Chapter 353 Nolan's admiration for Zhou Qing, Zhou Qing Pictures finally failed
"Xue Xiaolu's new film Ocean Paradise was a flop, with only 700 million yuan at the box office on the first day."
"With a box office of 700 million on the first day, Ocean Paradise set a personal record of Xue Xiaolu and Li Lianjie."
"Even top directors and top stars can't save Ocean Paradise. Where is the future of art films?"
In early May, Xue Xiaolu's long-awaited movie "Ocean Paradise" was released, and the total box office surprised many people.
Not to mention 3000 or 4000 million, it's not even 1000 million, just 700 million!
Want to know who Xue Xiaolu is?
They are the backbone of the "Zhou Qing-style directors".
Since being discovered by Director Zhou, every film he has made has been extremely successful, and he has established his status in the industry in just a few films.
Especially Xue Xiaolu’s previous film "Beijing Meets Seattle 2", which had a total box office of 8.8 million!
It is more than 2 million higher than the highest box office of Zhang Guoshi's film "The Flowers of War", which was his career-highest box office.
If a director of this level releases a new film, who in the industry would dare not take it seriously or pay attention to it?
Although everyone knew from the beginning that "Ocean Paradise" was an art film, no one dared to underestimate it.
After all, the lineup of "Ocean Paradise" is really too strong.
Top director Xue Xiaolu, plus top star Li Lianjie!
With such god-level configuration, even an art film should be able to achieve good results, right?
For example, great directors like Zhou Qing and Zhang Guoshi, even their art films have quite good box office performance.
However, who would have thought that Xue Xiaolu's "Ocean Paradise" only had a box office of 700 million on the first day!
Don’t talk about how big the explosion is, at most it will just exceed 100 million.
Facts have proved that not every big director is Director Zhou, and even art films can be box office hits.
Countless colleagues in the industry were laughing at Zhou Qing's behavior.
Although they didn't dare to show anything, they were clapping and cheering in their hearts.
It wasn’t easy, Zhou Qing Pictures finally failed.
The myth of every hit released has finally been broken!
What?
"Ocean Paradise" is an art film. Isn't it a bit self-deceptive to just focus on the box office?
Who cares about these things? Anyway, just watch Zhou Qing Films make a fool of itself.
What?
Li Lianjie did not ask for any remuneration. The total cost of "Ocean Paradise" was only a few million?
Okay, just pretend I never said that!
"not bad."
On the contrary, Zhou Qing was extremely satisfied with the box office of "Ocean Paradise".
You have to know that in the original time and space, the total box office of "Ocean Paradise" was only 1400 million!
Now it has earned half of its original total box office on the first day, which is already a huge improvement.
What kind of bike do you want?
What's more, Zhou Qing's purpose in making this movie "Ocean Paradise" was not to make money.
Of course, on the other hand, despite this, "Ocean Paradise" can also make a lot of money for Zhou Qing.
The film's first-day box office of 700 million was not impressive, but its reputation and quality were strong, and it grossed 4100 million in the first week.
Based on this estimate, the total box office of "Ocean Paradise" will be between 1 million and 1.2 million.
Because of the extremely low cost, "Ocean Paradise" was able to make a lot of money in the end.
"Liying, congratulations, your "Legend of Lu Zhen" is so popular!"
"Yes, Liying, you starred in another hit drama!"
Although "Ocean Paradise" did not cause much splash, Zhou Qing Pictures still received some envious and jealous looks.
The TV series "Legend of Lu Zhen" starring its artist Zhao Liying is a hit!
The drama premiered on the toilet channel on May 5 and won the ratings championship in the same time period on the first day of its broadcast.
As the show continued to air, the ratings continued to rise.
Winning the ratings championship is an easy task, it can even be said that it is a direct sweep.
No other TV series of the same period can rival "The Legend of Lu Zhen".
As a reborn person, Zhou Qing knows that not only in the same period, but even in the whole year of 13, the ratings of "Legend of Lu Zhen" can be ranked third.
There is absolutely no problem in saying that it will become a huge hit.
If Xuejian and Ruoxi before only made Zhao Liying a quasi-first-line star.
Then this drama "Legend of Lu Zhen" completely made Zhao Liying a first-line star.
From this moment on, all artists under Zhou Qing Pictures are top-tier celebrities, without exception.
I have to say that this lineup is still very eye-catching.
"Thank you, Brother Yawen, thank you, Sister Yifei, and I have to thank Director Zhou for all this!"
Faced with the congratulations from her colleagues, Zhao Liying showed a sweet smile on her face and immediately became humble.
But the hint of pride between his brows could not be suppressed no matter what.
As the lead actress of "Legend of Lu Zhen", the girl is naturally happy from the bottom of her heart that the drama has become so popular.
"Liying, thank you is not just something you say with your mouth."
Zhu Yawen blinked and looked at Zhao Liying meaningfully.
"Yes, Liying, the TV series you starred in is so popular, shouldn't we celebrate it?"
Liu Yifei also smiled and agreed.
"Of course we should celebrate!"
"Director Zhou, Sister Yifei, Brother Yawen, you are not allowed to be absent. Today is my treat."
Zhao Liying immediately nodded heavily, willing to be slaughtered by everyone.
"Look how sensible Liying is. Unlike Lao Huang, she got away with it."
Zhu Yawen couldn't help but complain immediately.
Huang Bo's "Three Brothers in the Frontline" was also broadcast on Beijing Satellite TV's film channel at the end of April, and the results were equally impressive.
Just like "Legend of Lu Zhen", it immediately became the ratings champion as soon as it was broadcast, and it was an absolute leader.
The only regret is that the Beijing Satellite TV video channel is not a satellite channel.
This aspect cannot be compared with "The Legend of Lu Zhen".
After all, the toilet station is not only a star-rated station, but also one of the most powerful ones among the star-rated stations.
However, judging from the good data of "Brothers in Arms", it is only a matter of time before it is broadcast on TV.
As a person who has been reborn, Zhou Qing knows that the performance of "Brothers in Fire" after it was broadcast on TV is also very gratifying.
Many TV stations directly won the ratings championship and also won the championship in terms of online playback volume.
A genuine hit.
When Huang Bo learned the data, he laughed so hard that his mouth couldn't close.
It’s just that this guy had to attend the script reading for “Lost in Thailand” at the time, so he simply avoided the idea of treating anyone to a meal.
That's why Zhu Yawen complained about Huang Bo at this moment.
"Brother Bo is really enjoying great success this year."
Zhao Liying interrupted with a smile.
Huang Bo's "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" has been completed, and "Lost in Thailand", in which he plays an important supporting role, will also start shooting in mid-May.
The other party and the leading actor Wang Baoqiang have both joined the crew and are not in the company at the moment.
"Liying, don't just criticize Huang Bo, aren't you the same?"
Liu Yifei immediately said on the side.
Zhou Qing has said that the heroine of Lu Yang’s “Back to 20” this year is Zhao Liying!
Liu Yifei has already read the script of "Back to 20". It is a love comedy with some science fiction elements, and there are some touching parts that make the girl unable to stop watching it.
What is more critical?
This is a movie with a strong female lead!
It is also a movie with a female lead launched by Zhou Qing Pictures. Looking at the entire film industry, it is a top-notch movie project with great weight.
It’s enough to make the big names in the circle fight for it.
For Zhao Liying, it will definitely be one of the most important masterpieces in her career.
So the question is, why doesn’t Liu Yifei act in "Back to 20"?
There are two reasons.
First of all, the most important thing for the girl right now is to become a Chinese citizen.
Although all the necessary procedures have been completed and are nearing the end, who knows how long this matter will drag on?
Before the matter is officially settled, Liu Yifei will not easily accept any roles to avoid further delay.
Secondly, the girl is of course waiting for Zhou Qing’s new movie.
According to Zhou Qing's estimation, the post-production of "Life of Pi" will be completed around September.
So by then, will Zhou Qing start thinking about a new film?
"The sequel to Lost on Journey, Lost in Thailand, has started filming. The original cast members Xu Zheng and Wang Baoqiang have all returned, and Huang Bo has joined as a surprise."
"Lost in Thailand" has started filming. At the press conference, Xu Zheng thanked director Zhou Qing for his support."
On May 5, the filming of "Lost in Thailand" started, attracting a lot of attention.
In any case, this is also a film produced by Zhou Qing Pictures and written by Zhou Qing!
How can we not pay attention?
So far, there has been no movie with this configuration that has not been a hit.
However, even so, "Lost in Thailand", which is also a sequel, still receives less attention than the "Ip Man" series and the "Painted Skin" series.
It is also not as good as the sequel to "Beijing Meets Seattle".
It's not even as good as the sequel to "The Blade Strikes Back".
After all, "The Blade of the Assassin" also earned more than 2 million yuan at the box office at that time!
But what about Lost on Journey?
Only 6000 million!
Seeing all this, Zhou Qing couldn't help but feel a sense of evil interest.
When "Lost in Thailand" is released, I'm afraid it will dazzle many people's eyes!
"Director Zhou!"
Just as he was daydreaming, Wu Jing knocked on Zhou Qing's office door with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.
He has sent the latest version of the script of "Wolf Warrior" to Director Zhou. I wonder if it will please Director Zhou this time?
You should know that after "No Mercy 10" was released in October last year, Wu Jing started writing the script for "Wolf Warrior".
After returning from the annual holiday this year, a corresponding screenwriter team was formed, which shows how much importance they attach to "Wolf Warrior".
But even so, "Wolf Warrior" was beaten back by Zhou Qing four times.
It's nothing, the quality is indeed a bit lacking.
However, every time Zhou Qing would specifically point out the corresponding problems and give Wu Jing detailed guidance.
The quality of the script of "Wolf Warrior" is also visibly improving.
The final version that Wu Jing sent to himself three days ago finally met Zhou Qing's requirements.
"The script for Wolf Warrior is fine. You can proceed to the next step."
Facing Wu Jing's gaze, Zhou Qing uttered these words.
An excited and relieved smile finally appeared on Wu Jing's face.
"Director Zhou, my next step is to go to the army for training."
But Wu Jing soon straightened his face and said to Zhou Qing, "It should take quite a while."
Fearing that Zhou Qing would disagree, Wu Jing gave a long explanation to Zhou Qing.
He talked for a long time about things like serving the role, being responsible to the audience, etc.
After all, according to Wu Jing's plan, he will train in the army for a year and a half!
A full 18 months!
This period of time is really, really long.
During this period, Wu Jing could not bring any profit to Zhou Qing Pictures, which was a waste of Zhou Qing's time.
The average boss may not agree.
After all, they signed you to make money for the company.
However, Zhou Qing agreed without much hesitation.
Wu Jing had undergone 18 months of special training for Wolf Warriors, and Zhou Qing, as a reborn person, naturally knew this.
For a military-themed movie like "Wolf Warrior", Zhou Qing believes that this kind of special training is necessary.
Although he was trying to convince himself, Zhou Qing also agreed with Wu Jing's words.
Since you have made the film, you have to be responsible to the audience and at least have sincerity.
"Director Zhou, I'll go and make the arrangements then."
After getting Zhou Qing's permission, Wu Jing was surprised and happy, and immediately took the order and left in a hurry.
As for Zhou Qing?
As usual, I continued to work at Zhou Qing Pictures for a few days and then boarded a plane to Hollywood again.
"Smith."
"Director Zhou."
The first thing is to meet with R&H.
Now, the various special effects of "Life of Pi" have been in the works for more than half a year and are mostly completed.
According to the feedback from the R&H team, we are now entering the final stage.
However, Zhou Qing did not take it lightly. The more the situation became like this, the more he could not relax.
Just like he had done several times before, he solved all the problems that could be solved and communicated at R&H.
I was busy all the time and finally left R&H on June 6rd.
However, Zhou Qing did not return to Beijing immediately, because Nolan had received news a few days ago that the post-production of "Interstellar" had been completed.
It wasn’t easy. The film was completed in November last year.
After some calculation, the post-production work lasted for 8 months.
The project was launched in February last year, which means that "Interstellar" took a year and a half from the initiation of the project to the release of the film.
Of course, considering that this movie is "Interstellar", such a long wait is definitely worth it.
Zhou Qing is particularly interested in Liu Yifei's version of "Interstellar".
I wonder what the quality will be like?
With this curiosity, Zhou Qing and Nolan came together.
"Director Zhou, your script is truly breathtaking. I think only a true genius can write a story like Interstellar."
"Director Nolan, you're too polite. I think only you can really film this story well."
Although "Interstellar" was controlled by Crown Pictures, this movie viewing was the first time Zhou Qing and Nolan met.
However, both parties are well-known to each other and have been friends for a long time.
Therefore, both sides had a very pleasant chat during this meeting.
Although Zhou Qing's fame in Hollywood is far lower than Nolan's, Nolan is also polite to Zhou Qing and keeps a low profile.
After all, in terms of international rank, Nolan is not as good as Zhou Qing.
Although this person is young, he is definitely a rare genius. (End of this chapter)