Chapter 30: Wrapping Up and Scheduling

As Liu Yifei's state improved, the filming schedule progressed smoothly, and the school-based scenes were gradually completed.

After moving locations, Wei Jin first filmed the hotel scenes; the hotel was provided as a favor because Wei Jin promised them a 5-second close-up of the hotel's sign.

In this era, commercial product placement was still rare, and Wei Jin's method of sponsorship was quite attractive.

By the way, the final kiss scene was filmed using camera angles; Liu Xiaoli specifically requested this, and Wei Jin had no objections.

Today, the final scene was to be filmed: the male lead getting his head shaved. It was left for last because this shot had to be done in one take.

Wei Jin was also uncharacteristically nervous today, but he still said to Qiao Zhenyu, who was standing to the side: "Zhen Yu, don't be nervous, just perform well; we will definitely get it in one take."

After spending this time together, Qiao Zhenyu felt both grateful and respectful toward this Silver Bear Director of the same age.

He was grateful that he gave him a chance; after all, the current Qiao Zhenyu couldn't even be considered a third-tier actor, and the only relatively outstanding work he had was the drama *Snow Goddess Dragon*. When he went to audition, he did it entirely with a "just give it a try" attitude, never expecting luck to fall from the sky.

As for the respect, it was for the professionalism and rigor Wei Jin demonstrated during the film's production; the Silver Bear award was well-deserved.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Zhenyu also cheered himself on:

"Mm, don't worry, Director, I will definitely perform well."

After building up his mental state, Qiao Zhenyu signaled to Wei Jin that he was ready and could begin.

"Attention all units, scene thirty-two, take one, action."

As the clapperboard was snapped by the floor manager, the final scene officially began filming.

Very smoothly, Qiao Zhenyu entered his character; his hair was shaved into a buzz cut, and his emotional performance and rhythm were spot on.

"Cut."

Wei Jin sat in front of the monitor, watching it repeatedly.

"It's a wrap."

The staff on set all let out a long sigh of relief, and the floor manager handed the megaphone to Wei Jin.

"I announce that *You Are the Apple of My Eye* has officially wrapped."

"It's a wrap!"

"It's a wrap!"

"Yeah, finally wrapped!"

In early November 2004, after a month and a half of filming, Wei Jin's first commercial film officially wrapped.

On the night of the wrap, the entire crew had a dinner at the hotel that had sponsored the filming location.

Huang Bai also came; he was bored and came over for a cameo, playing the man the female lead eventually marries.

Wei Jin compared the two versions and found that marrying someone as scruffy as Huang Bai was also plausible.

With dozens of people in the crew, after more than forty days together, everyone was quite reluctant to part ways, especially Liu Yifei. Because of Liu Xiaoli, she hadn't had much interaction with the actors on her previous crews.

But for this shoot, she participated throughout the entire process and even contributed the peak performance of her career, so she had deep feelings for the crew.

Several of the main creators were also filled with emotion and frequently toasted each other; relying on his robust physique, Wei Jin naturally accepted every drink.

"Datou, you're graduating soon, right? What are your plans?"

When Lei Jiayin came over to toast, Wei Jin asked casually.

The nickname "Datou" was coined by Wei Jin; perhaps it was a habit from his past life, as he just liked giving people nicknames.

And don't say it didn't fit; "Datou" received unanimous approval from the crew, for no other reason than his head circumference was truly too large.

"Director, nothing is settled yet; I plan to first apply to the Shanghai Drama Academy to hone my acting skills."

Lei Jiayin didn't catch Wei Jin's subtext and answered directly.

"Mm, that's a good idea. With your image, you can't be an idol actor; you can only develop as a character actor."

Wei Jin affirmed Lei Jiayin's idea and then gave him a boost: "If there are roles in the future, I will consider you."

"Thank you, Director. I'll finish this drink, you take it easy."

After the banquet ended, Wei Jin went to 501, wanting a good night's sleep.

Opening the door with practiced ease, he saw Gao Yuanyuan standing prettily at the entrance with a smile on her face.

Wei Jin closed the door behind him and was just about to speak when Gao Yuanyuan flew into his arms; the two kissed passionately like this, entangled as they walked slowly toward the room.

Perhaps stimulated by the crew environment, the older sister was exceptionally proactive tonight, and Wei Jin experienced a different kind of surprise.

After sleeping soundly in 501 for a few days, Wei Jin had to leave this den of comfort.

Because he discovered that the way Gao Yuanyuan looked at him was becoming increasingly strange; it was fine for adults to take what they needed from each other, but if it were to escalate to romance, then Wei Jin would have to consider things carefully.

Afterward, Wei Jin began to busy himself with post-production. Just like before, he chose to edit it himself; after all, the finished film was already in his mind, and doing it himself was more efficient. As for the soundtrack and such, Wei Jin handled it all personally, keeping himself incredibly busy.

Soon, the finished film was completed.

On November 12, Wei Jin brought the finished film to China Film Group and walked straight toward the familiar office.

Han Sanping, who had just finished a meeting, was sitting in his office looking somewhat exhausted. Seeing Wei Jin knock and enter, he asked in surprise: "Why did you come over today?"

"The finished film is out; I'm inviting President Han to take a look and, by the way, set the release date."

Wei Jin didn't stand on ceremony and leaned comfortably on the sofa. After dealing with Han Sanping more often, he found that this person was actually easy to get along with.

"Wait, it hasn't been submitted for review yet, and you've already finished post-production? Aren't you afraid of being sent back to re-edit?"

Wei Jin's actions truly shocked Han Sanping.

Because a film cannot be released just after filming; it still has to go through a review process.

If the filmed movie differs significantly from the previously approved script, it is possible to be required to re-edit, so usually, what is submitted for review is the original footage without cuts.

"Mm, the film is all in my head, so the editing went quite smoothly. Besides, I considered the review issue early on, so don't worry."

Wei Jin had an "it's a matter of course" expression.

"Mm, alright then. Let me see the quality of this 'Fast Gunner' of yours."

Hearing this, Han Sanping joked, stood up, and walked out of the office with Wei Jin to a screening room where the staff had already prepared everything.

The two didn't say much more and began watching the finished film directly.

As the screen faded to black, the movie finished playing, and Han Sanping said with some emotion, "Not bad, very thoughtfully considered; there should be no problem with the submission for review."

"I will have to trouble you with this aspect, President Han."

Wei Jin said as he stood up, and he and Han Sanping returned to the office.

"Regarding the release slot, take a look first; there is no need to rush, choose slowly."

Han Sanping said as he handed a stack of documents from his drawer to Wei Jin.

Looking at this movie release schedule, Wei Jin frowned.

Currently, the domestic film market is relatively small, with the total box office for the year 2003 being no more than 1 billion, and the audience's habit of watching movies has not yet been formed, so a good movie release slot has a huge impact on a film's box office.

And currently, the biggest release slot in the domestic film market is undoubtedly the New Year Slot.

The New Year Slot refers to the golden time of nearly thirty days from mid-to-late December to early January, encompassing both Christmas and New Year's Day, and is also a must-contend territory for numerous film production and distribution companies.

Later, with the booming development of the domestic film industry, more and more movies were released in theaters, and blockbusters crowded together, which is why the traditional New Year Slot and the Spring Festival Film Season were separated; the New Year Slot was changed to late November to early January, while the Spring Festival Film Season is from mid-to-late January to early March.

Looking at it now, Feng Dapao's *A World Without Thieves* is released on December 9th, and Zhou Xingxing's *Kung Fu Hustle* is released on December 23rd; the two films happen to cut off the slot at both ends, leaving Wei Jin with no choice.

"How about December 3rd?"

"Must it be arranged for this year?"

Han Sanping did not expect Wei Jin to be so anxious.

"Yes, the New Year Slot cannot be missed, otherwise the later slots will be even worse."

Wei Jin also had no choice.

"Although you've staggered it by a few days, you still have to fight those two companies; do you have confidence?"

As an investor, China Film Group naturally hopes that the box office will be as high as possible; for Han Sanping, these are all political achievements.

"I don't know if I can beat them, but I have confidence in my movie."

Wei Jin was also full of heroic spirit; so what if they are the top commercial directors in the country? So what if he is the Comedy King? You only know after you fight.

"Good, then it's settled."

Han Sanping said no more; after all, the film's cost is right there, and if the first-week box office is strong, he might just break even directly.

Young people, having drive is a good thing.

One week later, the movie officially passed the review, and immediately China Film Group announced that the youth campus-themed movie *Those Years, We Chased After the Girl* directed by Wei Jin was set for release on December 3rd, aiming directly at the New Year Slot.

For a time, the industry was shaken.

A newbie author writing a book for the first time, kneeling to ask for collections, follows, reading updates, and recommendations, thank you everyone.

(End of this chapter)