Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 87, "Juno," a miracle, officially announced by Huayi Brothers.

Yinghuang acted very quickly.

The project was officially launched in July, and the cast list for "New World" was delivered in August.

With three award-winning actors, Ren Dahua, Zhang Jiahui, and Liang Jiahui, joining forces, the cast is in no way inferior to that of "Infernal Affairs".

At Zhao Yanxi's suggestion, the director directly approached Alan Mak.

There are so many directors in Hong Kong, and quite a few of them are good at making undercover police films. For example, Johnnie To became famous for this genre, as did Johnnie To, Ling Tung Lam, Lau Wai Keung, Tong Kei Lai, Alan Mak, Dante Lam, Chan Mok Sing, and so on.

However, among these directors, Zhao Yanxi only has a handful of people who are worthy of her attention and who possess some "professional ethics," such as Alan Mak, Dante Lam, and Chan Mok-shing.

Chen Musheng is busy with the promotion and distribution of "Rob-B-Hood", and Dante Lam also has plans.

For "New World," they naturally went directly to Alan Mak.

Meanwhile, "Juno," which premiered in North America on July 1, finally surpassed $200 million in total box office revenue in North America just before it was taken off the screens!

Following extensive coverage by major Hollywood media outlets, the entertainment sections of major domestic portal websites also reprinted the story.

[Zhao Yanxi, a Chinese director who won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, has created another investment miracle with his foreign-language film "Juno"!]

Latest box office figures: With a production cost of only $800 million, the film grossed over $2 million in North America, becoming the 2006...

The biggest dark horse of the summer season...

Following the success of "Paranormal Activity," Zhao Yanxi's new foreign-language film "Juno" has raked in $2 million in North America and is set to be released globally soon, creating a new box office miracle...

Following media reports, the news caused an uproar in China, with netizens discussing it heatedly: "Does this count as joining the 200 million yuan box office club?"

"That's more than 200 million, isn't it? 200 million US dollars equals 1.6 billion in box office revenue, right?"

"Director Zhao is awesome! He makes foreign films and earns money from foreigners!"

"By the way, is the 'Crystal' in 'Crystal Pictures' from Liu Yifei's English name, Crystal? I think I saw it in an interview somewhere."

"Crystal Princess, Fei Yue Eighteen"? Good heavens, I didn't even notice until you pointed it out! Is this a coincidence or something sinister?!

"You know what, since 'The Return of the Condor Heroes,' Liu Yifei has made two movies, both directed by Zhao Yanxi. I don't believe there's no connection between them."

"They're dating! They're definitely dating! Where are the paparazzi? Why didn't they expose it?!"

Crystal Pictures' name appears frequently in various reports.

Zhao Yanxi's little thoughts were thoroughly investigated by netizens, and their attention quickly shifted from "Juno" to speculation about the relationship between the two.

However, although Zhao Yanxi and Liu Yifei are usually affectionate, they are not overly intimate in front of the camera, so the paparazzi can't report anything even if they want to.

"Good lad!"

Han Sanping felt extremely pleased as he watched the phenomenal box office success of "Juno".

In the past, it was Hollywood blockbusters that came to China to make money. Now, seeing Zhao Yanxi making money abroad feels even better than eating an ice pop in the sweltering heat of August!

It's a pity that "Juno" is not a Chinese-language film, otherwise the China Film Group and even the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television would definitely have given it extensive coverage.

Inside the film academy's acting and directing building, a group of directing professors surrounded Tian Zhuangzhuang, talking non-stop.

"Director, Zhao Yanxi will graduate with a bachelor's degree next year, and the school will definitely recommend her directly for postgraduate studies."

""

"This time, we absolutely must get him into the directing program for graduate studies!"

"Yeah, yeah, it's such a waste to put such a good talent in the photography department. Our directing department hasn't produced any good talents in a long time."

Tian Zhuangzhuang's brows were furrowed on his old farmer-like face. How could he not know about the decline of the directing department?

If he didn't want to boost the reputation and popularity of the directing department, why would he have recruited Zhao Yanzi, an "Art Master"?

But Zhao Yanxi is Mu Deyuan's darling; would he really let her transfer to the directing department?!

"This matter... needs the leaders to step in!"

Huayi.

Looking at the box office success of "Juno," the two kings, while envious, decided to stop hiding it.

"Big brother, let's release the news about the 'Double J Project'!"

"We can't let Zhao Yanxi's family have absolute power." "Yes," Wang Zhongjun nodded, "Let's hold a press conference!"

"OK!"

The following day, Huayi Brothers officially held a press conference to announce the news: "The Sino-US co-production with an investment of 70 million US dollars has confirmed the male lead and boasts a top-tier Asian cast; we are currently looking for supporting actors and actresses!"

"We've already auditioned some actors, and next we'll officially begin a nationwide audition across Asia!"

Even without revealing all the information, the words "70 million" and "Sino-US co-production" are enough to excite the entire Asian film and television industry.

Countless artists from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and other neighboring countries flocked to the event.

Major portal websites and entertainment websites are now filled with reports about this co-production, with no other news available.

A large number of reporters staked out downstairs at Huayi Company, easily snapping photos of numerous celebrities. The internet is flooded with photos of various auditioning stars.

Zhang Ziyi, Li Tao, Fan Tao, Zhang Baizhi, Xu Jinglei, Zhou Xun, Fan Wenfang...

Numerous female celebrities have been reported to be vying for roles, and every audition photo that has been leaked has sparked a new round of heated discussions online.

Xiao Liu, who was originally confident and felt that the director recognized and thought highly of her, is now a little uneasy.

"There are so many big names here, the competition seems really fierce," said Xiao Liu, looking worried.

"Hehe, this is an action movie," Zhao Yanxi said with a smile. "These people's acting skills may be on par with yours, but their martial arts skills are nowhere near yours."

"Director Minkoff isn't stupid!"

"Yes, Mom said this is the best resource in the country, and it's very likely a collaboration with Jackie Chan and Li Lianjie. I'm sure I can do it!"

Zhao Yanxi smiled as she watched Liu Yifei excitedly gesturing, without saying anything like "nobody cares about actresses in this kind of film."

Even if not many people are paying attention, the resources are indeed valuable, and it's a great opportunity to appear in Hollywood.

Among Chinese-language films, kung fu action movies have always been the most popular genre overseas.

In the original timeline, it seems that Liu Yifei signed a contract with the Maurice Agency in Hollywood after "The Forbidden Kingdom".

It's just that Hollywood offers Chinese actresses either roles that are insulting to China or require them to strip naked, which Liu Yifei is unwilling to do.

Zhao Yanxi calculated the time difference and made an international call to Paul.

"Paul, did you know that Lionsgate recently co-invested in a film with China?"

"I know, boss," Paul said with a smile. "Did they contact you? Or was it me who recommended them?"

"

""

Zhao Yanxi was speechless. No wonder he went directly to Huayi after being rejected by a state-owned enterprise in the original timeline, but why did he come to her in this life? So that's the root of the problem.

"They contacted me, but I didn't agree."

"Oh, well," Paul chuckled, "looks like I was being nosy."

"Could you contact Lionsgate for me and do me a favor?"

"Boss, please speak!" Paul immediately became serious.

"Help me land the lead role in this film. Actress Liu Yifei auditioned with director Minkoff; her acting skills, popularity, and buzz are absolutely top-notch!"

"Boss, what about Lionsgate..." Paul said, somewhat embarrassed.

"Lionsgate can get a 20% stake in James Wan's next series, 'Insidious'!"

James Wan has seen the script and is aware of its quality.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Paul's solemn reply: "Understood, I'll take care of it right away."