Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

To get into character, Ryan Reynolds has already slept in the coffin for two nights.

In fact, to fully immerse himself in the emotions, empty his mind, and awaken his subconscious, he would sometimes lie in the coffin even during the day.

Despite Ryan Reynolds' efforts, he often struggles to get into that state.

Brain hypoxia, anxiety, fear, panic...

Such complex emotions cannot always be expressed through acting skills alone.

Zhao Yanxi didn't know how the original work reflected this, but in his case, it was usually achieved by tormenting Ryan Reynolds!

A few hours before the machine is turned on, he will be sealed in a coffin.

Without lights or cell phones, it was pitch black and chaotic, making it impossible to distinguish between day and night or the passage of time.

As the oxygen content inside decreases, the actors will gradually feel suffocated, dizzy, and anxious, and then take advantage of this suffocating time to finish filming everything.

When acting skills are insufficient, method acting becomes the most authentic expression.

The best effect of this movie is that it is filmed in one continuous shot, with the actors performing in one take.

However, this was a huge test for the actors, especially since Ryan Reynolds, in his pursuit of realism, insisted on using a well-sealed coffin.

For the sake of the film's quality, Zhao Yanxi naturally wouldn't refuse Ryan Reynolds' request.

All he could do was prepare ambulances, emergency medical teams, and other safety measures, as well as a psychologist, to prevent Ryan Reynolds from developing any mental abnormalities from lying in the coffin for too long!

......

While Buried was being filmed quietly, a chilling wind called Paranormal Activity swept across the entire North American continent.

"So realistic! After watching this, I'm too scared to turn off the lights and go to sleep!"

"An immersive experience, a sense of suspense unlike anything I've ever felt before—"

"The source of terror: the unknown!"

"A very unique filming technique, very exciting, and very scary!"

A week after its release, the number of theaters showing "Paranormal Activity" increased from the initial twenty-odd to more than five hundred, covering medium and large cities in North America.

The increase in the number of cinemas has led to an explosive growth in the number of moviegoers.

With over $80 in its opening week, "Shutter" broke even, and on the first day of its second week, the box office jumped to $300 million!

"Yan, you've made a great film!"

Paul was stunned when he saw the data. He had witnessed the filming of "Paranormal Activity" firsthand and knew that horror films generally had relatively low production costs.

But I've never seen a film with such a low production cost as "Paranormal Activity".

However, the box office results were a resounding slap in the face for him—a slap he accepted with relish!

"I think it's necessary to talk to Paramount again and increase the marketing budget to take 'Paranormal Activity' to the next level at the box office!"

"And that damn distribution fee, Paramount has to cut it down again, 30% is outrageous."

"I think we should capitalize on this hype and quickly make a sequel; it'll definitely sell better than the first one!"

Paul kept rambling on, as if he wasn't the one who had advised Zhao Yanxi to seriously make a low-budget film a few days ago.

"Ding ding... ding ding... ding ding ding..."

Just then, Paul's phone rang.

"Hey, Paramount's calling, Yan, I'll go answer this call."

Zhao Yanxi nodded and continued watching the monitor, where Ryan Reynolds was talking to the kidnappers.

Some of the dialogues are quite sensitive, such as, "Our policy is 'no negotiation with terrorists'? No! Our policy is 'no payment'!" and "We just want our families back, just like he (the protagonist) wants to go back to his family."

Initially, unaware of the realities of Hollywood, Zhao Yanxi was still considering whether to modify these lines.

After all, Americans can criticize other Americans, but as a Chinese director, wouldn't my film criticizing the government and opposing war be subject to censorship?

However, after consulting with Paul, he was reassured that he could keep it.

"In America, you might not be allowed to criticize your neighbor, but you can criticize this stupid government and this stupid president all you want!"

"Of course, Clinton is an exception; that family is a bit sinister..."

After confirming that there were no problems, Zhao Yanxi preserved the lines word for word.

This dialogue elevates the film, significantly raising its overall theme.

Zhao Yanxi couldn't understand why she hadn't gone to Berlin in her previous life, given how well-suited the film was for the city.

Many films lack confidence and miss many opportunities.

"Cut, this take is good, let's take a break."

"Director, I don't think I need to rest. I'm in excellent condition right now!"

Ryan Reynolds said with some excitement, seemingly more concerned about the filming than director Zhao Yanxi, since the "buried alive" state was not difficult to enter.

However, Zhao Yanxi dared not film a single scene for too long, because even with the best safety measures, accidents could still happen.

If Ryan Reynolds encounters any problems during filming, in addition to a hefty compensation claim, he will face a host of unnecessary troubles.

No need!

Paul came over after finishing his phone call during the crew's break.

"We hear that Paramount is willing to sign a supplementary agreement with us, investing an additional $1000 million in marketing to ensure that 'Shutter' opens in at least 2000 theaters next week!"

"What about distribution costs? For a well-selling film, distribution costs shouldn't be more than 30%, right?"

"They said the agreement allows for a reduction to 25%!"

"Let's talk to them again. We agree to the 1000 million marketing expenses, but the distribution costs must be reduced to 20%. Otherwise, we'll have to consider other publishers for the sequels in this series."

The contract with 30% of the issuance fees is the most common and basic template;

As long as the film is successful, everything is negotiable!

......

The Golden Rooster Awards ceremony in China also made headlines in major entertainment news outlets.

After working as a cinematographer for many years, Gu Changwei's directorial debut, "Peacock," won the Silver Bear Award at this year's Berlin Film Festival.

However, the film recognized by Berlin only won Best Supporting Actress at the Golden Rooster Awards. The award that was widely considered to belong to Gu Changwei's directorial debut was ultimately awarded to Pema Tseden's "Silent Mani Stones".

Lu Chuan's "Kekexili" and "Taihang Mountain" tied for the Best Feature Film award.

[Numerous works have won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, and directors Gu Changwei and Lu Chuan left with grim faces.]

[Lu Chuan criticizes the organizers, saying that while the film crews of the participating works paid for their own airfare, the big-name stars were reimbursed.]

How can there be a tie with 23 judges voting?!

...

It's clear that many people in the industry are quite unhappy with this awards ceremony.

Zhao Yanxi is also glad that her first award-winning film was chosen to be screened at the Berlin Film Festival, rather than at the three major domestic film festivals.

According to the domestic custom of arranging seating and distributing prizes among the three major gold medal winners, I'm afraid I won't be able to win those trophies until I'm in my thirties or forties!

In North America, Paramount ultimately agreed to Paul's terms.

The contract stipulated that Paramount must have priority in the release of the sequel to "Shutter," in addition to a 20% distribution fee and a $1000 million marketing budget.

There's nothing wrong with Zhao Yanxi and Paul; the so-called "premium issuance right" is only useful when the policies are similar.

Once the conditions offered by each party differ significantly, the question of priority becomes meaningless.

After spending 1000 million on marketing, the results were immediate.

In the third week, "Shutter" opened in 1800 new theaters, bringing the total number of theaters showing "Shutter" to nearly 2300, including the previous 500-plus.

With the support of the huge screen, "Shutter" also soared to $2100 million at the box office like a dark horse.

Faced with the unexpected success of this horror film, numerous media outlets and periodicals in North America have also reported on it:

[Variety: "The mockumentary horror hit 'Shutter' is unstoppable, raking in $2100 million over the weekend!"]

[The Hollywood Reporter: "Paramount's multi-million dollar marketing campaign creates a box office miracle; 'Shutter' achieves an astonishing return on investment."]

[Deadline: "Paranormal Activity: Phenomenal Word-of-Mouth Spreads, Becoming the Highest-Paying Film of the Year!"]

As the reports spread, the names Tom Z and Crystal Culture Studio quickly became known among Hollywood film companies, distribution companies, independent producers, and directors.

Zhao Yanxi was very glad that she used the name "Tom·Z".

At least no one knows that this future Silver Bear-winning director actually went and made horror movies, which is somewhat beneath him...

Of course, since Zhao Yanxi had already taken the photos, she wasn't afraid of being discovered.

With a budget of hundreds of thousands, it raked in tens of millions at the box office, making it a prime example of high returns on low budgets in any country!

Making money is never shameful, no matter where you are!

However, Zhao Yanxi did not expect that he would take the initiative to reveal this matter less than two months later!