Chinese entertainment director starts with filmmaking

Chapter 48: The Protagonist's Script

The premiere of "The Sun" was naturally unsatisfactory, and many audience members were left bewildered.

What are they filming?

Four story segments, multiple narrative techniques... I recognize all the words, but why can't I understand them when they're put together?

But seeing Jiang Wen speaking eloquently about his creative journey on stage, I swallowed back what I wanted to say.

Gu Qing also stood up and applauded. Anyone who said they didn't understand at this point would be going against the group.

After the premiere, there was a banquet, which Gu Qing didn't refuse, since he would also be working in the industry in the future.

Although he doesn't need to please anyone, he still needs to make frequent appearances to solidify his soaring popularity. In the future, he might just attract audiences to theaters based on his popularity.

Gu Qing also received many offers from film and television company bosses, all of whom wanted to direct for him.

Gu Qing didn't refuse; there might be times when she needed help in the future.

Besides film and television bosses, Gu Qing also obtained the contact information of many actors and artists, all of whom were kind-looking and friendly.

That's great. Next time he has a project, he won't need to rely on China Film Group to issue invitations.

On September 21, "The Sun Also Rises" was officially released, and major media outlets and professional film critics issued press releases. The initial screening rate in theaters was also directly increased to 40%.

Jiang Wen is still very famous. Although he hasn't made any movies in recent years, he can still appear in the public eye as an actor.

Gu Qing didn't even receive this kind of treatment; the press release for "Cruise of Destiny" was written spontaneously by many filmmakers in the following days.

Suspense dramas, which leave the average viewer confused, naturally provide an opportunity for professional writers to showcase their talents.

Domestic suspense dramas have always been a weak point. Now that a high-achieving student has finally emerged, shouldn't we praise them to the skies?

Gu Qing's nearly 20 million yuan box office in its first week was also thanks to these people who wrote the articles.

Never underestimate those who wield pens.

It was only because Weibo didn't exist at that time that he personally oversaw and liked/retweeted each post.

"It took me three viewings to understand. The beginning is the end, a Möbius strip ending. This is what a science fiction movie should be like."

"The most despairing thing in the world is knowing your predetermined fate but being unable to change it."

"It has the plot of a suspense film, the atmosphere of a horror film, the skin of a science fiction film, and it also shows humanistic concern. It's really well made."

"It's so-so, I didn't understand it."

You can never make everyone like you, not even money; some people treat it like dirt.

Therefore, Gu Qing took all of this in stride. Even the keyboard warriors who came after him had a lot of online arguments with him, so why would he be afraid of negative reviews?

October has arrived in the blink of an eye, and the release period of "Cruise" is already halfway over, with the film's box office reaching 48 million.

Although the box office surge occurred in the first two weeks, the situation remained unchanged for the following two weeks, and movie tickets continued to sell.

Breaking 50 million in box office revenue is no longer a problem, but whether it can break 60 million is another matter.

It was initially thought that "The Sun Also Rises" would be the biggest enemy of "Triangle," but apart from the first week, its box office performance was not high.

The film received a fairly good rating of 8.3, which is understandable given the director's skill; the visuals were indeed quite good.

However, art films don't do well at the box office, and coupled with Jiang Wen's consistent tendency to leave things unsaid and let the audience interpret them themselves, the box office naturally doesn't go up.

"Bro, do you think I'm getting old and falling behind the times?"

After enduring a week of this, Jiang Wen couldn't take it anymore and called Gu Qing to his home to pour out his grievances.

This masterpiece was defeated by a junior and used as a stepping stone. How could he not feel bitter?

"Director Jiang, isn't that how the art-house film market works? You chose to release your film in theaters instead of participating in film festivals, so shouldn't you have been prepared?"

"I……"

Jiang Wen was speechless for a moment, and could only keep pouring wine to comfort his sad heart.

"You make it sound so easy. It's not like you can't sell tickets."

"Hehe, I'm just benefiting from your help, aren't I?"

Gu Qing picked up a piece of braised beef and said with a smile.

To be honest, the box office success really benefited from Jiang Wen's name. In September, the only movies available to watch besides his were his films.

I got the gist of "Triangle" after watching it three times, but I couldn't understand Jiang Wen's "The Sun Also Rises" because it was too profound. The rest of the audience went to other theaters.

Aside from a few low-budget horror films, there wasn't much else to see, and in terms of plot and production, it certainly wasn't as good as "Triangle".

Well, watching a poorly made horror movie is not as good as watching "Triangle".

Various factors contributed to "Triangle" dominating September, raking in 48 million at the box office.

Jiang Wen is not the kind of person who can't accept defeat. He doesn't prioritize box office performance in his films. However, he naturally compares his films to others released in the same period.

The two didn't part ways until late at night.

Now they're all arm in arm, calling each other "brother" this and "brother" that.

"He's over forty years old and still calls people in their twenties 'brother,' even though they're from different generations."

Zhou Yun helped Jiang Wen onto the bed, prepared a basin of hot water, and began to wipe his body.

She knew Jiang Wen's temperament; he was reckless and impulsive, always doing whatever came to mind.

"Hey, I feel like I've known Brother Gu Qing for ages. We hit it off immediately. I've accepted him as my brother, and I'll definitely help him out if he ever needs anything."

Jiang Wen shouted in a carefree manner, while also obediently letting Zhou Yun serve him.

Gu Qing was to his liking; he appeared humble but was actually arrogant and had extraordinary insight into the domestic film market.

More importantly, this kid can talk about both domestic and foreign film styles. I really don't know where he learned that. Isn't he from a cinematography background?

Zhou Yun shook her head and stopped talking, focusing on packing her things and taking care of Jiang Wen.

Jiang Wen has been married several times, but he finally chose Zhou Yun, which was obviously not just because she was young and beautiful.

Men, regardless of age, all like beautiful women, but it is only after middle age that they want a considerate, caring, and attentive wife.

With the National Day holiday over, "Cruise" has reached a new box office peak of 57 million!

With another week to go, breaking 60 million is no longer a problem.

The 60 million yuan box office in 2007 was already a significant force to be reckoned with.

Ning Hao's box office of over 20 million yuan has already made him famous, and Gu Qing has made an even bigger splash this time.

"Mr. Han, it's rare to receive a call from you."

The next day, Gu Qing was busy at the company when she suddenly received a call from Han Sanping.

After the movie was released, he stopped seeing the other party. It was Chen Ze who communicated with him and reported on the movie's box office performance.

"Haha, you're really patient, aren't you? You wouldn't call me unless I called you?"

"Now that the movie has been released, what's next? Any progress? Since you have some free time now, why don't you take some time to come to China Film Group with a plan?"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Han Sanping got straight to the point and hung up the phone without giving Gu Qing a chance to refuse.

Hearing the beeping sound in her ear, Gu Qing felt an itch in her teeth, but she didn't say anything.

Although Han Sanping was domineering, he had indeed helped him a lot. Now that Han Sanping needed his help, he couldn't refuse.