Chapter 352 Film History No. 4, Zhang Guoshen Talks
Chapter 352: Fourth in Film History, Returning to China for a Deep Talk
In the fifth week after Inception was released, which was also the time when Wang Hao and his team were in Japan, the film still had a box office of 1.12 million yuan in China.
In North America, although "Inception" was not as good as other newly released movies, it still earned $0.792 million.
Combined with the $0.813 million box office that rose against the trend after the expansion of overseas release areas, "Inception"'s global box office total for its fifth week was $1.782 million, and the cumulative total box office reached $12.184 billion.
This result directly surpassed the box office of 2003 billion US dollars of "The Lord of the Rings 3: The Return of the King" in 11.47, and jumped from the original tenth place in the global movie box office rankings to the fourth place.
Yes, it ranks fourth in global film history!
Currently, the only film that ranks ahead of Wang Hao's "Inception" is "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2011", which earned 13.57 billion yuan in box office in .
"Titanic" grossed $1997 billion in 18.43.
And "Avatar", which ranked first in film history with a box office of 27.88 billion US dollars.
Wang Hao is the first and only Chinese director to achieve such results.
So when Wang Hao took a plane back to Beijing and appeared in the airport lobby, he was surrounded by a large number of media reporters.
Of course, the relevant box office results spread in the country at the first time. The titles "Fourth in Global Film History" and "No. 1 in China's Box Office" naturally appeared on the poster of "Inception" at the fastest speed.
Therefore, the media reporters who learned about Wang Hao's itinerary immediately rushed to the Shanghai International Airport to stake out in order to obtain first-hand information.
Ranked fourth in global film history!
The Chinese movie box office is number one!
This was the first time that Chinese directors stepped onto the world stage, proving that our directors are not only capable of making good commercial films, but also good science fiction films.
In this age where economy is king, Wang Hao's achievements are much more impressive than when Zhang Guoshi and his colleagues' films won awards at foreign film festivals.
This is the glory of the Chinese film and television industry, and also the glory of China.
In particular, the total box office performance of "Inception" in the mainland has now reached 12.95 billion. According to this momentum, it is very likely to surpass "Avatar", which is ranked first in the mainland movie box office rankings, next week.
After so many years, the top spot in China's box office rankings is finally no longer a Hollywood movie.
"Director Wang! Do you have anything to say about Inception ranking fourth in the global box office?"
"Director Wang! Director Wang! As the first Chinese director with a global box office of over $10 billion, how do you feel now?"
"Director Wang! I'm from the movie channel!"
Wang Hao stopped and pointed at the film channel reporter who had just introduced himself.
"Everyone, please be quiet. This is a public place after all. If you block the way like this, it will not be a good thing for other passengers at the airport, as well as for yourselves.
Next, I will answer one question. As for the others... Galaxy Pictures will hold a celebration party for Inception soon. Everyone can come and show their support. I will answer any questions you have."
Wang Hao said this and signaled the reporter from the movie channel to start asking questions.
The reporter was also a little nervous under the gaze of so many people.
"Hello, Director Wang. First of all, congratulations on your film Inception achieving the fourth place in the global box office.
I think what everyone is more concerned about now is, are you satisfied with this result? And do you still have the confidence to take another step forward and strive for the third place in world film history? "
All the media reporters turned their eyes to Wang Hao.
Third in film history!
This is different from the fourth place in film box office history.
The number "three" has a special status in Chinese culture.
In ancient times, only the top three candidates in the imperial examination were selected: the first place was called Zhuangyuan, the second place was called Bangyan, and the third place was called Tanhua.
Among the famous mountains and rivers, there are the "Three Mountains" and the "Five Peaks", and the "Three Mountains" come first.
There is also the saying in Tao Te Ching: "Tao begets one, one begets two, two begets three, and three begets all things."
Three Talents: Heaven, Earth and Man.
Three masters: the king, parents, and teachers.
Even in the Olympic competition, there are three levels: champion, runner-up and third place.
Ranked fourth in global film history, but it’s not as loud and nice as “top three in global box office history.”
Moreover, the media reporters on the scene all understand the psychology of the masses. In this era, the market economy has begun to show signs of taking off, and the general public has a higher demand for cultural confidence. From top to bottom, they all urgently hope that their country can be recognized by the world.
At this time, being able to achieve certain breakthroughs in the cultural field is an exciting thing for everyone.
Especially now that the fifth week results of "Inception" have come out, there has been a craze in the country.
If Wang Hao dares to make such a bold statement in front of everyone today, then tomorrow the news media will write even more exaggerated headlines, like "Shocking, Chinese films enter the top three in world film history", "The first person in Chinese film history, the top three in the world is just the beginning", which will completely detonate this trend.
Wang Hao was well aware of this, so he smiled brightly, nodded firmly and seriously, and said:
“Top three in film history?
Of course, it’s easy as pie!”
Such domineering words coming out of the mouth of the young Wang Hao, especially under such circumstances where everyone was paying attention, truly showed an unparalleled strong spirit.
The media reporters immediately pressed the shutter buttons in their hands, sending off the first Chinese commercial director with countless dazzling flashes.
After getting on the business car arranged by the company in advance, Wang Hao was the first to answer the call from Mr. Han Sanye.
Mr. Han Sanye on the other end of the phone didn't say much, but just asked Wang Hao to go see him as soon as he adjusted his condition.
What else could Wang Hao say? He asked the company staff to arrange the crew members of "Inception" first, and then he took a car to Huaying Group to meet with Mr. Han Sanye.
He knew that if it wasn't an important matter, Mr. Han wouldn't be so anxious to see him.
Sure enough, seeing Wang Hao rushing over, Mr. Han was not surprised. After asking him to sit down, he got straight to the point and said:
"I should retire the year after next."
Mr. Han Sanye said this in a neutral tone, as if stepping down from the position of chairman of Huaying Group was just a trivial matter.
As for Wang Hao, he remained very calm when he first heard about this.
On the one hand, Mr. Han is almost 60 years old, so it is normal for him to retire at this age.
On the other hand, Wang Hao also had the memories of his previous life and knew that the other party was about to retreat at this time. He was mentally prepared, so he was not surprised.
"But before I retire, I have no regrets as I was able to produce a film like Inception that can bear witness to the history of Chinese cinema."
Han Sanye said this to Wang Hao with a smile, so of course he couldn't remain silent, so he quickly said:
"Uncle Han, we still have a long way to go. This is just Inception. The future of Chinese films will depend on the guidance of seniors like you who care about the development of the industry!"
Han Sanping smiled and waved his hand.
"No, no.
This man has to admit that he is old. Our old ways are outdated in today's market-oriented world. The future still depends on you young people.
The only thing that worries me is that you have gone too far. In Chinese society, if a tree stands out in the forest, it will be destroyed by the wind. You should learn to be humble and make more friends."
Wang Hao nodded when he heard this, thinking that this man was worthy of having been the chairman of China Film Group for so many years. Although he said verbally that he was out of date, he actually saw the development of the Chinese film industry more clearly than anyone else.
He is pointing out to himself that the entertainment industry is a complicated world and cannot be changed by ideals alone.
Wang Hao also knew that with the massive invasion of capital, the Chinese entertainment industry would indeed be in chaos in the future, with countless cases of despicable intrigues and violations of laws and regulations.
If he wants to stop this from happening, he must stand against the invading capital. Stopping others from making money in the entertainment industry is just offending people.
"Of course, you don't need to be too nervous about this."
Han Sanping continued:
"The person who will take my place at that time is the one you met last time, Director La.
He has lived abroad before, and he highly respects the production system of overseas films. He also promotes it vigorously in China. This coincides with your idea, so he should appreciate you very much.
So I will invite him to the celebration party for Inception this time. It will only do you good if you visit him more often in the future. "
"Uncle Han! You..."
Wang Hao showed gratitude on his face at the right time, and Han Sanping waved his hand.
"You don't have to be like this, I'm just saying hello to you first, so that you won't be caught off guard.
After all, I haven't retired yet. In the next year, if you have any problems, just tell me. I will take the opportunity before I retire to help you get everything I can.
As for how to go on from now on, it depends on you.
But you must remember that your old man worked in the Beijing Film Studio all his life and devoted his life to our country's film industry. As his grandson, you must not embarrass him.
As long as you keep your original intention of working hard for the development of the Chinese film and television industry and don't do anything illegal or change your nationality, you can do whatever you want and we will support you."
Wang Hao's face turned serious after hearing these words, and he nodded immediately.
"Don't worry, Uncle Han. I will not let your help go to waste."
The tone of the conversation between the two parties was completely set. Wang Hao did not say that he would take care of his daughter even if he retired in the future. This matter was already self-evident.
Han Sanping soon got down to business.
“Two things.
One is your "Inception". We decided to extend its release time in China and break the record of "Avatar" ranking first in the domestic box office rankings at all costs.
Second, there will be a celebration party for Inception. In addition to Director La, the head of the publicity department will also attend. Your company should prepare in advance."
"what!"
Wang Hao was immediately surprised. He didn't expect that a senior leader would come to attend the celebration party of his own movie.
This is truly the first time in history. Even a great director like Zhang Yimou has never received such treatment.
The only problem is that the celebration party they had previously held for "Inception" may have to be rescheduled.
After all, it is an official leader who will be present at the scene, and the media will be present. We have to take the leaders' taboos into consideration and pay special attention to some things.
"By the way, when will your celebration party be held so I can report back to the leader?" Han Sanping asked at this time.
Wang Hao thought about it and adjusted the date to a later date, "Three days later."
Then he asked Han Sanping, "By the way, should we notify Leonardo and the others to come over from Hollywood?"
Han Sanping pondered for a moment, then said:
“I will ask my leader for instructions and give you a reply then.
But I think it should be possible. After all, one of the great achievements of the movie "Inception" is that it went global and promoted cultural exchanges between China and the United States.
It’s also a great thing to have a superstar like Leonardo present.”
Wang Hao nodded. He originally thought that the leader would mind that foreigners would be present at the celebration and steal their limelight, but he didn't expect that the leader didn't care.
However, considering that the international situation is still acceptable at the moment and that China still has a filter for the United States as a world beacon, this behavior is very normal.
The two of them sat there drinking tea and talked about his trip to Japan.
“Regarding what you said about promoting cultural exchanges at home and abroad through film and television projects and establishing an East Asian cultural circle, this is not a trivial matter.
I also asked the higher-ups, and they said that in addition to our cultural and propaganda departments, this also involves the diplomatic department, and the matter is very complicated.
So before this celebration party, he wants to hear your opinion again.
But you don't have to worry. Promoting friendly exchanges between the two peoples has actually been done before, so what you did is not out of line.
But we rarely have such planned and purposeful communication activities.
If it is done well, it may be a plus in the eyes of the leaders. "
"That's good."
Wang Hao smiled and said:
"I am mainly worried about policy issues. After all, you know that the international situation is very complicated. I don't want things to go well, but suddenly there is a conflict and the relationship becomes tense."
"You don't have to worry about that."
Han Sanping could understand Wang Hao's concerns. After all, young people had never worked in the system and had no idea about many things.
Especially when it comes to matters involving diplomacy, it is actually a good thing to be cautious.
"In the cultural field, the higher authorities will of course strictly control it, there is no doubt about that.
As for the others, I think with your abilities, you should be able to take the lead and take a leading position in the process of establishing this kind of cultural exchange.
If that is the case, the higher-ups will only be happy that we can expand our international influence in the cultural field. Why would they object?
Unless you have no confidence in yourself."
"Of course I have confidence!" Wang Hao answered straightforwardly.
"That's okay."
Master Han San also had a smile on his face.
"During this period, I have also learned about the situation of the Japanese and Korean film and television circles. I have to say that when it comes to young directors, our country still has an advantage as long as we have you."
(End of this chapter)