It's reasonable for me, a stuntman, to live a crazy life, right?

Chapter 1354: The Platter-Style Victory Celebration Banquet Reappears...

"This morning, China Film Group officially announced its latest patriotic film project, 'The Chinese People's Volunteers: Mighty Army Strikes Back,' with Chen Kaige serving as director. The film tells a story that takes place during the Korean War."

"Huanxi Media, in conjunction with Zhang Yimou Studio, has released a project announcement for the latest historical/suspense/comedy film 'Man Jiang Hong,' which will be directed by Zhang Yimou himself!"

"Feng Xiaogang's latest emotional suspense web series 'Echo' has released its cast list today."

The drama will star Song Jia and Wang Yang, with Bao Beier, Wu You, and Zhu Yuchen in supporting roles, and Dong Jie, Chuo Ni, Hou Wenyuan, Liu Guanlin, Liu Kai, and Chang Shixin in co-starring. Zhang Guoli, Xu Fan, Zhang Jiayi, and Huang Xuan will make guest appearances.

"The casting for 'The Journey Home' and 'Sicario 2' is complete. Zhang Yi, Peng Yuchang, Jing Tian, ​​Liu Shishi, Xie Miao..."

As April officially arrives, the extended release dates for the Spring Festival films "The Killer Is Not Calm," "Miracle Kid," and "Boonie Bears" have all come to an end.

Meanwhile, new projects from major film and television companies are being approved one by one.

"The Volunteer Army: Mighty Army Strikes" and "Man Jiang Hong" attracted great interest from major talent agencies as soon as they were approved.

"Echo" has generated much discussion due to its cast.

"Has Feng Xiaogang mobilized all his connections?"

While submitting the documents to Chen Fei, Su Guohai, unable to hide his surprise, brought up the topic of "Echoes".

There's no other reason than that the cast is simply too extravagant.

The names of the lead actors, co-stars, and guest stars almost filled the entire movie poster.

"iQiyi definitely played a part."

Chen Fei explained without turning his head, his gaze still fixed on the documents.

"The Killer" grossed 30.3 billion yuan, "Miracle Kid" grossed 17.66 billion yuan, and "Boonie Bears: After Earth" grossed 12.36 billion yuan.

Based on the proportions allocated, this year's Spring Festival film season is undoubtedly another bumper year.

Chen Fei then signed his name at the end of the document, and then asked, "How's the construction of the amusement park going?"

"The first film-themed experiential park, 'Fantawild Leap Movie Park,' is expected to open this summer, with 'Fantawild Leap Fantasy World' and 'Fantawild Leap Creative Park' opening next summer and the year after next, respectively."

"Okay, you keep an eye on things and make sure the experience and safety are top of the way."

"Don't worry, I'll coordinate with Fantawild."

After reporting his work, Chen Guohai left the office.

Just as Chen Fei was about to print out the script for "Detective Chinatown 1990," which he had already finished writing, his phone suddenly rang.

I picked it up and saw that it was Ning Hao calling.

"Hey?"

"Filming for 'The Return of the South China Sea' has wrapped up." Ning Hao's relieved voice came through the phone.

The filming lasted for six months, which almost exhausted him, but it's finally over.

After finishing this movie, he'll definitely need to take a few years off to enjoy life and spend time with his wife and kids.

"Okay, when we get back to Beijing, I'll throw you a celebration banquet, haha."

This is a major contributor to Feiyue Film & Television, so we can't "neglect" him.

The film "The Return of the South China Sea" is scheduled for release at the end of the year.

When filming began, Ning Hao made a bold statement, saying that he would compete with "Avatar 2," which will be released at the end of this year, in terms of underwater world special effects.

Chen Fei was very supportive of him.

If you want to play, then go ahead and play. Just make sure the release dates are staggered and it doesn't turn into a situation where our own people are fighting each other.

……

"Warmest congratulations! The fantasy/action blockbuster 'Candle in the Tomb: The Return of the South China Sea,' produced by Feiyue Films, directed by Ning Hao, and starring Liu Ye, Shu Chang, and Chen Minghao, officially wrapped up filming yesterday!"

The media acted quickly; Ning Hao had just finished filming and hadn't even had time to issue an official announcement, but the news had already spread.

At the same time, the news that this film is aiming for the Lunar New Year release was also released.

Before returning to Beijing, Ning Hao gave an interview, saying, "This will be the final installment of the 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' main film series, and I hope it will satisfy the audience and fans."

At a time when domestic blockbusters are scarce and Hollywood imports are in a bleak state, "The Return of the South China Sea" suddenly became "the hope of the whole village".

Immediately, online discussions erupted:

"Last month's 'The Batman' is a flop. Foreigners are just trying to fool people over and over again. In the end, we still have to watch our domestic blockbusters."

"Moonfall wasn't very good either; it just felt like something was missing."

"I suggest you don't go see Hotel Transylvania 4, which is showing today. It's not interesting at all. Look forward to Ne Zha 2 instead."

"Now we're all looking to Feiyue Films! 'The Return of the South China Sea,' 'Ne Zha 2,' and 'The Wandering Earth 2'—these are the real top-tier Chinese blockbusters!"

"I heard that 'Man Jiang Hong' is also good. Zhang Yimou held a press conference and said that it is his sincere work. Everyone can look forward to it."

Amidst heated discussions online, the crew of "The Return of the South China Sea" successfully returned to the capital.

The crew of "Tales of the Tang Dynasty" also returned.

Because the former was so popular, the latter, which finished filming at the same time, failed to make any waves online, which was quite unfortunate.

After all, apart from Luo Jin, the other three, Cao Jun, Li Yitong, and Meng Ziyi, are all relatively unknown, so this situation is already commonplace.

However, to their utter surprise, they were invited to the wrap party after returning to the capital!

Li Yitong and Meng Ziyi were still feeling a little dizzy when they arrived at the venue.

"Our web series actually has the right to hold a wrap party? Tongtong, why don't you pinch me and see if I'm dreaming?"

Li Yitong was quite honest; she immediately pinched Meng Ziyi's arm, which earned her an exaggerated "ow!"

Under the crystal chandelier in the banquet hall, long tables covered with gold-embroidered tablecloths were filled with top-quality champagne, and waiters in haute couture carried silver platters as they moved among them. This scene was completely unlike what one would expect from a web series.

Meng Ziyi stroked the velvet chair and suddenly muttered, "Did the production team spend all their budget on this?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Li Yitong quickly covered her mouth.

This girl's mouth always seems to work faster than her brain.

Luckily, no one else was around. If someone had overheard them, they might have thought they were complaining about the production team for "not doing their job properly."

Suddenly, the crowd stirred.

The two turned their heads at the same time and saw Chen Fei and Liu Yifei walking in side by side.

Also present were Ning Hao, Han Jianu, Wen Muye, Xing Wenxiong, and other industry "big shots".

In addition, Zhang Chen, the CEO of Happy Twist, and the CEO of Fantawild Holdings also came in.

Then came Shen Teng, Ma Li, Wei Xiang, Peng Yuchang, Tian Yu, Shu Chang...

Suddenly, the large screen in the banquet hall lit up, displaying a series of film and television titles, including "The Killer Is Not Calm," "Miracle Kid," "Boonie Bears," "Candle in the Tomb: The Return of the South China Sea," and "Tang Dynasty Ghost Stories."

Meng Ziyi suddenly realized: "So it's a wrap party and a celebration party held at the same time. No wonder it's so grand."

Li Yitong gently tugged at her arm, reminding her, "Come on, let's go toast. There are so many big shots tonight. If we can leave a good impression, we'll never have to worry about resources in the future." "Oh! Oh! Right, right, let's go quickly."

Mencius, belatedly realizing this, hurriedly followed.

Since signing Yang Ying to the company, Jia Shikai has been providing her with a great deal of resources.

In this situation, the resources available to other artists in the company inevitably began to decrease.

She's finished filming her new drama, but she hasn't found a new project yet. Of course, she has to keep trying to get noticed by the big shots. Maybe she'll catch the eye of a director and then use that opportunity to soar to new heights!
"Your company is really popular lately, huh?"

Upon seeing Meng Ziyi, Chen Fei couldn't resist teasing her.

This girl has a really interesting personality; she speaks very directly, especially with that innocent and clueless expression, like a Kapibal.

"Huh? Is it popular?" Meng Ziyi was taken aback. How come she hadn't noticed?

"I've seen it on the trending topics list many times."

"Oh, that was a trending topic that our CEO Jia bought, no..."

Mencius suddenly covered his mouth.

Oh no! I blurted it out again!
"Hahahahaha."

A burst of laughter immediately erupted from the crowd.

"This girl is from Jia Shikai's company? That's quite interesting." Ning Hao chuckled as he sized up Meng Ziyi.

"Yes, she's quite an interesting girl."

Chen Fei echoed, then waved his hand and said, "Let's take our seats, we can eat now."

"Okay, Director Chen, Director Ning, I'm sorry to have made you laugh. Actually, our General Manager Jia is a very nice person, it's just that he's a bit effeminate..."

"Hahahaha!"

This time, even Liu Yifei, Han Jianu, and Shu Chang couldn't hold back anymore.

"Aren't you afraid your boss will retaliate against you for talking so much?" Shu Chang asked with a laugh.

Meng Ziyi scratched his head. "It should be fine, since he doesn't know anyway."

Li Yitong quickly pulled her silly best friend away.

We can't let her continue. If this gets out, Jia Shikai will blacklist her.

The following morning, the media extensively reported on the grand celebration banquet held by Feiyue Film & Television the previous night.

This directly led to the news of the official announcement of the start of filming for "Echoes" being "cruelly" suppressed.

Chen Fei didn't care about any of that. The next day, he accompanied Ning Hao through all the materials for "The Return of the South China Sea" and then signed several project agreements.

The casting for the three dramas, "The Beginning," "The Crime Hunter," and "The Storm," has been completed, and now they are just waiting to pick a good day to start filming.

It's worth mentioning that Zhang Songwen still plays the role of "Gao Qiqiang" in "The Storm".

However, the role of "An Xin" has been changed to his college classmate Zhou Yiwei, instead of being played by the original Zhang Yi.

"The Journey Home" is about to start filming, but Zhang Yi simply doesn't have time to go.

Jiang Xuerou originally wanted to approach Lei Jiayin, but his studio said he had already accepted a role in Zhang Yimou's new film "Man Jiang Hong", so she had to give up.

……

April is another slow release period.

Even with the release of several Hollywood blockbusters, such as "The Amazing Action: Dumbledore's Mystery" and "Noah's Ark 2," the market still couldn't be boosted.

The worst part is that "The Batman" ultimately ended with a box office of only 1.7 million!
This situation left the entire film and television industry completely bewildered.

The industry group chat exploded with discussion!

"What's going on? Has the DC Universe completely collapsed? The global pre-sales for 'The Batman' broke records, but it hasn't even reached 2 million yuan in China? Are you kidding me?"

"I don't know! It seems like none of the Hollywood blockbusters this year have been successful. Do audiences no longer like watching imported films?"

"Let me tell you something cruel: when the movie was first released, the midnight screenings were 70% full, but three days later they were completely empty and turned into ghost towns. The refund rate was even faster than the sales of popcorn."

A cinema manager posted a screenshot of the screening data directly in the group chat. The red bar chart showed a precipitous drop, which was particularly glaring!
On iQiyi's side, Gong Yu stared at the market research report, her index finger unconsciously tapping the table.

On the screen, the marketing costs and box office figures for "The Batman" formed a sharp inverted V, which deeply stung his eyes!
"Notify the purchasing department to postpone the import of dark superhero films." He loosened his tie in frustration and ordered his secretary, "Shift the focus to domestic comedies and suspenseful short dramas."

"Yes, Chairman Gong."

The secretary quickly left.

Gong Yu stared at the computer screen, looking utterly distressed.

iQiyi can't compare to Youku. Youku has a strategic partnership with Walton Pictures and owns the rights to the entire Marvel movie series.

Looking back at his side, although he secured collaborations with Warner and DC, the results were simply too dismal.

"Boom boom boom!"

Just as Gong Yu was frowning in worry, a knock suddenly sounded at the door.

"Enter!"

The office door opened, and the head of the film and television investment department walked in excitedly, carrying a stack of documents.

"Chairman Gong, good news! China Film Group has agreed to cooperate with us."

"What?!" Gong Yu jumped up, exclaiming in disbelief, "The Volunteer Army: Mighty Army Strikes? They agreed to accept our investment?"

"Correct!"

"Hahaha, ok, that's great."

Gong was overjoyed.

With this, iQiyi can finally take a crucial step in the film industry.

"Furthermore, the projects 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' 'China's Ping Pong: The Last Stand,' and 'The Temporary Robbery' have all been finalized."

Gong Yu could no longer hide the smile on her face.

At the same time, he finally saw hope of catching up with, and even surpassing, Youku!
On April 29, the Hollywood blockbuster "The Bad Guys" was released online.

At the same time, a wave of "Liu Genghong" girls suddenly swept across the internet.

Accompanied by Jay Chou's "Compendium of Materia Medica," a large group of people jumped and danced, having a wonderful time.

Meanwhile, after its talent shows were suspended at the beginning of the year, Mango TV, which had been operating for a long time, has made a grand comeback with "Sisters Who Make Waves Season 3".

Today's May Day holiday was lackluster, and the cinema market was in dire straits.

However, things were quite lively at the production company.

With the start of filming for "The Long Way Home" and "Sicario 2" respectively, the cast lists for "Man Jiang Hong" and "Volunteer Army: Mighty Army Strikes" were announced almost one after the other, once again sparking waves of heated discussions online...

(End of this chapter)