Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 172 North American Results
Jason Blum and Michael Burns have already boarded a flight back to Los Angeles.

The North American box office figures were not released until after 10 o'clock in the evening in China.

At this time, it was already late at night in the capital.

Han Sanping sat in his study at home. His tea had already gone cold, but he had no intention of changing it. He just refreshed his email page over and over again, and checked his phone repeatedly. He couldn't help but call Wu Chen again:

"Wu Chen, do you have any news?"

On the other end of the phone, Wu Chen was enjoying the breeze on the balcony of his dormitory, gazing at the lights of Beijing at night. His tone remained steady, "Mr. Han, don't worry. I'll definitely receive it, and you'll definitely receive it too. The emails will definitely be sent at the same time."

"They should be at work, but their efficiency is too slow."

Han Sanping, who was sitting at home, complained and looked at the time. It was already 9:30 in the evening and the U.S. stock market had opened for trading according to daylight saving time.

Shortly after he hung up the phone, a long-distance call came in. He refreshed the mailbox he was staring at and found unread emails in dark font.

A call from a Lionsgate staff member.

Han Sanping quickly picked up the phone. When he heard the number reported by the other party, his eyes lit up and he couldn't help but raise his voice:

"Say it again. Over 1500 million US dollars?"

In the living room, Liu Wenlu, who was serving tea, peeked over and asked suspiciously, "What is Old Han yelling about so late at night? What's $1500 million?"

Han Sanping was delighted: "Now You See Me broke $1500 million in North America on its first day!"

"You mean the movie that's being shown in China right now, and it took in $1500 million on its first day in North America?"

Liu Wenlu couldn't help but exclaimed when she heard this. She had been married to Han Sanping for so many years, and her work had always been related to the film and television industry. She was not unfamiliar with movies.

"Is it that high? That would be 1.2 million RMB."

"As long as they can maintain their momentum, there's no doubt that the North American box office will exceed 100 million. It all depends on how much they can earn at the overseas box office." Speaking of this, Han Sanping was unusually excited.

"Hero" only grossed over 5000 million US dollars in North America that year, but it still caused an uproar in China.

"I remember you said that Wu Chen didn't seem to be that old, and was still studying at the Beijing Film Academy?" Liu Wenlu showed a surprised look on his face. If such a young director had such an achievement, it would be really extraordinary.

"He said he's still studying. There's nothing Beijing Film Academy can teach him." Han Sanping smiled and called Wu Chen. "Did you get the message?"

"Got it, it's good news."

"What do you mean by 'considered'? This is good news. Wait, there will definitely be domestic reports tomorrow."

"."

Early the next morning, the domestic box office figures for the next day had not yet been released, but entertainment newspapers and media were already rushing to write articles.

"Editor-in-chief, what does it mean that Now You See Me box office reached $1530 million on its first day in North America?" a new editor couldn't help but ask.

"What concept? 'Hero' only made close to 700 million on its first day. What concept are you talking about? Hurry up and finish the manuscript. If you can't write, just quote the original words of the North American media."

"."

Soon, all the websites posted related reports online.

The headlines flooded in:

Wu Chen's North American debut grossed $1530 million, while "Now You See Me" made a strong impact at the global box office.

"Chinese Directors Break into Hollywood": "Now You See Me" surpasses $15 million on its first day in North America, a box office explosion!

[No more secrets in Hollywood: Chinese director Wu Chen amazes the world with his magic tricks to rob the rich!]

【.】

There were some headlines that made Wu Chen blush slightly after reading them. Some domestic media outlets were really good at exaggerating.

However, the huge success of "Now You See Me" on the first day of its North American box office did give a shot of stimulant to domestic blockbusters and directors, and also gave a shot of stimulant to the domestic box office.

Sunday is still the peak day for movie watching.

The cinema managers were delighted.

The audience who were queuing up to buy tickets were also discussing:
"My friend finished watching it yesterday and said it was really cool and recommended it to me."

"I heard that Americans like it too, and their overseas box office is much better than ours."

"Their box office is a bit higher, that's normal, but it's really amazing that they can make a movie like this. I've remembered the director's name, I'll watch his movie next time."

"The director is from mainland China? Is that true?"

Near noon, the domestic box office data for the second day was finally released.

“Mr. Han, 2580 million, a new record. It broke the highest daily box office record of ‘The Promise’!” Gao Chengsheng immediately reported the data to Han Sanping, who was even more delighted to hear it.

"Have you told Director Wu?"

"I just sent a message. I'll call Director Wu later to congratulate him."

"Hmm!" Han Sanping nodded slightly. "Chengsheng, when do you think it would be appropriate to hold a celebration banquet in China?"

"Two hundred million?" Gao Chengsheng asked uncertainly.

"Why not just celebrate with 100 million? That seems more appropriate." Han Sanping suddenly came up with an idea, but Gao Chengsheng was at a loss as to what to do with it. He hesitated and said:
"Boss Han, we've broken 300 million, so we have to celebrate three times?"

"What's the big deal? Breaking 300 million is great. There's no director in China who has made 300 million at the box office yet.
Isn't this worth celebrating? So, when you talk to Wu Chen later, include my proposal." Han Sanping said cheerfully, and walked to the French window again.

There are still many reporters and media waiting downstairs. As a place where news often comes out, there is always a shortage of media stationed downstairs of the China Film Group.

"Well, those media reporters down there are working hard. Call the publicity department of our group. I'd like to give you a brief interview."

"I understand!" As Han Sanping's confidant, how could he not understand Han Sanping's thoughts, and he immediately made arrangements.

On the other side, in Xi'an, Ning Hao, who was shooting a MV for Jingtian, finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Damn, it’s not easy to get the money for this MV. It feels more difficult than making a movie. Looking at the little girl in front of me, I can’t help but sigh.

Xiaohong relies on support, Dahong relies on life.

With these resources, I think Xiaohong won’t have any major problems.

"Thank you, Director Ning!" Jing Tian bowed slightly politely.

At this time, Lu Zheng hurried over to shake hands and thank him: "Thank you for your trouble, Director Ning. The balance was transferred yesterday!"
"Thank you, I got it."

Ning Hao looked at the middle-aged man in front of him and felt impressed by his generosity. The MV shooting just ended today, but the other party had someone transfer the money yesterday.

It's hard not to be impressed by the efficiency with which they make payments.

"Director Ning, have you seen Director Wu's Now You See Me?" Lu Zheng took the opportunity to ask.

"not yet!"

Speaking of which, Ning Hao was quite regretful as he missed the premiere in order to shoot this MV.

"Director Ning, I watched it last night. The movie was really good!" Jing Tian said happily with a gleam in his eyes.

Lu Zheng thought about it, and finally said slowly:

"Tiantian really likes movies. Director Ning, this is my business card. I'm also involved in film investment. If Director Ning or your friends need anything in the future, feel free to come to me."

Ning Hao nodded and put it away. After Lu Zheng and Jing Tian left, he called Wu Chen.

"Brother, have you finished filming the MV?" Wu Chen teased, "You must have made a lot of money."

"Don't mention it, you really do get what you pay for. Filming this MV wasn't easy."

Ning Hao smiled and shook his head, "You're already famous enough. Just now, the star-studded Lu Zheng wanted to inquire about you. I guess he was wondering how much money he could offer to impress you."

"Is it true? Did he say it himself?" Wu Chen was stunned, but Lu Zheng did think it was possible.

"That's my guess, but I personally think that's what he meant. He even left me a business card, but this is his second one."

While Ning Hao and Wu Chen were still communicating, Han Sanping had already spoken in front of the media.

"It's hard to say whether we can surpass 'Hero,' but everything depends on our own efforts. If there's even a slight chance, we'll give it our all."

"To be honest, I'm personally very satisfied with the box office of over 2500 million on the second day. As for Director Wu, I'm not sure. Maybe Director Wu has bigger goals.

I personally think that it will be no problem for the North American box office to break 100 million, now it depends on how high the global box office can reach."

"Part 2? Given the current situation, there will definitely be a part 2.

Director Wu has said that he will not be directing the second film, but he will still be the screenwriter, and Chinese elements will be introduced. The script will be just as exciting, so everyone can just relax and look forward to it. There is no need to worry at all."

(End of this chapter)