Huayu became famous overnight

Chapter 229 Domestic Films, Rise Up!
[Summer Movie Season: Domestic Comedy vs. Hollywood Blockbuster – Who Will Prevail?]

[The Unknown Actor Aims for a Billion-Dollar Citation, But Falls Short of Cybertron]

The rise of domestic films: Whose path are they blocking?

Articles comparing "The Unknown" and "Transformers 3" are popping up everywhere.

You can see their discussion by simply opening any online forum.

The former has many press releases, mainly focusing on the rise of domestic films, and extending to the booming domestic economy and competition with developed countries such as the UK and the US.

There are also many press releases on the latter, most of which describe how Hollywood blockbusters discriminate against mainland audiences and look down on the mainland market.

Occasionally, articles are interspersed with accusations that the creators of "Transformers 3" are unfriendly towards China.

And under these kinds of articles.

The top-ranked comments also infuriated people.

"Ha, what makes 'The Unknown' compare to 'Transformers 3'? It's not even worth a little toe."

"No problem. I feel that Hollywood blockbusters are worth it no matter how expensive the tickets are. I would never watch a domestic film in my lifetime."

"People with real taste and aesthetic sense only watch European and American movies; those are the essence of the film industry. Let Chinese films develop for another hundred years."

A group of people are active in the comments section, constantly saying that domestic films are trash and that Hollywood is the future.

They always say how developed and advanced Europe and America are, and that China is doomed.

Even if some of the statements are true, just like how domestic films do indeed lag behind Hollywood blockbusters.

But these people's arrogant writing makes one feel uncomfortable no matter how you look at it.

Even if someone disagrees, they will be attacked by the group.

The comment section quickly became a chaotic mess.

Even casual netizens who aren't particularly interested in movies were angered.

"Chinese films are commercialized late and are still immature. It is precisely the time to support their development. I admit that many Chinese films are of poor quality and Hollywood blockbusters have amazing special effects, but not all Chinese films are without merit."

Some netizens attempted to speak rationally and engage in debate.

"Trash, your taste is so low, you're just a loser who watches domestic movies. Get lost, you idiot!"

Zhuo Wei stood behind the team members, verbally instructing them on how to reply.

Looking around the office, everyone was frantically typing on their keyboards, the clattering sound never ceasing.

If someone could get close enough to look at each of their computers.

You'll find the comments section is a mess, full of these people's work.

They even switch to another account immediately after using one account to refute the criticism, truly mastering the art of double-crossing.

They don't need anyone else to set the pace; their own people are setting the pace for their own movies.

The staff of the online propaganda department were incredibly enthusiastic about this paid verbal sparring, watching as ordinary netizens were provoked to the point of losing their tempers and turning red.

The only question lingering in their minds was whether doing this would help their own film.

After all, it was only the fifth day of its release, and it had been completely overshadowed by "Transformers 3" for the first four days.

Even those who had unwavering faith in their boss began to waver.

"Remember this: don't care what the other person posts, just vent your emotions irrationally and make them assimilate with us."

Zhuo Wei gave instructions in a deep voice, his mind flashing back to the instructions President Xu had given him two days ago.

Instead of talking about how good "The Unknown" is, talk about how bad "Transformers 3" is, so that viewers who are faced with a choice between the two films will have their hearts tipped in their favor.

The online propaganda department has only one task: to make netizens lose their rationality and start expressing their emotions.

Only those who have lost their reason will make impulsive purchases.

From beginning to end, Xu Ming had only one goal: to bring in people from outside the film industry.

The goal is to raise the upper limit of the market, not to compete for the lower limit.

……

"Hmph, what does the rise of domestic films have to do with 'The Unknown'? They're just trying to force a connection."

Wang Zhonglei scoffed, "Xu Ming has lost his mind. He actually dares to challenge Transformers 3. He's overestimating himself."

"This is what they call 'Heaven will make those who are destined to perish, first make them arrogant,'" Wang Zhongjun laughed.

He had always regarded Qi Ming as a thorn in his side, but he just couldn't find an opportunity. He never expected that before he could make a move, the other party would lose his composure.

"The problem is that 'The Unknown' has a pretty good total box office now, 250 million in three days, and it will definitely break 300 million today."

Feng Xiaogang, however, showed no joy on his face and said quietly, "If this trend continues, even if we don't break 1 billion, we still have a chance to break the record for domestic film box office."

The thought of Xu Ming having the chance to ride on his neck was unbearable.

Feng Xiaogang felt extremely uncomfortable.

And he hadn't forgotten their previous bet.

"It's not that easy. Two movies are released on the same day. Even if there is a lot of competition in the early stages, the summer movie market is only so big. Only the winners will take all the credit."

"Later on, the momentum of 'The Unknown' will decline, and 'Transformers 3' will eat up all of its market share."

Wang Zhongjun reassured Feng Xiaogang, saying, "Have you forgotten? The pre-sale box office for 'The Unknown' was already 1.1 million yuan, so this result is not surprising."

"I saw through Xu Ming's tricks long ago. They're just three basic moves. Without marketing, what is he?"

Hearing the former's words, the two remaining people in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

If Xu Ming really breaks the record, then things will get really interesting.

Wang Zhongjun turned to look at Wang Zhonglei: "How's the online army I asked you to arrange going?"

"They've all been blocked. That guy has inside connections with companies like Sohu and Sina. Once they find out, his account is banned. The people I've contacted are unwilling to take the job anymore," Wang Zhonglei said helplessly.

They used to bully others with their power, but now that it's the other way around, they're finding it hard to adjust.

There's no way around it; the internet is Qiming's territory.

They are essentially playing away from home.

"What about print media?" Wang Zhongjun frowned.

Huayi started out in advertising and has always had close ties with the media.

He didn't believe that Qi Ming, who came after him, could surpass him in this area.

"Sigh, print media is not even as good as marketing accounts these days. Who reads that stuff?"

Wang Zhonglei sighed: "I heard that the theaters have given 'The Unknown' more than 40% of the screenings. They're treating it like their own son. It's obvious they're showing favoritism."

"You're overthinking it. Even if your own son came, he wouldn't get the same treatment as Xu Ming."

Wang Zhongjun's face also turned ugly. He never expected that such a troublesome opponent would appear right under his nose while he was dozing off.

With the internet in one hand and cinemas in the other, Xu Ming has also gathered high-quality content creators such as Zhang Guoshi, Jiang Wen, and Ning Hao.

Given time, it's not impossible for them to surpass Huayi.

Wang Zhonglei sighed again.

The atmosphere in the office was a bit stifling.

Feng Xiaogang suddenly asked, "Has anyone here seen 'The Nameless'?"

"No."

Both shook their heads, firstly because they didn't have time, and secondly because they didn't want to contribute to the box office.

I'd rather wait for pirated versions to become available.

Feng Xiaogang opened his mouth, but had nothing to say.

He looked down on Xu Ming's films, yet he hadn't even read them. His arrogance and ignorance were so extreme that he suddenly wondered if renewing his contract with Huayi Brothers was the right choice.

The atmosphere suddenly became even more oppressive.

"Ahem, judging by the time, the box office data should be out today. Let's check the ticketing website," Wang Zhonglei interrupted.

His subconscious action of opening the website was noticed by Wang Zhongjun and Feng Xiaogang, and both of them felt a chill in their hearts.

I don't know when it started, but they've gotten into the habit of using this website to keep up with movie news.

Xu Ming's influence is subtle and pervasive.

"Transformers 3 grossed 10532 million yuan in a single day. Damn, Paramount isn't doing well either. On such a good day as Sunday, it can still drop."

"Single-day ticket for 'The Unknown'..."

Wang Zhonglei stopped mid-sentence, his pupils widening.

"How much? Tell me!"

Wang Zhongjun sensed something was wrong and shouted.

“Tickets, box office…” Wang Zhonglei stammered, unwilling to say it aloud.

Or rather, he was unwilling to believe that what he was seeing was real.

Wang Zhongjun pushed his younger brother aside, his eyes fixed on the numbers on the computer screen.

"The Unknown" grossed 10388 million yuan on Sunday, less than 200 million yuan less than "Transformers 3" on the same day.

The two sides are now on the same side.

Although the total box office is still short by nearly 100 million, the gap is visibly narrowing.

If, in everyone's minds, "The Unknown" could catch up with "Transformers 3," that would be a victory.

Now, there is hope of turning defeat into victory.

"how is this possible?"

Wang Zhongjun's eyes seemed somewhat dazed.

There's real hope that Chinese films can surpass Hollywood blockbusters, like Transformers, with Megatron and Optimus Prime!
He had imagined this scene countless times, but he never expected that Qiming would have the opportunity to realize it.

Are the audience crazy?
Even if he hadn't seen "The Unknown," he knew it was a drama film.

It's completely incomparable to blockbuster movies with special effects.

Something's definitely not right here.

"Haven't you noticed? I don't know when it started, but we've been comparing 'The Unknown' and 'Transformers 3' together."

"This is the scene Xu Ming wanted. In fact, drama films and special effects films have completely different audiences, but he confused them by using the concepts of domestic films and Hollywood blockbusters."

Although Feng Xiaogang had previously looked down on Xu Ming, he had actually done serious research on this rising star.

Including this film, "The Unknown".

Public opinion sensed something was wrong from the beginning, but only now has it become clear.

"As Wang Zhonglei said, 'The Nameless' has nothing to do with the rise of Chinese films, but people have just linked them together. Supporting Chinese films is supporting 'The Nameless'. What a clever strategy."

Feng Xiaogang pointed to the computer and said, "See? It clearly shows the box office comparison of the two movies. They are trying to take advantage of the public's patriotism."

"Expose it! I'll find someone to expose Qiming's strategy right now," Wang Zhonglei said through gritted teeth.

"Will it work? No matter what method you use, they can actually go toe-to-toe with Transformers 3."

"At this point, does it still matter whether we take advantage of it or not? Nobody cares. Once emotions are stirred up, it's hard to let them go. We didn't lose unjustly."

Feng Xiaogang shook his head. "Instead of thinking about how to mess with him, we should put more effort into the next movie. If he can do it, so can I, Feng Xiaogang."

As one of the top three directors in China and a pioneer in creating domestic commercial films, he is confident that he is second to none.

"Who doesn't eat meat during the New Year? This is just the beginning, let's see."

Wang Zhongjun regained his composure; the day's box office surge wasn't enough to throw him off balance.

However, the worry in his eyes never diminished.

He understood the power of hope all too well.

……

hum!
Inside the theater.

Xu Ming and Jiang Wen separated and led their respective roadshow teams separately.

Halfway through the interaction, we heard the audience below the stage start to stir.

"It's surpassed 100 million!"

Xu Ming's eyes flickered. Was it the "over 100 million" figure he was referring to?

"The Unknown's box office surpassed 100 million yuan in a single day, only two million yuan behind Transformers 3. Mingzai is awesome!"

A female fan explained it to him, her tone filled with joy.

Other audience members who were unaware of the news were suddenly filled with a sense of pride upon hearing it.

It was as if from that moment on, they were no longer just simple movie fans.

He is a patriotic warrior who is tied to the success of "The Unknown" and is charging towards Hollywood blockbusters.

Every movie ticket is like a bullet fired at a Hollywood blockbuster.

Of course, once the bullet passed through Qiming's hands, half ended up in the producer's pocket and the other half in the theater's pocket, which was no longer within their consideration.

Xu Ming keenly sensed the change in the atmosphere at the scene.

He raised the microphone at the right moment: "I just heard everyone cheering and received the good news that 'The Unknown' has grossed over 100 million yuan in a single day. Thank you all for your support."

As he spoke, he gave a standard 90-degree bow.

After straightening up, his eyes reddened and his tone was heavy: "I know that the fans of 'The Unknown' have been subjected to a lot of abuse and pressure during this period."

"Yes, domestic films cannot yet achieve the special effects of Hollywood blockbusters. The visuals are not as grand and dazzling. We must face up to the gap and acknowledge it. Transformers 3 is also a film series that I personally like very much."

"But I don't think we are inferior to each other in every way. Jiang Wen, Ning Hao, Hai Lu, Bao Qiang, and everyone in the crew have poured our hearts and souls into this film."

"I dare to stand here and tell everyone with my hand on my chest that I believe I have lived up to the expectations of every moviegoer who watched 'The Unknown.' Yesterday's results are the best consolation and evaluation."

"Many people have told me that losing to a Hollywood blockbuster is not shameful, but honorable. I don't want to lose, I want to win. Even if I die, I want to die on the road to victory."

As soon as he finished speaking, tears welled up in his eyes and finally fell.

Seeing their idol shed tears on stage, the female fans felt heartbroken.

In a corner, a spectator suddenly stood up, raised his fist, and roared, "Chinese films, rise up!"

"Rise up!"

The entire audience joined in the chanting.

A sense of mission welled up in their hearts, and they not only wanted to watch it once or twice, but also encouraged their relatives and friends to come and see it.

This isn't just about watching a movie; it's clearly about supporting domestic products.

Even awkward attempts at being exciting are still exciting.

The accompanying reporters faithfully recorded this scene, and each of them looked equally excited.

Whether domestic products can rise to prominence or not, they don't know.

But I definitely don't need to worry about the KPI this month.

Based on this alone, Chinese films must rise to prominence.

(End of this chapter)