The Birth of the Best Director

Chapter 121 trailer goes viral! Ticket booking website crashes! Reba becomes an overnight sensation!
……

The quality of the movie exceeded expectations. At this moment, everyone was almost certain that this movie would be a hit.

It depends on how big the explosion is!
However, here comes the problem.

When will it be released?
James brought Lu Zhiyuan, Zhao Shanshan and others to a small conference room to discuss this issue.

"It's obviously unwise to collide with 'Avatar'. We at Universal suggest that it be released in February."

"February is a traditional Chinese holiday, so the box office should be good."

"In North America, the box office will be weak after Christmas, but at the same time there are no strong competitors. If our film is released in February, it can get a relatively high screening rate."

James expressed Universal's suggestions, then looked at Lu Zhiyuan: "Lu, what do you think?"

Director Lu Zhiyuan demonstrated his extraordinary talent through the movie "Upgrade".

He even has the temperament of a crazy artist that is very similar to James Cameron!

Universal Pictures has always treated people differently based on their circumstances.

Since Lu Zhiyuan was able to make such a good movie, they should show him enough respect.

Because there will be more in-depth cooperation in the future.

No one can resist money!

"James, I understand your concerns."

Although James meant well, Lu Zhiyuan disagreed.

He pondered for a moment and then asked, "But have you ever considered this? Do other people think the same way?"

Yes.

If everyone thinks this way and everyone is trying to squeeze in until February, what can we do?
James frowned immediately.

Lu Zhiyuan continued, "When it comes to 'Avatar,' most people would consider taking a step back and delaying it for a month. But then, by February, everyone was rushing in."

"The screening rate might be even lower."

"Furthermore, after being exposed to the visuals of Avatar, is it possible that audiences will quickly become bored with ordinary science fiction films?"

It's totally possible!

The truth of the matter will definitely develop as Lu Zhiyuan said!
"Avatar" is like a tsunami, sweeping the world, and after the tsunami, there will be a brief vacuum in the entire market.

All the fish were swept away by the tsunami.

Going out to sea to fish at this time would be absolutely a waste of time.

A similar situation occurred after the release of "Titanic" that year.

A similar situation occurred after the release of "Terminator".

Cameron's guy is a tsunami in the film market. You must not get close to him. If you meet him, nothing good will happen.

James frowned and looked at Lu Zhiyuan seriously: "What should we do? Lu, if you have any ideas, just tell me directly."

Will it be released during the summer vacation?
This is too long.

As for Universal Pictures, we can wait.

But Lu Zhiyuan himself probably can't wait that long.

James has heard that Lu Zhiyuan's next robot movie "Real Steel" has begun preparations.

He has already started drawing concept drawings.

Even the specific images of several boxing robots have been designed.

The protagonist [Qin Palace Guard].

[Onimusha] is full of Japanese elements.

The Knights Templar were modeled after the European Teutonic Knights.

The Planet Ripper is modeled after the Apollo spacecraft.

There are dozens of robots in total, each of which looks super cool... and in Lu Zhiyuan's movies, there are basically no ugly characters that would stigmatize the cultures of various countries.

It's a pure visual feast.

His film narratives are moderate and peaceful, and are only intended to present a surrealist worldview, without any inexplicable ethnic hatred.

It's definitely a very commercial film.

This means that in addition to being a huge hit in China and the United States, this movie is also likely to be a big seller all over the world.

Movie box office doesn't mean anything.

The key is the copyright development of these robots!
It's definitely a gold mine!
Universal Pictures has conducted an internal assessment and determined that the value of this series of robot peripheral products is definitely over 10 billion US dollars.

And this $10 billion gold mine requires a shovel.

This shovel is the movie "Upgrade".

If this movie fails, the subsequent robot universe will be gone.

Only if this movie is successful and audiences around the world accept Lu Zhiyuan's worldview of cyber wasteland robots, will the subsequent $10 billion copyright development be possible.

"James, my suggestion is to release it at the same time as Avatar."

Lu Zhiyuan pondered for a moment and made a decision that almost made James jump up.

Do not!
It's impossible!

Isn't this a suicide?
"Lu, calm down."

"I know you're very confident, but you can't be too confident. If we compete with 'Avatar', we'll definitely fail. Our box office will shrink significantly."

"We at Universal Pictures have estimated that Avatar will take over 90% of the box office during its release!"

"In order to avoid Avatar, some of our Universal Pictures films have chosen to postpone their release dates. We just don't want to die."

"We are friends. I am optimistic about your future. I don't want you to make this rash decision."

James begged Lu Zhiyuan to not be so willful.

"James, I've made my decision. I want to see the movie 'Upgrade' released for Christmas."

"I believe that Universal Pictures' distribution capabilities in Hollywood can help me arrange the film schedule."

Lu Zhiyuan didn't want to listen to James' nonsense.

Because he had seen the answer.

In 2009, these movies released on Christmas Day did not suffer much impact on the box office even though they were hit by "Avatar".

Maybe a little, but the absolute value is not high.

"Sherlock Holmes", a movie starring Robert Downey Jr., grossed 5 million at the global box office.

On the first day of its release in North America, the box office reached 24 million US dollars.

"Avatar" has some impact on these movies, but in the big pool of Christmas, the impact is minimized.

On the contrary, all the movies that chose to postpone their release dates have failed miserably.

"Lu, think about it again. Don't be so impulsive."

Seeing that he couldn't convince Lu Zhiyuan, James turned to look at Zhao Shanshan: "Ms. Zhao, please persuade him not to be so impulsive. We can discuss a solution that will satisfy both parties."

Zhao Shanshan didn't say anything, but held her cell phone and kept texting someone.

After a while, Zhao Shanshan raised her head and said to Lu Zhiyuan, "I've made a deal with Wanda and China Film Group. The Christmas release schedule is all yours. All the movies in Hong Kong will be postponed."

"If they have objections, they can try to force a release. If they can't get a screening schedule, don't blame us."

Rich women are arrogant!

A text message directly made the theater chain make concessions.

Leave as much screening time as possible to Lu Zhiyuan.

Of course, if the movie "Upgrade" does not receive a good response, the screening schedule of the theaters will be gradually compressed.

After all, cinemas also need to make money.

But at least, Zhao Shanshan gave Lu Zhiyuan a chance to prove himself!

If it were someone else, would you want a chance? Kneel on the ground, and no one would bother to pay attention to you.

"Miss Zhao, why are you..."

After hearing what Zhao Shanshan said, James' eyes widened with disbelief.

This time, he had a deeper understanding of how powerful the background of this group of people was. With just one text message, they could arrange the domestic film schedule.

If you want to release it, then release it.

Others don't want to give up their seats, so they directly force the other party to have no screenings.

So cool!
Just do whatever you want.

Universal Pictures is also a well-known giant in Hollywood, but it cannot be so arrogant and domineering.

"We are a family, and of course I support him unconditionally."

Zhao Shanshan put the phone in her pocket and looked at James nonchalantly.

We can afford this little compensation!
It depends on you, Universal Pictures, whether you want to take a gamble or not?
James thought about it and decided that the other party had such a strong background, so the cooperation must continue. Even if this movie lost money, the next movie would make it back sooner or later.

The Chinese market is so big, and Universal Pictures has finally established a good cooperation with Lu Zhiyuan, and they must not give up.

He is an absolute establishment, neoliberal!
Not the same as those redneck conservatives.

He always hopes for friendship between China and the United States!
After figuring it out, James softened his tone: "Lu, since you've made your decision, I'll help you with the process."

"However, the screening rate may not be too high."

"Because it's Christmas, you know, there are too many blockbusters. The best I can do is get you about a 10% screening rate."

"Avatar", "Sherlock Holmes" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks 2", these three movies will be Lu Zhiyuan's direct competitors for Christmas.

In addition, there are Disney's "The Princess and the Frog", the globally popular "The Twilight Saga: New Moon", the Oscar-winning "Blind Side", the sci-fi wasteland blockbuster "District 9", and the pinnacle of apocalyptic themes "2012".

These movies are still in theaters and have a very strong long-tail effect. They should not be taken off the screen before New Year's Day.

On Christmas Day 2009, many strong people emerged and no one was easy to mess with.

"James, let's make it a deal. It will be released simultaneously in China and the US on Christmas Eve, December 24th."

"If the results are good, we will try to release it in Europe, Japan, and Brazil within two weeks."

Under normal circumstances, in this era, movies are usually released in North America first, and then released in China a month later.

However, the movie "Upgrade" is quite special, as it is a Sino-US co-production.

The film has already been sent for review.

Because it did not involve excessive bloody violence or political issues, and someone had given it a heads-up, it passed the domestic review almost instantly.

In fact, even if no one says hello, the status of the Palme d'Or director is enough to make the censors give him a break.

After all, "Lust, Caution" was able to pass the review.

"Lu, don't worry, Universal Pictures is professional in this area."

There were some disagreements about the schedule at the beginning, but since the decision has been made, James will of course give it his all.

If this movie continues to flop, he will no longer be the CEO of Focus Features.

Because the company is actually bankrupt.

For him, this movie is also a big gamble.

"Lu, now that we've finished our business, I've prepared a party for you to celebrate. I forgot to say happy birthday to you."

As he spoke, James took out a gift box from his desk and handed it to Lu Zhiyuan.

Lu Zhiyuan opened it and took a look. It was a pure gold chain.

It's so rustic and luxurious that it blinds people.

Seeing that Lu Zhiyuan seemed a little disgusted, James didn't mind. He smiled and said, "Lu, only champions get gold medals. I hope this gold chain will bring you some good luck."

"Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for your gift."

Lu Zhiyuan thought about it and felt that the gold chain was also pretty good.

It's better than giving him a VIP card of some entertainment city.

"Let's go, birthday party!"

James laughed, but instead of hugging Lu Zhiyuan's shoulders, he ran over and hugged Xin Yukun's shoulders.

The two of them were smiling slyly and whispering to each other.

"Ayuan, the movie will be released in just half a month. I have to go back and personally host the promotion work. I'll be flying back to China soon."

Before leaving, Zhao Shanshan took out a document from her bag, handed it to Lu Zhiyuan, and said with a mysterious smile: "Sign it. This is Tiantian's birthday present for you."

birthday present?

Lu Zhiyuan turned to look at Jing Tian next to him: "What is it?"

"You'll know when you open it."

Jing Tian hugged Lu Zhiyuan's arm, urged him to open it quickly and take a look, and then gave herself an exaggerated and sweet kiss.

"You're so secretive. You've also learned bad habits."

Lu Zhiyuan smiled, took the document from Zhao Shanshan, and flipped through it quickly.

“DJI drones, 30% stake?”

Lu Zhiyuan was indeed very surprised when he saw this birthday gift.

He looked at Zhao Shanshan and couldn't help asking, "Sister Shanshan, do you know what these shares mean?"

This company is nothing now, but in the future, it will become a global unicorn-level company!

Do you know what future wars will look like?
Remotely controlled drones can carry out long-range bombing from hundreds of kilometers away. As long as there are enough drones, theoretically, the area within 1000 kilometers will be covered by artillery fire.

There is no safe place.

Even without mentioning its potential in warfare, the future valuation of DJI, a drone company, will easily exceed $1000 billion in the civilian sector alone.

Facing Lu Zhiyuan's question, Zhao Shanshan didn't say anything at this moment, but just smiled. Jing Tian, ​​who was standing next to him, looked at Lu Zhiyuan with a smile and whispered in his ear, "It means that you have to hold my hand for the rest of your life."

Look how good I am to you!

If you want to make a movie, I will give you money and invest in you to make the movie.

If you want to play with robots, I will play with robots with you.

If you want to play with drones, I will buy shares in the company for you to play with!

In this world, besides me, is there any other woman who can treat you so unconditionally?

Just be a good son-in-law of our Jing family!
"I already have 10% of the shares. Brother Kun helped me negotiate. Tiantian, you can keep the other 30%."

After thinking about it, Lu Zhiyuan decided to refuse.

I have given too much, and I feel unworthy of it.

Seeing that Jing Tian was still trying to refuse, Lu Zhiyuan gave her a reason that she couldn't refuse.

He whispered in Jing Tian's ear, "Keep it in your hands for now. When we have a child, we'll pass it on to him. Let him have drones to play with from a young age, and make other children envious."

Hate!

Who will give birth to your child!

Jing Tian's little face suddenly turned red with embarrassment, but she no longer refused.

After thinking for a while, Jing Tian said, "You don't want the shares of the drone company. I'll buy you an orchard in Guangxi. You like mango milk tea, so we don't have to buy mangoes from outside anymore. We can just use the special supply."

Reba, who was standing next to him, widened her eyes upon hearing this.

It turns out that this is how rich women live.

In order to drink a cup of mango milk tea, do you have to buy an orchard and get yourself special mangoes?
I thought they drank milk tea by just drinking one cup at a time. Some people even bought 10 cups at a time and tasted every one of them.

It seems that I still haven't seen the world.

I must become a rich woman!
I want to live like this too!
……

domestic.

Zhao Shanshan asked Wanda and China Film Group to help coordinate theater schedules and reserve the two-week Christmas schedule for Lu Zhiyuan's "Upgrade."

As soon as this news came out, it caused an uproar in the circle.

Especially the Hong Kong and Taiwan circles.

Commercial films of this era are almost the exclusive domain of Hong Kong and Taiwan directors.

"He's too arrogant!"

"Let's give up all the screenings and let him play alone. What are we? Let him have his fun alone!"

Zhang Yimou's "The Legend of Three Shots" was released on December 10th.

"刺凌" starring Jay Chou was released on December 9th.

"Storm 2" will be released on December 10th.

These three movies didn't have much impact.

Because, by the time Christmas rolls around, they've already been out for two weeks and their box office potential is pretty much exhausted.

The only exception is "The Siege of the City in October", starring Zhen Zidan and Xie Tingfeng, which was originally scheduled to be released on December 18, but is now in an awkward situation.

Because, according to the version that has been circulated so far, they only have one week at most to be arrogant.

By Christmas Eve, December 24, "Upgrade," a Hollywood sci-fi blockbuster with a $30 million investment, will dominate the domestic market.

Before "Avatar" is released on January 4, domestic theaters will insist on showing "Upgrade" to ensure it earns enough box office revenue.

It is estimated that "Upgrade" will enjoy the treatment of an only crown prince!
After all, Lu Zhiyuan is the only big director in the country who has made it into Hollywood!
Wu Yusen is no longer a success. Several of his films have failed in a row. He can’t go back to Hollywood and has ruined several companies. Now he is back in China and is still a jeopardizer.

Let’s not talk about Li An.

For the previous art film, Focus Features also invested 3000 million US dollars, but only recovered 900 million US dollars at the box office, which almost bankrupted Focus Features.

James, CEO of Focus Features, is just waiting for Lu Zhiyuan to give him a hand.

Otherwise, how could James be so attentive to Lu Zhiyuan and cooperate so well with his work, while usually acting like a grandson and being ordered around by him?

It was all because of Li An.

A group of Hong Kong and Taiwan directors gathered together, cursing Lu Zhiyuan for being too arrogant, and also felt that Wanda and China Film were a bit too biased towards Lu Zhiyuan.

Why?

We are all Chinese!
We can't be so partial, can we?
Who knew that after a few days, they were dumbfounded.

"The latest news is that Chow Yun-fat's film 'Confucius' has decided to be postponed to the end of January, making way for the Christmas season. They're not going to engage in a petty dispute."

"I've also got some news. The film 'Jin Yi Wei,' starring Zhen Zidan and Zhao Wei, has also been postponed to February to see how it goes during the Spring Festival."

"Fuck! Fang Long's 'Neighborhood Agent' has also been withdrawn, postponed to mid-January. It's clear that he doesn't want to compete head-on with 'Upgrade'."

"Is that boy really that awesome?"

At the beginning, many people wanted to watch the fun and see if Lu Zhiyuan would be sniped.

Maybe there really is someone who doesn't give him face.

As a director, it’s useless to have a background, because movies speak for themselves!

Who knows, no one jumped out.

All refunded.

This made those who had been clamoring at the beginning feel very embarrassed, just like Zhu Bajie looking in the mirror, neither looking good inside nor outside.

……

"Avatar" is coming with great momentum, but at least before January 4th, the domestic situation was calm.

Brother Fa, I’m backing off.

Fang Long also withdrew.

As for the others, what are you so arrogant about?
So, the period from Christmas to New Year's Day was all reserved for "Upgrade".

The stage has been cleared, and we are just waiting for "Upgrade" to be released to open everyone's eyes and see what a science fiction movie directed by a Chinese director looks like.
……

12 month 15 number.

The first trailer of "Upgrade", about 30 seconds long, appeared everywhere on the Internet, TV, and subways.

in the screen.

It's an exciting scene right from the start.

The heroine [Alita], played by Reba, was forced into the corner of the kitchen by a ferocious and muscular man, at a loss what to do.

She lay on the ground, shivering, her face full of panic.

Seeing this scene, the audience originally thought that something brutal would happen next.

The facts are indeed cruel.

"The kitchen tiles are very waterproof, so cleaning will be easier."

Huddled in the corner, Reba suddenly stopped panicking and began to whisper. The camera also gave a close-up of the smooth tiles on the floor.

When the camera turned around, the audience suddenly saw that Reba's brown-black pupils turned into a blue-green color that was full of robotic flavor.

The pupil and iris expanded in circles, with various data jumping around.

Could this be a robot?

Just this one shot instantly attracted everyone's attention. Everyone held their breath and stared at the trailer.

And the next second.

Reba's hand suddenly trembled, and a piece of oilcloth fell from the kitchen ceiling, covering the head of the ferocious-looking man.

At the same time, the entire shot seemed to come alive.

At an arc angle, the camera circled around Reba's body from high to low, and shot Reba standing up from an upward angle.

This shot is like the beginning of a 3D game where the characters appear on the screen, which greatly enhances the viewing experience.

"Swipe!"

At this moment, the moment the oilcloth fell, Reba bounced up from the ground at an unconventional angle, like a robot, and swung three swords at lightning speed.

There are no graphic violence.

Just by hearing the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground and the blood flowing out from the oilcloth, the audience could tell that the strong man had been killed instantly by Reba.

"One point deducted for not choosing the best time."

"The attack angle was wrong and damaged the kitchen door handle. One point deducted."

"The attack was too powerful and there was no proper conservation of strength. One point deducted."

"Comprehensive evaluation, F, unqualified!"

A mechanical voice kept coming from Reba's ears, scoring her previous behavior.

This kind of complaints made her a little crazy.

"Siri, that's enough!"

Reba sighed, then glanced at the messy kitchen and said calmly, "Activate body commission mode. Clean the room."

“Also, some music and some relaxation.”

……

I keep my eyes wide open all the time.

I keep the ends out for the tie that binds.
Because you're mine.
After the cold killing, Reba entered the body entrustment mode.

Ai took control of her body and began to clean the kitchen in an orderly manner, clean up the bloodstains, and pack up the body and drag it away.

At the same time, the American country rock music "I Walk the Line" appeared in the background music.

The slow and lyrical rhythm, like the sunshine in the afternoon, makes people feel very relaxed and can't help but start to sway slowly.

Subtitles are added at the same time.

Watching AI controlling Reba to clean up the crime scene, and then accompanied by Chinese subtitles, the audience almost burst out laughing.

Reba just cut her into several parts, but the lyrics were accompanied by "I want to open my heart and resolve our conflicts, because you are my little sweetheart."

Especially when singing slowly with that low and gentle voice.

The level of funny is max!

It has too much of Quentin's "Ritual of Violence" flavor!
After laughing for a while, the audience suddenly discovered that when Ai Reba was cleaning, she seemed to see a small bloodstain on the chopping board in the kitchen.

She glanced at it curiously.

At this moment, the blue-green irises in her eyes flickered a few times, and then like a confused robot, she couldn't help but stretch out a finger.

She stuck the blood stain in her mouth and put it in her mouth for data analysis.

Realizing what AI was doing, Reba, who had been so relaxed and comfortable just now, couldn't help but start screaming.

"No, don't... stop the commission! Stop!! Damn it!"

"Ugh~~"

As Reba vomited, the screen gradually went black.

The 30-second trailer flashed by.

Two lines of poster fonts filled with the atmosphere of apocalyptic wasteland popped up.

——【Upgrade will be released worldwide on December 24th!】

——【The Palme d'Or director, Lu Zhiyuan's work, please look forward to it! 】

……

"Fuck!"

"I missed my subway stop!"

"Forget it, I've already passed the station, so I might as well take another look."

"What kind of movie is this? It's really interesting!"

Because this trailer is so cool and funny, and it also has some AI sci-fi concepts, it really attracts the attention of young people.

In addition, in the movie, Reba’s costume as Empress Hancock is simply a new level of beauty.

In addition, she is so cool when she transforms into a robot. And then when she is tricked by the AI, she is so funny and cute.

For a time, many people remembered this face.

"December 24th, right?"

"It's Christmas Eve, and I'm going out shopping and dating anyway. It's better to go to the cinema and watch a movie in the warm air-conditioning than to be outside in the cold wind."

On the first day after the trailer was released, countless young people paid attention to this movie.

These young people went back to check and immediately discovered a shocking secret.

"Holy crap! The heroine is Chinese!"

"A 17-year-old Uighur girl named Reba?"

"I thought she was a new Hollywood star... but I didn't expect she was actually Chinese!"

"I must go to the cinema to watch this movie!"

Without any hesitation, this generation of young people began to open ticket booking websites such as [Guevara] and [Time Network], preparing to grab tickets in advance.

Choose the best location!

By the way, enjoy the thrill of watching a blockbuster movie for 9.9 after getting the ticket subsidy.

"What the hell, what a crappy website! Why can't I get in?"

“Why did it collapse at this very moment!”

(End of this chapter)