Huayu: A Commercial Director

Chapter 44 Premiere

The casting for "Journey to the West" was completed, and the makeup was based on the 96 version. Although it may not be entirely in line with the original work, Chen Shouzhe was already very satisfied.

The actors will undergo a period of training, especially the four main characters, with the most important being the role of Sun Wukong, which requires more meticulous preparation. The actors have already gone to Mount Emei to observe the monkeys.

Chen Shou suggested he go see the golden monkeys, saying they were cuter.

A few days later, Chen Shouzhe's phone rang; it was a call from across the ocean.

"Hello, is this Director Chen?"

"I am, are you?"

"I am Li Baibing."

"Oh, Sister Bai Bing, you must be doing promotions in Europe right now," Chen Shou said.

"Yes, we've arrived in France."

"Thank you for your hard work. I'll treat you to a welcome-back dinner when you get back."

"You're too kind. I should thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"It's because you're hardworking and excellent."

Compared to other actors, Li Baibing has put in a lot of effort to enter the international entertainment industry and has been studying very hard.

Opportunity favors the prepared mind, and it's clear that Li Baibing works harder than the others.

This is why Chen Shouzhe chose her; she deserves it.

"Director Chen, Yang Mi called me..."

"Yes, I asked her to call you. She asked me for advice on how to operate an artist's studio. I don't know how to operate an artist's studio either. I think the best artist studios in China are probably yours and Xiaoming's," Chen Shou said with a smile.

“You flatter me too much. My studio is just a small-scale operation, but the situation at her studio is indeed a bit strange,” Li Baibing said.

"Is it like a hen, only concerned with laying eggs?" Chen Shou chuckled.

"Uh, your analogy is really vivid." Li Baibing on the other end of the phone paused for a moment, then realized that it was indeed true.

After Yang Mi told her, she talked to her younger sister and learned that there was a relationship between Yang Mi and Chen Shouzhe. After all, it's not uncommon for big directors and actors in the industry to have some kind of relationship. She had gone through the same thing back then, and it was all a small matter.

Regarding the studio's structure, both she and her sister felt that Yang Mi had lost her mind, actually entrusting her fate to someone else.

A female celebrity's acting career is very short. Once she reaches a certain age and starts playing mother-in-law roles, her commercial value will be greatly reduced.

Therefore, it is wise to prepare for the transformation as early as possible. Since there is no opportunity to become a female lead, then become your own boss and cultivate your own female lead.

A top-tier female celebrity is very valuable. Yang Mi, who takes on any job, is indeed very profitable, but if her reputation is ruined, she will become very cheap. Once her popularity is exhausted, her value will be greatly reduced.

If Chen Shou hadn't helped her out, she would have only been able to act in TV dramas and pray for a big breakout role; otherwise, she would have remained just a nobody for the rest of her life.

“I also noticed a problem, but I don’t understand how an artist management company operates. Sister Bai Bing knows more about it and can give her some guidance based on her experience,” Chen Shou said.

“Yes, I’ve already spoken with her and asked her to get in touch with my sister. If possible, I’d like to sign her to my company. However, she’s very ambitious and doesn’t want to be manipulated by others. It would be best if she found a film and television company to rely on,” Li Baibing said.

"Looking for Huayi?" Chen Shou asked with a smile.

“Huayi is part of the Beijing entertainment circle, so your company is actually the most suitable,” Li Baibing said.

"It's not impossible. If the company continues to make movies, we can consider her," Chen Shou said with a smile.

"Huh?" Li Baibing was taken aback. Thinking about Chen Shou's upcoming movies, she felt it was necessary to make good connections with him.

"Then Director Chen, you should really consider me." Li Baibing's voice suddenly became gentle.

"I've given you the biggest cake, what more do you want?"

"That's right, thank you Director Chen, I'll have my sister assist her." "Thank you for your help."

"It should."

The two exchanged pleasantries and hung up the phone; the call charges weren't cheap.

However, Yang Mi did go to find Li Baibing, clearly taking his words to heart. As for finding a company to affiliate with, that's up to her. Chen Shou currently has no intention of training actors. Actors can make money, that's true, but what kind of actors to train and how to train them are the questions. His company is only just starting out.

After hanging up the phone, Li Baibing sent a message to her sister, and couldn't help but sigh. There really was a relationship between Yang Mi and Chen Shouzhe. No wonder the director and his wife didn't say anything.

She had already gained a favor, so this matter was beneficial to her. Chen Shouzhe had sent Yang Mi to find her, which meant that their relationship could be further developed. By binding herself to Chen Shouzhe, once the movie was successful, Chen Shouzhe would have a place in Hollywood, and she would have more opportunities in the future.

"This novel can be published now." Chen Shou looked at the computer screen, took a deep breath, and packed his things to go to the library.

Like "Journey to the West", he plans to first tell the story before publishing the book.

The novel has been submitted for review; it will be printed and published soon.

He was very familiar with the library, and when he went on stage, the already small audience was surprised, but then very happy.

"I really enjoy storytelling, connecting with the audience, and sharing some of my writings with you all. But today I have to apologize to you all, because today I'm not going to talk about Journey to the West, but another book called Ghost Blows Out the Light."

Humans light candles, ghosts blow them out—a magnificent world, tinged with mystery and terror, unfolds before the audience.

When Chen finished speaking, he clapped his hands, and everyone snapped out of their reverie and began to applaud.

"That's all for today. Of course, the novel is fictional, so please don't overthink it. I've already finished writing the book, and it will be released later. Those who are interested can take a look."

After finishing his story, Chen Shouzhe ran off in a flash. Not long after, news of him telling stories at the bookstore was posted on Weibo, and many people said that Chen Shouzhe had started a new series. It was a pity that they didn't record it, but luckily someone recorded it.

Many people listened out of curiosity, and as a result, they couldn't sleep all night.

The next day, many people went to Chen Shouzhe's Weibo to leave messages, wanting to hear what happened next and also wanting to read the book.

Chen Shouzhe had no choice but to respond, saying that the novel was already in preparation and could be published as early as next month.

As December arrives, the entire film industry enters a somber atmosphere, because the Lunar New Year film season is about to begin.

Every year, the Lunar New Year film season is a meat grinder. For two consecutive years, Chen Shou has rampaged through the Lunar New Year film season, leaving no one behind.

The film "Goodbye Mr. Loser" from two years ago and "Painted Skin" from last year were both smeared, but Stephen Chow's film also broke 1 billion yuan at the beginning of this year, which means that the market is getting bigger and bigger.

This year also features a major production: a disaster blockbuster with a budget of 12 million US dollars will be released simultaneously worldwide on December 21st.

Roland has already brought a team to China to promote the project. While promoting it in China, they will also hold preview screenings and invite industry professionals to watch them together.

The domestic premiere was held on December 10th, and major film companies were present, along with film directors, A-list stars, internet giants, and even leaders from the relevant government departments.

The premiere was a grand event, and Chen Shouzhe, as the producer and screenwriter, was also a key figure at the premiere.

As the lights dimmed, everyone sat in the movie theater to enjoy the visual feast. Chen Shou sat next to several directors, some with solemn faces, some with great excitement, and some with lifeless eyes.

There were all sorts of expressions, and the company bosses immediately asked if there were any scheduling conflicts after watching the movie.

Anyone with eyes can see that this movie is terrifying. With these special effects and scenes, who can fight it? People who go to the theater for the special effects will be even more terrifying than the movie that broke the domestic box office record two years ago.

Because it's a co-production, even though it's the domestic version, it's enough to draw audiences to the cinema for the special effects.

"I regret it."

Chen Shouzhe ran into Wang Changtian, and the first thing Wang Changtian said to him left him speechless.

People from other film and television companies surrounded Chen Shou. They knew that Chen Shou had orchestrated this scheme, and wondered what would happen if there were more opportunities in the future. Would they be able to join in?
For a time, countless film company owners surrounded Chen Shouzhe, making other big directors extremely envious.

There were preview screenings over the next few days, and those who watched them posted or left comments online.

(End of this chapter)