Chapter 113: The Dimensional Strike of

In the current film market, wuxia films are becoming increasingly marginalized.

Within the industry, one can probably only think of two wuxia films.

One is "Sword Rain," which started filming in October, a pure wuxia film with a 14 million USD investment from Pony Media and Media Asia.

The other is "Brotherhood of Blades" from Lin Nan Film, and Liu Yifei is also one of the producers.

But in reality, "Brotherhood of Blades" is half political intrigue and half wuxia, which is still quite different from "Sword Rain."

The main filming location this time is still Hengdian.

Lin Nan is far too familiar with this place.

Throughout the four seasons, no matter the time, Hengdian is never short of people.

I heard that during this period, Huang Xiao is here filming "Flirting Scholar 2: The Four Scholars," another warmed-over dish from Hong Kong.

Yue Jun personally went to the airport to pick up Lin Nan.

"There are quite a few period films shooting here, but 'Brotherhood of Blades' is the only wuxia one, and there are many people paying attention to us."

Lin Nan could imagine this situation; if he calculated carefully, this was indeed the company's first film to come to Hengdian to shoot.

The December weather was still quite cold.

When he arrived at the set, he saw Liu Yifei wearing a dark down jacket, her hair tied up, having waited for a long time.

Looking at her expression, she was a bit angry.

Who told Lin Nan not to be punctual? But the girl looked quite cute.

Without caring about the gazes of those around them, Lin Nan walked up with a smile and pulled her into his arms.

"Hmm, the feeling of holding you is very comforting."

The girl was a bit shy at first, then she also tightened her arms and leaned into his embrace, though she still complained.

"Hmph, I told you not to leave for the airport late, you got stuck in traffic and missed your flight, didn't you!"

"Next time I will definitely leave two hours early. Come on, take me to the filming site to have a look."

When it came to business, Miss Liu immediately perked up.

When Lin Nan followed Liu Yifei to the spot, Lu Yang was filming the fight scene between the characters Shen Lian and Zhao Jingzhong.

The martial arts director and the props team were all gathered behind the camera, ready to help at any moment.

Zhou Miaotong, played by Yang Mi, was wearing a red outfit, slumped on the ground, having been hit by an arrow...

"Director Lin, Yifei..."

Many actors waiting for their scenes greeted them enthusiastically when they saw the two.

Lin Nan nodded in response and walked behind Lu Yang; the monitor showed the footage from the lens.

Lighting, cinematography...

This group from Zhou Yi is still very strong.

After so many years of hard work, transitioning from television dramas to films has been very smooth; there are no obvious flaws, and it will only get better in the future.

Lu Yang turned around and noticed the person behind him.

"Keep filming, we'll talk after you finish."

Lin Nan stopped Lu Yang from calling "cut" and whispered.

Five or six minutes later, this segment was finished, and it looked like it could be done in one take.

This was the second time Lin Nan had watched Lu Yang direct; the latter clearly took it more seriously than when he was filming "Blind Cinema."

This was the second time Lin Nan had watched Lu Yang direct, and the latter was clearly taking it more seriously than when he filmed "Blind Cinema."

"Director Lin, why are you here?"

When the crew was resting, Lu Yang asked with a smile on his face.

"I came to see Director Lu's level, and where the over-budget money was spent, haha..."

Lin Nan said jokingly. Beside him, Liu Yifei also covered her mouth with the back of her hand and smiled.

"I didn't spend it recklessly, Producer Liu can testify."

Lin Nan nodded; it was true that it wasn't spent recklessly.

By striving for perfection in filming, once all aspects added up, the costs went up.

In the end, it definitely wouldn't exceed 30 million, but it had certainly passed 25 million.

"How much have you filmed now?" Lin Nan asked.

Lu Yang became a bit more serious instantly.

"According to this progress, we have already filmed seventy percent."

"You're not joking?"

Lin Nan was a bit astonished; how could it be so fast? It had only been a month, right?

"Many scenes are night scenes, and the actors' states are better. For fight scenes and such, the probability of one-take shots is higher, plus..."

Lu Yang hesitated, smiling embarrassedly.

Then Liu Yifei spoke up to tease him.

"Plus Director Lu often works overtime, and the actors are almost living a two-point-one-line life, yet they are all tireless, hehehe..."

Lin Nan understood now; so that was how they improved the filming progress.

"Did it affect the quality?"

"No. Finishing early means everyone can go home early, and their pay won't be less; they might even have other gigs, so everyone is working very hard."

Lu Yang's train of thought was quite wild.

That evening, the crew canceled the filming schedule.

Because Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were hosting, treating all the crew members to a meal.

Yang Mi ran over to offer a toast, asking about the talent agency during their conversation.

Lin Nan didn't hide anything, just saying it would be soon. The latter sat back down, satisfied.

It was indeed soon; Yue Jun's business plan was almost finished, and the talent agency could be established early next year.

However, one still needed to be cautious when signing people.

Whether to focus on signing newcomers and training them oneself, or a mix of newcomers and established artists—this had to be considered carefully.

Liu Yifei was actually doing a great job as a producer.

In the girl's room, Lin Nan saw many notes she had written; she was very diligent.

The news of Lin Nan coming to Hengdian couldn't be hidden at all.

In the eyes of the media, he didn't look like he was visiting the set, but rather like he was here to play.

He and Liu Yifei ate, drank, and visited many scenic spots; the internet was full of photos of the two being snapped.

In the eyes of the media, he didn't look like he was there to visit the set, but rather like he was there to play.

"A Simple Noodle Story" would likely become a stain on Zhang Yimou's film career.

This was his first commercial film that didn't complete a one-month theatrical run.

It made 200 million in box office in eight days, and by the time it was pulled from theaters, the total box office was 256 million.

With a cost of 28 million, this film was undoubtedly a huge profit, but it cost him his reputation.

Although "Bodyguards and Assassins" didn't have as insane an initial box office as "A Simple Noodle Story," the industry unanimously believed that the former would go further than the latter.

Lin Nan accompanied Liu Yifei and spent New Year's Day with the "Brotherhood of Blades" crew.

"Avatar" was released in mainland China!

In the massive Hengdian World Studios, there was certainly no shortage of 3D cinemas.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei went to see this 3D blockbuster; the cinema was simply packed.

No one noticed a big director and an A-list actress sitting on the side, because all attention was on "Avatar."

To use one word to describe the impression this film left on domestic audiences, it was: shocking! Incomparably shocking!

The first-day box office was nearly 40 million; this figure made the industry feel suffocated.

The second day, the box office exceeded 40 million!

For the entire domestic film industry, this was like an earthquake.

Ye Ning made a thank-you call to Lin Nan.

Because of "Journey to the Center of the Earth," Wanda's 3D cinemas were indeed ahead of all other theater chains.

"What a rich tycoon!" Lin Nan sighed.

In the "Brotherhood of Blades" crew, besides normal filming, the most discussed topic was "Avatar."

Everyone didn't know how much box office this film would eventually generate, because they didn't have that awareness.

The internet had been describing the release of "Avatar" over the past two days as a dimensional strike against domestic films.

This description was very apt. It was indeed a dimensional strike!

"Director Lin, when do you think we will be able to make this kind of film?"

Ever since Lu Yang went to see "Avatar" once, he had asked this question several times.

"That depends on the intentions from above. Our film industry is still lacking too much."

Lin Nan's answer took Lu Yang a while to ponder before he understood the meaning; sometimes, pressure and policies from above are needed...

Now, the entire film and television circle was in a panic, all having a feeling that "the wolf is coming."

If all future Hollywood films were like this, how could they still play?

Right now, the entire film and television industry is in a state of panic, with everyone feeling as if the wolf is at the door.

If all future Hollywood films are going to be like this, how are we supposed to play the game?

The films released just a few days into December were all sacrificed, and the films in the same period in January were also wailing in misery.

The data for *Avatar* is too terrifying; its daily box office is increasing steadily every day.

It can be said that it is sweeping across the global film market.

Lin Nan stopped thinking about this; this is a problem for those above to ponder.

He reckoned that the Film Bureau, China Film Group, and Shanghai Film Group might have already gathered together, preparing for a meeting or already in the middle of one.

*Brotherhood of Blades* continued filming, and Lin Nan watched from the crew.

Jin Shijie’s Wei Zhongxian was performed very vividly.

Like the scene between Zhao Jingzhong and Ding Xiu, it made many people on set laugh while filming.

"Who does the Eunuch want me to kill?"

"The Northern Secret Service flag officer, Jin Yichuan."

"Who? Doesn't the Eunuch know he is my junior fellow apprentice?"

"Eunuch, you’ve misunderstood.

This person is my dearest friend and brother... my own flesh and blood.

You have to... add... money!"

"Cut. Perfect."

As soon as Lu Yang’s voice fell, a burst of laughter erupted all around.

"Zhou Yiwei, that tone is spot on..."

Liu Yifei had one arm wrapped around Lin Nan’s arm, also chuckling softly.

At this moment, the latter’s phone buzzed.

"Your phone?" the girl reminded him.

"I reckon it’s nothing good."

After Lin Nan finished speaking, he took out his phone. Sure enough, the caller ID was Han Sanping.

He walked to a quiet place to the side.

"Hello, Chairman Han?"

"Still in Hengdian?"

"Yes, with the *Brotherhood of Blades* crew. Is something the matter?"

He heard Han Sanping on the other end sigh, "Pack up and come back for a meeting!"

Lin Nan seemed to have thought of something, but he still asked, "What meeting? I’m not even in the Film Association anymore."

"A meeting at the General Administration. Every famous film and television company, every big director without work on their hands, senior screenwriters, and filmmakers must come."

Once Han Sanping said this, Lin Nan guessed it completely.

"About *Avatar*?"

"Yes. It’s exactly that saying on the internet: a dimensional strike.

You commercial film directors all have to come.

Especially you, you were specifically named by those above!"

Now, he really had no choice but to go back.

"Yes, I understand. I will return as soon as possible," Lin Nan said.

"Don't 'as soon as possible,' set off immediately. You’re so young, you won't miss a day or two of being lovey-dovey."

Han Sanping said with a huff.

Liu Yifei cast an inquiring look, and Lin Nan smiled helplessly.

"I told you it wasn't anything good! The Film Bureau is calling me back for a meeting."

"Ah?"

The girl’s brows furrowed slightly for a moment, showing some reluctance, but then they smoothed out again.

She said softly: "Business comes first. I’ll drive you to the airport..."

"Then why don't you come back with me? Let Yue Jun take over your work," Lin Nan suggested.

Liu Yifei just shook her head firmly, wearing a smile, and refused with a touch of pride:

"No, I’ve persisted until now, how could I give up?

In the future, I still want to be the producer of your films, and, well, the female lead too..."

"Haha, then the boss lady will just have to work hard for a while longer," Lin Nan said with a smile.