Chapter 229

As for the box office performance of Pacific Rim 2, Jiang Heng still really hopes it will exceed one billion dollars.

Translation: Regarding the box office performance of Pacific Rim 2, Jiang Heng still very much hopes it will exceed one billion US dollars.

The Chinese title translates to 'Pacific Rim 2'; per the instruction we keep it as such.

After all, the basic genres suitable for effects-heavy blockbusters are basically science fiction, mythology, monsters, mecha, and disaster.

Translation: After all, the genres basically suited for shooting effects-heavy blockbusters are just science fiction, mythology, monsters, mecha, and disaster.

Hollywood sci-fi films that want to be smoothly adapted into a Chinese setting always fall short, and The Three-Body Problem won't be published until next year.

Translation: Hollywood sci-fi films wanting to be smoothly adapted into a Chinese background always lack something, and Three Body won't be published until next year.

Mythology-themed works are popular in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Japan and Korea, and Southeast Asia, but they are somewhat less appealing in Europe and America, relying mainly on special effects to attract audiences.

Translation: Mythological themes are very popular in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Japan-Korea, and Southeast Asia, but slightly less so in Europe and America, relying entirely on special effects to attract audiences.

Disaster movies are similar; not only is adaptation difficult, but getting approval is also a major problem, which is why Jiang Heng has avoided this genre for years.

Translation: Disaster films are similar; not only is adaptation difficult, but passing review is also a major problem, which is why Jiang Heng has avoided this genre all these years.

In his view, the thing most easily welcomed by both Eastern and Western global film markets is 'mecha vs. monsters'.

Translation: In his view, the easiest to be welcomed by both Eastern and Western global film markets is "mecha vs. monsters".

Over the years, his highest-grossing work worldwide has been Pacific Rim 1 from a few years ago, which grossed as much as $939 million.

Translation: And over these years, his highest-grossing work worldwide has been Pacific Rim 1 from a few years ago, reaching as high as 939 million US dollars.

Even Avatar, which a few years later took in $2.9 billion worldwide, can be seen broadly as a 'mecha vs. monsters' type film; its core selling point is the showdown between modern weapons and primal force, aiming to leave anyone who watches stunned.

Translation: Even Avatar, which a few years later grossed a staggering 2.9 billion US dollars worldwide, can be seen as a broad "mecha vs. monsters" type film, whose core selling point is the showdown between modern weapons and primal power, aiming to shock whoever watches.

Pacific Rim features heavy mechs and ferocious monsters, while Avatar pits modern weapons against the native inhabitants of Pandora, especially during the final battle, with swarms of aircraft, human soldiers wielding modern weapons, cool heavy exoskeleton mechs, and Na'vi riding flying creatures.

Translation: Pacific Rim uses heavy mecha and ferocious monsters, while Avatar pits modern weapons against the indigenous Na'vi of Pandora, especially during the final battle, with swarms of aircraft, human soldiers wielding modern weapons, flashy heavy exoskeleton mechs, and Na'vi riding flying creatures.

Just looking at the balance of power between the two sides, audiences can't help wondering who will win!

Translation: Just looking at the balance of power between the two sides, audiences can't help wondering who will win!

And the original version of Pacific Rim 2's biggest flaw was making the originally heavy, realistic mechs look slender.

Translation: As for the original Pacific Rim 2, its biggest flaw was making the originally heavy and realistic mecha slender in appearance.

To be honest, they not only lack any sense of heft, but sometimes give the audience a feeling of thin filling inside a metal shell—something that could be flattened by a monster's swipe.

Translation: Frankly, it not only lacks any sense of heft, but sometimes gives the audience a feeling of thin filling inside a tin shell—something that could be flattened by a monster's swipe.

This is easy to understand: originally, Pacific Rim 1 had a total investment of $190 million, but before release the two producers, Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros., fell out, the promotion was a mess, and the worldwide box office was only $411 million.

Translation: This is understandable; in history, Pacific Rim 1 had a total investment of 190 million US dollars, but shortly before release the two producers, Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros., fell out, promotion was a mess, and worldwide box office only reached 411 million.

Even with DVD sales, video-on-demand, and merchandising added, this still didn't break even—it just lost only a little.

Translation: Even with DVD sales, video-on-demand, and peripheral development added, this still couldn't recoup the costs, merely losing only a little.

So for the sequel, the investment was cut down to $150 million.

Translation: Therefore, for the sequel the investment was cut down to only 150 million US dollars.

It seems the investors were just trying to cut corners, hoping to cash in on the first film's reputation and fame.

Translation: It's likely the investors were trying to cut corners, just hoping to cash in on the first film's reputation and fame.

As a result, its box office performance was even worse—it didn't even reach the level of the similarly mediocre Meg, which grossed $530 million worldwide.

Translation: The result was even worse box office performance—not even reaching the level of the similarly mediocre-reputed Meg, which itself had a worldwide gross of 530 million US dollars.

It must be said that monster movies generally don't get high ratings, but their market performance is truly strong.

Translation: One must admit, monster movies generally have low ratings, but their market performance is truly good.

Jiang Heng's version of Pacific Rim 2 makes both the mechs and the monsters more shocking and realistic, with the action scenes really explosive; even if the drama is a bit weak, it won't hurt the box office much.

Translation: In Jiang Heng's version of Pacific Rim 2, both the mecha and the monsters are made more shocking and realistic, the action scenes are explosively exciting, so even if the drama is a bit weak, the box office impact won't be too great.

After all, audiences come to see mechs versus monsters—just like going to see The Meg and finding that the big shark is done with cheap effects, which would be pure fraud.

Translation: After all, audiences come to see mecha versus monsters, just like going into a theater to watch Meg, only to find the big shark done with cheap five-cent effects—that's pure swindling.

The special effects and story of Pacific Rim 2 are fully upgraded compared to its predecessor, so I'm confident its box office performance will be higher. As for whether its worldwide gross can exceed one billion dollars, that depends on whether audiences support it.

Translation: "The special effects and plot of Pacific Rim 2 are comprehensively upgraded compared to its predecessor, so I believe its box office performance will definitely be higher. As for whether its worldwide gross can exceed one billion US dollars, that depends on whether audiences support it."

I believe that someday a film I direct will earn over one billion dollars worldwide, but I really hope it's Pacific Rim 2, because the film carries some of my beautiful aspirations.

Translation: "I believe that someday a film I direct will earn over one billion US dollars worldwide, but I truly hope it will be Pacific Rim 2, because the film carries some of my beautiful wishes."

Liu Yan said eagerly: 'I believe this film's worldwide box office will definitely exceed one billion; I will also urge my family and friends to support it. And you mentioned those beautiful aspirations—are they referring to the splendid performance of the Chinese mecha in the film?'

Translation: Liu Yan hurriedly said, "I believe this film's worldwide box office will definitely exceed one billion; I will also urge my family and friends to support this film. And the beautiful wish you mentioned—is it the splendid performance of the Chinese mecha in the movie?"

Jiang Heng nodded: 'Not bad; the true protagonist of the previous film was America's "Dangerous Wanderer". This time, it's our turn for China's "Storm Crimson Red".'

Translation: Jiang Heng nodded, "Not bad; the true protagonist of the previous film was America's 'Dangerous Wanderer'. This time, it's our China's 'Storm Crimson Red's turn."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yan's eyes instantly welled up, and she exclaimed excitedly: 'Really, Director Jiang? I'm really looking forward to it—I loved the Storm Crimson Red last time I saw it, and this time I'll definitely watch it several more times.'

Translation: Upon hearing this, Liu Yan's eyes instantly welled up, and she exclaimed excitedly, "Really? Director Jiang, I'm really looking forward to it—I loved 'Storm Crimson Red' last time, and this time I'll definitely watch it several more times."

In the distance, Guo Fan, a journalist in the press corps, hearing Jiang Heng's conversation, also felt somewhat excited, thinking to himself: 'Director Jiang really knows how to market—if these words are reported, audiences will surely be excited, and many will surely go to the theaters to support it. As for overseas reaction, that's another matter; domestically we might even get a billion or even eight billion!'

Translation: In the distance, Guo Fan among the reporters hearing Jiang Heng's conversation also felt somewhat uplifted, thinking to himself, "Director Jiang really knows how to market; if these words are reported, audiences will surely be excited, and many will surely go to the cinema to support it. As for overseas reaction, that's another matter, but domestically we might even get one billion or even eight billion!"

Meanwhile, the more distant audience members have already started shouting excitedly.

Translation: Meanwhile, the audience farther away had already begun shouting excitedly.

Some shouted 'Director Jiang, keep it up!', some yelled 'Storm Crimson Red!', and others cried 'Rise of Chinese-language cinema!'

Translation: Some shouted "Director Jiang, add oil!", some yelled "Storm Crimson Red!", and others cried "Rise of Chinese-language cinema!"

In short, all kinds of shouts were heard, making things a bit chaotic.

Translation: In short, all kinds of shouts were heard, making things a bit chaotic.

Jiang Heng, however, had already finished the interview and headed to the venue.

Translation: Jiang Heng, however, had already finished the interview and headed to the venue.

Because it is a joint production by iQiyi, China Film, and Columbia, the heads of China Film—Han Sanping—and Columbia's China president Zhou Lixian, as well as the person in charge of promotion Yu Dong and others, all came.

Translation: Because it was a joint production by Outstanding Rising Film Company, China Film, and Columbia, the head of China Film Han Sanping, Columbia's China regional president Zhou Lixian, and the person in charge of distribution Yu Dong, among others, all came.

On the director side, quite a few came to show support, including Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Jiang Wen, Jia Zhangke, and others.

Translation: On the director side, not a few came to "show support": Zhang Yimou, Feng Xiaogang, Jiang Wen, Jia Zhangke, and others all came.

The earlier ones said they were just coming to show support, but many more were actually there to see the blockbuster as soon as possible.

Translation: The earlier ones said they were there to show support, but more so to see the big film as soon as possible.

As for Jia Zhangke, he came mainly to express his thanks.

Translation: As for Jia Zhangke, he came more or less out of gratitude.

He had previously lacked funding for his films, approached Jiang Heng here, easily obtained investment, and after a couple of interactions became acquainted.

Translation: He previously lacked funds for filming, approached Jiang Heng here, easily obtained investment, and after a couple of interactions became acquainted.

However, although he and Zhang Yimou both come from the so-called Northwest Circle, their relationship is not good.

Translation: However, although he and Zhang Yimou both come from the Northwest Circle, their relationship is not good.

Moreover, the so-called Northwest Circle is neither an organization nor a gang, but merely a nickname.

Translation: Moreover, the so-called Northwest Circle is neither an organization nor a gang, but rather a nickname.

It's a label that others impose on you, which you might not even accept, but there's nothing you can do about it.

Translation: It's a label others impose on you, perhaps you don't even accept it yourself, but there's nothing you can do about it.

Unlike the Beijing Circle's atmosphere of sticking together for mutual warmth and shared hostility, the Northwest Circle is known for various covert struggles.

Translation: Unlike the warm, united-against-the-enemy atmosphere of the Capital Circle, the Northwest Circle is known for various covert struggles.

To elaborate, the Northwest Circle consists of two factions: one centered on directors Zhang Yimou, Gu Changwei, and Wang Quan'an, together with actors such as Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, Jiang Wenli, Ma Chun, Zhang Jia Yi, etc., forming the 'Shaanxi Gang'.

Translation: To elaborate, the Northwest Circle consists of two factions: one core is directors Zhang Yimou, Gu Changwei, and Wang Quan'an, plus actors such as Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, Jiang Wenli, Ma Su, and Zhang Jia'yi, forming the "Shaanxi Gang".

The other faction comprises the Shanxi directors Jia Zhangke, Ning Hao, and Cao Baoping, along with screenwriter Liu Cixin and actor Zhao Tao, etc., forming the 'Shanxi Gang'.

Translation: The other faction comprises Shanxi directors Jia Zhangke, Ning Hao, and Cao Baoping, along with screenwriter Liu Cixin and actor Zhao Tao, forming the "Shanxi Gang".

The Shanxi Gang's lineup is relatively weak, especially at this moment—only Jia Zhangke and Cao Baoping have some fame, while Ning Hao, Liu Cixin, etc., are still not well known!

Translation: The Shanxi Gang's lineup is relatively weak, especially at this moment—only Jia Zhangke and Cao Baoping have some fame, while Ning Hao, Liu Cixin, etc., are still not well known!

Moreover, Ning Hao is currently preparing to film Crazy Stone, which is also an investment by iQiyi Pictures.

Translation: Moreover, Ning Hao is currently preparing to film Crazy Stone, which is also an investment by Outstanding Rising Film Company.

The script for this film dates back to 2000, when it was originally titled 'Big Diamond'.

Translation: The script for this film dates back to 2000, originally titled Big Diamond.

In 2005, Ning Hao took the script to Andy Lau, seeking six million yuan in investment.

Translation: In 2005, Ning Hao took the script to Liu Dehua, requesting six million in investment.

Andy Lau, having already invested in several consecutive films, only agreed to give three million.

Translation: Liu Dehua, having already invested in several consecutive films, only agreed to give three million.

Ning Hao then said he could get five million from elsewhere.

Translation: Ning Hao then said he could obtain five million elsewhere.

Andy Lau bluntly replied, 'Then just go back.'

Translation: Liu Dehua bluntly replied, then you might as well go back.

In the original history, Ning Hao couldn't find any investment at all, so he went back and took Andy Lau's investment.

Translation: In actual history, Ning Hao basically couldn't find any investment, so he returned to take Liu Dehua's investment.

But in this timeline, thanks to Jia Zhangke's introduction, Ning Hao received investment from Jiang Heng.

Translation: But in this life, thanks to Jia Zhangke's introduction, Ning Hao obtained investment from Jiang Heng.

It wasn't much—just five million—so Ning Hao still had to pinch pennies, haggling over prices to hire actors.

Translation: The amount wasn't much either—five million—so Ning Hao still had to pinch pennies, variously squeezing prices to hire actors.

Seeing that Huang Bo, Liu Hua, Yue Xiaojun, and Guo Tao's characters remained unchanged, Jiang Heng didn't interfere.

Translation: Seeing that Huang Bo, Liu Hua, Yue Xiaojun, and Guo Tao's characters remained unchanged, Jiang Heng didn't interfere.

He didn't care about that small return on investment; he simply thought talent is hard to come by!

Translation: He didn't care much about that small investment return; he simply felt talent is hard to come by!

(End of chapter)