Chinese entertainment director starts with filmmaking

After leaving the Central Film Studio, Gu Qing silently lit a cigarette, pondering what Han Sanping had just said.

"Cruise" grossed over 60 million at the box office and was featured on the film.

At this moment, Han Sanping called Gu Qing over, and besides offering some praise, he inquired about Gu Qing's plans for her next film.

China Film Group is not a small company; it has a dedicated office in Hollywood. Gu Qing didn't hide the fact that he was looking for investment in Hollywood, and those in the industry who made serious inquiries knew about it.

Unlike Ning Hao, who only liked to play small-scale games, Gu Qing dared to spend nine million on his first film, and even invested five million himself.

He went to Hollywood last month, and this guy dared to ask for 15 million US dollars, and even dared to dream of becoming the lead director.

Although it didn't work out, their courage is still admirable.

Han Sanping likes to make big-scale productions and big-budget films; if Hollywood can make them, China can probably do them too.

"Xiao Gu, come and sit down. I heard you went to Hollywood before and had a project there. Your movie is finished now. When are you going to pick it up again?"

"Chairman Han is well-informed. I don't have any other ideas for this project for the time being. We don't have the capability for it in China."

Gu Qing frowned, but didn't ask how the other person knew about it.

But science fiction movies are really difficult to make.

Although "Triangle" is labeled as a science fiction film, it is more of a suspense thriller.

"Xiao Gu, you said that if Hollywood can make it, we can make it too. You can't go back on your word, or are you just trying to fool everyone?"

Han Sanping was somewhat unhappy and didn't understand Gu Qing's refusal.

"Chairman Han, that's fifteen million US dollars! We don't have that kind of budget in China."

Gu Qing was starting to lose his composure. A project worth 1.5 million US dollars would require a budget of at least 150 million yuan to film in China. Apart from those big-name directors, who would dare to take it on?

While Hollywood is indeed pragmatic, there are indeed precedents of newcomers directing films.

But in China, newcomers have no chance to make independent films; they're expected to stick to carrying cameras.

"Difficulties can be overcome. We have a large population and supportive policies. This is precisely the time when we need to be tested and trained."

"Among young directors, I have the most faith in you. You must carry the banner of Chinese films."

Han Sanping lit a cigarette and poured Gu Qing a cup of tea before they began to talk in detail.

Although Han Sanping's words sounded eloquent, Gu Qing knew perfectly well that this was a pie-in-the-sky trick. He was right; he had said the same thing to every young director.

"Mr. Han, this movie is still a science fiction movie. In terms of subject matter, it's not much different from my feature film. It has a lot of special effects scenes that domestic productions can't handle."

After thinking it over, Gu Qing decided to speak frankly.

The film "Source Code" was not easy to make, requiring a lot of visual effects techniques. Domestic technology is far behind, so there is no comparison.

This is why he went directly to Hollywood instead of using domestic investors.

"You can't say that. Special effects can be done there, and filming equipment can be rented."

"Whether it's personnel or venue issues, as long as you ask, China Film Group can give you the green light."

Han Sanping had anticipated Gu Qing's opposition, and thus directly blocked any possible escape route.

Science fiction films have always been a weak area in China. This science fiction film, with an investment of nine million yuan and a box office of sixty million yuan, has caught the eye of the Film Bureau.

Now is a crucial time. If they can produce a sci-fi blockbuster and export it overseas, that would be a political achievement, something to be proud of. Wouldn't that mean their film bureau has done its job well?

"Chairman Han, I understand. You mean you want to provide all kinds of assistance except for funding."

Gu Qing was speechless, but at the same time, she was already making plans in her mind.

Han Sanping's words sound nice, but that's just talk. We can just cut back on other things and let other departments squeeze them out.

As for the cost budget, it was never even mentioned.

"Sigh, although China Film Group is a large and powerful company, it has many projects and many people watching it. Moreover, it no longer operates on a one-man rule. With more people, there is more strength, which is why we can support our domestic science fiction films."

"Chairman Han, if you don't have money, you don't have money. Just tell me how much of the market share you can take."

Gu Qing showed no mercy, saying that if you don't have money, you don't have money, so why say so much?

He knew that China Film Group had invested a lot in the recently much-discussed Red Cliff, with John Woo as the director. It was said that a straw hat cost eight hundred US dollars. China Film Group was unaware of the shady dealings and was happy to have picked up a good project.

"Okay, first submit the script for review, then make a plan, and compile a list of the necessary items."

Han Sanping wasn't annoyed that Gu Qing had exposed him; instead, he chuckled and said...

Seeing Han Dong's serious expression, Gu Qing fell silent and left the China Film Building with a lot on her mind.

After smoking a cigarette, Gu Qing finally understood what Han Sanping meant.

Let's make co-productions!

Given China's current capabilities, producing a science fiction film that can be exported overseas is undoubtedly a pipe dream.

However, if a film is marketed as a co-production and attracts high-tech equipment and investment, then it might still have a chance.

In June of this year, Huayi Brothers took the lead in co-producing films, bringing together Jet Li and Jackie Chan to create a fantasy blockbuster.

Gu Qing knew that Huayi Brothers was just sitting at the bottom of the list by chance, but outsiders didn't know that. They only knew that Huayi Brothers was quite popular, as it was able to attract foreign investment and also secure collaborations with two kung fu superstars.

It not only demonstrates strength but also alleviates financial pressure, and incidentally, it can even export movies, making it a win-win situation.

Gu Qing stubbed out his cigarette, and for a moment he thought about many things.

He had thought that "Source Code" would be filmed in Hollywood, and he was prepared to only take the director's fee. But unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better, and he was able to get investment opportunities.

That's right, he can't come up with the money right away, that's a problem.

Does he have to take over the filming of the music video like Brother Hao did?

Without giving it much thought, he returned to the company and immediately began working overtime to produce the project proposal.

He needs to think carefully about this film and make thorough preparations beforehand.

Several days have passed in the blink of an eye, and "Triangle" has officially ended its run, with its box office reaching 64 million!

It ranks second in the domestic film box office chart, with the first place going to "Protégé," the film about eating caviar by the jar.

Of course, this is because, apart from imported blockbusters, domestic blockbusters are also concentrated in December.

However, this result is already quite good, at least it is worthy of Han Sanping's investment.

At Ning Hao's home, Xing Aina prepared several simple home-style stir-fries, also inviting Gu Qing for a casual meal.

He ate quite a bit recently, and now he feels right at home.

"Drinking, Qing, you've really made a name for yourself this time."

Ning Hao personally poured wine for his younger brother, offering his sincere blessings.

Damn it, 64 million in box office revenue, he didn't even dare to dream of it!

"Brother Hao, let's not talk like that, we're brothers. When will your next movie be out?"

Gu Qing downed two ounces of wine in one gulp and said, his face flushed.

"Why are you drinking so fast, child? Eat some more vegetables."

Xing Aina quickly picked up a piece of food with her chopsticks and put it in Gu Qing's bowl, saying with concern.

"Your brother Hao and I also wrote a science fiction script. You can take a look at it later."

"No, a science fiction script?"

Gu Qing almost choked, and was also puzzled. Wasn't this supposed to be a crazy series? How did it turn into a science fiction movie?