Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 450 The whereabouts of "The Terror Cruise"

The studio was booked for 25 days, and the original shooting period was 20 days, with a 5-day margin. Unexpectedly, the shooting was completed in 15 days, leaving enough time for post-production and special effects.

But he didn't expect that the time he had finally managed to save would be wasted by this bunch of bureaucratic wolves.

I will definitely file a complaint!
Mr. Han Sanye hung up Zhang Chen's movie and immediately made a call to the special effects center.

A bad scolding~
The next day, Zhang Chen received a new schedule, which was more than twice as fast as before.

Does this mean that every evildoer will be punished by his own evil?
The film was completed without any special ceremony, only a very low-key wrap-up party.

I don’t know if it was because it was too low-key, but no media outlets noticed that “Moon” had been completed. Only a reporter from the Beijing Youth Daily hid near the hotel where the wrap banquet was held and took some photos.

It's called candid photography, but it's late at night and the flash will expose their location as long as they take pictures.

Then the reporter noticed a man walking towards them.

Thinking that they were being chased away, the two of them had sullen expressions on their faces. Unexpectedly, the other party walked up to them and said, "Dude, don't hide here and shoot. Director Zhang said you've been working hard. It just so happens that we're having a wrap party. Let's eat together..."

The reporters looked at each other in bewilderment.
What's going on?
"Let's go, my name is Wu Shixian, the assistant director of "Moon"~"

Wu Shixian handed them cigarettes in a familiar manner, tried to make friends, and then took them into the hotel.

After arranging the reporters and staff at a table, the wrap-up banquet began. There was no speech session, just eating and drinking.
While eating and drinking, the reporters did not forget to ask what the story of "Moon" was all about. Can a science fiction film that was shot in just over ten days really be a science fiction film?

But not much information was obtained.

Wondering?
Okay, drink this first.
Later they found out they were fooled and drank the wine without telling you.

With curiosity in mind, we continued to eat and drink, and finally Zhang Chen came to the table to toast. The reporter immediately seized the opportunity and said, "Director Zhang, congratulations on your "A Quiet Place" domestic box office exceeding 2.4 million~"

"A Quiet Place" is the third movie in Chinese film history to break 2 million yuan. The first two are "Taken" and "Hero", with 2.6 million and 2.5 million yuan respectively.

"A Quiet Place" grossed 2.41 million yuan, ranking third in Chinese film history.

This result was achieved after 7 weeks of release. The main reason for this box office success is the extremely long screening period.

As part of the new model of cooperation, the theaters also wanted to see what their profits would be under this new profit-sharing model, so they ran the film for a full 7 weeks.

It usually takes four weeks.

The result was satisfactory to both parties.

The movie box office has increased significantly due to the long tail effect.

According to normal calculations, the box office of "A Quiet Place" should be around 2 million, but now it has increased by million.

Although the bulk of the 40 million went into the pockets of theaters, because according to the agreement, the theaters' share of the profits would increase as the film progresses, it at least proves that this model is feasible.

The only one who was hurt was China Film Corporation.

In the past, if a movie needed to be withdrawn from theaters early due to poor attendance or other reasons, the theater manager had the final say.

But how long this movie will be released for is ultimately up to China Film Group.

It’s not that there is no possibility of extension, but whether it can be extended and how long it can be extended is decided by China Film Group.

This situation obviously hurt the interests of China Film.

What if other movies follow this pattern in the future?
Soon, China Film officially notified all theaters that how to divide the profits was a matter between the producers and the theaters, and China Film would not interfere in what method and proportion to use, and both parties would decide on their own.

But the film schedule and the time of film removal must be determined by China Film. In other words, if you want to extend the screening, you must get the consent of China Film.

Of course, this is on the surface, because now it is still in the form of film copies, so there is room for tricks.

The copy is in someone else's hands, and he put it there secretly, so you don't even know about it.

But after a while, when digital copies became popular, there were no loopholes left.

Digital copy, one copy corresponds to one projector, the copy can be sent to the theater via hard disk or satellite transmission, but whether it can be played is entirely determined by the secret key.

The secret key is a monopoly and is managed by the China Film Digital Center.

Even if there is a copy and the key has expired, the movie cannot be played.

The general validity period of the key is one month.

This is also why when many movies were released later, directors would directly ask Han Sanping whether our box office could reach a certain number.

In fact, I was just asking Han Sanping if the secret key could be extended for a few more days.

When it comes to popular movies, the release date of the secret key is usually extended. "Wolf Warrior 2" was extended by four months.

"Director Zhang, can I ask you a few questions?"

"After the celebration banquet, I'll give you ten minutes..."

The reporter wanted to interview, but now was obviously not the right time. After making an agreement with the reporter, Zhang Chen continued to toast at each table.

"Thanks for your hard work, I've done it, feel free to do as you please~"

At the wrap-up banquet, everyone ate and drank to their heart's content, regardless of age or seniority. Occasionally, Zhang Chen would be forced to drink.

After the banquet, Zhang Chen came to the corner of the banquet hall as promised and accepted the interview there.

“Can you tell the audience what the story of ‘Moon’ is all about?”

Zhang Chen's face was a little flushed today because of the wine he drank. He smiled and replied: "I can't say that. I can only say that Moon is different from Pacific Rim in hard science fiction. This is a soft science fiction story.

As for the plot, I can't reveal too much. The movie will be released in early November, so you should just go and watch it then. The only thing I can guarantee is that you will not be disappointed.

I, Zhang Chen, still have some dignity. I will not let the value of this golden signboard of Zhang Chen’s product drop lower and lower…”

The reporter did not get the answer he wanted and was about to change the question when Zhang Chen suddenly said:
“Let me tell you about the original intention of making this film. You may not know that Moon was not originally in my shooting plan. I wanted to fully prepare for Pacific Rim.

But I really couldn't stand the fat guy yelling at me. He said I didn't understand what science fiction movies were, so I made a science fiction movie for him.

"Pacific Rim" is hard science fiction, so I decided to make a soft science fiction, and that's how "Moon" came about.

So when you report it, you can clearly mention that "Moon" is used to slap people in the face~"

When Zhang Chen said this, the reporter immediately became excited.

I know you will never let me down~
The title of Friend of Media is not given for nothing, Zhang Chen knows how to create topics.

When interviewing Zhang Chen, you don’t even need to think about the news points, because he will help you think of the news points, and they will be more explosive than you think.

The next day, the Beijing Youth Daily was very respectful and followed Zhang Chen's request by publishing the interview on the front page with a shocking headline.

[Shocked: "Moon" is actually Zhang Chen's work to slap Harvey in the face]

In the following article, the reporter repeated Zhang Chen’s bold words and also described last night’s wrap party.

Soon, all major platforms reposted the article, and comments piled up one after another.

Damn, is Zhang Chen such a nice person that he even invited reporters to dinner?
Can anyone tell me what the story of "Moon" is? No one has revealed it yet. I'm so anxious waiting~
"Moon", I really don't have any interest in it after seeing the name, but your report makes me want to watch it~
Ahhh, it will be released in more than 2 months, I have to wait~
Do you think it might be about the moon landing program or something?
No way, if that's the case, I have no interest in watching the movie~
Same as above~
Didn't anyone notice the filming time of this movie? It only took 25 days from preparation to completion. What kind of movie can be shot in 25 days? It's a science fiction movie. Why do I feel like it's a terrible movie...

First of all, I am a fan of Zhang Chen, but I also think it is a terrible movie~
I am an insider, and I can say with certainty that it is indeed possible to shoot a movie in 25 days, but it is impossible to shoot a science fiction film, and the preparation time is even more outrageous...

I also think it's unreliable, so it's undoubtedly a terrible movie...

Don't do that! Zhang Chen is the only avant-garde director in China right now. He is the pride of Chinese cinema. Don't let him fall.
Until now, not a single synopsis of the story of "Moon" has been revealed.

Not only are some viewers pessimistic, but many people in the industry are also pessimistic.

Just like what the whistleblower said, shooting a movie in 25 days, including the preparation period, is that a joke?
There are two kinds of comments on the Internet. Those who support Chen are brainless supporters. They always say that Zhang Chen is now the pride of China. Among all the domestic directors, none has achieved the same achievements as Zhang Chen in the international arena.

Some people are not convinced. What achievements has Zhang Chen made internationally?
Did he win an Oscar, or any of the three?
Then I was despised.

Brother, please do your homework before you start to argue. You don’t even know Zhang Chen and you’re already bashing him?
Zhang Chen has always looked down upon awards. If it weren't for the purpose of promoting a role model, he wouldn't even go to any film festival.

He has no awards, but his box office is high.

Which domestic director’s works can compare with Zhang Chen’s at the box office?

Indeed, apart from anything else, the movie "Taken" alone is enough to kill 99% of the directors in seconds, leaving them far behind.

Of course, there are also many people who are pessimistic about Zhang Chen.

A small part of them are brainless haters, and most of them are water armies hired by major film and television companies.

The emergence of Xingchen Entertainment has influenced too many people. Xingchen Entertainment has basically dominated all the major schedules every year. They have long been dissatisfied with Zhang Chen. Another part of them is really not optimistic about "Moon". The main controversial point is that the 25-day production period is too short.

25 days! You can tell with your brain that you can’t make a science fiction film.

If it were really filmed, it would be so bad~
The two groups were arguing fiercely on the Internet. Zhang Chen, as the party involved, did not explain anything. He was not afraid of controversy, but was afraid of no controversy.

……

In the office, Wu Shixian reported the situation on the Internet to Zhang Chen.

"Don't pay attention to them, let the bullets fly for a while~"

The purpose is not to set off fireworks, the point is to promote the movie.

After talking about this, Zhang Chen looked up and asked, "How is the script I gave you?"

Speaking of this, Wu Shixian suddenly looked worried.

"Director Zhang, why don't we just forget it~"

"What, you don't want to take pictures?" Zhang Chen was a little surprised.

The script of "The Ship" is not bad, but Wu Shixian actually doesn't like it?

"It's not that I don't want to shoot it, but I went back and thought about it over and over again. I can't shoot this script. Its level is too high. I'm afraid it will fail in my hands..."

Zhang Chen was furious: "You don't even try?"

Wu Shixian smiled bitterly again: "No need to try, there are too many metaphors in this script, I'm afraid I can't handle it well. Such a classic script, if I don't handle it well, it will be a waste. I don't want to be a sinner~"

"You really don't think about it?"

Wu Shixian shook his head.

"Okay, it's up to you, but my promise is still valid. You can find the notebook yourself, or wait for other notebooks from the company in the future..."

"Ok."

"Okay, get out now~"

Zhang Chen waved his hand, and Wu Shixian left the office quickly as if he had been pardoned.

Behind the desk, Zhang Chen pinched his brows and closed his eyes in annoyance.

No matter what, I never expected that Wu Shixian didn't want to shoot "The Cruise". He felt that the script was too complicated and he couldn't handle it.

Originally, Zhang Chen promised him that he would give him a chance to direct independently after "Moon", but unexpectedly, this guy backed out.

Do you take the photos yourself?
Zhang Chen shook his head to himself. He didn't want to insert any other movies before "Pacific Rim", but Li Lianhua couldn't wait.

beep~
There was a knock on the door.

"Come in~"

As the words fell, the secretary appeared at the door: "Director Zhang, Director James Wan, Ms. Jing Tian, ​​and Ms. Xu Qing have arrived. You have invited them to discuss the promotion of "Crocodile Storm"..."

When Zhang Chen heard the name James Wan, his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Oh, let them in."

Then the secretary made way for the door, and Jing Tian, ​​Xu Qing and James Wan walked in.

"Hi, Zhang, I'm here to say goodbye to you. I have to go back to prepare for "Dead Silence"~"

Even though James Wan has an Asian face, he speaks and acts like a foreigner and doesn't know how to be tactful at all.

Zhang Chen hugged him: "Are you in such a hurry?"

"Yes, I can't wait, Zhang, you won't stop me from leaving, right? We agreed on this at the beginning~"

The reason why James Wan agreed to shoot "Crocodile Storm" was because of "Dead Silence".

Zhang Chen knew that these people who made horror movies might not be able to appreciate monster movies, so he simply used "Dead Silence" to keep them hooked.

You like "Dead Silence", right? Then you must help me shoot "Crocodile Storm" first.

James Wan also had a condition at the time, which was to only be responsible for the filming and not participate in the subsequent publicity work. Zhang Chen agreed.

It turns out that this guy is not low in EQ, he is afraid that Zhang Chen will use words to block him, so he simply stated his purpose as soon as he entered the door~
"Haha, of course I won't. I'll keep my word. 'Dead Silence' is yours, and no one can take it away from you.

But don't worry, I have a script here, can you help me take a look? I'm going to ask a brother in the gang to help me direct it, who do you think is suitable?"

Hearing what Zhang Chen said, James Wan was also curious: "Where is the script? Let me take a look~"

"Here you go~"

Zhang Chen handed the script over, and James Wan found a chair, sat down, and began to read it.

Zhang Chen took the opportunity to look at the other two people: "Director Wen will not participate in the marketing of "Crocodile Storm", so I'm afraid you two will have to bear the brunt of the subsequent promotion~"

"It's okay, it's what I should do~"

Xu Qing and Jing Tian nodded.

Xu Qing didn’t care. She was originally just a supporting role and was just there to support the film.

Jing Tian's eyes were full of fighting spirit.

"Crocodile Storm" is her first time to take on a leading role in the true sense. She is the well-deserved first protagonist and the heroine. What makes her even more excited is that "Crocodile Storm" has many gimmicks.

First of all, it is the sister film of "The Shallows". "The Shallows" is a movie with a box office of over 100 million yuan in mainland China. Even in North America, it is hailed as the best monster movie in recent years, of course, except for the perverted "King Kong".

Secondly, "Crocodile Storm" is a spin-off of "Taken".

The identities of Jing Tian and Xu Qing in the story are the mother and daughter in "Taken".

Although it is an independent story, it is also part of the agent universe in terms of identity.

This alone will attract a lot of attention.

"Taken" is an action movie that created a new genre and has countless fans.

With these two identities, the promotion and marketing of "Crocodile Storm" will definitely be easier.

Thinking of this, even Xu Qing felt a little jealous of the little girl in front of her.

At first, when Xu Qing heard that Zhang Chen had given him a movie starring a female lead, he felt very uncomfortable.

How am I worse than her?
However, she felt relieved after she found out the price Jing Tian paid.

She would not be willing to spend so much money to support someone, even if Xu Qing spent it on herself.

What are you picturing?

The world of young people is really incomprehensible~
While Zhang Chen was still explaining the details to the two, James Wan on the side suddenly said excitedly: "It's wonderful, wonderful, my God, Zhang, is this the script you wrote? It's really wonderful~"

After reading the script, James Wan was simply astounded.

Damn, is there anyone in this world who can come up with such a story?
He read it twice in a row, but still couldn't understand it. However, he still felt it was impressive.

"Zhang, you just said you wanted to give this script to your brothers in the gang to film?

It's a waste, absolutely a waste, those guys who can only play with blood plasma will never be able to make a good movie like this, let me shoot it, how about it, leave it to me~"

James Wan looked into Zhang Chen's eyes, and Zhang Chen smiled and said, "But aren't you preparing for Dead Silence? Where do you find the time to shoot this?"

Upon hearing this, James Wan immediately said anxiously: "No problem, I'm not that anxious, 'Dead Silence' can be put on hold, we can shoot this first..."

As if afraid that Zhang Chen would say no, James Wan added: "Zhang, we are good friends. Don't forget, I was the one who introduced you to the Huala Gang. You owe me a favor, and this is just the right thing to repay the favor~"

"Okay, okay~"

Zhang Chen didn't expect that James Wan was so interested in the story of "The Cruise".

"I'll leave it to you~"

(End of this chapter)