Chapter 102: Breaking Records!
As Li Chen and the main cast stepped onto the stage, the host, He Jiong, began interacting with the five lead actors, Director Li Chen, and the guests and fans present.
The first person he asked was Director Li Chen.
"Director Li, we've all seen painted skin. This is your first major production. What was your original inspiration for conceiving painted skin?"
The first four tables in the front row were occupied by big-name directors and CEOs of film and television companies.
Li Chen's gaze lingered on Zhang Yimou, who was in the center, and he smiled, saying, "To be honest, the original intention was definitely forced by Director Zhang."
Zhang Yimou and the guests below the stage laughed. Only big directors like Li Chen dared to tease Zhang Yimou.
However, among the big directors, Zhang Yimou was the most down-to-earth, unlike some others.
He Jiong smiled and asked, "What do you mean, Director Li? Did Director Zhang force you to make painted skin?"
"Isn't that right? Director Zhang's Hero burst onto the scene, opening the door for Chinese blockbusters."
"Look at the directors present today. I'll make a bold prediction: apart from Director Chen Kaige's The Promise, Director Feng Xiaogang's the banquet, and my painted skin, which can barely be counted."
"In the future, it's hard to say that you won't challenge Director Zhang. After all, a soldier who doesn't want to be a marshal isn't a good soldier."
The scene immediately erupted in laughter and applause.
Jiang Wen laughed heartily, finding Li Chen more and more to his liking.
Lu Taro's eyes were already glowing green.
Zhang Yimou also clapped and encouraged them with the demeanor of a great master.
Only Director Chen seemed somewhat unimpressed, perhaps because Li Chen had placed Zhang Yimou in such a high position, which made him a little uncomfortable.
He Jiong smiled and asked, "So, Director Li, you also want to challenge Director Zhang?"
Li Chen joked, "Me? Of course, I also want to compete with all the seniors. Otherwise, why would I come to the New Year Film Season?"
Everyone below immediately laughed again.
Xu Zheng and Huang Bo sat at one table.
Huang Bo clapped and laughed, saying, "Director Li is bold, completely like a young master with a calm and collected demeanor."
Xu Zheng also clapped and laughed, "Don't say that, Director Li really has the strength. This year's New Year Film Season will be exciting."
He then added in his mind: lost in thailand is not to be underestimated either!
Wang Zhonglei's table was also full of big names: Andy Lau, Xiang Huaqiang, Yu Dong, and Lu Taro.
"Hua Zai, who do you think will have the last laugh in this year's New Year Film Season?"
"Don't mess with me, ah. Xiaogang isn't in the New Year Film Season this year, so you're setting a trap for me. I won't fall for it."
Hahaha, Wang Zhonglei laughed incessantly and didn't press further.
Yang Siwei, Fan Bingbing, Liu Yifei, Li Xue, Zeng Jia, Sun Li, and Deng Chao sat in the third row, also chatting and laughing.
Miss Liu smiled and said, "Siwei, your Director Li has quite an ambition."
Fan Bingbing's mind raced, and she joked, "Yifei, does Director Li have any ambition for you?"
At Fan Bingbing's question, everyone at the table looked at Liu Yifei.
Liu Yifei was a little annoyed. She always felt that something was off with Fan Bingbing.
Just now, she had been subtly prying Siwei about her and her boyfriend.
Now, she was directly asking her in front of everyone at the table.
With a flicker in her eyes, Liu Yifei retorted with a smile, "Then you'll have to ask him."
Deng Chao and Sun Li exchanged glances. Their drama, Happiness as Flowers, had already finished its first run this year, and they had a tacit understanding.
It seemed that the rumors of Director Li's rumored girlfriend were very likely true.
"Yifei said it well, Xiao Fan, you should go ask Director Li. I'm also very curious, hahaha." Deng Chao actively helped Liu Yifei out of the predicament.
Yang Siwei also laughed, "Chao Ge, my boss already answered this question. You all have short memories!"
Fan Bingbing felt a little unnatural under Liu Yifei's piercing gaze.
However, she became even more certain that her guess was correct. Although Siwei had been vague and hadn't admitted it, she hadn't denied it either.
Thinking of this, Fan Bingbing felt a little depressed.
She was confident that her looks were not inferior to Liu Yifei's, but her resources were truly several streets behind.
Moreover, Liu Yifei's biggest advantage was that she was younger than her.
I refuse to believe it! I, Fan Bingbing, can make it without relying on anyone!
Fan Bingbing secretly made up her mind.
As the applause gradually subsided, Li Chen continued, "Just kidding. Actually, I've talked about the original intention of making painted skin on the movie channel before."
"I just wanted to try a different approach, to remove the horror elements, and still convey the cautionary message of Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio."
"That's why painted skin came to be, and you saw the ending."
"For a beautiful human skin, Wang Sheng's family was ruined, and he was betrayed by everyone."
"But most people won't feel fear or dread; instead, they will remember the pitiful Pei Rong and the graceful Xiao Wei."
Next, He Jiong interacted with the lead actors.
When talking about Li Bingbing, He Jiong smiled and said, "Bingbing, you and Zhou Xun are both walking the red carpet of the three major European film festivals for the first time. What are your thoughts?"
Li Bingbing glanced at Zhou Xun and Li Chen beside her and smiled, "There should be some regret, right? It would be great if the Best Actress award could also be a double egg."
Everyone present burst into laughter, and Li Chen also couldn't help but smile, not expecting Li Bingbing to be so articulate.
He Jiong then asked another question.
"Director Li, did you hear what Bingbing's regret was?"
"I heard it, and I think she's right."
"So you also believe that Bingbing's acting skills are not inferior to Zhou Xun's."
Zhou Xun chuckled teasingly, "The host is unkind. Isn't this forcing Director Li to tell a lie with his eyes wide open!"
Hahaha, many people in the audience immediately applauded Zhou Xun.
Zhou Xun was acknowledging that her acting skills were superior.
These actresses, one by one, were sharp-tongued, and none of them wanted to be outdone.
The question was thrown to Li Chen.
Zhou Xun and Li Bingbing both looked at Li Chen's face, with a sense of anticipation in their hearts.
Li Chen smiled and said, "Whether my eyes are open or closed, I will not lie. The vast number of netizens can testify to that."
"Director Li is an honest person." Underneath, fans from all over the country were already cheering.
"Thank you, fans, for speaking fairly for me."
"Then, Director Li, you can't let down the high hopes of the fans. How do you see Bingbing and Zhou Xun?" He Jiong pressed on.
After a pause, Li Chen said, "In my eyes, Zhou Xun is the kind of actress blessed by heaven, with extraordinary talent."
"Her eyes can speak, and they are full of drama!"
Many directors in the audience agreed with Li Chen's words.
Zhou Xun smiled and said, "Does Director Li mean I'm not working hard enough?"
Li Chen shook his head and chuckled, not bothering with Zhou Xun's playful remark.
Li Bingbing's smile remained unchanged.
"Bingbing, on the other hand, is blessed by the patriarch. Through her own hard work, she can also grasp the characteristics of each role very well."
"Both of them, even without me, would sooner or later walk the red carpet of the three major European film festivals."
Applause erupted again.
"Siwei, Director Li is so eloquent," Zeng Jia said.
"Yes, my sister highly praises Director Li," Li Xue also said with a smile.
Highly praises? Then why did she try to sabotage the boss online a while ago! Yang Siwei thought to herself.
Finally, Han Sanping and Wang Changtian, as the other two producers of painted skin, came onto the stage together.
Han Sanping stood in the center, with Li Chen and Wang Changtian on his left and right, and the main cast stood on Li Chen's side.
Han Sanping, full of ambition, began to make grand announcements.
"I know everyone is very curious about the transaction volume of painted skin at Venice."
"Here, on behalf of the producers of painted skin, I can proudly tell everyone."
"painted skin has once again set a new transaction record for Chinese films going overseas!"
"The total transaction volume: 71.25 million US dollars! The number of countries and regions that have acquired it has exceeded 55, and this number is still increasing!"
The scene was immediately in an uproar, with thunderous applause.
Zhang Yimou was also full of smiles, while Director Chen's smile was somewhat enigmatic.
Even a fool could tell that Lu Taro was forcing a smile, while Jiang Wen's eyes were shining, seemingly tempted.
"This year marks the centenary of Chinese cinema, and the New Year Film Season is also a blooming of a Hundred Flowers. I hope that next year, we filmmakers will continue to work hard and create new glories!"
The Premiere concluded with Han Sanping's impassioned vision for the future.
Reporters from major media outlets and portals began interviewing the guests present.
On their way back, Chen Kaige and Chen Hong felt even more confident.
After watching the painted skin Premiere, Chen Kaige believed that The Promise's Premiere would be even more dazzling.
Although there might be some differences in content compared to painted skin, as painted skin's Premiere had several impressive segments.
Whether it was the opening classical dance or the astonishing magic performance by the America team.
But in terms of grandeur, The Promise would definitely crush painted skin.
Chen Hong was slightly worried: "Ge, for our Premiere, do you think Li Chen might say something..."
Chen Kaige smiled confidently, "You're overthinking it, Hong. Li Chen is a smart person, and besides, don't you trust our The Promise?"
That's true, but Li Chen's previous remarks still made Chen Hong a little uneasy.
At the Premiere of a world without thieves, he didn't give any consideration to Huayi Brothers or Feng Xiaogang's reputation.
"painted skin's Venice transaction price exploded to 71.25 million US dollars, Rongchen Film and Television's profit this year is expected to exceed 100 million US dollars!"
"painted skin's Asia Premiere cost 20 million, with a star-studded cast and a stunning 5 million large-scale magic show."
"Li Chen stated that painted skin is aiming for the New Year Film Season, hoping to compete with various seniors."
"Rumored girlfriend Liu Yifei made a high-profile appearance at painted skin's Premiere."
"Li Bingbing is confident that her acting skills are not inferior to Zhou Xun's."
"Li Chen commented on Li Bingbing and Zhou Xun, predicting that both would eventually step onto the international stage."
The next day, various headlines about painted skin's Premiere filled the entertainment sections of major portals.
Reporters' interviews with the guests and fans present were also released.
One fan candidly said, "Zhou Xun is breathtakingly beautiful, and Li Bingbing's pitifulness is unforgettable. It's so good, I'll go watch it again when it's released."
Several major cinema chains also sprang into action, starting pre-sales for painted skin.
Judging from the feedback of pre-sale data from various cinema chains, painted skin's first-day box office is very likely to break the box office record set by that 'sunken ship' (titanic) in China.
Enlight Media, as the promoter and co-producer, went all out.
Its television programs, websites, and publications were filled with painted skin promotions without any restraint.
The program "Entertainment Live," hailed as the news broadcast of the entertainment industry.
Even provided exclusive reports on painted skin's filming snippets, behind-the-scenes creation, and actors without discrimination.
China Film Group Corporation also spared no effort in its final mobilization and promotion.
Yang Siwei also came up with various tricks, applying what she learned from Hollywood.
From things flying in the sky, to things running on the ground, and swimming in the sea, wherever there was a place to promote, she indiscriminately launched advertisements.
In contrast, the Premiere of perhaps love, held on the 29th and 30th in Beijing and Shanghai, seemed a bit deserted.
Online reports were also mediocre.
Even if Chen Kexin and his wife were furious, they dared not stand out and grandstand again at this moment.
Many industry insiders predicted that painted skin would create multiple records.
Some also criticized painted skin's extravagant promotion, saying that the promotion fees were enough to produce a new movie!
December 1st.
painted skin and perhaps love were released simultaneously.
Li Chen had no intention of sleeping, and even Miss Liu, who usually loved to sleep in, was exceptionally excited.
This was her boyfriend's first major Chinese production, and she felt that the box office shouldn't be too bad; the main thing was the reputation.
If perhaps love hadn't run into painted skin, perhaps the outcome wouldn't have been so glaring.
But there are no ifs.
Comparing the lineups, both female leads were Zhou Xun, but the posters in the cinema and the previously released trailers.
One was unbelievably beautiful, while the other was just average.
Comparing the male leads, you have Takeshi Kaneshiro and Jacky Cheung.
I also have Xiang Shaolong! Not much difference.
Coupled with Sandra Ng's previous insinuation that Li Chen was thin-skinned, implying mainland directors, the number of seats occupied in the cinema halls showing perhaps love was less than half.
It could be said to be a debut collapse!
By the afternoon, online comments had already appeared.
"Isn't today Thursday? So many people not working? That old guy next to me actually bought a scalped ticket for 300! Damn, I should have bought a few more and made a fortune!"
"I never thought Zhou Xun was that beautiful before, but this time, I think she's left a mark!"
"She's neither tall nor pretty, not curvaceous nor shapely! But she still makes me feel she's incredibly beautiful!"
"The visuals are as stark as a cold crow in the frontier, so evocative!"
"The costumes and makeup clearly show effort. The Hanfu, with black and red as the main colors, immediately tells you the dynasty."
"The special effects are also flawless; they feel like they're right in front of me, real and dazzling!"
"I couldn't get a ticket at the cinema, and the ticket seller recommended I watch perhaps love! In a fit of anger, I bought two scalped tickets, I'm not short on money!"
"perhaps love? Sorry, the word 'perhaps' is not in my dictionary!"
Seeing the online reviews, Li Chen's heart finally settled.
The small number of complaining netizens couldn't stir up much trouble, and the netizens who criticized the plot's illogical nature in his previous life were also gone.
Miss Liu had seen the Premiere and then challenged Li Chen.
She directly threw a harsh remark at Li Chen: "Director Li, I also want to film a costume drama, and I want to be like Xiao Wei, unforgettable and etched in people's hearts."
"If you can't do it, then prepare to grow old alone, hmph!"
This put Li Chen in a difficult position. Although Miss Liu was also very beautiful in eternal love.
But Miss Liu had always been this beautiful!
To be honest, her beauty had become so commonplace that how could it be etched in people's hearts!
On this day, no one was not paying attention to painted skin.
Until nearly two in the morning, Han Sanping received a call from his assistant.
"Han Dong, the data is out, 23.05 million!" The assistant's voice was a little excited.
Han Sanping was even more thrilled, suppressing his excitement as he said, "Good, I know, you've worked hard."
"Han Dong, you've worked hard."
23.05 million!
The previous first-day box office record was titanic's 18 million.
The single-day box office record was Kung Fu's 22 million last year.
Good job, Li Chen!
Adding an extra chapter this weekend, thank you for your votes and rewards. Although subscription data is falling every day, with less than 240 daily subscriptions now, it's truly dismal. But seeing the book friend Xia Chong, who cast five votes, at least proves that some people still like to read, and I immediately feel motivated to write again.