Chapter 620: I Want to Find My Senior Brother, the Big Director from Beijing Film Academy

……

"This morning, Enlight Media, Shanhai Media, and Wang Wang Baoqiang's company released a joint announcement:

The comedy-action film 'Big Trouble in the Heavenly Palace', co-produced by the three parties and marking Wang Wang Baoqiang's directorial debut, has submitted its script for review and is officially launching preparation effective immediately."

"Co-produced by Starlight Brilliant, China Film, Qing Film Studio, and Le Vision Pictures, produced by Zhang Zhang Ziyi and supervised by Guo Guo Jingming;

The film 'Fall from Heaven' has been in theaters for six days, with a total box office of 22.25 million, and daily box office dropping below 30,000. The film's box office potential is exhausted, and huge losses are feared."

"Controlled by Lin Nan Film, co-produced by China Film, Wanda, and Enlight, the New Year blockbuster 'The Monkey King' has been in theaters for twelve days, with a total box office breaking through 1.592 billion, and daily box office exceeding 40 million..."

"Starring Liao Fan, Song Jia, Jiang Teacher Wenli, Jin Jin Shijie and others, the Republic-era martial arts and action film 'The Master' premiered nationwide at dawn today, officially entering theaters."

……

Lin Nan knew about Jiang Jiang Xuerou meeting Yu Bo at the company yesterday morning.

But as for Yue Jun's idea, how to put it?

From Yue Jun's perspective, it was very reasonable, no problem:

That is, Jiang Jiang Xuerou needed a reminder; supporting roles were fine, but future lead roles in the company's film and television resources should best not be given to Yu Bo; because it was simply not cost-effective and not appropriate.

After all, when Lin Nan Film originally acquired Zhou Yi's entire company and various department teams, the only refusal was to accept artists like Yu Bo, specifically to prevent variables outside of work.

Because many in the industry knew: although the main reason Zhou Yi collapsed was its flawed operational model, the ambiguous relationship between Jiang Jiang Xuerou and Yu Bo was also a major factor accelerating Zhou Yi's death.

So, in the eyes of Yue Jun, the chief steward, being cautious was better.

However, to Lin Nan, these were already old news; Jiang Jiang Xuerou promoting Yu Bo was simply a trivial matter.

Neither he nor Yue Jun was wrong; they just viewed the matter from different angles.

From Lin Nan's perspective, six years had already passed; Jiang Jiang Xuerou was no longer the Jiang Jiang Xuerou from Zhou Yi back then, and he, as the boss, still had this bit of trust.

"Lin Dao, was the film 'Big Trouble in the Heavenly Palace' invested under the name of Shanhai Media?"

Lin Nan was just thinking about something when Yue Jun knocked and entered; Yue Jun had only learned of this matter a few minutes ago.

"Mm, correct, I decided this earlier; I didn't tell you or Director Jiang."

Lin Nan glanced at the message just arriving on his phone, then looked up at Yue Jun and nodded, saying.

"Wang Wang Baoqiang, comedy, action; these three combined possess considerable box office appeal. Lin Dao, are there no roles suitable for them?"

The "them" Yue Jun referred to were Zhang Yi, Lei Lei Jiayin, Zhao Zhao Liying, and Especially Reba, the four of them.

"I am investing in Wang Wang Baoqiang as a person, not this film."

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Yue Jun was instantly stunned; a few seconds later, he seemed to realize the meaning behind Lin Nan's words.

"Does Lin Dao not favor this film?"

"That phrasing of yours is too general. Didn't you just say that those three combined have considerable box office appeal!"

"I get it; box office and the film are sometimes two different things. Lin Dao doesn't favor the script!"

"The script is a bit exaggerated, thin, and stiff."

While Lin Nan spoke, he held his phone, editing a message.

Watching this scene, Yue Jun tactfully said, "Then I'll head out first. Lin Dao, you carry on."

"Mm."

On the phone, a sentence had already been sent: "Tomorrow morning, you can come to the company to find me."

After sitting in the office for a few more minutes, Lin Nan left the company directly.

Discussions were already spreading around the film industry regarding Wang Wang Baoqiang's 'Big Trouble in the Heavenly Palace'.

The reason lay not only in Wang Wang Baoqiang being a popular top-tier male actor beloved by film fans, but also because the film's production companies included Enlight and Lin Nan's presence.

……

Film Bureau.

"Just proceed with this result and make it public in the next couple of days," Zhang Zhang Hongsen instructed.

"Director Zhang, if it really goes this way, this will be the third film controlled and invested by Lin Nan Film this year to have its delayed key application rejected, and all are films with over 1.5 billion box office!"

The secretary couldn't help but remind him, as this was too much of a violation of the rules.

Hearing this, Zhang Zhang Hongsen wasn't angry; instead, he began to explain:

"According to the rules, an extension should be granted. But the primary task of the film regulatory department is to balance the market, give opportunities to the majority, and ensure everyone has a meal;

Secondly, although we have a default requirement for the annual box office share of domestic films, the box office proportion occupied by films produced by Lin Nan Film has already exceeded a very high limit!

Finally, aren't there still the two films 'Detective Chinatown' and 'The Mermaid' coming up later? We'll talk about that then..."

Only after the secretary left the office with the approval did Zhang Zhang Hongsen lift his teacup; hmm, he was in a very good mood.

"The total box office of the domestic film market this year has reached a new high! But sometimes, when results are too good, it also gives people headaches and difficulties, hehehe..."

Zhang Zhang Hongsen's first sentence was expressing joy over his achievements this year, while the second sentence was a "complaint" against Lin Nan Film.

……

The online reviews and reputation for 'The Master' seemed to have few negative comments, but were merely above passing.

Those who said it was good analyzed it thoroughly, mostly directors within the industry, such as Zhang Li, Lou Ye, Jiang Wen, and others.

But the audience pointing out its numerous flaws were equally emphatic about clichéd formulas, poor dramatic scenes, and overly stiff emotional transitions for the protagonist...

Reviews and reputation were secondary; box office was the key... Facts proved this film did not attract audiences, with extremely low occupancy rates!

The unanimous praise from industry professionals once again ran counter to the choices of the general public—'The Monkey King' still had no rival.

When Lin Nan returned home, Liu Liu Yifei was not there; she had gone to watch a movie with Shu Chang, Xie Nan, and the others.

Moreover, Miss Liu had sent him a message saying she would exit the theater around 12:30, asking Lin Dao Da to come over and have lunch outside together; truly, everything was arranged perfectly!

So, Lin Nan decided not to stay at home either. He would go sit at Enlight first, as the address Liu Liu Yifei sent was not far from there.

……

Starlight Brilliant.

Miss Jing Tian, who had only flown back last night, was urged by Lu Zheng first thing this morning to contact Lin Nan.

She did reach out, Lu Zheng sent a message… and Lin Nan replied too.

"Tomorrow morning, I'll go with you to Lin Nan Pictures."

Lu Zheng handed Miss Jing Tian's phone back to her, speaking in a cheerful mood.

"I think bringing up 'Pacific Rim 2' so directly is really not a good idea…"

Staring at the phone screen, Miss Jing Tian was a little emotional; given her temperament, she wouldn't normally be like this.

"It doesn't matter. You think he can't tell that isn't your tone of voice? The reply he sent didn't include your name, because the message you sent didn't have the three words 'Big Brother Lin' either!"

Miss Jing Tian said nothing; she had only just realized it.

……

Looking at the proposed casting list and invitation list in his hands, Lin Nan couldn't help laughing.

"Never thought the day would come when Teacher Six would show up in one of my invested films — even if it's just a cameo, it's still pretty rare."

"Wang Baoqiang wants to invite quite a few guest stars, but the 'Teacher Six' you mentioned is the top priority — after all, he's got a bit of 'Journey to the West' flavor to him."

Saying this, Wang Wang Changtian poured Lin Nan a cup of tea with a broad smile.

"Teacher Six was also the first to agree! He's been incredibly hot lately, and next year he'll be hot for the whole year! When 'Buddies in India' hits theaters, his buzz will definitely give it a boost!"

"Huh?" Lin Nan didn't catch on for a moment.

"Next year is the Year of the Monkey — the whole internet has been calling on CCTV to invite him to the Spring Festival Gala these past two days!"

Got it — Lin Nan was instantly wide awake. Wasn't that exactly a year of being hot?!

The influence of the '86 version of 'Journey to the West' is truly unmatched. Especially in everyone's mind, Sun Sun Wukong is the true protagonist of 'Journey to the West';

As for all those female demons and female devotees — too bad, they didn't catch the audience's eye back then; everyone was off watching the monkey!

"Mm, you've really thought this through — that logic does hold. Just on the hype of Teacher Six and 'Journey to the West,' the box office is probably looking at an extra fifty million." Lin Nan offered a word of praise.

"So even though it's a cameo, his fee certainly wasn't small. I hear he's had a lot of engagements lately — invitations from every satellite TV's New Year's Eve countdown concert, without exception, all wanting him to play Sun Sun Wukong. This is what truly counts as making one role last a lifetime!"

Wang Wang Changtian laughed and teased, but he couldn't help but be impressed — the '86 version's monkey was indeed a classic!

While Lin Nan was calculating the timing and bantering with Wang Wang Changtian, Han Han Sanping had just hung up a call to his daughter;

It was already December — as an old father, shouldn't he ask his daughter when she's coming home? The period before the New Year was exactly the time to bring her around to get familiar with and consolidate connections in the industry!

Meanwhile, wearing a windbreaker, carrying a backpack, with an ear-length bob, looking like a tomboy, Han Jianü was saying goodbye to Lu Yong.

"Thank you, Brother Lu, for all your help these past few days — sorry to take up so much of your time, but it's finally done."

Compared to a few months ago, Han Jianü was noticeably more composed. Because during this period, she had heard countless real stories, empathized deeply, and was very moved.

"No need to thank me — same as always, I'm the one who should thank you. You've basically written my biography for me, haven't you? This life, not lived in vain. Hehe…"

Lu Yong laughed happily — he would be remembered… if the film really got made!

"Mm, I will write Brother Lu's biography! When the film is done, at the premiere, I'll invite you to be there."

Han Jianü nodded with a smile — this was a promise from the heart.

"Then I'll be waiting — don't make me wait too long, you know about my illness…"

"Don't worry, Brother Lu. After the New Year I'll hole up and write the screenplay — by next year I'll definitely have it ready. Oh, I haven't told you yet, Brother Lu — who I want to direct your story. Hehe…"

Han Jianü smiled and played coy; Lu Yong, playing along nicely, followed her lead and asked:

"So, Little Sister Han, which big domestic director are you looking to invite?"

After all, the two had known each other and spent so much time together — they could still joke around.

"I want to invite my senior, the big director from Beijing Film Academy — Lin Nan! Brother Lu definitely knows him, right?"

"Mm-hmm, I know. Lots of major awards, still the box office record holder, the top, youngest big director in the country… I checked your background, all the relevant info was there, hehe…"

At this moment, Lu Yong laughed very happily — from the heart.

Han Jianü didn't get annoyed either; she just smiled and nodded: "It's him. I'm very close with him, we have a great relationship — he definitely won't refuse…"

…………