Chapter 919

"This morning, the mainstream commercial blockbuster *Sky Hunter* and the musical comedy film *Sewing Machine Band* both landed in national theaters and officially began their public release."

"According to data from theater chains, on the first day of the public release of the film *Sky Hunter*, the comprehensive screening rate reached as high as 36.8%; *Sewing Machine Band* followed closely behind with a screening rate of 27.1%."

"Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Watching Shu Chang appeared at the Capital Airport with their accompanying assistants, suspected to be heading to the set to visit the set of Director Han Jia's directorial debut—*A Cool Fish*."

……

The horn for the National Day slot has officially sounded, and the curtain has already been raised. But the three of them, Lin Nan, stayed far away, hiding in a small city in Guizhou—Duyun.

Although this place is relatively small, it is also very familiar to people in the film and television industry.

Because this place is originally a major location for many film and television works, and the Duyun Qin-Han Film and Television City was also just completed in July not long ago.

In addition, the Miao ethnic scenery and natural landscapes also make the area around Duyun one of the tourist destinations.

"Li Datou, is your head full of shit? The police are looking for us everywhere outside, oh, she doesn't look for you early, doesn't look for you late, but comes to look for you right now, and even goes back to the countryside with you to get married, you dog-day brain-dead..."

"This is love!"

"I love your mother's twist! Don't you know what she's doing at that Dream Paris?"

"Doing what?"

"Doing what? What else can you do at Dream Paris, scrub backs?"

"Then you tell me what she's doing."

"Sitting at the table, being a whore!"

"I...

I don't care what she did before, I only care what she does in the future..."

When Lin Nan, Liu Yifei, and Watching Shu Chang arrived at the set, Han Jia was busy filming the confrontation scene between Zhang Yu and Pan Binlong, um, and also an action scene.

The dialect-style lines made the actors' expression of character emotions more tense and infectious; especially after the fire truck sprayed rain down, both of their states were instantly maxed out.

"I only knew he was an actor for sketches before; I didn't expect his acting to be so good when acting in a movie?" Watching Shu Chang whispered beside Lin Nan; she was talking about Pan Binlong.

"He graduated from the Central Academy of Drama's crosstalk performance class and also belongs to the professional actor category. However, for people like them, opportunities on the film and television screen are not available to everyone, so naturally, they can only start from sketches."

Lin Nan introduced this actor to Watching Shu Chang and Liu Yifei, and at the same time, couldn't help but nag Watching Shu Chang again: "If you had honestly gone to the Central Academy of Drama back then, your achievements by now would have at least doubled!"

"Stop talking, you've been scolding me for many years." Watching Shu Chang glared at Lin Nan with a resentful face, then hugged Liu Yifei's arm tightly.

A "Cut" blocked Lin Nan's words that he wanted to continue criticizing Watching Shu Chang; Han Jia had finished work.

"The three of you came at a really good time, just in time for lunch, right?"

"Haven't seen you for a few days, your directorial style is becoming more and more sufficient." Liu Yifei greeted Han Jia and teased with a smile.

"That's for sure, sooner or later I'll step on your Lin Nan, haha."

"I'll be waiting." Lin Nan also responded with a smile.

"Then she'd better wait for her dream to wake up; she's clearly been drinking fake alcohol." Watching Shu Chang gave a direct blow.

"Director Han, quite a few media outlets are already asking, when can we conduct interviews today?" The assistant ran over to interrupt.

"Let them come in and have lunch together." Before Han Jia could react, Han Sanping had already spoken; he had just come out of the lounge.

"Alright then, let's do as Producer Han says." Han Jia ordered the assistant carelessly.

Lin Nan could guess Han Sanping's intention; the interview method of eating a working meal on the set and chatting while eating is indeed very grounded and not restrictive. Um, Third Master Han is mainly afraid that the media will be restrained!

"Let's prepare ourselves too; we'll have to work in a while." Liu Yifei looked at Lin Nan and Watching Shu Chang, self-deprecating with a smile in her eyes.

……

At noon, when the *A Cool Fish* crew was busy entertaining a large group of media reporters, outside, the two newly released films had once again stirred up waves on the internet.

To put it generally, it seems that both of these films have had an unfavorable start. At this very moment, the whole internet is full of scolding and disdain. Of course, the reasons for both being sprayed are different.

"When promoting it, it compared itself to *Wolf Warrior 2*, haha, I only saw *Husky*!"

"The content of this mainstream commercial film is too empty, without any passion to speak of, and it can't even mobilize my emotions; the audience in our entire theater is scolding..."

"Thinking about it is really funny; before, when promoting, it kept shouting about benchmarking against *The Taking of Tiger Mountain*, benchmarking against *Wolf Warrior 2*, and wanting to compete with the upcoming *Operation Red Sea*.

But with this kind of bland film, what are you going to use to compare with those few? Use Fan Bingbing's uniform temptation?"

"To the person above, don't say that; after Fan Bingbing put on that outfit, the temptation really increased sharply; that figure, that face, it's simply absolute!"

"But a movie can't really have only this one highlight, especially since it's a mainstream commercial blockbuster that used so many warplanes and pilots..."

"Li Chen turned the mainstream into shit, turned it into an urban romance film with no spiritual core and focused on the love affair between men and women; he should apologize to the people of the whole country!"

"Good guy, it really blinded my dog eyes. The Daily published an article; what they said... is it still the air combat movie I saw?"

"Disgusting, *Second-Rate Newspaper* is really shameless, forwarding it:

This film has shaped the image of a modernized aviation soldier who is both wise and brave, and has publicized the professional quality of continuing the heroic gene and being determined to the future battlefield. The ups and downs of the plot, the wonderful air combat, and the dazzling modern equipment let the audience feel the constantly upward fighting posture of this military branch at close range for the first time; it is a modern air combat film in the true sense..."

"Ugh~~ want to vomit!"

"Quick, quick, if you don't want to die, shut up! There's another higher level..."

"Let's talk about *Sewing Machine Band*; this movie doesn't have such a big background, everyone can speak freely, no need to stutter."

"Only an idiot would go watch *Sewing Machine Band*; haven't you been disgusted enough by that guy Da Peng?"

"+1"

"+1"

"+1"

……

After two o'clock in the afternoon, China Film Group.

La Peikang is in a state of complete anxiety right now, because the audience and the mainstream media are clearly standing on opposite sides;

The more the mainstream media publishes articles to praise and affirm, the more the audience who boycotts and scolds online, and the louder the voice.

In all fairness, although he also thinks this film is worse than *The Taking of Tiger Mountain* and *Wolf Warrior 2*, but, but why is there such a big difference in treatment?

"How is the response to *Sewing Machine Band* from Enlight and Wanda?"

"Chairman La, compared to our side... there are fewer film reviews." The secretary pondered several types of answers in a flash, and finally said something ambiguous.

"Hmm? What do you mean fewer film reviews?"

Hearing this follow-up question, the secretary knew he couldn't hide, so he had to bite the bullet and explain:

"Because many viewers are directly boycotting that movie, so there are fewer film reviews; but compared to our side, the scolding voice is naturally much less."

Sure enough, I saw La Peikang's face look even worse.

He has a very strong premonition at this moment, that is, this mainstream commercial film may follow in the footsteps of several previous films of China Film Group again. Even, this is no longer a premonition, but a very clear cognition!

"If this film still fails, then the direction of China Film Group after..." La Peikang murmured tiredly.

The secretary forcibly interrupted La Peikang's words; he knew what the leader wanted him to say, handing him a step. "Chairman La, the first-day box office hasn't come out yet; it's too early to say these things right now."

"Tomorrow? But tomorrow there will be two more blockbusters released; the situation will only be more cruel and severe..."

The knock on the door saved the secretary, otherwise he really didn't know how to pick up the leader's words, handing him a step but not coming down decisively!

"What's the matter?" La Peikang looked at the employee who pushed the door and entered.

"Chairman La, the leaders from that side have arrived, and Director Li Chen is also here."

In an instant, La Peikang's spirit was shocked, "Understood. You go first, I'll be there immediately."

A few seconds later, he looked at the secretary again, "Let's go, let's go see them, and this Director Li they designated!"

At this very moment, the secretary is very sure that his leader has already determined the object of his anger, which is Li Chen.

On the other side, Wang Changtian also has a headache right now. Of course, Liu Xiaobin and Dong Chengpeng are the same.

Because the data obtained from the theater chain shows that the attendance rate of *Sewing Machine Band* is very low; compared to the original *Pancake Man*, Dong Chengpeng can be said to have lost all popularity.

Coupled with so many people online boycotting this movie, in this situation, tomorrow's screening rate is very likely to be significantly reduced; after all, *Chasing the Dragon* and *The Foreigner* are also to be released tomorrow.

"Are we just going to wait for death? If it goes on like this, the first day's box office is likely the highest single-day box office, and it will only fall all the way after that."

"Let's try to save it as much as possible. The quality of this movie is indeed qualified." Liu Xiaobin put down the water cup and said helplessly.

Although from the beginning when they decided to invest in Da Peng, they already had the psychological preparation for this situation. But at this moment, everyone's heart is still a bit unwilling and tormented.

On the other hand, they are going to invest in Dong Chengpeng as a person for a long time; the debt repayment process corresponding to this period is also destined to be very long; just thinking about this point is suffocating.

"Then invest another part of the publicity funds to see if it can be stabilized, preferably stabilized and saved."

Wang Changtian has already closed his eyes; he never thought that the "prejudice" in the hearts of ordinary viewers would be so profound and persistent; persistent to the point of boycotting as soon as they say it, regardless of the quality of the movie, just wanting to boycott this director and his new work!

"Thank you, Chairman Wang, thank you, President Liu." Dong Chengpeng, who had been sitting on the side and dared not speak for a long time, finally spoke. He was completely helpless about this situation and could only pin his hopes on Wang Changtian and Liu Xiaobin.

……

Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang couldn't stay in the crew after all; in the afternoon, the two of them took their assistants and bodyguards out to go shopping; only Lin Nan was left in the *A Cool Fish* crew to temporarily help little Han, acting as an assistant director, which could be considered satisfying the latter's vanity once.

As for the calls coming in from outside, the replies those people got were all turned off, that is, flight mode.

"Professional things should be done by professional people; the pot for that movie cannot be carried by China Film Group, because the director was decided by that side themselves. China Film Group is at most losing money, losing performance, and losing reputation." Han Sanping still couldn't get over the hurdle in his heart. He is on the side of China Film Group; after all, he is the former helmsman, the Sitting Mountain Eagle.

"Dad, what you said is the same as not saying anything. China Film Group is the second largest investor; losing money, losing performance, and losing reputation—is the blow to Uncle La small? This blow is simply too big!"

Han Jia carelessly dismantled her own father's platform, but when she saw the latter's murderous eyes, she instantly changed her words again, smiling and saying:

"Of course, isn't there another *Operation Red Sea*? China Film Group also participated in the investment and can return some blood.

For the strength of Director Guo and Director Lu, I absolutely believe in them. Besides, the Navy side has been assisting hand-in-hand throughout the whole process."

"You don't understand; even if *Operation Red Sea* is a great success, the main credit will not fall on China Film Group. Because the Navy Political Department has attached great importance to this mainstream film from beginning to end; they will not let China Film Group touch the first-class merit."

Speaking of this, Han Sanping suddenly paused, looked at Lin Nan, and smiled speechlessly: "I guess the leaders of the Navy Political Department, and even the leaders of the Navy side, are afraid they will go to mock the old opponent and old brother face to face."

"Chairman Han, I don't think you need to 'guess', because the leaders of the Navy Political Department and the Navy side took the shouting of the leaders on that side as an exercise invitation;

Now that the other side has already lost half, how can this side not go to mock? If you don't go to provoke a few sentences, it completely doesn't fit the fighting style!" Lin Nan said jokingly with certainty, very sure.

Just when the few of them were teasing *Sky Hunter*, in the capital, Tiangong Color welcomed several leaders visiting the set.

Guo Fan's post-production was forced to be interrupted because he had to be responsible for receiving and introducing the progress of the film's post-production.

"Leaders, rest assured, the post-production of *Operation Red Sea* can definitely be completed within a month.

As long as the Film Bureau doesn't block the finished film and doesn't send it back more than twice, then everything will definitely be ready for public release during the Spring Festival."

"Director Guo Fan, are you putting eye drops on the comrades responsible for related business in the Film Bureau?" The loophole in Guo Fan's words was caught, and he was teased by the leading leader of the Navy Political Department with a smile.

"Slip of the tongue, definitely a slip of the tongue, haha..."

"It's okay, I can guarantee you that the finished film will definitely have a green light all the way. As long as it's not embarrassing like this bad movie during the Spring Festival slot. No, not only can it not be embarrassing, but it must save face for us, save face fiercely!"

Guo Fan's shoulders were patted lightly a few times, and the pressure increased sharply, but he was also very confident:

"Don't worry, I guarantee that *Operation Red Sea* will definitely not have similar things happen.

Um, I guarantee with the personality of Lin Dao, the producer, that it will definitely not lose to his *The Taking of Tiger Mountain* and *Operation Mekong*.

But *Wolf Warrior 2*, well, even if Lin Dao were replaced, he would have to admit defeat, hahaha."

"Good, we don't require the achievements of *Wolf Warrior 2*; as long as it is not inferior to the first two films you mentioned, that is a huge success. At that time, you and Director Lu Yang just wait to receive the 'Military Merit Medal'. Um, when choosing the cast before, we promised."

……

On the morning of the 30th, *The Foreigner* and *Chasing the Dragon* entered the National Day slot with high profiles with screening rates of 23% and 13% respectively.

And *Sky Hunter* fell from 36.8% to 26% because of the desperate protection of several theater chains including China Film Group.

The most miserable is undoubtedly *Sewing Machine Band*, the screening rate plummeted from 27.1% to 12%. Relying on Wanda Theater chain alone, it is really powerless to return to heaven.

And it must be admitted that the box office of 34.57 million and 37.76 million on the first day of these two films is really not very ideal, and it is likely that it will indeed be the highest single-day box office.

At this point, four films are fighting, and film reviews and word-of-mouth are the only winning points.

When the three of Lin Nan returned to the capital at 11 o'clock in the morning, the situation of the National Day slot seemed to be somewhat clear: the word-of-mouth of the two newly released films today is significantly ahead of the two yesterday!

"Currently, although *Sewing Machine Band* is widely boycotted, it will definitely not lose money after one public release slot, because its cost is only 80 million. The most dangerous situation is undoubtedly *Sky Hunter*!

Warplanes, pilots, ground equipment, the investment of so many free resources reduced the cost to 200 million, but for these 200 million, they want to return to the capital—it is as difficult as ascending to heaven."

When passing through the VIP channel, Lin Nan was still analyzing the film market situation with Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang.

In addition, Chairman La must be on the verge of running away at this time, or even in this state?!

"Oh, Lin Nan, Changchang, we were caught." Liu Yifei, wearing a duck-billed cap and big sunglasses, gently stuck out the tip of her tongue and reminded helplessly.

Sure enough, I saw the entertainment reporters squatting outside the airport with eyes glowing, surrounding them from afar.

The accompanying personnel were instantly ready to protect the surroundings, the three of Lin Nan did not stop, and still went straight to the car picking them up at the company.

"Lin Dao, thank you for your hard work visiting the set. Can I ask your opinion on *Sky Hunter*? As a pioneer of domestic mainstream commercial blockbusters, have you paid attention to *Sky Hunter*? Can you comment on it? The audience online seems to be very derogatory about this movie..."

"Sorry, I haven't had time to pay attention to this movie from yesterday to now. Before, the premiere was also attended by President Yue; I haven't seen the finished film, where do I have the power to comment casually?"

Lin Nan responded with a smile, and Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang also kept smiling. But both of them were complaining in their hearts:

What kind of question is this? Which person in the circle dares to blatantly belittle the mainstream films jointly produced by those few "big units"? Not flattering is already an attitude, okay!

"Oh, by the way, I recommend *The Foreigner*. I went to the premiere of this one and was very touched."

First sent Liu Yifei and Watching Shu Chang to the car, and then Lin Nan turned around and added a sentence. In the future, Jackie Chan will not have such movies anymore, and will never shoot them again.

……

Sitting in the car home, looking at the mobile phone with messages popping up constantly, Lin Nan chose to ignore it directly.

In less than ten minutes, the fact that he mentioned *The Foreigner* appeared in the hot search of entertainment information; this efficiency is not high.

The most speechless thing for Lin Nan is that the person who forwarded this message to him is Wang Changtian. Obviously, Old Wang has some opinions, because Lin Nan refused to help *Sewing Machine Band* stand on the stage before.

Liu Yifei's mobile phone ringtone rang abruptly; she made a "hush" gesture to Lin Nan and Watching Shu Chang, and then answered the phone.

Hmm? The person on the other end of the phone actually greeted in English? Lin Nan and Watching Shu Chang pricked up their ears instantly.

It seems, it's someone from Disney?!

"Lin Nan?" Liu Yifei covered the phone and changed to Mandarin.

"What's wrong?"

"The people from Disney have arrived in Shanghai; they are asking if the meeting place can be changed to our home, so it won't look so serious; the place set before was the company."

"Yes, then put it by the lake. A few cups of coffee or tea, talk while drinking." Lin Nan agreed without hesitation; these are all small things.

Liu Yifei was replying there, while Watching Shu Chang pulled Lin Nan's sleeve:

"Speaking of which, the people at Disney still have some brains. Knowing that you are relatively difficult to deal with, and they have already confirmed Xixi, they simply communicated with you directly through Xixi...

Hmm? No, this, they already have the meaning of knowing themselves and the enemy; do you have spies around you? Anyway, it can't be me!"

Fuck! Tang Mu's figure flashed in Lin Nan's mind, and the more he thought about it, the more he felt it was this guy; he was very suspicious, very suspicious!

Not long after, Liu Yifei hung up the phone and chatted with Lin Nan quite relaxedly: "Next, let's prepare to meet them on the 5th. Oh, by the way, Tang Mu's best friend seems to have come too."

Damn, the case is solved! In an instant, Lin Dao was very sure that it was Tang Mu, this dog thing, who leaked the rumor that his boss was "afraid of his wife"!

Just arrived home, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei heard a very sudden news: the new film produced by Jia Zhangke and as one of the directors has landed and set a date. And it seems to be directly on the same slot as Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's *Marriage Story*.

To be precise, it should be that the film *Where Has Time Gone*, jointly produced by Huanxi Media and Xihe Xinghui, was set for October 19th, separated by only 9 days before and after *Marriage Story*.

For this reason, Ning Hao also specifically called in the afternoon.

"This film is composed of 5 unit short films shot by 5 directors, just like Jia Zhangke's previous *Ash Is Purest White*, it is also divided into several unit stories.

According to the previous contract, Dong Ping participated in the investment of this film, and the slot was set by Jia Zhangke himself.

To be honest, I am not worried at all that this film will affect *Marriage Story*; I am more worried that this film will be crushed by you and Yifei's *Marriage Story*."

Hearing Ning Hao say this, Lin Nan couldn't help laughing: "Then you look up to *Marriage Story*; even if I have the heart to crush your *Where Has Time Gone*, I'm afraid I won't have the chance."

"What do you mean by that?" It was Ning Hao's turn to be confused.

"Because according to my understanding of Director Jia Zhangke, whether it is a film he produced or a film he directed, as long as it enters the theater, the probability of living for more than 9 days is low. In other words, it is likely that this film will not live until the day *Marriage Story* is released."

"You... you bastard. I am the founding shareholder of Huanxi; can you stop saying this in front of me? It's very harsh!"

"Then there's no way, I'm just telling the truth."

In Lin Nan's view, Jia Zhangke landing this film in mid-to-late October is nothing more than holding the meaning of trying to get some box office in the cold slot. However, this is a slot with an owner, so don't blame Lin Nan for not talking about martial arts.

…………