Chapter 692: 100 million, low-key start at the Central Academy of Drama

There have been rumors in the circle before that Liu Shishi would not renew her contract after it expired;

Now that she has euphemistically admitted it on a public occasion like the premiere press conference, it can be said that Tang Ren has been pushed directly to the forefront of public opinion.

Of course, the film *Chinese Paladin 5: Cloud of the Wind* also achieved explosive promotional effects at the same time, attracting attention and discussion from the whole internet.

After all, in Tang Ren's promotional draft, this is the third part of the "Chinese Paladin series"; and the first two parts are full of memories, and even youth and feelings.

But it cannot be denied that once the sister and the only first-line actress of a medium-sized film and television company that is going downhill completely breaks free from the shackles and flies alone;

Then the speed of the company's decline and death will inevitably increase significantly, and it will even fall into a small company in the industry without any influence in the shortest time.

Undoubtedly, Tang Ren is currently in this "development" trend.

"Cai Yinong's ability can be said to have been learned by her almost completely, almost true biography; so setting up her own portal and working alone must be an inevitable result.

Furthermore, in the current film and television entertainment industry, the market has prospered to the extreme, and almost every first-line star is equivalent to a small capital;

It's just that in terms of connections and resources, it can't be compared with proper film and television entertainment capital at all.

Most of them can only be at the bottom of the capital circle, but if they want to make money, it is absolutely easy."

Combining the current industry development status, Lin Nan said to Yue Jun with a light breeze.

"Cai Yinong's true biography? Marketing? Water army? Buying drafts? Haha..."

Yue Jun couldn't help laughing, and then pressed his voice very gossipy:

"I don't know if it's Tang Ren's opponent who is playing black hands, but now the previous drafts have been sent out again, and the content is more 'detailed':

Saying that the reason why the 'sisters' of Cai Yinong fell out was because in order to let *Ballad of the Desert*, that is, *Sound of the Desert*, pass the review, Boss Cai sent her subordinates to accompany..."

"Sisters?"

Lin Nan couldn't help laughing. Cai Yinong often said this before, because they did look a bit alike.

Those years, the two did often call each other sisters, but what could they do? Didn't they still break up? Attending the premiere press conference was the last incense feeling.

"It has nothing to do with us, don't believe rumors, don't spread rumors... but I have to say, there are quite a lot of garbage in the review department."

Lin Nan took the initiative to end the topic and talked about business:

"These two days, we can connect with the organizers of the Shanghai International Film Festival. Both *Cock and Bull* and *Operation Meigonghe* need promotional exhibition areas;

As for whether to do screenings, *Operation Meigonghe* won't do it; as for *Cock and Bull*, go ask Director Cao Baoping for his opinion."

"Mm, okay, I will arrange for someone to handle it in the afternoon. I will contact Director Cao personally."

Yue Jun responded. This year, the company's films are not as many as last year, but the more this is the case, the more attention must be paid to promotion.

Before long, the two left the office.

Just as Lin Nan was about to enter the elevator, he remembered that he seemed to have forgotten *Mr. Donkey*, and turned to look at Yue Jun:

"Remind Mahua again, let them also go to the Shanghai International Film Festival, book the exhibition area in advance, and do a good job of film promotion."

"No problem. Lin Dao, you should hurry up and 'leave early', hehe..."

No matter how low-key and confidential things are, it is impossible to achieve absolute confidentiality.

Look, on the morning of the 8th, gossip spread in the circle: that is, Lin Dao Nan's new play *Marriage Story* will be filmed at the Central Academy of Drama's theater auditorium.

This news undoubtedly spread from the Central Academy of Drama, so the credibility almost reached 100%.

Then, the big Lin Dao was teased by countless netizens on the internet.

Saying that in Lin Dao Nan's new film, although there may be no actors from the Central Academy of Drama, there is still no lack of elements of the Central Academy of Drama; sure enough, he is worthy of being a big director of the Beijing Film Academy. After so many years, he is still so "pure" and "unforgettable" to the Central Academy of Drama!

And when Lin Nan received Old Jiang's teasing call, he was also quite speechless for a while.

"The facilities of the Beijing Film Academy? Very complete, nothing is missing!"

"So the school doesn't have a venue for you to film? Do we not have a theater, or do we not have a big auditorium?"

Just as Lin Nan was smiling and preparing to explain, Old Jiang added:

"Mm, these words were not said by me, I'm just bored and reporting to you, talking about the 'small' complaints of those people in the school publicity office."

"Filming at the Beijing Film Academy? Mainly because there is no atmosphere." Lin Nan joked.

"What atmosphere?"

"The atmosphere of stage plays.

In *Marriage Story*, I am a stage play director, and Yifei was originally a film and television actor...

Thinking of stage plays, my first reaction is to film at the Central Academy of Drama. You tell me, is my idea right?"

Lin Nan revealed the character setting in the film to an outsider for the first time. Sure enough, Old Jiang was stunned, and after a while, he sighed:

"Go, your script this time is good, reality into the film?!

You and Yifei are originally a director and an actor, and in the play, they are still a director and an actor, and they are also husband and wife! Your script is really amazing, very appropriate, very gimmicky..."

"Is this the point I'm talking about? The point I'm talking about is stage plays and the Central Academy of Drama. Thinking of stage plays, I can think of the Central Academy of Drama. The Beijing Film Academy doesn't have that atmosphere!"

Lin Nan was almost laughed at by anger. Old Jiang is also a gossip lover.

Another reason he chose to film at the Central Academy of Drama was to be able to requisition teachers and staff of the Central Academy of Drama's theater to be extras and small supporting roles;

And the school of the Central Academy of Drama fully cooperated and supported it, which the Beijing Film Academy did not have.

"Alright, alright, I've already scolded them. However, this new film will definitely be hotly discussed at that time. This setting is really amazing. Haha..."

Before long, Lin Nan hung up Old Jiang's phone.

Just like the latter, everyone in the circle and the two schools was chattering at this moment. Everyone was paying attention to the start of Lin Nan's new film, and it was estimated that it should have started!

On the 6th, 180 million; on the 7th, 249 million; on the 8th, 197 million.

In the first three days of the weekend, *Captain America 3* took 626 million box office.

After entering the working day on the 9th, its daily box office plummeted to 60 million, 50 million, but the box office potential did not decrease at all...

At the same time, *Finding Mr. Right 2* was released for 12 days, and the total box office officially exceeded 900 million, reaching 910 million; thus, its daily box office still had more than 16 million... The 1 billion box office mark seemed to be in sight, just waiting for a leap!

In addition, *Song of the Phoenix* has been released for 5 days, and has been "pointed at" by the circle for 5 days; what everyone is "pointing at" is not the quality of the film, but the screening of the film.

The 9 cinema chains including China Film can be said to have lost face to the extreme. Not only did they not fulfill their promise to give "strong support" for screening, but they also reduced the screening again.

As a result, the film's screening rate dropped from 1.9% on the first day to 1.2% and 1.01%.

But fortunately, *Song of the Phoenix* finally raised its daily box office to 7 digits by virtue of the promotion of a group of filmmakers and its own film review reputation; and the daily box office seemed to be constantly and slowly growing... This is undoubtedly a good sign.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei enjoyed the last comfortable time before joining the crew. Counting today, there were only 4 days left.

"The filming progress of *Eternal Love* is already at the last 30%, and it is expected to wrap up before the end of the middle of next month."

After Liu Yifei finished Jiang Rou's call, she excitedly told Lin Nan the news.

"I guess after wrapping up, there is no need to wait for the post-production, and TV stations will come to ask.

In recent years, the price of TV dramas has soared, especially this type of subject matter is very popular, and it is produced by Lin Nan Film... Under the reputation, that price, only high, not low!"

Lin Nan picked Liu girl's chin and teased "lightly".

"Know, know."

Pushing Lin Nan's hand away, Liu Yifei raised her head slightly and glared proudly, as if saying: filming hasn't started yet, isn't this getting up early to eat breakfast?

The Cannes International Film Festival officially opened in the afternoon domestic time.

Although there was no shadow of Chinese films participating, there were quite a few Chinese stars; especially the drafts of actresses, which began to swipe the screen on Weibo again.

Lin Nan didn't pay much attention to these, because the crew's affairs were enough to keep

Although there are still more than three days left, the assembly of the filming team, the entry of equipment, and the advance martial law at the filming site... all need to be monitored at all times.

However, Lin Nan did pay special attention to a few movies that are about to be released.

The imported film *Criminal* on the 13th, and the imported films *The Angry Birds Movie* and *The Divergent Series: Allegiant* on the 20th... these are all massive mountains in front of domestic films.

Speaking of domestic films, Lin Nan found it funny.

Jiang Wenli is now just like Liu Xiaoqing; she has completely embarked on the same path, just loving to act in romance films with young male actors who are ten or twenty years younger than her.

Look, *Run for Love* on the 13th is exactly this type, and it's even a teacher-student romance. Jiang Wenli is that teacher, tsk tsk tsk...

……

"In the morning, a team composed of more than 150 film behind-the-scenes practitioners and engineers from three film and television enterprises—Lin Nan Film, Enlight Media, and Western Film Group—appeared at the Capital Airport and chartered a plane to Hollywood..."

"According to the leader of the Western Film Group team, this 150-person team consists of the Chinese members participating in the China-US co-produced sci-fi blockbuster *Pacific Rim: Uprising*;

The preparation, official filming, and wrap-up of this project are expected to take about six to ten months...

When the film starts shooting later, this 150-person team will also return to China with the Warner and Lionsgate teams for location shooting... Some engineers will participate in post-production."

On the morning of the 12th, news about *Pacific Rim: Uprising* once again flooded the entire internet.

For this blockbuster with an investment of up to 165 million US dollars, no one in the entire Chinese film industry can remain indifferent; everyone has mixed feelings.

China Film Group.

La Peikang looked at the news about *Pacific Rim: Uprising* on the internet, and he always had an unpleasant feeling in his heart—his face hurt.

"Director La, the Navy Political Department still hasn't loosened up. It seems the finalization of the production lineup will have to wait until they finish the script and select the director."

The secretary's report brought La Peikang back to his senses. This situation was not what he wanted to see.

"Is it harder to deal with than the Air Force Political Department?!"

According to La Peikang's idea, he still hoped to have the advantage of being close to the water, so that China Film Group could take the initiative in the process of determining the production lineup later, ranking only below the Navy Political Department, and win over or squeeze out some people...

But now it seems that his idea is very difficult to realize. Because the Navy Political Department is obviously much more cautious; China Film Group tried to mention it several times, but there was no response from that side, and they gave no opportunity at all.

"Has Lin Nan's *Marriage Story* started filming yet?" La Peikang stopped thinking about the Navy Political Department and changed the subject to ask about something else.

"It hasn't started filming yet, and there is no news about any start date, but the industry estimates it should be in these few days. Because Lin Nan Film's filming team went to the Central Academy of Drama, and the drama auditorium of the Central Academy of Drama has also posted a closure notice and is setting up the scene."

"This time it's really low-key."

La Peikang couldn't help but sigh, then waved his hand, signaling that the secretary could go out.

A few minutes later, only La Peikang was left in the office. He thought of the list of director candidates submitted by Han Sanping, which included Lin Nan.

"If the intended candidate from the Navy Political Department is really you, will you take it? If you take it, Lin Nan Film should be able to get a share. But after taking it, if China Film Group also gets a share, do you count as cooperating with China Film Group again?"

La Peikang muttered to himself, and a smile couldn't help but appear on his face, "Very interesting."

Hengdian, the *Eternal Love* crew.

In the absence of Lin Nan and Liu Yifei, the highest-ranking people in the crew are Jiang Rou, followed by Watching Shu Chang and Reba.

After all, one is a senior executive of Lin Nan Film, one is the "little sister" of the boss and the boss's wife, and there is also a "fresh graduate" and direct subordinate signed by Lin Nan Film—well, now you can also say she is a partner!

"So, after this play, your next play is *Pacific Rim: Uprising*?"

Watching Shu Chang looked at Reba in surprise. The latter's mouth was really tight, and she only accidentally let it slip today.

"Sister Watching Shu Chang, I still have many announcements to run before joining the crew."

Reba smiled a little embarrassedly. After this drama wraps up, around early July, she will have to fly to Warner again to measure her body data to determine her costumes and makeup in the movie.

"Hey, you're showing off now, aren't you?"

Watching Shu Chang joked with a smile. Her status is higher than Reba's, but in terms of earning ability, this ethnic minority girl who is only 5 years younger than her is much more powerful than her. After all, she is on the celebrity path.

"I don't mean to show off; it's all thanks to Lin Dao and Sister Yifei." Reba gave a sweet smile, her voice a little soft. She knew Watching Shu Chang was joking with her.

"You two stop chatting, get ready to start filming.

By the way, Changchang, the shooting schedule for your scenes has been adjusted, and time will be set aside for you to fly back to the capital."

Jiang Rou stood at the door of the dressing room, rarely reminding the female lead and the second female lead on behalf of the assistant.

"Okay, thank you, Sister Jiang." Hearing this, Watching Shu Chang responded with a smile immediately.

"Adjusting scenes? Back to the capital? Sister Watching Shu Chang, do you have something to do?" Now it was Reba's turn to be confused.

"Hehe, I have a cameo task." Watching Shu Chang raised her eyebrows and told a riddle.

Starlight Shining.

Since returning to China from Hollywood in early March, except for necessary announcements, Jing Tian has almost never gone out.

As the designated female lead of *Pacific Rim: Uprising*, she has been preparing for this movie. She has read the script she got from Lin Nan Film many times.

"Tiantian, your flight is at 10:30 tomorrow morning. Your assistant and bodyguard will accompany you to Warner to determine your costumes and makeup.

In addition, the news just received is that the start time of *Pacific Rim: Uprising* is roughly at the end of October or early November. After that, you still have to coordinate the promotion of *The Great Wall*. Fortunately, most of the scenes for the former are filmed in Oriental Movie Metropolis, all in China..."

Lu Zheng returned to the company in a hurry and exhorted Jing Tian. With two A-level China-US co-productions in a row, Jing Tian can be said to be the only one in the domestic film circle in the past two years.

"Hmm, I know, Uncle Lu."

Jing Tian, who had just finished her makeup and was preparing to attend a brand event, nodded knowingly. She originally wanted to visit the set of *Marriage Story* in a couple of days, but now she can only talk about it after returning from Hollywood.

……

The last three days before filming seem to pass very quickly.

By the morning of the 14th, the total box office of *Captain America: Civil War*, which had been released for 8 days, officially exceeded *Sleepless in Seattle 2*, which had been released for half a month.

The former grossed a total of 1.01 billion, while the latter's total box office reached 952 million!

As of this moment, the daily box office of the two movies is already far apart. *Captain America: Civil War* still has more than 40 million, while *Sleepless in Seattle 2* has dropped to just over 9 million.

As for other domestic films, without exception, they are all cannon fodder, including Jiang Wenli's *Run for Love*.

Not only that, the film reviews on the internet are not very good, all mocking Jiang Wenli for an old cow eating tender grass, which is a bit too greasy!

At the same time, after a brief warming up and climax during the May Day period, the film market has undoubtedly returned to a bleak situation.

In the eyes of the industry, the next leap in the overall market can only wait for the summer vacation.

But at the moment, a domestic film with a box office of nearly 1 billion is still the focus of the industry, because this is very likely the last Chinese film with a box office of 1 billion in the first half of the year.

After all, before the end of June, there are no good slots and domestic blockbusters.

And *Sleepless in Seattle 2*, with a difference of 48 million and a daily box office of more than 8 million, is undoubtedly able to cross the 1 billion box office threshold, because its reputation remains strong!

"Leave the celebration banquet to Sister Xue; just tell Yue Jun. 1 billion is definitely no problem. If Sister Xue is still worried, then take them to run a few more promotions..."

Lin Nan was on the phone with Xue Xiaolu there, talking about the celebration banquet and the box office. Yang Mi, as the female lead, is very active, posting several Weibo posts every day to sprint for the movie's box office.

Liu Yifei, leaning against Lin Nan, was holding a tablet and browsing the news of the Cannes International Film Festival. Gong Li just arrived there today, and the treatment given by the foreign media is undoubtedly the best among Chinese film actresses!

"Let Yue Jun attend on behalf of me and Yifei at that time..."

"Are you starting filming?" Hearing Lin Nan's words, Xue Xiaolu reacted instantly.

At this point, there was no need to hide it anymore, and Lin Nan answered with a smile: "Tomorrow morning, Central Academy of Drama, the first scene."

A few minutes later, Lin Nan hung up the phone with a laugh.

He saw Liu Yifei bring her phone to him: "Teacher Hui Yinghong has already boarded the plane and can arrive at Capital Airport at noon. She and Sister Xun don't need to come to the set tomorrow, right?"

"No, come to the crew whenever there are scenes; try to be simple and low-key."

"Then I'll reply to them."

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei just stayed at home for the last day, and went to bed even earlier at night. Because the next morning at six o'clock, they had to get to the scene, do makeup and styling, and prepare in advance for the morning's filming.

The next day, early morning.

The sky was still dim, and Lin Dao was woken up by Liu Yifei. When it comes to work, she is never sloppy; any morning grumpiness has to be put aside!

Central Academy of Drama, outside the drama auditorium.

More than twenty school security personnel, along with the staff of Lin Nan Film, were firmly guarding it.

Because looking at it, it was full of students, absolutely no less than two hundred people;

Many of them were holding breakfast in their hands, waiting to join in the fun while eating, and at the same time, another part of the people were using their mobile phones to post on Moments and Weibo...

And the filming team of more than thirty people, as well as Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and extras, supporting actors, etc., have also arrived one after another. At this time, the time was just seven o'clock in the morning.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei shared a dressing room, and makeup artists and stylists were busy without stopping...

Time passed minute by minute, until after eight o'clock in the morning, the crew's preparation work was about to be completed.

And the student group outside had already doubled, and the Central Academy of Drama had to add twice as many security personnel;

The internet and the industry were even more boiling with public opinion and unusually lively. Countless media were rushing to the Central Academy of Drama; but wanting to get in was purely a delusion.

"Jointly produced by Lin Nan Film and Starlight Shining, written and directed by Lin Dao Nan, produced by Liu Yifei, and starring Liu Yifei, Lin Nan, Zhou Xun, and others, the realistic romance art drama film *Marriage Story* quietly started filming this morning at the Central Academy of Drama's drama auditorium..."

"According to many students of the Central Academy of Drama, outside the filming site of the movie *Marriage Story*, the security level is quite high, and idlers are strictly forbidden to approach..."

……

The movie information, on-site photos, and videos on the internet attracted the attention of more than half of the film and television circle.

"Lin Nan's *Marriage Story* has started filming so quietly?"

Xiangyang Tang Cheng Film and Television Base, even Chen Kaige couldn't help but pay attention to this "low-key" movie of Lin Nan. After all, he is a director of the same level as him!

"Actually, the best choice is still Lin Dao, but he is too young... Once a personal relationship is established..."

Chen Hong followed Chen Kaige, admiring the scenery after the rain at Tang Cheng Film and Television Base while whispering.

Director Chen didn't speak after hearing this, but his face looked a bit ugly.

Of course he knows clearly that in the circle of directors, youth is the biggest advantage, not to mention having achieved such high achievements at such a young age!

"Haven't we already got a youth film? Let Feiyu try it first. Although I don't like this kind of movie, young people today really buy it... Look at the subsequent situation, and make plans later."

"Hmm, okay."

……

In the dressing room, Lin Nan and Ning Hao stared at each other, and Liu Yifei covered her mouth and laughed on the side.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm idle anyway, isn't it good to come over and shout 'cut' for you? By the way, appreciate the performance of you two as a couple, and take a close look at the 'filming behind-the-scenes'."

As he spoke, Ning Hao showed an unkind smile.

"Then I thank you!"

Lin Nan rolled his eyes, which was considered a tacit acceptance of the kindness.

"Hey, Director Ning, how did you get in?" At this time, Liu Yifei also reacted; "martial law" was arranged outside!

"Yifei, what are you saying? Who am I? A big director in the industry, can the Central Academy of Drama stop me? They are too late to welcome me. Furthermore, with our relationship, do the people from Starlight Shining and Lin Nan Film dare to stop me? Haha..."

"I'll deduct their bonuses later!" Lin Nan was amused by Ning Hao, and Liu Yifei also echoed: "Yes, deduct bonuses, hehe..."

When Ning Hao heard this, he immediately became energetic and laughed as he added fuel to the fire:

"It was Yue Jun who let me in. Remember to deduct all his year-end bonuses this year. And Yifei's assistant didn't stop me either..."

…………