Chapter 1121: Director Zhang Who Has Seen a UFO; Lin Nan: Sending You Off to School!

Morning, inside Lin Nan Pictures.

"What made you decide to take on a small production like this? And you've been working on it for so long without telling us."

"Brother Lin, I really like this script—it's completely centered on me—and I also wanted to try what it feels like to play a queen, hehe…

The director showed me the character stills they made for me back then. Honestly, with the willow-leaf brow makeup, even I found myself stunning—really pretty, very beautiful.

The costume designer also hopes I can perform in the willow-leaf brow look throughout the whole show. The most thoughtful part is, they prepared dozens of sets of qipao and outfits for me, and every single one will be used in the drama. Mm, all the clothes fit my temperament perfectly—I'm very satisfied…"

Miss Jing Tian said this cheerfully about the drama "Si Teng." One could tell she genuinely quite liked the script.

Not only that, she had even co-invested in it under her studio's name, which made the production budget plenty comfortable all at once.

"When does filming start?" Yue Jun asked curiously.

"I'll join the set late next month. Because everything will be shot on location, the whole shooting cycle will be a bit longer.

Still, Li Dao said very affirmatively that if all the actors can give their full cooperation and no one throws a wrench in the works or causes delays during shooting, then it can basically wrap in about four months."

"Since your studio has already signed both the actor contract and the investment contract, just settle in and wait to join the set.

If anything comes up in the meantime, call Director Yue anytime—he can handle it all." Looking at Miss Jing Tian, Lin Nan nodded and instructed.

"Understood. Then I'll trouble you, Senior Brother Yue." Miss Jing Tian agreed readily, then smiled and cupped her fist toward Yue Jun.

"Haha, no problem." Yue Jun also nodded hurriedly, smiling and agreeing.

"Oh right, Brother Lin, for you and Sister Liu Yifei's baby this time—are you planning to hold a one-month wine feast or a hundred-day banquet?" Suddenly, Miss Jing Tian's thoughts jumped to the topic of the banquet.

"Haven't decided yet, we'll talk about it later. Don't worry, you'll definitely be invited—just have your gift ready." Lin Nan couldn't help but break into a smile.

"Alright, I'll definitely prepare it in advance. It's getting late, Brother Lin, Senior Brother Yue—shall I head out first then?"

"Sure, we'll walk you out."

As they spoke, Lin Nan and Yue Jun stood up and followed behind Miss Jing Tian, heading out of the office together.

Shortly after, watching her step into the elevator and wave goodbye, the two of them headed to the screenwriting department.

On the way, Yue Jun couldn't help but speak up: "Actually, signing Miss Jing Tian's studio over to Shanhai Media would be pretty good too."

"The original decision to let her studio affiliate with us wasn't about making money—it was because of our everyday bond and personal friendship.

I figured we'd support her for a few more years, let her walk more steadily in the circle and build a more solid foundation, and once the time is right, we can let her go make it on her own."

Oh right, for Zhang Yi, Lei Lei Jiayin, Zhao Zhao Liying, and Dilraba's four studios, I have the same idea—let them all go at the same time."

Lin Nan said his plan offhandedly, and these words startled Yue Jun beside him, leaving him utterly astonished.

"Lin Dao, are you sure?"

"Mm, I'm sure. When the time is right, I'll let them all go solo. After Lin Nan Pictures cancels its artist management business, the artist studio cooperation model will also be completely scrapped.

You should be able to see the development trend of the film and entertainment industry now—one A-lister is equivalent to a small-scale capital. Even if they may never say it out loud, in their hearts they absolutely hope to be more independent and autonomous…

Furthermore, once the theater chain business starts rolling out, Shanhai Media will completely become the most insignificant part of the whole company. Might as well cut it off entirely and save the trouble."

"Lin Dao, before this decision is officially carried out, you'd better keep it confidential!" Yue Jun opened his mouth, but in the end only managed a sighing remark.

……

"Worthy of a spin-off of the 'Fast & Furious' series—on its first day it easily raked in 250 million at the box office."

"Chairman La, this is the application submitted by Paramount Pictures. They hope 'Gemini Killer' can be scheduled for October 11, in sync with North America."

Seeing the leader looking all wistful, the secretary resolutely cut off his train of thought—lest he start thinking again about their own string of box-office failures and ruin his mood.

But the secretary clearly overlooked the other killing power carried by his own words. The chairman of La Da's expression instantly turned even more off: "Li An's 'Gemini Killer'?"

"Yes, that sci-fi action film of Li Dao's."

"If the producer weren't Paramount Pictures, which has the quota for imported films, I would absolutely never let Li An's film in!"

Listening to these bloodthirsty words, the secretary didn't dare make a sound. He figured the main reason the leader was so furious was still that Golden Horse incident last year—Li An had been the committee chairman.

"Still that 120 fps + 4K + 3D format?" Suddenly, Chairman La Da's tone grew even more mocking, with a hidden tinge of embarrassed anger.

Oh—the secretary caught on instantly. The leader was reminded of that "Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk"! Back then it was the 120 fps + 4K + 3D format that had dragged China Film in deep.

"That's right. I heard this time they even applied VR technology during filming, which the audience can clearly feel while watching.

But that requires a theater that supports all formats to achieve the perfect viewing experience, and domestically, theaters that can support the full 120 fps + 4K + 3D format are still very, very few." The secretary hurriedly answered, adding some supplementary remarks.

"Water in the brain, and still so fancy-schmancy." Chairman La Da didn't hide his view at all, his face cold and stern.

Then, he asked again to confirm: "They want October 11?"

"Mm, that's what Paramount means."

"Give them the 18th. I bet this film is absolutely another flop, so delay its release by a week; this way mainland audiences can fully learn about the film's word-of-mouth in the North American market before deciding whether to go to the theater, so they don't get tricked into going."

Hearing the leader's resolute tone, the secretary hurriedly agreed: "Understood, I'll have someone reply to Paramount this afternoon."

"Hold on."

"Chairman La?"

"Do you think, for the 100th-anniversary tribute film, we have any chance of competing… forget it, go on with your work."

After the leader waved helplessly, the secretary hurried out of the office at a brisk pace, sighing endlessly inside:

"Compete? What do we have to fight with? We've lost too many points in the main-melody tribute film category before. Especially after the leader saw the finished quality of 'My People, My Country,' by comparison, we've completely lost his trust."

……

Early next morning, the third 5-billion-yuan-class film in Chinese box-office history was officially born. "Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child" trampled over a crowd of films and dominated headlines across the web.

"Produced by Lin Nan Pictures, produced by Shiyue Culture, the traditional mythology IP animated feature film 'Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child' has been in release for 50 days. Its total box office smoothly broke through 5 billion yuan last night, closing at 5.002 billion."

"Heads of multiple theater chains in the industry are certain that, since 'Ne Zha: Birth of the Demon Child' still had over 27 million yuan in box office yesterday, during its final 10 days in release it may bring in another 200 million yuan!"

"In view of the qualitative leap achieved by domestic animated films at the box office, multiple industry giants simultaneously announced expanded investment in the animated film industry. It is expected that within the next five years, the scale of the domestic animation industry will see explosive growth…"

"Kai Xin Ma Hua released a film scheduling announcement: the literary romantic comedy 'Half a Comedy' wrapped filming successfully yesterday afternoon, and is now publicly scheduled for release on December 20 during the New Year season…"

Cake, fruit, snacks… all of these would be delivered one after another in the morning; among them, the lunch dishes were scheduled to arrive punctually just past twelve.

Of course, for the liquor, the family had a huge wine cellar of their own—but Liu Liu Yifei wasn't allowed to touch it.

Starting from nine o'clock, cars and business vans began to arrive at the manor one after another.

Ning Hao and Xing Aina, Shu Chang, Han Jia, Luo Jin, and Tang Yan, who was five months pregnant, along with Liu Yan, Xie Nan...

"Old Zhu has joined the crew again. Since his wife isn't in the capital, he called me last night specifically to ask me to bring gifts on his behalf." After helping Tang Yan sit on the sofa, Luo Jin started complaining about Zhu Zhu Yawen.

"Just a token gesture for today; after you give birth, I'll prepare a grand gift." Xing Aina presented a string of pink pearl necklaces, the kind with very large beads, their luster clearly top-tier.

"Contribution money, take a photo." Han Jia placed her gift box on top of the pile and started taking a selfie.

"Good heavens, I didn't notice just now when we came in, but there's a camera set up over here?" Ning Hao, as if discovering a new continent, exclaimed and walked toward the camera.

"Today is indeed very special; Liu Qianqian is celebrating her birthday while pregnant, so of course we must record it." Shu Chang smiled and answered immediately.

"You talk too much, Princess Xixi."

Before long, while everyone was chattering and laughing in the living room, Lin Nan and Ning Hao slipped out the door.

"Director Zhang's new film will be approved for production next month, and casting will begin."

"What? Who did you say?" Hearing such a statement suddenly, Lin Nan was stunned.

"Didn't you already guess? That's right, I'm talking about Director Zhang Zhang Yimou." Ning Hao chuckled.

"I thought 'Cliff Walkers' wrapped up filming at the end of last month?" Lin Nan could hardly believe his ears.

"Yes, it did wrap up at the end of last month! Anyway, I definitely couldn't withstand such an intense filming pace."

Sometimes I even suspect whether Director Zhang took some medicine, or had some extraordinary encounter in his youth? Did he meet aliens? He's turning seventy after the New Year!

Wait! That's not right! Director Zhang actually once solemnly claimed he encountered a UFO, back when filming 'Yellow Earth'..."

Ning Hao sighed repeatedly, laughing at his own words. But speaking honestly, what he said was indeed his truest inner thought. Yes, Zhang Zhang Yimou's craziness is a bit too exaggerated!

"It is a bit scary. Not just you, even I can't stand such intense movie production."

It means Director Zhang starts the preparation for each new film before the previous one is even finished; it's a completely seamless work mode, non-stop rotation!

This is far more terrifying than actors double-booking roles, because we both know exactly how exhausted a director gets." Lin Nan instinctively swallowed, inwardly sighing that Zhang Zhang Yimou had become demonic.

"Alright, let's stop envying his physical constitution and talk about the theme of his new film. This time Director Zhang is also breaking new ground, choosing a spy thriller he has never touched before."

Dong Ping has been cursing behind closed doors for several days, saying Director Zhang is using 'Huanxi' as a safety net, not considering whether the theme will succeed or whether it can make money."

You know, although spy thrillers can barely be classified as mainstream propaganda, they are still far from the mainstream propaganda the public recognizes..."

"So?" Lin Nan heard the subtext in Ning Hao's words.

"So Dong Ping still chose an operation model similar to 'Cliff Walkers', deciding to sell the project off."

"You're already talking to buyers, right?" Lin Nan nodded, guessing.

"Yes, this is a huge move. Because it barely counts as mainstream propaganda, he has set his main sights on state-owned enterprises."

He has already contacted China Film, Shanghai Film, and Huayi Brothers yesterday; all three are very interested and will sit down to discuss in the next two days." Speaking here, Ning Hao paused, glancing at Lin Nan:

"I heard Director Zhang mention it; he should choose Zhang Yi to play the male lead, saying it was decided when filming 'One Second', and he made a promise to Zhang Yi back then."

"Well, count him lucky." Hearing this, Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh.

At exactly 12:00 noon, the restaurant's vehicle slowly drove into the manor and stopped at the parking spot closest to the villa.

Four waiters made two round trips to remove all the lunch dishes from the eight thermal containers, arranging them in a dazzling display on the circular dining table with a diameter of 1.8 meters... then signed the bill and left.

"Counting the days, today is already August 25th. Two months from today, Liu Yifei should be preparing to move into the maternity ward early, right?"

"Oh ho, only about two months left? I'm quite looking forward to it."

Facing the teasing from Xing Aina and Tang Yan, Liu Liu Xiaoli was even happier than Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei, smiling brightly as she replied:

"That's right, the date agreed with the hospital is October 25th; we will move in early. Anyway, it's a single room, about eighty square meters, so we can be as casual as at home."

"Then the security work must be done properly at that time. Because if nothing unexpected happens, there will definitely be a swarm of paparazzi waiting outside the hospital;"

"there might even be paparazzi disguising themselves to sneak into the hospital, after all, such things have happened before." Han Jia, true to her nature as a young screenwriter with a jumping mind, spoke words full of gossip flavor, like a realistic script.

"You've reminded me; I must adopt your suggestion." Lin Nan nodded repeatedly with a smile.

While the group talked and laughed, they also started using their chopsticks.

And Xie Nan was the first to raise his wine glass: "Come on, everyone, wish Liu Yifei a happy birthday."

"Speaking of which, Liu Yifei's birthday, Lin Dao's birthday, and the baby's birthday are quite close together. It's even possible they fall in August, September, and October, directly consecutive. Hahaha..."

"Hey, that's true!" Liu Yan immediately agreed.

Glasses of champagne were raised, mixed with two glasses of plain water, and a toast was made.

"Ahem, Lin Nan, where is the mysterious birthday gift you mentioned the day before yesterday? I've been looking forward to it for two whole days; you should bring it out now, right?" At this moment, Liu Liu Yifei finally couldn't hold back, a sweet smile on her collagen-filled face.

Hearing this, everyone present except Lin Nan and Liu Liu Qianqian became curious.

No, Director Ning was currently keeping his head down, pretending to be dead, and also trying very hard to suppress the schadenfreude smile at the corner of his mouth. Because a few days ago Lin Nan had asked him about photography graduate students, and he had successfully drawn him out.

Under everyone's gaze, Lin Nan put down his chopsticks, looked at Liu Liu Yifei with a mischievous grin, and cleared his throat:

"Liu Qianqian, the mysterious birthday gift I prepared for you is: sending you to school!"

"What?"

"What?"

"What do you mean?"

"What school?"

Amidst the repeated exclamations of surprise from Shu Chang, Han Jia, Tang Yan, Liu Yan, and others, Liu Liu Yifei also looked completely confused. "Lin Nan, what are you talking about?"

"Didn't you plan to rest properly for a while? Then how about pursuing a master's degree on the side? Anyway, you don't need to stay at school full-time; the coursework is very light—just treat it as a way to balance your life."

"What do you think of my idea, Producer Liu?" Looking at Liu Liu Yifei, who was still in a state of system crash, Lin Nan explained with a hearty laugh.

In an instant, everyone else was shocked too.

Only Liu Liu Xiaoli nodded with a smile; she thought it was a good idea: returning to the family to accompany the child's growth while pursuing a master's degree on the side; just as Lin Nan said, this is a very simple and easy thing!

"Student Liu? Teacher Lin?" Han Jia lived up to her reputation as Big Mouth.

"Is this okay?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, a Beijing Film Academy professor, recruiting on-site... at home?"

"Good heavens, wouldn't every department in the school go crazy fighting over her?"

"This must be her own choice; she can pick any department she wants!" Xing Ai Na also started laughing happily.

Amidst the laughter and lively atmosphere, Liu Liu Yifei celebrated her birthday during her Yun Qi... the 25th passed very quickly.

The 26th and 27th also flashed by in an instant. On the 28th, the 76th Venice International Film Festival officially opened.

Undoubtedly, the Chinese film circle now had another focal point for attention, after all, a Chinese-language film had been selected for the main competition section.

Meanwhile, the film Shenyeshitang, self-directed and self-starring by Liang Liang Jiahui, held its premiere ceremony "low-key" in the capital.

How to put it? This type of film indeed cannot achieve high box office returns, and Liang Liang Jiahui is not the kind of influential big shot with extensive connections... well, so naturally the premiere was very low-key, because hardly anyone showed up to support it.

However, Lin Nan was different; he arrived before the film screening; this also shocked ninety-nine percent of those present, especially the scattered media representatives at the scene.

After the movie started, regardless of the plot, simply Liang Liang Jiahui's makeup, styling, and aura for the role undoubtedly crushed the version by Huang Lei to death...