Full-time actor

3 month 21 day.

Early in the morning.

Chen Yu then received a call from Diao Yinan, informing him that the box office results for the first day of "Black Coal, Thin Ice" had been released.

Exactly 1000 million.

If this were in my previous life, a box office of 1000 million on the first day would have been an absolute phenomenon.

Unfortunately.

The film market of this era is vastly different from what it used to be.

The joy of winning the award in Berlin has not yet faded.

The data presented to him at that moment did indeed leave Diao Yinan feeling somewhat melancholy.

To know.

For a typical art film, this is already considered a pretty good result.

but--

They just won three major awards in Berlin, and this highly anticipated film only grossed 1000 million on its opening day.

It was hardly respectable.

"This is my fault; the publicity was probably inadequate."

Diao Yinan's voice came from the other end of the phone, clearly trying her best to remain calm.

This time, Chen Yu was more or less dragged down.

after all.

As someone who has never made a mistake, Chen Yu's works have generally achieved outstanding results.

Chen Yu did not have much of an emotion about this.

He had already foreseen the box office performance of "Black Coal, Thin Ice," but compared to that, the film's shooting style was too subtle and obscure.

The average viewer would definitely complain that the plot is dragging.

but.

Art films are mostly in this situation. Unlike commercial films that rely on immediate sensory stimulation, the charm of art films lies in the sedimentation of time.

"Box office revenue does not determine the value of a film."

of course.

Chen Yu's words were clearly meant to comfort Diao Yinan, after all, when "Better Days" was released, it caused quite a stir in the entire film industry.

The two hung up the phone.

At this moment.

Online reviews of "Black Coal, Thin Ice" are everywhere.

Liu Yifei was scrolling through the news online.

The news headline that caught her eye made her pause in her tracks.

[After its run in Berlin, "Black Coal, Thin Ice" suffered a box office flop on its opening day!]

[Box office myth shattered: "Black Coal, Thin Ice" flops, Chen Yu falls from grace!]

[The curse of art-house films persists: "Black Coal, Thin Ice" only grosses 1000 million yuan on its opening day!]

[Golden Bear Award Aura Fades? "Black Coal, Thin Ice" Receives Lukewarm Response in Domestic Market, Chen Yu's Dramatic Appeal Questioned!]

Liu Yifei couldn't help but feel a little confused.

It's important to understand that box office performance is determined by a variety of factors.

This has little to do with Chen Yu's appeal.

after all.

The core value of art films lies in expression and reflection, which requires the audience to actively engage, and therefore cannot be judged based on the box office performance on the first day.

Liu Yifei sat there angrily.

They clearly cannot agree with these press releases written by media reporters.

"what happened?"

Chen Yu had just hung up the phone with Diao Yinan when he noticed Liu Yifei's mood.

Her intention was not to let Chen Yu see it.

Media reporters are masters of sensationalism; they'll exaggerate even the smallest issues.

As for now.

Chen Yu was already sitting down next to Liu Yifei.

The content above the title is also clearly visible.

"These media reporters are the best at putting people down."

Seeing Liu Yifei's cheeks flush red with anger, Chen Yu reached out and pulled her into his arms.

"It's good to have topics to discuss!"

"Right now, all the headlines on the internet are about 'Black Coal, Thin Ice,' which is basically free publicity for us."

After hearing Chen Yu's words, Liu Yifei couldn't help but feel both amused and exasperated.

As for Chen Yu...

They didn't pay too much attention to the narratives stirred up by Weibo's self-media.

After all, no one can maintain a perfect run all the way.

Furthermore, box office revenue is merely a metric for measuring a film as a commodity, but the work itself possesses a different kind of value.

Regarding some rumors circulating online.

Chen Yu understood that the more he paid attention to it, the more people would take it to heart.

Each work is merely a step in his journey.

Chinese filmmakers focused their attention on "Black Coal, Thin Ice," which won three awards at the Berlin Film Festival, but its box office performance on its opening day was a complete failure.

obviously.

They were eagerly anticipating how Chen Yu would turn the tide.

After all, this guy is definitely a box office champion, but right now he's clearly having a bad start.

at the same time.

Amidst much anticipation, Douban has already given "Black Coal, Thin Ice" a rating.

7.2 points.

To be precise, for an art film to receive a 7.2 rating on Douban on its opening day is already a pretty ideal start.

It has at least reached a qualified level.

Unfortunately.

As a film starring Chen Yu that won three awards at the Berlin Film Festival, this achievement is clearly somewhat unsatisfactory.

Whether it's box office or ratings.

……

At the same time, Huayi.

The Wong brothers are also closely monitoring the development of "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

After being suppressed by Chen Yu for so long, he finally got his revenge.

"It seems that even a box office miracle is nothing more than this."

Looking at the ratings on Douban, Wang Zhonglei felt much better.

"It was just luck that I picked a few good movies."

"As for this time."

"You've finally shown your true colors!"

Faced with his younger brother's emotions, Wang Zhongjun didn't say much.

He was looking at movie reviews on Douban.

Although the box office results were disappointing, the comments on various apps were overwhelmingly supportive.

and so.

Given their current situation, there might still be room for them to turn things around.

……

Besides the roadshow these past few days, Chen Yu also has to work on submitting "The Grand Budapest Hotel" to Cannes.

They were so busy they barely had time to breathe.

Post-production has already been completed, as announced by the Cannes Film Festival.

Chen Yu immediately reported "The Grand Budapest Hotel".

The previous life.

The Grand Budapest Hotel was nominated for the Berlin International Film Festival.

However, this life includes "Black Coal, Thin Ice," and besides, there might not be enough time.

In fact, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is indeed a better fit for the Berlin Film Festival.

The Berlin Film Festival has always favored directors with distinctive personal styles.

The film "The Grand Budapest Hotel" is clearly highly stylized.

As for Cannes.

They prefer works with grand narratives and strong social relevance.

After carefully reviewing all the procedures, Chen Yu finally finished his work.

When he picked up the phone, he noticed the missed calls displayed on it.

It's Nolan.

Nearly a month later, Nolan called again, clearly with a mission.

"Chan, I think we'll meet soon."

Upon hearing Nolan's words, Chen Yu clearly understood the situation.

"Warner Bros. has already begun preparations for the filming of 'Joker,' and barring any unforeseen circumstances, filming will officially begin at the end of this year."

"The plan you proposed earlier is already being prepared for implementation."

Nolan said into the phone.

Actually.

After reading Chen Yu's manuscript, he couldn't help but admire this young man from the East.

This film has long transcended the realm of ordinary superhero movies. It chronicles the life of a small man who aspires to be a comedian but struggles at the bottom of society due to his own illness.

After experiencing social bullying and the torment of illness, Arthur Fleck the Joker ultimately transforms into a lonely, pitiful, yet evil tragic figure.

"OMG."

"I really admire your imagination."

"perhaps--"

"This movie can fulfill your ultimate dream."

Nolan didn't say it explicitly, but Chen Yu understood what he meant.

From the beginning.

Chen Yu then developed a great interest in this role.

Now, he has finally convinced Warner with his actions.

"Next, we just wait for the project to be approved."

"There might be auditions for actors; I'll let you know in advance."

This was, after all, a script written by Chen Yu.

No one understands the characters he created better than Chen Yu.

“Of course.”

"I'm always ready to receive your call."

Just after the two hung up the phone, Liu Yifei walked in, clearly noticing Chen Yu's good mood.

"Honey? Who were you talking to on the phone just now?"

So far.

They didn't have any filming work, but they still didn't have any free time.

Nolan.

"Warner Bros. is preparing to launch my project, and filming will probably begin at the end of this year."

Upon hearing Chen Yu's answer, Liu Yifei's eyes widened in surprise.

As a traditional leader in Hollywood, Warner Bros. has always possessed a powerful IP library and a mature production studio.

Their self-sufficiency model is well-known.

But this time——

The recognition of Chen Yu's script is undoubtedly a signal with multiple meanings.

Clearly, Chen Yu's script this time can no longer be described as simply amazing.

It must have reached a level where it's impossible to refuse.

That's why they responded so quickly.

"You really passed! I knew you could do it!"

Liu Yifei's voice clearly attracted the attention of the people downstairs. Liu Xiaoli and Shen Xiaoqin exchanged a glance, naturally curious about what the two children were plotting.

Just thinking about it.

But then I heard the sound of footsteps going downstairs.

When I turned around, Liu Yifei had already run over excitedly.

"Mom, Auntie."

"Chen Yu's script has been approved by Warner Bros.!"

Shen Xiaoqin was stunned for a moment.

As for Liu Xiaoli, she was well aware of the implications.

This proves it.

Chen Yu has gradually evolved from a follower of the rules into a co-creator.

In the past, such treatment had never been given.

Liu Yifei was clearly very excited.

The person's emotions were completely out of control.

"This is a good thing."

"We have to celebrate today."

Chen Yu came downstairs and happened to hear Liu Yifei's excited scream.

So much happened that day.

If someone's heart isn't strong enough, they might faint.

In Chen Yu's view, the release of "The Joker" would definitely cause a huge uproar.

after all.

In its previous life, Joker was undoubtedly a movie that sparked a phenomenal discussion worldwide.

It's no longer just a box office success.

It also touched upon some of the most sensitive social issues.

At the time, it even won the highest award at the Venice International Film Festival.

Perhaps Nolan is right; this film may fulfill his dream.

the next day.

When I received another call from Diao Yinan, I was clearly in a better mood.

Diao Yinan has been putting in a lot of effort to promote the product these past two days.

While hoping his work would be successful, he also hoped it wouldn't negatively impact Chen Yu.

"Brother Yu."

"Yesterday's box office was significantly higher than the opening day's box office."

"It has jumped to 1700 million."

Although it's not a particularly outstanding achievement compared to some of the more popular films from the past.

However, a score higher than the first day's is already a very good improvement.

Even the news online is still somewhat offensive.

However, this small leap still brought Diao Yinan joy.

"Some cinemas have increased the number of screenings."

"The current attendance rate for evening shows in the capital is close to 80%, which is a good sign."

Upon hearing Diao Yinan's words, Chen Yu was naturally pleased.

Although the combined box office of the two days is not even a fraction of the opening day box office of "Better Days", at least it is not that outrageous.

Actually.

Art films are indeed subject to more restrictions.

As for box office revenue, it doesn't matter if it's a little low.

A steady rise is sufficient.

Originally, Chen Yu did not have high expectations for the box office performance of "Black Coal, Thin Ice".

After all, it has already won an award.

It no longer needs box office success to crown it.

As for Chen Yu—

After hanging up the phone with Diao Yinan, he finally had the opportunity to properly plan his schedule for the coming year.

He has always been methodical in his work.

Whether it's filming or attending an awards ceremony, he prefers to feel in control.

Aside from the release and promotion of "Black Coal, Thin Ice", the next film to be shown is "The Grand Budapest Hotel".

If the film is selected for Cannes, Chen Yu plans to schedule its premiere in Cannes, which would greatly increase its popularity.

It was subsequently released during the summer vacation season.

As a prime time slot that all film studios compete for, the advantages of releasing a film at this time are naturally very obvious.

When students are on holiday, the demand for family movie viewing explodes.

In addition, the nearly two-month battery life makes it even more conducive to the spread of word-of-mouth for works like "The Grand Budapest Hotel".

Besides.

Young people are the main force on social media, making them more suitable for generating and spreading movie-related topics.

Apart from these two things.

This year also sees the start of filming for "Let the Bullets Fly" and "Joker".

Jiang Wen's team is currently casting and setting up the sets. Filming for the previous life started around November, but this year it might be able to start a little earlier.

but--

All of this depends entirely on the progress made by Jiang Wen.

Chen Yu could not find the slightest fault with Jiang Wen's work attitude.

He is known for his hard work in filmmaking, even to the point of having an extreme level of control and an obsession with detail.

There is no doubt about this.

As for "Joker".

Warner Bros. acted very quickly. Now that Nolan has given them the information, we believe we'll have an answer soon.

As for casting, we can simply follow the standards of the previous life.

Thinking about it this way, I know I'll be busy again this year.

After all, 2008 and 2009 were crucial years for reshaping the landscape and exploring new models.

The time for transformation is now approaching.

Chen Yu is determined to seize this opportunity.

Thoughts came back.

It seems there won't be any available slots this year.

He had been planning to start the "Invisible Spy 2" project in the next two years, but he hadn't been able to find the time.

No matter what, we must get this done as soon as possible next year.

Think about it this way.

There's definitely something to look forward to next! (End of Chapter)