Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 117: Frustrated Feng Xiaogang, A-level production of press conference

The next morning, the capital was shrouded in mist as usual, but the newsstands on the streets were already ablaze with news pieces at first light.

The two pieces of news appeared side by side on the front pages of major portals and newspapers:
[Cannes Film Festival concludes, "Tianhong" wins the Jury Prize, but Shu Qi misses out on the Best Actress award!]

China Film Group held a press conference for its international project this afternoon. It is reported that the project will be directed by rising Chinese star Wu Chen and will be jointly backed by Lionsgate, China Film Group, and Blumhouse Films.

China Film Group Corporation stated that this new internationalization attempt is planned to be fully launched in the near future!

【.】

In the early hours of the morning, the Cannes Film Festival came to an end, and "Tianhong" directed by Wang Xiaoshuai won the Jury Prize, which is cause for celebration.

But what really stirred up the circle and caused a stir in the city was that simple announcement from China Film.

Wu Chen, Lionsgate, China Film Group, and Blumhouse Films—all appeared in one message. Even though the content was minimal, it instantly ignited the sensitive nerves of everyone in the Beijing circle.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the conference room at Huayi Brothers’ headquarters on the East Fourth Ring Road was a bit cold.

Feng Xiaogang leaned back in his chair, lit three cigarettes and put out two of them, without touching the cup of water in front of him.

Wang Zhonglei sat across from him, his brow furrowed. Wang Zhongjun sat to the side, flipping through his phone with a composed expression.

Propaganda director Du Yang had a complicated expression and would steal glances at Feng Xiaogang's face from time to time.

"Mr. Wang, Director Feng, I suggest that the project launch conference of "Night Banquet" be postponed for a few days." Du Yang finally spoke, his voice a little low.

We had originally planned to announce Feng Xiaogang's $1500 million blockbuster "The Banquet" this week, but we suddenly encountered an international commercial film jointly produced by China Film Group and Wu Chen.

Although we don’t know how much investment will be required, if it is released within these few days, who knows what will happen.

If anything goes wrong, she, the publicity director, will have to take the blame.

"Why?" Feng Xiaogang sat up straight suddenly, his tone sounding like he was suppressing his anger.

He can hardly hold it in any longer. What the hell does this mean?
How many days of delay?

Doesn’t this mean that I can’t beat Wu Chen?
Holy crap, he’s been telling some old friends about this these days. If this gets out, won’t he be laughed at?
Du Yang swallowed his saliva and said cautiously, "Director Feng, we originally planned to hold the press conference on Friday, but China Film Group has suddenly decided to hold an international cooperation project on Tuesday. We will suffer a loss for no reason due to this conflict.

Feng Xiaogang pressed the cigarette butt into the ashtray with a "pop", sparks flying everywhere.

"Suffering a loss?" He sneered, his tone becoming increasingly sarcastic. "I'm making a $15 million blockbuster, and you're telling people it's $20 million or $25 million. I believe no one would question whether I, Feng Xiaogang, can make a blockbuster.

Or am I, Feng Xiaogang, no match for that kid Wu Chen?"

The air froze instantly. Du Yang knew that Feng Xiaogang was very angry and no matter how he tried to be tactful, there would be problems. He could only ask for help from Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei.

Wang Zhonglei saw this and spoke up to smooth things over: "Director Feng, it's not that we can't compare, it's just that he's currently stealing the limelight. The press conference is being held at the same time, and you know that those of us in the media will have to praise Han Sanping for the next few days."

Feng Xiaogang didn't say anything, his nostrils twitched slightly, his chest heaved, and his face showed "I can't fucking swallow this."

Wang Zhonglei was speechless. Damn it! Why didn't you say a few words before the press conference? You insisted on bragging to your friends about a big production coming up and holding a press conference on Friday.
Now that the date has been changed, you're not happy?

Wang Zhongjun slowly put down his phone and said softly, "Xiaogang, you need to be patient about this for now. You know Han Sanping's temper, so there's no need to confront them head-on. Let's postpone it for a few days and go on Monday."

After Wang Zhongjun finished speaking, the atmosphere finally relaxed a little.

Feng Xiaogang nodded, seemingly agreeing with this approach, and then turned to Wang Zhongjun and said, "How's the talk with Zhang Ziyi going?"

Wang Zhonglei laughed, his expression tinged with sarcasm and disdain. "We've tentatively agreed with her agent's brother, and will sign the contract later. But this family is really bold. They're paid $3 for a role in Hollywood, but they're asking us for three times as much."

Feng Xiaogang snorted, leaned back in his chair, and cursed under his breath: "You really think you're an international superstar."

The conference room fell into a brief silence again, with only the press release on the table remaining, which still felt like a slap in the face, making people's faces hot.

However, what Huayi didn't know was that at this time, Zhang Ziyi was starting to get restless because of the news about China Film.

"Huayi won't sign the contract so soon, right?" Zhang Ziyi looked up at Zhang Zinan and asked.

"Not so fast. They're still polishing the script. It's just a verbal promise." Zhang Zinan replied, then glanced at the newspaper in Zhang Ziyi's hand. "Wu Chen's project?"

"Wu Chen's project should be better than Feng Xiaogang's. Whether 'The Banquet' can enter the international market depends on how well it performs. Wu Chen's project has already secured a ticket." Zhang Ziyi's eyes flashed. "Keep an eye on the press conference this afternoon."

"What about Huayi?"

"I haven't signed a contract yet, so I'll just be a backup for now."

In the afternoon, China Film International Conference Hall.

An unprecedented press conference is being prepared in full swing.

The scene was extremely well-designed, with a deep red main curtain in the middle of the stage, running through the entire background wall. In the center, a giant piece of material could be vaguely seen hidden behind it.

There are four elegant black leather chairs in front of the stage, neatly arranged.

The giant LED screens on either side of the stage had already been lit, looping promotional footage from the collaboration between China Film Group, Obsidian, Lionsgate, and Blumhouse. The camera zoomed in, focusing on rows of large golden characters:
"The first Sino-US commercial blockbuster directed by a Chinese director; co-produced by: China Film Group, Obsidian Pictures, Lionsgate, and Blumhouse Pictures"

The press seats were already full.

Domestic mainstream media including China Film News, Six Princesses, Beijing Youth Daily, Southern Metropolis Daily, Beijing News, Popular Film, Watch Movies, Sina, Sohu, NetEase Entertainment and others were all present.

There were also representatives from several Hong Kong media outlets and international film and television news agencies mixed in at the back, with cameras and microphones everywhere.

At three o'clock, the lights slowly came into focus.

Wu Chen, Han Sanping, Michael Burns, and Jason Blum walked into the scene together, and the flash lights suddenly exploded.

The host introduced them one by one and then handed the floor to Han Sanding to give the opening speech.

Han Sanping glanced at the media below with great pride, and his last sentence was even more domineering.

"This is the first time, but it will definitely not be the last time. Chinese films will completely step onto the world stage." The audience applauded continuously, and the anticipated segment finally began. The first round of questions was immediately given priority to "official media."

"I'm a reporter for China Film News."

A middle-aged reporter stood up and said in a serious tone, "Mr. Han, why did China Film choose this form of international cooperation this time? What does this mean for Chinese films?"

Han Sanping remained expressionless and nodded slightly:

“We have been looking for a way to truly achieve a Sino-foreign partnership, which involves not only capital and distribution, but also the connection and trust of core creative ideas.

This project is directed by Wu Chen, written by him, and is the creative lead, with China Film Group providing full support. This is more than just a collaboration; it’s an important step for Chinese filmmakers to reach the world.”

The second reporter from the Sixth Princess stood up and continued to ask:

"Mr. Han, could you please reveal the specific production budget for this project? Does it exceed the standard size of previous domestic films and co-productions?"

Han Sanping pondered for a moment, glanced at Wu Chen, then looked at the partners beside him, and said with a smile, "Let our partners answer this question."

There was a slight commotion in the venue.

Wu Chen and Jason Blum smiled and gave the role to Michael Burns of Lionsgate.

Michael Burns of Lionsgate picked up the microphone, smiled, and slowly uttered a number:
“Fifty million US dollars.”

(US$50 million)

In an instant, there was an uproar in the venue.

This is the production cost of a domestic film that has never been seen before.

Many reporters immediately lowered their heads, opened their phones, and quickly sent the message back to the editorial office.

Someone in the back row even exclaimed.

"Holy crap, is this true? 50 million dollars?"

"This is already a Hollywood A-level production, right? Why is it so big?"

"If it was Zhang Yi or Chen Kai sitting on the stage, I wouldn't be that surprised. But Wu Chen sitting there, I felt a little dazed. He seems to be only in his junior year in the second half of the year."

"."

At this time, all major media outlets couldn't help but exclaim in surprise after receiving text messages from the scene.

"No wonder there's such a big fuss. It must be an A-list Hollywood production. Hurry, hurry, get the news out there."

"Fifty million US dollars has already exceeded the new record for the production cost of domestic films and co-production projects."

"."

[Breaking news, Lionsgate claims this co-production will cost $50 million!]

[Breaking News: China Film Group is involved in its first Hollywood A-level production, and Wu Chen will be directing!]

【.】

At this time, in the China Film International Conference Hall, the media focus turned to Michael Burns himself.

"Mr. Burns, what made Lionsgate willing to invest $50 million with three parties to make such a movie?"

Michael still had a calm smile on his face and replied slowly:

“It’s very simple – we trust Wu.

Wu possesses something increasingly scarce in Hollywood: originality, control, and a unique ability to construct stories.

After reading the script, we knew that this was a Chinese director who could establish his name in the international market.

Rather than waiting for him to collaborate with others, we should collaborate first.”

Han Sanping smiled when he heard this.

Wu Chen also smiled and nodded at Burns. I have to say, this was a very beautiful thing to say.

There was a chuckle at the scene, but more of it was admiration.

"Regardless of whether he has the commercial hype or not, Wu Chen's story must have won them over, otherwise no one would be willing to spend so much money to develop a movie."

"Nonsense, how could I not know that? Raise your hands! The official media has made room for questions available."

The microphone from Southern Metropolis Daily was handed to Jason Blum, the founder of Blumhouse Pictures.

"Mr. Blum, you were the producer of 'Buried Alive'. What were your considerations for working with him again?"

Blum shrugged and said more frankly:
"When I first worked with Wu, I told him to bring his talent to the world, and then Buried shone in Berlin and took in more than $3500 million at the North American box office.

This is an exaggerated result. Wu is far better than I thought. His talent is amazing.

I personally believe that reaching the Hollywood A-level production threshold is just a milestone in Wu's life, not the end. I am willing to believe him."

After Jason Blum finished speaking, the audience burst into applause.

At this time, everyone knew that the topic had finally come to the person at the core.

The microphone was brought to Wu Chen.

(End of this chapter)