Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 416 Storm Red's First Appearance
Beijing International Trade Hotel is also the venue for today's press conference.

The announcement was made at 10 a.m., but the reporters were already there at 9:30 a.m.

There were nearly a hundred media outlets, large and small, coming this time. Some were notified by Xingchen Entertainment, while others got the news from their peers and came here on their own initiative.

Anyway, as long as you have a press pass, the security at the door will let you in.

In the nearly 1000-square-meter hall, reporters had already set up their cameras and since it was still early, those who knew each other gathered together to ask each other for news.

"Brother Zhang, you are always the most informed. Give me a tip~"

"You're putting me in a difficult position. I don't have any inside information. I just heard that Xingchen Entertainment is going to announce their new project~"

"That's the sci-fi movie. My goodness, this sci-fi movie has been making a lot of noise for more than half a month. Finally, there is definite news. Brother Zhang really doesn't have any inside information. If there is any good stuff, don't hide it..."

"Look at what you said, brother, am I that kind of person?"

The same conversation was repeated in various places in the hall. Some people tried to find out from the venue staff, but the answer they got was always that they would know soon.

Seeing that they couldn't get any information, everyone started to make inferences on their own.

Someone said: "800 million to make a movie, it's crazy~"

Someone immediately echoed: "Yeah, the Painted Skin from the beginning of the year hasn't even been released yet, and now there's another one coming out. It's really like being rich and willful~"

"Tsk, it's not his money that was spent. I heard that China Film Group alone invested 200 million yuan. Maybe there are other people who have taken advantage of it..."

Another person was also worried: "Yes, it doesn't seem reliable to give 800 million to a young man like Zhang Chen to make a science fiction film. Zhang Chen has never seen 800 million. Given the nature of our country, we don't even know if 400 million will be spent on the movie in the end..."

Not all of them are against Chen. Someone sarcastically said, "He has never seen 800 million. Have you? Do you know how high and big 800 million stacked together would be?"

When the man saw someone refutate him, he also got angry: "I haven't seen it, but no one in China has ever used 800 million to make a movie. Not to mention 800 million, not even 400 million. With such a high cost, how can we guarantee a profit? If we lose money, isn't it a loss of state-owned assets..."

The man choked when he was asked this question. Although he was on Zhang Chen's team, he really didn't know how to refute and could only shut up.

Some people also tried to smooth things over: "Don't worry, we will know the answer soon. But if you ask me, Han Sanping is the brave one. He believes what Zhang Chen says. He spent 200 million right away. 200 million is enough to make so many movies..."

The man who just supported Chen couldn't help but say, "What if Zhang Chen is really good? Wouldn't Taken have broken the box office record?"

"What you are talking about is the box office record for Chinese-language films. The real record in China is "The Big Ship", which grossed 3.6 million..." Someone who knows more about this poured cold water on this.

Others also agreed: "Yes, action movies and science fiction movies are different, they are two different things! Why haven't we produced any science fiction movies? Is it because we don't want to make them, or because we can't make them..."

"Yes, the scheduling, technology, and imagination of science fiction films are not what we Asians are good at. I think we should focus on the field of art and leave others behind..."

……

Behind the scenes of the venue, it was almost ten o'clock and the group was already ready.

Jing Tian was taking a deep breath. Zhang Chen saw this and comforted her: "Don't be nervous. You've already attended a premiere..."

Jing Tian patted her chest and said, "Don't be nervous, don't be nervous~"

I don’t know whether he was answering Zhang Chen or building up his mental strength.

Han Sanping checked the time and reminded Zhang Chen: "The wind direction these two days is not very good. The media will definitely ask some unusual questions. You should pay attention to the impact and don't make big news again..."

Zhang Chen nodded and made an OK gesture: "I understand, today I am just reporting and warming up the project.

A production as large as Pacific Rim must generate topics regularly and must not fade out of the audience's field of vision.

I had made plans long ago. Not only would I organize media visits to the set regularly, but I would also start promoting the film half a year before it was released.

Comics and other things should also be released in advance to expand their influence.

Although we don’t expect to recoup our costs domestically, we still want to get as much box office revenue as possible.

Not only that, I also want to make some changes to the box office sharing.

Instead of increasing the profit sharing ratio like Zhang Weiping did, he negotiated with theaters and adopted a tiered profit sharing model following the Hollywood model.

比如第一周制片方和院线的分成比例是7:3，第二周变成6:4，第三周5:5，这才是良性的分成模式。

It not only helps producers recover their costs, but also restricts theater chains. If they want to get good returns, they cannot simply reduce the number of films they schedule.”

"Okay, let's talk about this later. It's almost time. Is it time to go on stage?"

Zhang Chen looked at his watch. It was exactly ten o'clock. He walked towards the front desk.

Behind him, everyone followed in a line.

For this press conference, Zhang Chen didn't even invite a host. Anyway, the host couldn't control the situation at every press conference, so it would be better for him to do it himself.

With the appearance of this group of people, the venue, which had been a little noisy just now, immediately became quiet. Then, no one knew who took the lead, but the reporters rushed to the front row like a tide. If security and isolation belts had not been arranged in advance, they might have been surrounded by these guys.

"Director Zhang, it is rumored that your cooperation with Hollywood failed. Is today's press conference specially for an apology?"

"Boss Han, it's rumored that you invested 200 million in Xingchen Entertainment. Is this true?"

"Director Zhang..."

Seeing that the reporters were like zombies, surrounding them with microphones in hand, Zhang Chen hurriedly pressed his hands in the air.

"Everyone, be quiet, be quiet~"

Sina Entertainment is broadcasting today's press conference live. It would be a disaster if the chaos continues.

The crowd immediately quieted down when they saw him like this. Zhang Chen then took the microphone and said, "Everyone please go back to your original places. Since I have held a press conference, I will answer all the questions you are concerned about, but please respect the organizer and abide by the venue rules~"

After hearing what he said, the reporters were too embarrassed to crowd in, but there was still a man with glasses holding up the microphone persistently: "Director Zhang, regarding the question of China Film Group investing in your science fiction film, please..."

"Shut up~"

Zhang Chen suddenly pointed at him and shouted, "I told you to abide by the venue rules. If you do it again, I will ask you to leave~"

The reporters were stunned. They were used to being the uncrowned kings, and this was the first time they saw someone dare to speak to them like this.

The man with glasses wanted to say something, but seeing Zhang Chen's gloomy face, he had no doubt that if he really dared to force him again, the other party would really kick him out. For the sake of his own face, he could only return in disappointment.

The cameras of other media outlets faithfully recorded this scene; their cameras never left Zhang Chen.

Seeing that the scene had returned to order, Zhang Chen continued, "Today's press conference invited everyone to talk about two things:
2. Xingchen Entertainment's new film project "The Shallows : The Great Crocodile Storm" has been approved and will start filming soon~
Second, the preparations for the first domestic science fiction film "Pacific Rim" have officially started~"

Wow~
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd burst into noise again.

Zhang Chen could only press the button again, "Everyone, everyone~"

He deliberately raised his voice, and the reporters quieted down again. "Don't get excited, there will be a special question-and-answer session later, don't be impatient~"

After he said that, the reporter had no choice but to wait patiently.

Han Sanping watched Zhang Chen comfort the reporters, but a trace of worry welled up in his heart.

The reporters' behavior today was very abnormal. I have never seen them so active in normal media conferences.

Zhang Chen has been running around these past two days and hasn't paid much attention to the news.

But Han Sanping, as the head of China Film Corporation, knows the direction of public opinion very well.

The public opinion these days is not really friendly to "Pacific Rim", with all kinds of doubts~
I doubt whether Chinese people can make science fiction~
I doubt whether 800 million can recover the cost~
Now no one doubts whether Zhang Chen is deliberately mysterious. After all, information from many sources can confirm that Zhang Chen is serious, and this project can be found on the official filing website of the Film Bureau. However, people are generally pessimistic about the prospects of "Pacific Rim".

Recently, a post on the Internet has become very popular and has been reposted on major forums:

【

What will you gain if a 800 million movie project ultimately fails?
The answer is, nothing.

If it is a physical project worth 800 million yuan, if it fails, there may still be some physical objects, such as suspended buildings, abandoned production lines, etc.

But for a film project, if it fails, you really have nothing.

Is film useful?
Is a design that remains on paper useful?

It's all just data garbage.

】

On the podium, Zhang Chen has already started introducing the movie:
“The Shallows 2: The Greatest Show on Earth is the sequel to The Shallows. Strictly speaking, it should be considered a sister film, because the perspective of this movie changes from sharks to crocodiles, but it is still a thrilling story…

In order to make the movie exciting enough, we specially invited Hollywood director James Wan to direct this film. Come, James, say hello to everyone~"

As Zhang Chen finished speaking, James Wan smiled and waved to the audience, and even showed off his newly learned Mandarin: "Ni Men Hao~"

James Wan's poor Chinese successfully amused the media present, and Zhang Chen continued: "James' Chinese name is James Wan, and he is the director of the hit movie "Saw"..."

Wow~
The media was excited again, and many people only reacted after Zhang Chen pointed out the other party's identity.

"Saw" was a box office miracle in North America. It cost more than one million US dollars and eventually sold more than 100 million worldwide. It was a model of low-cost movies. No one would have thought that it was shot by this unprepossessing Chinese... The spotlights kept flashing, and James Wan was in pain and joy. His eyes were clearly dazzled by the light and he wanted to cry, but his expression was a smile from the heart.

Seeing that the media was about to riot again, Zhang Chen simply said, "Now everyone can ask questions~"

As soon as he finished speaking, someone asked, "Director Zhang, what attracted Director James Wan to this movie?"

Zhang Chen shrugged, "I think I'd better let him answer this himself~"

Zhang Chen translated the reporter's question, and James Wan took the microphone and looked at the media with a smile: "'Crocodile Storm' is a very good story. I really liked its prequel 'The Shallows', so I am honored to be able to direct its sequel~"

James Wan is a serious bullshitter, so of course he couldn't say that I was attracted by another script.

Whether you like it or not, you have to praise others in front of the media. This is the basic ethics of public figures.

Zhang Chen continued to help translate, but the media was obviously not satisfied with this answer, so Zhang Chen had to say: "I was originally going to direct this work myself, but I had to prepare for Pacific Rim and had no time, so I thought of James Wan.

We were good friends. When we were in the United States, we often drank coffee together and talked about movies. I showed him the script and he liked it very much. He wanted to participate in it in every possible way and promised solemnly that it must be more exciting than my previous film..."

Since the media was not satisfied, Zhang Chen made up a story and added some news points. Sure enough, the media was satisfied.

The flash lights lit up as if they were free.

After filming for a while, someone continued to ask, "So is Miss Fan Binbin still the protagonist of The Shock Wave 2?"

"No, this is a completely different story. If you have watched The Shallows 1, you will remember that at the beginning of the movie, the heroine sent a message to her sister. This time it is about the sister's story, but Ms. Fan Binbin will also have a cameo in this movie...

As for the leading actress of "The Shallows 2", I would now like to solemnly introduce her to you - Miss Jing Tian!
You should all be familiar with her, the actress who played the daughter in Taken~"

Following Zhang Chen’s announcement, there was another burst of flashes of light.

Jing Tian maintained a standard smile on her face, ready to answer reporters' questions at any time.

Unexpectedly, the reporter's first question was not friendly.

A reporter directly questioned: "The Shallows is a billion-dollar movie. As a sequel to a billion-dollar movie, isn't it too rash for Ms. Jing Tian to play the leading role? Isn't Director Zhang worried that her acting skills won't be able to support the box office?"

Zhang Chen on the stage was not angry at all: "Of course I'm not worried, but I'm a little surprised, why would anyone worry about her acting skills?

How do you know her acting is bad?
The scene in "Taken" where she was pulled out from under the bed is one of the most memorable moments in the whole film. I think this alone is enough to illustrate Miss Jing's acting skills.

In addition, I saw someone online jokingly calling "Taken" "Jing Tian Rescue". I think it is because Miss Jing Tian's performance in the play left a deep impression on everyone that this name came into being..."

After saying a few good words for the other party, Zhang Chen said to Jing Tian: "Jing Tian, ​​since some people are questioning your acting skills, do you want to say a few words to everyone?"

Jing Tian kept Zhang Chen's advice in mind and must keep smiling at all times. If an actor's emotions are influenced by the media, then he or she has really fallen into the media's trap.

They just want to see you get mad.

So Jing Tian kept smiling.

She took the microphone, paused, and said in a sweet voice: "Before the project of "Crocodile Storm" was launched, Director Zhang told me that he wanted me to be the heroine of the sequel, but the premise was that my acting skills had to meet his requirements. For this, he could give me half a year. If I couldn't meet the requirements after half a year, he would replace me.

I was very nervous at the time because I was not a professional and had not received any systematic training in acting.

So I found an acting teacher and practiced day and night.

Then I passed the assessment half a year later, so you can see me on the stage today.

I understand your doubts about me. I also had doubts myself before, but now, I dare to say that I have the confidence to contribute acting skills that are not inferior to the previous work, and I hope everyone will believe me~"

Jing Tian's words were full of confidence. This was not taught by Zhang Chen, but was completely her spontaneous behavior.

Zhang Chen likes confident girls.

After Jing Tian finished speaking, Zhang Chen followed up by saying, “In fact, it’s normal for new actors to be questioned. The audience will question you because they don’t know you well.

But I have seen the efforts of Ms. Jing Tian, ​​and with the addition of director James Wan, I believe that The Shallows 2 will be an excellent work that is as good as the previous one. Let us wait and see."

After Zhang Chen finished speaking, he took the initiative to lead the applause. The main creators on the stage followed suit and the reporters in the audience were infected and also applauded.

When the applause had almost died down, Zhang Chen said again: "Okay, we have almost finished talking about The Shallows 2. Next, let's talk about Pacific Rim. I know everyone must have a lot of questions to ask, but please be patient for a while. After listening to my introduction, I will leave enough time for you to ask questions..."

After hearing what Zhang Chen said, the reporters could only continue to be patient.

"Please move, media friends, please look here~"

Zhang Chen led a group of main creators to move away from the front of the podium. As he finished speaking, the curtain on the background wall suddenly fell down, revealing a giant concept map behind it.

Wow~
The crowd immediately exploded.

On a nearly four-meter-long concept drawing, a huge red mecha was facing everyone. Even though it was just a concept drawing, the oppressive feeling was still so strong that everyone dared not breathe, especially when they saw the four words written in traditional Chinese characters on the chest of the mecha - 'Storm Red'.

After the crowd was briefly shocked, the flash lights flashed again. This time, there was no sign of stopping after it started, and people could be heard gasping from time to time.

Zhang Chen was very satisfied with the result he created, and began to introduce: "What you are seeing is the strongest mecha representing China in Pacific Rim - Storm Red."

As expected, its name is Storm Red, and it looks very powerful at first glance.

The shock of the reporters has not ended yet. Storm Red is so in line with the aesthetic taste of Chinese people. Its sturdy body looks like a giant in armor. Its Chinese red outfit shows that it is of Chinese nationality, and its three mechanical arms are strong and powerful.

Zhang Chen's voice sounded again, and this time he began to introduce the parameters: "Storm Red is a fourth-generation mecha, 76 meters tall, weighing 1722 tons, capable of carrying three people, with an operating system of the Three Suns Horizon Gateway, and a power core of the Midnight 9 Ring Surrounding Core..."

Wait, I don’t understand what Zhang Chen is saying, but I feel it’s impressive.

The reporters were bewildered and shocked beyond words.

Zhang Chen continued:
"The Storm Red in our setting was assembled in Changzhou, Jiangsu, and served in the Dome Base in Hong Kong. Its pioneering 28-GO liquid software system gives it the lowest circuit coverage rate among all mechas.

The mecha uses an all-titanium core, and each muscle belt is driven by 50 diesel engines. Two of the three arms can be transformed between claw and knife types, and the other arm is equipped with an I-22 plasma cannon with biometric recognition capabilities that can lock onto the monster's bones.

The Storm Crimson's feet are equipped with OSIH Achilles shock absorbers and magnetorheological dampers to keep it stable on a variety of terrains.

The built-in balance components and pressure sensors in the feet can make fine adjustments to the mecha's movements thousands of times per second, a function similar to the electromagnetic suspension of a car.

The back and legs are equipped with small rocket launchers, allowing Storm Red to close the distance with the enemy in a very short time and complete melee attacks.

In the design of the outer armor, we added a lot of mesh structures similar to ancient armor, and set up a gorgeous flight light group on the outside of the mecha for contour recognition during hoisting flight..."

Zhang Chen kept talking and talking, and the reporters were stunned.

They seemed to understand, but also seemed not to understand.

No, you are just making a science fiction film, why do you need to make it seem realistic? There are so many professional terms, are these technologies already realized?
Some people subconsciously wanted to complain, but after seeing the oppressive feeling of the mecha, they couldn't help but shut up.

"What everyone sees is just one mecha in the movie, but in the story, each country, China, the United States, and Russia, has at least one mecha, and they are completely different designs..."

hiss~
Now everyone was even more uneasy.

Do you really want to make it so big? No wonder it costs 800 million~
“So, Pacific Rim is actually a mecha-war movie?”

A reporter reacted and spoke first.

"That's understandable, but the mechas all belong to the human side. Strictly speaking, this is actually a movie about humans driving mechas to fight monsters..."

Zhang Chen's short words can't help but make people fascinated.

Humans, driving such a tall mecha?

What kind of monster could force humans to build such a large mecha to fight?

Some people couldn't help but speculate.

Zhang Chen smiled slightly: "We won't show the concept map of the monster today, but we may show it sometime later. We will have a comic with the same name online later. The setting and story of the world background in the comic will be more comprehensive..."

Wow~
The reporters quickly wrote down what Zhang Chen said and were surprised at the other party's generosity.

It's just a movie, but they have to make a comic book with the same name?

Zhang Chen knew what they were thinking. He could only say that the domestic commercialization was still too poor. This was what happened with James Cameron's "Avatar" a few years later. Not only did they make comics, they also created a language for the characters in the movie.

"Director Zhang, I would like to ask, when will the movie Pacific Rim be released?"

The reporters can't wait.

Zhang Chen smiled and replied, "The preliminary estimate is that it should be in 08. There is no other way. A science fiction film of this level cannot be produced quickly. There are too many things to prepare and too many special effects shots. The special effects processing alone will probably take a year..."

When they heard that the film would be released in two years, many people expressed regret.

But what Zhang Chen said is also true. Foreign science fiction blockbusters are often produced in years.

On the contrary, those shoddy movies are released every few months. Even if such movies are released, I dare not watch them, because they might just be a money-sucking scam.

Just as everyone was still looking forward to it, a voice suddenly sounded: "I would like to ask Director Zhang, let's not talk about the quality of a science fiction film made with 800 million yuan. Let me ask you, with a cost of 800 million yuan, can the film really make back its investment?"

(End of this chapter)