Chapter 131: Film Festival Promotion

Although May isn't over yet.

Several June and July domestic films have already started their promotional campaigns one after another.

The one drawing the most attention is "Aftershock"—after all, the buzz is right there, backed by official media.

What nobody expected was that Miss Jing Tian's "My Beautiful Boss" was making just as big a splash. Probably riding on the coattails of that big-budget film "Battle of Wits."

More and more people from other fields are getting into directing films.

Guo Guo Degang's "Flirting Scholar 2" reportedly grossed only about seven million at the box office, slipping out of theaters amid jeers.

However, Zhao Zhao Benshan's just-launched "Big Laugh Laughing Jianghu" is being viewed favorably by quite a few industry film companies.

Nobody cares whether it's good or bad.

But the box office probably won't be too terrible—after all, he's a Spring Festival Gala veteran of so many years, that kind of pull is still there.

"Lin Dao, the Magic City International Film Festival opens in a couple of days. Should we bring a few films over for promotion?"

Lin Nan had already considered Yue Jun's suggestion before.

Although the Magic City International Film Festival is on the weaker side among A-list festivals, it really is a pretty good promotional platform.

Back in '07, Lin Nan had brought "Painted Skin" there for promotion.

"Sure. Have them get the posters and brochures ready in the next couple of days. Get in touch with the organizers—register all four films for exhibition."

Lin Nan instructed.

He had no intention of entering the competition, but that didn't stop him from bringing films to exhibit.

Isn't one purpose of the Magic City Film Festival to give domestic and foreign films a platform for exhibition, promotion, and exchange?

"Will you be going then?"

Yue Jun asked with a smile. Registering four films for exhibition meant the other side would definitely come knocking for Lin Nan.

"I'll go."

If you're going to promote a film, you have to do it right.

"Got it, I'll contact the organizers shortly."

After Yue Jun left the office, Lin Nan thought of "Lucy"—such a great promotional opportunity, how could he pass it up?

Right after, he sent Tom an email and gave Han Han Sanping a heads-up—after all, China Film was handling the import and supervision of "Lucy."

…………

Gotta admit, "Ip Man 2" really did make Zhen Starring Zhen Zidan explode in popularity.

Although Lin Nan and Emperor Motion Pictures had shut down the "Ip Man" project, that didn't stop others from getting him new gigs.

And not just one—two films with investments over a hundred million.

"The Lost Bladesman" with a 150-million investment, and "Wu Xia" with a production cost of 145 million.

Seeing this news, Lin Nan found the casting a bit ridiculous—purely chasing a momentary burst of fame.

Zhen Starring Zhen Zidan, barely over five-foot-seven, playing Guan Yu who was nine chi tall—no matter how you look at it, it's awkward.

"Probably two more box-office bombs…"

Within a couple of days, the news that four Lin Nan Pictures films would be exhibited at the Magic City Film Festival had spread.

In addition, among the imported films being exhibited, "Lucy" had been added.

Miss Liu had already arranged her schedule—she'd fly to Magic City with Lin Nan and the others to promote her film.

"If only you'd mentioned this two months ago."

Ren Ren Zhonglun gave Lin Nan a call.

"What do you mean?"

"Having you serve as a jury member—you can still be added in now…"

"Ren Dong, I'm not interested in that. Besides, go be an assistant to a Hong Kong director?"

Lin Nan's words left Ren Ren Zhonglun a bit stuck—these past few years the jury presidents had been either foreign directors or Hong Kong directors; this year it's John Woo.

"Fair point—if you came, you'd have to be jury president, haha…"

Lin Nan had, in effect, politely declined the real purpose behind Ren Ren Zhonglun's call.

One, he didn't need it for fame; two, he didn't care about credentials—this kind of time-wasting thing held zero interest for him.

He'd much rather just stay home with Miss Liu.

……

Posters for "Lost on Journey" began appearing in prominent spots at theaters everywhere.

By rights, a low-budget film from a first-time director shouldn't get this kind of treatment.

But whose production company is it? Lin Nan Pictures.

Add to that the fact that Lin Nan wrote the screenplay—this little bit of preferential treatment is well deserved.

Time rolled into June.

Xu Zheng, Director Lu Yang, Xue Xue Xiaolu, and Guo Fan were the first to set off for Magic City.

Actors who could free up their schedules would also be arranged to go.

Anyway, Zhu Zhu Yawen and Jiang Jiang Yiyan were both unavailable.

The former was filming "Painted Skin 2," the latter was shooting a romance with Huang Bo.

Photos from the festival side were already online—the promotional spots for Lin Nan Pictures' four films were lined up together, looking the most eye-catching of all.

Liu Liu Yifei had been ready for several days—she'd depart with Lin Nan.

On the morning of opening day, the two landed at Magic City airport with their assistants.

"This year's star lineup is stronger than ever."

Yue Jun, who'd arrived several days earlier, came to pick them up personally.

"I can guess — with that much money…"

Lin Nan laughed and quipped, and Miss Liu beside him was amused too.

That's just how the Magic City Film Festival is — money is always spent on appearances, yet its international influence never rises a bit; easily the most watered-down A-class film festival.

When they reached the hotel, one glance showed plenty of familiar faces from the industry, and plenty of media reporters too.

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei…"

"Lin Dao."

……

……

In just ten-odd minutes, no fewer than fifty people came up to greet Lin Nan.

"The main events are still the opening and closing ceremony red carpets."

Lin Nan had no plans to walk the closing ceremony red carpet — he wasn't here to compete, nor was he a guest, so why on earth would he walk the closing red carpet.

He was only here for film promotion, so the opening ceremony red carpet was just right.

"Shall we go take a look at the film promotion area?"

Miss Liu Liu Yifei was thinking about her Lucy at the moment.

"Mm, then let's go wander over to the booth area."

Guo Fan, Director Lu Yang, Xu Zheng and others were at the film promotion area at that moment.

Just those few steps, and another big batch of familiar faces.

Gao Gao Yuanyuan, Li Li Xiaoran, Liu Ye, Fan Li Bingbing, Qin Qin Hailu, Jia Jia Zhangke, Wang Wang Xiaoshuai…

Plenty of Hong Kong and Taiwan stars too, chatting and networking in little clusters.

"Isn't that Huang Xiaoming?"

Miss Liu had sharp eyes — Lin Nan spotted him too.

Huang Huang Xiaoming, who should have been on the Painted Skin 2 set, was chatting with Chen Chen Kaige at that moment.

As if sensing something, Huang Huang Xiaoming looked over this way too, said a few words to Chen Chen Kaige, then walked over.

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei, I haven't been skipping work.

Director Wu Wu Ershan is shooting scenes with Zhu Yawen and Mimi today and tomorrow, so I took two days off — I'm in Zhao's Orphan too."

Huang Huang Xiaoming explained with a smile.

"I didn't say you were skipping work." Lin Nan teased.

"Come on, the exhibition areas for those films are further inside — all good spots."

Huang Huang Xiaoming led the way, walking ahead.

From a distance they spotted Guo Fan and the others, surrounded by plenty of industry people, chatting amiably.

"Lin Dao, Liu Yifei."

The exhibition areas for the four films were lined up together — all Lin Nan Pictures productions.

Right next to the Thieves area was the imported film section — that was Lucy.

On a 3-meter-tall poster standee, the image was very simple — just Liu Liu Yifei's promotional photo.

The background was an endless starry sky; her gaze was indifferent, carrying not a trace of human emotion…

On one side of the standee was the tagline: Lucy — From Man to God.

Liu Liu Yifei had already walked up to her own promotional poster and was waving Lin Nan over — he got the meaning.

The moment Lin Nan stepped over, the reporters couldn't wait to press their shutters.

"Remember to send a copy to my company later." Lin Nan said to the Sina reporter.

"No problem, Lin Dao."

……

For the evening's opening ceremony red carpet, Lin Nan planned to have everyone walk together — no splitting up.

Except Xue Xue Xiaolu would have to walk twice — she had a red carpet walk with Jet Li and Wen Zhang too.

After wandering the film exhibition area, Lin Nan saw the six character posters for Warring States.

Honestly, Miss Jing Tian in armor and gripping a long sword looked quite good — a dashing, spirited air about her.

……

The entire afternoon, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei gave plenty of interviews to reporters, mainly about the films.

Director Lu Yang and the others had already been through this media blitz a few days earlier.

Fan Li Bingbing specifically came over to ask if she needed to walk the red carpet with them, representing the Thieves crew.

But she was turned down by Lin Nan.

Most of the cast hadn't come — bringing just Fan Li Bingbing along would have looked a bit awkward.

……

The red carpet is a battlefield for the female stars.

Today's Liu Liu Yifei chose a pure white evening gown, paired with Lin Nan in an all-black suit — just right.

"Let's go."

Liu Liu Yifei tugged Lin Nan and walked out of the room.

Guo Fan and the others were also in sharp suits, having waited in the lobby long since.

"A fine match!"

"Perfect pair!"

……

"Director Xue's 'Ocean Heaven' is further ahead, it'll join up with us later."

Guo Fan said.

In the red-carpet waiting area, Lin Nan and his group drew the most attention.

Although there were only five of them, they represented five films.

Liu Liu Yifei was the only actress; the other four were all directors — an extraordinarily lavish lineup.

The red carpet began.

The actresses, as expected, followed one principle: outshine each other in beauty.

Fan Li Bingbing in a sweeping crimson gown with a high ponytail — the very picture of seduction.

Li Li Bingbing in a silver body-hugging evening dress, brimming with femininity…

Zhong Zhong Xintong, Zhang Zhang Baizhi, Zhang Zhang Jingchu…

Gong Li in a black strapless evening gown, an overwhelming aura no one could match.

Many foreign actresses were even more daring.

……

Lin Nan stopped watching — his waist hurt a little.

……

"Lin Dao, it's our turn."

Xue Xue Xiaolu had barely rejoined the group when it was Lin Nan's party's turn — among the last few lineups to walk out.

The six of them stepped onto the red carpet, and the media instantly stirred.

"Now walking the red carpet are Lin Dao Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, Director Guo Fan, Director Lu Yang…"

"The films 'Thieves' Alliance,' 'Lucy,' 'Brotherhood of Blades'…"

Five directors, one actress, five films — the most formidable combination on tonight's red carpet.

"Lin Dao, 'Lost on Journey' hits theaters this month — what's your box-office expectation for the film?"

The red-carpet host went straight to the point the moment he came over.

"You'd have to ask Director Xu — after all, I only provided the screenplay."

"Of course I hope the more the better; a hundred million would be best, hehe…"

Xu Zheng said it jokingly, treating it as promotion for the film — one more talking point.

To the media's ears, that answer sounded like a joke too; no one took it seriously.

The several films were asked about one after another.

Then came 'Lucy.'

Liu Liu Yifei's big female-lead film — everyone in the industry now knew the screenwriter was Lin Nan.

"I hope it brings a surprise to me and to everyone; as for the results, we'll know next month."

'Thieves' was the last to be asked about, because the director was Lin Nan — to this day, the domestic-film record remained in his hands.

"This film is the first time I've used so many leads. As for the box office…"

"I hope it can set a new box-office record."

The moment those words left Lin Nan's mouth, the media around the red carpet instantly lit up.

This year several big mainland directors all had new films — was Lin Nan throwing down the gauntlet?

Every reporter had already made up their mind: gauntlet or not, they'd write that Lin Nan had thrown down the gauntlet to the other big directors!