Chapter 429

Before Wang Zhonglei made the phone call, Xu Ke had already received the news.

Translation: Before Wang Zhonglei made the phone call, Xu Ke had already received the news.

Before Wang Zhonglei made the phone call, Xu Ke had already received the news.

After all, nearly half of Jiang Heng's production crew came from Hong Kong, and many had previously collaborated.

Translation: After all, nearly half of Jiang Heng's production crew came from Xianggang, and many of them had worked together before.

Jiang Heng announced that he wouldn't be making any big-budget films next year, so these people would have to find another way.

Translation: Jiang Heng announced that he would not shoot big-budget films next year, so these people would have to find another way out.

Among the Hong Kong directors they know, the top choice for someone active in mainland China who can make big-budget films is definitely Xu Ke.

Translation: And among the Xianggang directors they knew, the top choice for someone active in Neidi and capable of shooting big-budget films was definitely Xu Ke.

Zhou Xingxing also directs films, but he's overly strict, earning the nickname "set tyrant." If given a choice, everyone would definitely prefer someone easier to work with.

Translation: Zhou Xingxing also directs films, but he is overly strict, earning the nickname "set tyrant." If they had a choice, everyone would definitely pick someone easier to work with.

As a result, many people called Xu Ke, leaving him feeling both honored and startled.

Translation: Consequently, many people called Xu Ke, making him feel "surprised and honored."

"Director Xu, have you heard the news about Jiang Heng?" Wang Zhonglei asked over the phone.

Translation: "Director Xu, have you heard the news about Jiang Heng?" Wang Zhonglei asked over the phone.

"I've heard about it; lots of old friends have been calling me!"

Translation: "I've heard that many old friends have been calling me!"

"This is a rare opportunity! Let's find a place to talk properly about the matter of *The Dragon King of the Divine Capital*."

Translation: "This is a rare opportunity! Let's find a place to talk properly about the matter of *Shen Du Long Wang*."

Upon hearing this, Xu Ke smirked.

Translation: Xu Ke heard this and showed a sneer.

Because of the script for *The Dragon King of the Divine Capital*, he had already discussed it many times with the Wang brothers, yet there were still many disagreements.

Translation: Because of the script *Shen Du Long Wang*, he had already discussed it many times with the Wang brothers, yet there were still many disagreements.

Regarding the plot, Wang Zhonglei kept insisting on the fact that Luoyang has no sea, constantly wanting him to change the setting.

Translation: Regarding the plot, Wang Zhonglei kept insisting on the fact that Luoyang has no sea, constantly wanting him to change the setting.

The problem is, if Luoyang truly has no sea, then this story would cease to exist.

Translation: The problem is, if Luoyang truly has no sea, then this story would cease to exist.

As for the lead role, Wang Zhonglei wanted to cast a mainland actor, while Xu Ke preferred someone from Hong Kong/Taiwan; after lengthy discussions they couldn't agree, leaving the project at an impasse.

Translation: Furthermore, concerning the cast, Wang Zhonglei wanted to use Neidi actors while he wanted to use actors from Gangtai; after lengthy discussion they could not reach an agreement, leaving the project in a deadlock.

If Jiang Heng hadn't announced his pause in filming next year, the Wang brothers wouldn't be in such a hurry.

Translation: If Jiang Heng had not announced a pause in filming next year, the Wang brothers would not be so eager.

In that case, Xu Ke really ought to thank Jiang Heng!

Translation: Putting it that way, Xu Ke ought to thank Jiang Heng! ……

In Hong Kong, Wu Yusen was awakened from his sleep by a phone call.

Translation: In Xianggang, Wu Yusen was awakened from sleep by a phone call.

"He's going to stop working for a year? Humph, that's pretty normal, yet he's making such a big fuss!" Wu Yusen complained.

Translation: "He's going to stop working for a year? Hmph, quite normal, yet he's caused such a commotion!" Wu Yusen said discontentedly.

After all, with the Hong Kong film industry in decline, it's quite normal for many big directors to go years without shooting a film.

Translation: After all, with the decline of Xianggang cinema, it's quite normal for many big directors to go years without filming.

Even a Hollywood-level director like him, after the film *Red Cliff*, went several years without directing anything, without even making a special announcement!

Translation: A Hollywood director like him, after the film *Red Cliff*, also went several years without directing a movie, without even making a special announcement!

Of course, he hasn't been idle these past few years, producing films such as *The Sword Rain* and *Seediq Bale*.

Translation: Of course, he hasn't been idle these years, producing films such as *Jian Yu* and *Saideke Balai*, etc.

Then he worked on perfecting the script for his own Chinese version of the "Titanic," *The Pacific*, and also sought investors willing to put up money.

Translation: Then he worked on perfecting the script for his own Chinese version of the "Titanic"—*Taiping Liu*—and also sought investors willing to put up money.

However, his Hollywood film *Windtalkers* lost a lot of money, and *Red Cliff* didn't meet expectations in reputation or box office, making some investors hesitant.

Translation: However, his Hollywood film *Wind Talker* lost a lot of money, and the reputation and box office of *Red Cliff* also fell short of expectations, making some investors hesitant.

But Jiang Heng's decision to halt filming is indeed a piece of good news for him.

Translation: But Jiang Heng's suspension of filming work is indeed a piece of good news for him.

The caller, Zhang Jiazhen, said, "Jiang Heng has both parts of *The One Below* and both parts of *The Wasteland* this year, totaling over seven billion! With that huge market share freed up, any film released next year will surely make money more easily."

Translation: The caller Zhang Jiazhen said, "Jiang Heng has both parts of *One Person Under* and both parts of *Huang Dao Tian Ting Fu Mie* this year, together earning over seven billion! With such a large market share freed up, the films he shoots next year will surely be easier to profit from……"

Wu Yusen listened and agreed wholeheartedly with that statement.

Translation: Wu Yusen listened and agreed strongly with that.

Because, in their view, as the mainland economy gradually develops, the film market is expanding explosively.

Translation: Because in their view, as Neidi's economy gradually develops, the film market's scale is also in a state of explosive growth.

Most importantly, audiences have developed a moviegoing habit, with more and more young people accustomed to going to the cinema with their partners on weekends.

Translation: Most importantly, audiences' movie-watching habits have been cultivated, with more and more young people accustomed to going to see a film with their lovers on weekends.

And this consumption habit won't disappear just because Jiang Heng stops making films; people will simply have to choose other genres.

Translation: And this consumption habit will not disappear just because Jiang Heng stops filming; everyone can only choose other types of films.

Moreover, the film market is a winner-takes-all kind of market.

Translation: Moreover, the film market is also a winner-takes-all market.

The director with greater fame, a luxurious main cast, huge investment, and strong promotion is more likely to win at the box office.

Translation: Whoever has greater director fame, a luxurious main creative team, huge investment, and strong promotion will more easily win the box office.

Therefore, this stage truly qualifies as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

Translation: Therefore, this stage can be called a rare opportunity indeed!

Wu Yusen had just thought of that, then shook his head, feeling that the phrase "once-in-a-lifetime" was inappropriate, as if he were afraid of Jiang Heng; nevertheless he said, "This time when we go to talk with them, we should be able to raise the funds!"

Translation: Wu Yusen just thought of that, then shook his head, feeling that the phrase "rare opportunity" was not good, as it made him seem afraid of Jiang Heng. But in the end he still said, "This time going to talk with them, we should be able to raise the funds!"

Zhang Jiazhen said, "This time we definitely can; they're not stupid either—who could let such a good opportunity slip by?"

Translation: Zhang Jiazhen said, "This time we definitely can; they're not stupid either—who could let such a good opportunity slip by?"

……

Translation: …… (ellipsis remains as is)

In Ningbo, Chen Kai'ge sat on the sofa in a one-star hotel suite, reading a collection of Du Fu's poems.

Translation: In Ningbo, inside a one-star hotel suite, Thus output: Chen Kaige sat on the sofa reading Du Fu's poetry collection.

Chen Hong walked over and said she had just heard the news that Jiang Heng announced at the wrap party that he plans to suspend filming next year.

Translation: Chen Hong walked over and said she had just heard the news that Jiang Heng, at the wrap-up banquet, indicated he was preparing to suspend filming work next year.

The veteran director merely raised his eyelids and sneered, "What does that mean? He's made enough money—is he preparing to retire?"

Translation: Director Chen merely raised his eyelids and sneered, "What does that mean? Made enough money, preparing to wash his hands in a golden basin?"

Chen Hong laughed, "How could that be? He's still young. Besides, who would complain about having too much money? He's probably just run out of inspiration and has nothing left to film."

Translation: Chen Hong laughed, "How could that be? He's so young. Besides, who would complain that money is too hot to handle? I'd guess it's just a lack of inspiration, with nothing left to film."

Chen Kai'ge nodded slightly, because he felt the same way.

Translation: Thus output: Chen Kaige nodded slightly, because he also felt that way.

Earlier, he had wanted to bring *The Demon Banquet of the Tang Dynasty* to the big screen; after the project was approved, he spent heavily building "Tang City," but it couldn't be ready to shoot for several years.

Translation: Earlier, he had wanted to bring *Shamen Konghai's Datang Ghost Banquet* to the big screen; after the project was approved, he spent heavily to build "Tang City," and it would take several years before filming could start.

At a loss for what to do, he hastily wrote a script titled "Search," intending to first shoot a low-cost drama as a stopgap.

Translation: At a loss for what to do, he simply wrote a script titled "Sousuo," preparing to first shoot a low-budget drama as a transition.

He cast Taiwanese artist Zhao You-ting as the male lead, and the female lead is Gao Yuan-yuan from Aiying Teng Pictures.

Translation: The male lead was chosen as the Taiwanese artist Zhao Youting, and the female lead was Gao Yuanyuan of Ai Outstanding Rising Film Company.

To be honest, he really doesn't like Jiang Heng, nor does he like Aiying Teng.

Translation: To be honest, he really doesn't like Jiang Heng, nor does he like Ai Outstanding Rising Film Company.

But Gao Yuan-yuan's image truly matches his ideal female lead, so he "borrowed" her.

Translation: But Gao Yuanyuan's image truly matches his imagined female lead perfectly, so he "borrowed" her.

The production began shooting in mid-October, and they've only just started filming.

Translation: The crew started shooting in mid-October, and they have only been filming for a short while.

Therefore, regarding Jiang Heng's plan to suspend filming next year, the veteran director doesn't have much feeling about it.

Translation: Therefore, regarding Jiang Heng's plan to suspend filming next year, Director Chen doesn't have much feeling about it.

Because he believes that what defeats him is not Jiang Heng, but the audience themselves.

Translation: Because he feels that what defeats him is not Jiang Heng, but the audience themselves.

Audiences can't understand what he's capable of—surely he can't make something completely devoid of artistry! "Now the entertainment world is buzzing; just watch—there will probably be a flood of films released next year!"

Translation: Audiences can't understand what he's capable of; surely he can't make something with zero artistic merit! "Now the entertainment world is lively—just watch, I estimate there will be a flood of films released next year!"

Chen Hong added somewhat regretfully, "Definitely! If he doesn't film for a year, that means likely no big film of his during the 2013 Spring Festival and summer slots, freeing up a huge market share—those who grab even a bit will be able to feast."

Translation: Chen Hong then said somewhat regretfully, "Definitely! If he doesn't film for a year, that means roughly no big films of his during the 2013 Spring Festival and summer seasons, which frees up a huge market share—those people just need to grab a bit and they'll be eating their fill!"

"Indeed!"

Translation: "Indeed!"

Chen Kai'ge also felt some regret, but the problem is that construction on "Tang City" has already begun; you can't just halt midway and say you'll use special effects instead.

Translation: Thus output: Chen Kaige also felt some regret, but the problem is that construction on "Tang City" has already begun; you can't just say midway that you don't need it and want to use special effects instead!

And as for shooting another effects-heavy blockbuster, he really hasn't figured out what to make yet! "Never mind those, let's just watch the excitement!" Chen Kai'ge chuckled, then picked up his Du Fu poetry collection again.

Translation: And to say he would shoot another effects-heavy blockbuster, he really hasn't figured out what to film yet! "Never mind those, let's just watch the excitement!" Thus output: Chen Kaige chuckled, then picked up his Du Fu poetry collection again.

Chen Hong, however, felt unwilling to let it go, pondering how to find a suitable script for Chen Kai'ge; if they didn't take a share of this great opportunity, it would be a real shame.

Translation: Chen Hong, however, felt unwilling to give up, pondering to find a suitable script for Thus output: Chen Kaige; if such a good opportunity isn't shared, it would be too regrettable.

Besides these big directors, the remaining film and TV company bosses and directors were all greatly shocked upon hearing the news.

Translation: Besides these big directors, the remaining bosses and directors of film and TV companies were all very shocked upon hearing the news.

They immediately realized the opportunity was rare and began eagerly considering launching new projects.

Translation: Immediately realizing the opportunity was rare, they all began to consider launching new film projects.

And when the fans heard the news, they were utterly shocked.

Translation: And when the fans heard the news, they were extremely shocked.

Since *The Matrix* over a decade ago, too many people have grown accustomed to watching Jiang Heng's effects-heavy blockbusters during summer and holiday (Spring Festival) seasons, with many saying they practically grew up on his films; thus hearing this news is truly shocking.

Translation: Since over a decade ago with *The Matrix*, too many people have grown accustomed to watching Jiang Heng's effects-heavy blockbusters during summer and holiday (Spring Festival) seasons, and many can even say they grew up watching his films; thus hearing this news is truly extremely shocking.

Some people went to various forums and tieba to look for the source of the news and discuss its authenticity.

Translation: Some people went to various forums and tieba to look for the source of the news, discussing its truthfulness.

Some people also felt it necessary to support Jiang Heng with concrete actions, running to the cinema to watch Huang Dao Tian Ting Fu Mie a second and third time, causing this film, which was already about to be taken off screens and had sluggish box-office growth, to erupt again.

Because it was released in a niche slot, although 《Huang Dao Tian Ting Fu Mie》 had a strong opening, its later drop was large; originally it barely exceeded twenty billion.

But because the news of Jiang Heng "pausing filming for a year" spread, it attracted many fans to "second watch", "third watch" support, the movie's box office surprisingly rose against the market, there is a possibility to surpass the previous installment! (End of chapter)