Chapter 1126: Banned; Mainstream Theme Series; Crack!

Friday 144 million, Saturday 85 million, Sunday 43 million, Monday 15 million...

There was no need to look at the fourth day's results; the box office and reviews from the first weekend were enough.

Enough to prove thoroughly that Hong Kong director Cheng Meng Xiaodong's "Jade Dynasty 1" was utter garbage.

With this level, they had previously planned to shoot "Jade Dynasty 1" through "Jade Dynasty 5"?

I'm afraid even the overwhelming traffic of the newly minted top streamer couldn't save this series plan doomed to die in the womb!

On the morning of the 17th, while many mainland film companies watched Huaying's spectacle, they also vaguely felt this scene was somewhat familiar.

Where exactly was it familiar? Ah, got it!

Huaying, which had only recently formally entered the film production business, hadn't just been taught a lesson by the Hong Kong team? Now they were properly brothers with China Film.

But it was good that Huaying only took a small loss this time; there was still time to turn back, unlike China Film back then, whose first trap was a bottomless pit... followed by a gambler's path of no return.

"Just now, media reported that the official Weibo accounts of Huaying and New Classics quietly deleted a Weibo post."

"What Weibo post?"

"It seems it was posted before the film's release: 'The production and creative team is always ready to hold a victory banquet for Jade Dynasty 1'. Looking back at that sentence now, it's truly a slap in the face."

"That's a lot of slaps; keep slapping until you get used to it. After all, opening champagne before the race, isn't that what they deserved?" Lin Nan held his phone and couldn't help but laugh.

Just then, a sound of "chickens flying and dogs jumping" suddenly came from the manor outside the villa, along with Liu Liu Yifei's scolding voice.

"Han Jia, stop chasing them, or they might peck you..."

"Liu Yifei, when did you start raising these? Don't you need a permit to raise them?" Xiao Han's voice was full of excitement, surprised by the blue and white peacocks in the manor.

Hearing the commotion outside, Lin Nan didn't bother to get up, only smiling.

At the same time, Wang Wang Changtian on the other end of the phone began to instruct on the box office revenue sharing, preparing to hang up:

"Alright, let's stop here. Before 3 PM this afternoon, the box office revenue sharing for 'Ne Zha: The Demon Child' should be in your company's account. Remember to have someone check the account immediately; the revenue sharing for that delayed month was advanced by Light Media."

"Understood, thank you again for Mr. Wang's efficiency."

"You should thank me. It's your company's film; if it were anyone else, I'd drag it out for two months.

After all, after deducting distribution fees, that's nearly 1.9 billion in revenue sharing. For every extra month delayed, Light Media gains several million in interest..."

"Mr. Wang, this is the fundamental reason why production companies hate you distribution giants. Not only are the distribution fees high, but you also habitually delay revenue sharing."

"You have no right to say that, hahaha..." Wang Wang Changtian laughed loudly, dropped a sentence, and then hung up the phone.

Lin Nan shook his head with a smile and got up to walk outside. He couldn't refute Wang Wang Changtian's words because Light Media had indeed never delayed payments to him and often advanced payments early.

On the open green lawn of the manor, Han Jia was chasing two small white peacocks, having a wonderful time.

Looking at Liu Liu Yifei, she was now wearing sunglasses, leisurely sunbathing on the wooden terrace over there;

leaning against the swing chair, she kept laughing and warning: "Take it easy, don't hurt them."

"When they were delivered to your house the day before yesterday, you should have called me. Indeed, the male peacocks are better looking, pleasing to the eye..." Han Jia criticized Liu Liu Yifei without turning her head.

"If you like them, raise a few yourself. The breeding permit isn't hard to get; just spend some money." Lin Nan walked to Liu Liu Yifei's side and shouted a joke to Xiao Han in the distance.

"Forget it then, raising them is too much trouble; I'll just come to your place to visit."

Saying this, Han Jia put down the small peacock she had just caught, then walked straight toward Lin Nan and the other two, a "gained an advantage" smile on her face.

"How do you have time to come today? Shouldn't you be preparing for the premiere of 'My People, My Country'?"

"Those matters are handled by Uncle Fu, Director Chen, and others; they have little to do with a unit module director like me.

Isn't it just that I'm too idle? I thought I'd come over to your place for a stroll and, by the way, tell you something important." Han Jia raised an eyebrow and spoke mysteriously.

"What is it?" Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei asked in unison.

"The document notice just issued this morning: Uncle Fu officially serves as General Manager, taking office after National Day. From what my father said, it seems Uncle Fu will make sweeping changes after taking office..."

"Sweeping changes? Like Chairman Han's sweeping changes in the past?" Liu Liu Yifei instinctively added.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Don't overthink it; Liu Qianqian meant it as a compliment, hahaha..."

"Yes, yes, it's a compliment." Liu Liu Yifei nodded hurriedly.

Hearing Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei's playful excuses, Han Jia rolled her eyes in annoyance and muttered: "Uncle Fu's goal is clear; in the future, he will focus on mainstream theme blockbusters..."

While Han Jia was talking endlessly with Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei about Chairman Fu's mainstream theme path, the bureau was currently deciding the life or death of a certain "blockbuster."

Undoubtedly, a "blockbuster" brought before the leaders must come from a top director.

Especially this film today, which was the second consecutive completed film from this top director submitted to the leaders.

"We approved the previous script only after repeated discussions, but the completed film he shot... we are truly unsure and must have you make the decision. Because compared to the script, this completed film clearly made far bolder changes and explorations, some of which are too sensitive and deep."

As the words fell, no one spoke in the screening room; only the movie on the screen continued.

After a long while, the leader's slightly furrowed brows finally relaxed, and he suddenly asked:

"Was this the film that Wang Wang Changtian and Zhang Zhang Yimou loudly promoted at the Golden Goblet Award Masters Forum during the Shanghai International Film Festival in June? In front of the lenses of a large number of domestic and international media?"

One sentence made everyone's hearts skip a beat.

"Yes, it is this film."

"Realism, modern urban background, anti-corruption theme... which one do you think has more serious problems, this film or 'One Second'?"

Hearing the leader's words, a group of people's hearts involuntarily began to murmur doubts.

First, the leader used the qualitative words "problems" and "serious," which set the tone; next was the question of which was more or less severe and how to handle it!

"It should be more sensitive than 'One Second'..."

"Compared to 'One Second', this is after all a modern background."

"Indeed much more serious."

With the group's intermittent and rising-and-falling answers, the leader seemed to go with the flow and nodded, "Ban it."

As soon as these three words came out, everyone present was frightened.

"Won't you give him another chance?"

"After all, that's Zhang Zhang Yimou; his contributions have always been significant... perhaps we should send it back for him to re-edit?"

"Two consecutive films, one sent back, one directly banned... there's no precedent for this before. Could this cause..."

"Enough, no need to say more. A great director, even if he is Zhang Zhang Yimou, cannot overstep the boundaries arbitrarily.

From now on, whatever finished film is submitted must be treated equally! At least for now... if it's banned, it's banned, no second thoughts."

"Then when will the notification be sent?" Since the leader's stance was firm, the group naturally said nothing more.

"After the National Day holiday."

Starting from the 17th, Chairman Fu of Huaying had clearly become the focus of post-meal gossip among the industry's upper echelons, after all, this was a concurrent appointment.

Although everyone knew this situation was only temporary, they still couldn't help but discuss it.

Because the emergence of this situation likely foreshadowed one thing: that Chairman Fu, transferred to Huaying in 2014, would very likely return to... and succeed.

On the morning of the 20th, as Lin Nan accompanied Liu Liu Yifei back from the hospital, he received a call from Director Lu Yang; all the special effects shots for "Assassination of the Family" were now complete.

"So how do you plan to arrange this? Start the final editing of the finished film today, or wait until the Golden Rooster Awards conclude before proceeding slowly?

Anyway, this special effects blockbuster definitely cannot be suddenly dropped (airdropped) into the New Year's Eve or Spring Festival slots; after all, the submission for review alone takes about a month, so there's simply no time for sufficient promotion.

"No need to wait until after the Golden Rooster; I'm already rushing to the company now, striving to get it done within half a month. Then we can rest slowly and plan the release slot slowly, but it definitely has to be a major slot... What? Who delivered it?" While Lu Yang was talking to Lin Nan, he suddenly started whispering to someone nearby.

"Who delivered what?" Lin Nan, while helping Liu Liu Yifei walk into the living room, asked Lu Yang on the other end of the phone.

"It seems that 'Hello, Li Huanying' is holding a kickoff press conference combined with a reception; the scale of the event is quite large. They specifically sent someone to deliver an invitation to the company, and it was handwritten, with a signature." Lu Yang explained leisurely, and as he spoke, he even laughed:

"Back then, our Director Yue politely declined the investment invitation for this film, yet they still solemnly sent an invitation over.

Tsk tsk tsk, how to evaluate this person? One can only say that as a disciple of Feng Gong, he truly grasps human relations and worldly wisdom perfectly; even making a movie requires first making an appearance in the circle and playing the host...

Eh? Don't say it, look at her momentum, why do I feel she is about to fully enter the film industry as a director?!"

"If it was politely declined, then it was politely declined. If she wants to be a director, let her be a director. But speaking of human relations and worldly wisdom, those with mentors and connections in the crosstalk circle are indeed very skilled at it."

Speaking of this, Lin Nan immediately instructed Lu Yang: "Since you are at the company, go ahead and convey this to Yue Jun, letting him represent the company to show support."

"Sigh, I'm feeling a bit reflective right now."

"Reflective about what?" Lin Nan was somewhat curious. Liu Liu Yifei, sitting nearby, also perked up her ears, very puzzled.

"Look at the lineup of producers and the grandeur of their production; tsk tsk tsk, others making their directorial debut are far more dazzling than we were back then!"

Well, regarding Lu Yang's words, Lin Nan truly had nothing to say, and could only sigh that this was a benefit brought by the industry's flourishing prosperity;

after all, with so many capital strongholds appearing in the industry, it naturally becomes easier to find investment and resources than before, especially for those insiders with connections.

Time entered late September, which also meant the National Day slot was right around the corner.

As expected, the film market, which had been quiet for a month, once again filled with the smell of gunpowder; and the tense atmosphere in the film circle was also constantly rising.

At the same time, the three pillars of the National Day slot, "My People, My Country," "The Climbers," and "The Captain," had all concluded their roadshows and were now ready for action.

"What is the current market environment? It is a general environment where main melody films are at the peak of the trend and prevailing.

And 'My People, My Country' is currently the only 'official tribute film,' so there is no need to compare; this is the most watched commercial blockbuster of this National Day slot, even the box office champion!"

"So confident? Then I am very much looking forward to it. After all, in these years, for every major slot, the box office champion has been a Lin Nan Pictures film nine times out of ten."

Hearing Chairman Fu speak so confidently, Ren Ren Zhonglun directly laughed out.

He didn't expect his own "The Climbers" to surpass "My People, My Country," but he still had a certain amount of confidence in "The Captain," which was also confidence in Lin Nan Pictures' films.

"But the director of 'The Captain' is neither Director Lin, nor Directors Guo Fan and Lu Yang of 'Operation Red Sea,' but Director Li Yang.

He is merely one of the unit directors for 'My People, My Country'." Chairman Fu's words were spoken with a laugh, leaving Ren Ren Zhonglun completely speechless. Old Han Han Sanping, sitting nearby, nodded in agreement.

"Alright, I won't argue with you about these things. Let's talk business; why exactly did you invite me over?

I made it clear to you beforehand; I will retire in May next year, so I have little value left." Chairman Ren, old and cunning, left no loopholes in his words.

Han Han Sanping listened to the "clash" between the two men in front of him, only smiling and drinking tea, not interjecting.

"Chairman Ren, we were acquaintances before; it's just that you were always the leader, so I couldn't really speak with you.

Even though I went to Huaying in 2014, after these few years, I still lacked significant influence compared to you and Chairman La.

Now it's good; finally, I can discuss cooperation with you, but unfortunately, you are about to retire..."

"So what? You bring up all this, are you preparing to give up the 100th-anniversary tribute film project and not compete with me?" Chairman Ren smiled and dug a trap.

"That's not possible. We all understand how important the tribute film is. The 100th-anniversary tribute film, I will definitely compete for. If I win it, I will bring Huaying and China Film together..."

"Then what cooperation are you talking about?"

"Old Ren, don't rush, let Chairman Fu finish speaking."

Han Han Sanping smiled and comforted him. But he never expected that, as an old partner known for nearly twenty years, Ren Ren Zhonglun would not give him any face at this moment.

Chairman Ren just chuckled, looking directly at Han Han Sanping and teasing: "Your face! You used to call him 'Little Fu, Little Fu,' why the sudden change of address now? Hypocritical!"

There, in an instant, Han Han Sanping's face turned dark, iron-green and iron-green. Meanwhile, Ren and Fu couldn't stop laughing, their mouths unable to close.

"This shows that my work before was not done well enough; now I am much more mature, so my old leader, Chairman Han, has finally recognized me." Chairman Fu hurriedly smoothed things over, his face wrinkled with laughter.

After laughing heartily for quite a while, the three of them finally calmed down.

"Since it's not about the 100th-anniversary tribute film, then hurry up and say what it is. I don't have much time; I still need to go sit at the Bureau."

"Chairman Ren, my personality is different from Chairman La's and Chairman Han's; my view is not that good projects must be done by oneself alone. Of course, the tribute film must definitely be done by ourselves, after all, there's no concept of splitting the 'results'."

"Oh? So you have another major project you want to do with Shanghai Film?" Ren Ren Zhonglun immediately realized.

"No, not doing it with Shanghai Film, but I invite Shanghai Film to join me, to join Huaying and China Film together, and there will be other production companies...

You are retiring in the first half of next year; this can also be considered a gift from me to you, Chairman Ren. You make the final decision, and then your successor will participate..."

"Speak, I'm listening." At this moment, Ren Ren Zhonglun became extremely solemn.

Because as the other party said, he indeed hoped that in his last few months in office, he could leave as many projects as possible for Shanghai Film, especially major projects that could produce results.

"It's still the main theme, and a very major main theme project. We plan to launch and prepare it in the first half of next year..."

"The War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea?"

"Yes, exactly that background. We plan to expand the 'Battle of Chosin Reservoir' into a series..."

On the 22nd, the new student military training periods at all major universities ended one after another, and art academies were no exception.

And in terms of timing, the major universities finally received the arrangement notice from the relevant departments regarding the registration time for the new cohort of graduate students.

"Pre-registration starts on the 10th of next month. This has nothing to do with Liu Liu Feiren, because this is only for fresh graduates.

Formal registration starts on the 16th and lasts for 20 days; this is the one targeting all candidate groups.

By then, you'll register online yourselves. You don't need me to teach you the process, after all, you've already done graduate studies and registered before..."

"Although I know how to register, I still have to correct you: I'm being recommended for graduate studies!" Looking at Old Jiang on the other end of the video call, Lin Nan wordlessly interrupted him.

Sitting beside him, Liu Zhu Yawen was even more amused by Lin Nan's remark, laughing heartily and completely unable to stop.

"Alright, I forgot about that!" Old Jiang slapped his own forehead, finding it hard not to laugh himself.

"So, have you chosen a major?"

"Mm, already chosen." Without needing Lin Nan to turn around, Liu Zhu Yawen had already nodded.

In an instant, Old Jiang's curiosity exploded, and he asked through the screen: "Which major?"

Miss Liu was seen smiling and raising both her hands; the thumbs and index fingers of both left and right hands were opened at right angles, with the left palm facing inward and the right palm facing outward;

Her left thumb rested on her right index finger, and her right thumb rested on her left index finger, making a camera-shutter hand gesture. She smiled until her eyes curved, mimicking a sound effect: "Click."

"Well, so she really chose the Photography Department just for taking photos!" Old Jiang shook his head, half-laughing and half-crying, then looked at Lin Nan: "Didn't you tell her the specific study content of the Photography Department?"

"I did. Flat static aesthetics are just the foundation; three-dimensional light and shadow aesthetics are the main topic. Cultivating one's own unique understanding and cognition of light and shadow aesthetics, learning how to use light and shadow to express one's thoughts...

But take it slow. Besides, she's not going to the Photography Department to become a photographer; she can become a director later. Even if she doesn't become a director, what she learns can still be used in the profession of acting, like knowing what angle to stand at while acting, knowing what lighting is more suitable and beautiful...

Regarding the matter of graduate studies, my and Zhu Yawen's initial thoughts were very simple and pure: to learn happily for the love of taking photos, to enrich ourselves for the sake of interest and to enjoy life!"

As Lin Nan spoke eloquently, the smile on Liu Zhu Yawen's face grew sweeter and sweeter, and the eyes looking at Lin Nan appeared especially gentle and clingy.

"Well, I get it. Zhu Yawen is different from other students; she isn't coming to graduate school to find a job in the industry or mix with connections; she has higher-level pursuits. She's here to spice up her life, to find something to do while staying at home!" Old Jiang smacked his lips, smiling wordlessly.

"Teacher Jiang, don't say it so directly!" Liu Zhu Yawen couldn't help but act a bit spoiled, laughing out loud again.

"Remember to keep it confidential, so it doesn't spread everywhere. We don't want to be on the headlines." Lin Nan reminded solemnly.

"Confidential? How long can it be kept confidential? At most, at most, it can only be kept confidential until next June.

You know, the admission list must be publicized, especially for our school, which is under the spotlight. Just wait for the sensation it will cause then!"

"June is fine. When the interview comes, you'll have to help coordinate and get the Photography Department to help keep it confidential..."

"Interview? Do you believe it? As long as Zhu Yawen passes the score line, the interview will absolutely be just a formality... Well, not only am I confused, but you're being stupid too!" Halfway through speaking, Old Jiang laughed and scolded.

To this, Lin Nan was somewhat bewildered, and Liu Zhu Yawen was also somewhat confused.

"Zhu Yawen is a Hong Kong resident. Just like with her undergraduate admission back then, she has policy advantages and a dedicated channel; the preferential treatment for the postgraduate entrance exam is even greater. Furthermore, the Photography Department will absolutely open all green lights for her, waiving the interview stage..."

"Don't look at me; I forgot that too, after all, it's been 18 years, hehe." Liu Zhu Yawen pouted, smiling apologetically at Lin Nan.

Joy.

"In another week, the National Day slot will begin. Should we publicly launch this 'sequel project' at the end of next month, or in November?"

"Let's put it in early November, right after 'My People, My Country' has been in theaters for a full month.

By then, it will presumably already be a high box office, so the impact of officially announcing the 'sequel project' will definitely be very sensational!" Dong Ping nodded, answering Ning Hao.

"Then how about announcing it on the same day as the minimum-guarantee distribution agreement with 'Lost in Russia'?" Xu Zheng asked.

"That works too."

"This proposal is excellent. Combining the two matters will definitely stimulate the stock price even more!"