Chapter 564: Opening Day

The only premiere ceremony for *Interstellar* in the Asian region has concluded.

Media outlets and filmmakers alike have unanimously given this film exceptionally high coverage and praise.

Using descriptors like "sci-fi masterpiece" and "space epic" to describe *Interstellar* is not an exaggeration in the slightest.

At the same time, Liu has naturally become the most eye-catching focus of the premiere ceremony, occupying several headlines and trending searches.

"Christopher Nolan praises Liu Yifei as an excellent and hardworking actress; she is born for the international stage."

"Confirmed! Lin Dao Nan once recommended Liu Yifei to the *Interstellar* crew, and she secured the female lead without an audition!"

"Director Nolan reveals that the team modified the film's script for Liu Yifei. The female astronaut character was originally the biological daughter of Professor John, the head of the alien project, but was later changed to his adopted daughter!"

"The *Interstellar* Asian premiere ceremony was packed with big names; over a dozen top-tier directors and dozens of A-list and super A-list stars were in attendance. The star power on-site rivaled a film festival closing ceremony."

"Wanda and several other domestic cinema chains have stated they will further increase the screening schedule for the imported blockbuster *Interstellar* so that more audiences can enjoy this top-tier sci-fi feast."

……

After an afternoon and evening of dissemination and fermentation, the buzz for *Interstellar* has reached a boiling point.

Countless netizens and film fans have stopped to take notice, their desire to watch the film becoming even more intense and urgent.

After all, Nolan's films have always been critically acclaimed, and this time there is the added bonus of Liu Yifei and Lin Nan, pushing expectations to the max!

The crew came and left in a hurry, with a schedule of only two days.

At a little past nine in the morning, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei saw Nolan and the others off at the airport.

"Lin, I look forward to you winning big at the Oscars on this trip. See you in Hollywood." Nolan hugged Lin Nan.

"Thank you."

"Lin, you and Crystal need to come over as soon as possible. The awards season has already begun; you cannot miss the Oscars' PR parties." Jessica reminded him with a smile.

"You're just impatient to take the next step, aren't you?" Liu Yifei teased.

"Haha, yes. One Best Supporting Actress award isn't enough; I want more..."

Hearing this, Lin Nan couldn't help but chuckle. Jessica's ambitions were quite grand; if Leonardo were here, he would definitely look at her with an eye-roll.

"Ma Te, what about you?"

"I have to wait another two days and depart with the crew."

The crew Ma Te Damon was referring to was *The Great Wall*.

It seems the *The Great Wall* crew is also about to depart for Hollywood to participate in that months-long closed-door training.

At this moment, a thought suddenly flashed through Lin Nan's mind.

Later, when he arrives in Hollywood, if he has free time, he could go visit the set to "broaden his horizons."

To "pay respects" to the ancient Chinese costumes, props, weapons, and armor designed by Legendary and Universal.

Additionally, he is very curious about what Zhang Yimou's mindset will be.

Because as a film director, he will certainly participate to some extent in the film's preparation work, such as those costumes, props, and makeup photos.

Watching the group enter the departure hall, Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Ma Te Damon prepared to head back separately.

"Lin, Crystal, I need to tell you in advance. I might not be able to follow through with all the PR parties; I can only attend occasionally. But I will definitely be there for the awards ceremony and the Berlin Film Festival opening. Haha..."

"Alright, no problem."

…………

There are only a dozen hours left until the official domestic release of *Interstellar*.

Although it is dominating the trending searches, it cannot block the fountain of press releases and traffic for other films, such as that movie gathering two "superstars."

"After months of preparation, produced by Huayi and directed by Guan Hu, starring Feng Xiaogang, Wu Yifan, Li Yifeng, Zhang Hanyu, Xu Qing, Liu Hua, Bai Jugang, and others, the film *Mr. Six* officially started filming this morning!"

"Newly minted billion-box-office director Ning Hao makes a rare appearance at the opening ceremony and will make a guest appearance in the film *Mr. Six*!"

"Popular idol superstars Wu Yifan and Li Yifeng join hands for the first time to participate in a commercial film as core leads, with numerous veteran actors acting in supporting roles."

This circle is just like this; the more popular you are, the more friends you have.

A single *Mr. Six* has half the entertainment industry's actors and artists sucking up to it, already giving the feeling that it has booked the box office championship just by starting filming.

Especially those two young ones, whose topic volume on the internet has exploded.

In the eyes of fans, their idol has broken into the domestic top-tier film circle, collaborating with three major directors in one film—undoubtedly a superstar!

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei did not go home but went straight to the company. Because Hou Hongliang had just arrived, and Jiang Xuerou was receiving him.

They say the first time is strange and the second time is familiar; Hou Hongliang appeared much more composed and calm this time compared to last year.

Seeing Lin Nan and Liu Yifei walk into the reception room, he stood up quite enthusiastically to greet them:

"I arrived just in time. In a few more days, I'm afraid Lin Dao will be setting off for Hollywood, right?"

"Yes, that is the plan. Producer Hou, sit down and let's talk."

As Hou Hongliang sat down, he reached out and took the document bag handed over by his assistant.

"I've brought the script for *The Disguiser*. Director Kong Sheng just started filming *The Family of Wenzhou* these past two days; the company is really stretched thin, which is why I'm bothering Lin Dao again."

Lin Nan didn't pay much attention to the other party's polite tone, but noticed the script's title.

"*The Disguiser*?" He picked up the script.

Hou Hongliang nodded, "Yes, Director Li Xue will direct this drama. The recently aired *All Quiet in Peking* was directed by him, but that wasn't a Daylight Entertainment drama; it was an external production."

After saying this, Hou Hongliang glanced at Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, who were casually flipping through the script, "If Shanhe Media has any actors interested, they can come and audition."

Lin Nan knew this was also a polite remark and didn't take it seriously.

"How much investment does Daylight Entertainment lack?"

"At least sixty percent. Now, television production costs are very high, and actors' salaries are rising too fast. Compared to last year, this year is a different price again.

Director Kong Sheng and I were joking that if it continues like this, in the future, only internet companies and listed film and television companies will be able to afford to make television dramas."

Lin Nan did not refute Hou Hongliang's words; even Liu Yifei and Jiang Xuerou on the side were nodding in agreement.

Because if we only talk about salary, television actors are indeed generally paid more than film actors—much more—and their salaries are rising faster.

Of course, excluding the A-listers, because the difference in the advertising endorsements they can receive is also very large.

Advertising endorsements for A-list film actors are generally higher-end and much more expensive than those for A-list television actors; actors who dabble in both film and television are in the middle; the polarization is also very serious.

"Sixty percent, that's fine. But there is a prerequisite."

Everyone looked at Lin Nan, and Hou Hongliang immediately spoke up: "Lin Dao, please go ahead."

"Copyright. Lin Nan Film Industry has priority to acquire the online streaming rights."

"No problem." Hou Hongliang reacted instantly.

No one in the industry doesn't know that Lin Nan is a major shareholder of Tudou, and Tudou's purchasing power for film and television copyrights can truly be said to be a bit "insane"!

Just like with *Nirvana in Fire* last time, Lin Nan's opinion will still be asked for the final casting list for *The Disguiser*.

By the end of the conversation, listening to Hou Hongliang's meaning, they really have a very good impression of Hu Ge.

Lin Nan couldn't help but sigh; Hu Ge is quite lucky. Although Tang Ren is not supportive, he has gained the appreciation of Daylight Entertainment, adding another path.

…………

It is indeed mid-November, and the social obligations in the circle have suddenly increased a lot.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei returned home and specifically counted the invitations brought back from Lin Nan Film Industry and those sent by Red Star Dock; there were over a dozen!

They were all invitations for domestic films to be released in the second half of November and December, all from big directors or big crews.

"Jiang Wen's *Gone with the Bullets* is afraid to be a bit precarious; I don't know if there's enough time? *The Crossing* seems unavoidable; I still have to give face to Director Han; Zhou Xun and Huang Xiaoming's *Women Who Flirt*, Lou Ye's *Blind Massage*..."

Lin Nan flipped through these invitations, muttering helplessly.

While Liu Yifei was on the phone on the side, answering for Lin Nan, also full of resentment.

"Teacher Jiang, isn't the school too good at ordering people around? It was clearly said that we would go back to choose courses and teach in the second half of the year, so why are you pulling people for labor now that you are preparing for the art exams... That period is very busy; it's basically certain that we won't be in the country..."

Liu acted like a fierce wife protecting her husband, expressing her dissatisfaction.

Lin Nan listened from the side and couldn't help but chuckle, feeling very satisfied.

"Haha, Yifei, don't be in such a hurry to refuse. The school knows you are going to participate in the film festival and didn't expect him to come back to be an art exam examiner.

How about this: let him come back in the next two days to record a short promotional video and poster for art exam enrollment and promotion. What do you think?"

Liu Yifei pouted, looked at Lin Nan, and made a silent mouth shape, speechless: "Look, he's even retreating to advance!"

Lin Nan smiled and nodded, agreeing. This kind of thing can be done in two or three hours.

"Alright then, Teacher Jiang. Lin Nan will find time to go back to school in the next two days."

Liu Yifei instantly softened a lot and agreed.

"Good, good, I'll wait for him. This time, I will personally handle the camera for him.

Also, I have to say one thing. Yifei, you really have the look of someone who can take charge of the house! Haha..."

"Ah?"

Liu was stunned for a moment, and then a smile overflowed on her face, blooming with joy, "Hmm, not bad, I'm the one who calls the shots in our house!"

There, the previously bright and intelligent Liu Yifei had her silly attribute coaxed out by a bit of flattery from old Jiang.

…………

A night passed, and the film circle had entered a murderous atmosphere.

Before this year's New Year's Eve slot, the most powerful imported blockbuster, *Interstellar*, was officially released. And it will also kill into the December New Year's Eve slot, lasting for 11 days.

Many production companies in the industry have paid attention to the screening data from the cinema side.

Sure enough, as the media reported earlier, the average screening rate for *Interstellar* on the first day reached 41.2%; this number is not low at all!

And looking at the film information on the internet and the photos from the scene, the attendance rate is also not low.

After the premiere ceremony on the 10th, Liu Yifei is full of confidence in the film reviews and word-of-mouth for *Interstellar* in the country.

So this morning, she continued to sleep in, just waiting to check the film reviews online in the afternoon and reveal the first-day box office results tomorrow!

At the same time, the news of *Wolf Warrior* being submitted for review also spread in the morning, becoming the focus of industry attention and discussion.

"Exclusively produced by Red Star Dock, directed by Wu Jing, starring Wu Jing, Yu Nan, Ni Dahong, and others, the modern military-themed film *Wolf Warrior* has completed post-production, and the finished film has been submitted to the Film Bureau for review."

"It is reported that the film *Wolf Warrior* is the second commercial film directed by Wu Jing, and it is also the first film fully invested by Liu Yifei."

……

"Film investment is inherently risky, especially this kind of military-themed film; it really doesn't sell well!"

"In the past, she always followed Lin Dao and invested in Lin Nan Film Industry's films. This time, she invested by herself, and it's full investment! Liu Yifei is afraid she will fail in her first battle!"

"You can't say that either; how do you know Lin Dao didn't check it for his Liu? Besides, with Lin Dao backing it up, it's just one film; they can afford to lose!"

"It hasn't been released yet; saying these things is too early. Maybe Producer Liu bet right, and *Wolf Warrior* makes money? After all, Wu Jing is still very capable of fighting!"

……

Unlike the netizens, film fans, and fans who still support it online, the industry is full of sighs.

Almost all film and television companies are not optimistic about *Wolf Warrior*, feeling that Liu Yifei will smash Lin Nan's signboard this time.

There are many people waiting to watch the fun, and basically, it can be said that they are all aimed at Lin Nan.

When he arrived at the company, Lin Nan also received a call from Wang Changtian, who was also talking about this matter.

Old Wang was very cunning at the time; when Wu Jing was raising investment, he was not optimistic and didn't give any, but he ended up getting the distribution business for *Wolf Warrior*.

He came over this time to comfort Lin Nan, saying that he would have people increase distribution efforts when the time comes, and Wanda would definitely give face.

"I say Chairman Wang, you should hope for the best. I think Wu Jing's film is actually quite good."

One sentence left Wang Changtian stunned, and for a moment, he didn't know what to say.

"I misjudged? Don't bluff me? This kind of film will at most break even; it's a bit difficult to make money."

"Then you just wait and see. Looking at Wu Jing's meaning, he wants to set the release date in the first half of next year, which is not long from now."

Lin Nan signaled his assistant to put the documents on the table while talking on the phone with Wang Changtian.

"Then we'll see when the time comes. Lightening distribution, I also hope *Wolf Warrior* can make money. I called you today mainly to talk about *Lost in Hong Kong*; Xu Zheng is going to open the set for visits. Do you want to go over and show your face together?"

Lin Nan didn't think much and decisively refused, "Forget it, I'll honestly take my box office share; I won't participate too much."

Some time ago, Xu Zheng and Dong Ping tried their best to lobby him at Ning Hao's house, and Lin Nan still remembers it vividly.

If he goes to visit the set now, Xu Zheng will probably try to win him over again, which is quite annoying.

"Alright then, I'll go by myself."

"Hmm."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Nan flipped through the documents on the table; some needed to be signed.

"Hmm? Why is there a Golden Horse invitation?"

The assistant took a look and realized:

"Lin Dao, this was just delivered this morning. The opening is in a week, and they said they really hope you can attend as an award presenter..."

"I've already declined once; how could I agree now? Still the same as before, push it away."

After saying this, Lin Nan couldn't help but laugh:

"Last year, to return a favor, I went to present an award, and I even roasted their host. They still want to invite me to present an award this year? Did they change the host?"

"Haha, it seems they did change. Everyone is saying that the mainland films will win steadily this year, especially Gong Li..." the assistant said with a smile.

…………

In the afternoon, film reviews for *Interstellar* began to appear online one after another, gradually filling the screen and igniting the entire internet.

"Awesome! Besides awesome, I can't say any other words of praise."

"This is the real sci-fi, a sci-fi blockbuster with theoretical support! Crossing black holes, space jumps, interstellar travel, so close yet so far!"

"Strongly recommend the IMAX version; the lens and visuals are simply shocking to the extreme."

"The male lead played by Ma Xiu McConaughey, when he left, his son and daughter were still children; when they met again, he hadn't changed, but his daughter was already in a state of dying of old age—on Earth, a hundred years of time had passed..."

"One hour is 7 years on Earth! There are many such legends in our ancient mythology; one trip into the mountains, and when you return, it's already a sea change, a different world!"

"No wonder Lin Dao Nan wanted to recommend Producer Liu to act in this film; this is a sci-fi masterpiece that is bound to enter film history!"

"Liu Yifei's female astronaut is also quite eye-catching, heroic and beautiful! I heard the crew's spacesuit is really heavy; Little Dragon Maiden is indeed a 'martial arts practitioner'!"

"That's for sure, haven't you seen the biceps Liu Yifei posted on Weibo? She's very capable of fighting! Sympathize with Lin Dao for five minutes..."

"Uh... quite good, Lin Dao, stay strong!"

"Good guy, will Lin Dao Nan be beaten up by Liu Yifei? A bit looking forward to it..."

"Off-topic... this film's box office is definitely going to explode, too awesome!"

……

Facts have proven that the word-of-mouth for *Interstellar* has completely exploded, and it is a one-sided praise!

The actresses in the circle already knew this result at the premiere ceremony the day before yesterday, but looking at the heated discussion on the whole internet now, they still couldn't help but feel sour.

The female lead of this film, no matter who it is given to, is destined to be one of the representative works of their career.

Their status and rank, undoubtedly, will shoot straight up!

"Finding a big director boyfriend or husband is indeed a shortcut..."

"Hollywood S-level production, female lead, global distribution, word-of-mouth explosion, box office certainly won't be low... She has completely ascended to an international rank!"

……

In the afternoon, when Lin Nan returned home. Liu was indeed there happily scrolling through Weibo, occasionally rubbing the cat in her arms with her face.

"The internet is full of praise for you, right? And that group of people in the circle?" Lin Nan teased.

"Hmm, hmm, hmm, you guessed right! They said this film has the potential to break 1 billion in the country; if that's really the case, this is my second one."

Liu Yifei said with eyebrows dancing.

"Released in North America for 7 days, the box office is close to 100 million USD; excluding the mainland, the global box office is already approaching 200 million USD..."

Listening to the data reported by Lin Nan, Liu Yifei's eyes widened a bit; they were watery and very beautiful, plus that exquisite face, it was simply too tempting.

"This kind of film is rare and hard to find; I don't know when the next time will be. But this time, we caught it."

Holding Liu Yifei's face, Lin Nan couldn't help but take a bite, and as a result, he was instantly reversed by Liu and pressed onto the sofa...

Even the few cats ran away meowing, probably cursing in their hearts, after all, they had been to the pet hospital and couldn't watch this kind of scene!

…………

The next morning, the entire film circle was focusing on the box office data of *Interstellar*.

When they saw the film information on the internet, everyone felt a bit mixed.

Especially the production companies that have films released in the second half of the month and early December, they felt as uncomfortable and disgusted as if they had eaten a fly, because this opponent is a bit too powerful!

"Produced by Warner, directed by Christopher Nolan, starring Ma Xiu McConaughey, Liu Yifei, Jessica Chastain... Ma Te Damon, and others.

The space sci-fi blockbuster *Interstellar*, with an investment of 170 million USD, strongly captured 110 million in box office on its first day of domestic release, with praise all over the internet!"

"Wanda and some other cinema chains have increased the screening schedule for *Interstellar* again today, and the screening share has reached as high as 45%!"

"According to industry insiders, *Interstellar* will very likely become the box office hegemon of this year's mainland New Year's Eve slot.

Domestic blockbusters like *The Crossing (Part 1)* and *Gone with the Bullets* are bound to face huge pressure and challenges!"

……

Cinema chains don't care if you are an imported film or a domestic film; as long as it makes money, they will give you more screenings.

They even prefer imported films because the production side of imported films does not share 43%, but 25%. While the distributor, China Film or Huaxia Film Company, earns more, the cinema side can naturally share more profit!

It was another spiritless morning; Liu Yifei was refreshed and hiding in the quilt, revealing only her head, flashing her big eyes at Lin Nan.

"Sure enough, only the tired ox."

"Hahaha, you're talking nonsense."

Liu Yifei smiled and scolded, humming and flipping her little white eyes; the fragrant shoulders exposed outside were incomparably white and tender, and the waist wrapped in the quilt could clearly see the tempting hip line.

The demon is right in front of her, but Master Lin has already tried his best.

Every time it's like that, the early advantage is with him, charging into battle time and time again, killing the enemy until they retreat step by step, throwing away their helmets and armor;

But by the middle stage, it starts to be evenly matched, back and forth;

By the late stage, that's incredible, the offense and defense change, the initiative is in the hands of the demon in front of him, taking and grabbing at will...

"Alright, you just continue to lie in bed; I still have to go to the company."

Lin Nan looked in the mirror; it seemed there were no eye bags or dark circles, so he said with relief.

"Hmm, I can't lie in bed for long either. I have an appointment with Changchang today to go shopping."

Liu Yifei said a bit proudly; she shrank into the quilt and stretched.

Immediately after, a long leg poked out unexpectedly, gently rubbing against Lin Nan, giggling.

"Since you don't want to continue sleeping in, then get up."

As he spoke, Lin Nan grabbed that smooth long leg, his face showing a playful expression.

"Ah, don't, I haven't put on..."

…………

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 565 =====