Chapter 115: The Second Batch of Equipment for

Two days ago, Hu Ge's "Myth" landed on CCTV.

It took only 6 episodes to reach the number one spot in national television ratings for the same time slot.

It is another hit drama. His position as a top-tier young actor is very stable.

The domestic film market is still ruled by "Avatar"; not a single domestic film has survived.

In the entire industry chain, only the cinema chains are smiling, making a huge profit.

"A Simple Noodle Story" has been out of theaters for a while now; the blow this film dealt to Zhang Yimou is just like the impact "The Promise" had on Chen Kaige back then.

The latter chose to return to biographical films and made "Forever Enthralled."

Similarly, Zhang Yimou's team high-profilely announced the restart of a previously prepared script, "Under the Hawthorn Tree."

Compared to Chen Kaige, netizens seem a bit friendlier toward Zhang Yimou, and there are many supportive posts.

A top-tier director returning to the art-house film genre he is most skilled at is simply a huge temptation for actors in the industry.

As the news spread, the circle was in an uproar.

There is definitely no problem with Zhang Yimou's art-house films being shortlisted for film festivals.

Liu Yifei also has some ideas.

"Can you help me ask about it?"

"I'm not very close with Director Zhang either," Lin Nan said with a smile.

"That's still closer than me; just ask one question."

Lin Nan is 80% sure that Liu Yifei will be rejected by Zhang Yimou, but he still agreed.

"Fine, I'll help you ask if it's suitable. But if you get shot down, don't blame me."

"Mm, I won't blame you. I'll wait for your good news, mwah."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Nan went to pay attention to the "Under the Hawthorn Tree" matter.

Zhang Yimou is someone with an unbelievable amount of energy.

He just said he was restarting this project, and now he has already started preparing for casting.

……

While everyone was focused on "Under the Hawthorn Tree."

Huayi publicly announced the news of their breakup with Zhou Xun.

The first "Triple Crown" Best Actress in the mainland, her contract expired, and she will not renew with Huayi.

The key is that she is also a top-tier film star holding original shares of Huayi.

When Wang Zhonglei accepted an interview, he spoke gently, saying there were no conflicts or anything of the sort, and it was entirely a personal choice.

"If I hadn't listened to you back then and bought that one million shares, who knows how they would be badmouthing me right now."

Zhou Xun is now free of contracts and lighthearted, specifically inviting Lin Nan and Huang Xiaoming to dinner.

It was Lin Nan and Huang Xiaoming who made her firmly buy the stocks back then, and she made a big profit.

"It's alright, Mr. Wang is also someone who cares about his reputation, he shouldn't be like that..."

Huang Xiaoming, who had just returned from wrapping up the "Four Talents" crew, habitually tried to smooth things over.

Zhou Xun glanced at Huang Xiaoming and remembered something.

"Your contract is also expiring in the middle of the year, right? I remember it was a 3-year contract?"

Huang Xiaoming nodded.

"Are you going to renew?" Zhou Xun asked.

"To be honest, I want to open a studio..."

Huang Xiaoming did not hide anything and continued: "This way it's convenient for me to do investments and be a producer; I can promote myself and also sign actors, haha..."

Zhou Xun smiled, looked at Lin Nan, and teased: "Director Lin, call me directly if you have work in the future; there won't be any middlemen anymore."

"Any discounts?" Lin Nan laughed.

"Yes, as long as you give me the female lead."

"Haha, same here, I can give you a 'bone-breaking' discount..."

After the meal, there were quite a few rumors online.

"Zhou Xun hosts dinner for Director Lin Nan, suspected of signing with Lin Nan Film!"

"Director Lin Nan, Huang Xiaoming, and Zhou Xun have dinner together, 'Painted Skin 2' project launched..."

Good heavens, even Lin Nan admired this group of paparazzi; they forcibly arranged a job for him!

The next day, Zhou Xun posted on Weibo, announcing the establishment of her own studio.

Not only did the rumors fall apart on their own, but it also instantly discouraged companies that had been planning to target Zhou Xun.

……

Lin Nan met Zhang Yimou.

"If it were any other film, I could really give you this favor and let Yifei come for an audition.

But for this film, I won't hide it from you. I want a pure newcomer, a layperson who has never acted, never been in a relationship, and has no emotional experience whatsoever."

Zhang Yimou said with a smile, implying something.

Lin Nan understood what the other party meant; this reason really left one helpless.

"Haha, there are gains and losses. Is Director Zhang planning to hold open auditions at all the art colleges?"

"Mm, I'll get it done within two months..."

Zhang Yimou has already sent out several assistant directors to select people at famous domestic art colleges.

Lin Nan didn't disturb him much, and after chatting for a while, he took his leave.

He could tell that only for this kind of art-house film could Zhang Yimou possibly avoid interference from Zhang Weiping.

Because in the profit model, copyright is the main part, and quality is the key...

When Liu Yifei heard the casting conditions relayed by Lin Nan, she was a bit dejected.

She didn't even meet the most basic requirements!

"If it's not suitable, then it's not suitable. I'll just put together a crew myself one day."

"You have ideals, I support you. By the way, how is the filming of 'Brotherhood of Blades' going?"

"It's about to wrap up. In two more days, I'll be able to come back and find you."

Liu Yifei's voice instantly became a bit lighter.

…………

Lin Nan stayed at Tiangong Color, keeping an eye on the post-production editing.

A small portion of special effects were also in production.

Yang Shoucheng's call came in abruptly.

"Director Lin, the final cut of 'Ip Man 2' is done; we need to arrange the release schedule."

"Didn't Emperor Motion Pictures already tell the outside world that it would be set for the first half of the year?"

"Director Lin, why don't you pick a specific time, haha."

In Lin Nan's plan, the company's four films could start releasing as early as the June summer season, spread throughout the second half of the year.

Then this "Ip Man 2" would be best placed for May Day.

"Let's put it for release at the end of April, aiming for the May Day season," Lin Nan said.

"Then we'll listen to Director Lin."

……

Outside, the box office for "Avatar" has already exceeded 700 million, and it is looking like it will hit 800 million soon.

Cameron personally brought the main creative team to the capital.

Besides doing another wave of promotion, he also hoped that China Film Group could import more films.

Through the screen, Lin Nan could feel the mood of the mainland filmmakers at the scene; they were definitely cursing in their hearts.

However, this great director who used to be a truck driver did indeed demonstrate a high level of expertise when talking about the application of 3D, CG, and motion capture technologies in film.

Many domestic directors and producers present were as confused as if they were listening to a heavenly book, feeling very awkward from start to finish.

"Director Lin, is the gap really that big?"

At Tiangong Color, Guo Fan asked bluntly.

"Of course the gap is that big!

The equipment used for the technologies he mentioned is almost non-existent in the country. When the second batch of equipment arrives in a few days, you can take a look."

After Lin Nan finished speaking, he saw many people looking over.

"Mm, there is also another group of people who will be coming back; the manpower will be increasing."

Those employees who returned from Crystal Pictures understood instantly.

……

When several trucks transporting machinery and equipment drove all the way to Lin Nan Film.

The media immediately thought of this time last year, the first batch of imported equipment for Tiangong Color.

This is the attitude of being determined to be a special effects company! They really do what they say.

"Tiangong Color, the second batch of imported special effects equipment has arrived..."

"It is estimated that the value of this equipment exceeds the first batch."

"With machines and staff, Tiangong Color is already the largest and top-tier special effects company in the country."

……

Big clients have the perks of big clients.

Along with the equipment came over twenty engineers, responsible for the installation, debugging, and necessary guidance of the machines.

Lin Nan did not expect the commotion this time to be so large.

Han Sanping, Director Tong, and others all came over to watch the spectacle.

Counting the first batch of equipment, this time it finally occupied the entire floor.

"How much money did you spend on this?"

"Even if you knew, what use would it be? China Film Group could never approve a project like this."

Han Sanping really had no way to refute Lin Nan's words.

As a state-owned enterprise, China Film Group had to involve itself in and support all types of films; it was indeed impossible to specifically spend money to build a special effects company.

After Han Sanping, Tong Gang, and other bigwigs left, quite a few film production companies came to visit one after another.

Lin Nan did not turn anyone away and had people take them around for introductions one by one.

And to be fair, over the two days, he received quite a few commissioned jobs.

The influence of *Avatar* had raised the level of attention from the outside world toward Lin Nan's special effects company significantly.

For blockbusters, the one thing they cannot do without is special effects.

"He is really going to do some solid work!"

"Big brother, we have sufficient funds now; should we also start our own special effects company?" Wang Zhonglei asked.

Back when *The Martian* premiere was held, Lin Nan said he was going to open a special effects company, and the industry was just watching for the spectacle.

Looking at it now, it seems it has truly succeeded; at the very least, he has both the equipment and the talent.

Thinking about a film like *Avatar*, it really does need its own special effects company...

"Are you stupid? Why would we do a project that requires long-term money burning and has no clear timeline for profitability?

Investing in anything else would be better than running a special effects company..."

Lin Nan is like a signboard, constantly advertising for Tiangong Color.

Many production companies are bringing their work and actively seeking him out; this feeling is very good...

Xue Xiaolu, holding the mindset of "slow work produces fine products," filmed *Love is Not Blind* for over two months and finally finished.

"Sister Xue, are you really not going to bring it over to my side for post-production?"

"No, I'll take it back to the school to edit; it saves from occupying your resources there..."

Since Xue Xiaolu said so, Lin Nan did not insist further.

"Then if there is anything you need help with later, just call me directly."

The equipment at the Beijing Film Academy is all too outdated; it's just that *Love is Not Blind* is a low-budget urban-themed film.

If it were changed to *Brotherhood of Blades* or *The Thieves*, Lin Nan would absolutely not agree to take it to the school for post-production.

The entertainment industry is more cruel and realistic than other places.

Lin Nan remembers that half a year ago, there were rumors outside that Deng Wendi would be filming *Snow Flower and the Secret Fan* together with Zhang Ziyi.

Later, "International Zhang" was dropped, and the matter just fizzled out.

Now that Huayi is listed, this project has been brought out again by Deng Wendi, to be produced jointly with Shanghai Film Group and Huayi.

It is just that the lead actress has changed.

It has become Huayi's top star, Li Bingbing.

Lin Nan does not know much about this film, but he estimates it won't be a good movie.