Chapter 690: Kneeling and begging for screening

"Three days, 362 million box office. The film's reputation is still fermenting, and the daily box office still has strong momentum. The 1 billion mark is really within reach, touchable!"

Jaywalk Studio, Yang Mi stared intently at the film information and hot search headlines on the internet. *Finding Mr. Right 2* has been recognized as the most powerful commercial film in this May Day slot.

At least before *Captain America 3* was released, it had no opponents, and it could be called crushing and suppressing all other films in the same period.

"Advertisements, endorsements, announcements, magazines, interviews...

Since the first-day box office and film reputation came out on the morning of the 30th, the company's phone almost never stopped; Mimi, you bet right this time!" Ceng Jia said excitedly on the side.

She had already forgotten her "opposition" and "resentment" when she originally opposed Yang Mi's promise to stay in the crew during the filming, not to run announcements, and not to rush through plays...

You know, at that time, she even instigated Yang Mi to take time off to leave the crew...

"It's done, it's within reach! Jiajia, those invitations can all be accepted."

Yang Mi nodded uncontrollably, also with joy on her face, excited beyond measure; currently, there are really not many actresses in the country who have the resume of a 1 billion box office heroine.

And this time, it was finally her turn; she just needed to wait, maybe 10 days, maybe half a month.

"Shall we treat Teacher Xue to a banquet?" Yang Mi suddenly looked at Ceng Jia and suggested.

But before the latter could react, she thought of something else, her tone became a bit low, not sure: "If possible, try to invite Lin Dao as well..."

Before the words fell, a look of difficulty appeared on Ceng Jia's face, "Xue Dao can still try to invite, but Lin Dao, I'm afraid it's very difficult to handle!"

"Try it. Teacher Xue is one of the few big directors we can connect with now and have a chance to maintain, and Lin Dao... no matter whether he accepts it or not, the intention must be conveyed."

Ceng Jia understood what Yang Mi meant and nodded very seriously: "Okay, I will do it after I go down, and I will definitely show the most sincere attitude..."

On the other side, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were having a video call with Zhou Xun.

To tell the truth, Lin Nan thought Zhou Xun's studio was the least professional among the companies or studios opened by top first-line actors he had ever seen, even without one.

It was a complete family workshop model, all relatives. Seven aunts and eight aunts, cousins, all relied on Zhou Xun alone to support.

Of course, this model must have advantages, that is, they are all their own people and can be trusted;

But the disadvantages are more obvious, that is, they are not professional enough and their business ability is poor. Once a problem occurs, it is likely to be a big problem, and what is consumed is only Zhou Xun's own connections and favors!

"Don't worry, I'll be on call this month. I've read the script several times; you two actually doubt my strength and professional quality in the film, it's really hurtful."

"This is not to fear that you will play too happily and forget the business.

It's only ten days or half a month, you get ready. When we start filming and shooting, it will be relatively low-key, prohibiting all media and outsiders from visiting the crew, and the people in the crew must also keep it secret."

"Yifei, when did your Lin Nan become so nagging?"

Without paying attention to Lin Nan, Zhou Xun asked Liu Yifei directly.

"You are wrong to say that. This film is going to be taken to the film festival, of course, I have to nag and nag, confidentiality is the key." Liu Yifei retorted playfully, standing completely on Lin Nan's side.

"Hehe, worthy of sleeping in the same quilt, just pretend I didn't say it. I am ready to join the crew at any time, okay, Producer Liu? Lin Dao?"

"That's about it, Xun-ge. Hehe..." Liu Yifei pretended to be a producer.

In the morning, Huace's so-called palace power-struggle blockbuster *General and I* finally started filming grandly at Hengdian World Studios.

Although there was not a single bit of "gossip" news on the internet, it did spread in the circle:

That is, Huang Xiaoming specially hired a quasi-confinement team, including 6 professionals such as nutritionists, to accompany Angelababy to Hengdian.

Even in terms of accommodation, Angelababy had the treatment of different standard rooms in the same hotel; she and her entire team occupied one floor alone, which could be called luxurious.

This inside story made many actresses in the film and television circle envious. You know, when Ada Choi filmed *Empresses in the Palace*, she didn't "enjoy" it like this.

In the afternoon, in the messy entertainment news, a giant crocodile broke in directly: the main creators of *Captain America 3* successfully arrived in Beijing and landed at the Capital Airport.

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie...

Outside the airport, media reporters, fans, and passersby could be called overcrowded, and even traffic police were forced to dispatch many people.

For a time, the whole internet was full of information about *Captain America 3* and other main creators, as well as countless photos and videos taken outside the airport, among which Scarlett Johansson had the highest exposure rate.

Mainland actors and stars, I don't know if they are rubbing heat or really like it, one by one are forwarding and promoting...

Film Bureau.

Zhang Hongsen glanced at the latest summary of film filings and couldn't help but tease:

"Oh my, these two people know how to play, the second complete couple file, right?! Since this is the case, then announce it as soon as possible.

By the way, help me arrange the itinerary, tomorrow morning, the premiere of *Song of the Phoenix*..."

"Okay, Director Zhang."

The secretary nodded and responded, but the next second he thought of another thing and immediately reported: "Director Zhang, the Beijing Film Academy is asking you when you are free again."

Hearing this, the smile on Zhang Hongsen's face froze instantly, and then it turned into a speechless expression, with a trace of impatience.

"That kind of rotten film, I am really convinced by them, they can actually find people for this again and again! How many times has this been rejected?"

"Three times."

"Heh, tell them, just go through the procedure for this matter, I don't care."

Zhang Hongsen said quite disgustedly, not knowing whether he was disgusted by certain people at the Beijing Film Academy or the film.

The defense for the promotion of associate professor titles in various professional departments of the Beijing Film Academy has all ended.

Although it is still about two months before the list is announced, all associate professors participating in the title promotion know clearly that there is one person who must pass, and that is Lin Nan.

Because before he joined the Beijing Film Academy, this was already a decided thing, and now it is just one year in advance. Regarding this, from beginning to end, no one had any objections!

"Xue Dao, congratulations. Becoming a 1 billion box office director this time is absolutely a sure thing."

Along the way, congratulations were endless, and Xue Xiaolu accepted them all because she was confident that this time it was the right time, the right place, and the right people, almost occupying everything.

The only strong enemy that might be encountered is *Captain America 3*, but that is also a matter of 4 days later;

Anyway, in the week before *Captain America 3* was released, *Finding Mr. Right 2* had no opponents at all.

In addition, as Lin Nan said, the two films were not on the same track at all. Even if there was competition, it would not hurt the muscles and bones, and the former was not strong enough to suck the market dry!

Even if a ten-thousand-to-one situation occurred, the only ones who would die would be those other "cannon fodder"!

"Little Xue, tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, gather on time."

After greeting Xue Xiaolu who had just returned to the office, Cao Baoping left in a hurry.

He had to go to Lin Nan Film to discuss the promotion of *Cock and Bull* during the Shanghai International Film Festival.

"Okay, Director Cao."

Xue Xiaolu smiled and nodded in response.

The Beijing Film Academy had a tacit understanding, and the Directing Department also issued an initiative. Many people were going to the premiere of *Song of the Phoenix* tomorrow.

The next morning, no need to guess, the headline of the film and television entertainment information on the internet was the premiere of *Captain America 3* at the Capital Gymnasium.

Big names gathered, stars shining... The red carpet alone was dozens of meters long. Media reporters and fans waited outside early in the morning.

Near nine o'clock, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei prepared to go out.

Both were in casual clothes, but Lin Nan was in a casual suit, while the Liu girl was in a fashion style—makeup, high ponytail, beautiful and charming, bright and atmospheric!

"If someone asks about you..."

"Tell the truth, I'm next door."

Looking at Liu Yifei, who had one foot on the RV but turned her head back, Lin Nan joked. Someone over there would definitely ask about him, after all, the "status in the world" was here.

"Mm, okay. Bye~~"

After the Red Star Pictures car left, Lin Nan got into the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle.

The location and scale of the premiere of *Song of the Phoenix* were much shabbier than *Captain America 3*, in a small and medium-sized banquet hall in the China World Trade Center.

At 10:00 AM, when Lin Nan arrived, he was really shocked. This should be the most "simple" film premiere he had attended in so many years.

There were almost no fans and audiences outside. Looking at it, one could estimate the number, at most fifty people, right?

And the number of media was also small, only twelve, and undoubtedly, these twelve media must have also gone to *Captain America 3*.

But fortunately, many "old people," big directors, and senior filmmakers in the Chinese film circle came, which was definitely not comparable to the premiere scene of *Captain America 3*.

Zhang Hongsen, Ren Zhonglun, Wang Yong... La Peikang, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Zhang Yimou, Chen Kaige, Gu Changwei, Jiang Wen, Jia Zhangke, Tsui Hark... Han Sanping, Huang Jianxin... Cao Baoping, Xue Xiaolu, Wang Quanan, Yu Dong...

"This scene today is a bit serious compared to the past?"

"Almost all the people in the circle who came are 'old generation,' and we two belong to the youngest. With this personnel composition, can it not be serious? Can it be lively?"

Ning Hao and Lin Nan stood shoulder to shoulder, stuck in the corner, whispering.

Lin Nan nodded. Director Ning was right. The average age of the film circle guests at the scene was a bit old.

He scanned the circle and found that major domestic cinema chains actually had people coming today, but it was obvious that most of the cinema chains came with deputies. Needless to say, those who could make decisions were almost all next door!

"Let's go, they are waving at us." Ning Hao reminded.

Hearing this, Lin Nan really saw Tian Zhuangzhuang's movements.

Originally, he and Ning Hao, as the direct descendants of the Beijing Film Academy, were prepared to "do business as usual," leave after attending the premiere, and did not want to socialize;

Because they were not familiar with most of the "old people," but looking at it now, they couldn't hide.

"Let's go."

To tell the truth, Lin Nan and Ning Hao really saw many old-generation "cultural people" who came across the border today.

Look, Zhang Yimou, Gu Changwei, and Yu Hua were reminiscing about the past; Wang Quanan and Jia Pingwa were mourning Chen Zhongshi; the latter passed away a few days ago... Beside Han Sanping, La Peikang, and others was Mo Yan...

"Lin Dao, our *Song of the Phoenix* really doesn't have any big names, but in terms of quality, Director Wu Tianming's work is absolutely this!"

Lin Nan looked at the person in charge of one of the producers giving him a thumbs up, and for a moment he really didn't know what to say. No matter how good the film is, you have to choose the right schedule and opponent!

Alas, as a fellow villager, big Lin Dao could only mourn for the several producers in his hometown.

The era when films relied on quality to "rampage" had long since passed. Now, films that can ramble through like this are all due to luck.

You know, there are countless good films that have been buried!

"Actually, we also know that this film will not be favored by cinema chains, but... there is no way, we really can't wait any longer, it has been dragged for so many years, we really can't afford to drag it..."

Hearing this, Lin Nan widened his eyes unconsciously. Good grief, it turns out they knew it in their hearts!

The premiere between pure filmmakers is much more relaxed than the premieres of those commercial films usually, without any fancy things.

Before long, everyone entered the main topic—the film *Song of the Phoenix* officially began.

You can always believe in the performance of first-class actors, even if he is an unknown actor, but a first-class actor is a first-class actor, just like the lead actor in *Song of the Phoenix* at this moment, Tao Zeru.

All the filmmakers at the scene, without exception, watched very seriously;

Because everyone could see that this film is a veritable heart-felt film. It is Wu Tianming's Chinese style, Chinese spirit, Chinese backbone, and Chinese culture, which is inherited and keeps pace with the times after *Life*, *Old Well*, *The King of Masks*, and *Chief Executive*.

Unfortunately, this is the last sound.

"Worthy of being the director who won the Best Film Award at an A-list film festival in the country, really strong!" Ning Hao stared at the big screen and couldn't help but sigh.

"He is also the director who directly promoted Director Zhang, a photographer, to be the Tokyo Film Emperor. That was Director Zhang's first film, and he directly cut three film emperor trophies!"

Lin Nan echoed. The title of the leader of the fourth-generation directors is not blown out. In those old photos, Ang Lee and Tsui Hark were all little brothers in front of Wu Tianming.

The nearly two-hour film ended quickly, and everyone, including Lin Nan, applauded spontaneously.

Everyone couldn't evaluate whether this film was a tragedy, but it was definitely a good film. However, as shown in the film, traditional culture and craftsmanship are indeed being lost bit by bit... someone needs to stick to it.

"What the hell?"

Suddenly, Ning Hao exclaimed. Lin Nan also narrowed his eyes and looked at the stage with a serious expression. Nearly two hundred guests at the scene were more or less frightened, and many stood up.

I saw that among the main creators who had just walked onto the stage, the producer knelt down directly facing the guests at the scene. To be precise, he looked at the cinema chain lineup.

"... For Director Wu Tianming's film, we have stuck to it for 4 years. Director Wu is a pure director, and *Song of the Phoenix* is also a pure film...

The distribution company told us before that the cinema chains were not optimistic about the film's market... Here, we beg the representatives of the cinema chains to give us a chance, a relatively fair chance... Good films need a living screening... worth remembering..."

Kneeling and begging for screening!

At this moment, these four words popped up in everyone's heart at the scene.

"*Song of the Phoenix* is Director Wu Tianming's work of sincerity, China Film Group will definitely support it with all its strength!" La Peikang spoke.

"UME Cinema, fully support the screening of *Song of the Phoenix*..."

"China Film South Cinema New Trunk Line will fully support..."

"*Song of the Phoenix* is Director Wu Tianming's painstaking work, must strongly support!" Ye Ning represented Huayi Cinema and stood out.

"The film *Song of the Phoenix* is the most precious gift Director Wu Tianming left us, Bona Cinema is willing to support with everyone..."

"New Film Union Cinema..."

"Edko Cinema..."

One after another, the bosses or deputies of nine cinema chain companies stood out and gave promises one after another.

But more cinema chains were still very rational and did not express their stance, among which was Wanda, the largest cinema chain in the country.

Not only that, Lin Nan also noticed that the vice president who came from Wanda Cinema glanced at Ye Ning obscurely, a bit unkindly.

"This is good to watch, publicly promised, but I don't know if it will be fulfilled the day after tomorrow?"

"Director Ning, language is an art! And cinema chains are commercial attributes." Lin Nan turned his head to look at Ning Hao and muttered with a smile.

With the scene of "kneeling and begging for screening," the atmosphere at the premiere of *Song of the Phoenix* inexplicably became weird.

By the time of the lunch banquet, many filmmakers left early with various excuses.

And Lin Nan and Ning Hao didn't stay long, because it was really boring, and there wasn't even anyone to talk to.

In contrast, *Captain America 3* was much livelier.

Because when Lin Nan got home, Liu Yifei even sent him photos of the lunch banquet. She and Zhou Xun were sitting together. Mm, she had quite a few group photos this morning.

The efficiency of media communication was really a bit high.

In the afternoon, the internet was full of news about the premieres of the two films today. The news that *Finding Mr. Right 2* had a box office of over 100 million on the fourth day was completely drowned out.

"In the morning, at the premiere of *Song of the Phoenix*, the producer knelt down in public to beg for screening, and several major cinema chains promised to help..."

"*Captain America 3* premiere, Scarlett Johansson and Elizabeth Olsen shared their feelings about playing female superheroes..."

"Liu Yifei received invitations for group photos from many Hollywood actors... was asked in public about Lin Dao Nan's whereabouts and the next foreign language film plan..."

"Refused?"

"Yes, Lin Dao refused, saying that the meal was unnecessary, and it would delay time."

Looking at Yang Mi's disappointed expression, Ceng Jia also spread her hands with disappointment.

Lin Nan's "difficulty in talking" was well-known in the industry. In terms of attending dinner appointments, he only gave face to a small number of people, almost all of whom were acquaintances or good friends of the same level in the circle.

"Then what about Teacher Xue?"

Facing Yang Mi's more expectant inquiry, Ceng Jia hesitated for two seconds;

Seeing the former's face suddenly look bad, she guessed: "Also refused?"

"Xue Dao said that the banquet is unnecessary, and it will be the same to have a meal at the celebration banquet."

"This is different." Yang Mi muttered, her brows furrowed.

"It is different, I know."

Ceng Jia's mood was also bad at this moment. Xue Xiaolu's attitude meant that the relationship between Yang Mi and even Jaywalk and her had not become closer, but even more distant.

"Then, how to remedy it now? I don't know why it suddenly became like this?" Ceng Jia complained, unable to figure it out for a while.

Yang Mi had a faint guess that Xue Xiaolu was a traditional director who rejected "stars," especially stars who rushed through plays crazily and had no acting skills.

And during the time she was running promotion, she was constantly running announcements, not missing any of them, so that when she attended the film promotional activities, she was nodding off.

"We, just treat it as if we didn't host the banquet. After that, as usual, get along as we should..."

"Mm?"

Looking at the serious Yang Mi, Ceng Jia nodded inexplicably.

On the 3rd, the box office exceeded 100 million, on the 4th, the box office exceeded 100 million, and time finally came to the morning of the 5th, which was the day before *Captain America 3* and several other films were officially released.

*Finding Mr. Right 2* was released for 6 days, and the total box office information of the film, which reached 660 million, was hung high on the Weibo hot search, attracting attention and discussion from the whole internet!

But in less than an hour, another film information squeezed it off the hot search and stepped it under its feet.

The entire domestic film and television industry was attracted by this extremely simple film information;

Although its content was "simple," its weight was very heavy, very heavy!

"At nine o'clock in the morning, the Film Bureau announced the latest film filing information for May, among which the Lin Nan Film project *Marriage Story* was on the list."

"Reprinted from the Film Bureau's public documents, the filing information for the film *Marriage Story* is as follows:

Film name: *Marriage Story*;

Producer: Lin Nan Film, Red Star Pictures;

Director/Screenwriter: Lin Nan;

Producer: Liu Yifei;

Main cast and crew: Liu Yifei, Lin Nan, Zhou Xun."

The entire domestic film industry was paying attention to the filing information of *Marriage Story*.

Its filing information was indeed simple to the extreme, even simple to the point of shabbiness, because the whole article only had three names!

But who dares to say that the weight of this film is light? Undoubtedly, no industry insider dares to underestimate the weight of this film's main creator lineup.

It completely fulfilled that old saying: the simpler it is, the less "simple" it is!

Lin Nan, a top international big director; Liu Yifei, a big producer, Golden Horse film queen.

After *The Fault in Our Stars*, the two played a complete couple file again:

A director, a producer, a heroine, a hero, and still jointly produced.

Even the second heroine is a three-gold film queen like Zhou Xun!

What does this film want to do after it is filmed?

The film circle was chaotic, chattering, and discussing.

Since the news of Lin Nan Film's two new films came out, it has been kept secret and low-key, and not even a trace of news about casting has leaked out;

Now, it has been filed directly, and it is still such a luxurious lineup?!

For this kind of operation, the only reason countless industry insiders in the film circle can think of is that this film is for awards, for big awards.

It set the direction from the beginning, set the roles, and it is highly likely that it was tailor-made for someone!

... ===== CHAPTER 691 =====