Huayu 05, our science fiction movie universe

Chapter 596 Galaxy Technology Expo (Part 1)
Wang Hao's response on Zhihu, "Don't detach yourself from the masses," has generated quite a stir online.

Although what he said was actually nothing new and there was nothing particularly novel about it, Wang Hao was a well-known director in the industry, and his star power was still outstanding.

Many people began to discuss his answers, and the question, "What do you think of director Wang Hao's statement that film and television creation should not be divorced from the masses?" quickly rose to the top of Zhihu's hot list.

Some say Wang Hao is right, and he extrapolated from the decline of Hollywood to the current Chinese entertainment industry, criticizing some film and television works, especially modern dramas, for showing signs of becoming detached from the masses. Some actors and directors have been aloof and out of touch with the people for too long, and are completely unable to accurately portray the suffering of the lower classes in their works.

Perhaps in their eyes, the hardest days were nothing more than renting a large house of more than 100 square meters and being so poor that they could only afford to eat self-heating hot pot.

Some people say that Wang Hao's views are all correct but meaningless, just like his movies, nothing more than empty slogans, and that he is just making a living off patriotism.

Wang Hao's fans, of course, disagreed, stating that as a director, Wang Hao at least seriously makes movies, and special effects blockbusters and science fiction films at that. Over the years, he has made significant contributions to Chinese cinema, accelerating the improvement of the quality of Chinese films.

From this perspective alone, he is not just making empty promises.

Wang Hao's answer has sparked a heated debate online.

However, after writing his answer on Zhihu, he didn't pay much attention to it.

Surfing the internet is just a way for me to learn about the outside world in my spare time. When I see a question, the answer I write is just something I do on a whim, without any subjective intention.

So once he finished writing it, he put it aside and quickly devoted his energy to company affairs and the preparation of the new movie.

Of all the company affairs during this period, the most important one is undoubtedly the Galaxy Film and Television Technology Expo at the end of the year.

This expo, organized by Galaxy Group, has been held for five sessions so far.

Five years ago, when Xinghe Group first showed its talent in the film and television technology field, there were no professional exhibitions in the industry that focused on the integration of cutting-edge technology and film and television art. There were only some film and television production equipment exhibitions, and the content of the exhibitions was mainly to sell equipment.

As for science fiction film festivals, they are extremely niche. They are usually just a part of a major film festival or a special exhibition for a certain period of time. Film festivals that focus on this area are not non-existent, but they are extremely rare.

Galaxy Group keenly recognized this and believed that holding a science fiction film festival focusing on a specific sub-genre would undoubtedly be of great help to the promotion of their company and its works, as well as to the advancement of domestic film technology.

Therefore, Wang Hao took the lead in proposing the exhibition concept of "empowering light and shadow art with technology" and widely invited talents through his own network.

However, limited by the theme of "science fiction film", the exhibition only attracted more than 30 film and television technology companies and four or five film and television production companies in its first year. Although the scale was limited, it successfully built a bridge for technical exchange.

In the following years, as Xinghe Group's status in the industry rose and its influence grew, even expanding overseas, the Xinghe Film and Television Technology Expo naturally attracted more and more attention.

Through in-depth cooperation with authoritative institutions such as the Hollywood Technology Association and the China Film Science and Technology Research Institute, the introduction of international cutting-edge equipment manufacturers and advanced film shooting and production concepts, coupled with the support of domestic film and television companies such as China Film Group and Wanda Group, and the rapid growth in popularity and influence of the benchmark [Galaxy Cinematic Universe].

The scale of the Galaxy Film and Television Technology Expo has also doubled year by year, with the number of professionals and interested visitors increasing from more than 10,000 initially to more than 200,000. It has initially formed a three-in-one operation model of "technology display + industry forum + project matchmaking".

Today, the Galaxy Science and Technology Expo has become the most influential annual industry event in the film and television technology field, attracting a large number of film and television production companies, technology companies, industry experts and film and television enthusiasts from all over the world to gather together every year.

The expo will not only showcase the latest technologies and advanced equipment used in film and television production, but will also feature screenings of many blockbuster film clips shot and produced using these new technologies and equipment, allowing attendees to directly experience the transformative impact of technology on the film and television industry.

Furthermore, this year's Galaxy Science and Technology Expo has expanded beyond film technology to include two new technology themes: "games" and "animation."

After all, these two technologies share many similarities with movies in terms of technology application, such as computer special effects, plot creativity, and merchandise production, so the gap is not that big.

Furthermore, with the addition of the themes of "games" and "anime," this year's Galaxy Science and Technology Expo has seen a leap in scale, naturally attracting the attention and importance of more interested people.

Welcome, leaders from higher authorities, to the Galaxy Cinema Technology Expo!

A bright red banner fluttered in the morning breeze and was hung high on the gate of the Oriental Galaxy Cinema on the first day of the Science and Technology Expo.

This most renowned and largest film and television production base in China is now the main venue for the Galaxy Science and Technology Expo.

Only here, with its vast number of modern photography studios, can accommodate the large-scale equipment exhibited by manufacturers, showcasing its working state and outstanding effects to visitors.

However, at 8:30 a.m., before the exhibition site had even seen its peak crowds, a minibus quietly drove into [Galaxy Cinema].

Wang Hao, chairman of Xinghe Group, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately stepped forward with a warm smile and greeted the senior leaders of the cultural department who stepped out of the car, as well as the chairman of China Film Group and the leaders of the broadcasting department who were accompanying them.

He was genuinely surprised to learn that the top leader was coming to inspect the area. After all, while the Galaxy Film and Television Technology Expo looked lively, it was nothing compared to national-level film and television events like the Golden Rooster and Hundred Flowers Film Festival.

Even high-ranking leaders rarely attend film festivals, so for them to attend this expo truly shows that they value Wang Hao and are giving him a huge favor.

Upon learning this news, Wang Hao immediately notified the expo's organizing team to prepare for the reception.

Fortunately, as a key cultural unit in Beijing, the Oriental Galaxy Cinema, along with the Oriental Galaxy Park currently under development next door, is a major cultural tourism project that rivals Universal Studios and Disneyland. Every year, it receives countless groups of leaders from various departments and has rich experience in receiving visitors. The reception process for this event was also arranged in advance in an orderly manner.

Upon seeing Wang Hao come to greet him, the senior leader smiled at him and shook hands with him warmly. The media reporters who had been waiting nearby immediately captured this scene.

After exchanging pleasantries, Wang Hao led everyone into the exhibition hall, which had been converted from Wanping Photography Studio.

The exhibition hall was divided into several areas, displaying a wide variety of technological products related to film and television production.

"Chairman Wang, this film technology expo has attracted a lot of attention. I see that the participating companies come from all over the world, and the scale is quite large."

The senior leader said with a smile, his gaze drawn to the dazzling array of technological exhibits around him.

Wang Hao, who had already made preparations in advance, nodded in agreement and introduced, "This year's Galaxy Film Technology Expo has invited top Hollywood film production companies, such as Warner Bros., Disney, and Universal. They are all participating for the first time and have brought their latest achievements in film special effects, photography and video equipment, etc."

In addition, domestic private film and television companies, such as Huayi Brothers and Enlight Media, have also actively participated.

In addition, film and television technology companies from Japan, South Korea, and Europe, such as traditional imaging equipment manufacturers like Sony and Panasonic, also brought brand-new high-definition and ultra-high-definition photography and videography equipment…

"I heard that your Xinghe Group has also prepared a lot of surprises for this exhibition?"

The high-ranking leader, who was moving forward, suddenly asked Wang Hao a question.

Wang Hao bowed slightly, a confident smile on his face.

"Yes, boss, there will be a project launch event for our Galaxy Group later."

Of course, before that, leaders can also introduce these new technologies, equipment, and projects, such as this…”

As Wang Hao spoke, he led everyone to a huge VR experience area.

VR, or Virtual Reality, refers to the technology that uses computer graphics, sensor technology, simulation technology, and other specialized equipment to create a highly immersive three-dimensional virtual environment.

In recent years, the "VR craze" has been sweeping the globe at an astonishing speed, and the capital market and technology industry have been paying increasing attention to it. As a leader in the domestic film and television culture field, Xinghe Group has always focused on the development and research of film and television technology, and naturally it will not ignore this.

Therefore, this film expo specially set up a VR zone, attracting many related equipment manufacturers to participate.

The technicians who had been stationed in the area rushed forward as soon as they saw Wang Hao leading the leaders over, and beat other manufacturers to it to show off a stylish VR device with a futuristic feel to everyone.

"Distinguished leaders, this is the first immersive entertainment device we have developed in collaboration with Sony!"

Click!Click!
Several reporters snapped photos, capturing the image of the top leader holding the VR headset, while staff from Xinghe Group explained from the side:

"2016, which was last year, was called the 'Year Zero of VR'."

In the past year or two, first-generation consumer VR devices such as Oculus Rift and HTC Vive have been released one after another. Although there were problems such as high device prices and a lack of content ecosystem in the early stages, it still triggered extensive exploration of virtual reality technology in the industry...

The staff member's introduction was delivered in a calm and measured manner, clearly indicating that they had been specially trained.

The leader walked into the "VR Technology Zone" amidst his introduction, examining the most advanced VR equipment and the cutting-edge information about VR in the exhibition area under the flash of lights.

In 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus for a whopping $20 billion, marking a significant event in the tech giants' foray into the VR field.

In 2015, at the Tokyo Game Show, Sony brought VR experiences to the game console market with PlayStation VR, successfully attracting a large number of players.

According to industry analysts, the global VR market size is expected to exceed US$10 billion by 2018.

Although there are still technological bottlenecks to overcome before widespread adoption, VR has been regarded as an important development direction for the next generation of computing platforms and entertainment media, attracting continuous investment from countless developers and capital.

Currently, our Xinghe Group is also preparing to delve deeper into this field, pursuing cutting-edge technologies to create more possibilities for the company's business expansion.

While we may still have shortcomings in terms of hardware and software, Galaxy Group undoubtedly possesses an advantage in content that is difficult for other companies to match.

When everyone arrived at Galaxy Pictures' exhibition hall in this area, the space was quite large. In addition to several VR devices of different models specifically for the experience, there were also posters of Galaxy Pictures' well-known IPs.

For example, the most eye-catching ones are "Wolf Warrior 1" and "Wolf Warrior 2" as well as "Wolf Warrior: Peace Elite".

Accompanying these three posters is a camouflage motion-sensing suit, a camouflage VR headset, and a simulated electronic gun.

"Currently, VR is mostly used in the gaming and film industries."

Games like Minecraft VR and Resident Evil 7 are starting to experiment with VR interaction, and the film industry is also seeing the emergence of VR short films such as Displaced, exploring new possibilities for immersive storytelling.

Our Xinghe Group has also adopted the same approach. For example, the "Wolf Warrior VR" in front of you leaders is a new entertainment system that combines film and games.

It organically combines the "Wolf Warrior" film series from the Galaxy Cinematic Universe with the shooting game "Wolf Warrior: Peace Elite" to create a VR version of a shooting game...

As the employees introduced and demonstrated the device, the senior leader put on the VR equipment developed and produced by Xinghe Group, and was instantly transported to the smoke-filled battlefield of "Wolf Warrior 2". Before him were dilapidated factory buildings still burning with flames, and the explosions in his headphones made his blood boil.

"What are you all standing there for? Let's go!"

Not far away, Liu Peiqiang, the male lead in "Wolf Warrior" played by Wu Jing, was waving and shouting at him, while throwing him a gun.

"The enemy is in area C. You go over there to support Old Wolf and the others. I'll stay here to cover the rear!"

"This feels just like being on a real battlefield!"

The senior leader took off the VR headset and picked up the gun model that Liu Peiqiang had supposed to throw to him. Feeling its heavy weight, he couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, and at the same time asked curiously:
"Such technology and equipment must be quite expensive, right?"

"This is currently in the prototype stage and is only available for pre-sale online. The initial price is 2000 RMB."

Looking at his curious superior, Wang Hao offered an even more surprising price.

(End of this chapter)