China Entertainment's Standout

Chapter 963 Filming wrapped up, a huge win!
"Mr. Zhou, what do you mean?"

Chen Xi asked.

"The first two parts of Journey to the West were incredibly bad; the whole series was just a money-making scheme."

Zhou Yutang leaned back and said calmly, "There's nothing to fear."

"Mr. Zhou, what about 'The Nineteen Generations of Ancestors'? Comedy films are all the rage right now, and the cast is amazing."

Another executive from Soochow Pictures asked the question.

This year's Lunar New Year film season saw "Never Say Die" and "The Ex-Files 3" together prop up the box office in the latter half of the season.

With the comedy film genre gaining momentum, many viewers have high hopes for this film produced by Huace Media, written and directed by Guo Degang, and featuring cameos from dozens of stars including Yue Yunpeng, Wu Jing, Wu Xiubo, Jing Boran, and Lin Chiling.

"Can a comedian really understand filmmaking?"

"Mr. Jiang's 'Monster Hunt 2' has the accumulated popularity of the original IP, so it should be our biggest competitor."

"That's a good point, but I personally don't appreciate it."

Zhou Yutang doesn't quite appreciate the wildly popular Huba.

However, it cannot be denied that sometimes things with ugly-cute characteristics can actually appeal to the audience's curiosity about new and unique things.

However, the two films are of different genres. "Operation Red Sea" is marketed as a patriotic film with a strong nationalistic theme, while "Monster Hunt 2" is positioned as a family-friendly comedy. The latter also has the persistent "Boonie Bears" to share the screenings. In the end, it will depend on their own abilities.

We're all family here, so there's no need to hold back when we talk behind closed doors.

However, Zhou Yutang, who appeared relaxed and at ease, seemed to Chen Duling, who was taking meeting minutes, as someone who was commanding and domineering.

Her slender legs, encased in black thermal stockings, were pressed together and stacked underneath.

The air was filled with a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere.

There's no need to overestimate your opponent.

There's no need to underestimate yourself.

Despite the disappointing performance of "Sky Hunter" during the National Day holiday, which cast a shadow over the prospects of mainstream commercial blockbusters, Zhou Yutang, who has seen the finished product of "Operation Red Sea," still has absolute confidence.

Sometimes, a leader's confidence can clearly and intuitively inspire his subordinates.

The pressure on the senior executives of Dongwu Pictures was greatly reduced, and they then reported on the progress of several other films produced by the company.

While "Never Say Die" is still dominating the Lunar New Year film season, Mahua FunAge's next movie, "Hello Mr. Billionaire," is about to start filming.

Furthermore, while Zhang Yimou was working on the post-production of "Shadow," he was also pushing forward the early casting work for "One Second."

"Zhang Yimou's film has been linked with Huanxi."

"What, are you trying to steal the nun from the abbot?"

"?"

Everyone was slightly stunned. Upon hearing Zhou Yutang's statement, Chen Xi almost lost his composure: "Boss, the share of Zhang Yimou's studio was sold to Huanxi Media at a premium."

Huanxi Media was orchestrated by Dong Ping, who happens to share the same name as Tianlixing from the Water Margin, earning him the nickname "Double-Gun General" among industry insiders.

A few years ago, they extended an olive branch to the Grand Commander, aiming to form an alliance of top directors in China.

They simply want to leverage the personal influence of a famous director to manipulate the company's stock price through the film and engage in capital operations.

Zhou Yutang wasn't too keen on this, and since Dong Ping's Plan A was unworkable, he immediately implemented Plan B.

In recent years, Huanxi Media has assembled a group of big-name directors such as Xu Guangtou, Ning Hao, and Chen Kexing, making it a very powerful and influential company.

Zhang Yimou's studio signed a cooperation agreement with Jiangdong in exchange for resource support from the Jiangdong system, while maintaining a certain degree of autonomy.

Each project reserves a portion of the budget for Zhang Yimou's studio. Double Guns is indeed quite capable; they managed to get in touch with Zhang Yimou.

The Imperial Advisor had discussed "One Second" with Governor Zhou, and Zhou Yutang had reservations about the project.

This film was inspired by Zhang Yimou's early directorial career. The story is set in the 70s, but the current audience is mainly composed of people born in the 80s and 90s.

They lack understanding of their parents' generation and find it difficult to connect with them.

Jiangdong currently has several films in its inventory. "Dying to Survive," produced by Han Sanye, has already secured its place in the summer season. "The Nameless" and "Shadow," which are still in post-production, are basically slated for popular release dates this year.

Jin Yukun's "Wrath of Silence" won many awards last year and is a rare masterpiece; it's still waiting in line.

As for Cao Baoping's "She Kills" and the upcoming "Hello Mr. Billionaire," both are of utmost importance.

Not to mention Jiangdong Entertainment's trump card comedy blockbuster, "Detective Chinatown 2".

As the head of Dongwu Film Industry, Chen Xi is calm and composed, and does not act on emotion. Just like last year when he shelved Cao Baoping's new film project about a snowy area under a special background.

Zhang Yimou's "One Second" was not a high priority, and Jiangdong did not exercise its priority investment right in the contract.

Zhang Yimou's projects are never short of investment, and Dong Ping, the Double Gunner, came as soon as he sensed the opportunity.

Compared to "One Second," Chen Xi was more interested in Jiang Dong's long-awaited sequel to the "Detective Chinatown" series, and asked, "Boss, are you really going to hand over 'Detective Chinatown 2' to Director Guo?"

"I need to do post-production work, and I also have projects to do with Warner Bros."

Zhou Yutang joked, "Let Guo Fan take it. Aren't they all saying he's the king of taking on burdens?"

Guo Fan: "?"

I don't know which clever netizen gave him this nickname, but it means that Guo Fan always takes over Governor Zhou's series of projects midway.

From the "Magic Thief" series paving the way for him to "Ghost Blows Out the Light," they single-handedly propelled him to the throne of a director with billions in box office revenue.

Fun fact: In the current mainland Chinese film industry, in terms of box office performance alone, Guo Fan is actually the second best director after Zhou Yutang. Calling him the king of taking over films from other directors is no exaggeration.

"Haha, does this mean that the sequel to 'The Wandering Earth' will also be handed over to Director Guo?"

"We're planning to give him more responsibilities."

Zhou Yutang said dismissively.

I've been so eager to make progress these past few years. After building this empire for so long, can't I at least enjoy myself?
Chen Duling glanced at Zhou Yutang, who was twirling a pen, and pursed her lips.

She felt very curious, because most directors in the industry probably dream of achieving box office success.

Xiao Gangpao's "Youth" was a huge hit this year, with trending topics and press releases everywhere. The same goes for Chen Shiren. If "The Legend of the Demon Cat" hadn't failed to gain traction, he would definitely be a marketing king.

The reason for such persistence is that box office revenue is a sign of market recognition and the foundation for establishing one's status in the film industry.

Without tangible achievements, one shouldn't even dare to call oneself a great director in this era.

However, Zhou Yutang did not value this much, and even regarded it as trivial.

Otherwise, they would have a firm grip on several commercial film super IP sequels.

He is a god in the Chinese film industry.

Moreover, it is unprecedented and unlikely to be surpassed unless a blockbuster film with a box office of 10 billion is released.

Of course, Governor Zhou is currently the emperor of the entertainment industry. Those of you who have worked with him for many years at Soochow Film & Television can understand his level of vision and respect.

What's the deal with the key for the delayed release of "Never Say Die"?

"Let's apply for half a month, it'll be about time to postpone it until New Year's Eve."

After giving a general overview of the work, Chen Xi added, "President Zhou, when will your filming wrap up? Director Lu asked about the Hainan premiere of 'Operation Red Sea'."

"We'll finish work by the beginning of the month at the latest. You and Lu Yang will go to the premiere in Hainan. The Beijing event will proceed as planned."

"understand!"

With less than a month to go before the Spring Festival, invitations to the premiere of "Operation Red Sea" have already been sent out.

This time they're going big; the premiere of "Operation Red Sea" will be held at the naval base in Sanya, Hainan.

Next, there will be premieres in several Asian cities, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand, before the final premiere in Beijing on the 12th.

Zhou Yutang gave the order, and Chen Xi acted swiftly; related reports appeared in the media the next day.
According to Chen Xi, president of Dongwu Pictures, "The Wandering Earth" is currently in its final stages and is expected to wrap up filming by the end of the month. The Grand Commander is also expected to attend the Beijing premiere of "Operation Red Sea"! "A powerful military-themed film from China is about to make a stunning debut, igniting the Spring Festival film season!"

******
Ignoring everything else, I focused solely on making progress.

About two weeks later, Zhou Yutang began filming the last scene of "The Wandering Earth".

The absolute protagonist of this scene is Han Duoduo, played by Zhao Jinmai.

In the Sulawesi engine control room, the plan to ignite Jupiter was on the verge of failure due to insufficient engine flame height.

The rescue team members sacrificed their lives one after another, leaving only Liu Qi, Han Duoduo, Li Yiyi, and the seriously injured Wang Lei, among others.

Just when despair was shrouded in darkness, Han Duoduo, a junior high school student who always needed everyone's protection, burst forth with the most shining moment of her character.

"My name is Han Duoduo, and I'm a middle school student. Our rescue team is carrying out its final rescue mission. I'm very scared right now. My legs are shaking uncontrollably."

She mustered her courage, picked up the microphone for global broadcasting, but her voice was trembling and broken, choked with sobs.

But gradually it became clearer and more resolute, carrying a power that disregarded race and pierced through people's hearts:

"I used to think home was behind me, but now I realize home is in front of me!"
Hope is something as precious as diamonds in our time!

Hope is our only way home! Come back! Join us in this fight! Let's ignite Jupiter and save our Earth!

In the film, Han Duoduo represents fragile yet precious hope, which is also the most touching scene in the entire film.

Following Han Duoduo's broadcast, the convoy that was moving forward turned around almost simultaneously, creating a spectacular sight.

"Crack!"

Zhou Yutang nodded in satisfaction from behind the monitor.

Including Zhao Jinmai, whose eyes were red, all the actors in the crew were watching Zhou Yutang closely.

He was still listening carefully to reports from several departments.

After confirming that there were no problems, he slowly stood up from the director's chair and uttered the two words that brought a sense of relief: "I hereby announce that filming for 'The Wandering Earth' has officially wrapped."

"Wuhu!"

The entire crew was like a pot of boiling water, instantly churning up.

Zhou Yutang had experienced such scenes many times, but he was still inevitably affected by the emotions of the crowd, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Boss, is there a chance to try Teacher Sui's cooking at the wrap party?"

Guo Fan swallowed.

Zhou Yutang never shortchanges himself. The famous chefs around him, who are jokingly referred to by netizens as the top masters of the eight major schools, all have their own special skills.

The chef, Sui Po, who had whetted Guo Fan's appetite, was a direct disciple of Zheng Xiusheng, a master of state banquets, and his culinary skills were truly remarkable.

"It's been arranged."

Zhou Yutang said with a smile, "Thank you all for working overtime during this period."

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Zhou!"

"After the press conference, we'll have a wrap party tonight, so everyone can eat as much as they want."

Zhou Yutang turned his head and said, "Dudu, send out the red envelopes."

"Huh? There are red envelopes too?" Everyone was somewhat surprised.

"This is a small token of my appreciation, wishing everyone a Happy New Year in advance."

When Zhou Yutang is focused on filming, he is so engrossed that he sometimes forgets the passage of time.

If his secretary hadn't reminded him, he would have almost forgotten that the Spring Festival was just over ten days away.

Chen Duling, accompanied by several assistants, began distributing red envelopes to everyone in the crew.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhou!"

"Mr. Zhou is awesome!"

"Mr. Zhou is awesome!"

Touching the red envelope, it was quite thick, and everyone was overjoyed, their faces beaming with happiness.

Following the Grand Commander, he never shortchanged anyone when it came to money.

"The science fiction film 'The Wandering Earth,' co-produced by Soochow Pictures, Wanda Pictures, and Shanghai Film Group, directed by Zhou Yutang, and starring Wu Jing, Lu Han, Wu Mengda, and Zhao Jinmai, has officially wrapped up filming today!"

"Governor Zhou gave a media interview, claiming that the film's post-production special effects are already in production and it is expected to hit the big screen at the end of next year!"

"A wrap party was held that night, and the scene was lively. Governor Zhou distributed red envelopes generously, showing great generosity."

"."

After more than two months of waiting, the media reporters finally got their wish and interviewed the elusive Grand Commander of Jiangdong.

I also managed to crash the wrap party and even received a red envelope.

Compared to the red envelopes given by the crew behind the scenes, this was just a token gesture, but everyone was still happy.

After all, he had dined with Governor Zhou at the same dinner party; he could brag about it for a year.

The news that filming for "The Wandering Earth" had wrapped up spread quickly.

Many people have compared it to "The Fortress of Shanghai".

After all, they are both big-budget science fiction films that were launched around the same time and have generated considerable buzz.

Teng Wentao tried to gain attention by dragging Zhou Yutang along several times, but after being rebuffed, he became much more subdued.

At that moment, this renowned director from Beijing was still working hard in a Wuxi film studio when he saw the news that Zhou Yutang had finished filming, and he was speechless.

Damn it, we've been dragged down by those unscrupulous media outlets again!

Teng Wentao was furious for a moment, then, calculating the time, he found it unbelievable and frowned, saying, "Only two months? It's done already?"

Isn't this scientific?
Before Teng Wentao took over the project, he made all sorts of grand pronouncements, which even made La Peikang yearn for him.

Once filming actually began, it became clear that it was quite challenging, as it was completely different from filming youth films and realistic TV dramas in the past.

This question is too difficult, I don't know how to do it!
Therefore, the overall progress of the project was delayed considerably compared to expectations. However, Teng Wentao's assistant was quick to read the room and only said, "Congratulations, Director Teng!"

"Oh?"

Teng Wentao was slightly taken aback: "What's the cause of your joy?"

"It is said that slow and steady wins the race, and science fiction films especially need to polish the details."

The assistant sneered, "That guy surnamed Zhou is making things so fast. In my opinion, he's definitely getting a bit cocky. He's only thinking about the Oscars; how much of his mind can he possibly be on the film crew?"

After rambling on and on, Teng Wentao felt that there was some truth to it, and even felt that he had already won.

Thinking about it, that makes sense.

This guy is at it again, running some kind of star-studded talent show, launching an Asian beauty pageant, and making waves in Hollywood.

He achieved early success, lived a carefree and romantic life, and enjoyed all the beauty of Chang'an.

Nothing compares to the tireless dedication and painstaking effort I put into making this film.

Heaven rewards those who persevere; we must win big!

Teng Wentao's mood instantly improved, and he felt that what he saw before him was a vibrant scene of life, with everything thriving and flourishing.

"Hmph, fortunes change every thirty years, so don't underestimate the poor in middle age!"

"You don't take me seriously now, but I'll show you what the true depth of a top director in Beijing is, and who makes the greatest sci-fi blockbuster in China!"

(End of this chapter)