Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 342 A famous teacher gives birth to a great disciple

At the premiere of "Crazy Stone", Wu Yuchen was being interviewed by reporters.

"Director Wu, do you have high hopes for 'Crazy Stone'?"

"That's right, this is one of my personal favorite movies."

After watching the movie "Crazy Stone," I was pleasantly surprised; this kind of dark comedy is rare in China.

Then, Wu Yuchen patted Ning Hao, who was standing next to him:
"Ning Hao is a young director I personally admire very much. His talent and grasp of humor are fully demonstrated in this film."

This Spring Festival, I highly recommend everyone go to the cinema to see "Crazy Stone." It's guaranteed to give you a very enjoyable 100 minutes!

The reporters were snapping photos of Wu Yuchen and Ning Hao.

"Crazy Stone" was not a big-budget film; it is said that the cost was only a little over 500 million yuan, and most of the actors were not very popular, with only Xu Zheng being a star.

However, Miracle Films began promoting the film half a month ago, and Wu Yuchen personally endorsed it, praising it highly, which naturally attracted the attention of the media and many people.

Guo Tao, watching Wu Yuchen praising the movie and Ning Hao, whispered to Huang Bo beside him, "Our Director Ning is really amazing, he even invited Director Wu over to personally promote it for him!"

Actually, everyone in the crew had heard before that Ning Hao had worked with Wu Yuchen and had been his assistant director. But working as an assistant director doesn't necessarily mean a close relationship; such relationships are very common in the industry, and many people have worked with Wu Yuchen. What was surprising was that Ning Hao actually managed to get Wu Yuchen to attend the premiere in person.

Huang Bo chuckled at Guo Tao and said, "Brother Tao, what's the big deal? I even managed to secure investment from Director Wu!"

Guo Tao couldn't help but look at Huang Bo: "You? Don't kid me!"

Clearly, Guo Tao didn't believe it. Huang Bo wasn't a director or anything; he was just a nobody actor. How could he possibly attract investment? It would be more plausible if Ning Hao had said that.

Seeing Guo Tao's doubtful look, Huang Bo immediately puffed out his chest and said:

"No, really! If you don't believe me, go ask Director Guan Hu! For 'Get on the Bus, Let's Go!', I sang a song for Director Wu back then, and he invested 50 yuan in our production team!"

Xu Zheng laughed and said, "Don't bother asking Director Guan Hu. I'll just ask Director Wu after the interview!"

Huang Bo pointed at the two of them: "You didn't believe me even after I told you! Ask around! Director Wu definitely remembers me!"

At this moment, surrounded by reporters, Ning Hao looked at Wu Yuchen, who was praising him enthusiastically, and felt quite grateful. Director Wu really helped him when he needed it!

About two years ago, Ning Hao went to the United States with Wu Yuchen and stayed there for more than half a year. He participated as an assistant in the filming of the second and third installments of "The Pirate King". Looking back now, that experience was a great help to him and he benefited a lot from it.

First of all, my horizons have broadened considerably. I personally participated in the Hollywood production process, learned a lot, and even improved my English. I also learned a great deal about Hollywood by working closely with the Hollywood crew members.

Before going abroad, Ning Hao was an up-and-coming director with a dream of making art-house films. However, after spending more than half a year in Hollywood, although he still had the dream of making art-house films, Ning Hao had changed his mind. He wanted to make money by making commercial films first, gain a foothold in the industry, and have enough room to maneuver and freedom before he could support his pursuit of his dream of making art-house films.

He actually had an idea for the script of the movie "Crazy Stone" a couple of years ago, and even worked with his wife Xing Aina to create a rough draft, though it was then called "The Big Diamond." Upon returning to China, he began refining the script, intending to turn it into a film.

Actually, after he returned to China, many people approached him, including the Wang brothers from Huayi Brothers. After all, working with Wu Yuchen in Hollywood for more than half a year showed his potential. But Ning Hao ultimately chose Miracle Films; he was foolish to choose someone else over a powerful backer.

After reading the script, Wu Yuchen gave him 500 million yuan and told him to make a good film, saying that if it was well made, he would personally stand up to promote the movie. And now he has indeed come!
After the interview session ended, when Wu Yuchen walked over with a smile, Xu Zheng, Guo Tao, Huang Bo and other actors all greeted him in unison: "Director Wu!"

Wu Yuchen smiled and nodded, then looked at Xu Zheng and laughed, "Old Xu, your head is getting balder and balder!"

Xu Zheng rubbed his bald head and said, "Haha, Director Wu, it's so much more comfortable to be naked!"

Xu Zheng played the male lead Qian Niu in "My Sassy Girl" back then. He wore a wig in the movie, which made him a star.

After that, he received numerous offers to play similar roles, all of which required him to wear a wig, ideally even in everyday life. However, after filming two such projects, Xu Zheng discovered they were all copycat works with increasingly poor scripts, so he eventually rejected them all.

A few years ago, Xu Zheng realized that people had formed a fixed image of him, and he seemed to be stuck in the role of Qian Niu. So now Xu Zheng simply started to keep his bald head again, to see people in a new light with this bald image, and to step out of the role of Qian Niu.

Xu Zheng didn't ask about what happened with Huang Bo earlier. It was just a joke in private, and even if it was fake, it would be too embarrassing to expose him to his face!
However, Wu Yuchen chuckled upon seeing Huang Bo: "Huang Bo, right!"

Huang Bo immediately smiled happily and said, "Director Wu, you still remember me!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen laughed and said, "How could I not remember? You sang one of your songs for me back then. I can't remember the song itself, but I'll never forget how engrossed you were, holding a broom as a microphone!"

Everyone burst into laughter upon hearing this.

However, Huang Bo didn't feel ashamed and said to Wu Yuchen, "I told them that I sang for you, Director Wu, and that you must remember me, but these people didn't believe me!"

Wu Yuchen pointed at him and said with a smile, "After I finished reading your director Ning's script, I recommended you to play the role of Hei Pi. You'll definitely shine!"

And so, Wu Yuchen chatted and laughed with a group of people as they sat down in the theater to watch the movie together.

Although Wu Yuchen had seen "Crazy Stone" in his previous life, watching it again now still made him laugh uncontrollably. The movie was packed with jokes, and they didn't feel forced at all.

Shortly after this movie came out in my previous life, some people criticized Ning Hao for plagiarizing Guy Ritchie's "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels." But to be honest, he only imitated Guy Ritchie's filming techniques; the story was completely original. You can't say that Guy Ritchie made it and then wouldn't let others use it, right? Filming techniques are something that should be learned from each other.

When Wu Yu-chen directed "Run Lola Run," many people imitated his filming techniques, didn't they? Did he say anything about it?

After the movie ended, seeing many audience members laughing until tears streamed down their faces, Ning Hao, Huang Bo, and the others were also very excited. After all, the audience's reaction was the most direct affirmation of their work. Wu Yuchen smiled and said to them, "I guarantee that you'll all become famous after this movie! But don't slack off now, keep promoting it. Every bit of effort and dedication you put in now will pay off! Maybe we can even win the Spring Festival box office champion!"

Ning Hao and the others immediately agreed, but they didn't dare to even think about becoming the champion of the Spring Festival film season.

This year's Spring Festival film season, "Crazy Stone" is not without its competitors. "Seoul Raiders," starring Tony Leung, Richie Jen, and Shu Qi, was also released on the same day in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong as "Crazy Stone."

Compared to "Crazy Stone," this movie has garnered far more attention. Firstly, it boasts a star-studded cast. Tony Leung's appeal has been considerable in recent years; after starring in "Infernal Affairs" and "Hero," he has accumulated a large fan base.

Moreover, "Seoul Raiders" can be considered a sequel to "Tokyo Raiders." Such a big-cast sequel movie is very attractive to people who want to watch a movie during the Spring Festival.

Without "Crazy Stone," "Seoul Raiders" would have dominated the Spring Festival box office, grossing over 40 million yuan in mainland China and entering the top ten of the annual box office rankings.

But things are different now. "Crazy Stone" is a comedy film, and people go to the cinema during the Spring Festival to have fun, right? Therefore, comedy has always been the most popular genre during the Spring Festival.

Miracle Films also contributed significantly to the promotion of the movie "Crazy Stone," and with Wu Yuchen's personal endorsement, the media directly used him as a subject of their publicity.

"Wu Yuchen highly recommends the hilarious movie 'Crazy Stone' for the Spring Festival!"

Wu Yuchen gives it a high rating: "Crazy Stone will shine in the Chinese film industry!"

"Wu Yuchen's pick for the Spring Festival movie: Crazy Stone!"

In its previous life, "Crazy Stone" was a low-budget film with a budget of 300 million yuan and little promotional resources. It ultimately achieved a box office of 2350 million yuan, entirely through word-of-mouth. It can also be described as a dark horse film.

But things are different now. With the promotion from Miracle Films and the support of Wu Yuchen, many people have taken notice of this movie.

The film "Crazy Stone" achieved a box office of 1011 million yuan in its opening weekend, which has made the entire crew extremely happy, considering that their production cost was only 500 million yuan!
However, "Seoul Raiders" performed better, grossing 1523 million at the box office, as its star-studded cast is undoubtedly more appealing!

However, their reputations are quite different...

"Brothers, you guys absolutely have to go see 'Crazy Stone' in the cinema, it's hilarious!"

"I watched it too, and it was such a pleasant surprise! I never expected it to be so funny! Especially when Blackie blurted out '*****' in the sewer, it cracked me up!"

"Wu Yuchen has a really good eye! This movie is completely different from previous domestic films. Not only is the plot ingenious, but the style of the whole movie is also unique!"

"This director, Ning Hao, went to Hollywood to study with Wu Yuchen and was taught by him personally for a year. It's true that a great teacher produces a great student!"

"The last low-budget film that was so outstanding was Wu's 'Run Lola Run'!"

"It can't compare to 'Run Lola Run,' which amazed the world of cinema with its innovative filming techniques. 'Crazy Stone' imitates Guy Ritchie's 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,' but the director has done a very good job of making the film and story so cleverly!"

"How's 'Seoul Raiders'? Has anyone seen it? My girlfriend wants to watch it."

"Yes, it's almost Chinese New Year in a couple of days, and I'd like to take my parents to see 'Seoul Raiders.' Does anyone know where to recommend it?"

"I absolutely do not recommend 'Seoul Raiders'! It's basically just 'Tokyo Raiders' in a different location. The story is almost the same, there's nothing new about it. It's just a movie where Tony Leung and Richie Jen are showing off their coolness."

"Seoul Raiders is not good. If you've seen Tokyo Raiders, don't bother watching this one. Go watch Crazy Stone instead, it'll definitely make you laugh to death!"

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Huang Bo did not go home for the holiday, but he had no regrets at all. Now he really feels like he is about to become famous.

"Hey Blackie, want some bread? I'll buy you some right now!"

"Blackie, going 60 mph!"

"Blackie! Can I get your autograph?"

Seeing the audience members walking out of the movie theater greeting him warmly, and some even running up to him for autographs, Huang Bo had never experienced anything like this before. He was extremely excited!

Not only Huang Bo, but also Liu Hua, who played Dao Ge, and the notorious thief Lian Jin, were enthusiastically received by the audience.

Meanwhile, this was also reflected in the box office. After seven days of the Spring Festival holiday, "Crazy Stone," which had been released for two weeks, had already grossed 41 million yuan, while "Seoul Raiders" only grossed 26 million yuan, achieving a small-budget dark horse film's comeback against a big-budget production!

According to Miracle Films' estimates, Crazy Stone's box office is guaranteed at least 6000 million yuan, and there's a good chance it will reach 7000 million yuan! The box office will exceed the cost by more than 10 times!

This really caused a media frenzy, with many film critics and media outlets spontaneously praising "Crazy Stone":
"Crazy Stone: A single stone stirs up a thousand waves!"

"Crazy Stone: This Year's Dark Horse!"

"Crazy Stone: A masterpiece by Wu Yuchen's protégé, shining brightly during the Spring Festival!"

"Wu Yuchen mentors emerging director Ning Hao, who won the Spring Festival box office champion!"

"As a promising new director discovered and personally mentored by Wu Yuchen, Ning Hao's 'Crazy Stone' is undoubtedly a brilliant achievement for Wu Yuchen! Its unique dark humor and ingenious storyline have earned applause and cheers!"

This is a testament to the inheritance and innovation within the ever-changing interplay of light and shadow; it's the culmination of Wu Yuchen's support for emerging talents in Chinese cinema! We believe that under this spirit of mentorship, the Chinese film industry will see the emergence of even more Ning Haos in the future!

(End of this chapter)