Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 61 News Returns Home

[Liongate has confirmed the distribution of "Juno," a youth campus film co-directed and written by Zhao Yanxi in collaboration with Crystal Pictures. It is reported that the film's guaranteed marketing budget will be no less than $1500 million!]

[Junuo, produced by Crystal Pictures and directed by Berlin Silver Bear winner Zhao Yanxi, has wrapped filming. Its production cost reached a staggering $800 million...]

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The news of Lionsgate releasing "Juno" was quickly reported.

After all, Zhao Yanxi is not the same as he was back then. After winning the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, he and Crystal Pictures are being followed by reporters from Hollywood and abroad every day.

When the news reached China, it caused an uproar.

"Director Zhao's speed is as fast as ever!"

"I would call him a true quick-draw player."

""

"Isn't Yanxi Company preparing that movie called 'Painted Skin'?"

Wang Zhonglei looked at the news with surprise and said, "When did he go to Hollywood to tinker with another film?!"

Xu Li recalled for a moment and indeed found no reports about Zhao Yanxi going to Hollywood.

"Didn't they send you an invitation to his film 'Stone' last time?"

"Yes," Xu Li quickly replied, "The premiere will be held at Wanda Cinema on the afternoon of the 30th."

"Wanda Cinemas?" Wang Zhonglei frowned. "Could it be that Wanda has some kind of cooperation with them?"

"Mr. Wang, should we inform the company's artists that those with suitable schedules should go and take a look?"

"Um."

Wang Zhonglei nodded and said with a smile, "We'll go together then and see if we can talk to Zhao Yanxi about whether Hollywood still needs investment."

"I don't ask for much, just being able to get on the ship would be best..."

"

"Huh, 'Juno' is a teen drama? You should be able to act in that, right?"

Looking at the report, Liu Xiaoli asked with some surprise.

"Of course I can, I'd actually really like to try it, but Yanxi said it's not suitable for me~"

Liu Yifei was somewhat depressed.

Although netizens call her "Fairy Sister" in good faith, Yan Xi has liked to call her that for the past two years.

However, she really doesn't want to be confined to the image of a "fairy sister"; she actually wants to try more challenging roles.

For example, pregnant women, patients, etc.

"You know this movie?"

"Of course I know, Yan Xi didn't hide it from me," Liu Yifei shook her head and said, "He said this might be another hugely popular youth campus film."

"My image in the audience's mind is still that of a fairy-like type. He doesn't want me to play this underage pregnant woman, saying it will affect my popularity and buzz."

Liu Xiaoli immediately understood and readily sided with Zhao Yanxi.

"I think Yan Xi is right; we should listen to him in this regard!"

"This guy, he's finally done!"

Ning Hao looked at the report and joined the rest of the cast in complaining.

With less than ten days until the film's release, the promotion of "Stone" has reached a crucial moment.

Online, Yang Siwei and Wang Changtian, the heads of the online marketing team, mobilized the power of the internet to conduct viral marketing. Offline, they took advantage of programs on Enlight Media, interviews on portal websites, and interviews on various TV stations, leaving no stone unturned.

Ning Hao, along with Huang Bo, Guo Tao, and others, conducted more than ten interviews in just one week.

Each time, they would find different ways to explain how difficult it was to create the script, how dedicated the crew was, and how hard the actors worked.

In particular, the scene where Huang Bo spent a long time soaking in a filthy sewer during the filming of "Stone" due to the needs of the plot has been repeatedly brought up.

Huang Bo also cherishes these opportunities.

The huge success of "You Are the Apple of My Eye" brought him some attention as a supporting actor, but it did not bring him much popularity or buzz.

"Stone" was his breakthrough work!

"Haozi, how about we bring Director Zhao over to participate in a few shows?" Huang Bo suggested with a smile. "This Yin Zhiping is really hot right now."

"Wait a minute, what time is it overseas? Is it 10 or 11 pm? They shouldn't be asleep yet."

o

"Let me try making a call~"

Ning Hao took out his phone and dialed the number.

"...The number you dialed is currently switched off..."

"Okay, looks like he's asleep. I'll send him a message and see!"

It will take some time before all the procedures are fully completed.

However, Zhao Yanxi had already finished what she needed to do, and the finishing touches were handled by Paul and the lawyer.

Zhao Yanxi was afraid that if she didn't return to China soon, Ning Hao would make his way to Hollywood!

After getting off the plane, as soon as Zhao Yanxi turned on her phone, she saw a missed call from Ning Hao.

Zhao Yanxi hesitated for a moment, deciding to turn off her phone after getting into the car!

He wanted to rest for a few days after returning to China to be in good spirits for the premiere; if Ning Hao found out he was back in China, he would definitely be dragged into the army!

After putting on a mask and sunglasses, I quickly saw the company's business vehicle after exiting through the VIP channel.

"A car from Yanxi Company!"

"It must be Director Zhao who's back—"

"Oh dear, that guy wearing sunglasses just now, it must be Director Zhao. I hesitated for a moment."

Behind the car, several reporters were filled with regret.

Zhao Yanxi looked in the rearview mirror without any surprise. Although there weren't many reporters guarding the VIP lane, the parking lot was often a hotspot for reporters to take photos secretly.

The company only has a few commercial vehicles, so it wouldn't be difficult for someone with a keen eye to figure out their license plate numbers.

There were also quite a few magazines inside the car; it was unclear whether they were placed there intentionally or left behind by someone.

Zhao Yanxi looked at them; they were all from a week ago.

The most exciting thing was about the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Qin Hailu's blog post, which left the judges' vote to netizens, resulted in a barrage of criticism from the Hong Kong entertainment circle.

Between being aloof and approachable, the Hong Kong entertainment industry still chose the former.

It's already 2006, and of the four domestic films that grossed over 100 million yuan, three were from mainland China. Yet, the Hong Kong film industry still hasn't grasped the reality of today!

Huayi Brothers also held a press conference to officially announce that the release dates for "The Banquet" and "Rob-B-Hood" will be set one after the other during the National Day Golden Week.

It seems they want to monopolize the prime-time slot.

Zhao Yanxi was also a little itchy. If he remembered correctly, "The Banquet" was in mid-September, while "Rob-B-Hood" was on the 28th.

By the time National Day arrives, the former's peak season will have passed; as for the latter, Jackie Chan's films don't need to worry too much about box office revenue.

Furthermore, the National Day Golden Week holiday can accommodate two films!

It's good that "First Love" is released during the summer vacation, but working people don't talk about summer vacation; while the Golden Week is a time for universal celebration.

Arriving at the company and seeing the familiar facade, Zhao Yanxi still felt a pang of emotion.

We've been using this place for two years, and after May Day we'll move into a new building and say goodbye to it.

Zhao Yanxi didn't know if the landlord was willing to sell the house, but she wouldn't mind buying it.

This place is close to the new company and the film academy, so it can be easily converted into employee dormitories as a company benefit.

These days, those who apply to photography or directing programs usually come from wealthy families, but many freshmen in animation, dubbing, and acting programs come from impoverished backgrounds.

"Boss, you're finally back!"