEO's office on the eighth floor, Tan Yue sat behind his desk with a thick stack of documents in front of him, all of which were lists of artists invited to New Year's Eve galas from various TV stations.

With more than a month to go before New Year's Day, preparations for the New Year's Eve galas on major TV stations across China have entered a critical stage.

As a top entertainment company in the industry, Brilliant Entertainment's artists naturally become sought-after by major television stations. "President Tan, these are the latest invitations from various television stations. They want to invite artists such as Ma Guoliang, Sha Sha, and Deng Gaofei to participate in the New Year's Eve gala. Several local stations have also sent invitations. I have already compiled the artists' schedules and the theme of the gala."

Chen Ye handed over a well-organized form, which clearly indicated the artist's name, the TV station to be invited, the time of the gala, and the intention to cooperate.

Tan Yue took the form and carefully flipped through it.

As an internationally renowned actor, Ma Guoliang was invited by multiple television stations to sing songs and serve as an award presenter at the gala.

Deng Gaofei received invitations from several television stations due to the popularity of "Interstellar," mainly to sing theme songs for the films and television shows.

"Is Ma Guoliang's schedule okay? The filming of 'The Three-Body Problem' is currently underway. Will the rehearsals for the New Year's Eve gala affect the filming schedule?" Tan Yue asked, his finger hovering over Ma Guoliang's name.

“I have already communicated with Director Lu. Teacher Ma’s scenes are mainly concentrated in this month and the middle of next month. The rehearsal for the New Year’s Eve gala is scheduled for the end of the month. Director Lu said that the shooting schedule can be adjusted to give Teacher Ma more time.”

Chen Ye continued, "Deng Gaofei's schedule is also fine. His filming is relatively concentrated, and he has some free time at the end of the month."

Tan Yue nodded, picked up a pen, and signed his name on the invitation list of Ma Guoliang, Deng Gaofei, and others.

"All of these have been agreed upon. The artist department and the TV station should coordinate the details, especially the program content and rehearsal time, so as not to affect the filming of 'The Three-Body Problem' and the artists' rest."

“Okay, Mr. Tan.” Chen Ye noted it down and handed over another document. “This is to invite you as a special guest to the New Year’s Eve party to share the story behind the creation of ‘Time Ticks’ with Lin Qingye. Would you like to accept?”

Tan Yue hesitated for a moment.

He has always kept a low profile and rarely participates in variety shows or galas, preferring to focus his energy on creating works.

However, "Time Ticks" is Lin Qingye's first film as a director. It was released during the New Year's Day holiday, and promoting it through the New Year's Eve gala will also help the film's box office.

"Let me think about it." Tan Yue put down his pen, leaned back in his chair, and pondered. "What does Lin Qingye think? Is he willing to participate?"

"Director Lin has agreed. He thinks it's a great publicity opportunity and also wants to take this opportunity to interact with the audience," Chen Ye replied.

Tan Yue hesitated for a moment, then shook his head: "I won't go. Chen Ziyu's due date is approaching, and I want to spend more time with her."

He paused, then added, "Please reply that I cannot attend due to personal reasons, and thank them for the invitation. Also, have Lin Qingye prepare more behind-the-scenes stories about the film; that should improve the publicity."

"Understood." Chen Ye nodded and put the document away. "I'll go and coordinate with the artist department and the TV station now. I'll report back to you if there are any problems."

After Chen Ye left, the office returned to silence.

Tan Yue picked up the promotional plan for "Time Ticks" on the table, flipped through the film's roadshow schedule and poster design, and felt a surge of anticipation for the movie.

He has always recognized Lin Qingye's talent. Although he is under a lot of pressure this time, his transition to film directing has been very successful. However, judging from the current post-production status, the final product should not disappoint.

He glanced at his watch; it was already past five in the afternoon, close to the end of the workday.

As darkness fell outside the window, the city's neon lights began to illuminate one after another, outlining the city's bustling cityscape.

Tan Yue stretched, tidied up the documents on the table, and prepared to go home.

During this time, Chen Ziyu's belly grew bigger and bigger, and it became more and more inconvenient for him to move around. He wanted to go back as soon as possible to help his mother take care of her.

When Tan Yue returned home, Chen Ziyu was sitting on the sofa in the living room watching a parenting program, while Chen's mother was busy preparing dinner in the kitchen, and the air was filled with the aroma of food.

Upon seeing Tan Yue return, Chen Ziyu immediately smiled and struggled to stand up.

"Don't move, let me help you." Tan Yue quickly walked over, carefully supporting her arm and letting her lean against him. "How are you feeling today? Has the baby been fussy?"

"It's fine. I went for a walk in the neighborhood this afternoon. The baby was very well-behaved and didn't move much." Chen Ziyu leaned on Tan Yue's shoulder, her voice gentle. "You're back quite early today. Did you finish work?"

"It's almost done. I mainly dealt with some invitations to New Year's Eve parties, and everything is arranged." Tan Yue touched her belly, feeling the presence of her baby, and her heart was filled with happiness.

Chen Ziyu looked up at him, her eyes full of heartache, and said, "I know you're under a lot of pressure. You have to worry about the company, the filming of 'The Three-Body Problem,' and the promotion of 'Time Tick-Tock.' But you also need to take care of your health and not overwork yourself."

"I know, don't worry." Tan Yue smiled and kissed her forehead.

"With you and the baby by my side, I have motivation. After 'The Three-Body Problem' is finished filming and 'Time Ticks' is released, I will take a long vacation to spend quality time with you and the baby."

Chen's mother came out of the kitchen carrying dishes and said with a smile, "Alright, stop being so greasy and eat quickly. Today I made your favorite braised pork ribs and Ziyu's favorite steamed sea bass, both of which are good for your health."

The three of them sat at the dining table, enjoying their dinner in a harmonious atmosphere.

Tan Yue served Chen Ziyu a piece of sea bass and a bowl of soup to Chen's mother. They chatted about everyday things and the baby's funny stories, creating a warm and happy atmosphere at home.

After dinner, Tan Yue accompanied Chen Ziyu for a walk in the living room while Chen's mother cleared the table.

Chen Ziyu leaned against Tan Yue's chest and asked softly, "Is the filming of 'The Three-Body Problem' going smoothly? Has Director Lu encountered any problems?"

"It's going very smoothly. Director Lu sent me a message today saying that the filming is progressing faster than expected and the actors are in great shape."

Tan Yue continued, "There are some doubts online, but I believe Director Lu can overcome them. Once the trailer is released, everyone will be reassured."

“Yes, I trust your judgment in choosing people.” Chen Ziyu nodded.

The two walked slowly, bathed in the warm, soft light of the living room. (End of Chapter)