China Entertainment’s rescue plan is hard to come by

Chapter 876 Global Premiere [Two-in-One]

Capital International Airport.

Sun Yi sat in his own—no, his company’s—Gulfstream G550, holding a tablet computer, browsing the domestic box office data for “Edge of Tomorrow.”

The film ran for a week and grossed over 2 million yuan, breaking the record for the highest-grossing preview screening of a domestic film.

Of course, the number of preview screenings also broke records.

No one else has done a 100-city preview screening like him.

It received an initial score of 8.8 on Douban, which is quite high for a science fiction film that relies on visual effects to attract audiences.

Even if the rating drops after a wide release, based on Sun Yi's past experience, it's still almost guaranteed to get 8.5 points.

It is foreseeable that it will be a box office and critical success.

With the end of the revenue-sharing battle between the production alliance and the theater chains, and especially after the Film Bureau officially issued a new subsidy policy in an official document, the major theater chains were like young wives being forcibly dragged into bed, saying no but taking action faster than one another.

In just one day, a film screening agreement was signed with Starry Sky, securing a 48% share of screenings nationwide during the same time slot for a nationwide release.

Moreover, it wasn't just Starry Sky Pictures that got involved; Enlight Media's "Lost in Thailand" also joined the bandwagon, with its screenings doubling two weeks after the film's release.

Upon seeing this, Bona was somewhat bewildered.

Fatty Yu had actually anticipated the cinemas' eventual compromise, but he never expected them to surrender so quickly.

After Sun Yi's preview screenings in 100 cities and his meeting with the Film Bureau, his stance changed in the blink of an eye.

You're a cinema chain, shouldn't you have some of the dignity of a large corporation? Don't you have any manners at all?
As it turns out, when it comes to making money, modesty and grace mean nothing.

The problem is, Bona Film Group has no more films.

Its film "The Great Shanghai" was released only a week later than Huayi Brothers' "Back to 1942". Now it is already the end of its run, and the reviews are just so-so. He himself is too embarrassed to ask for more screenings.

But it's okay, our company has plenty of movies, we don't have much else.

Let's add one.

Then, something truly astonishing happened: in order to capitalize on the trend of theaters significantly increasing screenings of domestic films, Bona Film Group re-released "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate," which had been shown last year, supposedly at the request of martial arts enthusiasts.

Sun Yi was speechless after seeing this move.

As expected, the production alliance was still a disorganized group. Once the theaters compromised, everyone started to go their own way.

It's not just Bona that has such outrageous practices.

Zhang Weiping of New Pictures is also not to be outdone.

When it comes to shamelessness, no one can compare to me, Old Zhang.

Calling for a redistribution of revenue from domestic films and criticizing cinema chains are things I, Lao Zhang, did years ago. So, I guess I'm considered a veteran, right?

Even if they didn't achieve great things, they certainly put in a lot of hard work, right?

So, "The Flowers of War" also went along with it and was re-released.

In other words, cinemas need to hurry up and increase the box office revenue of domestic films this year to over 50% in exchange for subsidies, otherwise they'll probably be slapped in the face already.

Who do you think you are, daring to join in this fun!
However, it's also clear that with the State Administration of Radio and Television's subsidy policy, domestic films have become incredibly popular.

The starry sky was of paramount importance. At the premiere of "Edge of Tomorrow" held in Beijing yesterday, not only were all the industry figures present, but also a large majority of the representatives from the cinema chains were there.

Chen Hongtao, looking utterly displeased, said to Sun Yi, "I wish you great box office success."

According to rumors, Wanda has done some careful calculations and believes that if they can secure the State Administration of Radio and Television's subsidy for their own cinema chain this year, their revenue could increase by another 3 million yuan.

Faced with this number, even if he was unwilling, he still had to toast Sun Yi.

Recalling President Chen's expression yesterday, Sun Yi was secretly pleased when a pretty face suddenly appeared on the tablet's movie screen.

Like a thief, it slowly peeks out from the bottom of the screen.

No need to guess, it must be Liu Tianxian. Only she has this kind of quirky idea when she's free.

She tried to launch a sneak attack, but little did she know, the reflection on the screen gave her everything.

Besides, why don't you learn from your mistakes? Do you know how fragrant you are? You can smell it from far away.

Just as Liu Tianxian thought she was in position and was preparing to launch a sneak attack, Sun Yi suddenly turned his head to the side—
They ended up kissing.

Liu Yifei's pupils suddenly dilated.

It wasn't a sudden physical reaction triggered by the kiss; I was completely caught off guard.

"Oh dear, how did you find me?"

Having failed in her sneak attack, Liu Yifei could only sit down quietly.

As for being kissed?
That's not important.

Who knows who'll get the better deal?
Sun Yi smiled and pointed to the tablet computer in his hand.

Liu Yifei suddenly realized what was happening and wrinkled her nose in annoyance.

"Can't you just pretend you didn't see it?"

"Okay, okay, I'll definitely do it next time."

"That's pretty much it."

Liu Yifei nodded in satisfaction.

"Alright, sit down quickly, the plane is about to take off."

Sun Yi reminded him.

After saying that, he got up and helped Liu Yifei fasten her seatbelt.

They are flying to the United States today; a premiere awaits them.

A moment later, the snow-white Gulfstream G550 soared into the sky.

Los Angeles, the red carpet interview area at the Dolby Theatre.

Sun Yi and Liu Yifei have just finished interviews with several Hollywood media outlets and are preparing to walk the red carpet as the final act with the film crew.

Tonight's North American premiere was a grand affair, with Leonardo DiCaprio in attendance, as well as Evans and Tom Hiddleston, who had previously worked with Sun Yi and are now the hugely popular "Captain America" ​​and "Loki," also making an appearance.

Also present were Tom's partners and friends from the industry, invited on behalf of Star Trek North America.

The cast and crew are on par with top Hollywood productions.

"Honey, why did those reporters keep asking me what kind of car I like and what kind of car I usually drive?"

At the end of the red carpet, Liu Yifei, arm in arm with Sun Yi, was still pondering the reporters' questions, completely baffled. "Do you think it's the fans who care about this? I don't think I've ever been asked this in China~"

Sun Yi couldn't guess, and of course didn't know either, so he shook his head and said, "It's probably just the media reporters from Hollywood who are interested in this topic."

"How inexplicable!"

"Reporters will ask all sorts of questions. Okay, let's get to the red carpet soon."

"Hmm~"

Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei first looked at Sun Yi's attire, and after confirming that there was nothing wrong with it from head to toe, she nodded in satisfaction.

On the other side, Tom Cruise came out of the interview area and greeted Sun Yi and Liu Yifei with open arms, "Director, racing god."

He deliberately shouted in Chinese, and as he got closer, he even showed off, "How about that? My Chinese is pretty good, isn't it?"

Yes, your pronunciation is quite standard.

However, the director is fine, but what the heck is this "car god"?

Sun Yi was puzzled, but after a moment, he realized what was going on.

It turns out he was calling for his own wife.

Racing legend?

No wonder reporters asked her what kind of car she liked and what she usually drove. So, does having a lively and energetic wife prove the car's safety performance?

Liu Yifei wasn't stupid either; she quickly figured it out without Sun Yi needing to remind her.

This guy must have revealed his embarrassing moments again while promoting himself in the US.

Liu Yifei glared at Tom Cruise with feigned ferocity, which made him burst into laughter.

"Sun, Crystal, welcome to America!"

When the three appeared on the red carpet as the film's main creators, deafening screams erupted from the audience.

Liu Yifei wore a Gaurav Gupta gold gradient fishtail dress, with hundreds of hand-sewn crystals on the hem flowing with her steps, like a cascading galaxy.

On the left and right are Tom Cruise and Sun Yi, both dressed in suits, one composed and the other sharp.

"Crystal, look this way!"

"Sun, Crystal, could you come any closer?"

"Tom, over here~"

"Director Sun, Sisi, keep it up!!"

Photographers and fans on both sides of the red carpet cheered, and some international students from China even came over to cheer for the couple.

Sun Yi and Liu Yifei were so touched that after taking the photos, they completely forgot about Tom Cruise and ran over to sign autographs and take photos with fans.

Inside the theater, Alan Horn, who had been waiting there, gave Sun Yi and Liu Yifei a warm hug each.

"Sun, welcome to America, Miss Crystal. You look especially beautiful tonight."

"Thank you, Mr. Horn."

“Sun, I have submitted your script to the board of directors. Because this is Warner’s most important project in the next phase, the board attaches great importance to it.”

“Alan, you don’t need to explain further, I understand.”

Sun Yi patted Alan on the shoulder in a friendly manner.

Regarding the "Man of Steel" project, he understood Warner Bros.' cautious approach, especially given the amount of screen time he had given the young actress in the script.

Warner Bros. didn't reject him outright because they were already taking into account the Chinese film market he represented and his current directing abilities.

More importantly, if Sun Yi's guess is correct, Warner Bros. will also need to check the specific release schedule of "Edge of Tomorrow".

Although Warner Bros. professionals felt the film was very well-made and had attractive visuals and content, even the most professional opinions couldn't compare to the actual word-of-mouth from moviegoers.

Now is the time for the film to be put to the test.

Will North American moviegoers be as enthusiastic about this film as their domestic counterparts?

The premiere was basically the same as the one in China.

The creative team took to the stage to share behind-the-scenes stories. Sun Yi, as the director, and Liu Yifei and Tom Cruise, as the male and female leads, were interviewed by reporters and answered questions from fans.

"Director Sun Yi, what kind of impact do you think this sci-fi blockbuster, led and produced by a Chinese team, will have on Hollywood?" A Hollywood reporter handed the microphone to Sun Yi.

“Film knows no borders. I believe that the story and visual presentation of ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ will allow audiences around the world to experience the charm of science fiction films.” Sun Yi’s brows furrowed slightly, but then immediately relaxed as he continued, “As for the impact, I think it is more appropriate to explain it as a positive exchange and collision.”

Sun Yi's answer received a round of applause from the audience.

Liu Yifei also pursed her lips.

My husband is awesome!
After several rounds of procedures, it was time for the movie to be officially shown.

In North American IMAX theaters, the lights begin to dim, and the screen suddenly lights up—
Black and white image.

A news video.

A deep, weathered male voice narrated: "In 20XX, Earth was suddenly invaded by extraterrestrial beings called 'mimics.' They possessed incredible speed and terrifying attack power, and some special individuals even had abilities that humanity has yet to decipher. Under their invasion, humanity's defenses crumbled time and again, and in less than a year, more than 60 percent of the Earth's landmass fell."

The opening of the film is somewhat similar to that of Pacific Rim.

However, it must be said that for science fiction films that emphasize imagination and future space, this concise approach is the only way to clearly explain the film's story background in the shortest amount of time.

After all, every second of footage in a sci-fi blockbuster is precious.

The news footage showed Liu Yifei in a mecha fighting against alien creatures, but it was blurry and only flashed by. Just as fans were about to see more, the camera switched.

It's all to pique the curiosity of movie fans.

In the main feature film, Tom Cruise appears as a propaganda officer for the Earth's Joint Defense Force.

He was originally good at inciting people to join the army, but when he heard the general order him to go to the front line as a war correspondent to film the victory of human war in order to boost morale, he was timid by nature but he resolutely chose to disobey the order. He even threatened to use the media to vilify the general and was thrown to the front line by the general as a deserter.

Here, he met his teammates who would soon be fighting alongside him.

The sergeant major, played by Lao Duan, is cold and ruthless, with only military regulations in his eyes.

Louis Koo plays a gunner, a war fanatic who rejoices at the mere mention of war.

Luo Jin plays the support staff member, who is humorous and quirky.

There is also the only female member of the team, the repairman played by Gao Ye.

As the characters appear, Sun Yi also slowly unfolds the film's backstory.

This is a landing war led by the Chinese defense forces and supported by multiple countries around the world, to counterattack the Japanese mainland, which has been occupied by alien creatures.

It could also be described as a beach landing.

When the film was shown in China, moviegoers were clearly more interested in the battle itself than the film.

Landing in Japan? I'd be laughing in my sleep!

In the United States, moviegoers didn't have any particular resistance; on the contrary, they were quite looking forward to it.

It seems they also regret not being able to land on the main island of Japan decades ago.

In the opening stages of the film, the female lead, Liu Yifei, does not appear in any scenes.

But the expectations of moviegoers are constantly rising.

She appeared in the opening news footage, her photo was on the transport vehicle at the training base, and even the team members would mention her from time to time.

When the landing operation began, the landing scenes were expanded several times compared to the original film, leaving the audience in the audience speechless.

The sky was filled with rotorcraft transport planes that blotted out the sun, and the sea was lined with warships of all kinds, accompanied by vertically launched missiles. The saturation bombardment just before the beach landing made moviegoers feel that it was worth the ticket price.

When Tom Cruise, terrified, hid on the beach, he inexplicably ran into Liu Yifei's team's defensive position.

The female lead makes her entrance.

A tattered helmet, a cold gaze, his face stained with the blood of an unknown alien creature, paired with a red and black "Master Chief" mech suit, wielding an alloy blade, swiftly slashing at the alien creature.

Charge, defend.

The alien creature's immense strength was enough to knock her back several meters, sending dust and gravel flying everywhere.

Seize the opportunity and fight back.

The mecha's propulsion system even allows her to briefly leap off the ground, fighting her way in and out of a group of alien creatures.

"Oh my god, so handsome!"

"My goddess~"

The premiere was met with gasps of surprise from the moviegoers.

Even Liu Yifei couldn't hide her admiration when she saw herself looking beautiful and cool on screen.

You silly husband, why do you take such good pictures of yourself?

They must be up to something bad again.

Of the mecha suits the production crew ordered, there seem to be two left over. Maybe he's hiding them at home.
(End of this chapter)