Chapter 945: The First Jury Member; Let's Go, Mulan!

On the morning of the 27th, Los Angeles time, Li An flew back to Hollywood from Taiwan.

At the same time, the announcement of his new film's casting and the information that it would officially begin filming at the end of February were spread simultaneously.

Sci-fi blockbuster: "Gemini Man"; Starring: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead...

What caught the industry's attention most was the production format Li An revealed; he would continue to use the 3D, 4K, 120-frame film format and would incorporate VR technology for the first time in this "Gemini Man."

When Lin Nan heard this definitive news, his first reaction was that Li An had completely lost his mind.

And he was very certain that the latter had become exactly like Xu Ke, severely lopsided and even more extreme, walking down an increasingly narrow path... with eyes only for new technology, never mentioning other components of filmmaking, making everything else give way to and serve film technology.

But Li An clearly could not achieve what James Cameron had, walking one path to the extreme, even "creating a world" by using technology to build an original cinematic world.

Comparing them like this, the gap between the two great directors seems a bit absurd, doesn't it?

"So, the director hasn't even started filming this movie yet, and you've already sentenced it to death?"

The minivan drove steadily on the way to Crystal Pictures. In the back seat, Liu Yifei looked at Lin Nan with a playful expression, waiting for his answer.

"Yes, that is what I mean. How should I put it? He has never been a professional commercial film director. His strengths are in drama films, in storytelling, and in the ability to describe and render emotions.

But the success of "Life of Pi" made him obsessed with the technical side. It can be seen that starting from that film, he cared less and less about the plot, only discussing film technology every time."

"You'd better not let Director Li hear you say these things, otherwise even the best-tempered person would get angry with you, haha. Oh, we're at the company."

The car's deceleration and turn made Liu Yifei notice the change in the environment outside the window; they had arrived at Crystal Pictures.

The three-story detached building was definitely exceptionally eye-catching in this area, especially that large sign... which had been changed to an ink-wash style by Tang Mu at the end of last year!

With such a strong Chinese style, how could it not be an eyesore in Hollywood?

A frontier of film and television culture had planted an Eastern nail here; how could it not be targeted? Although it was just a side effect of "sweeping the grass to hit the rabbits," under the current trend, the pressure was still not light...

The appearance of Lin Nan and Liu Yifei did not cause much of a "sensation." After hurriedly greeting them, all the employees went back to being busy with their work.

After all, everyone had long been accustomed to the big boss and the boss's wife only remembering to come back to the company to take a look during awards season. It had been like this for so many years, with the exception, of course, of those few times they were filming English-language movies.

"Self-produced films are fine, but outsourcing business is becoming increasingly tense. We are being deliberately targeted and subjected to low-profit commercial squeezing... from quite a few companies of the same scale..."

"Also, some companies from South Korea here in Hollywood are not good either. They often speak ill of us; they seem to be very hostile toward Chinese capital..."

"Oh right, I remember now, you guys seem to have swept the Korean Wave out the door? No wonder they would say the Chinese market is not free, is deliberately xenophobic, and dares to do things but won't admit it..."

Inside the third-floor office, Tang Mu finally spoke about the company's affairs. The Koreans really are good sons; they know how to read the situation, follow their "dear father" to bully others, curry favor, and take the opportunity to settle personal scores...

Liu Yifei personally brewed three cups of coffee, handed one each to Lin Nan and Tang Mu, and then corrected them very seriously: "Tang Mu, that was a spontaneous market behavior. Here, let's drink and chat."

"Right, that was a spontaneous behavior of our domestic film and television entertainment industry." Lin Nan took over the conversation and nodded with a smile, then took a small sip of coffee and praised, "Hmm, the coffee you brew just tastes better."

"The coffee is still Blue Mountain, the water is still that same water..."

Tang Mu's teasing remark was only half-muttered before it was blocked by Lin Nan's knife-like gaze; and on Liu Yifei's smiling face, a cold light also seemed to emerge.

"Haha, I didn't sleep well last night, I was just a bit distracted. Hmm, this coffee is indeed better than what was brewed before..." Tang Mu said with a cheeky smile, immediately changing his tune to save himself.

He really wanted to slap himself; he hadn't been able to resist the urge to tease, and now it was awkward.

"Looks like you were really distracted; that rarely happened before." Liu Yifei feigned a sarcastic tone, as if Lin Daiyu had possessed her in an instant.

Lin Nan held back his laughter, while Tang Mu felt a bit uncomfortable, constantly winking at his boss for help.

But he forgot one thing: he had "ignored" his boss countless times before and had been a lackey many times... now he knows who to look for? Too late!

The brief, pleasant atmosphere was interrupted by Liu Yifei's phone ringing. After a glance, she immediately said to Lin Nan with a radiant expression: "It's from Disney."

Lin Nan and Tang Mu just watched as Miss Liu answered the phone, nodding in response from time to time, and hung up a few minutes later.

"We have to arrive at the press conference venue before eight o'clock the day after tomorrow, take the special passage, and enter the backstage low-key... The media conference will officially start at 10 o'clock sharp. They have invited a large number of media, including some of our domestic media, like the Movie Channel..."

Liu Yifei repeated the content of the call to Lin Nan meticulously. One has to admit that Disney's confidentiality work was quite rigorous.

In their invitations to the media, they didn't reveal what it was at all, and the media couldn't guess, because Disney never lacks projects, big events, or small events every year!

Near noon, while Liu Yifei was in the restroom, Tang Mu lowered his voice and spoke to Lin Nan very solemnly and seriously about his inner thoughts, which were also things he hadn't said for the past two days:

"Lin, at the beginning of August, we were still joking on the phone. You told me to try to hold on for another two years or even two and a half, and I joked that I would hold on until he stepped down..."

"But now I might have to slap myself in the face. I feel that at this rate, I might not last two years... Some inexplicable copyright lawsuits have come knocking, completely unreasonable, and I've spent a lot of effort..."

"Still the same thing: hold on as long as you can. If you really can't hold on anymore..." Lin Nan paused, his eyes looking out the window once again, "Then call me."

Tang Mu was also silent, and only after a long while did he speak, his laughter very helpless: "Then after you leave Hollywood this time, until he rolls away, I'll try not to call you. If there's anything else, I'll send an email, and you reply to me?"

"Good!" Lin Nan patted Tang Mu on the shoulder and agreed to this arrangement.

Including the time difference, the domestic side is 15 hours ahead of Hollywood; so most of the time, the two sides are always in a different day and night.

On the 28th, the news that the crew of "The Father" had gathered in Shanghai undoubtedly occupied a spot on the trending searches; but the top headline for film and television information across the entire web was the news about Fan Bingbing's "Win the World."

The drama was officially renamed "The Legend of Ba Qing," scheduled for release at the end of January, and would be broadcast on the first round on Litchi TV and Tomato TV, earning a total of 465 million;

As for the price of its exclusive online broadcast rights, it was also disclosed: Youku had already acquired it for a high price of 525 million several months ago.

In other words, this period drama, which cost 500 million RMB to produce, sold for a total of 990 million for its first-round TV broadcast rights and exclusive online rights!

In the eyes of the domestic film and television industry, the production company, Tang De Film, undoubtedly made a killing.

Even if the revenue involved a valuation adjustment mechanism, it was still a killing; after all, there were still second and third rounds, as well as export earnings...

One day passed by in a flash.

On the morning of the 29th, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei attended the public relations receptions for "I, Tonya" and "Dunkirk" in Hollywood one after another, which made it onto the domestic film and television entertainment trending searches.

Running parallel to this trending search was the news of the high-profile release of Huayi's "The Ex-File 3."

An 18.6% screening rate was already a figure that had been deliberately suppressed. After all, as a commercial film kicking off the New Year's film season, some major theater chains really couldn't make it too obvious...

"Director Han, Chairman La wants to ask if Chairman Han has time this afternoon. He hopes Chairman Han can return to the group... There are some important matters that need a meeting..."

"That's unfortunate, my dad is still lying in bed recovering. After several months of filming, his body really couldn't take it. He wasn't feeling well in the last few days before wrapping up, and he just kept pushing through to finish... When he went to Shanghai to see my Uncle Ren and the leaders there the day before yesterday, he even went to the hospital once... He is old, after all..."

Han Jia held Han Sanping's phone, rambling on to stall La Peikang's secretary, not giving the other party a chance to interject at all.

She had one principle: on the basis of clearly stating that her father did not have a major illness or critical condition, she would describe it as seriously as possible... In any case, the roundabout meaning was one thing: the person was completely exhausted, had to rest at home, and couldn't go anywhere...

Not long after, the secretary on the other end of the phone had no choice but to hang up, not daring to force the issue.

"Yesterday was the sixth day of release, with a daily box office of 820,000. And they say it might stop at around 80 million; I think it'll be lucky to hit 70 million at most."

"With results like this, let alone calling you, even if you called Hua Tuo, there would be no saving it. Furthermore, the New Year's film season has officially begun; it's survival of the fittest! As for the future path, whoever is in charge should worry about it!" Han Jia looked at Han Sanping, who was sitting on the sofa reading a newspaper, and complained mercilessly.

"With the continuous flourishing and growth of the market, the decline of China Film Group is inevitable; the only bargaining power they can rely on is the import rights for foreign films, the quota for flat-fee films, and the share of theater chains."

"In terms of marketization, China Film Group is indeed far inferior to Shanghai Film Group. This is also the confidence Ren Zhonglun often uses to be sarcastic: they fought their way through the market, while China Film Group relies on policy advantages..."

Han Sanping closed the newspaper, his mood also a bit low. Because it was truly after his retirement that China Film Group began to gradually decline. When it was in his hands, that was the peak period; otherwise, where did his nickname come from?

"Do you believe this set of excuses yourself?"

Looking at his leader's indifferent expression, which didn't reveal a single emotion, the secretary was confused from the bottom of his heart. Han Sanping is sick—could this be fake?

"Chairman La, Chairman Han is indeed old, and he has been busy with the crew for several months. Director Han said that Chairman Han wasn't feeling well a day or two before wrapping up." The secretary explained again.

"Not feeling well a day or two before wrapping up... isn't that after 'Manhunt' was officially released?! He's old? Poor health? Heh, he will indeed be 65 after the new year, but do you think he looks like a 65-year-old? If you said he was 55, a huge number of people would absolutely believe it!"

"He looks much younger than me, and he looks more energetic and spirited than me... He has always been in a state where he can eat and drink well, his energy is even more vigorous, and he can even argue with Ren Zhonglun!" La Peikang frowned and muttered irritably.

The secretary's face turned pale because, thinking about it carefully now, Chairman Han really was just as his leader said: always energetic, in great health, and completely no worse than his state when he was in office.

"I knew the wording of these reasons was made up on the spot by Han Jia; she didn't even draft it, and it's full of holes. Besides, don't you think this excuse of being exhausted and the timing are very similar to Wu Yusen's?" La Peikang was so angry he laughed; this was clearly trying to fool him!

At this moment, the secretary was already swallowing hard, "Chairman La, then what does Chairman Han mean..."

"He didn't even remind Jia to prepare the wording or draft it in advance; do you think he wouldn't guess that I would guess it? Or rather, he is intentionally pointing it out to me—he doesn't want to deal with these 'messy affairs' of the group anymore!"

In an instant, the office was silent. La Peikang's expression was cold, suppressing his anger, while the secretary just wanted to hide away... He had heard a bit too much today.

"Leave a month and a half of scheduling for me next year, how about it?"

On the morning of the 29th, Hollywood time, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei gathered with a group of old friends, well, for a meal.

When he said this to one of them, except for Miss Liu, the few people present were instantly excited.

"Lin, are you sending me an invitation for a new movie? If so, let alone a month, even three months is no problem!" A boisterous female voice rang out, followed by constant laughter.

"Lin, what about me? What kind of movie? Is there a role suitable for me?"

Matt Damon was anxious. Having just wrapped up a new film not long ago, he was in the middle of losing weight, and now that he heard Lin Nan might have a new foreign film, he naturally couldn't stay calm.

"Actually, I think I could try it too. I've been on vacation for a long time." Leonardo put down the red wine in his hand, his voice not loud but his tone exceptionally firm.

"Crystal, why are you laughing? Could it be a play without a male lead? Or are neither Leo nor I suitable for the male roles in it?" Matt glanced at Liu Yifei, who was leaning against Lin Nan and laughing non-stop, and asked suspiciously.

"Lin? Crystal?" Jessica Chastain and Leonardo also asked one after another.

"The schedule I need is from the end of July to early September, and there is no salary." Lin Nan said with a smile.

"To be precise, you don't need to be busy for a month and a half; all in all, it will be at most half a month to 20 days. The rest of the time you can move freely, but you need to be confidential and low-key, especially forbidden from revealing work content to the media until you can appear in public... At that time, you will have to face countless spotlights and media lenses..."

Liu Yifei took over from Lin Nan and smiled, speaking in riddles. But she only left one layer of veil before revealing the answer.

Sure enough, for the three old hands, based on these elements, they analyzed the gist of it in minutes.

"End of July to early September?"

"No salary? It's not a film contract!"

"Confidential, low-key, forbidden from revealing work content, countless spotlights and media lenses... The Venice International Film Festival!?" Leonardo stared at Lin Nan, asking as he spat out the term.

"Lin, you? I have no problem, I have time, plenty of time!" In an instant, Jessica Chastain widened her eyes in surprise; this resume was also very precious to her!

"Lin, are you for next year?" Matt Damon also reacted.

"Remember to keep it a secret for me." Lin Nan nodded with a smile.

"But why Jessica? Are Leo and I not qualified enough?" Matt asked a bit "sourly."

Leonardo was also nodding. In terms of artistry, the three major film festivals are higher than the Oscars; being a judge there, even for him, counts as a surprise. And he never complains about having too many surprises.

"A total of 8 people in the main competition jury; besides me as the chairman, the other 7 people must have balanced professions, and there can't be too many actors among them... I still need to invite two or three directors!"

"So, Jessica is a lady... priority?" Leonardo asked speechlessly.

Lin Nan said nothing, only smiling. Liu Yifei had already nodded with a smile and began to explain: "Among the 7 people, there must be at least three ladies."

"Hahaha, although this awards season has nothing to do with me, I received a huge surprise today. Thank you, Crystal."

Jessica had already raised her red wine glass and clinked it with Liu Yifei. The two of them completely ignored Lin Nan, whose smile had instantly stiffened, and also paid no mind to the regretful-looking Matt Damon and Leonardo.

"Hmm? Are you two planning to invite anyone else besides Jessica in the next few days?" Suddenly, Matt Damon had a flash of insight and asked.

Lin Nan and Liu Yifei subconsciously looked at each other and immediately couldn't help but laugh. You have to admit, this guy Matt reacts quite quickly!

The moon set and the sun rose; 64.49 million on the first day!

Huayi's "Ex-Files 3" handed in the first report card of the New Year season with a brilliant performance; compared to the National Day slot, it was truly three times as dazzling.

And with the public release of this film, the box office for "Manhunt" on its 7th day had completely fizzled out. Compared to the 820,000 daily revenue on the 28th, yesterday, the 29th, saw only 220,000.

The entire film industry understood what this data meant: that this co-production from China Film Group could already have its final total box office tallied, because it would definitely be factually pulled from theaters within these two days.

Compared to the mourning atmosphere over at Chairman La and Media Asia, the atmosphere at Huayi was the exact opposite—it was full of joy, because the group hadn't had such a good box office start in a long time!

So much so that Feng Xiaogang was even more confident and eager to take over the baton for "Youth," and had even begun planning the casting for "Cell Phone 2"—prioritizing personal favors and connections first!

"That "Ever Night" by Chen Kaige's youngest son seems to still be filming. Tsk tsk tsk, over 90% of the plot is shot on location; he really spent a fortune!"

"So that's why the shooting cycle is as long as half a year or more. After starting on September 1st, they've been filming non-stop, and even then, I heard them say it won't wrap until at least the end of March next year."

Feng Xiaogang took over the conversation from Wang Zhonglei and said jokingly. He planned to talk to Chen Hong about that matter at the premiere of "Legend of the Demon Cat," which was to invite her youngest son to play a supporting role in "Cell Phone 2."

He had mentioned it to Liu Zhenyun and confirmed that there was indeed a male supporting role in the script for "Cell Phone 2" that fit the requirements, which could be used as a favor to win over Chen Kaige.

Feng Xiaogang knew very well that the great Director Chen had always held himself in high regard, considering himself a man of culture, looking down on this and that, including him, Feng Xiaogang...

If it were in the past, it would have been absolutely impossible for him to win the other party over; he wouldn't have even bothered, because it would only have been a futile effort.

But now it was different; Chen Feiyu's entry into the industry gave the great director a small weakness, a soft spot.

Even if Chen Kaige didn't buy into his approach, as long as Chen Hong nodded, then naturally, he would have the former in his grasp!

"How come I heard rumors that Tudou has already paid the deposit and signed the contract for this "Ever Night"?" Suddenly, a remark from Wang Zhonglei interrupted Feng Xiaogang's train of thought.

"Yes, it was decided during the Shanghai International Film Festival in the middle of the year. At that time, Tudou and Youku were competing, and Director Chen and Producer Chen chose Tudou.

The reason he didn't choose Youku, which offered a higher price, is clearly that he was showing goodwill to Tudou for the sake of his son! Lin Nan Pictures, Enlight, Wanda... he knows how to weigh the pros and cons!"

Feng Xiaogang muttered while pondering, and for a moment, he couldn't help but think of Lin Nan.

He was certain that the current Chen Kaige was not as arrogant as before, at least in front of Lin Nan... he would take the initiative to show goodwill. In the end, it all comes down to awards and box office; one must have status and appeal!

Back home, when November was only two hours away from ending, it was just past six in the morning on the 30th here in Hollywood.

The sky was not yet fully bright and remained somewhat dim. Standing on Beverly Hills and looking out toward the coastline, only in the distance where the sea met the sky was there a hint of white, faintly revealing itself.

But at this moment, it was different in Lin Nan and Liu Yifei's villa; it was brightly lit.

The bodyguards and assistants who had come over from home were all guarding the first-floor living room, each with a joyful expression; they had just been informed of the true purpose of this Hollywood trip.

Everyone knew very well that after returning home this time, they would likely be swamped by the media at the airport, but it had to be said, it was indeed a great piece of happy news worth celebrating!

The bodyguards brought by Tang Mu were guarding the courtyard, while he paced back and forth in the first-floor dining room.

One could see the great Director Lin eating breakfast in a leisurely manner, while Liu Qianqian was also applying her makeup unhurriedly—yes, applying it herself!

"You two are really casual, actually planning to wear such ordinary casual clothes to attend such a high-profile press conference, and even doing your own makeup," Tang Mu couldn't help but complain.

"Stay calm, stay calm. Our mindset is the right one. If the Emperor isn't worried, what are you worried about?" Lin Nan took a sip of milk and joked with a smile.

Beside him, Liu Qianqian instantly rolled her eyes and then giggled: "Don't talk, if my eyebrow gets drawn crooked, you'll be in trouble!"

"Lin, I understood that; you're scolding me!" Tang Mu raised his eyebrows indignantly.

"Hahaha, you've made progress. Come, sit down and eat something; there's a whole morning of press conferences ahead." Lin Nan waved at Tang Mu, who hesitated for a moment but ultimately couldn't resist the temptation of the food.

Time passed minute by minute, and just past seven, when the horizon turned largely white, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were finally ready to head out, looking radiant.

Both were dressed in casual wear; of course, Liu Yifei's casual wear was always so heroic and spirited!

"Let's go, Qianqian. No, let's go, Mulan!" Lin Nan reached out his hand and invited her with a smile.

"Okay, Director." Liu Yifei gave a sweet smile and placed her hand on his.

Facing the first ray of the morning sun, Lin Nan and Liu Yifei were surrounded by the crowd as they sat in the car. Destination: Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre!