Chapter 197: Locking the Date, Taking Third Master to Change

The annual Venice Film Festival opens in a month and a half.

This year, a total of four Chinese-language films have been shortlisted for the main competition.

One from the mainland, two from Hong Kong Island, one from Taiwan Island.

"What, you're inviting me to be an awards presenter?"

When Lin Nan received this invitation, he immediately felt a bit hesitant.

He knew the convention of the three major international film festivals.

That is, every year they invite several past winners and jury members to serve as awards presenters together.

He heard that this year's Horizons section jury chair was Jia Jia Zhangke.

If there were no film shooting schedule, Lin Nan would have been willing to go, but now he couldn't.

"I'm very sorry, Chairman Darren. My new film starts shooting in two days, and most likely I won't be able to wrap before the awards ceremony either."

"Oh, that's really too bad. Lin, best wishes for a smooth shoot…"

"Thank you."

Lin Nan had only refused that morning, and by the afternoon Venice had already reported it, and then domestic media got wind of it.

"Space Travellers about to start shooting; director Lin Nan politely declines Venice awards presenter invitation!"

"Four Chinese-language films shortlisted for competition; this year we may add another Golden Lion…"

…………

China Film hosted, Lin Nan and Liu Liu Yifei attended; the main crew of Space Travellers sat together for a meal.

"Sister Liu Yifei."

Upon meeting, Dilireba was the first to call out to Liu Yifei.

This made Miss Liu, who was already in a good mood while holding Lin Nan's arm, smile even more brightly.

"Long time no see, Dilireba."

"Oh, sit down, sit down, let's chat slowly."

Zhou Xun, bold and brash, was urging everyone along, already helping herself to red wine, and not forgetting to pour some for Lei Lei Jiayin.

Han Han Sanping sat in the host's seat, with Liu Liu Dehua and Tony Leung beside him, chatting about something.

"Lin Dao, when the time comes I'll have to trouble you to adjust the schedule and free up two days for me."

Hearing Liu Liu Dehua say this, Lin Nan didn't catch on for a moment.

"We have to congratulate him—A Simple Noodle has been shortlisted for the Golden Lion."

Only then did Lin Nan suddenly realize; he hadn't thought of it at all.

Liu Liu Dehua is the male lead of A Simple Noodle and is eligible to compete for the Volpi Cup for Best Actor.

"Congratulations, Wah-ge. I'll adjust the shooting schedule then and save time for you."

It was clear that Liu Liu Dehua planned to attend only the opening and closing ceremonies, not wanting to delay the film's shooting.

After the meal, the start date was also set.

Three days later in the morning, a small opening ceremony would be held at the China Film Digital Production Base, and shooting would officially begin in the afternoon.

…………

The date had already reached July 23rd.

Painted Skin 2's daily box office had dropped to just over two million.

And its total box office, after 22 days of release, had officially broken through to 700 million!

The mainland's third director to join the 700-million box office club was born.

No one doubted anymore whether Painted Skin 2's box office could surpass Let the Bullets Fly.

Because Painted Skin 2 was only 8 million short, and it still had a week of release left.

"Honestly, this 700-million director is a bit watered down. At least 400 million of it was brought in by Painted Skin 1."

"In other words, for Painted Skin 2's success, Lin Dao deserves more than half the credit…"

……

The various discussions from outside didn't affect Ur Shan at all; he even posted on Weibo:

"Thank you, Lin Dao Nan, for giving me the chance to direct Painted Skin 2.

If he had directed it himself back then, the box office might have been far more than this—most likely it would have broken his own record. Thank you, Lin Dao…"

Seeing this news, Lin Nan could only smile and shake his head. "Maybe."

…………

Warner Bros. and Lionsgate were the first to announce Pacific Rim's release date.

Right after, China Film added fuel to the domestic New Year season.

"A 160-million-USD Sino-American co-produced sci-fi blockbuster, Pacific Rim, will be released simultaneously on the mainland on January 1st next year!"

Lin Nan Pictures and Wanda Pictures followed closely, reposting the news.

At this point, the film circle could be described as "in an uproar."

Everyone knows the New Year season runs from December through the end of January at New Year's Eve, with a slew of commercial films piling into that window.

What was China Film doing? It had let loose a beast—and one that bites!

Films released in early December would essentially be unaffected by Pacific Rim.

But all the films from mid-December through New Year's Eve—that one and a half months—were squarely within Pacific Rim's hunting range!

Big-budget commercial films like The Flowers of War, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, and The Great Magician could not accept this at all.

Zhang Zhang Weiping was the most aggressive; although The Flowers of War wouldn't run into Pacific Rim until half a month after its release, he still acted as if he'd eaten dynamite and fired the first shot.

"What is Zuo Zuo Shandiao trying to do? Suppress domestic films? Curl up with foreigners? Where's his conscience—did the dogs eat it…"

The industry circle has already erupted into chaos, all because of the release schedule for "Pacific Rim."

Lin Nan heard that many people from film companies ran to China Film, only to leave with their heads hung low.

According to policy, co-productions fully enjoy the treatment of domestic films.

Moreover, for the investment in "Pacific Rim," domestic capital accounts for more than half.

Even if these people jointly sue the General Administration, they cannot change the established fact that "Pacific Rim" will be released on New Year's Day.

The media just loves this kind of commotion.

"'Pacific Rim' will be released during the New Year's Day holiday season; whether it can replicate the miracle of 'Avatar' from the beginning of last year, we shall wait and see."

Lin Nan, as an investor and screenwriter, knew the specific situation.

Warner and Lionsgate had made both 2D and 3D versions, with the sole purpose of fully harvesting the box office.

According to Guo Fan's description upon his return, if this movie were placed on an IMAX 3D screen, the visual effects would absolutely be very shocking.

Lin Nan estimated that "Pacific Rim," released during the domestic New Year's holiday season, should easily break 1 billion in box office revenue!

…………

Outside, people were still arguing; many even called Lin Nan's side, but he didn't answer.

"One by one, their brains are faulty; I am one of the investors, so I definitely support the New Year's holiday release!"

…………

Liu Liu Yifei didn't let the makeup artist come today, but chose to do it herself, applying light makeup.

"Oh, hurry up and get away, you're too slow, clumsy and awkward..."

Well, Lin Nan was rejected.

It turns out that drawing storyboards and drawing eyebrows are not the same!

After more than an hour, Liu Liu Yifei finished her light makeup.

Both were wearing black printed T-shirts, casual jeans, and canvas shoes.

However, Liu Liu Yifei, wearing black sunglasses that covered most of her face with long hair cascading over her shoulders, was even more eye-catching.

"Let's go, Lin Dao." Liu Liu Yifei tugged on Lin Nan.

"Okay, Producer Liu."

…………

China Film Digital Production Base.

The kickoff ceremony certainly couldn't be held inside the "Passengers" soundstage, but rather in an exhibition hall.

Han Han Sanping, Lin Nan, Liu Liu Yifei, Ye Ning, Wang Wang Changtian, and everyone from Aero-Science Industry were all present.

Additionally, Andy Lau, Zhou Xun, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Lei Lei Jiayin, Dilraba, and the special effects crew from Tiangong Se Cai were also all there without a single missing person.

"Yo-ho, you're wearing couple's outfits today. Black T-shirts make you look even fairer and tender..."

Zhou Xun was being improper, but luckily Liu Liu Yifei was agile and dodged quickly.

"Sister isn't going to eat you, so why are you running?"

"You're almost becoming a female hooligan, hehehe..."

Liu Liu Yifei teased with a laugh.

"Brother Xun, just stop asking for trouble. Liu Qianqian could beat two of you, no question..."

Lin Nan's joke stopped abruptly halfway. His waist hurt.

After more than twenty media reporters arrived, the kickoff press conference could begin.

"All the filming work for this movie will take place in the largest soundstage over there."

"This is a sci-fi romance film, except the greatest enemies are a hundred years of time, the vast universe, and spiritual loneliness."

……

"Lin Dao, during the filming of this movie, can we open it up for visits?"

Lin Nan didn't answer; Liu Liu Yifei had already spoken with a smile.

"I will answer this question: 'Passengers' will not open up to media visits during filming, but will allow actor visits."

"Hmm? Why are only industry actors allowed to come for visits?"

"The filming location is right in the soundstage; all the sets are inside, so of course we must keep it secret from the media."

Otherwise, wouldn't everyone know what the 'interior of the spaceship' looks like?" Lin Nan said with a smile.

As for actors coming to visit?

Lin Nan had already thought of it: if any acquaintance came to visit, he would give them a chance to lie down in the cryo-pod.

Of course, he would also actively invite a group of people to come for cameos.

The key crew members were interviewed one by one, including producer Liu Liu Yifei.

"This will be the third film I produce; I think the producer's job is quite interesting, allowing me to understand every detail of a film's production..."

It was clear that after experiencing "The Four" and "Starry Starry Night," Liu Liu Yifei had a better understanding of the producer role and had already become a qualified producer.

"Producer Liu speaks well!"

Lin Nan shouted with a smile and clapped his hands.

The crew members also joined in the fun one by one, with continuous applause and laughter.

This made Liu Liu Yifei feel embarrassed instead. Her pretty face turned slightly red, and she gave Lin Nan a glare.

After the kickoff ceremony ended, the media left the Digital Production Base.

That afternoon, "Passengers" officially started filming.

…………

Online reports about "Passengers" have already come out.

"Producer Liu Liu Yifei's third film, 'Passengers,' officially begins filming today!"

"The 'Passengers' production crew is opening the set for visits, limited to industry actors only..."

"Lin Dao Nan and Liu Liu Yifei, dressed in matching couple outfits, appeared at the kickoff ceremony..."

"Chairman Han, since today is as good as any other day, you go first."

"What do you mean?" Han Han Sanping asked, looking utterly baffled.

"There are so many stasis pods; just pick one. It's just a cameo."

Lin Nan looked at Han Han Sanping and smiled lightly.

Now Han Han Sanping understood; it turned out they were just drafting him.

"Fine, a cameo it is. I've hardly ever shown my face in a movie. I'm doing you this favor; I just need to lie down in there, right?"

"Change into the clothes designed by Aerospace Industry first. Someone, take Third Master to the changing room!"

Lin Nan shouted to the logistics team with a smile.

Han Han Sanping looked at Lin Nan speechlessly; his reputation was being ruined bit by bit like this!