Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 438 Celebration Banquet

On Thursday, July 7, a celebration party for "A Quiet Place" was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Beijing.

The stars are shining, and almost all the partners that have good relations with Xingchen Entertainment are here.

Wang Jinghua and her Shijiu Culture~
Wang Changtian and his Enlight Media~
Chen Xi and Golden Harvest artists~
Boss Yang and Eagle King artist~
Zhang Guoli and the people of Taihe~
Zhao Benshan and Benshan Media~
Chang Jihong and Xingmei artists~
In addition, there are managers of various theaters~
A group of teachers from Beijing Film Academy~
The media's flash lights kept flashing at the stars. As the leading actress, Fan Xiaopang undoubtedly stole the spotlight and was asked by the media to strike various poses.

Just in the interval of taking pictures, she suddenly noticed a person who shouldn't be here - Li Binbin.

How come she is here?

Isn’t today also the celebration party for “The Banquet”?

As an actor of Huayi, Li Binbin did not attend his own celebration party, but actually came to his competitor. What is he trying to do?

Fan Xiaopang pretended to be calm on the surface, but he was actually very alarmed.

She appeared calm on the surface, but Li Binbin was still noticed by the media.

Many media outlets have focused their cameras on Li Binbin. Apparently, they were thinking the same thing as Fan Xiaopang, but since it was not the question-and-answer session, they were unable to surround him for an interview.

But this was just a minor incident and the celebration party went on as planned.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Zhang Chen and Han Sanping smashed the 200000000 ice sculpture with their own hands.

The scene was full of flashing lights.

According to the general movie release process, holding a celebration party in the fourth week is actually a bit late.

But "A Quiet Place" is different. Its fourth week box office is even a little more than "The Banquet"'s third week, and even more than "Dragon Tiger Gate".

It is a standard monopoly.

When it came to the question-and-answer session, Zhang Chen started making trouble again.

"Director Zhang, the celebration parties for A Quiet Place and The Banquet were scheduled on the same day. Does this mean they are competing with each other?"

Zhang Chen played dumb: "On the same day? I didn't know The Banquet was also celebrating today. Oh, congratulations on their box office success of over 100 million~"

The reporters smiled knowingly. It was okay for others to congratulate them, but Zhang Chen's congratulations were considered mocking.

At the celebration party for breaking 200 million box office, Zhang Chen congratulated his competitor for breaking 100 million box office. Isn't this a ridicule?
Someone quickly wrote something down in a notebook.

Zhang Chen smiled, he just wanted to cause trouble.

Isn't "The Banquet" pulling down "A Quiet Place"? Then let's pull each other down.

Someone continued to ask: "Director Zhang, what do you think the final box office of A Quiet Place will be? Can it exceed Taken?"

"I don't know about that. The final box office figure will depend on whether the theaters are willing to continue scheduling the film. As for whether it can surpass Taken, I can't say for sure, but I think it will be difficult."

Hearing Zhang Chen's words, all the theater managers below smiled.

"Director Zhang, A Quiet Place has surpassed 200 million. Who do you think is the biggest contributor?"

Zhang Chen answered without thinking: "Screenwriter, cameraman, actors, costumes, makeup, the film is the result of collective labor, every link is very important, I am very grateful to my team, they are excellent..."

The reporter continued: "Is the director not important?"

Zhang Chen asked back: "Is it important?

It's just sitting behind the monitor and shouting "click", is it important?

Anyone can do it~"

Zhang Chen's statement caused laughter.

"Of course it's important. The biggest feeling that A Quiet Place gave to the audience was that no one dared to make a sound while watching the movie. Isn't this the director's credit?"

Zhang Chen continued: "Oh, you're talking about this. It seems that the director is still somewhat useful. What I actually want to say is that if a film project is staffed by top experts in the industry, the success of the film is actually not related to the director, but if it fails, it is definitely the director's responsibility...

This is like a war. The military gives you the strongest weapons and equipment. Even if you don't consider tactics and just pile on the attack, your chances of winning are very high.

But if this overwhelming equipment still fails, it must be the commander’s fault.”

Zhang Chen's words were once again greeted with applause. Everyone thought he was just being modest, but a few sensitive reporters thought of more.

If a film project is staffed by top industry experts in all aspects, if it fails, it is definitely the director's responsibility.
Rub~
Isn’t this talking about “The Night Banquet”?

Lang Lang's piano, Tan Dun's music, Zhang Li's photography, Tim Yip's art and costumes, Yuan Heping's martial arts design...

It's top-notch in every aspect.

But, is "The Banquet" a failure?

It seems to have broken 100 million~
But it seems that I didn’t get my money back~
That's a failure.
Is Zhang Chen alluding to Feng Xiaogang?

The reporters who came to their senses were very excited. They didn't care whether it was an over-interpretation or not. As long as the interpretation was reasonable, it was the fact.

There was a cocktail party after the celebration banquet. Zhang Chen was the protagonist and he would definitely move around.

The first ones to say hello would definitely be Han Sanping and those theater managers.

Cinema managers are also divided into levels, and the only people who can chat with Han Sanping are big shots like Wu Hehu, Zhao Jun, and Gao Jun from the Three Musketeers.

Other theater managers automatically gathered into another circle.

"Mr. Han, Mr. Wu, Mr. Zhao, Mr. Gao, how far A Quiet Place can go depends on your contributions..."

"Okay, okay, we also want to see how much potential this film has~"

This is the first time that the producers and theaters have used a tiered profit-sharing method to split profits. Both parties are feeling their way forward and want to see the ultimate pros and cons of this method.

If feasible, both "Curse of the Golden Flower" and "Painted Skin" at the end of the year will adopt this approach.

Han Sanping asked, "I heard that you and Zhao Benshan are planning to make a costume comedy?"

Zhang Chen nodded: "Yes, I have reserved 20% of the investment share for you. If anyone is interested, please contact me."

He thought Han Sanping wanted to get involved, but he didn't expect the other party to ask, "When is it going to be released?"

"November or December."

The script for "Wulin Wai Zhuan Movie" came out two days ago. He was planning to take this opportunity today to discuss it with Zhao Benshan and Wang Jing, and start filming after some preparations.

"Please postpone it as much as possible, preferably until early next year."

"What's wrong?" Zhang Chen was curious.

"In December we have a movie called "The Legend of Yun Shui", which is the annual key project of China Film Group. It's best if everyone doesn't conflict with it~"

Zhang Chen slapped his forehead, wondering how could he have forgotten about this.

"Yun Shui Yao" is a project led by San Ye, with an all-star cast from both sides of the Taiwan Strait and Hong Kong.

The original work of "Yun Shui Yao" is called "Searching". The author Zhang Kehui is the honorary chairman of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League. The script is adapted from the real life experiences of the author and several Taiwanese compatriots.

For China Film, this film is a political task and all resources must be gathered.
Han Sanping asked him to postpone it to remind him that any movie that encountered "The Legend of Yun Shui" would be doomed.

"Oh, that's perfect, we still have more time for filming~"

Zhang Chen decisively accepted the kindness.

"What about Pacific Rim? How is the preparation going?"

If "The Legend of Mir" is China Film Group's key project this year, then "Pacific Rim" will be the key project next year.

Han Sanping even seemed to be gambled on his own career.

"The Promise" has already failed. If another movie with a bigger investment, "Pacific Rim", also fails, it will be enough to prove that his investment vision is problematic. It will be hard to say whether he can continue to preside over China Film.

"Everything is going on in an orderly manner. The studio is already in place, the physical model is still being worked on, and the special effects model has begun rendering. If everything goes well, the preparations will be completed by the end of the year, and we can start filming after the New Year..."

"Okay, as long as you know what's going on~"

After saying goodbye to Han Sanping and the others, Zhang Chen continued to greet and chat with people he knew...

Then I saw Teacher Fu Donglai standing in the corner.

Beside him were other teachers from the Beijing Film Academy, who all came to support him.

"Teacher Fu, Teacher Xue, Teacher Jiang~"

Teacher Xue is Xue Xiaolu, a master’s supervisor in the Department of Literature at Beijing Film Academy.

Teacher Jiang is Jiang Wei, a master's supervisor at the Beijing Film Academy's directing department, but his best skill is screenwriting.

In the original time and space, Jiang Wei was the screenwriter and director of the TV series "The Disguiser".

"Zhang Chen, congratulations, the movie is a big hit~"

Several teachers congratulated him, and Zhang Chen is now the pride of Beijing Film Academy.

"'Fallen Leaves Returning to Their Roots' is really good. The teachers in the college all praised it after watching it. They all said that Mr. Fu has a good student~"

Xue Xiaolu smiled and joked, in fact she herself also benefited a lot.

"Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots", Fu Donglai was the director and she was the assistant director, and they learned a lot during the filming process.

Jiang Wei also smiled and said, "Yes, if there are any similar good scripts, get another one for your teacher, and let me be the assistant director..."

"Really~"

Zhang Chen thought of "The Burning Sun" and told the story briefly on the spot.

After he finished speaking, he noticed that there was light in the eyes of the three people.

“This is a story that can win an award~”

Everyone is an expert, so they have good vision. They can tell whether the story is good or not after a little consideration. Fu Donglai hesitated a little, "Such a good story, you should shoot it yourself~"

Zhang Chen laughed: "Teacher, you don't know me yet? I don't like to shoot this kind of subject matter, and even if I were to shoot it, those people I have offended in the past would definitely not give me an award..."

Zhang Chen’s words made sense, but Fu Donglai was still a little hesitant, feeling that he was taking advantage of his students.

Xue Xiaolu and Jiang Wei next to him advised: "Old Fu, don't be so hypocritical. Zhang Chen is right. If he really shoots the film, those people will definitely not give him the award. That would be a waste of such a good script. Besides, his directing style is not suitable for this..."

Zhang Chen also advised: "Yes, teacher, you must not let your imagination run wild..."

Teacher Fu did not agree immediately, and Zhang Chen did not expect him to figure it out right away, so he changed the subject: "Do you think Teacher Xue and Teacher Jiang would also like to take up the guide bucket?"

"us?"

The two were a little surprised. Could it be that Zhang Chen had other scripts for them?
Zhang Chen said directly: "I have a spy novel that I am going to adapt into a TV series. I would like Teacher Jiang's help..."

He was talking about Insidious, of course.

In the original time and space, Jiang Wei was the screenwriter and director of "The Disguiser".

The original novel of "The Hidden" has only more than 10,000 words, and there is only one villain - Lao Ma!

Jiang Wei expanded the story and split it into three parts. Lao Ma became Ma Kui, Lu Qiaoshan and Li Ya, and each has a different personality.

This alone is enough to show how strong this person's screenwriting ability is.

"As for Mr. Xue, I am planning to make a TV series about women, and I plan to ask Mr. Xue to help direct it..."

"Can I?"

Xue Xiaolu is a little unconfident. Although she wants to become a director, she has never directed a film herself.

The same goes for Jiang Wei. He has never been involved in a spy war drama.

When they heard that Zhang Chen had arranged a TV series for each of them, they were a little uncomfortable for a while.

"Don't be so modest, I'm a fan of Don't Talk to Strangers."

Zhang Chen smiled and dispelled their doubts.

"Don't Talk to Strangers" was a hit TV series back then. It received unprecedented response after it was broadcast. It made Mei Ting famous and Feng Yuanzheng unable to buy vegetables in the vegetable market.

Xue Xiaolu is the screenwriter of this drama, and Jiang Wei is the director.

"Can you tell me more specifically?"

"The film that Mr. Jiang Wei needs to direct is called "The Hidden Man," which is a short story. You can adapt the script yourself, or the company can help you adapt it and direct it. I want to make a fine spy drama..."

"Spy drama? I remember you already made one?"

Zhang Chen nodded: "Yes, it's called "Before the Dawn", and it will probably be broadcast in the second half of the year. There was "The Counterfeiter" at the beginning of the year, and "Before the Dawn" at the end of the year. I predict that spy war dramas will be very popular, so we are preparing in advance..."

"Before the Dawn" was sold to BJ TV. The price was reasonable, 90 per episode.

CCTV was also interested in it, but the offer was too low, so Zhang Chen had to refuse.

If this is his first TV series, it doesn't matter if it's a bit low. If he wants to make a breakthrough, he still has to rely on CCTV.

But Xingchen Entertainment has already produced two "Wulin Waijia" films and has gained some fame in the industry.

Although this is a spy drama, after watching the first five episodes at the screening, all TV stations were very supportive of it.

After a fierce competition, it was won by BJ Satellite TV.

There was no such thing as spy war dramas in China before, they were all called anti-spy dramas.

It was filmed like a horror movie, and there was no detailed description of the spy's techniques.

The first spy war drama was "The Counterfeiter" at the beginning of the year, which was also adapted from a novel and became popular overnight.

After that, spy war drama projects were launched one after another.

Zhang Chen planned to make early plans and get the first taste of the benefits.

By the way, the trilogy of "Before Dawn", "Insidious" and "The Cliff" is used to raise the threshold for spy war dramas.

"Teacher Xue is going to direct a palace drama, similar to War and Beauty. There is no script yet. If you want, Teacher Xue, you can write the script yourself. I will let the screenwriter team assist you..."

Palace fighting dramas are not difficult to write, but it is not easy to write well.

What Zhang Chen planned to shoot was not "The Legend of Zhen Huan" but "Beauty's Rival in Palace".

This kind of drama must be directed by a thoughtful female director, and Xue Xiaolu is just the right person.

"Lao Xue, Lao Jiang, I think it's okay~"

At this time, it was Teacher Fu who persuaded Xue Jiang and the others.

The cocktail party is a social occasion, and Zhang Chen cannot talk to them for too long. He can only let them think about it first and discuss it in detail later.

In the blink of an eye, he saw James Wan again, with Jing Tian and Lu Zheng accompanying him.

"Steve, I finally see you again. By the way, did I tell you that the filming of "Crocodile Storm" has been completed~"

Hearing what James Wan said, Zhang Chen looked at Jing Tian, ​​who smiled and said, "Yes, the film has been completed~"

"James, hurry up and do the post-production. You will also be responsible for the editing~"

"Give me the editing rights too?" James Wan was surprised at first, then delighted.

Even though he has already made "Saw", he is only the director and does not have the right to edit.

In fact, Hollywood directors rarely have editing rights.

Film companies are well aware of the character of directors. If they let them be responsible for editing, they may be reluctant to make any changes, and ultimately lose the commercial value of the film.

"Of course, I trust your professional ability. As long as we have a pleasant cooperation, we can continue to cooperate~"

"Zhang, I won't let you down."

James Wan was a little excited. He finally understood why the members of the Huala Gang were willing to cooperate with Zhang Chen. It felt really good.

"Of course, but I must also point out that I need to review the final version. If it's not acceptable, I will re-edit it~"

"OK, got it~"

He was already very satisfied with having the right to edit the film, and as for the final right to make the final decision, he never even dreamed of it.

At this time, Lu Zheng came up again and said, "Director Zhang, the filming of "Crocodile Storm" has been completed. What do you think will happen to Xiao Tian next?"

Zhang Chen shrugged: "Let's take a break first. After "Crocodile Storm" has been tested by the market, we can talk about future cooperation~"

"Crocodile Storm" can be said to be tailor-made for Jing Tian. Xingguang Canlan paid a lot. Not only did he invest 5000 million, but he also did not ask for any returns. He was just giving money to Zhang Chen for free.

But Zhang Chen was not in a hurry to start a new round of cooperation with her. He had to inspect the goods before talking about it, right?
But Lu Zheng didn't seem to think so.

He pushed his glasses on the bridge of his nose and finally got straight to the point: "I naturally have no doubt about Director Zhang's ability. I want to discuss with you whether Xiao Tian has the possibility to participate in a project like Pacific Rim?
I heard that the heroine is the first protagonist. I wonder if Director Zhang can give her up. We can offer 100 million yuan in sponsorship fees, or change it to two heroines..."

Wow, what a big deal!
One hundred million to get the heroine of "Pacific Rim".

What do you think?

One hundred million yuan can allow Feng Xiaogang to make a movie just for you.

Lu Zheng smiled, but Zhang Chen shook his head decisively: "Mr. Lu, I understand your desire to make Miss Jing Tian famous quickly, but your approach is completely wrong and may even harm her..."

In Zhang Chen's opinion, Lu Zheng's current practice is exactly the same as the "Warring States Period" in the original time and space.

His idea was very simple. He would create a big project and find a big star to play with Da Tiantian, and then Da Tiantian would become an overnight hit.

Little did I know that my virtue did not match my position~
There is a huge gap between Da Tiantian's acting skills and others.

Just like Lu Yi in "In the Name of People".

In fact, his acting skills are just okay. Not great, but not bad either.

But when acting with a bunch of veteran actors, he was instantly crushed to pieces and became the most conspicuous shortcoming of the wooden barrel.

If Zhang Chen really agrees, "Pacific Rim" will not only become his Waterloo, but also Jing Tian's pillar of shame.

"I'm a layman. Director Zhang, can you tell me in detail..."

Lu Zheng always thought that the method he came up with was correct, but he didn't expect Zhang Chen to say that he was completely wrong.

is it wrong?
Zhang Chen explained it to him briefly, but Lu Zheng only understood the general idea.

"Then Director Zhang, what do you think I should do?"

"With your 100 million budget, I will create a two-part series for you. I believe that after two productions, Miss Jing will be a big star."

"A series? Or one about monsters?"

"No, it's a movie about people with super powers, called "The Witch"..."

"Super Girl" and "Witch" were originally prepared by him for Fan Xiaopang.

However, after starring in "Pacific Rim", Fan Xiaopang is no longer suitable for playing this kind of role.

"Supergirl" might be okay, but "Witch" is definitely not suitable.

It’s just right to give it to Jingtian.

Moreover, the first Marvel superhero movie "Iron Man" will be released in 08, and China also needs its own superhero.

(End of this chapter)