Starting with Super Girl, he began to train the Chinese entertainment industry.

Chapter 133: Kill, kill your way through the 2007 Lunar New Year film season! (Two parts combined)

Two minutes after the movie ended, no one left the theater; everyone was quietly watching the credits and the photos playing on the left side of the screen.

Those are photographs that record the path the Republic has taken!
The applause rang out again and gradually subsided only after the screen went completely black.

The applause, however, was like a series of thunderclaps, surrounding Zhang Yimou and crackling loudly, once again shocking him.

He had never seen anything like this in all these years.

But "My People, My Country" did just that.

Why! ?

Why is it that kid Shen Qing can come up with such great ideas?
Wasn't he going to shoot a music video?
Why are you trying to steal my job?
Zhang Yimou plopped down in a chair, watching the slowly departing crowd, and shrugged helplessly: "Things have come to this point, I can only numb myself with work and cover it up!"

Back at the Olympic Building, Zhang Yimou threw himself into his work with even greater passion, completely putting aside "Curse of the Golden Flower".

Because he knew that if he were to launch a large-scale publicity campaign at this time, firstly, it would be unbecoming of his status, and secondly, if it failed, he would lose even more face.

I might as well pretend to be mute.

Since we've already spent 100 million on marketing and promotion in the early stages, another half month won't make a difference.

But the thought of a complete flop makes Zhang Yimou's vision go black... A fifth-generation director who has been famous for decades, what if he were to be utterly humiliated by a music producer who has crossed over into the industry...

Just thinking about it gives me a headache.

"No, if I feel ashamed myself, then others will definitely laugh at me even more!"

"I should be more magnanimous and openly acknowledge the excellence of 'My People, My Country.' That way, everyone will definitely think I'm generous and willing to support young directors!"

"Yes, let's do it."

……

On the second day of the film's release, Zhang Yimou made a public statement through the media, which caused quite a stir.

"My People, My Country is a top-notch patriotic film, but it is different from previous patriotic films. It uses a more popular and commercially-oriented narrative method to find a perfect balance between education and entertainment."

"Personally, I've watched countless films, and very few films can actually attract me anymore. But when I watched 'My People, My Country,' I watched it for two whole hours straight, yes, straight through, without ever leaving the room."

"I was completely captivated by these stories and deeply moved by them. Every character was so vividly portrayed that I still remember them vividly."

"As a director, I have an obligation to stand up and promote such an excellent work. I also hope that everyone can go to the cinema to support it and help our domestic film industry develop better and better."

"At the same time, my movie will also be released on December 14th. If you are interested in period dramas, you can also go and check it out."

Look...

Director Zhang's vision broadened instantly.

Most netizens who were just watching the drama liked it, while very few mocked it; the majority believed that people were just watching too much drama.

However, a small number of anti-China elements and public intellectuals got excited and kept saying that Zhang Yimou was engaging in political persecution, and even made sarcastic remarks about the higher-ups putting pressure on the film industry, loudly proclaiming that filmmaking in China is not free.

These guys should be thrown into the Pacific Ocean and let them swim to the west coast.

……

As for the other directors, Mantou wonders: Zhang Yimou, are you really that good at dealing with people?

Chen Kai was the first to disbelieve that the movie was as good as Zhang Yimou said. "Old Zhang is definitely bragging and sucking up to that kid Shen Qing. There must be some shady deal involved!"

So he took his wife Chen Hong and his youngest son Arthur to the movie theater.

After sitting down, Director Chen initially had a scrutinizing expression, which gradually turned into appreciation, and then he became one with the ordinary audience members!
"Okay! Keep it up!"

"Our ancestors had it so tough."

"That was awesome! Hahaha, so awesome!!!"

Turning to look at Chen Hong and Arthur, Chen Kaige laughed and said, "This movie is very good. It's a pity. It would have been so much better if I had directed it."

Chen Hong: "Let Shen Qing write a script for you too."

Chen Kaige: "You think this script is a freebie? The creation of an excellent script depends entirely on inspiration. That kid probably won't be able to come up with any good ideas in the next year or two."

But he did begin to appreciate Shen Qing.

It's truly remarkable that Shen Qing, a music producer, could create such an excellent film just by shooting a music video.

But he was also jealous, thinking, "Damn, the script is so amazing."

However, as a fifth-generation director on par with Zhang Yimou, he did not want to be labeled as jealous of talent, so Chen Kaige also called over his acquaintances in the media industry that day to reveal some of his views.

It was published in the newspaper on Monday morning.

His words were full of praise for "My People, My Country," even more so than Zhang Yimou's...

Anyway, Lao Chen's principle is that he can't be worse than Lao Zhangzi.

Damn it, he lost the Olympic opening ceremony to Zhang Yimou, and he's furious.

Moreover, he was ridiculed by many netizens for reciting poetry.

It's all Zhang Yimou's fault!
……

As Monday rolled around, many media outlets were inquiring about the box office figures for "My People, My Country" over the weekend, but there was still no news.

I am anxious to death!

Shen Qing, what's wrong with you?

On the first day of a movie's release, other movies are eager to announce how much money they made on their premiere as early as midnight...

Two days have passed and there's still no sign of it?

The emperor wasn't worried, but the eunuchs were.

When the media finally got through to Shen Qing on the phone, they heard an even more pretentious voice: "Box office? I don't think it's important. I originally just wanted to shoot a longer 'As You Wish' music video as a tribute to the motherland. Now that everyone is paying so much attention, I'm quite overwhelmed~"

reporter:? ? ?

Do you want to hear what you're saying?
Was all that pretense over the past six months for nothing?
hurry up!

Hand over your huge box office performance!!

Sina reporters couldn't get an answer from Shen Qing, and the impatient one wrote a long article that very night, embellishing the story.

[Shocking! "My People, My Country" falls short of box office expectations; investor and screenwriter Shen Qing admits he is very anxious, fearing he will let everyone down.]

Netizens commented: Huh? Wasn't it hyped up so much? How did it flop?!
Moviegoers who have seen the film are getting restless.

The same question almost popped into their minds: "It shouldn't be like this, it's impossible, how could it be? This movie is so good, it can't possibly flop at the box office. Could it be that the promotion wasn't strong enough?"

Some more emotional movie fans couldn't sit still any longer.

"No, I can't let such a good patriotic film fail!"

"If no one supports me when I put so much effort into making movies, how can the Chinese film industry develop in the future? I want to make my own contribution!"

As for the Tieba forum, the main base of Liangfen (a type of Chinese jellyfish fan), it was even more lively. The Liangfen fans couldn't sit still any longer, and posts came one after another.

Many of them watched the movie but still couldn't understand why it flopped.

"I swear, this is the best movie I've seen in recent years. I can't find any reason why it would flop, so why is it not doing well at the box office?"

"Do you guys remember? Shen Qing said from the beginning that he made the music video for Liang Ying and then turned it into a movie to give back to his fans... He never thought about making money. But the more he said that, the more we can't let Shen Qing and Liang Ying lose money!!"

"Yes, Shen Qing is thinking of us, and we should think of Shen Qing too. Brothers, I urge everyone to mobilize their friends, family, colleagues, and superiors to go to the cinema together and show everyone the power of us Liangfen (Liangfen's fans), okay?"

"I support it. I'll take my friend to see it right now."

"Our philosophy department's team building activity this semester is to go see 'My People, My Country,' and we'll be renting out the whole theater."

"Wow, that's a great idea! I'm the class's Youth League secretary, and our class is about to hold a team-building activity. I've decided, let's go see 'My People, My Country'!!"

"..."

Gradually, an interesting scene appeared in many parts of the country: many people became enthusiastic advocates, telling acquaintances how wonderful "My People, My Country" was.

Many people who already wanted to watch the movie are now doing so without hesitation.

Also.

A small group of well-off fans booked out the entire venue to entertain their employees and classmates.

The media has also taken notice of this matter.

The Sina editor who initially reported that the box office might fall short of expectations had a smirk on his face. He casually sent Shen Qing a text message: "President Shen, I only did a trivial thing. Your film is still of excellent quality!"

Shen Qing: "What's going on?"

At this time, Qing Ge was buying a house near the Central Conservatory of Music. He had his eye on a three-story building and planned to convert it into a recording studio. He didn't have time to keep an eye on the box office yet.
Sina editor: "Mr. Shen, don't you know? Ever since I published that interview with you, the popularity of your movie has soared to new heights. Now, many people are spontaneously promoting it to their friends..."

Shen Qing: "It has to be you again. I'll ask you to interview me again next time."

Sina editor: "You're too kind, Mr. Shen. We've known each other for a long time."

After completing the transfer procedures, Shen Qing paid the remaining 368 million yuan, and the small building next to the Central Conservatory of Music became his.

Make a lot of money.

Even if it gets demolished in a few years, it can still be worth tens of millions.

It would be even better if we didn't disassemble it.

So this top-of-the-line recording studio belonging to Qingying Studio is the only top-of-the-line recording studio within the Second Ring Road. That's real prestige!
From now on, if singers in Beijing want to record songs, they'll probably think of Shen Qing first!

While eating, Shen Qing casually picked up a newspaper that the owner had placed on the bar and glanced at it. "Goodness, when did I say that 'My People, My Country' flopped at the box office?"

Zhang Liangying's eyes widened, and she asked with a laugh, "How could that be? Aren't our box office numbers far ahead?"

Shen Qing shrugged: "It must be that Sina editor..."

While eating hot pot, Shen Qing and Liang Ying overheard the people next door discussing a movie, and finally understood what was going on.

This action left them both speechless, both amused and exasperated.

Zhang Liangying: "Did this backfire? Haha, that editor originally wanted to create some hype, but unexpectedly helped us generate a lot of publicity."

Shen Qing scooped up some fresh mutton from the copper pot, gave half to Liangying, and put the other half in his own bowl. While dipping it in sesame sauce, he said:
"It's not just about expanding publicity! Now everyone thinks our movie is a flop, and people are spontaneously encouraging their friends to support it..."

Zhang Liangying burst out laughing: "My God! You're amazing! Why are your works always so impressive... Boss, you have to teach me a lesson tonight. I want to be as good as you!"

Shen Qing: "How should we educate them?"

Zhang Liangying raised her head and puffed out her chest: "Reporting, sir, of course we should educate them properly!"

Shen Qing: "Fine! You're allowed to wear a teacher's pencil skirt tonight, so I can give you a good lesson."

……

12 month 8 day.

On the seventh day of its release, fans were extremely anxious.

"Ah ah ah..."

"Shen Qing, hurry up and tell us how much the box office was! Even if it flops, just say something! We won't laugh at you. You'll always be a god in the music industry!"

"The movie is very good. I cried several times while watching it. I believe it won't flop."

"The box office must be great; the screening I attended was almost sold out."

"Yes, my seat is full too."

"..."

Besides the anxious fans, directors whose works are about to be released are also anxious.

First of all, there's Zhang Yimou. In six days, "Curse of the Golden Flower" will be released, and the media will definitely compare the two films.

No matter how much he praised Shen Qing before, it was useless.

The media won't let him off the hook.

The reason it generates buzz is because his name is put together with Shen Qing's.

Just like the media's promotion of "My People, My Country" during this period, they basically don't mention the names of directors like Ning Hao, and the headlines are all about "Shen Qing".

If "Curse of the Golden Flower" flops at the box office, the media will definitely write all sorts of headlines, such as: "Is Lian Po old and still able to fight?" "Zhang Yimou's painstaking work is no match for 19-year-old Shen Qing's flash of inspiration!"
At most, one could add: Zhang Yimou was not upset by the box office failure; on the contrary, he was very magnanimous, which is the demeanor that a senior figure should have.

But that's it.

Can fame feed you?
No.

Only money can do it.

If the box office is too bad this time, it will be difficult for Zhang Yimou to get such a high investment next time.

The best outcome is a small loss, which is acceptable to investors, since they didn't think about making money when they decided to invest.

In addition, other people who are particularly upset are the directors of films such as "A Battle of Wits," "The Knot," and "Confession of Pain," whose works were all aimed at the 2007 Lunar New Year film season.

In particular, "Confession of Pain," directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, boasts a budget of 5000 million yuan and features a strong cast including award-winning actor Leung Chiu-wai, handsome actor Takeshi Kaneshiro, talented actress Xu Jinglei, and Shu Qi, attracting a lot of attention.

Without "My People, My Country," "Confession of Pain" would only have lost to Zhang Yimou, Chow Yun-fat, and Gong Li's "Curse of the Golden Flower," and it wouldn't have been too bad...

After all, they are all big names.

But things are different now. Shen Qing is a newcomer to the film industry. He just randomly pulled together five directors and a few TV actors with no real fame, and they can crush us?

Do we still have any face left?
At this moment, even without accurate data, this group of people could guess the box office figures, because cinemas across the country had a high density of screenings and high occupancy rates, so the box office numbers would definitely not be bad...

The next day, Saturday, April 9th.

This is the second weekend since the release of "My People, My Country".

Following the public outcry of the previous week, moviegoers continued to surge, and major cinemas added midnight screenings.

Hard to get a vote!
Liu Weiqiang, Alan Mak, Leung Chiu-wai, and others who had just arrived in mainland China to promote "Confession of Pain" also bought tickets and went to the cinema to find out the strength of their competitors.

There wasn't a single flaw in the entire movie.

The group really enjoyed the storyline, the visuals, and the emotions it conveyed.

These filmmakers from Hong Kong exchanged smiles after leaving the cinema. Shu Qi remarked, "It's strange, I think this movie would be popular in Hong Kong too."

Leung Chiu-wai: "I also think it's possible, and I feel a strange sense of pride."

Liu Weiqiang: "Our opponents are too strong, we are under pressure!"

Xu Jinglei is the only one from mainland China.

She understood the significance of this film, and as she listened to them talk, she almost laughed, "Maybe 'My People, My Country' doesn't even consider us its rival..."

……

At nine o'clock in the morning, a news story completely ignited the internet, spreading rapidly like dominoes both inside and outside the entertainment industry.

[“My People, My Country” grossed 2165 million yuan on its opening day (Saturday), surpassing “Hero” and setting a new record for the highest-grossing opening day for a domestic film. The biggest dark horse of the year has emerged!]

It's gone viral.

Netizens who just woke up: ? ? ?
"Holy crap, this isn't just a casualty falling down!"

"Wow, that's amazing! This has broken the box office record for domestic films!"

"These are just the first day's data. The popularity of 'My People, My Country' is getting higher and higher, and it will definitely break the record of 'Hero' with 2.5 million yuan."

"These box office results owe a debt to our tap water!"

"..."

Subsequently.

A complete set of box office data was released and shared across the internet.

December 3, weekend, 2987 million.

December 4, Monday, 1722 million.

Tuesday, December 5th, 1789 million.

……

December 8, Friday, 2796 million.

In just seven days, "My People, My Country" grossed 1.48 million yuan, while "Hero" only grossed 110 million yuan during the same period.

crazy!

A new historical record...

Moreover, tomorrow is the weekend, and the box office is expected to see a surge, potentially reaching 2 million yuan by the end of the weekend.

No, why are you hiding such strong data from reporting it?

On the afternoon of June 12th.

Shen Qing, along with the entire creative team of "My People, My Country" and the three singers newly signed by Qingying Studio this year, held a press conference.

The press conference was held in the main conference room of the Beijing Hotel, and dozens of media outlets were present.

Shen Qing walked onto the stage alone and said, "Welcome everyone to the press conference for 'My People, My Country' and the media meet-and-greet for Qingying Studio's newly signed singers. Before that, let me answer your question—why weren't the box office figures released in a timely manner?!"

He paused for a moment after saying this.

The reporters are ready to curse, so why don't you just say it?!

Shen Qing smiled and continued:
"Originally, I didn't want to disclose the data to the public, and I told our main creative team the same thing, but everyone is paying too much attention to it, which surprised me a lot..."

“These days, Liangying has also been urging me to reveal this to the public so that those who have been promoting me so enthusiastically can rest assured.”

"After thinking about it, I realized that we should reassure those who care about us, so I shared the data with my media friends. I didn't expect it to generate such a huge reaction."

"As for why I kept delaying reporting the data, it's actually not complicated. I just didn't want 'My People, My Country' to be a one-sided massacre during the 2007 Lunar New Year film season..."

"Because everyone loves watching movies with high box office returns, once our data is released, people's enthusiasm for buying tickets will increase, so who will go to watch other movies?"

"Other films aren't easy to make either, right?"

Reporter: "Come on in, come on in! You've got such a spacious seat, Han Sanping's seat is yours!!"

……

P.S.: It's the end of the year and I'm busy with work, plus I need to revise my correspondence thesis, which takes up some of my energy. Once the thesis is finished, I'll be all set. I'm combining the two for now and can't post them separately. Thank you for your support!

(End of this chapter)