Chapter 855

Over a week has passed, and the filming of *The Wandering Earth* has advanced significantly once again. Based on the number of remaining shots, only the final third of the workload remains.

During this period, the batch wrap-ups of numerous foreign guest actors led to the film's production progress being leaked;

This caused the number of uninvited media outlets scouting the set to skyrocket in a short time, leaving the crew completely overwhelmed... Wu Jing was even so disturbed that he almost cursed at that group of people.

Fortunately, there was news about *Crazy Alien* again on the morning of the 18th, which truly diverted a lot of media fire away from *The Wandering Earth*.

"Reprinted from the official announcement on the Film Bureau's website: The comedy sci-fi film script *Crazy Alien*, submitted by Dirty Monkey Films, was officially approved this morning."

"Just past 10:00 AM, Dirty Monkey Films released the project initiation and casting announcement for the film *Crazy Alien*:

The film is directed by Ning Hao, produced by Xing Aina, and jointly produced by Dirty Monkey Films, Lin Nan Films, Red Star Dock Films, and Huanxi Media.

Effective immediately, the film will be open for casting within the domestic film and television industry... For available roles, audition processes, and actor requirements, please see the attached file..."

Director Ning Hao's new film is finally starting casting, and actors across the entire film and television circle are impatient and incredibly excited.

What is even more commendable is that the lineup of production companies announced for this film is simply luxurious, worthy of being called top-tier in the industry... The temptation is maxed out!

"Cut!"

Zhao Jinmai finished the solo "monologue" scene for the communication device, and Lin Nan waved his hand to signal everyone to take a break, while he walked alone to a quiet corner of the studio.

It was only because his phone had been handed over by his assistant, "Lin Dao, Producer Liu wants you to return her call."

Before long, Liu Yifei's crisp voice, slightly nasal, came from the other end of the line, "Lin Nan, I'm going to Shanghai early, so I might as well hang out with Changchang and the others for two days.

So Sister Na called specifically this morning; she means for me to go over this afternoon to discuss the share percentage. Settling it early saves worry, and we can just transfer the funds directly later without any more trouble..."

"Hmm, then thank you for your hard work, Producer Liu. Let's just go with what we discussed before. This is our first time cooperating with Huanxi; we don't need to be too polite. After all, Huanxi and Dirty Monkey are not the same thing."

Lin Nan emphasized specifically that there was no need to yield to Huanxi, especially on a film project destined to be profitable.

"That goes without saying. Don't worry, leave everything to me, hehe."

In the past, Lin Nan was the one who personally came forward to negotiate investment shares, but this time, Liu Yifei, who is "taking the baton" for the first time, seems to be full of interest and motivation?!

"Lin Dao, a few foreigners have come over, saying they have already spoken to you on the phone." Just after hanging up the phone, a crew member ran over in a hurry.

Lin Nan nodded, acknowledging the matter, "Take them to the lounge; I'll be there shortly."

When people from Disney invited Lin Nan earlier, they specifically asked about his schedule to arrange the time for their first meeting;

Lin Nan set the time for mid-to-late June, which is during the Shanghai International Film Festival.

But a few days ago, they inexplicably called again, saying they wanted to come to the *The Wandering Earth* set to take a look.

Lin Nan did not refuse this. And today, these few people from Disney have therefore become the only outsiders he has allowed to visit the set so far!

In the afternoon, the latest film news came from the internet again.

All relevant scenes for *Shadow* at the Huairou Film and Television Base in the capital wrapped up at noon, and Zhang Yimou is about to take the crew to shoot on location.

Xian'an Star Bamboo Sea, Qianshan Forest Park Bamboo Sea, Chibi Suiyang Bamboo Sea, Honghu Qujiawan Ancient Town... When the location shooting ends, that will be when this film officially wraps up.

And there has long been a consensus in the industry: this *Shadow* will also be the parting work between Zhang Yimou and LeEco; there is no way there will be any surprises!

Following the film news about *Shadow*, the matter of Tudou's listing banquet surpassed others, forcefully landing at the top of the Weibo trending list at 2:00 PM.

One month in advance, Tudou officially began sending banquet invitations to a large number of well-known figures and capital in the financial industry, internet industry, media circle, and film and entertainment industry.

Location: Shanghai; Time: The evening of June 27th!

With this, the time for Tudou to officially land on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange was announced so openly and grandly: the morning of June 28th.

"Buy, of course we must buy, and buy as much as we can! Why not buy stock that is destined to make money?" At Huayi, Wang Zhongjun said to Feng Xiaogang and the others with a chuckle.

He and Wang Zhonglei have self-awareness; it is highly probable that Huayi will not have a share in Tudou's banquet invitations;

But the moment its stock is issued for listing, they will still go to "show support." After all, it is a recognized high-quality stock; it would be a waste not to take advantage of this bargain!

Among the several executives and shareholders present, except for Feng Xiaogang, almost everyone was nodding in agreement with a smile, very much in accord with Wang Zhongjun's words.

Only the expression on Director Feng's face was somewhat strained, because the finished film of *Youth* sent to the Film Bureau a week ago had just been confirmed to be rejected an hour ago.

"Xiaogang, no need to be like this, right? It's been so many years, it's not like your films haven't been rejected by censorship before; just edit and revise it." Wang Zhonglei comforted him with a smile.

"But they won't even say the specific reason, just saying something about problems that shouldn't have been committed? Hehe, what problems? I think my film is perfectly fine! What are they covering up by being so vague? Is there some unspeakable content that's hard to say?"

It would have been fine if Wang Zhonglei hadn't mentioned it, but as soon as he did, Feng Xiaogang exploded immediately, his words full of sarcasm.

"If they want changes, just look into changing it. It's different now than before; the censorship team has been drastically cut by Director Zhang, so it's impossible to operate as easily as it was during *Assembly*."

Wang Zhongjun was ambiguous and said very seriously. The expressions of the few people around also turned serious instantly, because they understood the subtext of his words.

"I know, I'll try my best." Feng Xiaogang nodded with a frosty face, insincerely. From the bottom of his heart, he was extremely unwilling to cut the core content, those things he wanted to express, the things with satirical meaning.

Dirty Monkey.

When Liu Yifei arrived with her assistant, there was still half an hour until 3:00 sharp, so she could be considered to have arrived half an hour early.

But what she didn't expect was that Dong Ping from Huanxi not only came in person, but actually arrived even earlier than her!

"This is my first time cooperating with Lin Dao and Producer Liu, so I definitely have to come early to wait, hehe..."

Dong Ping is such a shrewd person; he had a smiling face the moment they met. Instead, it caught Liu Yifei somewhat off guard, but she still responded with a generous greeting.

"Yifei, sit down quickly. Since you've arrived early, let's start early. Once it's settled, we can focus on casting and preparing for the start of filming." Xing Aina pulled Liu Yifei to sit beside her.

Before long, Ning Hao came over from another office carrying a stack of documents, "Take a look, this is the preliminary budget for *Crazy Alien*."

While Liu Yifei took the budget report, Ning Hao couldn't help but tease her:

"It can't compare to your Lin Nan's *The Wandering Earth*; his is hardcore sci-fi and needs a massive amount of special effects shots to support it;

While the special effects requirements for my film are much less than his, so the budget is naturally less than his side. Look, it's a full 200 million less!"

"300 million?" Miss Liu glanced at the numbers on the data and read them out softly.

"Hmm, it's 300 million, and it's still using the Tiangong Color special effects team. Just on this item alone, your family can recover a large chunk of cost and profit in advance!"

Ning Hao smacked his lips, complaining with a mix of speechlessness and envy. Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei had an expression of undisguised pride, but she was humble in her speech: "Actually, Tiangong Color barely makes any money."

"Hehe, Yifei, you and Lin Nan are truly a couple in the same bed; this tone of showing off is exactly the same..." Xing Aina laughed immediately, her tone full of teasing.

"Alright, alright, let's talk about business." Miss Liu changed the subject with a smile.

One could see the aura on her body become forceful in an instant, "Including the copyright portion, Lin Nan Films and Red Star Dock will take 40% in total. This shouldn't be a problem, right?"

As Liu Yifei's words fell, Ning Hao and Xing Aina both smiled at each other with tacit understanding, their eyes full of "as expected."

Only Dong Ping lost his smile in an instant, because the number Liu Yifei asked for also meant that not much share would be left for Huanxi. However, he had no qualification to object!

The few people were silent for two seconds, and then Xing Aina nodded with a smile, breaking the silent atmosphere: "No problem, you and Lin Nan can naturally take 40%."

Seeing the satisfied smile on Liu Yifei's face, Xing Aina looked at Dong Ping again, "Then Huanxi will take 10% this time."

Upon hearing this, Dong Ping couldn't help but pause; Ning Hao and his wife actually left half for Dirty Monkey?

Although he was somewhat reluctant in his heart, he could only smile and agree: "10% is 10%. Having some is better than having none. And it looks like *Crazy Alien* is a project destined to make money."

"Then it's settled. Let's pick a time to officially sign the contract another day..."

As the most important film project among all China Film Group's projects this year, the first large-scale media press conference for *The Founding of an Army* officially kicked off at 9:00 AM on the 19th.

China Film Group had invited Lin Nan before, but he couldn't make a special trip back to the capital from Qingdao for this kind of thing, and the crew's filming tasks wouldn't allow it; so Yue Jun had to attend the press conference on behalf of Lin Nan Films.

On the *The Wandering Earth* set, during his break, Lin Nan also paid attention to the film news online.

The movement of *The Founding of an Army* was not small; many high-level leaders went to the press conference site... There were truly quite a few people in military uniforms with powerful auras, and there were also quite a few golden stars.

I imagine the scene at the premiere will be even more spectacular; after all, this is a "tribute film for the founding of the army"!

"I don't know what Chairman La is thinking; he actually shouted the slogan of refusing task-based theater buyouts? To be honest, his idea and decision are really too bold and too risky.

If *The Founding of a Republic* had been brought to this point, I might not have had anything to say, but this *The Founding of an Army*?

Just based on the Hong Kong directors and the behind-the-scenes team, as well as so many 'young artists', I really can't imagine what the consequences would be if something went wrong? Chairman La is afraid he'll be marked down by those leaders, right?!"

When Yue Jun called and talked about the things at the press conference, Lin Nan was also stunned.

Is Chairman La destroying his own martial arts? Saying that kind of thing openly and honestly means there really is no room for maneuver.

Even if he guarantees to the leaders, signs a military order, and shows a firm attitude, there's no need to be so decisive, right? Not leaving himself any way out at all?

"Lin Dao, speaking of which, *The Founding of an Army* seems to be released on the same day as my *Wolf Warrior 2*!" Wu Jing teased with a chuckle.

"Hmm, it's on the same day."

Lin Nan nodded. Wu Jing's high-spirited appearance had completely exposed his inner thoughts; he just wanted to step on *The Founding of an Army*, not taking it seriously at all.

"It's only two months left; after *The Wandering Earth* wraps up, you should also hurry up and continue promoting it." Lin Nan added as a suggestion.

"Lin Dao, don't worry, I will definitely be tireless when the time comes, starting from the Shanghai International Film Festival. Besides, *Wolf Warrior 2* has to have a higher box office than the first one, right?

Regarding this point, I am very confident; after all, the cost has doubled by 1.5 times! I have to live up to everyone's investment, don't you think? Haha..."

Wu Jing laughed wantonly, while also patting his chest with certainty.

Lin Nan didn't bother with him anymore, but cast his gaze toward the hundreds of crew members in the distance, all of whom were busily preparing the set for the next shot.

"Let's speed up the filming again, striving to wrap up in the first ten days of next month, don't drag it into the middle of the month. Oh, right, also let classmate Zhao Jinmai go back early to seize the time to review for another half month and sprint for the high school entrance exam."

Walking toward the crowd, Lin Nan shouted loudly, and then a chorus of agreement rang out.

"Lin Dao, I am very confident about the high school entrance exam, no need to be so anxious to send me back... I'll be locked in the school doing test papers every day..." Zhao Jinmai's bitter "protest" came, followed by another burst of laughter.

Past 5:00 PM domestic time, which is just past 12:00 PM Morocco time.

All the crew members gathered by the seaside, which is also the shooting point for the final shot.

Guo Fan held a megaphone, as excited as everyone else, and shouted:

"Now I announce: The eight-month overseas training and overseas filming of *Operation Red Sea* is officially over, and all overseas scenes have successfully wrapped up.

After the wrap-up banquet tonight, everyone will return tomorrow; for planes and warships, everyone can still choose one of the two!"

As the words fell, the entire crew burst into cheers instantly.

And except for some navy personnel, everyone else without exception chose the plane.

Everyone really didn't want to take the warship anymore; it was too torturous, and these eight months had long since exhausted the men's passion! Although after returning to the country, they still have to film for two more months...

"Lu Yang, you should call Lin Dao and tell him."

"Hmm, no problem."