Chapter 229: "Whiplash" became popular before filming, director Zhou's love affair wa
On May 5, the blockbuster "Resurrection of the Dragon" was taken off the screen after being released for a month, and the total box office was quickly reported.
7000 million.
Much lower than industry expectations.
You should know that the total investment of this film is as high as 1.6 million!
The slogan was shouted so loudly before, saying that it would surpass "Now You See Me", but it turned out to be a huge joke.
The total box office is less than half of the investment.
Director Li Rengang and other main creators almost fainted in the toilet from crying.
Han Sanping, the producer and distributor, was also very depressed.
I had been hoping that "Resurrection of the Dragon" would bring me great fame, but in the end I got a slap in the face.
Well, let’s still count on “Red Cliff” and “Mei Lanfang”.
But the most depressed person is undoubtedly Andy Lau.
Through this movie, he successfully earned the title of "box office poison".
Many people on the Internet are saying that Liu Dehua cannot carry the box office. Every movie he stars in loses money, no matter how big the production is.
"Haha, what's coming has finally come. You can't avoid it even if you try to avoid it."
As a person who has been reborn, Zhou Qing couldn't help but laugh.
In the original time and space, Liu Dehua was dubbed the "box office poison" after the box office failure of "The Warring States".
It’s just that at that time, “The Warring States” collided head-on with his own “Painted Skin”, so although it was tragic, it allowed Liu Dehua to successfully avoid the firepower.
But who would have thought that after two years, this hat would still be put on Liu Dehua's head.
But I have to say that this hat is not wrong.
Since "The Warring States", Liu Dehua has filmed "The Disciples", "The Warlords" and this "The Dragon Resurrection", and the box office performance of each film can be said to be unsatisfactory.
"The Disciples" had a box office of only 2000 million with an investment of 1450 million. It is true that "The Warlords" had a box office of 2 million, but the cost was as high as 3 million!
The same goes for "Resurrection of the Dragon", the box office is not as high as the cost.
It is indeed difficult to describe Andy Lau’s performance over the years.
"This hat is easy to put on, but hard to take off."
Liu Dehua even called to complain to Zhou Qing.
"These are just some netizens shouting nonsense, why should Brother Hua take it to heart?"
Zhou Qing smiled at Liu Dehua.
"'Box office poison' is really deadly. How can I not take it seriously?"
Liu Dehua's voice still sounded quite conflicted.
"Director Zhou, please consider me next time you make a movie. Help me get rid of the label of 'box office poison'. The remuneration is negotiable. I can even bring in money to join the crew."
After the two sides chatted for a while, Liu Dehua spoke to Zhou Qing seriously again.
Zhou Qing did not doubt the sincerity of Liu Dehua's words, but it was a pity that whether to use Liu Dehua depended on the specific situation.
Who knows what his next movie will be?
"It depends on whether there are suitable roles. Also, who can guarantee that the movie they star in won't lose money? I'd say your next movie will definitely make a lot of money."
Zhou Qing didn't promise anything and continued chatting with Hua Zai calmly.
“You don’t lose money on the movies you make.”
Liu Dehua thought about it and said to Zhou Qing very seriously.
Zhou Qing was speechless.
After all, it is true!
But he is a cheater. Can a cheater be the same as ordinary people?
"Director Zhou."
The assistant director has sent a letter saying that the relevant roles for Whiplash have been selected.
In addition to training in drums and preparing for the film, Zhou Qing had another job: reviewing resumes and watching audition videos.
But this job didn't last long.
Firstly, there are really not many characters in "Whiplash", and the main shots are focused on that one band.
Secondly, assistant directors are all professionals, and the possibility of problems with the small roles they choose is very low.
In just one morning, Zhou Qing browsed through all the characters.
Just as I expected, there was no problem.
"Xiao Liu."
Zhou Qing didn't waste any time and immediately instructed Xiao Liu to announce the casting information for "Whiplash".
“The main creators and cast of the movie Whiplash are as follows:
Producer: Zhou Qing Studio, China Film Group
Director: Zhou Qing
main character:
Drummer Zhou Ping: Zhou Qing
Teacher Lin: Feng Yuanzheng
Huang Ying: Liu Yifei
Zhou Ping's father: Wang Zhiwen
......"
As soon as the cast list was announced, the entire circle suddenly became lively.
To be more precise, it was very lively and sparked very intense and extensive discussions.
After all, the actors involved in "Whiplash" this time are really eye-catching and explosive.
"Am I seeing things right? The drummer is the male lead, right? He's Director Zhou's?"
"Zhou Qing? This shouldn't be an actor with the same name, right?"
"So Director Zhou wrote, directed, and starred in this movie?"
It can be said that the actor who played the role of drummer Zhou Ping immediately attracted great attention from the entire circle.
No one expected that it would be Director Zhou himself who would act in the role!
You know, when the movie "Whiplash" was exposed, many male actors were eyeing the role of the male lead.
But in the end, they were told that the role had already been decided.
Everyone was still wildly guessing who was so lucky to get the leading role in yet another art film directed by Director Zhou.
The media and netizens have also turned into Sherlock Holmes, analyzing and speculating who is the most suitable candidate.
However, no one expected that it was Director Zhou himself!
I have to say that this result really hurt everyone's back.
In addition to being surprised and stunned, everyone was instantly filled with endless anticipation for Zhou Qing's screen debut.
After all, when a top mainland director goes to act in a movie, who wouldn’t want to see what the performance will be like?
"Director Zhou, is this a good director who can act? I support you, I must support you!"
"What do you mean a good director can also act? Director Zhou is from the acting department of Beijing Film Academy, okay?"
"That's right, Director Zhou is a serious actor!"
"The one upstairs, I really can't remember it if you don't tell me."
No one expected that just the announcement of a cast list would cause such high attention for Whiplash.
The attention received was much higher than when Zhou Qing’s previous films were announced.
It is no exaggeration to say that "Whiplash" was truly a hit before it was even filmed.
"Did this guy finally remember that he's an actor?"
Wang Jinsong, the former class teacher, couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle.
Speaking of my student, I am definitely the most "unique" one. I have graduated for two years and have not acted in any play.
I'm afraid the entire Beijing Film Academy assumes that Zhou Qing is a director and ignores his identity as an actor?
Even Wang Jinsong, Zhou Qing's class teacher, is like this.
"Liu Yifei? Liu Yifei again? This is the third part, right?"
"Who said it wasn't true? She was approached for three consecutive plays, and they said there was nothing wrong with them?"
"Liu Yifei again? She has become Director Zhou's favorite actress!"
As for Liu Yifei's role in Zhou Qing's movie again, the actresses in the circle were filled with nothing but envy, jealousy and hatred.
My eyes are red with envy!
Damn it. Why?
Why is Liu Yifei chosen by Director Zhou again and again?
"Painted Skin" asked her to be cast, "Now You See Me" asked her to be cast, and now "Whiplash" is also casting her?
Is Liu Yifei so outstanding?
How come we didn’t see it?
I can only say that Liu Yifei is really lucky to have a great director like Director Zhou as her classmate.
Everyone attributed Liu Yifei's performance to her classmate relationship with Zhou Qing.
After all, everyone can see Liu Yifei's professional ability, which is really far worse than Zhou Xun's.
Director Zhou asked Zhou to act twice in a row, and everyone had nothing to say, after all, Zhou Xun’s acting was really good.
But Liu Yifei’s acting is just average.
The romantic rumors between Zhou Qing and Liu Yifei were once again hyped up.
But what no one knows is that Liu Yifei’s role in "Whiplash" this time is only a pitiful five minutes!
A supporting role that couldn’t be any smaller.
Even actresses as small as Liu Yifei's status would never consider playing supporting roles.
The girl was just a supporting role to support Zhou Qing.
It's completely different from what everyone imagines.
Many media outlets have contacted us, wanting to interview Zhou Qing, Liu Yifei, and other cast members.
It’s just a pity that neither Zhou Qing nor others are too lazy to respond to this meaningless gossip.
"Producer Zhang."
After communicating with producer Zhang about the relevant issues again, the preparations for "Whiplash" will be completed in another week.
In fact, it is okay to say that the preparations are complete now. There are still some minor details left, which can be put in place after the start of production.
However, Zhou Qing's training is not yet perfect, and he plans to strive for greater perfection.
Therefore, Producer Zhang doesn't need to be in a hurry and can just take his time to prepare.
"By the time I finish training, I'm afraid it will really be the end of the month."
After some communication with the drummer teacher, Zhou Qing had a clear idea.
He had originally planned to start filming in May, but now that seems unlikely.
I'm afraid it will have to be delayed until June.
Even if it really starts in May, it will be completed at the end of the month.
It all depends on when Zhou Qing's training can reach the required level.
"Crazy Racing" will be released next month, and Ning Hao has already started promoting the film in full swing with the main creators.
Everyone in the industry knows that this is another movie from the golden combination of Zhou Qing and Ning Hao, and they are generally looking forward to it.
In addition, Ning Hao also became famous through "Stone" and "Lost on Journey", so the publicity effect is still very good.
"Aoko, I know you're busy with Whiplash, so I won't bother you with the promotions. But if you have time during the premiere, you still have to come over."
Ning Hao called Zhou Qing, and his main purpose was to hold the premiere press conference.
After all, that thing is really important to a movie, and no producer would underestimate it.
The same is true for Ning Hao.
Zhou Qing naturally agreed to this happily.
Like Ning Hao, he is looking forward to the box office success of "Crazy Racing".
"Director Zhou!"
Just as Tian Zhuangzhuang said, Cao Baoping really came to the door.
The other party was a teacher from Beijing Film Academy, and Zhou Qing warmly entertained him in the reception room.
"Director Zhou..."
"Teacher Cao, you are too polite. Just call me by my name."
"Well, I'll just be generous and call you Zhou Qing."
Cao Baoping did not insist either.
After all, he is a professor at Beijing Film Academy, so it is not appropriate to call him Director Zhou all the time.
What's more, Zhou Qing is still studying for a master's degree at Beijing Film Academy. He is a genuine student of Beijing Film Academy.
A graduate student is also a student, right?
"Teacher Tian should have mentioned to you that I came here to beg for alms."
After a brief greeting, Cao Baoping explained the purpose of his visit in a self-deprecating way.
There was a bitter look on his face.
It's difficult for those of them who are directors.
Even though Cao Baoping had already made two films, and "The Glory of Fury" had a terrific reputation and won many awards, he still couldn't attract investment.
Ultimately, it was because "The Glory and the Fury" had such a terrible box office.
But what the investors care about is the box office.
Therefore, Cao Baoping's new film has been in preparation for a long time, and the process can only be described by the word "difficult".
"Teacher Cao, you're joking. My studio already has film and television investment business. I couldn't ask for more to be able to work with an excellent director like Teacher Cao."
Zhou Qing smiled and said politely.
Seeing that Zhou Qing's attitude was indeed very positive, Cao Baoping felt relieved a lot.
Although he doesn't know whether he can attract investment in the end, he is still relatively optimistic based on the atmosphere in the early stages.
"I dare not call myself 'excellent' in front of you. You are one of the best directors in Beijing Film Academy."
Cao Baoping waved his hands hurriedly, looking as if he couldn't accept it.
Just look at the awards that "Glory and Fury" won. They are not even close to what Zhou Qing has achieved, okay?
Zhou Qing naturally started to be humble immediately.
The two sides were exchanging pleasantries with each other, and it was a very joyful occasion.
"Teacher Cao, where is your script? I can't wait to read it."
After the "warm-up", the two sides talked about business, and Zhou Qing took the initiative to speak to Cao Baoping.
Cao Baoping took out the script he had brought with him and handed it to Zhou Qing.
Zhou Qing took a glance and nodded secretly in his heart.
"Li Mi's Conjecture".
It turned out to be just as I expected.
As for this movie, Zhou Qing had actually thought about it a long time ago and he had decided to invest in it.
Although the box office of "Li Mi's Conjecture" was only 1400 million, which is not too high, its reputation is still very strong.
The rating on Douban is as high as 8.1.
She also won a lot of awards and helped Zhou Xun win a Golden Rooster Award for Best Actress.
He also won the Best New Director Award at A-level film festivals such as the San Sebastian International Film Festival.
In a nutshell, forget about making money.
But even though Zhou Qing wants to make money, he shouldn't just focus on making money, right?
It's also very good to earn a name at the right time.
So yes, for Zhou Qing, "Li Mi's Conjecture" has investment value.
"Teacher Cao, your book is very interesting. I've submitted it."
So after pretending to read it, Zhou Qing spoke seriously to Cao Baoping.
Cao Baoping, who was sitting opposite him, immediately had a flash of joy in his eyes. (End of this chapter)