Chapter 83: Global Premiere

In the country, many filmmakers are quite curious about the so‑called world's first IMAX film; first, they don't know what's special about it.

Second, they don't understand why a temporary one has to be built in a sports venue—doesn't that simply waste money, and is the effect really good?

What they don't know is that the great director Jiang Wen, back in his earlier days, already liked this kind of operation.

When "A Step Away" was released, the producers threw a fortune into converting the Olympic Sports Center into a temporary theater, marking the first time in the country that a temporary IMAX giant screen was erected for a film premiere.

The IMAX screen was shipped specially from the United States; once assembled it measured 26 m wide by 14.5 m high, equipped with IMAX's proprietary 3.0 high‑gain metal screen and weighing a total of 750 kg. Forty workers installed it in one go, and because of transport and material constraints it was taken down after a single screening.

The cost was extremely high, but the effect was also quite impressive.

Without saying much else, the opening dance show alone made many people exclaim with delight, praising its high artistic value!

But at this moment, no one knows how shocking the IMAX is, yet that doesn't stop them from frantically buying premiere tickets.

As for the invited guests, they rush back from all corners of the country to Jingcheng to attend the premiere ceremony.

Zhang Yimou came back from the northwest; the crew of "Hero" has not started filming yet, and he was in Dunhuang scouting locations, which basically meets the requirements, so it's basically set there.

At Xinhuamian Company, when discussing the "Pacific Rim" premiere, Zhang Quping felt rather envious.

He's always had a reputation for "blowing up", daring to brag, but compared with Jiang Heng's achievements, some of his boasts fall flat.

There's no other way but to find every means to make "Hero" a hit, so his own company can secure a place in the Mandarin blockbuster market.

"Director Jiang's fee should still be two million dollars!" Zhang Quping said, clenching his teeth and sighing.

During the earlier preparation, Li Lianjie lowered his price, taking only three million dollars, while Liang Chaowei and Zhang Manyu each received one million.

But after swapping Liang Chaowei for Jiang Heng, the previous rates could no longer apply.

Indeed, Jiang Heng's fame is huge and his status far exceeds Liang Chaowei's; trying to pay the same price would offend people.

Moreover, Jiang Heng is currently a key partner of China Film, and the second‑largest shareholder of China Film Red, the country's top chain company, so Zhang Quping dare not offend him.

Even the pretense of appearing in the cast is being repeatedly weighed.

Let's call it a cameo; Jiang Heng's screen time is actually quite a lot.

Calling him a supporting role would even diminish his stature.

Zhang Yimou was silent for a while, then suddenly said, "How about using the title of special lead?"

"Special lead?" Zhang Quping repeated, suddenly feeling the term was indeed good.

"Lead" naturally means Jiang Heng isn't just a filler in this film; even if his part is that of a supporting character, at least it isn't stated outright!

As for the word "special", it's even more clever, indicating Jiang Heng isn't a lead in the traditional sense; if you want to watch his entire screen time from start to finish, you've got the wrong place!

The more Zhang Quping thought about it, the more he liked the phrase "special lead", and he praised, "Lao Mouzi, you're still full of ideas!"

Zhang Yimou gave a goofy grin, said nothing, feeling proud of his quick wit, unaware that in the future there would be not only "special lead" but also "specially invited lead", "headlining lead", "joint lead" and many other terms, almost ruining the word "lead".

Zhang Quping and Zhang Yimou finalized their discussion and, on the afternoon of June 22, drove to the Jingcheng Workers' Stadium.

Outside the venue, several long queues had already formed, with countless streams of people and vehicles behind, and police arrived to maintain traffic order.

Zhang Quping felt his heart surge, gave the steering wheel a thump and said, "Lao Mouzi, someday I'll stage a premiere even grander than this!"

Zhang Yimou naturally also hoped for such a day, but only gave a slight nod and said "Okay".

As a guest, there was naturally a VIP lane; escorted by staff they entered the venue smoothly, only to see a long red carpet leading to the converted temporary theater, with a huge "Pacific Rim" poster signing board on one side of the carpet.

Opposite, countless media reporters wielded all kinds of cameras, photographing the passing guests.

There were also beautiful hosts from CCTV's Movie Channel, pulling guests for one‑by‑one interviews.

Zhang Quping's eyes grew hotter as he already began pondering how to plan the "Hero" premiere.

He suddenly spotted a figure ahead that looked like Xu Ke, and nudged Zhang Yimou with his arm.

One could say Xu Ke at this moment was truly in a career trough.

The billion‑yuan‑invested "Shushan Legend" flopped at the box office, leaving him without investors in Xianggang.

Going to Haolaiwu still didn't break through, and seeing the Neidi film market gaining momentum under Jiang Heng's drive, he decided to try his luck here.

The first thing to do is restore investors' confidence in himself. He resolved to return to his old trade and make the martial‑arts series he does best.

Attending the premiere here, of course, is to see if he can meet a few big bosses (a nuisance). If that fails, he can only appeal to Jiang Heng and see if he can pull some investment.

Ten years ago, just his name Xu Ke would have attracted investors who would hand over money directly; truly the new wave pushing the old, a new generation replacing the old!

Xu Ke signed the poster board, casually answered the host a few lines, and after walking a short distance heard someone call his name; turning around he saw the big boss Zhang Quping.

"Didn't expect to run into Director Xu here!" Zhang Quping said with a grin.

He's an investor, not a big star, so he's not very interested in being interviewed.

In another setting, perhaps he could use the chance to promote "Hero".

But at Han Sanping and Jiang Heng's home turf, he naturally tones it down and walks over quickly.

Xu Ke said cheerfully, "Boss Zhang isn't you're preparing 'Hero'? How come you have time to come?"

Zhang Quping replied, "We're good friends with Director Jiang and have collaborations; his new film's premiere naturally deserves our support. What about you, Director Xu?"

Xu Ke didn't hide it, "I'm currently drafting a massive wuxia epic, seeing if any boss will invest!"

Zhang Quping said, "If I hadn't poured all my money into 'Hero', I'd definitely invest in you. Plenty of people are here today; someone should be interested!"

Xu Ke gave a slight nod, agreeing. The two walked and talked, soon arriving at the temporary theater.

Stepping inside, the most striking sight was the colossal screen.

Next were celebrities and bosses from the mainland, Xianggang, Taiwan, and even many foreign faces.

Recalling his own glory days, he had never seen such a spectacle, and old Xu felt an inexplicable bitterness.

The most tragic thing in life is when you're down and former junior brothers are flourishing endlessly.

You boldly show up, yet you don't know if they'll welcome you.

Fortunately, as he was feeling nostalgic, Jiang Heng's voice rang out, "Yo, Director Xu, Mr. Zhang, I never expected you both to come support me—thanks, thanks!"

(End of Chapter)