Chapter 350: Advanced Screenings, Registration

The film and television industry was stirred into a frenzy by this one television drama, and there were truly many people in the industry keeping a close eye on it.

Lin Nan discovered that Enlight Media was actually still one of the investors, which made things interesting.

"Huanrui is the lead controller, Enlight Media is participating in the investment, and there is also the International Television Corporation under CCTV, as well as the game copyright holder; we are co-producing it."

Wang Changtian was in a good mood; the box office for *Cook, Actor, Scoundrel* had already exceeded 100 million, and it had plenty of momentum left.

Having invested in another Xianxia drama here, the business department was unanimously optimistic about the subsequent viewership ratings, provided there were no issues with casting and production.

"Then I must congratulate Chairman Wang."

"The production team this time is from Hong Kong, so there will also be quite a few actors from there, and even some from across the mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. If you have any ideas, I can help you slot people in."

Wang Changtian said it very casually; he certainly had the qualifications to do so.

"I really don't have any ideas; those few artists I have all have their own arrangements ahead," Lin Nan smiled and declined.

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Wang Changtian didn't continue the topic; he changed the subject and started talking about something else.

"Huanrui wants to promote their own artist as the male lead, and they want to find a female lead with enough status and explosive popularity to carry this drama."

"Looking at the female leads of past Xianxia dramas, Yifei—they can only dream; they don't think much of those from Tang Ren, and they don't want to benefit Cai Yinong; Tang Yan—she's lacking a bit; finally..."

"Finally, they settled on Yang Mi, who just established her own studio?"

"Right, she is the most suitable. As the head of the Four Dan Actresses, she has the popularity and the status. *Finding Mr. Right* also just finished its theatrical run."

"Huanrui's eye for picking people is still very precise."

Lin Nan remarked with emotion, then followed up with a question: "Is it settled?"

"Settled. People who have opened their own studios are just different. Ceng Jia opened her mouth like a lion, but it's worth it."

Sure enough, Lin Nan had guessed that Ceng Jia would ask for a high price; Yang Mi was currently a very valuable "commodity"!

Until the moment he hung up the phone, Wang Changtian still gave a reminder that if he wanted to slot people in, he could tell him, but it had to be soon.

Lin Nan thanked him again, indicating he didn't have that intention.

However, he was still quite moved; Yang Mi was taking a step backward.

Aside from increasing popularity and making money, this kind of drama didn't help her at all; it could be said she was consuming her foundation.

Huanrui officially announced to the outside world that *Swords of Legends* had begun casting, but those with a discerning eye knew that at most, they were releasing some supporting roles.

Even so, actors in the industry still flocked to it.

Because everyone knew that Xianxia dramas adapted from games, even if they were supporting roles, each had its own characteristics, almost like an ensemble cast; they weren't bad!

Lin Nan felt that he should consider his next film.

However, the company's few films currently at hand were still the top priority and could not be handled carelessly.

Lu Yang, leading the creative team, had run through almost all the first and second-tier cities in the country during this period, and the results were very good.

Especially the short clip released, that shot of Wang Baoqiang looking like a madman: "Today we decide the winner, and also decide life and death," was particularly eye-catching.

This shot made a large number of netizens and audiences stop and watch, one after another expressing that they would go to the cinema to see the peak showdown between Wang Baoqiang and Zhao Wenzhuo.

One by one, the films with undecided release dates began to set their schedules.

The imported sci-fi blockbuster *Iron Man 3* was set for Labor Day; the audience was very much looking forward to the participation and performance of the mainland actors.

Chen Kexin's *American Dreams in China* also landed in mid-May, making this release period appear even more fiercely competitive.

"That *Saving General Yang* from Huayi is basically a goner. In one week, the box office just climbed to the 30 million threshold."

"Now the daily box office has already dropped to two million. If things go poorly, the fraction of the 170 million cost, that 70 million, really won't be coming back!"

Lin Nan listened to Yue Jun's teasing, just smiled, and didn't respond.

On his desk, spread out was the script for the new film the company was going to start after *Kung Fu Jungle*, *Ip Man 3*.

"Director Lin, is this script going to be made public now?"

Lin Nan shook his head, "Wait until *Kung Fu Jungle* has been in theaters for at least half a month."

At that time, it would be just right to add another spark to *Kung Fu Jungle*, which would still be in theaters.

"Director Jiang asked me a question today."

Lin Nan glanced at Yue Jun, "What question?"

"Whether Shanhai Media is still signing people at this stage," Yue Jun said meaningfully.

"Her old acquaintances from before? Except for Zhang Jin, the others have all been washed away by the waves; there's no chance left..."

Yue Jun had worked with Lin Nan for 7 years; he understood the meaning in the latter's words, "I understand."

This kind of question, logically speaking, Jiang Xuerou could have asked Lin Nan directly, but she asked Yue Jun instead.

This showed that she had certain speculations about Lin Nan's attitude.

Anyway, Lin Nan felt that Yu Bo had no chance left; having finally managed to show his face and act in *Saving General Yang*, the result was still this kind of box office flop; it would be hard for him to get ahead in the future.

The Hong Kong Film Awards were presented.

Although Zhou Xun did not attend the scene, the mainland film industry still felt regret and unfairness for her.

Five films were nominated for the Best Actress award, among which Zhou Xun occupied two spots, *The Silent War* and *The Great Magician*.

Of these two films, which one wasn't better than *Love in the Buff*? They actually let Miriam Yeung win the Best Actress award.

It could only be said that it was, after all, the Hong Kong film festival; Zhou Xun was used as a stepping stone.

"It really disgusted me. I actually lost to an actor who debuted as a singer and whose main profession is still a singer?"

On the phone, Zhou Xun didn't hide her temper at all, cursing and swearing.

"Others are authentic Hong Kongers; you are from the mainland, get that straight. Haha..."

Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh out loud: "You'd better hurry back; if you come back a day early, *Red Sorghum* can start filming a day early."

"Wait for it; I said mid-year, so it's mid-year. Do you think the title of UN Goodwill Ambassador is given for free? Very busy? These two months, I have to fly to many places..."

As Zhou Xun spoke, she got excited. The first Goodwill Ambassador in the country, very impressive?

It finally spread outside.

Huanrui rejected Tang Ren's Liu Shishi, rejected Huayi's Angelababy, turned down a large number of actresses in the industry, and finally signed the contract for the female lead with Jaywalk Studio.

"Since starring in *Chinese Paladin 3* in 2008, after five years, Yang Mi will once again star in the Xianxia drama of the same name adapted from a single-player game, *Swords of Legends*!"

"Currently, the TV drama *Swords of Legends* is in the middle of casting; only the male and female leads have been confirmed. The male lead will be played by Huanrui actor Li Yifeng..."

The media reported it quickly, and Yang Mi also immediately posted to acknowledge it:

"This is the first drama after Jaywalk was established; I definitely won't let the fans and audiences who like me down..."

With one singing and one harmonizing here, the industry and the internet became lively.

"Not acting in movies anymore? How come you're picking up TV dramas?"

"Left Shanhai Media, and now you're going back to act in a Xianxia drama? Driving in reverse, no pursuit."

"Not to mention Liu Shishi, even Angelababy would be more suitable than her..."

"Hu Ge already said he won't take Xianxia dramas anymore; that will limit acting skills and even lead to regression. Others have already gone to act in stage plays!"

Ever since Huanrui announced Yang Mi as the female lead, the internet hadn't been quiet.

All kinds of black material, suppression, and stepping on Yang Mi appeared again after a long absence; I don't know which company was making the move, or if it was multiple companies together?

"Lin, before July, we must do a few advanced screenings."

Lin Nan was still scrolling through Weibo at home when Leonardo's call came through—personally calling, which was truly rare!

But it was understandable; after all, it concerned the Oscars, and Leo was always like he was possessed.

If his supermodel girlfriend by his side now tried to stop him, she would probably be broken up with on the spot, no need to wait until she was 25.

"So early? This year."

"Yes, the Academy has already announced this year's registration process. Early July is the final registration deadline. According to the rules, we must complete at least a few advanced screenings of the film before then."

At this time, Liu Yifei, wearing pink floral loungewear, walked up to Lin Nan holding a fat orange cat.

"Who is it?"

"Crystal?"

Lin Nan didn't even need to answer; Leo asked first.

"Leo?"

Liu Yifei said in surprise. In her impression, Leonardo rarely called Lin Nan directly here.

"It's about the Oscars," Lin Nan said, looking at Miss Liu.

Subsequently, he spoke into the phone again:

"At the end of this month, I will accompany Xixi to Hollywood; she needs to participate in the dubbing for the Disney animated film *Frozen*."

"At that time, we will discuss the advanced screenings for *The Invisible Guest*, and then register afterward."

Hearing Lin Nan's reply, the other side of the phone was clearly relieved, "Okay, Lin. I'll wait for you in Hollywood."

Having finished the serious business, Leonardo hung up the phone; he really didn't waste any time at all.

"Need to register, going for the Oscars?"

Liu Yifei stood on the side and recited, feeling a bit dreamy.

"Yeah, have to try; if once doesn't work, then twice. In your collection, shouldn't the trophies be a bit more diverse?"

Lin Nan put his arm around Liu Yifei's waist and said affectionately.

"Mm, I believe you can succeed; I'm waiting for your little golden man."

Miss Liu's eyes were smiling; she wasn't polite at all, and following the conversation, she poured chicken soup for Lin Nan.

"Hehe, so perfunctory."

"Then what do you want?"

Liu Yifei looked at Lin Nan provocatively, with a posture of soldiers coming to block and water coming to cover.

Lin Nan glanced at the person in front of him, "Hehehe, you know."

Only to see Liu Yifei pretending to be ignorant, shaking her head delicately:

"Then I'm sorry, I really don't understand. I have to go back; Mom's sister is here."

After speaking, Liu Yifei walked away holding her cat without looking back; when she reached the door, she turned around and raised an eyebrow at Lin Nan.

"Mom's sister?"

Lin Nan was stunned; how come he didn't know Liu Xiaoli had relatives coming over?

Just as he was about to get up and follow to see, Lin Nan reacted instantly.

It wasn't Liu's mother's relative at all; it was Liu Yifei's relative!

Lin Nan sighed, wanting to laugh but unable to; he actually didn't react to Liu Yifei's words the first time.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 351 =====