Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 136: Are you anxious? Start filming

Wu Chen heads to Hollywood to film a movie, angrily lashing out at Lu Xun: "What the hell does he know!" He suggests adding the "carving a boat to find a sword" theme.

Wu Chen mocks Lu Xun's "new definition of success": Is using blue and white porcelain to place wildflowers considered an art exhibition?

Wu Chen fires at the airport: If Lu Xun is considered a success, the threshold for success should be redrawn!

【.】

Just as Wu Chen was boarding an international flight to Los Angeles, the media couldn't wait to tell the public what Wu Chen had said.

Reporters quickly compiled this explosive conversation into a draft, adding an eye-catching headline like "Wu Chen angrily criticizes Lu Xun". It swept major portals and entertainment forums within just a few hours.

The title of a popular post on Tianya Community directly quotes the original words: "What the hell does he understand! Wu Chen's suggestion that Lu Xun add the "carving a boat to find a sword" trick has the whole network laughing." The comment section is boiling with excitement:
"Is this what a cultured person is? Is his mouth full of poison? 'Wild flowers in blue and white porcelain'—he's cursing without even using a single curse word!"

"Am I the only one curious about how many calligraphy pieces are hanging in Lu Xun's office? 'Still waters run deep,' and next to 'carving a boat to find a sword,' I'm about to add 'carving a boat to find a sword,' hahaha!"

The reactions of people in the circle were even more exciting.

Wang Changtian looked strange when he heard the report from his subordinates in the office.

However, the one with the most complicated expression was Han Sanping.

Gao Chengsheng suppressed his laughter. He really didn't expect Wu Chen to respond like that, but he could only report truthfully to Han Sanping.

"Boss Han, should we mediate?" Gao Chengsheng pursed his lips, and suddenly remembered that Lu Xun was Han Sanping's junior fellow apprentice. Then, as if to see if his leader had this intention, he made a suggestion.

"What the hell is mediation? It's already like this. Lu Xun is lucky not to hate him to the core." Han Sanping smiled bitterly and shook his head. "Let's not worry about this. By the way, did his father come to you again?"

"Well, he has been asking if you are free, Mr. Han. He wants to talk to you. I guess it's about his son's new movie." Gao Chengsheng nodded.

"It's so fucking annoying. I don't have much ability, but I have a lot to do." Han Sanping said disdainfully, waving his hand. "See if you're free near the end of next month, and schedule it on that day."

Gao Chengsheng's eyes narrowed slightly. He certainly knew what Han Sanping meant. It meant to leave him alone first, but still give him face in the end.

As a secretary, it was natural for her to understand the subtext of her leader's words. She nodded in response and gently closed the door as she left.

In Lu Xun's office, the air seemed to be frozen, and it was so quiet that the only sound was the ticking of the second hand of the wall clock.

The calligraphy of "Still Waters Run Deep" was still hanging upright on the wall, its ink powerful and vigorous, but in Lu Xun's eyes, it seemed like a silent mockery. For a moment, the corners of his mouth could not help but twitch, and his mind thought of Wu Chen's words "Carving a Boat to Look for a Sword";
Suddenly I couldn't bear it anymore.

"This damn Wu Chen just wants to make things difficult for me."

At this moment, the assistant was standing outside the door, trembling with fear. He knocked on the door, not daring to breathe, for fear of being caught in a fight. "Director Lu, I have an interview tomorrow. Do you want to cancel it?"

"Push? Bullshit!" Lu Xun slammed the table, his voice filled with gnashing hatred. "These media outlets are just waiting to see me laugh. If I push, won't they write that I'm guilty?"

The assistant watched Lu Xun grow increasingly angry as he spoke. He paced back and forth in the office and couldn't help but look at the words "Still waters run deep" written on the wall. For a moment, the four words in his eyes seemed to change.
"How should I respond?"

Lu Xun was still pacing and thinking. If he retreated, he would seem guilty and cowardly. If he didn't retreat, he didn't know how to face the group of media reporters who were just watching the fun and looking for trouble.

He thought that after half a year, few people would still remember this incident, but he didn't expect that Wu Chen would really push him to death.

In the early morning of Los Angeles, the sun shines like gold on the airport hall, and the air is filled with the aroma of coffee and the unique flavor of the California sea.

Wu Chen dragged his suitcase out of LAX International Airport, his eyes beneath his sunglasses still showing the fatigue of a long flight.

The 12-hour time difference was like an invisible hammer. It was morning when he took the plane, and it was still morning when he got here.

Jason Blum, wearing a floral shirt and sunglasses perched on his forehead, leaned against a Cadillac SUV and waved at him, shouting, "Wu! Hurry up! It's too hot in here."

Wu Chen lazily threw down his luggage and sat in the passenger seat.

Jason started the engine and the car rushed onto the 405 highway like an arrow from a bow, palm trees and billboards flying past the window.

Wu Chen grabbed the handle above and frowned slightly: "Jason, can you drive slower? I don't want to come here to film a movie and end up in the hospital."

"OK!"

Jason Blum laughed out loud, "I'm so happy, our movie is finally going to start shooting."

The car drove to West Hollywood, and Jason chattered about the latest developments of Blumhouse Pictures.

Wu Chen half-leaned back in his chair, listening to the wind. His eyes swept across the faintly visible Hollywood sign in the distance, and he casually asked, "How are the preparations for 'Get Out' going?"

Jason patted his chest, his tone full of confidence: "Wu, don't worry! The location and props are already being prepared. You can confirm the actors later, and as soon as "Now You See Me" is completed, you can start shooting at any time."

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen nodded slightly.

The next morning, Wu Chen arrived at Lionsgate's office in Santa Monica as scheduled.

Jason Blum, Michael Burns and several Lionsgate executive producers were already sitting in the conference room. After finalizing some technical processes and publicity rhythm, the official start date was finally set at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

"Wu, we'll prepare a grand launch event for you." As Wu Chen was about to go back to rest, Michael Burns smiled and said, "You must be prepared with plenty of energy."

Upon hearing this, Wu Chen suddenly asked, "OK, have we told our partner China Film Group about this?"

"Of course, I have already notified them."

Sure enough, when Wu Chen was in the car, he received a call from Han Sanping, saying that he was ready to fly over and would see him tomorrow.

On August 29, "Now You See Me" officially started filming.

"Mr. Han, please come over here." Wu Chen and Han Sanping and others appeared together and said with a smile.

Han Sanping looked at this grand scene, a smile on his face, and waved his hand, saying, "What's the trouble? If you can shoot a few more films, I will be happy to make more trips."

Outside the old theater in San Bernardino, there was a red carpet that was neither too long nor too short, enough for people from three companies to line up and take photos.

Lionsgate, Blumhouse Films and China Film Group appeared together, and all mainstream American entertainment media were present.

The media spotlights were focused and flashbulbs crackled.

Wu Chen stood between the leading actors Scarlett Johansson and James McAvoy, and just smiled faintly at the camera.

Variety's headline that day read: [Asian director Wu Chen directs $50 million magic blockbuster, Now You See Me sets sail with an all-star cast!]

The Hollywood Reporter: [Lionsgate, Blumhouse Films, and China Film Group are teaming up to create a magic blockbuster. The director of "Buried" challenges a new narrative structure!]

Deadline's report was even more insightful: [From independent thriller to A-list blockbuster: Wu Chen's Hollywood leap!]

There is no doubt that the domestic side quickly followed suit and rushed to reprint it.

Many people in the industry couldn't help but feel envious when they saw Wu Chen standing in the middle and being the center of attention.

These days, Tony Leung Chiu-wai has been interviewed by Hollywood media in North America because "2046" is about to be released. He revealed that he will star in a Hollywood suspense film, similar to "Seven Deadly Sins" played by Brad Pitt in his early years.

The news caused an uproar in the country.

Another domestic actor is about to challenge Hollywood, and some domestic media have made in-depth reports on Hollywood. They saw that North American media used the term "Asian Brando" and promoted it widely in China.

But in comparison, Wu Chen's move seemed more like he was going to make a name for himself in Hollywood and decide the outcome with one battle. Compared with many actors and directors who wanted to make it in Hollywood, the difference in appearance and appearance was huge, and anyone with a discerning eye could see it.

The numerous reports on Wu Chen in China also made Lu Xun's harsh words during the interview a laughing stock.

"Some directors love to attract attention by stepping on their peers, and they don't understand the accumulation of art at all!"

Netizens on Tianya Forum were all over the place, with the titles of the hot posts getting more offensive than the last:

"Lu Xun, can you do this? Wu Chen has already started filming a $5000 million production, and you're still here reciting 'Still Waters Run Deep'?"

"Hahaha, is Director Lu getting mad? Stepping on his peers? Does Wu Chen need to step on you? Why don't you take off the "carving a boat to find a sword" first!"

"I finally understand. Director Lu's 'artistic precipitation' is to settle with his mouth, while Wu Chen's is to speak on the set."

Someone even photoshopped a picture: Next to Lu Xun's "Still Waters Run Deep" was a painting titled "Carving a Boat to Seek a Sword," with the caption "Director Lu's office has been newly renovated, welcome to visit!"

Netizens burst into laughter.

But Wu Chen knew nothing about this.

He stood in the studio, staring at the monitor for the first scene
(End of this chapter)