Chapter 493: Global Promotion

When the first part of "Xiong Bing Lian" premiered it was still 2008, and in the blink of an eye several years have passed; it's already 2014!

Fans sigh that waiting for Director Jiang's sequel is truly difficult; we must support it!

So many fans of the "Xiong Bing Lian" movies and the League of Legends game hurriedly reposted news of the "Xiong Bing Lian Continuation" release on WeChat Moments, Weibo and other personal social‑media platforms, voluntarily promoting the film.

The distributor, Bona Company, only carried out routine roadshow promotion.

As for Jiang Heng, after attending a preview event in Shanghai, he flew straight to Xianggang.

In the restaurant, Jiang Heng, Cheng Long, Hong Jinbao, Zhou Runfa, Zhou Xingchi, Liang Chaowei, Zhang Xueyou, Gu Tianle, Wu Yusen, Xu Ke, Liu Weiqiang, Lin Zhaoxian and dozens of other well‑known figures and big‑shots from the Xianggang entertainment circle gathered together.

Cheng Long stood on the stage, microphone in hand, and announced the purpose of today's gathering.

"Well, over these years, for the well‑known reasons, our Hong Kong films haven't been doing well; many comrades who once were active on the screen have left the industry. Some of them are doing fine, but some have fallen into hardship…!"

Cheng Long gave a few examples, such as Liu Jiahui, who after a stroke and paralysis had his house and money seized by his ex‑wife.

Cheng Long, who comes from a stunt background, has spent his whole life wary of wives, because he's seen too often brothers get injured and their women run off with the money.

He felt somewhat moved listening to Liu Jiahui's story.

The others present all wore solemn expressions.

For example, Zhou Xingchi, who had collaborated with Liu Jiahui in "Tang Bohu Dian Qiu Xiang" and had visited him many times.

Also Liu Dehua, who is said to have been unable to hold back tears when he saw Liu Jiahui emaciated.

"Well, we once fought together in the Xianggang entertainment circle, jointly creating the glorious era of Hong Kong cinema—that's fate. The glory we enjoy today also stems from their efforts… Although Director Jiang, after his debut, went north to develop on the mainland, he still feels deep affection for our Xianggang peers; over the years he has helped many, fulfilled many, cared for many. Here, let's give a round of applause to show our gratitude!"

After Cheng Long finished speaking, he looked at Jiang Heng, smiled and led the applause, and the room naturally erupted in clapping.

In fact, this event was originally supposed to pick a different host, but Cheng Long loves a lively atmosphere.

He said, "What host do you need? I'll do it," and volunteered to take the job.

After thanking Jiang Heng, he explained that the purpose of gathering everyone today was to establish a fund to help Xianggang artists who have already fallen into difficulty.

He immediately announced Jiang Heng's donation amount: ten million yuan, in full.

The people in the hall were somewhat surprised upon hearing it.

After all, this donation isn't due to any great disaster; the Xianggang artists in trouble are still a minority.

Honestly, ten million alone can already help many people.

But out of Jiang Heng's face‑saving, everyone else gave a million or two, I gave a few hundred thousand, pushing the total donation up to more than sixty million yuan.

Jiang Heng then went up on stage and said a few words of thanks for the support!

As for the subsequent establishment and operation of the foundation, it was naturally handed over to professional financial talent. In Xianggang, such people are relatively easy to find.

After having a meal together, Jiang Heng, Cheng Long, Hong Jinbao and Zhou Xingchi had a small gathering.

Although Hong and Zhou had some friction from past collaborations, they're both public figures; with Jiang Heng acting as a mediator, they could still sit together, drink and chat merrily.

Cheng Long was a bit frustrated; his meticulously crafted "Police Story 2013" only earned just over 500 million yuan at the recent New Year box office, and some netizens claimed it was Jiang Heng's cameo that made the numbers.

Otherwise, it wouldn't have even reached 500 million! Cheng Long was naturally very upset, feeling it wasn't his fault but due to the subject matter and script.

He used to shoot all over the world, like "Around the World in 80 Days", "Rush Hour", etc.; "New Police Story", "Baby Project" were shot entirely in Xianggang. But in this film, he only fought in a bar in Jingcheng, the scope was truly too small.

"This time, I want to fight in a vast setting, to battle for a more grandiose theme. What do you think?"

Jiang Heng took a sip of wine and laughed, "Not bad. Where are you planning to go this time?"

"The Western Regions, the ancient Western Regions!"

"Oh, oh!"

Jiang Heng, hearing that, recalled that they were planning "Heavenly General's Mighty Troops", and had to admit it was a rather mediocre film.

The film's director, Li Rengang, is especially fond of flying‑saucer hats.

Cheng Long asked, "Are you interested?"

Jiang Heng shook his head, "I'll pass; I only love big‑budget special‑effects blockbusters!"

Cheng Long slightly shook his head, "With your superb skills, not doing a kung‑fu film is truly a pity!"

Jiang Heng said, "For kung‑fu movies, you guys are enough; why would they need me!"

Moreover, he added, things are different now; the younger generation no longer loves kung‑fu movies as much as before!

Zhou Xingchi said, "I agree on that point. In my opinion, it's because of the special‑effects blockbusters. Look at the 'Xiong Bing Lian Continuation' he's about to star in—one sword swing creates a trench thousands of meters long and dozens of meters deep; the punch‑and‑kick scenes, when compared, just aren't that thrilling!"

Cheng Long, understanding the reasoning, put his arm around Jiang Heng's neck and said, "So if I ever become unemployed one day, it'll be your fault—let's drink!"

Jiang Heng laughed heartily, "Alright, drinks!"

The promotion of "Xiong Bing Lian Continuation" in Xianggang was a huge hit; to the local audience, Jiang Heng is a Xianggang native, and many crew members also came from Xianggang, so his film can be considered a Hong Kong movie.

In these lean times for Hong Kong cinema, it definitely deserves support.

As for promotion in Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and the like, that's entirely left to Du Huan.

After wrapping up matters in Xianggang, Jiang Heng summoned several key creators of the crew and flew together to the United States.

The North American film market is so large that it must be taken seriously.

Moreover, the game League of Legends is extremely popular here; a joint promotion can bring decent box office and also earn extra money through the game.

Compared with the more conservative domestic audience, fans here are freer and more uninhibited.

On the day the premiere began, a huge crowd of game fans dressed as in‑game characters gathered on site, shouting all sorts of slogans.

Of course, they were all in English. Phrases like "Cunning villains, justice will prevail" were unheard.

Jiang Heng's hair‑style partner in Hollywood remains Columbia Company, but its president is no longer the former Aimei; it's now a man named Sangford Panichi.

He is a gaming enthusiast and a fervent fan of special‑effects blockbusters, believing that cinema as a visual art should employ the most advanced technology to push visual scenes to the limit.

He believes that the digitally rendered Queen Kaisha, Angel Yan and others in the film represent the greatest breakthrough in cinema history, poised to overturn the industry. (End of chapter)