Chapter 519: With a box office of over 40 billion, can "Barbie" sweep the Oscars again?
"The filming of 'Volunteers: The Heroic Soldiers' has started. Can Brother Chen Kai create the glory of 'The Battle at Lake Changjin' again?"
"Brother Chen Kai has written a new chapter in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea. The 'Volunteer Army' series of films is currently being filmed."
"Director Zhang Yimou's new film "Red River" has finished filming, and the ancient costume suspense comedy has aroused great expectations."
"The wrap-up special of "Red River" was released, and Zhang Yimou shared his thoughts on the film creation process."
In the past few months, the Chinese entertainment industry has been extremely lively.
Some of the top directors are constantly taking action.
First, Zhou Qing, the top director of China Entertainment, started another co-production film "Barbie", which was completed in mid-August.
Immediately afterwards, Chen Shishi, one of the top directors in mainland China, also started his new movie.
Although the performance of the films made by poet Chen in recent years is hard to describe.
The box office was generally not very good and the word of mouth was also disappointing.
He is far ahead of countless directors in the industry.
Even if we take out those "Zhou Qing-style directors", each one of them is capable of surpassing poet Chen.
But what can I say? The Golden Palm really gave poet Chen a golden statue.
That trophy will really make him live a life of luxury.
Even if poet Chen doesn't perform well in the future, he is still one of the top directors in the industry.
The other party's new film, as always, has attracted great attention from the entire circle.
What's even more interesting?
It turns out that the movie made by poet Chen was also about the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.
It is still led by China Film Group.
Damn, isn’t this highly similar to “The Battle at Lake Changjin” directed by Zhou Qing?
This is really interesting.
Chen Shishi and Zhou Qing are both top directors in mainland China, and have both made films about the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea.
Even the time is so close.
In this case, how could anyone not compare the two films?
Can poet Chen's "Volunteer Army" achieve the same brilliant results as "Changjin Lake"?
This is a hot topic that many people in the circle are discussing.
"Director Chen and Director Zhou Qing also directed the film The Battle at Lake Changjin, which was about the Korean War and achieved very impressive results."
"Do you think your "Volunteer Army" can surpass Director Zhou's "Changjin Lake"?"
Even at the launch conference, there were fearless media who specifically asked poet Chen this question.
"This is the press conference for 'The Volunteer Army'. Please ask some questions about 'The Volunteer Army'."
Poet Chen simply refused to accept the challenge.
But his expression darkened a little.
"Director Zhou, Director Chen also directed a movie about the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, The Volunteer Army. What do you think of that?"
Some media outlets, who were eager to watch the fun, even interviewed Zhou Qing.
Zhou Qing was also too lazy to pay attention.
With his current level, how could he possibly answer such random questions?
But as a person who has been reborn, Zhou Qing couldn't help but secretly complain that when "The Volunteer Army" is released, Chen Shishi's situation will probably become more and more embarrassing.
You have to know that the box office of "The Volunteer Army" is really far worse than that of "Changjin Lake".
The first film didn’t even reach 10 billion!
Now everyone is comparing "The Volunteer Army" and "Changjin Lake".
When "Volunteer Army" is released, this topic will undoubtedly be brought up again.
It will definitely be quite lively by then.
In addition, Master Zhang’s new film “Man Jiang Hong” has also been completed.
This film is also the most important film project in the industry.
Because of the director, it is much more important than Chen Shishi’s "Volunteer Army"!
So, this year’s Chinese entertainment industry is really lively.
Zhou Qing, Zhang Guoshi, Chen Shishi, several top directors, have all released new films!
If nothing unexpected happens, these new films will be released next year.
So what about another top director, Feng Xiaogang?
Well, Feng Xiaogang didn’t release any works this year.
However, last year, he starred in a heartwarming movie "Hachiko: A Dog's Story".
It is hard to tell whether it is a remake of Hollywood's "Hachiko: A Dog's Story" or Japan's "Hachiko: A Dog's Story".
But the story is still the same story.
So far, there has been no news on the release date.
I'm afraid it will be released next year.
It is foreseeable that next year will be a year of battles among the gods.
"Lu Yang's new film "Miracle Stupid Kid" has finished filming, paying tribute to everyone who strives to pursue happiness."
"Miracle Stupid Kid has officially wrapped up filming, and Director Lu Yang said this is the movie he has filmed with the most care."
Of course, we can’t forget Lu Yang’s “Miracle·Stupid Kid”.
This masterpiece produced by Zhou Qing Pictures was also completed in early October.
As for director Lu Yang, his level is a little lower than that of top directors like Zhou, Zhang, Chen and Feng.
But basically, they are all big names below these top directors!
He has directed several blockbuster films that grossed over 10 billion or 20 billion yuan.
And to be honest, if you only look at the data without considering the rank, except for Zhou Qing, the other big directors like Zhang, Chen and Feng are all left far behind by Lu Yang.
Of course, Master Zhang's "Man Jiang Hong" is an exception.
The film grossed an astonishing box office of over 40 billion.
At present, it can be ranked in the top ten in the entire history of Chinese entertainment films.
So, in the eyes of the current directors, Master Zhang is indeed the undisputed number one after Zhou Qing.
Without any exaggeration, without any water.
But that’s for later.
At present, Master Zhang’s data cannot catch up with Lu Yang’s.
Therefore, Lu Yang's "Miracle: Stupid Kid" is no less popular than these blockbusters.
It can even be said that it is only second to Zhou Qing's "Barbie"!
"Director Zhou, the post-production of Stupid Kid will take about three months to complete."
"That is to say, the finished film will probably be out in January next year."
As soon as Lu Yang returned to Zhou Qing Pictures, he reported the relevant situation to Zhou Qing.
"Work harder, the film must be completed before January."
After a moment of hesitation, Zhou Qing gave Lu Yang such a death order.
Since "Miracle: The Silly Kid" is in this production cycle, its release date is only February next year.
There is definitely no need to think about the Spring Festival schedule on January 1nd.
However, there was already a super beast called "Man Jiang Hong" in the Spring Festival period, so it was not a good idea to go.
Taking all factors into consideration, February next year is the most suitable release date for "Miracle Stupid Kid".
But this has a prerequisite, you have to set aside time for promotion.
In this day and age, if you don’t carry out adequate publicity and promotion, you are simply courting death.
Therefore, "Miracle: Stupid Kid" must be released in December, otherwise Zhou Qing can only consider next year's summer vacation.
"Don't worry, Director Zhou, it won't delay the release of the movie."
Lu Yang agreed immediately without any nonsense.
It's just a matter of catching up on progress or something, that's not a big deal.
"Okay, get busy." After sending Lu Yang away, Zhou Qing also got busy.
As of now, 95 percent of the post-production work on "Barbie" has been completed.
There is only a little finishing touch left.
With Zhou Qing's full-level skills, it was completely easy and enjoyable.
In just one week, all the work was completed.
Zhou Qing reviewed the finished film one last time and nodded with satisfaction.
The "Barbie" created by myself is three points better than the original "Barbie"!
Zhou Qing became more and more satisfied with the prospects of this movie.
"Director Jiao..."
So what are you hesitating about next?
Zhou Qing immediately notified all the producers of "Barbie" and asked them to come to Zhou Qing Pictures to watch the film.
Because "Barbie" is a Sino-US co-production, there are two producers on the Chinese side.
Just like the original "Life of Pi", it was Zhou Qing Pictures and China Film.
What about Hollywood?
Zhou Qing's Crown Pictures is indispensable, but there is also another Hollywood giant to provide support.
Which one?
It is Sony, the copyright holder of Barbie.
Knowing that the finished film of "Barbie" is out, several producers are interested in it.
A week later, they all gathered at Zhou Qing Pictures.
"Director Zhou."
"Director Zhou."
After meeting, everyone greeted Zhou Qing enthusiastically.
Although they haven't seen the movie yet, everyone is already full of confidence.
Who said that the films directed by Zhou Qing have never failed so far?
"Director Zhou, let me introduce you. This is Mr. Kate. He is a senior executive from Mattel."
Sony also introduced another unexpected "guest" to Zhou Qing.
"Director Zhou, I've heard of your name for a long time and have always wanted to meet you. Now I finally get my wish."
Kate was also extremely enthusiastic towards Zhou Qing.
"Mr. Kate, you are so polite. Please come in."
Zhou Qing shook hands with the other party and didn't say much.
But he couldn't help but glance at the senior executives from Sony.
Although Mattel is the manufacturer of Barbie toys, strictly speaking, it has no right to interfere in the creation of the "Barbie" movie.
Mattel has licensed the film and television adaptation rights of Barbie to Sony, which later licensed it to Crown Pictures.
No matter how many times it changed hands during this period, it is certain that it has nothing to do with Mattel.
If that’s the case, why did Mattel come over to watch the film?
Sony is really something, why didn’t they tell me about this in advance?
Zhou Qing was secretly complaining in his heart.
But there was nothing much to say now, I just enthusiastically invited everyone to watch the movie.
"Wonderful, really wonderful!"
"This is absolutely the best movie I've seen this year!"
“Asking Director Zhou to direct was definitely the best decision I ever made.”
After watching the film, all the producers expressed high praise for the film.
Like Director Yang of Crown Pictures and Jiao Hongfen of China Film, there is no need to say much about these people.
They have always had a very close relationship with Zhou Qing and have always had great trust in Zhou Qing.
I won't easily make comments on Zhou Qing's movies.
What's more, Zhou Qing's movies were really well made, which really impressed them.
What’s more important is that the people from Sony and Mattel all had their eyes lit up.
We gave Barbie a warm and heartfelt round of applause.
All kinds of compliments were given without cost, and Barbie and Zhou Qing were praised to the sky.
It can be seen that these two companies are indeed very satisfied with "Barbie".
"Director Zhou, let's talk about the distribution of Barbie. What are your thoughts?"
After some business exchanging, everyone started to discuss business.
Now that the finished film of "Barbie" is out, the most important thing is naturally its distribution.
This is actually a complex issue.
Determining the release date, whether to strive for awards, and which awards to strive for all require careful consideration.
"Director Zhou, your film Barbie is so good, I think it will definitely win an Oscar."
“Even the most critical and eccentric judges will be conquered by it.”
During the discussion, Sony's head made this suggestion.
It immediately received strong support from all the producers on the scene.
Especially Jiao Hongfen from China Film Group, who not only raised his hands but even wanted to raise his feet as well.
Couldn't agree more.
"Life of Pi", produced during Han Sanping's tenure, was not only a global box office hit, but also won an Oscar, making Jiao Hongfen so envious that his eyes turned red.
How could Jiao Hongfen be willing to miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
"Thank you for your support of Barbie and your trust in me, but unfortunately, Barbie is a commercial film and lacks some artistry."
"Although I would like to win an Oscar again, it is almost impossible for Barbie to replicate the glory of Life of Pi and The Revenant."
But Zhou Qing, the director, just spread his hands and poured cold water on everyone.
That's right, he never intended to win an Oscar for "Barbie".
In the original time and space, "Barbie" was just a runner-up at the Oscars.
Although there were six nominations, they were all marginal nominations, not even a single important nomination.
In the end, it only won a consolation prize for Best Original Song.
This kind of record might be enough to excite many other people, but how could it move Zhou Qingfan's heart?
He really doesn't like it.
"Director Zhou, you underestimate yourself. In my opinion, Barbie is no worse than Life of Pi and The Revenant. They just have different styles."
“Well, judging by the style of Barbie, it’s a little difficult to sweep the Oscars like The Revenant did, but compared to other movies, Barbie also has advantages!”
The person in charge of Sony refused to give up and began to persuade Zhou Qinglai again.
However, Zhou Qing’s meaning was very clear, he really had no interest in "Barbie" participating in the Oscars.
So what else can Sony do?
Although he is the copyright holder and one of the producers of "Barbie", he does not have the final say on the promotion and marketing strategy of "Barbie".
Because the main controller of "Barbie" is Crown Pictures!
In addition, the other producer, Zhou Qing Pictures, is also Director Zhou’s company, which means that Zhou Qing has the greatest say.
Seeing that Zhou Qing really didn't mean that, Sony didn't say anything more.
Instead, he discussed other related matters with Zhou Qing. (End of this chapter)