Chapter 205 I'm Just Here to Watch a Movie
Sina Entertainment
"The first TV series from Rongchen Film and Television, 'soldiers sortie', broadcast on Beijing TV on Army Day during prime time, achieved a viewership rating of nearly 3.0 that evening, and continued to climb thereafter."
"On the same day, Hebei, Henan, and Sichuan satellite TVs simultaneously broadcast 'soldiers sortie'."
"The ratings once again broke Beijing TV's record, becoming the second-highest-rated TV series of 2007 so far, only behind 'parents love'!".
"Never give up, never abandon" became the six most touching words of this summer.
The unexpected success of 'soldiers sortie' was beyond anyone's prediction, except for Li Chen himself.
At least Hou Hongliang was dumbfounded.
Even Director Kang Honglei felt a complex and obscure mix of emotions.
The drama was certainly good, but without Li Chen's efforts, it wouldn't have achieved its current success.
First, he decided to Premiere it on local TV stations.
Then, it was streamed online via Youku.
Next, he used online forums and Tieba to generate buzz.
A series of actions, including the release of VCDs and DVDs, finally made this military drama, full of men, a hit.
Kang Honglei was so emotional at the media conference in early August that he shed tears.
And he sincerely thanked his boss, Li Chen.
"Undoubtedly, if 'soldiers sortie' is a piece of gold, then Director Li is the undisputed person with the discerning eye for gold."
"As a director, I merely fulfilled my duty."
"Director Li and all the actors made 'soldiers sortie' a success!".
With the unexpected popularity of 'soldiers sortie'.
Aside from Zhu Yawen, Luo Jin, Wang Baoqiang, and others, the cast.
Newcomers like Zhang Yi and Chen Sicheng also became well-known overnight.
Inevitably, the few who were previously ignored suddenly became hot commodities for talent agencies.
Zhang Yi's eyes were small, but his ambition was not.
He was unmoved by the olive branches extended by Huayi Brothers and Shiba Culture.
He had long set his sights on Rongchen Film and Television.
Director Kang Honglei looked at Zhang Yi, who was rubbing his hands and hesitating to speak, and smiled, "Just say what you want to say; you don't act like someone from the military."
Zhang Yi rubbed the back of his neck and smiled, "Then I'll say it, Director Kang."
"You're familiar with Director Li, could you recommend me to him and get him to sign me?"
Director Kang Honglei chuckled, "Alright, you're an ambitious kid. Now that you have a bit of fame, you dare to recommend yourself."
Zhang Yi chuckled, "What fame? I still have that much self-awareness."
"Without your opportunity, who would know who Squad Leader Shi Jin is?"
Director Kang Honglei didn't waste any more words: "I have no problem recommending you, but I won't make any guarantees."
"I can't influence Director Li's decisions."
Zhang Yi seized the opportunity: "Hey, thank you, Director Kang. Just tell Director Li."
"As long as I can stay at Rongchen Film and Television, I'd be happy to do it for free!".
Director Kang Honglei was amused by Zhang Yi: "If you can say that, Director Li wouldn't lose face!".
"You clearly know that if Director Li signs you, he definitely won't treat you unfairly, yet you're playing these little tricks with me!".
Zhang Yi's thoughts were exposed by Director Kang Honglei, but he wasn't embarrassed, just kept chuckling and feigning ignorance.
The hype for 'secret' and 'flash point' was well-executed.
Unfortunately, the final box office only just exceeded 30 million.
The previous boasts of over 20 million in a week for both were immediately exposed as false.
Li Chen visited the 'twilight' film crew in Los Angeles.
Although Kristen Stewart's facial features were very defined, Li Chen still preferred Miss Liu's oval face, round and full-cheeked.
'the conjuring' is still scheduled for Halloween this year.
Li Chen also agreed to Warner's request to sign an agreement to acquire a 35% stake in Chi You.
After several rounds of negotiations on the price between the two parties.
The final acquisition amount was set at 580 million US dollars, with everything pending the release of 'the golden compass' for a final decision.
If 'the golden compass' is a huge success, all agreements will be null and void.
Approaching the Venice Film Festival.
Before his departure, Jiang Wen told the media the profound words, 'Man proposes, God disposes'.
The media then brought up the old stories between Jiang Wen and Zhang Yimou.
On August 30th, Warner Brothers, the distributor of 'the thieves', held the Premiere of 'the thieves' at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Charlize Theron and the 'ball flower' were undoubtedly the most popular.
Among Chinese actors, Tony Leung Ka-fai had the highest recognition.
The Premiere that night was a gathering of stars.
Tim and Richard sent out numerous invitations, and Charlize Theron also invited many friends to attend and show their support.
With the influence of Warner and Chi You.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Scarlett, Jennifer Lawrence, and black actor Chris Tucker, among others, all came to support Li Chen.
Variety reported
"The first Sino-American co-production, 'the thieves', premiered last night at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, with Angelina Jolie, Scarlett, and Jennifer Lawrence present to support the Chinese director's first major production."
Hollywood Report
"'the thieves' Premiere receives positive reviews."
"The characters in the film are vivid and lifelike, remaining clear in the mind even after the movie ends."
"Most Hollywood film critics commented that the film's details were well-handled, the foreshadowing mostly paid off, and the character personalities were generally consistent throughout, without any inexplicable sudden changes."
Sina Entertainment
"On September 7th, the first Sino-American co-production, 'the thieves', co-invested by Chi You, China Film Group Corporation, Shanghai Film Group, Enlight Media, and Wanda with 85 million US dollars, held its Premiere at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on the evening of August 30th local time, for its global simultaneous release."
"The scene was star-studded, with the red carpet outshining the Venice opening ceremony."
"Richard, Vice President of Warner Brothers, the distributor, stated that based on the feedback from critics and audience members at the Premiere, they are confident about the prospects of 'the thieves'."
"On September 4th, 'the thieves' will hold its Asia Premiere at the Great Hall of the People, where the cast and crew of 'the thieves' will make a joint appearance in Beijing."
'kung fu king' is also set to wrap up in the next two days, and Liu Yifei will rush to Los Angeles to meet Li Chen as soon as her scenes are finished.
On September 1st, the two flew from Los Angeles to Venice.
On the plane, Liu Yifei was still muttering, "When we get to Venice, I want to go see 'lust, caution' to see if you lied to me!".
Li Chen smiled, "If you want to see it, I'll go with you. I guarantee you'll have a feast for your eyes."
Li Chen couldn't help but anticipate Miss Liu's expression when she saw Tony Leung and Tang Wei's passionate encounter.
After the plane landed, Maggie Cheung and Deng Chao had already arrived.
The cast and crew of 'pieta', 'lust, caution', and 'the sun also rises' were absent from the Venice opening ceremony.
Only Zhang Yimou, the chairman of the jury, was there to support the event, making the opening ceremony's red carpet exceptionally deserted.
As soon as Li Chen and Liu Yifei walked out of the airport hand in hand, they were surrounded by domestic and local Venice reporters.
Bodyguards and assistants fended off the crowd, protecting the two as they struggled to move forward.
"Director Li, what do you think of Director Jiang Wen's 'Man proposes, God disposes'?"
"At the Premiere of 'the thieves', Chinese stars were snubbed. Do you have anything to say about that?"
"Yifei, is there anything you can reveal about your red carpet look this time?"
Before getting into the car, Liu Yifei smiled and replied, "I'm just here to watch a movie."