novellhall Chapter 44: The Arena
Chapter 44: The Arena
Gu Qing has been quite busy lately, and he even declined Jing Tian's request to help her get to school.
"Triangle" will be released on September 18th.
At this time, Harry Potter had just finished its theatrical run, and there were only a few horror films from Hong Kong Island at the same time.
None of this is a concern for Gu Qing; his film is a legitimate science fiction suspense drama.
In August, besides dealing with film promotion, Han Sanping also took him to drink and socialize with a group of theater owners.
Although he didn't like this behavior, there was nothing he could do about it; things were beyond his control.
However, as the leading figure in the film industry, Han Sanping didn't get into any major trouble, after all, people had to give Chairman Han face.
A 27% screening rate is a very good figure for a new director.
Basically, one out of every four of his films is "Triangle".
However, Gu Qing didn't care too much. Businessmen are profit-driven, and once the movie is released and its true quality is revealed, the theaters will naturally increase the screening rate.
Besides Gu Qing, Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises" was released around the same time, a week after "Triangle".
"You must be Gu Qing. Chairman Han has been mentioning you to me quite a bit lately."
"Director Jiang, I've long admired your name."
Gu Qing shook hands with Jiang Wen, and looking at Jiang Wen in front of him, thoughts welled up in his heart.
Jiang Wen is probably the most successful actor to have switched careers. He has won Best Actor awards and numerous directing awards. The only thing he is lacking in is box office success.
However, this person has no sense of propriety when making movies, and no matter how much the budget is spent, it's never enough.
Although the previous film, "Devils on the Doorstep," won the Jury Prize at Cannes, it could not be released in China due to irregular submission for censorship. Not only was he banned from directing, but he also caused a loss for his investors.
Huayi Brothers refused, but Jiang Wen then got involved with Emperor Entertainment.
"We're both self-taught, so if you need anything, just let me know. I'll definitely support your movie when it's released."
"Thank you for your high regard, Director Jiang. I'll definitely be there to show my support."
"polite."
The two chatted quite pleasantly. Although Jiang Wen was born into a privileged family, he didn't look down on people. It's just that being banned from directing is tough; it's something you have to endure.
The investors in "The Sun Also Rises" are Hong Kong businessmen, and most of the actors in the film are from Hong Kong. He didn't really want to join in the fun, but some things can't be decided by personal preference.
At this moment, Jiang Wen pulled Gu Qing to sit down and they discussed some things about the movie.
Science fiction movies are not easy to make. Putting aside the cost, the script and filming techniques alone are not something that ordinary people can handle.
But Gu Qing was different. Back then, he watched a lot of movies and had a broad perspective, so he was naturally confident.
"Gu Qing, your movie only has a nine million investment? Is that enough to live on?"
Jiang Wen poured the other person a glass of water and asked curiously.
You know, his film "The Sun Also Rises" cost ten million US dollars. You, Gu Qing, this film is a science fiction movie, and it was done for less than ten million.
"I'm using a digital camera, Director Jiang, you're using film, so the cost will definitely be much higher."
"Besides, yours is a big production, while my main creative team only has a few people."
Gu Qing cupped his hands in a respectful gesture and said politely.
Everyone in the industry knows that Jiang Wen doesn't treat money like money. If he doesn't spend the entire budget on every film he makes, that's not Jiang Wen.
Even "Let the Bullets Fly," which was released a few years later, required several rounds of fundraising to complete. Fortunately, it did well at the box office, preventing the investors from losing too much money.
"When it comes to making movies, it really feels right to use film."
Jiang Wen smacked his lips and said regretfully.
Movies, you know, still have to be shot on film to really get the feel of it.
"I'd like to use film, but I don't have the money. Besides, digital cameras are more convenient for science fiction films."
Gu Qing ignored the other party. He was the investor himself, so he had to be careful with the movie budget.
If he really wanted to spend money, he would, a hat for three thousand US dollars, but that would be a one-off deal, and after it was done, his reputation would be ruined.
Only someone like Jiang Wen, who is wholeheartedly dedicated to making movies, is willing to have investors keep funding his films; otherwise, anyone else would have been fired long ago.
It's true that money was spent, but it's also true that filming was done.
Gu Qing also hoped to befriend Jiang Wen. These directors, regardless of minor details, are generally good in important matters.
However, he didn't have any other thoughts. Getting to know each other was fine, but there was no need to become close friends.
The two talked for a while and then went their separate ways. Although they had a good impression of each other, they were still competitors after all.
"Brother, who is he?"
Zhou Yun walked over and, seeing Jiang Wen standing there smoking and lost in thought, asked him curiously.
"That kid, Gu Qing, is pretty stingy."
Jiang Wen exhaled a smoke ring, thought for a moment, and then uttered this same comment.
Although this kid isn't formally trained, his photography knowledge and vision are quite good. Most importantly, their areas of expertise are different, so there's no conflict between them.
He just mentioned how a science fiction movie was made with an investment of nine million.
It turns out this guy meant the lead actors would appear for free, while the rest would make cameo appearances.
This guy is ruthless. Generally speaking, film salaries account for 30% of the total investment, but he can't afford to spend even 10%.
Although he didn't know how he did it, he knew that this person had some connections and was not some newcomer actor.
If Gu Qing knew that Jiang Wen was talking about him behind his back, Gu Qing would probably cry foul. It wasn't that he was stingy; the money he saved wouldn't end up in his pocket anyway.
The lead actor insisted on appearing for free, so what could he do? He couldn't just force him to pay, could he?
Time flew by, and soon it was time for the release of "Triangle".
On September 12th, which was a weekend, "Triangle" officially premiered at midnight.
Inside a large cinema, Jing Tian and her three roommates had bought snacks early and were waiting to enter the theater to watch the movie.
"Sweetie, your movie is finally going to be released! I was so excited!"
"Let's see Gu Qing's abilities, whether he's truly talented or just someone who's been hyped up."
"Then you'll just have to wait and see, don't be surprised."
Jing Tian raised her head slightly, like a proud white swan.
Although she lacked confidence in herself, she had confidence in Gu Qing.
She took a liking to him at first sight and wanted to bring him into her company so that he would be the only one making films for her.
Sigh, never mind, it's still a bit of a pity.
Jing Tian smacked her lips, thinking with a hint of regret.
"We probably won't be able to get back to the dorm tonight. Sweetie, you'll have to talk to the dorm supervisor about it."
"What are you afraid of? Let's go get two big rooms tonight, it's on me."
Jing Tian patted his chest and said with great pride.
It was her suggestion to come to the movies tonight, and her girlfriends were very obliging, so she had to make sure everything was settled.
"Okay, I'll take advantage of Sweetie's help."
Chai Biyun glanced at Jing Tian and knew that he was a wealthy person, so she didn't stand on ceremony.
She really had high expectations for this movie. The two of them were both from Xi'an and got along well. He had mentioned the movie to her quite a few times.
"Let's go, let's start!"
Jing Tian kept an eye on the clock, and when she saw that the midnight show was starting, she quickly grabbed her sister's arm and they entered the venue together.