The only sun in Huayu

Chapter 102 Masters Aren't Easy to Become

The hotel conference room booked by the crew of the TV series "The Eunuch".

The atmosphere was different from the usual busyness.

Ma Youde was dressed impeccably, with a suit and tie in perfect order, and his hair was slicked back, exuding a powerful aura.

Ma Youde, hands on his hips, was finalizing details with the producer of "China Movie Report" and a senior director.

"China Movie Report" advocates viewing movies from a news perspective and discovering news from a movie perspective. It is the flagship program of the movie satellite channel.

Formerly known as "China Film Dynamics," it was renamed "China Film Report" in May 2000.

It has a great influence and authority in the film industry and is known as the "News Broadcast" of the film industry.

The fact that "The Eunuch" has grossed over 200 million yuan is a major cultural event. The film's theme is positive, praising heroes and fighting against darkness. It also topped the box office charts, surpassing "The Sinner," which is of great significance.

The phenomenal success of "The Eunuch" has transformed from a simple film into a cultural earthquake affecting the entire society.

It is not only a box office victory, but also a grand awakening of local cultural confidence, and the most brilliant practical achievement of director Shen Shandeng's artistic vision.

Moreover, "The Eunuch" also carries the pilot mission of China Film Group for the development of domestic films. The success of "The Eunuch" is a testament to the success of "The Sinner".

It can be said that Shen Shandeng used the "blade of light" of "The Eunuch" to not only cleave the screen, but also to usher in a new era for Chinese cinema, declaring that the path of "being rooted in the local, serving the audience, and strengthening the industry" is the only way to become a film powerhouse.

Combined with the power struggles outside the film and Paperclip's statement, this further serves as the most resounding footnote to the uproar surrounding "The Eunuch".

Therefore, the interview needed to be substantial and formal. "China Film Report," broadcast on CCTV, using the CCTV brand and logo, and operated and managed by the Film Bureau, was very suitable.

Standing in the center of the temporarily emptied meeting room, Zhou Qifeng, along with two young men, adjusted the positions of the sofa and the backdrop.

"Yes, yes! Move that money tree a little to the left, so it doesn't block the CCTV logo!"

Jingwei, standing to the side, looked at the outline of questions while getting her makeup and styling done with the help of the makeup artist.

Youth is her greatest asset, and she is radiant in the prime of her youth.

Wearing a well-tailored off-white suit skirt, she looked professional and dignified, while also highlighting the light and graceful figure unique to young women.

The movie channel took this interview very seriously.

As the anchor of the program, it is only natural for Jingwei to interview box office miracles and phenomenal works.

Speaking of which, she was no stranger to Shen Shandeng; just three weeks ago, she hosted the premiere of "The Eunuch".

At that time, Shen Shandeng was just an up-and-coming director, at most with the added prefix of being valued by China Film Group.

Three weeks later, everything was different.

Shen Shandeng has entered the "100 Million Yuan Director Club," and his films are still soaring at the box office.

"The preliminary box office figures for 'The Eunuch' on Tuesday were over 1300 million yuan," an assistant director told Jingwei the latest data.

Jingwei subconsciously turned her head, but stopped after being reminded by the makeup artist.

She was shocked and muttered to herself, "Still maintaining daily box office of over ten million in the third week?"

"Hmm." The assistant director nodded gently.

Jingwei was deeply moved; the box office performance of "The Eunuch" was truly unpredictable by conventional methods.

Based on the current trend of domestic box office, the first week can basically account for half or more of the total box office. "The Eunuch" completely broke this convention.

With 8000 million in the first week, the usual pattern would have led to a decline in the following week, but it instead raked in a staggering 1.5 million, achieving a stunning reversal that left everyone in the industry speechless!

The momentum continued into the third week.

Piracy, which has a huge negative impact on movie box office, appears weak and insignificant in the face of "The Eunuch".

Looking at it now, the total box office will likely easily surpass 3 million yuan and stride confidently toward even higher records.

Jingwei's makeup is exquisite and refreshing.

Her hair was pulled back, revealing her elegant neckline.

Her face was full and radiant, with a touch of youthful innocence that had not yet been worn away by time.

"We have reviewed Professor Jingwei's question outline, and it is generally fine. Director Shen also appreciates your professionalism."

Ma Youde was very polite to the host, Jingwei.

With his background as a CCTV host, Ma Youde is well aware of his boss's preferences and aesthetics.

Of course, Ma Youde still has to do what he's supposed to do, because it's necessary for him to set the tone.

Ma Youde spoke in a low voice, but quickly and clearly: "Let's reconfirm a few key points: First, talk more about achievements, highlight the highlights, especially for us directors, this is the foundation."

"Secondly, the artistic innovation and industrial exploration of film are the key points. Director Shen is willing to share more, and we can talk more about this."

"Third, regarding future plans, Director Shen already has a blueprint that will definitely meet the audience's expectations. Specific project names and details will be announced by our director."

The CCTV producer, an experienced middle-aged man, nodded in understanding: "This interview is also because of the phenomenal performance of 'The Eunuch,' and the audience and the market want to learn more about Director Shen."

Jingwei nodded and joked, "It's not easy to contact Director Shen now. We will cherish this interview opportunity, and the tone of the interview will definitely be positive, optimistic, and focused on exploring the future."

"Haha." Ma Youde laughed loudly, "The main reason is that the movie's box office performance exceeded our expectations, and we had to adjust many of our publicity plans."

“It’s a win-win situation for us.” The producer was easy to talk to. Ma Youde nodded with a smile: “Yes, a win-win situation. The success of ‘The Eunuch’ is a joyous occasion for Chinese cinema. The movie channel needs to report on such a joyous occasion, and we also need the CCTV platform to amplify our voice. We all share the same goal.”

The assistant director, a young man, couldn't help but interject, "Manager Ma, what about the controversies from a while ago, especially those with films released around the same time? Are you not going to mention them at all? That's something many viewers are concerned about."

He spoke subtly, but he was clearly referring to the chain reaction triggered by the film's withdrawal from theaters.

Ma Youde's smile remained unchanged; the victor is not afraid of any controversy.

"That's not a controversy, it's a natural result of market selection and the audience voting with their feet."

Ma Youde still said with a smile, "We need to focus on ourselves. The main direction is to highlight that the Chinese film market is very large and can accommodate a variety of attempts. In the end, only works that respect the audience and the market will win the future."

His gaze swept over the CCTV staff, carrying a silent pressure.

The meaning is clear: cooperation is possible, but we hold the reins.

At this point, the producer laughed and smoothed things over, saying, "We still want to focus on the film. That's the original intention of our interview—to let moviegoers know more about the stories behind the film."

Ma Youde exchanged a glance with the other party, offered two cigarettes and said, "Brother, our Director Shen is a real expert. He can talk about serious business with you all! After the interview, I'll treat you to the newly opened Cantonese restaurant downstairs. Please do us the honor!"

A simple conversation quickly led to an agreement.

The film magazine reporting team gave Shen Shandeng's team an even higher evaluation.

The entire film, from top to bottom, exudes a sense that we know exactly what we want.

Ma Youde made a final check on the spot where Shen Shandeng would be sitting, making sure the lights wouldn't reflect light and that the crew's logo in the background was clear and prominent.

Zhou Qifeng then confirmed details such as tea and towels, striving for thoroughness.

With everything prepared, Ma Youde informed Shen Shandeng that he could come over.

There was a brief silence in the conference room.

The film reporting team was impressed by the professional and meticulous attitude of Ma Youde and Zhou Qifeng. The professionalism of the team can be seen from the details.

It's no wonder they're confident; that confidence comes from solid achievements and a good reputation.

Shen Shandeng was still wearing a white T-shirt, but now with long sleeves, and he was still wearing jeans.

Simple and youthful.

"Hello everyone." Shen Shandeng greeted everyone one by one.

Jingwei was quietly observing Shen Shandeng, and the program team was also observing him.

Surprisingly, Shen Shandeng wasn't as smug as I'd imagined; he was quite easygoing.

This surprised them even more than their smugness.

"Hello, Director Shen."

When Jingwei shook hands with a little force, her boyfriend Sa Beining seemed to pale in comparison.

In her eyes, Shen Shandeng is not only a successful director, but also a symbol, an icon—sharp, outspoken, and a man of his word.

A man who was the same age as her, and even two years younger, had already become a legendary figure.

An admiration for the strong arises spontaneously.

However, their professional skills were still on point. Before the interview even started, Matrix Partners chatted with Shen Shandeng.

Go over the interview outline and familiarize yourself with it so you can get into the zone later.

Jingwei smiled particularly charmingly and joked, "I wanted to invite you to do a show after the first week, but it wasn't until the third week that we were able to get an appointment. We even had to come here for an exclusive interview. You're really super famous now."

"It's just that the movie is a hit; I'm just a director," Shen Shandeng said with a smile.

Jingwei praised, "You've given us a boost. Mainland actors and teams can do just as well and dominate the market."

Shen Shandeng remained humble.

"By the way, should we respond to Director Paperclip's statement later?" Jingwei asked.

Ma Youde did draw the boundaries, but he was just a public relations manager; Shen Shandeng was the boss, and Shen Shandeng's approval was all that mattered.

Jingwei felt that responding in a movie interview was a good approach; after all, Paperclip is a film master, and taking a step back would open up a whole new world.

It can also generate buzz for the show.

Their program focuses on providing fresh film and television information and quick coverage of trending topics.

Shen Shandeng neither avoided the question nor pressed further. Instead, he spoke with admiration, "I understand Director Paperclip. He spent years at home before finally making a name for himself. It wasn't easy!"

Jingwei laughed at first, but then he gradually understood the meaning behind Shen Shandeng's words and could no longer laugh.

I felt a chill run down my spine, and I was quite horrified.

These words were a vicious and devastating blow that struck at the heart.

Shen Shandeng was still as easygoing as ever, but in Jingwei's perception, he possessed a profound and imposing presence, carrying a strong sense of pressure that constantly reminded her that the person before her was not an ordinary young man, but a walking legend.

(End of this chapter)