Huayu: Hard fight against Zhang Weiping at the beginning

Chapter 456: Racing Premiere

"Don't take cooperation too seriously~"

After the dinner, Zhang Chen gave Chen Xiaowei these instructions.

In this play, Hu Ge and Liu Shishi are both Tang Ren's people, which has already given Cai Yinong a lot of face. I didn't expect that he wanted more.

"I understand, Director Zhang~"

"Okay, tomorrow I'll take you to meet Guo Fan and learn about the preparation progress of Pacific Rim, and then we can go back. You should speed up the resignation process. As you can see, we are in urgent need of manpower here~"

"Okay, Director Zhang."

Two days later, the two returned to the capital again.

The first weekend box office of "Crocodile Storm" has already come out, 3700 million.

The results are not bad.

Jing Tian has been full of energy these past two days and did not feel tired during the roadshow because she enjoyed the feeling of being surrounded by enthusiastic fans.

The publicity for "Racing" has gradually increased, but the attention is always distracted by various things.

In September, Gillian Chung from Twins was secretly photographed while changing her bra at a concert in Malaysia and made the news.

The entertainment media all used blurry photos to make their own comments.

The Eagle King protested.

Zhang Chen sneered. How could they have the nerve to show the blurry photo? Besides, it was just a bra.

In two days, people will see more than just bras.

The promotion of "Racing" is progressing as planned, and the competition with "Baby Project" is becoming more and more obvious.

In the media, many people are discussing these two movies.

"The Racer" is seen as a sequel to "The Stone", but in fact there is no connection between the two in terms of plot, they are just multi-line narratives.

"Baby Project" is Jackie Chan's transitional work.

In the past two years, Cheng Long has transformed and experimented with several types of films, including "Around the World", "The Myth" and "The Glass Bottle". He also knows that he can no longer fight.

But the previous transformations were unsuccessful.

This is why Cheng Long has so many opportunities to trial and error. If it were someone else, he would have failed long ago.

In the midst of the busy work, Diane brought a piece of news.

"Zhang, I'm going to do Juno?"

"?"

"I'm going to find someone to enrich the framework of Juno that you provided me before and film it~"

Without waiting for Zhang Chen to ask, Diane continued, "You may not know that Fox Searchlight released a low-budget film called Little Miss Sunshine this year, which received very good responses. I also wanted to make a similar one, and then I found the story of Juno in the script library."

Zhang Chen has written many scripts before, such as "The Hangover" and "The Purge".

"Juno" is one of them, but he doesn't know much about the customs and culture of the United States, so he only wrote a rough story framework. The details need to be enriched by a screenwriter who is familiar with American life.

When Zhang Chen heard that Diane's choice was "Juno", he thought to himself that this woman had a really good eye, and "Juno" was much better than "Little Miss Sunshine".

The film cost $750 million and earned $2.31 million in box office worldwide, with the North American box office approaching $1.43 million...

“But the positioning of this play is a little inaccurate. I’m not sure what the final result will be?”

Diane suddenly felt uncertain again.

"Who cares? Trust your feelings. Not all movies have to have an accurate positioning. Otherwise, how can there be a dark horse?"

"You support me?"

"Of course, I think Juno will either flop or be a dark horse, a very dark one at that."

In fact, Zhang Chen knew that what Diane said was right. The positioning of a film like "Juno" was indeed very vague.

If it were placed in a slightly larger film and television company, it probably wouldn't pass the evaluation.

It is neither cult nor artistic, but a bit of everything, so it is difficult to estimate its audience.

What should a 16-year-old girl do if she becomes unexpectedly pregnant?
Who would watch this kind of movie?
Zhang Chen didn’t think too much about it. Anyway, the cost was only 760 million US dollars, so he let Diane have fun.

If you lose, it won’t hurt you much, and if you make money, it will be a huge profit.

Moreover, this film cannot be shot in China. For similar genres, the only films that can be shot in China are youth films.

Thinking of youth films, I wonder if I should make one myself. They require little investment, low cost, and are easy to shoot.

"By the way, who do you want to play the role of Juno?"

"Why, do you have anyone to recommend?"

“Well, what do you think of Jennifer Garner?”

"Ben Affleck's wife?"

"Yes, ask her, maybe she will be interested. She was the prototype in my mind when I wrote the script~"

In the original time and space, the role of Juno was played by Jennifer Garner, Ben Affleck's wife, who was naturally able to bring traffic to the movie.

If Juno is played by someone else, it may not reach the original height, so Zhang Chen suggested that the original cast should be used as much as possible.

"My only concern is our relationship with Harvey. Ben is a die-hard Harvey fan, and Jennifer Garner may not agree."

"Oh, my Asian boss, you underestimate the women in Hollywood. Wait for my good news~" Diane sounded confident.

Zhang Chen shrugged. Maybe she really had a way, or maybe Hollywood actresses all valued career more than love.

Zhang Chen was too lazy to think about it so much. It would be better if Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck broke up because of this.

Ben is just an idiot. Why are you, an actor, getting involved in politics? You have no brains.
……

The publicity budget for "Crocodile Storm" was increased by 500 million. Thanks to the publicity, the movie successfully exceeded 1300 million in days after its release. It is now in its third week and the total box office has reached million. But it is estimated that this is the end, because "Racing" will be released in the fourth week.

Next up is "Baby Project", both of which are popular blockbusters, and you can easily guess how the theaters will schedule the films.

As the distributor, Star Entertainment has been notified that on Friday, the day when "Racing" is released, the screening schedule of "Crocodile Storm" will be suddenly reduced, and all the freed-up resources will be invested in "Racing".

Even Wanda cannot continue to blindly support "Crocodile Storm". After all, it is a cinema chain and they also need to make a living.

In terms of publicity, there is very little left for "Crocodile Storm", and most of it has been transferred to "Racing", which must make a big splash.

Jingtian’s roadshow has also been stopped.

For "Racing", the focus of the promotion is Ning Hao. Yes, this is an author's film, and the biggest star in the whole film is the director.

Regarding Ning Hao, after a year of unremitting promotion by Xingchen Entertainment, the name of "genius director" has been deeply rooted in people's hearts.

Currently, this is the only film in China that can shoot multi-line narratives.

In Baidu Tieba, 'Ning Hao Bar' is also a very active topic gathering place.

Now when talking about Star Entertainment, there is a 'genius director' and a 'genius director', which is something everyone recognizes.

In the media, the competition between "The Race" and "The Baby Project" has become fierce. Information about these two movies can often be seen on buses, subways, entertainment news, and various variety shows.

In Xingchen Entertainment's publicity and promotion strategy, the biggest label associated with Ning Hao is "genius comedy director".

Xingchen Entertainment has been marketing around this point, because Zhang Chen mentioned the "track" before, and Ning Hao's track is comedy films.

But somehow, the media followed suit and whenever Ning Hao was mentioned, they would give him the title of "the first comedy director in mainland China".

This offended one person - Feng Xiaogang.

When talking about comedy movies in mainland China, one person that cannot be avoided is Feng Xiaogang.

Feng's comedies once dominated the Lunar New Year box office. Although people south of the Yangtze River didn't think they were that good, people north of the Yangtze River could still get his jokes.

Feng Xiaogang was a little unhappy. I didn't make any comedy this year, but I made "Night Banquet". But you can't just call yourself the 'No. 1 comedy star in mainland China'. What's the matter? Just because you made a movie, you become the No. 1. Then what about my previous works?
So when a nosy reporter interviewed Feng Xiaogang, Feng Xiaogang retorted without thinking.

"Director Feng, do you agree with Ning Hao being named 'the first comedian in mainland China'?"

"Agree? I don't agree with that.
Since when did anyone dare to claim to be the best? Look at the total box office, look at the influence, don’t be so arrogant, I’m not dead yet~"

Feng Xiaogang didn't give him any face, and he almost said, "I am the number one~"

Then the media exploded.
Little Cannon is about to start a war~
In fact, Feng Xiaogang regretted what he said, but with his temper, it was impossible for him to admit his mistake, so he just wanted to grit his teeth and get through it.

Unexpectedly, the media did not let him go, and this statement was quickly reprinted and expanded in an instant.

At this time, Feng Xiaogang was already on top of it and couldn't get down, so he just broke the jar and threw it away.
Although I don't like being called a comedy director, I don't want it. You can't force it on me.
Faced with this situation, Xingchen Entertainment has not yet responded.

Dong Jianqiang instructed: "We must take good care of the popularity this time. It's really like someone is sending you a pillow when you are sleepy~"

The most ideal scenario, of course, is for Ning Hao to personally go down and fight the opponent.

But Ning Hao is not like that. He would rather remain silent than start a fight with others.

Just as Zhang Chen was about to step in for his good brother, Chen Xiaowei stepped forward first.

[Director Feng was once a director I liked very much. He pioneered the Lunar New Year box office, and the several Lunar New Year films he directed were my must-sees every year.

But I think what Director Feng said today is inappropriate.

People cannot live in the glory of the past without knowing it.

The times are progressing, and new people are emerging~
You can't vent your anger on "Crazy Racing" just because "The Banquet" can't beat "A Quiet Place".

Just because you can’t beat Zhang Chen, who is ranked first in Xingchen Entertainment, you think Ning Hao, who is ranked second, is a soft persimmon?
To paraphrase Director Zhang, who gave you the courage? 】

As soon as Chen Xiaowei said this, she was immediately at the center of public opinion.

Many people didn't know who this woman was at first, but after these remarks, they all knew that Xingchen Entertainment had a powerful vice president, and she was a woman~
Sure enough, if you are not from the same family, you will not enter the same door~
Chen Xiaowei's fighting power is close to Zhang Chen~
Inside Xingchen Entertainment, Zhang Chen was also congratulating.

"Congratulations, Mr. Chen, for your brilliant debut~"

Zhang Chen really didn't expect Chen Xiaowei to announce her appointment in this way. She is indeed an Internet person.

"Director Zhang praised me too much. I was just angry at the time. To be fair, now that I think about it, it was a bit disrespectful to my seniors~"

"What do you respect? Seniors are there to be stepped on~"

……

Inside Huayi, Feng Xiaogang's face darkened when he saw this report. Damn, what this woman said was really infuriating.

On the left, The Banquet can't beat A Quiet Place, and on the right, Feng Xiaogang can't beat Zhang Chen...

Every sentence pierced his lungs.

He really wanted to curse back, but he didn't know how.

"Can anyone tell me who this Chen Xiaowei is? Why is she speaking for Xingchen Entertainment?"

Feng Xiaogang had been roaring for a short while when someone told him the news they had heard. He became even angrier when he learned that Chen Xiaowei was the new vice president of Xingchen Entertainment.

Everyone in Xingchen Entertainment is a good person!
While Feng Xiaogang was furious, other interviews with other people were all receiving positive reviews.

Someone interviewed Chen Kexin and asked him about his views on Ning Hao and "Racing".

Chen Kexin said generously: "I was very impressed by the last movie Stone. The imagination of mainland directors is really amazing.

When he announced that the next "Cars" would also have a multi-line narrative, I already started looking forward to it.

As for the media's claim that he is the 'first comedy director in mainland China', I think he has been there for a long time and he deserves the title."

Chen Kexin is very good at dealing with people. When facing media interviews, she praised Ning Hao in various ways.

……

Inside the company, the leader of the network team rushed to the door of Zhang Chen's office, stopped abruptly, and knocked on the door.

After getting a positive answer, he pushed the door open and said impatiently, "Boss, I found out that many of the accounts that have been stirring up trouble between us and Feng Xiaogang are from Hong Kong and Taiwan..."

Zhang Chen put down the documents in his hand and knew it was not that simple.

It is indeed his goal to train Ning Hao to become the "first comedy director in mainland China", but it has never been announced to the public.

He was still wondering why Ning Hao, who had always been labeled as a 'genius drama director', suddenly became the 'number one comedy director in mainland China'. It was as if he was deliberately slapping Feng Xiaogang in the face. It turned out that someone was deliberately inciting this from behind.

It just so happened that he was going to visit China Film Studio in the afternoon, so Zhang Chen planned to have a detailed discussion about this matter with Han Sanping.

Who knew that after he met Han Sanping in the afternoon, before he opened his mouth, Han Sanping asked first: "Some time ago, someone complained that you treated Hong Kong and Taiwan actors differently, especially Taiwanese actors..."

Zhang Chen was stunned: "Me? Treat Taiwanese actors differently?"

"Hmm~, is this true?"

"Of course not."

There is absolutely no way Zhang Chen would admit this. He would never admit it even if he was beaten to death if he was suspected of doing that.

Zhang Chen immediately cried out injustice: "How can we treat Hong Kong and Taiwan actors differently?

The leading actor of my current highest-grossing movie “Taken” is from Hong Kong, Leung Ka Fai, you must know him, right?

What about the Wanwan actors?

"There are also Taiwanese actors. Didn't Ning Hao's "Racing" include several Taiwanese actors at once?"

Han Sanping thought about it and it seemed to be true.

He had also seen the finished film of "The Racer", and found out that all the villains in it were Taiwanese.

"That's good. Be more careful with what you say and do in the future. I'll take the blame for you this time~"

Old Han is also very awesome.

"By the way, what brought you here today?"

"I'm here to file a complaint."

"What's the situation?"

Zhang Chen then told the story about someone deliberately creating trouble between Ning Hao and Feng Xiaogang, and specifically emphasized that the IPs were all from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

"You know, I've offended a lot of people over there. This time, including the complaint just now, should be their revenge~"

"Okay, I get it. I'll help you knock them out."

……

"Crazy Racing" premiere!
Many people envy Ning Hao.

I graduated from the Photography Department of Beijing Film Academy, made a few short films, and won some award.

There is actually nothing special about this kind of people, and there are many of them in the entertainment industry.

Director, you can’t have a good career just by winning an award. You need investors willing to invest in you.

This is called market recognition.

Just because he knew Zhang Chen, he skipped the stage of market recognition and got the opportunity to direct, and the first time was "Darkness 2".

The movie earned 6000 million at the box office and became very famous.

Then came the "Crazy Stone" which amazed everyone.

A horse that leaves the dust behind
How to describe the amazing degree~
It's like the weak Chinese national football team suddenly made it to the World Cup semi-finals, blinding everyone's titanium alloy dog ​​eyes~
But there are still many people who think that Ning Hao is taking advantage of the situation, and that the success of "Stone" is largely due to the script.

So this time "Racing" is particularly significant.

"Racing" was a success and Ning Hao achieved godhood.

Multi-line narrative and black humor are his hallmarks.

If he fails, everything will be in vain, which means he is just a useless piece of wax gun.

It is rumored in the industry that Zhang Chen gives opportunities to people around him.

His teacher, because of his help, fully funded the filming of a movie.

The assistant directors around him, Ning Hao and Lu Yang, all got the opportunity to direct alone, and their results were not bad.

People in the circle couldn’t figure out whether these people were really powerful and gathered around Zhang Chen.

It was because they gathered around Zhang Chen that they became so powerful.

But generally, people think it is the latter.

It is now a consensus in the industry that as long as Zhang Chen approves, you can make a movie, and it is very likely that you will gain both fame and fortune with the first one.

Therefore, being able to enter Xingchen Entertainment now is an opportunity that you must fight for, as it can change your destiny.

Those who study directing can quickly get directing opportunities, and those who are actors may become famous with just one play.

Fan Binbin and Jing Tian are the two best examples.

With "The Shallows" and "The Untold Story", the two have become popular stars.

The premiere of "Racing" was very lively and many big names attended.

Managers of major theaters, big agents like Wang Jinghua, many first-line stars, Beijing and Hong Kong circles...

Many people want to be associated with Zhang Chen, but it is not easy.

Zhang Chen was too busy. He was either talking on the phone or surrounded by people. No one could have him alone.

Han Sanping was not with Zhang Chen, but was chatting with Ning Hao.

"This movie is well made, very close to life, and the script is wonderful. I think it is better than "Stone"~"

Facing Han Sanping's praise, Ning Hao scratched his head: "Actually, I could have taken a better picture, but Zhang Chen pushed me too hard~"

"He urged you?"

"Well, I originally planned to spend two or three years to polish this movie, but Zhang Chen said no, one year at most..."

"why?"

"He said he had prepared other scripts for me and asked me to be as productive as possible..."

Han Sanping was shocked: "Have you decided what your next movie will be?"

"Yes, the script written by Zhang Chen is still a comedy, and it still has multiple narrative lines. It's very exciting~"

"I've never heard him mention this kid before. Show it to me later~"

Han Sanping is very optimistic about Ning Hao. Among domestic directors, he is most optimistic about Zhang Chen, followed by Ning Hao.

On the other side, Zhang Chen was also chatting with Chen Kexin about comedy movies, but both of them were talking from the director's perspective.

"Stephen Chow's 'nonsense' has a huge influence. Hong Kong basically follows this routine, relying on exaggerated expressions, dialogues, and body movements to achieve funny effects."

"Indeed, in Hong Kong, no one can beat Stephen Chow in comedy. 'Nonsense' even influenced the young people's aesthetic taste for humor at that time."

"People in the mainland like to watch nonsense, but they don't make nonsense films. Instead, they call it shit and piss comedy."

"I have studied mainland comedy films, such as "Raise Your Hands" and "Sanmao's Wanderings". Even if they are exaggerated, they are relatively subtle, and they often rely on making a fool of themselves to please the audience. Feng Xiaogang is quite special. His Beijing-style comedy is unique, but it is actually just a collection of jokes and witticisms..."

"Ning Hao is different from them. Whether it's 'Stone' or 'Racing', there's hardly any character in them that's deliberately exaggerated. All the narratives are serious, but they're just funny."

……

"Racing" is still a multi-line narrative:

Frustrated and unlucky driver Geng Hao~
A gang from Wanwan~
A treacherous businessman Li Fala who planned to kill his wife and steal her wealth~
The stupid thief duo who always want to make a big move~
Two policemen who want to solve a big case~
5 groups of characters, 4 story lines...

Anyway, many events are interspersed together...

The complexity of this film has actually exceeded that of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. I guess Ning Hao just wanted to vent his anger. He was accused of plagiarism when he made Stone, but this time it’s not plagiarism.

The lines are still at the same level, with many golden sentences:
"You are full of jingles, you want to take the postgraduate entrance examination!"

"I'll tell you what it means to love what you do!"

"The local gangs are so unruly!"

"I've been in this business for so many years, and this is the first time I've seen someone bring goods like this!"

"You're almost bankrupt, and you still dare to hire someone to kill someone!"

“High risk brings high rewards!”

(End of this chapter)