Chapter 555: The Plan

"A shortcut! It really is a shortcut to the heavens!"

Ceng Jia couldn't help but exclaim once more. Her previous dismissal of what Especially Reba had said now felt like a resounding slap to her own face.

That lingering sliver of wishful thinking had vanished completely. Lin Nan Film Industry not only had a shortcut, but that shortcut was also incredibly domineering!

As the only permanent female guest on *Running Man*, once the first episode aired on Tudou, Especially Reba's popularity exploded.

This beauty with exotic features was no longer just a supporting role in Lin Nan Film Industry's movies; she had become a post-90s starlet that the entire internet was watching and discussing, her popularity skyrocketing!

"Haven't we discussed this topic before?"

"Lin Dao treats every artist equally. The company will provide them with resources—resources to steadily enter the first tier—as well as channels."

When Yang Mi said this, she also felt a sense of emotion. Although her feelings were a bit complicated, there was a trade-off.

Staying at Shan Hai Media, she could only be an actress; only by leaving did she have a chance.

"I heard the first season has finished recording. For the second season, Mimi, why don't you try being a guest star? Bring along some of the company's newcomers?"

Yang Mi knew Ceng Jia would bring this up, but she didn't refute or refuse.

Because the TV dramas produced by Jiaxing, which she starred in alongside newcomers, also needed promotion.

And *Running Man* was basically destined to be one of the hottest promotional platforms.

"Hmm, let's try to contact them later. How is the company's financing going?" This was what Yang Mi cared about most.

Ceng Jia was slightly excited, looking at Yang Mi:

"During this period, quite a bit of capital has shown interest in us. I am confident that within a year, Jiaxing will embark on the path of financing and begin accumulating strength for an IPO. It's just... Mimi, what about those drinking parties with capital in the industry?"

Looking at Ceng Jia's inquiring and expectant gaze, Yang Mi nodded firmly, "I will attend."

……

Film and television companies in the industry were all green with envy; Lin Nan Film Industry had gained another trump card, and it was one that artists were flocking to!

Didn't you see how the topic volume, attention, and fan counts of even those guest stars had surged significantly?

Every company in the industry with an artist management business had their own little schemes right now.

Everyone was setting their sights on *Running Man*; this was a much bigger opportunity than getting a role in a Lin Nan Film Industry movie!

"See? The team's analysis back then was spot on. This permanent female guest role really can make someone explode in popularity."

Huang Xiaoming was a typical male chauvinist and very susceptible to Yang Ying's coquettish ways, but at this moment, he still just smiled and shook his head.

"There's no way around it. I can only help you get a spot as a guest star; going a few more times is the same thing."

"Alright, be good. I have to go discuss that popular adapted movie. I will try my best to help you get one of the lead roles."

"Well, alright then."

Hearing Huang Xiaoming say this, Yang Ying agreed, even feeling somewhat delighted.

Because the original work of the movie he mentioned was indeed very popular—a hot IP with numerous fans!

Just as many companies and artists in the film industry were "eyeing" Lin Nan Film Industry and *Running Man*, China Film Group's announcement was released.

At this, the entire domestic film industry and entertainment circle finally boiled over.

—*The Great Wall* finally had definitive news!

However, what surprised the industry was that the chosen director was actually not the widely rumored Lin Nan?

Of course, none of that mattered anymore. Because the confirmed director announced was also a top-tier, internationally renowned Chinese director!

"In the morning, China Film Group, in conjunction with Legendary Pictures, Universal Pictures, and LeTV Pictures, issued an official announcement:"

"The Sino-US co-production *The Great Wall*, jointly produced by the four companies with an investment cost as high as 150 million USD, has confirmed its director."

"Renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou will personally direct *The Great Wall*. The former served as the chief director for the 2008 Olympic opening ceremony, stunning the whole world..."

"The film *The Great Wall* is now officially opening casting and auditions domestically and in Hollywood. After the roles are set, the actors will head to Hollywood for several months of closed-door training..."

"Detailed content regarding the submission of actor resumes, recommendations, casting audition processes, character lists, and requirements for *The Great Wall* is announced as follows..."

……

Lin Nan, of course, also knew about the news outside, because many acquaintances ran over to ask him in confusion: What's going on? Wasn't it all saying it was you?

How could he answer?

He couldn't just say, "I think this is a trash movie. Although Director La approached me, we didn't reach an agreement, so I rejected it outright"?

He definitely couldn't say that!

Lin Nan's standard answer to everyone was: It was never me from the start. You all just listened to gossip and rumors; you got fooled, didn't you?

This answer was good for everyone and also saved face for Zhang Yimou.

At the same time, news that *The Great Wall* was a film with a female-led theme also spread.

Domestic actresses went completely crazy.

It was said that led by the big stars like Zhang Ziyi, Fan Bingbing, Li Bingbing, and Zhao Wei, all actresses who considered themselves capable, high-status, and having a chance were all moving, pulling strings, and looking for recommendations. Furthermore, the "Zhang Girls" all believed they had an advantage!

As for auditioning honestly? Heh, that wasn't the first choice. Only fools and actors truly trying their luck would wait for auditions!

"Finally, I know why LeTV was so generous, giving Zhang Yimou 12 million original shares! Giving shares first, then announcing the director of *The Great Wall*—a win-win!"

After hanging up the phones with Zhou Xun and Fan Bingbing one after another, Lin Nan began to refine the script for *Detective Chinatown*. But before five minutes had passed, Yue Jun and Guo Fan walked in, joking.

"There is no such thing as a free lunch. After experiencing the business with Zhang Weiping, Director Zhang Yimou has become much more clear-headed. It's just that LeTV..."

Lin Nan stopped mid-sentence. He looked at the two, "Something up?"

Yue Jun spread his hands, "I don't have anything, but there is an invitation specifically addressed to you: the premiere of *Blue Bone*. People who play rock are starting to make movies now."

Lin Nan understood instantly, "Haha, Teacher Cui Jian even competed with Director Zhang for the chief director position of the Olympic opening ceremony. The proposal was okay. Decline it for me, or send someone to go in my stead."

"Got it."

Seeing Yue Jun's business was done, Guo Fan finally spoke up.

"Lin Dao, look, it's decided. My next movie will be an adaptation of this."

Lin Nan took the item Guo Fan handed over; it really was the manga from a few days ago!

"Same name?"

"Hmm, same name. The movie title won't change; it will still be called *Go Away Mr. Tumor*."

Guo Fan nodded and continued to add:

"I plan to cut in line and have the screenwriting department turn the manga into a script. I will also participate in the whole process. It should be done in about half a month or twenty days!"

The plan was quite detailed. Lin Nan nodded immediately:

"Sure, take it to the screenwriting department today. Get the script out early, submit it for approval, start casting, and begin work. There's a high probability we can release it together next year."

Speaking of this, Lin Nan paused and couldn't help but laugh: "Good grief, thinking about it, there really are quite a few movies produced or invested in by the company that are planned for release next year!"

Yue Jun and Guo Fan paused, then immediately realized it too. There really were quite a few—at least four or five!

…………

In the blink of an eye, time reached the 16th.

Liu Yifei had been abroad for exactly 12 days, truly flying around the world with the crew.

At this time, it was only three weeks until the North American release of *Interstellar*. And it was exactly four weeks until the domestic release date.

Mainland actresses had originally been worried that Liu Yifei would try to get a foot in *The Great Wall*.

After all, her status was sufficient, she had the resume of being the female lead in several Hollywood blockbusters and co-productions, and Lin Nan could provide powerful assistance!

But after these days, even though auditions had started, there was no sign of Liu Yifei returning to the country; she was busy with movie promotion.

Seeing this, a group of actresses finally relaxed a bit. Losing one strong competitor made them feel very comfortable.

"Recently, this bunch of people could trample the threshold of China Film Group to pieces. Every day, a large number of actors enter and exit China Film Group, lining up for auditions."

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were on the phone; Miss Liu had already returned to Hollywood with the crew.

"Let me tell you, I've received several calls these past two days. They were all beating around the bush, asking if I would come back to audition."

There was a hint of pride in Liu Yifei's tone.

"Who were they?"

"Just Li Bingbing and Zhang Ziyi. Not many actresses have my number."

Lin Nan didn't know what to say. These people would all return empty-handed, having had their hopes raised for nothing.

Because he clearly remembered La Peikang saying something: someone had previously pulled strings wanting the female lead role; if Lin Nan had taken *The Great Wall*, he would have helped push it back.

But now that Lin Nan hadn't taken it, the result was predictable: Zhang Ziyi and the others had no chance.

Actually, Lin Nan knew in his heart that the person pulling strings was Jing Tian, but what could he say?

The script for *The Great Wall* was very bad, but looking at the world, this movie was indeed an S-class production, the kind that would be distributed and released globally and get exposure. For an actress, it was really hard to judge whether the pros outweighed the cons or vice versa! One could only say there was a trade-off; it depended on oneself.

"Right, there are 10 days left in the promotional tour. Remember to come pick me up." Liu Yifei's sweet voice came through, reminding Lin Nan.

"Alright, are you really coming back early?"

"Hmm. Because Warner Bros. is coming to the capital next month on the 10th to hold a large premiere promotional event, and Nolan and the others will all be there. So I can return to the country early to prepare and take a vacation by the way, hee hee..."

Now Lin Nan understood. It was estimated that it would be absolutely lively then, and the mainland film circle would rush to show their support. He also had to go stand for Liu Yifei.

"Alright, it's too late over there, hurry up and go to sleep."

"Oh, let's chat a bit more. Have you missed me these days?" Liu Yifei asked crisply, her voice soft and glutinous.

…………

Some things really had a significant impact.

A new day, and news spread in the circle that Jackie Chan's *Dragon Blade* had been withdrawn from the New Year slot and moved to the Spring Festival slot.

Logically speaking, this movie was indeed more suitable for the New Year slot, because the Spring Festival slot was more in line with the family-friendly atmosphere.

But the three production companies, Jackie Chan, Shanghai Film Group, and Huayi, still could not change the release date.

Because once released in the New Year slot, Jackie Chan would inevitably have to run promotions in advance.

But facing media reporters, everyone knew what kind of questions they would ask.

What the media would focus on and ask about would definitely be the matter of the "Dragon Prince" involved in the incident, and the focus of the movie promotion would definitely be shifted to the Dragon Prince.

And moving the slot to the Spring Festival release avoided this concern, because by then, the Dragon Prince would be out.

Coincidentally, when Lin Nan arrived at the company in the morning, he heard that Bona and Cao Baoping, who had been silent for half a month, had also spoken out, following the producer of *Monster Hunt*, Edko Films.

Bona's announcement could be described as "burying one's head in the sand" and "there is no silver buried here":

"According to the spirit of the instructions in the documents from the superior department, Bona Film Group now decides to withdraw *The Dead End*, originally scheduled for release in the New Year slot on November 21st. After modification and review in accordance with the spirit of the document, it will be rescheduled for release."

Lin Nan felt that this matter shouldn't affect the progress of Cao Baoping's new script.

After all, even if *The Dead End* needed to be re-edited, the workload wouldn't be too large.

In the morning, while he was busy with the *Detective Chinatown* script, Cao Baoping's call came in.

"The creation of the *Cock and Bull* script won't be affected. By the end of next month, early December at the latest, I can get it to you."

"Teacher Cao, no need to rush. You can handle *The Dead End* first; the workload shouldn't be much." Lin Nan comforted him.

The other end of the phone was quiet for a few seconds, as if hesitating, and finally, the voice was a bit low:

"Director Yu said we can ignore it for now. Withdrawing the film is just to temporarily avoid the limelight, because the document just came down... and he isn't the lead... Bona will try its best to find a way..."

Hearing this, Lin Nan was speechless. Was Fatty Yu a bit too insane?

Fatty Yu's meaning was already very clear: he still wanted to protect that good friend and fellow townsman of Huang Bo! That's right, after all, he was Bona's person!

"Just know about this matter."

Cao Baoping instructed; it was clear he was also very conflicted.

"I know, Teacher Cao."

Lin Nan responded, only able to turn a blind eye.

……

Lin Nan had already confirmed that the *Detective Chinatown* he was currently filling with content would be his next commercial film.

Returning from the Berlin International Film Festival in February, after the Spring Festival, he could almost start preparations. He would try his best to get it done in the first half of the year!

"Hmm? *Manchester by the Sea* is already the second film for awards. If I still can't get it, then it's fate, Leon!"

Lin Nan held a pen, muttering with a smile.

He had previously promised Leonardo to help him win an award.

For this, Lin Nan had already provided two scripts and directed two movies. If he still didn't win this time, he would pause and focus on his own business first.

"In two months, there will be results one after another. Golden Globes, Oscars, Berlin—with your strength, you can't possibly have no chance at all, right?"

Lin Nan only hoped Leonardo could gain something, so his promise would be considered barely fulfilled. He couldn't keep him hanging forever.

…………

Said at the end of last month, updates this month couldn't be guaranteed, just like today, only one chapter.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 556 =====