Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 497 The Highest Level of Promotion
In 1981, the world's first home computer was born.

Computers are no longer the bulky devices of the past, but rather tools that can be kept at home for leisure and entertainment.

The computers of this era are truly flourishing.

In later generations, there was actually only one type of computer: all of them were based on the x86-64 architecture.

Whether it's a laptop or a desktop, AMD and Intel CPUs simply have their own unique features; essentially, they represent different directions within the x86-64 architecture.

As for the fact that the phone uses the ARM architecture, I won't go into details.

However, nowadays, there are many types of computer architectures, and the x86 architecture is only one of them.

Although home computers are still quite expensive, Wan Gu'ao's family already has one.

As for where the money for this computer came from...

Never mind. It's there anyway.

It was precisely because of the existence of computers that Wan Gu'ao planned to create this work.

Gridman, a hero and enemy in the computer world, is shaped like a Gunpla toy, full of sharp edges and new-era electronic features. In short, it is an ambitious work.

Whether it's based on the latest technology or the appealing appearance of a toy, Wanguo has invested tremendous confidence in this.

At the Toho studio, the first episode of Gridman has been filmed and sent for editing.

“Ao.” Sinbot walked over, his face showing undisguised worry.

Is this work really good?

"Shinbot, believe me, my judgment has always been excellent. Although they all throw poop at me, spread rumors about me, and cause trouble, no one can deny that my judgment is good. This work is based on the latest technology and is set in a world full of wonderful fantasy. Even if it doesn't become a huge hit, it will definitely captivate the audience!"

Moreover, although the filming techniques still followed the tradition of Eiji Mangaya, the action design was handled by people from the JAC Club.

Currently, the few companies in Japan that can do action design are nothing more than JAC, KAC, and Extreme Action Studio, etc.

He definitely wouldn't go looking for Gu Ming's people, but JAC would be fine.

Moreover, Wan Gu'ao also heard about something.

JAC is in continuous contact with Zhen Zidan, intending to recruit her.

However, Zhen Zidan's behavior was ambiguous. Although she had some contact with JAC, she never showed any intention of joining.

Even so, she still managed to seduce Chiba Shinichi, and even met with him alone.

"Regardless of that, I have complete confidence in this project. If you're worried, we can only invest in the first season, and then invest in subsequent seasons!"

Sinbot nodded and said no more about it.

“Oh, right.” Simpot suddenly remembered something: “How they threw poop at you and spread rumors about you.”

Wan Guoao said, "They actually spread rumors that I am a compulsive embezzler!"

Simpot: ?

So, spreading rumors is just repeating the truth!

"I've already asked around and found out that the production being filmed in Mangoku follows the current fighting trend, telling the story of an Ultraman who excels in combat. The broadcast channel isn't TV Tokyo, but TBS. If we get it broadcast on Fuji TV, would that be feasible?"

Wan Gu'ao grinned.

That's amazing!
He came from Fuji Television and had a good relationship with the station, so even if he couldn't find TBS, he wouldn't have to resort to cooperating with TV Tokyo.

Wan Gu'ao has great confidence in this drama.

Once the first episode airs successfully, he'll work tirelessly to film it. Wan Gu'ao even mortgaged his own money to secure a loan. This time it's his own money, so of course he can't be greedy!
…… ……

Both works have been scheduled for release.

Ultraman Leo is scheduled to air on TBS during the summer evening slot, which is the best time for children.

Originally scheduled to air at a different time, Fuji Television was filled with confidence after watching the pilot episode of the first episode and decided to take over the same time slot, aiming to compete with TBS.

With the increase in Japanese television programs, it is now difficult to create the ratings miracles of the past. An average rating of 10% is considered a hit.

Fuji Television's assessment of Gridman was 10%.

……

……

TBS.

It was rare for Gu Ming to come in person, after all, he and Tanaka Noboru co-directed the first episode.

Kujiro was quite happy to see his old friend.

He has now been promoted, and his past work has been handed over to his subordinates, such as Yoji Hashimoto.

However, after meeting with Gu Ming, Wei still came to watch the film in person.

In the screening room, the turntable spins, and the first episode slowly begins to play.

In the flickering light, facing his brother monster, Ultraman Leo roared and kicked out with a scream.

Amidst the special effects of lightning and flames, Leo delivered a flying kick that shattered his brother monster. Seeing the situation was dire, the Magma alien reacted swiftly and fled on the spot.

As the ending theme song played, Takeshi Kakui closed his eyes and pondered for a moment before giving his evaluation.

“It’s very novel.”

"What do you mean by 'novel'?"

“It means exactly what it says,” said Takeshi Kawai. “This is quite different from your previous works. I can sense that you used a lot of new techniques during filming, techniques that Furuya has never used before. Do you think this filming method produces better results, Mr. Furuya?”

"Yes," Gu Ming said. "Technology is constantly evolving, so we can't cling to outdated ideas. If there are any new technologies that we can use, we must adopt them as soon as possible."

Kujiro held onto the handrail with both hands, simply nodding without saying anything more.

According to Takeshi Kakui, this work cannot be considered a typical Tokusatsu production, because many of the techniques used were not employed by Eiji Mangaya in the past. Ordinary viewers may not be able to tell the difference, but having seen many works, he immediately recognized that this was a new work rather than a Mangaya production.

That's why even Takeshi Kawai wasn't sure what level of viewership this work would achieve.

As the end credits rolled, Wei listened intently and remarked, "The singer is quite skilled. Who sings this?"

"The protagonist is Ryu Shinatsu." Gu Ming said, "He used to be a lead singer in a bar, so I specially made him sing the theme song for himself."

Listening to the Starry Night Ballad, Takeshi Kakui nodded again.

"I heard that Fuji Television and Osamu Makoto reached an agreement to allocate 10% of the viewership ratings for 'Denkou Choujin Gridman,' which is the highest level of promotion. In that case, TBS will not be willing to be second to anyone."

Kushii Takeshi stood up abruptly and said firmly, "We have a good history of cooperation, and I believe in the abilities of Furuya-kun and Mango. In that case, TBS will promote this 'Ultraman Leo' with the highest level of resources, according to the standards for a 10% viewership rating! Furuya-kun, I hope you and Mango will not disappoint me."

Gu Ming reached out and shook hands with Kujiro.

It certainly won't disappoint.

After all, Gu Ming had put a lot of effort into this work.

(End of this chapter)