Chapter 294: The Wandering Earth and the Global Box Office

While the film Three Body was booming worldwide, Jiang Heng took the Mighty Troop crew to Yunnan for location shooting.

It was mainly for the Mighty Troop squad's scene of the first battle with Sun Wukong in the forest.

As for his attending the Three Body premiere and then going abroad for promotion, the Mighty Troop crew did not stop; instead, company boss and producer Du Huan and assistant director Guo Fan followed the shooting schedule to film some less important shots.

It is said that Guo Fan quit his job at China Travel TV and resolutely joined Love Outstanding Rising Film Company.

First he attended Director Jiang's director training class, learning a lot about special‑effects filmmaking techniques; thereafter he kept working with Jiang Heng on movies as an assistant director.

And this man, worthy of being the director who made the blockbuster The Wandering Earth, stood out among the trainees during the class and, after joining the crew, took on a lot of work for Jiang Heng.

Moreover, he can be a nominal producer and give some guidance!

Upon the crew's arrival at the location, they received a warm welcome from local officials and villagers.

After all, given his current status, he hears far too many words of gratitude, flattery and admiration.

As box offices worldwide add up, Three Body's global total box office surged rapidly; less than a month after release it had already surpassed 900 million USD, heading straight for the 1 billion mark.

Although Jiang Heng will have time to join the film's post‑production after September next year, Guo Fan still feels enormous pressure.

As for Southeast Asia and other small countries, they are mostly just watching the spectacle.

He naturally likes Da Liu's works and thinks The Wandering Earth has a good story, making its adaptation even more appealing.

In fact, he and Jiang Heng are the same age, both born in 1980.

"Some words are best kept in the heart; I don't seek them. As for you, just make a good film and let the audience cheer, and I'll be satisfied!"

Even many local officials went to the theater to watch Three Body, and upon leaving they all exclaimed, "How was it made?"

Thinking of the sci‑fi scenes in the film and the real world's backwardness and poverty, the contrast becomes even sharper.

Then, they threw themselves into filming.

"Director Jiang, this time you're probably going to break another record; judging by the current box‑office trend, Three Body's global box office surpassing 1.1 billion USD isn't a problem!"

"Is it really possible, teacher?" Guo Fan's expression was excited.

The result was fairly satisfactory; directing a film on his own isn't a big issue.

Hearing that, Guo Fan grew even more grateful and hurriedly said, "Teacher, I…!"

Guo Fan, upon hearing it, instantly became nervous.

Based on the current box‑office trend and word‑of‑mouth, the Beimei market's 400 million USD box office is solid.

Indeed, the political and business elite in Beimei all revere the Three Body novel, which in turn influences media coverage.

Ordinary grassroots people naturally don't think that much, but Jiang Heng's brand is strong, and the media constantly praise how good Three Body is, naturally drawing countless viewers into theaters.

Inside a Coaster van heading to the location, Jiang Heng and Guo Fan sat side by side.

Jiang Heng saw his hesitation and smiled, "No rush, just think it over slowly! After the New Year I'll have to devote most of my energy to the Olympic Games; before the opening ceremony I definitely can't shoot a new film."

"Of course, among all the trainees, you're the one I have the most confidence in; I'll definitely help you create a great work!"

Guo Fan, hearing that, felt a surge in his body—The Wandering Earth? Is there such a good thing?

For a typical director, producing a high‑quality special‑effects blockbuster within a year and a half is quite difficult.

Yet at this moment, the Mighty Troop crew arrived, Jiang Heng arrived, and that caused a sensation.

However, by chance chatting with Liu Cixin, he learned that Liu had sold the film‑and‑TV adaptation rights of The Wandering Earth to Jiang Heng for 800,000, so he didn't dare to consider that project.

As long as you don't sabotage yourself and put in a little effort, you can thrive comfortably in this industry.

But when it comes to filming something else, he can't decide right away which would be better.

Naturally, the reason is the massive word‑of‑mouth; excellent special effects are only one aspect.

A year and a half? That's your speed, teacher!

"Teacher, do I really have a chance to direct The Wandering Earth?"

It's the 2009 summer slot; if you don't pull in over 500 million at the box office, it would be embarrassing.

Facing the local enthusiasm, Jiang Heng still has to carve out time to respond—have a meal, do some networking—it's unavoidable.

Jiang Heng waved his hand quickly, indicating he didn't need to say anything.

Hearing that, Jiang Heng couldn't help feeling a bit dazed; why does that phrase sound familiar?

Guo Fan asked, "Teacher, do you have any suggestions?"

Afterwards, he began to ponder what would be best to film.

Guo Fan naturally thought about the days ahead, and for his first work, he also considered what would be best to film.

Meanwhile, the film Three Body was booming in the global movie market.

"Teacher, I'm eager to improve and will definitely not disappoint you!"

Jiang Heng smiled, "I do want you to direct The Wandering Earth, but the timing isn't mature yet!"

First, Jiang Heng's fame is already huge; moreover, Three Body is currently a hot release!

This time, for the global promotion of Three Body, Jiang Heng will be away from the crew for about half a month, handing over a lot of work to Guo Fan just to test his ability.

Only the capable are chosen; after joining Love Outstanding Rising Film Company and attending the training class, he has always regarded himself as Jiang Heng's student.

The political and business elite all approve, and the grassroots also join the fun, so the box‑office results are naturally good.

In the other European countries, the situation is similar, since the values are alike.

Currently, next year's summer and New Year slots both have blockbusters scheduled; you only need to produce a film that can debut in the 2009 summer slot, and with a year and a half left, it should be doable!

After all, given Jiang Heng's current standing in Chinese‑language cinema, being his student is a status many dream of.

If it works out, they'll let him start directing independently.

Japan and South Korea, though Asian countries, are heavily influenced by Western civilization and likewise love Three Body.

Since Jiang Heng began planning Three Body, he has watched many of Liu Cixin's works and increasingly feels that only two works—the Three Body and The Wandering Earth—are suitable for film‑and‑TV adaptation.

He originally thought Jiang Heng would keep both for himself, but learning there's still a chance to direct The Wandering Earth left him truly excited and grateful, beyond words.

In Beimei, with blockbusters like Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and Shrek 3 already in theaters, Three Body earned $115 million in its first three‑day weekend, breaking Jiang Heng's North American opening‑weekend box‑office record.

Guo Fan blushed and said, "I know, teacher, you can rest assured; I'll do my best to shoot it well!"

"I think you can now independently direct a film; have you considered what your first work should be about?"

Inside the crew, Du Huan came to report good news.

Jiang Heng was also pleased upon hearing the news, and he looked forward even more to the box office performance of next summer's 3D version of "Havoc in Heaven".

(End of chapter)