Chapter 467

In the blink of an eye it was June, and the annual summer movie season preheating stage had arrived.

This year's summer movie season is somewhat special, with Jiang Heng participating, yet it is not the usual effects-heavy blockbuster.

Yet it is still a martial-arts epic with numerous action stars making cameo appearances, which has left the production and distribution companies of the other big films released at the same time feeling gloomy.

They wanted to compete, but felt they couldn't win; avoiding it left them somewhat unwilling.

After all, the golden release window within the season is only a few days; if they all avoided The New Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, it would undoubtedly intensify the competition among the other films.

For this reason, those production and distribution companies have really racked their brains over the issue of film release dates.

A joint production by just one or two companies is fine, but something like the first part of Tai-Pan, jointly produced by Xiao Ma Ben Teng, Le Shi Film, China Film, Hua Yi and others, requires repeated big meetings to settle scheduling and promotion, and it's not resolved in one go.

For example, the first part of Tai-Pan was originally slated for the 2013 Spring Festival, but due to various disagreements the production was delayed, forcing a postponement to the summer of 2013.

As a result, the representatives of the several companies started arguing again over the exact release date.

Xiao Ma Ben Teng, Le Shi Film, and Hua Yi all tend to favor a late July release, because students have just started vacation, haven't spent much money yet, and thus have a greater desire and likelihood to go to the movies.

If they waited until August, it would be inevitable that some students, having already seen several films, would be reluctant to spend more money on cinema.

The reasoning is simple: viewers' money is limited, and only a minority can watch every hot film in a season; whoever gets in first gains a bigger edge—otherwise Jiang Heng wouldn't have to dominate the first half of the summer season every year.

But China Film believes that although The New Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber is not an effects-heavy blockbuster directed by Jiang Heng, it is a film he has starred in after several years, and who knows how many fans are looking forward to it! Moreover, action actors from across the Chinese-language entertainment world are lending their support; audiences will feel their money is well spent just counting the "stars"! The film is sure to be a big seller—it's a sure thing! Of course, being a martial-arts type, its prospects in North America, Europe, Japan and Korea are unpredictable.

Perhaps because Jiang Heng is the lead, it might achieve decent box office, or it might end up a flop.

That only refers to the uncertain overseas outlook; domestically, it still looks hard to match.

Xiao Ma Ben Teng company does not really accept China Film's representative's analysis, leading to many disagreements, and the final release date remains undecided.

But the other several big films have already secured their slots early on.

For example, Jiang Wen's One Step Away was set for early August long ago.

He naturally has considerable confidence in his own film, but that confidence is based on its artistry and substance.

As for box office performance, Jiang Wen himself admits he is no match for Jiang Heng, and avoiding a clash when his film opens is not embarrassing.

With the two films' release dates spaced more than three weeks apart, their impact on each other's box office can be said to be negligible.

Meanwhile, the Xiang family's production of Fengshen Legend is set directly for mid-August.

Although this film also spent a lot on effects and has a strong cast, looking at Jiang Heng's past works and then at their own production, the Xiang couple truly lack strong confidence.

In the previous life there was no comparison, but Jiang Heng has set up a nearly insurmountable benchmark, making it hard not to compare.

Furthermore, Outstanding Rising Film Company's production of The Dragon-Seeking Scripture stars Han Dong as the male lead, Liu Yifei as the female lead, with Huang Bo playing the fatty king, and Guo Fan as director.

Although the film is not directed by Jiang Heng, its investment, source material, director, cast, and effects are all top-notch.

The market is very optimistic about it, and its final mid-August release has left the former Xianggang mogul who once dominated the film scene worried and anxious.

Even the "backup" works from Outstanding Rising Film Company are this tough to beat; if they truly had to face Jiang Heng's effects-heavy blockbuster, the pressure would be enormous! Besides those that the market is very optimistic about, there are many other works that seem to have popped up out of nowhere.

For example, the Jingcheng faction's Geta, jointly produced and released with China Film, The Secrets of Heaven: Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, truly seems to have fallen from the sky—a film that had hardly been heard of in promotion before, now suddenly slated for release.

Moreover, a premiere for the new film is scheduled for early June, and through China Film they sent Jiang Heng an invitation.

Inside the chairman's office of Outstanding Rising Film Company, Jiang Heng stared at the invitation in his hand, laughing and crying at once.

Speaking of Director Sun, does he have no judgment at all about the real quality of his own film?

If that were truly the case, it would be a talent in itself!

Jing Tian beside him saw Jiang Heng laughing and crying, and exclaimed in surprise: "Are you really that torn? I see plenty of big-name stars in this film!"

Jiang Heng said: "What good are lots of big-name stars if the film itself isn't good?"

"Not good?" Jing Tian did not understand why Jiang Heng was so certain.

"Have you ever heard the name of this great Director Sun before?"

Da Tian Tian shook her head back and forth: "I've never heard of him at all!"

"Then that settles it—no prior filmmaking experience, yet he jumps straight into a big production; it's likely to flop!"

"But you yourself succeeded on your first film!"

"Exactly, so I'm a one-in-a-million genius!"

Da Tian Tian smiled at his words, nodded in agreement: "Indeed, I've never seen anyone more talented than you in the film field!"

Jiang Heng modestly replied: "I can't say that; I'm just better at making money, and in terms of film artistry I still lag behind those great directors."

"Being able to make films that audiences like and earn lots of money is already impressive enough!"

Jiang Heng laughed: "I really didn't notice, you're getting better and better at praising people!"

Da Tian Tian wore an expression of "of course": "That's just how it is!"

Jiang Heng grew happier, shook the invitation in his hand, and said: "So, do you want to see just how bad this film really is?"

Jing Tian puzzled: "A bad film, and you still want to go see it?"

Jiang Heng laughed: "After watching lots of bad films, audiences will only come to appreciate my work even more!"

Jing Tian was speechless, snorted, and said: "I've realized you're becoming more and more cunning!"

Jiang Heng said: "People change as they age!"

A few days later came the premiere of The Secrets of Heaven: Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains; Jiang Heng attended with Jing Tian, but the organizers did not play the full film, only some clips and behind-the-scenes footage.

Jiang Heng thought to himself: "Looks like you still know just how bad your film is."

And when facing media reporters' interviews, asked how he viewed the film's box‑office prospects, Jiang Heng smiled and said: "Since I haven't seen the actual film, I won't comment. I've always believed that golden and silver cups are nothing compared to word‑of‑mouth from the audience—everyone will know once the film is released."

Director Sun Jianjun's expression was somewhat unpleasant, but Jiang Heng simply ignored him. He came for two reasons: one, he was bored and looking for something fun; two, a senior executive from China Film had repeatedly invited him, saying Jiang Heng didn't need to help with publicity—just showing up was enough.

Speaking of China Film, it truly is a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers abound—there are too many capable people with backgrounds.

While Jiang Heng maintains good relations with Han Sanping, he also needs to get along well with others.

Some people may not succeed at good deeds, but they are quite talented at causing trouble.

Moreover, there are many business collaborations between China Film and Outstanding Rising Film Company—cinemas, digital shooting bases, development of film‑related amusement parks, etc. —so giving face is certainly required, but it doesn't have to go to the so‑called "Director Sun".

After the premiere ended, Hua Zi came over and said, "Want to go out for a drink?" Jiang Heng naturally wouldn't refuse, and Da Tian Tian sensibly left first.

Two people chose a barbecue restaurant with private rooms, sat down and ordered food, Jiang Heng said: "How did you come to think about taking this film?"

Huazi was somewhat surprised, "You think this film is no good?"

Jiang Heng laughed, "Is there even a need to say that?"

Huazi wore a helpless expression, said: "I've always been busy; Han San ye called to invite, so I didn't think much. You also know he's helped me a lot, I can't refuse!"

Jiang Heng nodded slightly; after all, in this circle, often one has to talk about personal favors and worldly affairs. He knew full well how bad "Rich Out Mountain Dwelling Picture" was, yet he still came? Of course, he came just to make up the numbers; in the publicity reports for the film, the guest's name could simply be his.

Huazi, this genuine lead actor, the film turned out so bad, he bears some responsibility; this is also an important reason why he cannot "carry the box office".

Like Cheng Long, Zhou Xingxing, in their respective strong genres, they have box office "dominance".

Wang Baoshan and later Shen Teng, the comedies they star in are usually funny as well.

Huazi, on the other hand, has made too many films, too many bad ones; audiences simply cannot judge the quality of his next film based on past experience.

Although Huazi is still considered a senior, and he is relatively dedicated, Jiang Heng didn't want to be too harsh, merely advising him to put more thought into his film choices.

Huazi gave a wry smile: "No way, favors have to be repaid; they've helped me many times, then make a small request, and it's hard to refuse!"

Jiang Heng chuckled: "You, you place too much importance on these!"

Huazi said: "No way, my talent is average; I rely on diligence, dedication, and many friends to have achieved this little bit today, and I can't change that!"

After a pause, he added: "Actually, I also want to act in good films, but I just lack the opportunity! Director Jiang, if you have a suitable role, please consider me; a reduced salary is no problem!"

Jiang Heng raised his cup, took a sip, nodded slightly: "No problem, we're both from Xianggang; if there's a suitable role, I'll definitely think of you!"

Liu Dehua quickly said thanks, then immediately smiled: "You're not someone who makes empty promises; being able to say that, you must have something in mind, right?"

Jiang Heng said: "Not exactly! Earlier I invited Baoshan to co-star in an action film, but the concept kept changing, turning into a martial arts epic; he had no suitable role in it, so he simply couldn't participate!"

Liu Dehua laughed: "Even so, but you filmed 'A Lone Martial World', letting him experience being a master for a bit!"

Jiang Heng chuckled again, then spoke about Huazi's role: "I'm thinking that over the next few years we'll film 'Little Soldier Legend' and the sequel to 'Three Body'; among those there will be suitable roles, and I'll prioritize you!"

Liu Dehua's eyes lit up: "Both of these are ultimate classic sci-fi films; the first one grabbed the global box office crown, a record that remains unbroken to this day."

The second is even more a classic among classics of sci-fi movies; many netizens' reviews say that after watching this film, they find that Haolaiwu's those "punch-to-the-flesh" sci-fi blockbusters are simply unbearable to behold!

Just like the war between humans and ants, you can flood with water, burn with fire, wipe with paper, but you won't use incredibly advanced technology to shrink yourself to ant size and then fight with weapons.

As for films like 'Three Body', Liu Dehua is also quite fond of them, unable to help but say: "Is it Luo Ji? Surely it can't be Yun Tianming, just playing a brain?"

Liu Dehua finished speaking, burst into laughter, and raised his cup toward Jiang Heng.

"Definitely can't just let you play a brain; the role still has a fair amount of screen time!"

Upon hearing that, Liu Dehua knew there was hope to play Luo Ji, but Jiang Heng's heart was still hesitating, unable to finally settle on a choice.

"No matter the size of the role, I will put my heart into performing it!"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily: "This isn't just me; the whole entertainment industry knows this!"

In the following days, the film 'Heaven's Secret: Rich Spring Mountain Dwelling Picture' was released, and indeed it was a huge flop, flopping to the extent of the sky.

As the lead actor, Huazi was scolded terribly; even Jiang Heng had people online complaining, saying that the publicity claimed Director Jiang attended the film's premiere, leading them to think the movie wouldn't be too bad.

Immediately, fans of Jiang Heng posted his remarks from the premiere, indicating that Director Jiang's attendance at the premiere was just a matter of personal connections and worldly etiquette, and he certainly didn't recommend everyone go see it.

Netizens replied, really just too trusting of the "Director Jiang" brand, feeling that anything he's involved in definitely won't be bad.

It actually sparked quite a bit of discussion among netizens, some saying: "Mainly because Director Jiang's works are too few, not enough to watch, so anything related to him subconsciously makes people want to support it!"

"Is two big films a year still considered too few?"

"When Cheng Long, Xingye, and Li Lianjie were at their peak, they put out six or seven films a year!"

"Isn't it about the quality, big brother!"

"But speaking of it, 'New Heaven Slaying Dragon Chronicle' is really awesome; I've watched that trailer several times, and Director Jiang's moves are also super handsome!"

When a netizen replied to this, their excitement almost spilled out of the text.

"Isn't Director Jiang's kung fu always strong? He can truly fight without losing to Zhou Billy!"

"If he could make more kung fu films, that would be great!"

"Come on, he's a big boss; how could he possibly suffer that? Cheng Long, Li Lianjie—who isn't covered in injuries?"

"I heard that for this premiere there were only 6,600 tickets; with so many stars attending, if you could snag one, you'd really profit!"

"No need to think; they'll definitely be sold out instantly, or else save up some money and buy from scalpers!"

"I hate scalpers!"

Amidst the anticipation of many moviegoers, the tickets for the premiere of 'New Heaven Slaying Dragon Chronicle' indeed, as netizens guessed, sold out the instant they went online.

On the scalpers' side, the prices just kept climbing higher and higher; the reason is simple: all the stars rallying around, the king is invincible; this might be Jiang Heng's first and last martial arts epic in his lifetime—if you don't watch it now, you truly won't get another chance!

(End of chapter)