Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 149, Section 147: Let's cause a ruckus!
The applause and noise in the auditorium gradually subsided, and everyone moved to the conference room in the Beijing Film Studio's administrative building.

The conference room was bright and clean, and the rectangular conference table was soon filled with people.

Han Sanping naturally sat in the main seat, with Zhang Heping, Wang Zhu, Lu Yao and others from Forbidden City Film Industry on his left, and Wang Sheng, Huo Jianqi and the director of the publicity department of Beijing Film Studio on his right.

The atmosphere was more formal and serious than it had been in the auditorium.

After the staff served hot tea to all attendees, Han Sanping cleared his throat and began the meeting.

"First of all, I would like to thank Chairman Zhang, General Manager Wang, General Manager Lu and all the leaders for their guidance. The film '30 Days' is an important project for our Beijing Film Studio and Forbidden City Film Industry since its establishment. It is also the first big-screen work directed by Comrade Wang Sheng, which is of great significance."

As you all just watched the final cut, it seems pretty good overall, but we can't be complacent; we still need to strive for perfection.

The purpose of today's meeting is to hear the opinions of the experts and see what aspects can be further refined before the final release.

Han Sanping's opening remarks went straight to the point.

The first to speak was the art director of Forbidden City Film: "The film is very well made overall, the comedic pacing is well controlled, and the heartwarming parts don't feel abrupt. However, I personally feel that in the middle part, during the middle of Chen Shi and Lin Weiwei's 'cohabitation,' the transitions between a few scenes are a bit abrupt, and the emotional transitions could be more subtle."

For example, if the scene cuts directly from a farcical misunderstanding to a quiet meal between two people, adding a few seconds of establishing shots or a close-up of a character's subtle expression could make the emotional transition feel more natural.

Executive director Huo Jianqi took careful notes and nodded in agreement: "This is a very pertinent suggestion. We will pay attention to the editing and pacing of the shots when we make adjustments in post-production."

Next, Lu Yao, representing the Television Art Center at Forbidden City Film Studio, said: "I think the sound mixing of the film could be a bit fuller, especially some of the ambient sounds, which could better highlight the atmosphere of life in Beijing and increase the sense of immersion. Also, the subtitles need to be proofread as soon as possible to ensure there are no typos."

A representative from the film company added from the perspective of audience acceptance: "At the end, the two smile at each other at the street corner, and the camera zooms in on them. Isn't that a little too long, perhaps three or four seconds? I'm worried that some younger viewers might find it a bit 'dragging out.' Of course, this is just a feeling, for your reference only."

The discussion mainly focused on these minor adjustments, without offering any subversive opinions on the film's main structure or core plot.

Everyone offered constructive suggestions for minor adjustments.

Wang Sheng listened quietly most of the time, occasionally jotting down key points in his notebook.

The discussion about the revisions lasted for about half an hour. When Han Sanping saw that it was about time, he guided the discussion to the next topic.

"Okay, the production team has taken note of the suggestions for revisions and will work on perfecting them as soon as possible. Next, let's talk about the release date."

We've initially popularized the concept of the Lunar New Year film season with "Family Harmony Brings Prosperity," but for theatrical films during this period, we need a precise release date.

The film company representative opened the schedule and suggested, "How about December 5th? It's a Friday, and then it connects to Saturday and Sunday."

“December 5th.” Zhang Heping pondered, “The start date is good. It covers the important New Year’s Eve period. More detailed data analysis is needed in this regard.”

Wang Zhu added, "The publicity period also needs to be taken into account. All told, there are less than four months left, so time is actually quite tight."

After some discussion, taking into account the film scheduling analysis, holiday arrangements, and publicity needs, the meeting tentatively set the release date of "30 Days" for December 5, 1997, with a few days' flexibility to make minor adjustments based on the actual situation.

Finally, and most importantly, is the marketing and promotion strategy.

When the topic turned to this, everyone's eyes turned to Wang Sheng, who had been listening calmly throughout. Zhang Heping smiled and called out, "We old guys can still talk about the release date and revision details. But as for publicity and promotion... Mr. Wang, I've heard that the market's rapid acceptance of the 'TV movie' concept owes a great deal to your comprehensive promotional strategy."

This time, we're going to spend real money to see "30 Days" in theaters. What brilliant ideas do you have? Don't hold back, share them with everyone!

Immediately, all eyes were focused on Wang Sheng, and even Han Sanping looked at him with encouraging eyes.

Wang Sheng closed his notebook, leaned forward slightly, placed his hands on the table, glanced at everyone present, and calmly said, "Chairman Zhang, you flatter me. Leaders, I do have some immature ideas regarding the promotion of '30 Days,' which I'm just offering to get the ball rolling. Please feel free to offer your corrections."

He paused, gathered his thoughts, and continued, “First, we need to identify the core selling points of this film. I think there are three. First, Stephen Chow! This is his first theatrical film in which he has collaborated extensively with the mainland and starred, which is the biggest selling point and must be used effectively. Second, the fresh premise of ‘amnesia restarting love’ is the key to the story. Third, its family-friendly positioning as a ‘heartwarming comedy suitable for the Lunar New Year’s season.”

"Based on these three points, my publicity strategy can be divided into several steps..."

After explaining the detailed plan, Wang Sheng offered an experimental suggestion: "Leaders, I have another, albeit somewhat immature, suggestion that I'd like to share with you all..."

Zhang Heping: "Please feel free to speak."

Wang Sheng: "Although our movie will only be shown in Beijing, it doesn't mean that the premiere can only be held in Beijing, right?"

What I mean is, we can hold more premieres, not only in Beijing, but also in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Hangzhou... and even Hong Kong.

The purpose of holding so many premieres, besides maximizing Stephen Chow's influence, is also to use the nationwide anticipation of such a genuine spectacle to boost the Beijing market, and to pave the way for potential future collaborations with film companies in various provinces.

I listened silently until the end.

Han Sanping gleaned another meaning from Wang Sheng's words—to cause trouble!
Such a great Lunar New Year movie, why isn't it showing here? It'll make you so mad!

Han Sanping couldn't help but smile slightly. He coughed twice and said, "I think Comrade Wang Sheng's idea is excellent. It can be said to be the finishing touch of the entire publicity plan. What do you leaders think?"

Zhang Heping pondered for a moment: "We need to coordinate resources well. In addition, security must be done well, as there is a risk for celebrities and audiences to meet right now."

Han Sanping: "Our Beijing Film Studio can provide security, and the venues for the premieres in various places are also easy to solve. In addition, Wang Sheng made a very good point: holding premieres in multiple places will help expand the film's influence and benefit our subsequent distribution to the whole country."

Zhang Heping looked at the others: "What are your thoughts?"

"can."

"good."

"Very bold and very creative."

"President Wang's strength remains undiminished..."

The others helped share the responsibility.

Zhang Heping made the decision: "Let's do it this way. The responsibility of organizing the premiere will be handed over to Comrade Wang Sheng, with all other units providing assistance..."

(End of this chapter)