Chapter 427: Opening Week Box Office

One night passed, and by daybreak the entertainment industry was still being continuously "flooded" by box-office news about The Invisible Guest.

Its heat and buzz not only remained high, but also showed a faint upward trend.

Even past seven o'clock, the film's first-day box-office figures appeared on the morning news in the form of a text bulletin.

One must understand that in the North American film market, a mainland director actually achieving real box-office results is an entirely different concept!

For the entire domestic film industry, Lin Nan seemed to have once again achieved a meteoric rise; keeping a low profile was simply impossible.

Among the actors in the industry who had worked with Lin Nan and were on good terms with him, not one was unhappy to see it succeed.

The more successful Director Lin became, the more everyone shared in the glory; who knows, there might even be chances to ride his coattails later.

"Now he's even patched up that last shortcoming — the North American market…"

Quite a few directors in the industry were feeling rather emotional.

After all, for all these years, the most anyone had managed was earning dollars at film festivals through rights deals.

Even that was only achieved by a handful of top directors, who qualified to sell rights at respectable prices at Europe's three major festivals.

To date, not a single mainland director had managed to grab a share of the North American theatrical market…

No — now there was one: Lin Nan!

The promotion of The Taking of Mount Mount Weihu was also affected by Lin Nan and The Invisible Guest.

From its previous ranking of top three in buzz and attention among the dozens of films across the New Year and Spring Festival windows, it instantly leapt to first place, pulling far ahead of the films behind it.

…………

On the 3rd, No Man's Land was officially released.

"This guy Lin Nan isn't even in the country, yet his news is everywhere in the industry — it's really unreasonable!"

Ning Hao complained as he got ready to head out. He and Xing Aina were going to attend Enlight's premiere.

The New Year window's battle had already begun, and No Man's Land's first formidable opponent was Enlight's production, Chen Chen Jiashang-directed The Four Great Constables 2.

"If you had his results, you could be like that too. I'm really envious of Liu Yifei. When I see her later, I'll have to congratulate her properly."

Xing Aina picked up her bag and followed Ning Hao out the door, delivering a merciless jab at him as she went.

"I, I, sigh…"

Ning Hao "I"-ed for a long while without squeezing out a single sentence, and could only change the subject:

"Next month, I might just get nominated for the Golden Bear, and then…"

"Ooh-ooh-ooh, look at you showing off. If you really get nominated, I'll allow you to sleep in the study for a whole month, no disturbances."

"Really?"

Ning Hao was first delighted, then his face changed instantly: "Where I sleep still needs your permission? That's ridiculous…"

As he spoke, he walked off without looking back to drive, leaving Xing Aina behind with a smirk on her face.

…………

The same promotional pitch is fine the first or second time, but by the third or fourth repetition it starts to get tiresome — that was exactly how Lin Nan felt now.

On a Hollywood awards-season night, bright as day, the PR parties were still going on.

Lin Nan and the others were taking turns in every conceivable way, "recommending" The Invisible Guest to all the guests and Academy voters.

"It's my first time participating in a full film PR campaign — I really can't handle this intensity."

Lin Nan took a sip of juice and complained.

In two days, this was the fourth party he was hosting; in between he had even squeezed in time to show his face at other films' events — courtesy demands reciprocity, after all.

"Lin, after a while you'll get used to it. On that point, you should learn from Leon — look at him, he's never been this patient or this much of a gentleman even with his girlfriend! Tsk-tsk…"

"Heh, that's pathological. Wait until the day he actually gets the Oscar, then look again — he definitely won't be like this anymore; he'll probably turn into a slob who doesn't care about his appearance."

Lin Nan glanced at Leonardo in the distance — impeccably dressed, debonair, chatting and laughing merrily — and quipped casually.

After slacking off and resting for a while, Lin Nan picked up his wine glass and walked back into the crowd once more. "Just a few more days, then I'm heading home."

……

By the end of the second day, The Invisible Guest had reported a box office of 18.65 million US dollars, a slight increase.

Lin Nan sat in Crystal Pictures' office, watching the finished cut of Fifty Shades of Grey — it was well made.

"According to the pattern of the awards-season window, the first week's box office will most likely account for about half of the first month's total.

If it gets nominated later, or even wins, then the total box office will keep accumulating — a steady, long-running flow."

Listening to Tang Mu's clumsy Chinese, Lin Nan nodded: "I remember Fifty Shades of Grey is releasing on New Year's Day, right?"

"Right. Starting tomorrow, Lionsgate's side will begin their promotional push."

Lin Nan propped his forehead with his hand, pinching the bridge of his nose; he felt a bit guilty, wanting to laugh but unable to.

Because The Invisible Guest had done so well at the North American box office, domestic media were paying even more attention to his news and movements over here.

One thing was certain: Fifty Shades of Grey would absolutely not be "missed" by them.

It was a film adapted from a bestselling novel of the same name; once the news traveled back home, they wouldn't even need to watch the finished cut to know what it was about.

By that time, knowing the ways of domestic entertainment media, Lin Nan could already guess how they'd report it — definitely as exaggerated as possible!

And then thinking about the reactions from the film industry, the entertainment circle, the internet, and those guys on social media… ugh…

Lin Nan had a feeling he might be about to experience social death?!

He looked at Tang Mu expressionlessly, really wanting to give him a beating.

Tang Mu sensed something was off, paused, "Hmm? Lin, why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing, just thinking I should send you off to shoot adult films — the kind where you work year-round with no days off…"

Lin Nan muttered softly. This guy!

"What?"

Tang Mu's eyes went wide; he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.

"Alright, get out. Don't disturb me while I'm reading the script."

…………

Before resting for the night, Lin Nan specifically checked the domestic news.

Ning Hao's persistence of more than four years had not been in vain.

Had it been released in '09, it absolutely wouldn't have the box office it has now.

As a road-crime film, "No Man's Land" raked in a stellar 22 million on its opening day.

One has to know, this figure is an exceptionally eye-catching result for a non-commercial film.

Most importantly, whether online or within the industry, the reviews for "No Man's Land" have all been very high.

In the words of quite a few industry directors and producers:

"Waiting over four years for this one film was worth it. But everyone also feels even more regret over the first version of 'No Man's Land' dying without a trace. That version would have been even more brilliant…"

Lin Nan noticed that even Han Han Sanping had, unusually, given an interview, expressing helplessness over the film being sent back countless times over four years.

"Truly retired now. Out of office, some things are easier to say."

Lin Nan quipped, then looked at another item.

Director Chen is indeed still so fond of Hong Kong and Taiwan actors.

"Daoist Priest" officially announced its finalized cast list. Apart from Wang Wang Baoqiang as the lead, more than half of the remaining main actors are from Hong Kong and Taiwan.

But what Chen Hong had said publicly before—about picking a new actress—was actually done.

This newcomer will be acting opposite Wang Wang Baoqiang in "Daoist Priest," sharing a night of carnal bliss.

She is indeed a new actress, but Lin Nan wouldn't think for a second that she's a newcomer with no background.

After all, Chen Chen Kaige and Zhang Zhang Yimou are two people with completely different dispositions.

…………

Starting from the third day, Lin Nan became swamped.

He even missed Liu Liu Yifei's calls many times.

On one side, PR parties; on the other, the box office of "The Invisible Guest."

Socializing, networking, promotion, and speeches—the PR costs turned into gifts and bills one after another, melting away rapidly like snowflakes under a scorching sun…

Day three, box office reported at 16.05 million USD.

Day four, another 14.09 million USD.

Day five, daily box office 11.05 million…

As "The Invisible Guest" total box office gradually climbed and word-of-mouth fermented, the party invitations Lin Nan received during awards season grew more and more numerous—he could no longer keep up.

"Lin, as of today, we've held a total of 11 PR parties.

The cumulative number of Academy members attending parties has reached around 225. Even those who didn't come have all been mailed film copies and gifts…"

Hearing the figures Tang Mu reported, Lin Nan had only five words in his head: money flowing out like water!

One has to know, the current Academy membership is 6,814.

Even though the PR firm filtered out a portion to court, that number is still in the high hundreds or over a thousand.

"Book me a ticket. I'm planning to head back to the country in two days. Leave the rest to you guys—Leonardo will be the main force."

Lin Nan looked at Tang Mu and said, a little weary.

"Understood, Lin."

…………

The promotion for "Fifty Shades of Grey" also officially kicked off.

Just as Lin Nan had guessed—it's truly hard to describe!

Domestic media piled on like crazy, reposting and reporting.

"Reposted from Hollywood Film News:

The R-rated film 'Fifty Shades of Grey,' directed by Lin Nan as a shareholder, primarily controlled by Hollywood independent film production company Crystal Pictures, with Lionsgate participating in investment, production, and distribution, will be released on New Year's Day, North American time…"

"The film 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is adapted from the bestselling novel of the same name. Its North American rating is: R (Restricted).

The film is a romance containing partial S&M scenes. Viewers under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian…"

……

This abrupt film news made the entertainment circle and the internet even more frenzied.

Everyone was still focused on the box office of Lin Nan's "The Invisible Guest," and suddenly there's even more explosive news?

There aren't many industry filmmakers who hold shares in Hollywood film companies.

To a certain extent, domestic audiences have come to equate films produced by Crystal Pictures with Lin Nan.

And the news about "Fifty Shades of Grey" thoroughly ignited the gossip flames of the entertainment circle and netizens.

"Good lord, S&M? You can't film that in China!"

"Director Lin Nan is a shareholder, right? Strongly request a Chinese-dubbed version… bootleggers, do your part!"

"I just want to know, did Director Lin approve this? Don't let him fall from grace!"

"Director Jia Jia Zhangke wants to make an erotic film with realistic themes, right? Let him find Director Lin for help and invite Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi, Li Li Bingbing, and Fan Li Bingbing to Hollywood to shoot it!"

"Looking forward to it…"

……

Liu Liu Yifei watched the heated discussion online, on the verge of tears.

She really wanted to explain things for Lin Nan, but she knew this wasn't a big deal—just fodder for everyone's jokes.

"Hmph, that damned Tang Mu made Lin Nan take the fall…"

Liu Liu Yifei muttered while checking her phone.

Indeed, text messages and QQ alerts kept flashing, and countless comments flooded beneath the Weibo post.

"Liu Yifei, has Zhang Jingying Pictures started making R-rated films? Can Lin Nan bring back a copy for us, so we can all broaden our horizons?"

Zhu Zhu Yawen kept sending emoji packs in the group.

"It's not like you've never seen one before—why so excited?" Luo Jin replied.

"The key is, this is the closest R-rated film production has ever come to us—Lin Nan is a shareholder!"

…

Liu Liu Yifei watched the group chatter away without interjecting, instead scrolling again through her Weibo messages.

"Producer Liu, could you privately tell Sister how many shares Lin Dao holds in Zhang Jingying Pictures? You definitely know!"

"Lin Nan's companies have quite broad interests. I'll recommend myself—I can act in this kind of film too, as long as it releases in North America…"

"Huang Xiaoming, you're going too far. We're all here for gossip, but you're not doing the 'real work'!"

"It's just some scenes—nothing real… I'll recommend myself too. Producer, give me a chance."

…

Riding this wave, many actors within the industry voiced aloud what they'd previously been too shy to say, all framed as jokes directed at Liu Liu Yifei.

Liu Liu Yifei replied with a cheerful smile, tagging everyone:

"I'm speaking on Lin Nan's behalf—this film was initiated by Tang Mu, not Lin Nan. As for roles, I can't help, but if there's an opportunity, he'll definitely let everyone know."

"Oh, thank you, Producer Liu."

"Thank you, Lady…"

…………

After attending the Golden Horse Awards, Lin Nan came straight to Hollywood.

Six days in late November, plus six days in December—he stayed here for a full twelve days.

On the seventh, Tang Mu personally led a team to see Lin Nan and his two companions off at the airport.

"Lin, once you land, you should see our first-week box office."

"Mm, I understand. Go back now—keep a close eye on the PR afterward."

With that, Lin Nan, accompanied by his two assistants and suitcases, headed straight for the departure hall.

The phrase "tired from travel" applies just as well to flying. Twelve hours in the air was truly grueling.

Even though Lin Nan forced himself to sleep, he only managed half the time; the rest he spent staring blankly in first class.

"Liu Qianqian, should you be leaving home by now?"

More than two hours before landing, Lin Nan had already been muttering—after nearly half a month apart, he missed Liu Liu Yifei terribly.

In the capital, the noon sun at 12:30 wasn't hot, but it was blinding.

Lin Nan wore sunglasses and squeezed into the crowd with his two assistants; he knew today's media reporters were unavoidable.

After all, during this period, "The Invisible Guest" had dominated front-page headlines domestically, along with "Fifty Shades of Grey."

Many passersby at the airport recognized Lin Nan—he'd signed autographs for several.

The moment he stepped out of the arrivals exit, he was "locked on."

But his gaze fixed on a BMW parked far away—he didn't need to guess; Liu Liu Xiaoli's car had been driven here by Liu Liu Yifei.

"Director Lin, can we ask you a few questions?"

"Director Lin…"

Lin Nan didn't stop walking—he kept moving toward the distance.

"Ask."

Hearing Lin Nan's consent, the reporters instantly grew excited.

"First, congratulations, Director Lin—'The Invisible Guest' earned nearly 100 million in its first seven days!"

"How much?"

Lin Nan paused and asked, "I haven't seen the news yet—what did you say?"

The reporters shouted over each other, "Director Lin, 'The Invisible Guest' earned $98.4 million in its first seven days. The news just reached China an hour ago…"

Hearing the number, Lin Nan himself was stunned for a few seconds, then a delighted smile spread across his face:

"$98.4 million? That's great! Hahaha…"

This box office result would let Lin Nan walk tall in China's director circle!

At that moment, Liu Liu Yifei had already gotten out of the car and was waving from afar.

"Only one more question—I'm getting in the car."

Lin Nan smiled; his two assistants had already loaded the suitcases into the BMW's trunk and boarded the company's shuttle.

Opportunities always go to prepared reporters, but this question made Lin Nan hesitate.

"Director Lin, 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is led by Zhang Jingying Pictures, with Lionsgate participating in investment and production…"

Lin Nan had expected the reporter to ask about "Fifty Shades of Grey," but the journalist suddenly veered sharply off course.

"…Director Lin, does your shareholding in Zhang Jingying Pictures exceed fifty percent?"

Good heavens—upon hearing the question, even nearby reporters raised their thumbs, "Good one!"

Lin Nan's smile slowly faded—should he still bluff this time?

He glanced at Liu Liu Yifei, several meters away—her smiling face was truly beautiful.

…………

(End of Chapter)