Huayu: Are you even sitting up straight? You're going to be the director?

Chapter 100 The First Step for Chinese Science Fiction Films

After agreeing on the specific signing date and funding arrangements, Cao Zhong saw the several private business owners off.

As Jing Tian walked out the door, he was still in shock.

Cao Zhong had never told her any of this. The secret had been kept for so long that when it was suddenly revealed, it felt like winning the lottery, as if she were dreaming.

She's the lead actress in this big-budget film with a $30 million budget.
Even the road administration didn't dare to boast about this to her.

Moreover, the film's director is Cao Zhong, a renowned director who recently set a new box office record in China.

When Jing Tian turned around, he was overcome with emotion; it was hard to tell whether it was joy or excitement, but his eyes were brimming with tears.

Thinking of something, she looked at Cao Zhong and asked:
"Is this the lead actor in the second movie you promised me?"

"Yes, I keep my word."

Cao Zhong nodded and said, "But on the other hand, although the camera can find you, you have to learn how to find the camera during this period. I really can yell at people on set. If you don't believe me, ask Shen Ao."

“He’s changed. He’s changed.” Jing Tian thought to himself. “All the things he said back then were lies to me.”

But their words are a different story.

"I will definitely work hard." Jing Tian clenched his fist and said, "Senior brother, don't worry, I will definitely not belittle myself."

She said it all well, but Cao Zhong could see that when Lu Zheng pulled her away, Jing Tian was clearly walking unsteadily.

The body swayed.

Jumping around.

Once in the car, Lu Zheng sat in the passenger seat, and Jing Tian sat in the back.

Lu Zheng turned his head: "Originally, Starlight Brilliant was going to make a movie for you themselves, but now it seems that we don't need to."

“No need.” Jing Tian smiled brightly. “Thank you, Uncle Lu. If it weren’t for you investing so much money…”

"It's not like we're guaranteed to lose a lot of money," Lu Zheng waved his hand dismissively.

"Besides, I have nothing but money, except for my connections with Wanda. The opportunity to get to know a big director like Cao Zhong, and even China Film Group, was given to me by you."
Looking back now, the fact that you and Director Cao knew each other back then... has been a huge advantage for your future. This is an opportunity you seized yourself.

"It's all thanks to Director Ning's introduction."

“Let’ll give him another chance to make you a music video,” Lu Zheng thought of how fast Cao Zhong was making money today. “Compared to Director Cao, Ning Hao is a bit too pitiful, but just because he introduced you to Cao Zhong, let him make money! Give him another million.”

"I'll do whatever Uncle Lu says."

The road administration officer nodded without saying anything.
Tonight is going to be so exciting, especially for a newcomer to the film and television industry like him. His mission is to spend money to make Jing Tian famous.

Unexpectedly, it all came in one go.

Even the road administration staff themselves didn't know what to say.

I was speechless!
"This girl really hit the jackpot."

Seeing Jing Tian's eyes still clearly savoring the memory, Lu Zheng suddenly had a bad feeling.

His task was to make Jing Tian famous.

Jing Tian shouldn't let her joy cloud her judgment. Having two consecutive projects with Cao Zhong is a situation that makes Lu Zheng a little hesitant.

But refusing is definitely out of the question.

"They're all young boys and girls. I just hope nothing bad happens," Lu Zheng thought to himself.

……

The Wang brothers exchanged a glance as they left the car.

“Starlight is really rich,” Wang Zhongjun said. “If we have any new projects in the future, we’ll see if we can sell them to him at a premium.”

Wang Zhonglei said, "They have connections with Wanda Cinemas, so we might have to curry favor with them in the future."

"But Cao Zhong is quite impressive, getting three films at once, including one called 'Nanjing'," Wang Zhongjun said.
"I wonder what this movie is about. Is it about the Nanjing Massacre or something? Jing Tian was directly cast as the female lead. What's so special about her?"

"Directors are all the same. He's probably after that girl anyway," Wang Zhonglei said. "This guy really goes all out to pick up girls."

“If Li Bingbing were given a role like this, he’d go crazy,” Wang Zhonglei sighed. “If it were me, I’d definitely put a price tag on him, test his skills first, and then decide whether to give him a chance.”

Wang Zhongjun frowned: "Get out of here, get rid of that smell on you, and don't let your brain be attached to your second brother. We're partners now."

……

Tonight, the premium from just three movies earned Cao Zhong nearly 60 million RMB.

Moreover, Chengying didn't need to invest in "My Disqualified Daughter" at all.

The investment required for "Li Yannian, a Man of Both Literary and Martial Arts" is only ten million.

Only "We Live in Nanjing" had a truly substantial investment.

However, if the revenue sharing from "Nanjing Photo Studio" is included, it will not only make up for the investment gap of "We Live in Nanjing", but also provide 40 to 50 million yuan of controllable funds.

You could even let Cao Zhong do something else.

After finalizing his future plans, Cao Zhong returned to the banquet hall, lay back in his chair, and wondered why making money wasn't so difficult now that he had become a famous director.
Why are some directors so greedy?

In the end, he only earned a bad reputation for nothing.

Moreover, the agreed-upon funding is received upfront, allowing for immediate preparation and filming preparations as soon as the money arrives.
In fact, these three productions could begin right now: find a director, cast actors, assemble the crew, and be ready to start filming at any time...

Chengying's investment can be made up later after the revenue sharing, so nothing will be delayed.

Han Sanpin was clearly very curious, and looked at Cao Zhongdao:
"Are you trying to use the Nanjing topic to continue your self-promotion with 'We Live in Nanjing'?"

"Chairman Han is indeed a cunning old fox... a master strategist," Cao Zhong chuckled. "Isn't it good to take advantage of this hype and continue the hype?"

"Wang Anhe, the captain, was beaten into silence, but there's still a huge group of his devoted followers online. I saw all the insults and abuse they leveled against me through 'Nanjing Photo Studio'."

I fully support donating money to the survivors and the victims of WAF. Since we made the movie "Nanjing Photo Studio", I wholeheartedly support the social responsibility and benefits that should be given.

But then again, making this movie wasn't our fault. If being criticized and donating money is our responsibility, then...
But those guys didn't pay any price.

Han Sanpin pondered for a moment: "So when you said 'walking the dog to the movie,' you meant how you plan to 'walk' them?"

"Don't reveal the story when filing the script," Cao Zhongdao said.

"I will strictly limit media interviews and leaks for this film. Please change the story type on the filing to 'A Story About Nanjing' for me. Keep the plot confidential when filing the film. I will only release the film title throughout the entire process."

Cao Zhong smiled and said, "You have to believe in my reputation. As soon as those two names from Nanjing are mentioned, someone will immediately develop PTSD!"

What is PTSD?

Han Sanpin clearly didn't understand the jargon used by young people.

"Vietnam War Syndrome. Those soldiers would repeatedly relive their traumatic battlefield experiences afterward, leading to distress, anxiety, and depression," Cao Zhongdao said.
"Also known as post-traumatic stress disorder, it is a mental disorder that occurs and persists whenever a certain thing is seen."

The success of "Nanjing Photo Studio" elicited at most envy, jealousy, and even a desire to learn from and emulate its success from the production company.

But for certain artists, and certain groups who spend their days in obscurity, they probably hate me so much they're practically itching for a fight.
Some of them control online public opinion; although they seem to have decreased in the last couple of days...

That's because these people are very smart; when things are going against them, they'll keep quiet and never fight a losing battle.

But then, when the rain stopped and the sky cleared, he felt like he was capable again.

They'll definitely treat me well when the time comes.

Rather than passively waiting for their slander and attacks, I'd rather step forward myself and become their target again.

Cao Zhong thought about what he was going to do and couldn't help but laugh.

"Think about it, if I were to make another film about Nanjing, wouldn't they feel that I'm continuing to target their dream country, which would be a huge offense and provocation to them, and might even wake up in the middle of the night in a panic?"

Han Sanpin asked in surprise, "Is it really necessary?"

"Chairman Han, look at all the insults directed at me online. I'm doing so well and the public opinion is so favorable. That's because I've won these past few days."

However, cultural warfare cannot be physically eliminated. Before long, these insults will resurface. Therefore, rather than passively responding, I should take the initiative.

I used the title of this movie to lure this group of people out. Some people will be unhappy, and they will retaliate against me even more fiercely, perhaps even to the point of collective climax.

The more high-profile I promote my new movie plans, the more agitated they become. I just need to throw out some bait with a strong enough flavor, and they will definitely take the bait!

I threw out the leash and let the dogs bark.

However, the film is kept secret, and the "Nanjing" team will not explain, refute, or reveal any further details about the film's actual content.

We will let public opinion ferment and let the topic's popularity soar.

And it continuously throws bait at any time.

There will also be flame wars and huge controversies, which means free, top-tier publicity.

All those emotional, mindless critics, those self-proclaimed "big nephews," will also jump out and be exposed to the light of day.

This will generate a lot of momentum for the film's promotion and distribution!
When a film finishes filming, is in editing, and is about to be released, public opinion will reach its peak after several rounds of hype.

Then, the core of the movie will be changed, the true setting will be revealed, trailers will be released, the cards will be played, and the leash will be tightened.

This group of people will then realize that only I know the truth, but I only showed them the parts that could lead them to misunderstand.

The more fiercely these critics hurl insults, the more I'll slap them in the face.

They even worked tirelessly and selflessly for the promotion of my film, becoming my workhorses.
From beginning to end, from igniting the film's title to smashing the dog at any moment, my silence, and the final revelation, I controlled the entire pacing.
They will not only watch my film gain greater fame and even commercial success, but they will also see themselves become the laughingstock of the internet because of the film's devastating contrast.

"It doesn't sound good, and it won't have any real impact on them. They have no shame."

Han Sanpin pondered for a moment and then said,
"It sounds interesting that they're offering to do the publicity for free."

But aren't you afraid of making things worse? What if public opinion doesn't turn around? After all, you did film Nanjing.

“I knew you would all fall into the trap I set, Chairman Han. If you do, they will too.”

Cao Zhongdao said, "But this movie only has one name that is related to Nanjing."

Cao Zhong smiled.

"This film is a very hard science fiction film. At its core, it's about the continuation of human civilization, the transmission of hope, and mutual support across time and space."
The entire process will not touch upon any historical trauma; on the contrary, it will become a symbol representing the tenacious vitality of Chinese civilization.

"We don't have our own Transformers, but we do have a national machine that makes a tremendous effort to save the world."

A nation willing to unite the world to build a community with a shared future and jointly resist external enemies.

“I want to take the first step in Chinese science fiction films,” Cao Zhong said. “I want to use this kind of grand, profound, and positive script to make those barking bastards realize their ridiculousness, insignificance, shallowness and narrow-mindedness.”

"I also need to arrange for people to record all their quotes, like clips from 'The Good Man,' and compile them into a book so that everyone can see their true colors."

What impact will it have on them?
The internet and the people will remember.

As long as it's on their little notebooks, it will eventually be eradicated.

"Is this the first step for Chinese science fiction films?"

Han Sanpin stood there for a long time, holding his breath.
The old man was stunned. He had been making blockbusters for so many years, and he never dared to mention the word "science fiction"!
If anyone else had brought it up, Han Sanpin would have to say, without a doubt, that Chinese cinema doesn't have that kind of capability right now.
But today, it was Cao Zhong who said this!

It's Cao Zhong, who just made nearly 400 million yuan at the box office!

Moreover, the words spoken,

"Grand, profound, and full of positive energy,"
We don't have our own Transformers, but we do have a national machinery that makes tremendous efforts to save the world.

A country willing to unite the world to build a community with a shared future and jointly resist foreign enemies.

What a clever use of words!

Han Sanpin's heart was racing, and the atmosphere of advancing was getting stronger and stronger!

The story of "Li Yannian, a man of both literary and martial talents" had already excited Han Sanpin, but now, hearing that "We Live in Nanjing" was actually this kind of story...

Old Deng finally couldn't hold back anymore.

Some were even so shocked they couldn't speak.

He felt that his perspective was too narrow. When he heard the words "Nanjing" just now, he did misunderstand and thought it was another story about "Nanjing Photo Studio".

Now Han Sanpin finally understood why Cao Zhong had said he wanted to walk the dog.

How could those people have imagined such a sudden shift in subject matter?
He's been taken advantage of!
That little eagle! It ambushed me!
I get a stress response to the word "Nanjing" and bite randomly for a year, only to find out I bit the wrong word!
This really is dog walking.

They've all been taken for a walk!
"You have to keep your word." Han Sanpin's face flushed red with excitement. His mind was screaming, "I need to find something to make you sign a written agreement, a written agreement!"

"And where's the script? Show me the script now!"

“The script is at the Beijing Film Academy,” Cao Zhong said. “It’s already been taken care of.”

"Alright, alright!" Han Sanpin said, "Come with me to the Beijing Film Academy. Come on, get in my car. I'm going to review your work right now and see if you've written anything you shouldn't have!"

Cao Zhong was speechless.

"Chairman Han, I know you're anxious, but please don't rush."

I still need to discuss some things with Shen Ao and the others! Right now, the most important thing to move forward with is "My Disqualified Daughter."

"Alright, alright, I won't hold you up," Han Sanpin said. "But I need to see the script tomorrow."

He realized he had been too focused on appearances; he was the CEO of China Film Group and needed to maintain his composure!
(End of this chapter)