Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 158 Director Wu, are you excited?

In May in Los Angeles, the sunlight seems to be put into a spotlight, and every ray is scorching and dazzling.

The asphalt road was emitting a layer of distorted heat waves under the scorching sun. After standing on the street for only a few minutes, sweat was already seeping down my back.

But at this moment, Brother Chen Kai, walking on the streets of Los Angeles, felt extremely cold.

Under the arrangement of its North American distributor Warner Independent, "The Promise" was scheduled for small-scale screening in 213 theaters across the United States.

I thought this screening could save some face, but unexpectedly the box office revenue in the first three days was only a few hundred thousand dollars.

The media overwhelmingly accused it of being "empty", "exaggerated" and "obscure", and even cultural magazines used almost cold words such as "flashy but not practical".

Under the dual pressures of poor media reviews and dismal box office performance, the expectation of "The Promise" being released in mainstream commercial theaters across the United States has become an "impossible task."

Not far from where Brother Chen Kai was, at the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard, there was a famous "Legendary Advertising Screen" on the corner of the street.

One of the most eye-catching high-altitude LED screens in Los Angeles, it scrolls through promotions for the latest and upcoming blockbusters.

The most eye-catching one is the huge and overwhelming promotional poster - "Now You See Me"

In the ad, a golden playing card slowly rotates, depicting four mysterious figures standing with their backs to the city skyline. Beneath the card is the phrase that has long become the campaign's slogan:
"What you see is not the truth."

“They are miracle workers.”

The trailer playing simultaneously on the screen is like a visual storm with explosive rhythm:

Playing cards turned into silver rain and fell from the night sky, a street bank disappeared into thin air, and a magician surrounded by water tanks jumped out and disappeared into the smoke like a ghost;
Scarlett Johansson wore a red dress and looked back coldly;

A gorgeous stage, fast-paced fights and escapes, and dazzling moments that disappear in a flash.

The pure atmosphere of Hollywood commercial genre films hits you in the face.

Not only in North America, but also in China, the publicity has been completely ignited.

Portal websites, entertainment headlines, blog forums.
The trailers and posters of "Now You See Me" are everywhere, the popularity of the film is rising rapidly, and various topics are constantly fermenting.

"This editing is so cool! I've already imagined the whole movie in my head!"

"I feel like Wu Chen is quite suitable for making commercial films. Just looking at the visual effects and style, honestly, I want to go see it."

"I do feel that way. I like this kind of commercial blockbuster with a full plot. Hmm, Scarlett's look is quite amazing, and her figure is quite good."

"."

"Mr. Han, this is the current publicity data." Gao Chengsheng handed Han Sanding a document.

"The publicity effect is quite good." Han Sanping said happily.

“Yes, Director Wu’s trailer was edited with great rhythm, and netizens gave very positive feedback.

At the internet cafe, compared to Director Ning's "Crazy Stone," Director Wu's "Now You See Me" poster is more eye-catching. I saw feedback that many people are asking about the movie."

Gao Chengsheng responded with a smile.

"Well, Wu Chen understands marketing." Hearing this, Han Sanping laughed.

Because the poster wallpapers that Wu Chen asked Lionsgate to make are not only cool, but one of them is a still photo of Scarlett Johansson escaping wet.

"But it's not enough. Keep going harder." Han Sanping ordered. Just as Gao Chengsheng was about to turn around and leave, he seemed to think of something and asked:
"Is there a copyright issue with Wu Yusen's Red Cliff at Poly Huayi? Please check as soon as possible."

After experiencing several blockbuster hits in China, he understood that if Chinese films want to have influence and high box office, blockbusters are indispensable. Otherwise, they will not have enough influence domestically, let alone abroad.

Unfortunately, there are only a few people in China who can direct blockbusters, and now, including Wu Chen, there are only a handful of them.

Wu Yusen has returned from Hollywood, so I think he will be able to shoot big scenes well.

"I understand!" Gao Chengsheng nodded.

The 59th Cannes Film Festival opened on May 18.

In the end, Lou Ye was reluctant to give up the rare qualification to participate in the Cannes official competition unit, even though the General Administration had sent a series of notices asking him to cancel his Cannes trip.

As soon as Wu Chen entered the waiting hall, he saw the main creative team of "Summer Palace", Lou Ye and the five leading actors Guo Xiaodong, Hao Lei, Cui Lin and Hu Ling.

"Director Wu, what a coincidence!"

Lou Ye felt it was a bit of a coincidence.

However, considering that there are no direct flights from Beijing to Cannes, one usually has to transfer in Paris, one of the European hubs, and there are only a few good flights, it is not surprising that they appear on the same flight.

"What a coincidence! Director Lou!"

Wu Chen was quite surprised, but still stretched out his hand and shook hands with the other party.

Seeing Wu Chen looking calm and relaxed as if he was going on a trip, Lou Ye thought about himself and felt a little uncomfortable.

After this trip, he was banned from directing for five years. He then complained to Wu Chen that there was a problem with the General Administration's review.

“Previously, ‘Summer Palace’ was not produced on film, but rather on a magnetic transfer version.

Because we don’t have the money or time to make a film version. And film editing is a way of many years ago. Nowadays, movies are made on computers and can be directly stored on hard drives. Film editing has long been eliminated. As a result, the bureau insisted on submitting the film version for review.
How can we make it in time!"

"Director Lou, you should have considered this issue before. It's a pity that he was banned from directing for five years because of time constraints." Wu Chen did not agree.

Because the key issue for "Summer Palace" not passing the review is not here at all.

"Oh," Lou Ye shook his head with a distressed look on his face.

On the afternoon of the 17th, Wu Chen officially set foot in Cannes.

Sunshine, beaches, sea breeze, May in the south of France always seems to bring a certain natural glitz and romance.

Jason Blum, Chadwick Boseman and Blake Lively arrived in the morning.

"Welcome to Cannes in May." Jason Blum opened his arms and hugged Wu Chen.

"Director!" Chadwick Boseman and Blake Lively were very grateful to Wu Chen.

Because for a young actor, being able to appear in Cannes will definitely be of great help to their future career in Hollywood.

"Enjoy the journey." Wu Chen encouraged with a chuckle.

This time at Cannes, Wu Chen and Jason Blum did not feel any pressure at all, and they didn't even plan to sell the film.

Because Cannes is used to create momentum, the real battlefield is at the Oscars.

And Cannes, this coastal town in southern France, is destined to be dazzling during this period.

Red carpets, parties, media, and filmmakers flocked to the city, and the entire city seemed to have transformed overnight from a quiet resort into a stage where the world's film dreams converged.

After Wu Chen and his team took a short rest at the Majestic Hotel, they made a low-key media appearance.

[Wong Kar-wai and Zhang Ziyi arrive in Cannes, and the official poster for "In the Mood for Love" is released!]

Wu Chen arrived in Cannes and gave a warm hug to the crew!

"Summer Palace" was not approved in China, so Lou Ye participated in the Cannes Film Festival with his director's cut as an individual!

【.】

In the capital, at night, in Liu Yifei's boudoir in the villa.

Shu Chang looked at the report on the computer and couldn't help but sigh: "The leading actress in Wu Chen's crew has a great figure."

Liu Yifei, who was still dangling her delicate little feet beside the bed, listened intently and immediately came over in her slippers, staring at the computer screen with her bright eyes.

The photos show Wu Chen and the main creators warmly hugging each other.

Liu Yifei pursed her lips as she watched, then picked up her phone and sent a sour message to Wu Chen: "Your heroine has a great figure."

When Wu Chen saw the news, he couldn't help laughing.

After calculating the time difference, it should be night time in China now.

"Really? I wouldn't have known if you hadn't told me. You must have good eyesight."

"Hehe." Liu Yifei suddenly smiled happily.

"Let me see what he sent you that made you smile."

Curious Shu Chang was about to get up, but unexpectedly Liu Yifei immediately took back the phone, and the crisp sound was like a bell.

"Do not show you."

"Let me see it, it's not a secret!"

"I just won't give it."

On the evening of May 18, the Cannes red carpet officially started.

Wearing sunglasses and still using his familiar accent, Wong Kar-wai walked onto the red carpet with judges Zhang Ziyi, Monica Bellucci and others.

There are two Chinese judges, plus two Chinese directors, Wu Chen and Lou Ye, who are shortlisted. Although Lou Ye came privately, this lineup still made the domestic media extremely excited. This is a very rare scene.

"Director Wu, are you excited?" an excited Sina reporter couldn't help but ask loudly at the edge of the red carpet.

This sudden question made Wu Chen stunned for a moment.

He glanced at Wong Kar-wai and Zhang Ziyi, whose flashlights were still flashing in front of him, and then glanced at the familiar Chinese faces around him. His eyes moved slightly and he responded with a smile:
"I'm very excited. This means that Chinese films and the Chinese market are becoming stronger and stronger, and Chinese films and Chinese filmmakers are being recognized by the world."

In one sentence, he responded to the reporter and stopped at the point.

"Thank you, Director Wu, and I wish you good luck!" the reporter shouted.

"Thanks."

(End of this chapter)