Chapter 172: Hundred Billion Plan

In early March, Jiang Heng's long‑awaited new film finally began shooting.

The China Film side, especially Han Sanping, was overjoyed; they'd been waiting far too long.

To mark this, a grand new‑film kickoff press conference was held in Beijing, with hundreds of domestic media outlets in attendance.

When it comes to xianxia dramas, the crowd isn't particularly excited.

But Jiang Heng's new film, especially with a Journey to the West theme, is truly thrilling.

At the venue, the early‑arriving reporters were already reminiscing about the shock of Lion Camel Ridge's premiere, calling it a lifelong memory!

"I went to the cinema three times; honestly, each time was incredibly shocking, especially when the Great Sage broke the Buddha's seal and even when he annihilated those demons from Lion Camel Ridge—it was so cool it brought tears to my eyes!"

"Me too, it's definitely the best mythic film; Mountainsplit Rescue Mother can't compare at all!"

"Feels like Yang Jian has it rough; his mother Si Fan descended to the mortal world, and his sister too!"

"But Director Jiang is pretty handsome!"

"He is indeed handsome, but the immersion is lacking; who wants to get into such a contrived plot? The Great Sage's storyline is the fun part!"

Jiang Heng said all that; it sounded like bragging, but at least it has feasibility.

If someone else said those words, the reporters would surely think they're just boasting.

By contrast, the new film's plot isn't as captivating; all we know is that it involves the Golden Horn King and Silver Horn King of Flat‑top Mountain from Journey to the West.

"I feel a huge responsibility!"

"Characters like Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Monk from Journey to the West, and Nezha, Lei Zhenzi, etc., from Investiture of the Gods, will each get their own movies, leaving the media reporters stunned."

"Oh, why say that?" Han Sanping asked, as if playing the straight man to a performer.

To preserve some mystery, Jiang Heng didn't reveal the role of the Green Ox Spirit, and the actor Kou Zhanwen, who plays that part, didn't even attend the press conference.

For the 2004 Neidi film market, that damn figure is astronomical.

"Director Jiang, what are your thoughts on this new film?"

But the 'Hundred Billion Plan' does sound intimidating; I'm afraid this time it won't just top entertainment headlines, but financial news will cover it too!

It's half‑true, half‑false, so it's hard to comment.

If convenient, it'd be best to drop by.

Jiang Heng said, "Film is the leading pillar of the cultural industry and the best channel for cultural export. Back then, Master Bruce Lee's four‑and‑a‑half movies made Chinese kung fu famous worldwide. Today, Haolaiwu blockbusters sell American values across the globe; if Chinese‑language cinema doesn't rise, that's very dangerous...!"

Jiang Heng said a lot; in short, we can't only make award‑winning films about suffering, we also need to produce big‑budget movies that showcase Chinese culture.

Han Sanping knew he wasn't today's main figure; after a brief remark, he invited Jiang Heng onto the stage.

Reporters chattered, quickly raising their cameras as the host took the stage.

Especially for mythic blockbusters, the Outstanding Rising Film Company has just launched a 'Hundred Billion Plan', intending to spend a hundred billion over ten years to build a 'Mythic Film Universe'.

"Hundred billion?"

"Honestly, I think Director Jiang doesn't need to waste time on those messy projects; just making Journey to the West well is better than anything!"

After the event, Jiang Heng indeed received a call from a senior official in the industry department, asking whether his 'Hundred Billion Plan' was genuine.

After some opening remarks, he invited Han Sanping onto the stage.

Jiang Heng went with Han Sanping; once there, the official asked detailed questions, fearing Jiang Heng might speak loosely for film promotion.

Mainly, some real‑estate businessmen love to do this, talking about investing billions, how the construction will go, and as long as they can finish the housing complex, it's fine.

Jiang Heng gave a thorough explanation, first defining what a 'Film Universe' is, then briefly outlining the shooting plan; the official was greatly satisfied and said the bureau would fully support it.

After leaving, Jiang Heng went home to rest.

The next day, he arrived at the China Film Digital Base to begin filming the new movie.

Since it's set in the Journey to the West world, outside the Tang Empire's lands, the film is mostly shot in a studio using green screens, motion capture, and CG.

Characters like the Green Ox Spirit and the Nine‑tailed Fox Demon have live‑action shots of their true forms.

Each monster's true form is massive and awe‑inspiring, requiring special effects to render.

Wu Jing, Ding Haifeng and others are already accustomed, while newcomer Zhang Yuqi finds everything fresh.

Since her scenes are scheduled later, she follows Jiang Heng daily, taking over many assistant tasks.

"Click!"

Just after Jiang Heng shouted a line, Zhang Yuqi handed over a towel, saying in her distinctive voice, "Director Jiang, wipe your sweat!"

"Oh, thanks!"

The girl initially wanted to serve tea, but everyone on set is particular about water; only trusted insiders handle the cups, so she couldn't be allowed.

After learning the rule, Zhang Yuqi began handing over towels.

Jiang Heng declined twice politely, but the girl remained unflustered, her expression unchanged, so Jiang Heng went along.

He also reflected that those who finally make it in the entertainment circle aren't the mediocre ones!

That day, while Jiang Heng was busy filming, he suddenly heard the assistant director whisper, "Um, Director Jiang, Liu Yifei and Jing Tian are coming!"

Jiang Heng wondered why the two were arriving.

Little did he know, after the Great Feng Night Watchman crew started, the girls on set quickly split into several groups.

Especially Da Tian Tian was the most popular among the other girls, being courted by many.

The reason is simple: Da Tian Tian is beautiful, kind‑hearted, from a good family, and seems to have no particular thoughts about Jiang Heng—she's carefree and blunt.

Actually Zhao Liying is similar, but her family background is poor, she appears timid, and the popular ones simply don't include her.

After the Da Feng crew began, several girls paid attention to news from the Journey to the West crew.

At first there was nothing special, but when word spread that Jiang Heng hired a charming girl to play the Fox Spirit, those girls grew restless.

Fortunately, the Outstanding Rising Film Company's crew takes a break every ten days, so Liu Yifei decided to return for a visit.

Feeling one person would stand out too much, they also invited Da Tian Tian.

Jing Tian didn't think much and happily came along.

After entering the film crew, full of curiosity, looking left and right, gazing at various advanced machines and equipment, as well as the actors' "motion capture" filming, instantly there was a feeling of "not understanding but feeling impressed."

Liu Yifei beside him said, "They're having fun—were Director Jiang's previous films all shot like this?"

Liu Yifei nodded, "Yeah, don't be fooled by the stunning effect on the big screen; filming is actually dull and boring, and even a bit funny!"

"I think it's fine!" Da Tian Tian's eyes lit up.

Liu Yifei smiled, "What, you also want to shoot a big-budget film?"

She said that with a hint of teasing.

After all, at this moment her fame and acting skills among domestic young-generation actresses are already top-notch, yet she still cannot star in Jiang Heng's big productions.

Someone like Da Tian Tian, who hardly has any acting skill, dares to dream of a big production—it's really hard to describe.

Not expecting Da Tian Tian's serious expression, she immediately said, "I really want to film!"

(End of chapter)