Chinese Entertainment: Directors Start with the Fairy Sister

Chapter 98 "Painted Skin" Privileges, Inside Hundred Flowers!

"How's 'Painted Skin' going? Will it make it into the Lunar New Year release window?"

"Cough cough..."

Zhao Yanxi almost choked on her tea, and looked at Han Sanping speechlessly, "President Han, special effects production can't be done that quickly."

"You think we found those cheap special effects in Southeast Asia? Our own stuff is bound to be more refined."

"That's true," Han Sanping shook his head helplessly, "I was hoping to use your film 'Painted Skin' to really put Zhang Dapao's arrogance to rest."

"President Han thinks too highly of me," Zhao Yanxi said with a smile. "What do I have to compare with Director Zhang?"

"The others are one thing, Feng Xiaogang, Chen Kaige, and Zhang Yimou are all a bit lacking, but you, kid, give me a feeling that I can't see through you," Han Sanping said, leaning back in his boss's chair. "If it were you, I feel it might not be impossible!"

"You've already made a name for yourself in teen movies and established yourself in Hollywood, so how could a mere fantasy blockbuster be a challenge for you?"

"Haha, Mr. Han has excellent taste!"

Zhao Yanxi smiled and gave a thumbs up.

"We're out of luck for the Lunar New Year season, but the May Day holiday next year might be okay. Mr. Han, how about we set a new release date?"

"The May Day holiday season, right?" Han Sanping pulled out a form from a drawer, flipped through a few pages, looked at it, and said, "Okay, there are a few imported films scheduled for release in May. I'll postpone them!"

"Mr. Han, is this appropriate?"

Looking at the domineering Han Sanping, Zhao Yanxi asked a question, feeling embarrassed.

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Han Sanping made a sweeping gesture, outlining the entire week before and after the May Day holiday: "The release date for 'Painted Skin' is set; now we'll see how the box office performs."

"You don't have much time left!"

Hearing Han Sanping's words, Zhao Yanxi's heart stirred, and she asked curiously, "President Han, has there been any change in the policy from above?"

"Um."

Han Sanping nodded and admitted, "The United States has already filed a lawsuit against us, saying that we are interfering with fair competition in the film and television market."

Zhao Yanxi remained silent. This was a consistent practice of China Film Group, especially since Han Sanping took over. They would generally shoot imported films in less favorable release periods.

Sometimes, they even schedule several imported films into a single month, letting them compete against each other.

"Starting next year, imported films will likely be released during major holiday periods such as May Day, summer vacation, National Day, and Lunar New Year. Otherwise, it will be difficult to explain to the WTO!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Han, Chinese films are just as good as anyone else's!" Zhao Yanxi said confidently.

"It's all up to you guys!" Han Sanping smiled.

"By the way, have you seen the nomination list for the Hundred Flowers Awards?"

"You saw it? What's wrong?" Zhao Yanxi asked curiously.

"It's nothing," Han Sanping said with a hidden meaning, "If you haven't seen it, you can take a look!"

Back at the company, Zhao Yanxi was still a little confused about what Han Sanping meant by those words.

You clearly said you'd already seen it, yet you're reminding yourself to look at it again?!

"Xiao Li, get me the list of nominees for this year's Hundred Flowers Awards!"

"Okay, Director Zhao."

Soon, Yang Siwei knocked on the door and came in with his assistant.

"What's wrong, boss?" Yang Siwei asked curiously. She had already sent the news of "Those Years" being shortlisted to Zhao Yanxi.

"It's nothing, I'm just taking a look."

"Best Film nominees: 'Zhang Side' received 68458 votes, 'Kung Fu Hustle' received 60049 votes, and 'You Are the Apple of My Eye' received 59832 votes..."

"hehe!"

Zhao Yanxi smiled sarcastically. No wonder Han Sanping had reminded her repeatedly.

It's astonishing that a film like "Zhang Side" received far more votes than "Kung Fu Hustle" and "You Are the Apple of My Eye" in online polls.

The Hundred Flowers Awards, an award chosen by the audience, can actually be played like this!

Although many domestic awards had faded by the time he entered the film and television industry, he still held a glimmer of hope for the Hundred Flowers Awards because of audience votes.

In retrospect, he was just too naive.

Han Sanping is reminding himself not to have too high hopes for the award.

Last year, "Zhang Side" made way for "Kekexili", and this year "Zhang Side" is sure to sweep the awards.

As the producer of "Zhang Side", Han Sanping has already done more than enough by reminding us to this extent!

"Boss, is there a problem with this list?" Yang Siwei couldn't help but ask as Zhao Yanxi's expression grew increasingly grim.

"Hehe, take another look."

Zhao Yanxi smiled coldly. Since she had agreed to go, she would go no matter what.

This time they've given us face, so let's just consider it support for the domestic film festival.

If I don't go there in the future, I'll have no reason to say I'm not "patriotic"!

Within two days, Han Sanping's interview made it into the newspaper: "China Film Group, in collaboration with Yanxi Film & Television, will release 'Painted Skin,' directed by Zhao Yanxi, in May next year."

""

That big mouth...

Zhao Yanxi sent a message saying, "President Han, the screening license hasn't been issued yet. Isn't it too early to say this?"

"The script is fine, so what's the big deal about the license?"

Well, Han Sanping certainly has the right to say that.

The thought that "Painted Skin" will have exclusive access to the May Day holiday box office next year is quite exciting. This is what it means to have connections in high places!

With the availability of the film's schedule, Zhao Yanxi is more confident that "Painted Skin" can break 200 million yuan!

Liu Yifei told Zhao Yanxi that the organizing committee had invited her to perform at the closing ceremony of the Hundred Flowers Awards.

"I don't know if I should go," Liu Yifei said, a mix of excitement and worry. "We've been nominated, so we'll definitely be walking the red carpet. I'm afraid I won't be able to walk it with everyone!"

"Then let's not go."

Zhao Yanxi said irritably, "I felt like I was getting ripped off with your singing and dancing at the fan meeting~"

"Hehe, isn't that outfit really pretty?" the girl smiled brightly.

No!

Zhao Yanxi looked Liu Yifei up and down. She still had that same curly hair, but without the same outfit, she still looked alright.

Adding a black tight-fitting vest, short skirt, and stockings would be too vulgar.

"Hmph, I think you're just jealous~" Liu Yifei stared at Zhao Yanxi slyly, trying to find the answer in his expression.

"No way, I'm never jealous!" Zhao Yanxi said, head held high.

A little boy with a big mouth~

Liu Yifei found it amusing and hugged Zhao Yanxi, saying, "Then I won't wear it anymore~ The Golden Eagle Awards also wanted to invite me to dance 'Heartbeat,' I'll decline that too."

"Is this appropriate?" Zhao Yanxi exclaimed with a smile, "Golden Eagle Goddess?"

"Oh, you knew all along!"

Liu Yifei smiled somewhat shyly, after all, she didn't really like to call herself a "goddess".

"I'm a big fan of yours! Those high vote count is partly due to my efforts!"

"You're awesome!"

"I wonder if I'll get an award at the Hundred Flowers Awards this year. I've never won an award at a film festival before!" Liu Yifei said with some anticipation.

"Hmm... don't get your hopes up too high," Zhao Yanxi said after a moment's thought, carefully reminding him, "Given the usual practices of domestic film festivals, they'll definitely support that patriotic film, 'Zhang Side.'"

"Is that so?" Liu Yifei paused for a moment, then sighed and said, "Okay—"

"It's alright, if it doesn't work this time, there's always next time. I'll take you to the three great coronations!"