Extracting skills from movies

Chapter 598: Getting there first
As for Du Sheng’s pay.

Since he is still a newcomer in Hollywood, but considering his overall popularity and influence around the world, he was still given $280 million.

Du Sheng knew very well that this was pretty good.

His last cameo appearance in Kill Bill 2 was paid $50.

Jet Li's salary for his first Hollywood film was only $50.

Du Sheng was too lazy to argue and just asked Miracle Fighting Company, which participated in the investment, to arrange for the finance and production departments to coordinate and review the matter.

Anyway, half of this money was picked up from the ground that year, and the other half was won from betting during the title defense battle some time ago.

After all, it’s all the contribution of the people of Lighthouse, so we won’t feel bad if we lose money.

After half a month of filming, Du Sheng plans to return to China.

But before they set off, Du Qifeng and Zhuang Wenqiang called them over to get together and visit the Hollywood CG industry that they longed for.

Why does Hollywood have such an irresistible charm for so many people in the industry?
When Du Sheng followed Du Qifeng into the Industrial Light & Magic base, he suddenly realized.

The special effects company was founded by Star Wars director George Lucas.

Representative works such as the "Star Wars" series, the "Indiana Jones" series, "Jurassic Park" and "Avatar" are its highlights.

It is undeniable that the hardware equipment, software tools, personnel configuration and other aspects are indeed among the best in the world.

Especially in the fields of rendering engine, 3D modeling, rendering node, etc., no one can replicate them for the time being.

This also forces many film and television companies that need to produce special effects to cooperate with them.

In fact, as early as forty years ago, Hollywood conquered European audiences with its outstanding special effects technology.

For example, the science fiction film "A Space Odyssey" was released a year before the Apollo moon landing program.

The magnificent cosmic scenes, uniquely designed spacecraft and rich science fiction elements in the film have brought unprecedented visual impact to the audience.

When people heard the news of Apollo's successful moon landing, it was easy to associate the scenes in the movie with reality.

But in reality, although Lighthouse's aerospace technology is advanced, it is far from the level portrayed in the movie.

Subsequently, series such as "Star Wars" and "Jurassic Park" continued to conquer audiences around the world with their stunning visual effects.

These films are undoubtedly Hollywood masterpieces.

But they are just fictional stories combined with highly realistic special effects.

But the real lighthouse is not as omnipotent as in the movies.

Many people, not understanding the actual situation, are easily misled by the scenes in the movie and subconsciously overestimate the power of the lighthouse.

If Du Sheng was not a reincarnated human, he would probably have a similar illusion like most people.

Indeed, a country that was able to achieve the feat of landing on the moon forty years ago was undoubtedly very powerful.

However, its power has limits.

It can't defeat the alien fleet so easily like in the movies.

This excessive glorification of the lighthouse's strength is largely due to the powerful influence of movie special effects technology.

Even without considering the publicity effect, from a commercial perspective, movie special effects themselves are an excellent profit-making tool.

In last year's global movie box office rankings, the top ten were almost all occupied by special effects blockbusters.

The box office revenue of each movie far exceeds the total of the domestic market for the whole year.

For example, "Troy," which ranked tenth last year, grossed $4.57 million.

The films "Shrek 9.3: The Monsters", "Harry Potter 2", "Spider-Man 3" and "The Incredibles", which have grossed $2 million, are firmly at the top, and each of them is a special effects masterpiece.

Du Sheng has memories of his past life and is well aware that the future film market will be more inclined towards special effects blockbusters.

Traditional films may find it difficult to buck this trend.

in the country, some pioneers have already tried this path.

"The Legend of Zu", which Xiang Huaqiang invested heavily in a few years ago, is a special effects blockbuster, but unfortunately it did not perform well at the box office.

It was not until three years ago that "Hero" directed by Zhang Yimou was released and achieved a global box office of 2.5 million US dollars, which truly opened a new era of domestic blockbusters.

However, "Hero" relies more on large-scale manpower investment rather than CG special effects.

Faced with such a technological gap, the domestic circle is helpless.

Even big directors in the industry like Du Qifeng and Xu Laoguai can only ask Dengta for help when they want to produce CG special effects.

This situation is very unpleasant.

Du Sheng knew in his heart that if he wanted to find new areas of development in this industry in the future, the special effects company would undoubtedly be the most promising choice.

"If you want to have fun, use high-tech!"

This is also one of the purposes of his visit.

This is both to help their own blockbusters and to help the country escape the desert of this industry.

It seems that we have to act quickly and urgently to get Amanda to acquire Digital Domain special effects company.

This company is in a state of bankruptcy, but the level of its special effects is second only to Industrial Lighting, it is definitely a golden goose!
If you let others get there first, you will regret it later.

Therefore, after briefly bidding farewell to Zhuang Wenqiang, Du Qifeng and others, Du Sheng took advantage of the remaining time and simply went to TVING company to let Amanda settle down as soon as possible before returning home.

After boarding the plane, Du Sheng found his seat, gently put down his luggage and fastened his seat belt.

He pulled his laptop out of his bag and opened his social media and news apps, ready to catch up on some of the latest news during the flight.

The moment the screen lit up, an eye-catching headline caught his attention:
[Girls' Generation's domestic tour was a huge success, and fans are enthusiastic! ]

Du Sheng smiled slightly, slid his finger across the screen, and began to read the report carefully.

On the page, in the large photo, the performance venue was crowded with people and fans were waving colorful cheering sticks in their hands.

The light gathered together, like a dazzling galaxy.

The report also described in detail Girls' Generation's concert tours in major cities, which caused an unprecedented sensation wherever they went.

The concert tickets were sold out as soon as they went on sale.

The report also quoted comments from several audience members:
"This is the most stunning performance I have ever seen! Each girl in Girls' Generation is full of energy, and their singing seems to penetrate people's hearts."

"I started listening to their songs last year, and now I finally have the chance to see them live. I am so moved!"

"Girls' Generation's performances are not only entertainment, but also a testimony to youth!"

On social media, the topic of Girls' Generation continues to gain popularity.

On Renren, the #Girls'GenerationTour# topic has been read over 5 million times, and the comment section has been flooded with enthusiastic messages from fans.

Many people posted photos of themselves with their idols and the highlights of their concerts.

Others shared the various preparations they had made for the tour, from customizing cheering items to memorizing lyrics in advance, all of which showed their deep love for their idols.

Du Sheng looked at these comments, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously rose, revealing a knowing smile.

He knew how much effort the girls had put in for this tour.

It is only natural to have this achievement.

However, considering that Zhang Da Huzi's "The Return of the Condor Heroes" will be broadcast at the end of October, the promotion and marketing parties will definitely meet later, so Du Sheng is not in a hurry to celebrate.

After returning to the headquarters, he immediately started to deal with the backlog of affairs.

In particular, he must personally arrange matters such as the company's business report for the first three quarters, adjustment of development focus and large-scale contract signings.

Otherwise, the director's rights will be wasted over time.

As the seasons change, we have unknowingly entered October.

The drama "Drawing Sword" has been broadcasted for 1 consecutive days in prime time on Yangshi Channel 15.

The final scene of the series will be revealed tonight.

This also marks the end of the specially planned series of outstanding anti-Japanese war TV dramas to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the victory of the war of resistance against Japanese aggression.

To celebrate this moment, Du Sheng specially arranged a dinner party.

The main members of the "Drawing Sword" crew were invited, and the venue was chosen to be a restaurant famous for its authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Considering that everyone could watch the last episode together, he asked the store to set up a 60-inch large-screen TV in the private room in advance.

At this time, the news broadcast had just ended.

Du Sheng had just arrived at the hotel entrance after a busy day, when he saw Li Youbin, director Chen Jian and the main creative staff already waiting there.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting for so long." Du Sheng greeted them warmly:

"It's a bit cold, let's go upstairs first."

Li Youbin responded with a smile:

"It's only natural to wait for President Du to come. If you don't come, this meal will be meaningless."

"Haha, Teacher Li is right."

Chen Jian also echoed:

"Everything is ready. We are just waiting for you to order the food."

"It doesn't have to be too formal. Just follow your preferences. Eating is the first priority."

After Du Sheng's joke, the atmosphere became much more harmonious.

After entering the private room, several people ordered a few special dishes.

Since we were unsure of other people's taste preferences, we finally decided to let the restaurant combine the remaining dishes according to the number of people.

"Boss Du, I guess you don't know much about the performance of 'Drawing Sword'. Let me report it to you.

As of last night, the average nationwide ratings of this drama was 10.8%, with the highest reaching 12.7%, successfully surpassing "Moment in Peking" and temporarily becoming the annual ratings champion of Yangshi in 2005..."

Chen Jian finished speaking briefly, and Li Youbin added:

"It is expected that the ratings tonight will reach a new high. After all, this is the finale."

Du Sheng smiled and said:

“Haha, tonight’s ratings peak is almost certain.

By the way, let me mention the second round of broadcasting rights. Currently, 13 satellite TV stations have expressed a strong willingness to purchase, and seven of them have reached an agreement..."

It’s not surprising that this drama became the annual champion of Yangshi.

After all, the investment, production and other aspects are quite large-scale, and the history is truly restored.

In particular, it vividly shows the real poor living and combat conditions of the Eighth Army in northwestern Shanxi.

Such as wrinkled, patched military uniforms, dilapidated residences, etc.

The plot is full of suspense and drama.

From Li Yunlong leading his troops to annihilate the Yamazaki Battalion, to attacking Ping'an County, and then to forming a special forces team, the plot is full of ups and downs and exciting.

Moreover, the film did not portray the Japanese army as weak and incompetent, but instead meticulously restored their outstanding individual and coordinated combat capabilities.

Of course, the most important thing is that the drama has created a "Sword Spirit" that is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.

Whether it is Li Yunlong or Chu Yunfei, they both have a kind of resistance to fate and determination to face the enemy.

This national spirit of unity aroused strong resonance and national pride among the audience.

What's more, it has been selected as the designated drama to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the victory of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, so its ratings are definitely guaranteed.

When they heard that Du Sheng was planning to sell "Drawing Sword" to Southeast Asia, everyone was overjoyed.

"Wow!"

"That's great."

"It will be hard for Brother Bing not to be popular this time!"

Although the proceeds from this sale have nothing to do with many of you here, the second round of broadcasting will undoubtedly further expand its influence.

For actors including Li Youbin, Zhang Guangli, He Zhengjun and others, this means higher visibility and new opportunities for personal career development.

Therefore, everyone present was very excited.

At eight o'clock in the evening, Du Sheng raised his glass and suggested:
"Come, let's toast to the successful completion of the first broadcast of "Drawing Sword". I hope it will continue to create greater glory in the future!"

"cheers!"

Everyone responded, stood up and raised their glasses to drink together.

The atmosphere at the table was warm and cheerful, with lots of smiles.

They had never expected that Du Sheng would invite them to celebrate this special day together.

Now that I can sit at the same table with this big name in the circle, I feel honored and also have some anticipation for the future.

If you work with Star Media, you won't have to worry about promotion opportunities in the future.

Even veteran actors like Li Youbin and Zhang Guangzhen are no exception.

Therefore, Du Sheng was surrounded by people toasting him.

At the same time, viewers in countless households are sitting in front of their TVs, eagerly awaiting the finale of "Drawing Sword".

Even guest stars such as Tong Liya and Jiang Xin were watching the show in their respective living rooms and enthusiastically discussing the development of the plot.

It has to be said that this anti-Japanese drama has refreshed everyone's stereotyped cognition.

Even many young people love to follow this drama.

The next day, when the ratings for the finale of "Drawing Sword" were released, many people in the industry were shocked.

15.2%!

This is a height that has not been reached in the past two years.

Some investors and directors have even started to think about how to follow suit and reap the benefits.

Even after a few days, the drama is still highly discussed on platforms such as Tieba and Renren.

Seeing this, Star Media began to prepare for the second round of broadcasting in advance.

However, considering that "The Return of the Condor Heroes" has been scheduled, posters and trailers have been released, and it will premiere on Modu TV + Phoenix TV in half a month, the time has to be arranged well.

Otherwise, if you compete with yourself, you will lose audiences and profits in vain.

With the massive release of materials for The Return of the Condor Heroes and various hypes by Zhang Da Hu Zi, related discussions on social platforms continue to gain popularity.

"Is this a trailer? Yang Guo is so handsome!"

"Wow, who can tell me how to become his aunt? I'm willing to pay the matchmaker fee!"

"The lady upstairs is in need of love, right? I can be your sweetheart, just pay for the plane ticket!"

"I have to admit that Du Sheng looks absolutely stunning in ancient costume. Even I am ashamed of myself. I guess I need to go to the gym to practice some more."

"Can someone help me edit this photo so that Yang Guo and I can be one? I want to use it as my wedding photo!"

"I heard that the producer of 'Bright Sword' is Brother Sheng? Oh, my husband is so great, and he is also very charming at night!"

"Stop dreaming upstairs, look at this kid and see if he looks like Du Sheng?"

"A bunch of crazy people. Du Sheng picked up the soap for me last night. Do you know what the result was?"

"You're a duck upstairs, are you mad?!"

"..."

These are just a few of the many comments.

This is just a small sampling of the hot topics, and they all have one thing in common.

Netizens are surprisingly active in anything related to Du Sheng.

In the second half of this year, Yangshi TV station launched two highly acclaimed dramas, "The Inspector General of the Song Dynasty" and "Drawing Sword".

And all of this is closely related to Du Sheng.

They not only broke the ratings records of the main and local stations,
It also broke into the top ten national annual ratings.

To describe it in one word: awesome!
If we count the movies from the first half of the year...

The media has keenly captured this traffic hotspot, how could they remain indifferent?

Many editors quickly assigned reporters to write related reports, and a new title was born:

The drama savior!
Yes, it is that different.

It’s just to attract attention, it’s definitely a gimmick!

.........

(End of this chapter)