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

Chapter 1408 Within Five Years! Surpassing Hengdian!

When Fantawild Adventure Park opened, it was like a boulder thrown into a lake, and the ripples it created quickly spread throughout the Shanhe Film City and even the entire Shanxi Province.

Originally just a film and television shooting base, Shanhe Film City has become incredibly lively thanks to the immense popularity brought by the amusement park.

After visiting the movie-themed exhibition area in the park, visitors flocked to the open area of ​​the film studio, eager to see the birthplace of those classic scenes.

Various film shooting locations have suddenly become must-visit spots.

The model of the transport vehicle in "The Wandering Earth" is always surrounded by people taking pictures, which has also made the surrounding guesthouses and restaurants very popular, with the owners all smiles.

This surge in popularity has directly boosted the tourism industry in Shanxi Province.

Data shows that during the first weekend after the park opened, tourism bookings in Shanxi Province surged by 300% year-on-year.

Many tourists come specifically to "play in the amusement park and explore the film and television base".

On social media, the topic of "Shanxi Province has more than just coal mines" has quietly gained traction.

The photos shared by netizens include the sunset under the ancient city wall, sci-fi scenes in the film studio, and local specialty noodles.

Shanxi Province has gradually shed its stereotype of being a "coal capital" and has become a new tourist landmark that combines historical heritage with modern vitality.

More noticeable changes are occurring within the film and television industry.

As the supporting facilities of Shanhe Film and Television City become more and more complete, everything from professional photography studios and special effects workshops to apartments that can accommodate thousands of extras at the same time is available.

With the added resources from Feiyue Film & Television, more and more film crews are choosing to move their filming locations from Hengdian to here.

The news spread like wildfire, and even those who originally made a living as extras in Hengdian were tempted to try their luck.

"I heard there's a lot of work in Shanhe, the pay is good, and they provide room and board!"

"The crew from Feiyue Film and Television is all there; maybe I can get a role with lines!"

"Why not go take a look? There's no work around lately anyway, so it doesn't matter where I go to work."

Amidst the discussions, groups of extras packed their simple belongings and boarded trains bound for Shanxi Province.

In just half a month, the number of extras registered at Shanhe Film and Television City exceeded 5,000, far surpassing the total for the entire previous year.

Every morning, the base entrance is crowded with extras waiting for work... Actors in period costumes and sci-fi extras in futuristic armor brush past each other, creating a unique scene.

Industry insiders privately remarked, "At this rate, Shanhe Film and Television City is likely to surpass Hengdian."

Hengdian relies on decades of accumulation, while Shanhe Film City has the support of Feiyue Film's IP, the traffic brought by the theme park, and the strong support of the local government. It has all the advantages of timing, location, and people.

Thus, in the evening, one can usually see this scene:
People come and go at the entrance of Shanhe Film City. Extras who have just finished work are laughing and discussing their scenes for the day, while tourists are taking pictures of the last moments of light and shadow. In the distance, Fantawild Adventure Park is brightly lit...

Clearly, this rising film and television city is reshaping the landscape of film and television bases in China at a visible pace!

……

In late June, seeing this grand occasion, the province even convened a special meeting specifically for the development of Shanhe Film and Television City.

The meeting room was filled with officials from the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Department of Finance, and the Party Secretary personally presided over the meeting.

Chen Fei, as a specially invited representative, sat in the front row.

"Director Chen, could you tell us about the next steps for the Shanhe Film and Television City?" the Party Secretary said with a smile, his tone full of expectation. "The whole country is watching Shanxi Province now. Whether this fire can burn even brighter depends on you pragmatists."

Upon hearing this, Chen Fei put down his water glass, leaned forward slightly, and spoke clearly and forcefully: "Secretary, leaders, I'd like to take this opportunity to report on our Shanhe Film and Television City's five-year plan."

Our current advantages are obvious: Fantawild Adventure Park has brought in new visitors, projects like "The Three-Body Problem" have created an IP effect, and the gathering of extras and film crews has reached a considerable scale...

However, to rival Hengdian, or even surpass it, we still need to work hard in three areas!

He held up his fingers and said them one by one:

"The first issue is infrastructure. The current number of film studios is not enough, especially multi-functional studios that can meet the needs of various genres such as science fiction and period dramas. We plan to build 10 more in the next two years. The supporting special effects workshops and prop warehouses also need to be built at the same time. This requires the government to provide some support in land approval and supporting pipeline construction."

The director of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission immediately replied, "Director Chen, don't worry, there's no problem with the land quota. We have already reserved special land for the film and television industry park, and the pipeline construction can be included in next year's municipal plan and given priority."

Chen Fei nodded and continued, "The second issue is talent development. The production team still lacks professional technicians, and the extras especially lack systematic training."

We plan to use Shanxi Film Academy as the center, and in conjunction with major universities in the province, to open specialized classes in film and television production, special effects technology, and other related fields, and to build another 'extra actor training base'.

"At that time, teachers from the Film Academy and the Feiyue Film and Television team can personally teach the classes. In this regard, I hope the Education Department can coordinate resources, and the Finance Department can provide some special subsidies."

The Director of Education nodded without hesitation: "Director Chen, you can rest assured on this point. We can contact major art colleges and universities to study cooperation plans immediately. As for subsidies, the Finance Department should be able to coordinate that."

The Finance Minister replied with a smile, "As long as we can retain talent, money is not a problem."

Chen Fei then looked at the secretary, his tone becoming more resolute: "The third is the extension of the industrial chain. We can't just stop at 'filming.' We need to create a closed loop of 'film and television + cultural tourism + consumption.'"

For example, building a film and television-themed commercial street would allow tourists to experience filming, customize costumes, and develop "set visit tours," turning the filming process into a tourism project. This would require more assistance from the Department of Culture and Tourism in route planning and promotion.

The director of the Department of Culture and Tourism immediately stated: "No problem at all. We are already planning the 'Film and Television Exploration Tour' route, which will connect Shanhe Film and Television City, Pingyao Ancient City, and Yungang Grottoes. It will be launched next month."

Regarding promotion, we will collaborate with CCTV and major tourism platforms to focus on key initiatives.

The Party Secretary on the stage nodded frequently as he listened. After Chen Fei finished speaking, he clapped his hands and said, "The idea is very clear and practical."

Director Chen, regarding the support you just mentioned, I'd like to state my position: all departments across the province will fully cooperate! Land, funding, policies—as long as it's for industrial development, we'll give it the green light!

After saying that, he looked at everyone and said, "Shanhe Film and Television City is not just a matter for Feiyue Film and Television; it is a breakthrough for the transformation and upgrading of our Shanxi Province."

Previously, when people mentioned Shanxi Province, they thought of coal. From now on, when they think of us, they'll think of movies, science fiction, and new cultural and tourism landmarks!

Chen Fei stood up and said sincerely, "With the support of the Party Secretary and all the leaders, I guarantee that within five years, Shanhe Film and Television City will reach or even surpass the scale of Hengdian, and will crush it in terms of IP influence and industrial chain completeness, becoming a new engine to drive the province's tourism industry."

We want people all over the country to say when they mention Shanxi Province: "Their film industry is truly amazing!"

"Great!" The Party Secretary stood up, stepped forward and shook hands with Chen Fei. "I'm looking forward to seeing the results five years from now. Then, we'll hold a celebration party!"

Immediately, enthusiastic applause filled the conference room.

Looking at the assembled leaders, Chen Fei knew that behind these few promises lay a heavy responsibility, but even more so, a strong sense of confidence.

With such united support, the rise of Shanhe Film and Television City is by no means empty talk!

When the meeting adjourned, the Party Secretary even called Chen Fei to his side: "If you need anything, just call me anytime. My personal phone is on 24/7 for you. Don't worry, the stage in Shanxi Province is definitely big enough!"

"Okay, Secretary."

Chen Fei smiled and nodded, feeling much more at ease.

……

On the way back to the base, Chen Fei was leaning back in his chair, resting with his eyes closed, when his phone suddenly vibrated. He picked it up and saw the name "Liu Yifei" pop up on the screen, along with a video call icon.

He casually swiped to answer the call, and was about to ask if his son was making a fuss again when several heads suddenly appeared on the screen.

Liu Yifei, Jing Tian, ​​Han Jianu, and Zhao Liying, four girls, are gathered together in what looks like a fitting room in a wedding dress shop.

"Director Chen! Look, look!" Jing Tian was the first to shout, pointing her phone camera at the clothes rack next to her. "We've picked out several wedding dresses for Jia Nu. Which one do you think is the most beautiful?"

Han Jianu peeked out, her face still flushed with shyness from trying on dresses: "Yeah, you should give me your opinion."

Chen Fei was stunned for a moment, then laughed and cried at the same time: "This wedding dress isn't for me to see. Let Wen Muye choose it. He's the groom."

“Him? He said ‘they all look good,’ which is the same as saying nothing!” Han Jianu rolled her eyes. “We must have a democratic vote, and you’re a vote too.”

Liu Yifei chimed in from the side, "You're a director too, you have a good eye, hurry up and choose one."

Unable to persuade them otherwise, Chen Fei reluctantly said, "Alright, I'll take a look."

Several wedding dress photos flashed across the screen quickly.

The first outfit is a heavily embroidered lace design, with the skirt covered in rhinestones, making it look very heavy.

The second outfit features a fishtail design that hugs the body and accentuates curves, making it very sexy.

The third outfit is the simplest, a plain white dress with only a few pearls adorning the neckline, a clean and neat design.

The fourth set is a modified version with some Chinese elements, featuring decorative Chinese knot buttons on the cuffs.

"So, which one do you want?" Han Jianu urged.

Chen Fei looked at it carefully, pointed to the third outfit and said, "I'll choose this one. It's simple and elegant, not too flashy for the wedding, but it will still make you stand out. It's great."

"Yay! I told you this outfit looked good!" Jing Tian jumped up excitedly and gestured with her chin to the others. "See? I got another vote!"

Han Jianu nodded in agreement: "Indeed, this outfit feels the most comfortable to wear, without so many cumbersome elements."

Zhao Liying scratched her head: "Isn't the first outfit I chose pretty?"

Liu Yifei quietly put away the photo of the fourth set on her phone. It was the style she had strongly recommended. She had just excitedly asked the shop assistant and other girls about it, but now no one had voted for it.

She looked at Chen Fei with a hint of barely perceptible grievance in her eyes, like a child who hadn't received candy.

Chen Fei caught a glimpse of his wife's expression out of the corner of his eye and chuckled inwardly.

My husband has always had a unique sense of style. When we were taking our wedding photos, he almost chose a "peacock" style dress with a feather cape, but he persuaded me to stick to it.

He quickly changed the subject: "As long as the lady likes it, that's fine. Don't worry about how we choose. By the way, have you picked out your toast dress yet? Should I ask the stylist for some advice?"

Han Jianu's attention was indeed diverted, and she started chattering about the style of the toasting dress again.

Seeing this, Liu Yifei had no choice but to suppress her slight disappointment and join the discussion.

The video call was finally ended when Chen Fei returned to the film studio.

Without taking a break, he turned around and headed towards the filming location of "The Three-Body Problem".

The main structure of the Red Coast Base is nearing completion. The metal frame of the radio telescope gleams coldly in the setting sun, and the special effects team is adjusting the optical equipment for the "cosmic flicker" scene...

"Director Chen, you've arrived." The project manager greeted him, handing him a schedule. "At the current pace, we should be able to complete all the set construction by the end of October, and starting filming at the end of the year is no problem at all."

Chen Fei nodded, walked to the control room model, glanced at the replicated instrument buttons, and instructed, "Pay more attention to the details. Ye Wenjie's workbench must be made to the dimensions in the original work. Don't make any mistakes."

"Don't worry, we will construct strictly according to the blueprints..."

After confirming that the progress was correct, Chen Fei left the base with satisfaction and headed towards the hotel where he was staying.

After resting for a few hours, when he got up to have dinner, he casually opened the ticketing app and started looking at recent movie theater data.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts continues to dominate the box office, grossing over 8 million yuan in ten days and maintaining a screening rate of over 30%, typical of Hollywood commercial films.

However, DC's "The Flash," which was released shortly after, was a complete flop. Its domestic box office barely exceeded 2 million yuan, and its global market performance was far below expectations. The comments section was full of complaints about "confused plot" and "lazy special effects."

Interspersed in the middle is a romantic family film called "I Love You".

Starring Ni Dahong and Kara Hui, the film doesn't feature grand scenes but relies on delicate emotions to move audiences. It grossed over 1.5 million yuan in its first five days and has consistently received top reviews.

As you scroll down, the data for "The Vanished," produced by Shanghai Film Group, is particularly striking.

The film grossed over 5 million yuan in just three days and dominated the trending topics!
The hashtags #Details of The Disappearance# and #I'm Afraid to Get Married After Watching The Disappearance# dominated the trending searches.

Chen Fei casually clicked into the comments section, but his brows gradually furrowed.

Looking around, all I could hear were shouts of cursing.
"They're really going all out to incite gender antagonism. The plot is riddled with flaws, and it relies entirely on marketing to belittle men."

"What women's welfare? It's clearly exploiting women's anxieties and shamelessly piggybacking on LGBT topics. Their behavior is disgusting!"

"So the last 20 minutes or so were just trying to tell the audience that men are shit, husbands and boyfriends are unreliable, and female friendships are the most precious thing? It's disgusting!"

"..."

After quickly reading the comments, Chen Fei exited the software, feeling puzzled.

Wang Jian'er's marketing tactics are really too wild!
Why not just focus on the suspense and the actors' performances? Instead, they insisted on blatantly blaming it on female themes and even dragging in the LGBT community to create controversy, turning a suspense film into a "fear-of-marriage propaganda film."

"The box office has gone up, but the word-of-mouth has collapsed like this. Is it worth it?" Chen Fei shook his head inwardly.

It's understandable for movies to make money, but to narrow the path so much for box office success, even at the cost of overdrawing the potential of the subject matter, is simply like drinking poison to quench thirst.

What left him speechless was the deliberate manipulation of public opinion.

The screen was still displaying various marketing press releases advocating "women's mutual aid" and "anti-marriage and anti-childbearing," but the words themselves conveyed a deliberate attempt to incite conflict.

"If we keep going like this, problems will inevitably arise sooner or later," Chen Fei said with absolute certainty!
With those overseas markets rife with LGBT ideology and extreme gender antagonism right before our eyes, are we going to repeat the same mistakes?

If various "boxers" really stir up the public opinion field, the film market may be completely torn apart!

Fortunately, Feiyue Films has always pursued a high-quality production strategy.

Whether it's a sci-fi epic like "The Three-Body Problem" or a realistic work like "All or Nothing," they all tell stories in a down-to-earth manner, without resorting to any underhanded tactics.

Ultimately, upholding the bottom line is more important than anything else!

Rather than short-term box office fluctuations, ensuring the healthy development of the film market is far more important. Shanghai Film Group's actions will inevitably backfire sooner or later!

(End of this chapter)