Chapter 882: No More Than Half a Small Goal; The Premiere…

……

"This morning, the costume drama 'Emperor's Affair' officially kicked off its casting. Producer and lead Little Zhang Zhang Ziyi personally took charge, participating in the audition process to select her co-stars…"

"The series is adapted from a web novel of the same name, a hit IP. The investment budget is as high as 700 million RMB, with a planned run of no fewer than 100 episodes and a casting cycle of three months!"

"The costume action Wu Xia blockbuster 'Shadow', directed by Zhang Zhang Yimou and starring Deng Chao, Sun Li, Zheng Kai, Wang Wang Qianyuan, Hu Jun, Wang Wang Jingchun, Guan Guan Xiaotong, and others, successfully wrapped filming at 10 a. m. today at the Bamboo Sea of Qianshan Forest Park in XN City.

"Assistant director Zhang Mo, who substituted for director Zhang Zhang Yimou in media interviews, stated that the film 'Shadow' will be promoted overseas at this year's Venice International Film Festival; once post-production is complete, they will consider competing at next year's three major European film festivals…"

"After 8 days in theaters, the film 'Secret Fruit' has grossed a cumulative 7.95 million yuan, with daily earnings approaching zero, and has regrettably been pulled early. Chen Chen Kaige's son Chen Chen Feiyu's film debut has flopped!"

"The film 'Secret Fruit' had an investment of only 20 million yuan, making it a low-budget production. Therefore, Enlight Pictures' losses remain within an acceptable range, with actual losses of around 17 million yuan…"

……

A new day brought another string of entertainment trending topics on Weibo. However, the most explosive piece of gossip did not spread widely online—it was suppressed.

Lin Nan heard the gossip from Ning Hao, who had attended the wrap ceremony of 'Shadow' this morning and was on the scene.

About an hour before filming wrapped, Zhang Zhang Yimou and Zhang Zhao had a very public falling out on set, arguing in front of the entire crew.

Zhang Zhao wanted to release 'Shadow' to market early to recoup costs, but Zhang Zhang Yimou disagreed. After a heated debate, the two finally came to blows.

Director Zhang, unusually, did not remain subtle or restrained, but vented all his anger toward LeTV, even cursing.

"Ultimately, the film's copyright belongs to LeTV, not Director Zhang. But the fact that he could make Zhang Zhao back down is hardly surprising.

After all, the film's post-production still depends on Director Zhang, as does the later promotion, overseas rights sales, and theatrical release.

But one thing is also true: after this morning, the entire industry will know that director Zhang Zhang Yimou has openly fallen out with LeTV and completely severed ties…"

At this point, Lin Nan's voice came to an abrupt halt.

Because a thought, whose truth he couldn't verify, suddenly flashed through his mind: What if Zhang Zhang Yimou did it on purpose? To send a signal to the outside world and the entertainment industry: he had cut ties with LeTV!

"It has nothing to do with us. But in early September, we can catch the promo for 'Shadow' at the Venice International Film Festival. I heard this film is in a pure ink-wash style."

Liu Liu Yifei stroked the cat in her arms as she spoke with Lin Nan. She even scrunched up her nose and bumped heads with the calico.

"Producer Liu is right." Lin Nan smiled and threw in a flattery.

At this moment, Liu Liu Xiaoli, who had already changed clothes and was ready to go out, came over from next door: "Liu Liu Qianqian, put the cat down, we're leaving. Lin Nan, are you sure you won't come?"

"Mom, you guys go ahead. Liu Liu Qianqian knows my preferences, leave it to her. I still have to go to the company later."

Lin Nan replied with a smile. Liu Liu Xiaoli and her daughter were taking people to look at furniture. Well, the budget should not exceed half a small goal.

"Mom, don't bother with him, he doesn't have the patience." Liu Liu Yifei carelessly roasted Lin Nan.

Well, Director Lin Da had no way to retort. Because this kind of thing where you pick for an entire day, he really couldn't stand.

And in terms of taste, he admittedly couldn't compare to Liu Liu Xiaoli and Liu Liu Yifei. Of course, when comparing with Liu Liu Yifei, that excluded taste in picking clothes.

Amid the laughter of his wife and mother-in-law, Lin Nan chose to pack up and head back to the company to continue post-production.

……

Premiere invitations for films such as 'The Founding of an Army', 'Wolf Warrior 2', and 'Eternal Love' have begun being sent out within the industry.

In one week, China Film's tribute film will take the lead, opening the second half of the summer season at the Great Hall of the People… The war for the second-half movie market has only just begun!

Huayi, Wang Wang Zhonglei brought back news.

"If nothing unexpected happens, 'Youth' should pass review around the middle of next month and obtain a theatrical release permit. At most, we only need to wait another month."

"Confirmed?" Wang Wang Zhongjun asked for confirmation.

"This is the clear answer from those three companies, there can't be any problem. Director Feng can also rest easy and take the team on the promotional tour, but this time don't pull another stunt like the Central China Normal University incident—it's not worth the cost."

Wang Wang Zhonglei first replied to Wang Wang Zhongjun, then gave instructions to Feng Feng Xiaogang.

The last idea was the latter's, but what was the result? It completely fell apart! Not only that, but they were also beaten down by Lin Nan and his group… kicked while they were down.

"Don't worry, Mr. Wang, I have a good handle on it this time. Why don't you tell me about the Golden Rooster matters? It should be at the stage of drafting the nomination list." Feng Feng Xiaogang shifted the topic, asking about what he was more concerned with today.

"You can rest easy, the nominations will be out a month from today. This time there won't only be nominations."

Wang Wang Zhonglei said with considerable confidence. In his view, Feng Feng Xiaogang was a typical case of being toyed with by the Golden Rooster so many times that he had developed a psychological shadow.

"Director Feng, I said we'd help you secure the Golden Rooster Award, and we will deliver. When has the group ever broken its word to you?" With Wang Wang Zhongjun's affirmation, Feng Feng Xiaogang also nodded in silent acknowledgment.

"It seems the Venice International Film Festival's shortlist should be coming out soon too, right?" Suddenly, Feng Feng Xiaogang thought of another major award. He went from the Golden Rooster to Lin Nan, and then to Venice…

"Director Feng, you mean Lin Nan's 'Marriage Story'?"

"Yes. Last year, between Venice and the San Sebastián International Film Festival, I chose the latter for safety. But look at Lin Nan—he never considers the safe A-list festivals…"

Facing Feng Feng Xiaogang's sour remarks, Wang Wang Zhongjun and Wang Wang Zhonglei fell silent, a hint of disdain unconsciously showing in their eyes. You were too cowardly yourself, so don't envy others now—he will definitely be shortlisted!

"Alright, let's talk about the progress of the 'Cell Phone 2' script…"

……

Lin Nan threw himself into the post-production of 'Druggist', and once he got into the grind, another four days passed in the blink of an eye.

It had to be said, after 18 consecutive days, the post-production editing progress was quite fast. Lin Nan estimated that it should be fully completed before the end of the month.

As for 'The Wandering Earth', that was truly at a snail's pace. Even according to the planned schedule, it wouldn't be until next May or June.

On the morning of the 19th, Ning Hao finally couldn't help but call Lin Nan, because he was heading to Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis that afternoon, "with the whole family in tow."

So, Director Lin Da graciously drove over to Bad Monkey.

"Hey, Liu Yifei didn't come with you?" Lin Nan had just gotten out of the car after parking when he was greeted by Xing Aina's question.

"She's packing at home, flying to Magic City this morning for her second audition for 'Hua Mulan' tomorrow."

"Going early to have half a day of fun?" Ning Hao chimed in with a smile.

"Yeah, that's right. She's very easygoing." Lin Nan also laughed. Taking the chance to go shopping and have fun during a work break—that was Miss Liu's style.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three got down to business.

'Crazy Alien' will officially start filming tomorrow morning. Ning Hao's style is definitely different from Lin Nan's;

When he films, he doesn't work around the clock, and he allows actors to take time off for other engagements, but he doesn't allow them to take on other productions simultaneously;

So his planned shooting schedule is naturally longer—5 months, meaning a successful wrap by the end of December.

As for the main filming locations, they are Qingdao Oriental Movie Metropolis and Changsha, with a few shots requiring flights to Paris and Moscow...

"During the days I'm filming, put in some effort too and help me look over the script. I've been thinking about this lately—I'm already 40, and if I keep dragging it out, my energy will barely hold up. If I never win a major award in my life, all these years really would've been for nothing."

"Worrying about not having the energy to make a good film at only 40? Then I'd say you really are running out of energy! I've been talking about lying flat and resting, but look at me—busier every year, can't stop at all..."

"Damn you, how can you compare yourself to me? How many years younger you are than me—don't you have any idea? Awards nurture a person; the more awards a great director has, the more energy he has... A director who can only make money is done for; he's not a director then, just a pure businessman..."

"If those words of yours got out, you'd get spat on by a whole bunch of film directors. 'Can only make money, so he's done for'—you're really greedy, hahaha..."

China Film.

"Beside La La Peikang, every guest invited to the premiere has replied—no absences at all. Even directors like Ning Hao, who are busy with new shoots, will be represented by Producer Xing;

In addition, units like the General Political Department and Hu Hu Bayi have all sent back their attendance lists, as well as leaders from the military... We'll need to carefully arrange the seating shortly..."

La La Peikang listened to his secretary's report with a solemn expression, feeling a bit of pressure inside.

After all, this was his first time overseeing a tribute film—the previous two had both been handled by Han Han Sanping.

Moreover, both "The Founding of a Republic" and "Beginning of the Great Revival" had performed well in both results and reputation, and both had received commendations from above; so when it came to his turn, with another tribute film, there was naturally some pressure of comparison.

"Director Liu, you heard it too—it's all on you and the crew the day after tomorrow." Looking up at Liu Liu Weiqiang sitting on the office sofa, La La Peikang gave him a solemn instruction.

"Don't worry, Director La. Regarding 'The Founding of an Army,' I can say with full responsibility that I've given it everything I've got."

Liu Liu Weiqiang was quite confident, laughing as he gave his assurance. And not only that, he was rather excited too.

Because among all the film directors in Hong Kong, he was the only one who had shot a tribute film with such special significance.

If he handled it well, his standing in the mainland film circle would undoubtedly rise even higher, even placing him among the top-tier directors.

See? Aren't the leaders coming to attend the premiere the day after tomorrow unusually many? Beyond doubt, this is what makes a tribute film different and its standing!

"That's good. After today, brief all the actors too—the day after tomorrow they need to be in their best form..."