Chapter 317: Slot Clash, President Ma from Hangzhou's Intentions, Launch

At the Enlighten headquarters, Chen Jiashang looked at Wang Changtian with some helplessness.

"Chairman Wang, next time there is such a variable, please inform me in advance."

When the two sides cooperated previously, it was agreed that the project would grant him great autonomy, including the right to cast roles. Plus, the matter of *The Four* was no secret in the industry; the Hong Kong circle had been in contact with Chen Jiashang early on, and during the Spring Festival, he had even slept with several young models.

Yet Wang Changtian actually told him that the lead actress and the second lead actress roles had already been given away. This put Chen Jiashang in a very difficult position, but since things had reached this point, he could only try to find a way with the other roles.

"Mm, I know. I will communicate with you in advance in the future."

Wang Changtian replied indifferently, feeling a bit of sorrow in his heart. Enlighten's artists could not carry the banner, so he had to give up the roles. He only hoped that this time, he could truly let Wei Jin see Enlighten's sincerity.

Wang Changtian did not want to chat more on this topic and turned to care about other matters.

"By the way, how are you considering the release slot for *Painted Skin*?"

"According to the current slot situation, none are very favorable. I suggest setting it for the National Day Slot. Although there is pressure from *Thieves*, firstly, the subject matter is different, and secondly, it is impossible for one film to eat up the entire dividend of the slot. Our requirements are not high; it is fine to just follow along and grab some share."

Chen Jiashang was not under much pressure. The investment for *Painted Skin* was only 30 million. Looking at the box office output of over a billion from last year's National Day Slot, even if Enlighten took a ten percent share, it would be fully enough to break even or even make a profit.

"Mm, that makes some sense, but let's stagger the days a bit."

Chen Jiashang nodded. He understood Wang Changtian's concerns. If they really chose the same day, the implication of targeting would be too strong, which was completely unnecessary.

"Then let's move it up by a week. How does Chairman Wang feel about that?"

"Good." — The next day, Enlighten publicly announced the release date for *Painted Skin*.

"Directed by director Chen Jiashang and adapted from a story in *Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio*, the fantasy film *Painted Skin* will be set for the National Day Slot and released on September 22."

Chen Jiashang and Wang Changtian originally thought that with the pressure of *Thieves*, there shouldn't be other films choosing the National Day Slot, but they never expected that there were quite a few producers with the same idea as Enlighten.

"Produced by Juli Pictures with an investment of 200 million, the fantasy romance film *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* is set for the National Day Slot, with a public release on September 22."

"*The Sorcerer and the White Snake* has a luxurious cast, with Hollywood superstar and Chinese Kung Fu emperor Li Lianjie joining with passion, one of the Four Dan Actresses Huang Shengyi, popular young actor Wen Zhang, and famous Hong Kong actor Lin Feng appearing together."

The film and television circle suddenly became lively. In terms of industry seniority and influence, Enlighten undoubtedly crushed Juli Pictures, but in terms of film investment and cast, *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* was clearly stronger than *Painted Skin*.

Most importantly, *Painted Skin* set its date, and *The Sorcerer and the White Snake* followed right after. Both were fantasy subjects and were released on the same day; the implication of targeting seemed too obvious.

Just as everyone was guessing what kind of conflict the two sides had, observant netizens discovered something.

"Although it looks like a competition between Enlighten and Juli, both films have one thing in common: the special effects were all completed by Shanhe Ink."

Soon, meddlesome media came to Shanhe Media for interviews, hoping to hear evaluations of the two films.

As the Group's Chief Executive Officer, Chen Zhiming came forward to give an official explanation.

"Shanhe Ink puts client requirements above all else. The special effects for both films were chosen by the clients themselves according to their own tiers, but I can guarantee that the results are all excellent. As for specific judgments, that will have to be left to the audience."

Just as the industry was predicting who would win between the two films, another film joined in the fun.

"Jointly produced by ten domestic units including Changying Group and Shanghai Film Group, directed by Zhang Li, and featuring an all-star cast including Zhao Wen-xuan, Li Bingbing, Jiang Wu, Chen Chong, Sun Chun, Ning Jing, Yu Shao-qun, and Fang Zu-min, the epic war blockbuster *Xinhai Revolution* is set for September 26, with a global simultaneous release!"

Now the media was excited; the National Day Slot was becoming more and more lively. — Beijing, inside the Yanjiao Villa.

Wei Jin was playing with Dudu. Filming was about to start, and once he was leaving early and returning late, the little bean was afraid that there would be some days where she wouldn't see her father.

Just as he was enjoying the warm parent-child time, the phone in Wei Jin's pocket began to vibrate.

"Hello?"

"President Wei, it's like this..."

Following the explanation from the other end of the phone, Wei Jin's brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

Weibo had been on the market for nearly two years. During this period, in order to compete with the other two companies, Sina had to introduce strategic investors, so the equity structure had changed many times.

However, Wei Jin did not want this public opinion platform to become a "gathering place for traitors," so he always insisted on introducing domestic capital. As for overseas capital, only Twitter and Facebook had entered the game; after all, these two were somewhat influenced by him.

It was just that Wei Jin did not expect that not long after the equity was dispersed, someone would actually have designs on it. It seemed there were quite a few smart people.

"Do you know who is behind this?"

"They say it's President Ma from Hangzhou. News has also come from President Cao's side that many shareholders have been asked."

Hearing this, Wei Jin couldn't help but recall his several contacts with President Ma from Hangzhou. It seemed that this person was very optimistic about the film and television industry. He first bought shares in Huayi, later wanted to buy shares in Shanhe Media, and now he was even setting his sights on Weibo.

"Tell President Cao to initiate the right of first refusal clause. I can buy up all the shares that anyone wants to sell."

Hanging up the phone, Wei Jin fell into deep thought. Weibo possessed a large number of stars and artists, as well as a massive user base.

For the film and television industry, it was indeed a good resource. It was just unclear whether President Ma from Hangzhou was purely optimistic about the film and television industry this time, or if he had some other purpose.

However, no matter what his original intention was, Wei Jin could not hand over the control of Weibo.

Withdrawing his thoughts, Wei Jin put the phone back in his pocket under Dudu's curious gaze and reached out to pick up the little bean.

"Daddy, lift me high."

"Okay." — Time quickly arrived at April 8. The four investors of *Gravity* held a launch press conference for the film, and the location was at the China Film Group Digital Production Base.

Han Sanping, Wei Jin, Ye Ning, and the people from the four major investors were all there.

In addition, the main creative team, Cheng Long, Ceng Li, as well as the special effects crew and puppet show team from Shanhe Ink were all in place.

At this time, a large number of media had already gathered at the scene. Wei Jin's new film was definitely the best Dharma Treasure for driving sales.

Seeing that the time was almost up, Wei Jin nodded toward Han Sanping and announced that the launch press conference had officially begun.

"May I ask Director Wei, *Gravity* is already your third science fiction blockbuster. What kind of story are you interpreting this time?"

The script introduction for *Gravity* was too brief, and many media were very curious. This was also the standard procedure for a launch press conference. "This is a science fiction disaster film. It tells the story of an aerospace team conducting self-rescue after encountering a disaster. Different from my previous science fiction films, this story will focus on how to return to Earth."

"May I ask Director Wei, will this filming be closed-off management like *Passengers*?"

"No, this filming will be open for set visits, but I would like to ask all the friends coming to visit the set to be mentally prepared. Perhaps you will be greatly surprised."

Wei Jin kept them in suspense; this filming was definitely unexpected.

"May I ask Director Wei, with only two lead actors, do you think it can attract the audience?"

As soon as the reporter's words came out, a burst of noise erupted at the scene. Obviously, many people had this thought; two people for one play was indeed too exaggerated.

"This reporter friend, since when did the quality of a film have to be decided by the cast or the number of actors?"

Wei Jin glanced at the questioning reporter—oh, *Southern Metropolis Daily*, then no problem—and immediately added.

"Everyone should still remember my debut work, *Buried*, where 90% of the shots were completed in a coffin. It relied entirely on one actor to support a play. Did that stop it from winning the Berlin Silver Bear?"

Having acted coolly for a moment, Wei Jin still felt it wasn't enough and continued to speak.

"As for attracting the audience, I can say without modesty that my films are the best guarantee."

Such arrogant words actually won the approval of most reporters on the scene; they believed that if Wei Jin's film starred a dog, the audience would likely still pay for it like crazy.

Watching the reaction of the reporters, a faint smile appeared on the corner of Wei Jin's mouth; this was the reputation he had built and the pulling power he had accumulated over these years.

"May I ask Director Wei, how did you consider the starring lineup?"

Wei Jin nodded upon hearing this; finally, there was a somewhat normal reporter.

"First, in terms of age, Li Jie and Cheng Long are quite suitable for the roles in the script; second, in terms of acting skills, the two are definitely powerhouses, and I believe no one would question this point;

Finally, in terms of global appeal, Cheng Long, as the number one person in Chinese-language cinema, will certainly be of great help to the film, and Li Jie, as the first Chinese Oscar Best Actress, will surely bring significant anticipation to the audience.

I believe that with their participation, this film will create a new height for both domestic and global box office!"

The reporters on the scene instantly boiled over; creating a new height, did this mean breaking the 556 million USD global box office record set by The Martian? Subsequently, the reporters interviewed the other producers and the two leads separately.

"May I ask Cheng Long, this is your first time starring in a sci-fi film, do you have confidence?"

The Big Brother always appeared quite funny in front of the media, and he answered with an exaggerated expression:

"To be honest, I had no confidence at first. After all, acting comes from life. I have no idea what astronauts are like in daily life, and more importantly, the astronaut played by Wah Jai before was so handsome, I just can't compare."

As expected, Cheng Long's words drew good-natured laughter from the reporters. Seeing the atmosphere was good, the Big Brother continued.

"But Coach Zhai put my mind at ease. He said that real astronauts generally don't exceed 175cm in height, and the type like Wah Jai is definitely an exception. Then he gave us more than half a month of special training, and now I can say, I have a lot of confidence."

However, the Big Brother's humor did not end the reporters' gossiping hearts, and a reporter asked a very sharp question.

"May I ask Big Brother, Xinhai Revolution and The Thieves are being released at the same time. As one of the producers of the former, do you think the former has any hope of surpassing the latter at the box office?"

"This reporter friend, today is the opening press conference for Dixing Yinxing. I refuse to answer unrelated questions, thank you!"

Seeing that Cheng Long was not buying it, the reporters could only shift the topic to other main creators.

"May I ask Ceng Li, you haven't had any work for five years. Will you feel pressured to play such an important role this time?"

Facing the reporters' lenses, Ceng Li appeared poised and generous, her aura as a Grand Slam Best Actress, Cannes Best Actress, and Oscar Best Actress fully unleashed.

"If you talk about pressure, there must be some, but since the director chose me, there must be his reasons. I just need to put all my heart and acting skills into the role, and I believe I will not disappoint the audience and fans."

The opening ceremony ended, and the media left the Digital Base one after another.

That afternoon, Dixing Yinxing officially started filming.

At the same time, media reports appeared online.

"Top Director Wei Jin's new film, the 450 million sci-fi disaster blockbuster Dixing Yinxing, officially started filming today!"

"Top director joins hands with The Forbidden Kingdom star and Oscar Best Actress, working together to spark new fire—can it create a new box office height?"

"Dixing Yinxing—a journey of redemption returning to Earth." — Inside the studio, looking at the huge light box in front of them, Cheng Long and Ceng Li both showed looks of shock.

"Director Wei, is this our main filming scene? Isn't it too sci-fi?"

Cheng Long was somewhat incredulous; it wasn't that he didn't have experience with No-object Performance, but he had never experienced this level before.

"Yes, Big Brother, this prop is mainly to help us simulate the Space environment. You'll know after you experience it for a while."

Wei Jin didn't explain too much. This film was not just No-object Performance; even the entire film only had the actors' faces as real, with everything else relying on special effects, so the challenge for the actors was not small.

Immediately, Wei Jin picked up a megaphone to call the crew members.

"Costume department, get ready to change the actors' clothes. Puppet show technical staff, get ready. Today we will first practice the positioning and operation."

After a series of tasks, the crew began to get busy. Ceng Li and Cheng Long changed into special costumes to facilitate the wire pulling.

For this shoot, a small portion of the shots would be handled by the puppet show team for wire operation, using pulling and dragging to achieve a zero-gravity environment. It was necessary to practice based on the actors' height and weight first.

Although simulations had been done according to the corresponding data before, living people and props were different. When being pulled and dragged, the body would have instinctive reactions, so Wei Jin had to let them cooperate simply first.

In addition, most of the zero-gravity shots would be presented through special filming techniques, that is, the actors' positions would remain stationary, and the effect would be achieved through the mobile filming equipment prepared by the crew, combined with moving light sources.

Half an hour passed, the crew was ready, and Wei Jin picked up the megaphone and shouted.

"Action."

(End of this chapter)