Chapter 287 Directing "The Founding of a Republic"?
The next day, Liu Zhou boarded a flight to Beijing under Zhang Tong's reluctant gaze.

When Liu Zhou returned to the capital, it was exactly the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. The Spring Festival holiday was over and the workers started moving bricks.

The hottest news in the entertainment industry at this time was the report that "Painted Skin" had grossed over 1.8 million yuan in seven days after its release.

The outstanding start of "Painted Skin" also greatly encouraged the main creators, so starting from the first day of the Lunar New Year, they went on a crazy roadshow, even visiting three or four cities a day.

Huang Xiaoming, in particular, was as excited as if he had been injected with chicken blood.

After running for seven days, Xu Ke's old bones were almost falling apart. Even Master Zhou, who was also very excited at the beginning, gradually became listless.

Only Huang Xiaoming seemed to feel no fatigue and was full of energy.

But there is no way. Every time Huang Xiaoming sees the box office growth of "Painted Skin", he can't help but get excited. Once he gets excited, all his fatigue is swept away.

If Xu Ke and Zhou Gongzi could not bear it anymore and Zhang Zhao had not called a halt, Huang Xiaoming would have wanted to continue the roadshow.

However, the hard work of Huang Xiaoming and others was not in vain. During the seven-day Spring Festival holiday, "Painted Skin" grossed 1.8 million yuan, once again setting a record for the first seven days of box office.

Although the daily box office of "Painted Skin" may be cut in half after the holiday, there should be no problem for the total box office of the movie to exceed 300 million.

"Painted Skin" has a very good reputation, so its box office potential will be stronger.

However, although "Painted Skin" was quite popular in the news, the mainstream news in China was still the snowstorm before the Chinese New Year.

The year 2008 was indeed a bumpy year for China. Soon after the beginning of the year, it encountered a snowstorm that was rare in 50 years.

The heavy snow directly blocked roads and railways. Nearly one million people who were preparing to go home for the New Year gathered at the Yangcheng Railway Station, which also became a place that the people of the whole country cared about.

It was also from then on that China began to transform itself into an infrastructure maniac, and the Spring Festival travel rush became a social phenomenon that attracted more and more attention.

After Liu Zhou landed in the capital, he immediately rushed home.

As soon as I got home, I saw Zeng Li, who was pregnant, basking in the late winter sunshine in Beijing in the courtyard of the villa.

When Zeng Li saw Liu Zhou coming back, a smile immediately broke out on her face. Liu Zhou's fatigue seemed to have disappeared at this moment, and he walked over to sit next to Zeng Li.

The two of them snuggled together, basking in the sun and chatting.

However, this warm and peaceful scene was soon broken.

Liu Zhou's mother came over with a bowl of chicken soup. When she saw Liu Zhou coming back, her smiling face immediately changed and she gave him a good scolding.

Liu Zhou also knew that it was inappropriate to go out during the New Year, so he could only endure his mother's nagging silently.

Afterwards, Liu Zhou stayed at home and didn't go out, spending two days with Zeng Li.

Originally Liu Zhou wanted to stay for two more days, but Zeng Li knew that he had not yet finished filming "The Martian", so she asked him to finish his work first.

Liu Zhou thought that "The Martian" had been delayed for half a month, so he no longer insisted and called back the crew to prepare to go to Dunhuang again.

However, before going to Dunhuang, Liu Zhou went to look for Han Shanping first.

In any case, this time the filming of "The Martian" was interrupted due to his own personal affairs.

When I left, I was in a hurry and just made a phone call to Han Shanping.

Now that I'm back, I have to tell Han Shanping about it. This is also a respect for people.

However, Han Shanping didn't seem angry at all. Seeing Liu Zhou coming over, he smiled and said:

"Is the matter settled?"

"It's been resolved. It was indeed an urgent matter before, so I didn't tell you in detail, and it took so long."

"It doesn't matter. Now that the matter has been resolved, just focus on filming. I know that you value "The Martian" as much as I do. I believe you know what's going on."

Liu Zhou felt somewhat touched when he heard Han Shanping's words.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Han. We have already finished filming most of the scenes for The Martian. We will be able to finish the scenes in Dunhuang in a month at most.

What remains is some scenes in the space and space agency press conference, which can be completed in half a month at most.”

"That means The Martian will be finished in a month and a half at most?"

"Yes."

"I have some news to tell you. The Space Administration has officially confirmed that Shenzhou VII will be launched in September.

I've seen Hollywood sci-fi blockbusters take half a year to produce special effects. Can The Martian be released in time for the National Day? "

"Don't worry, we will definitely make it in time."

Liu Zhou also understood Han Shanping's concerns. After all, he didn't understand special effects production, so he could only refer to Hollywood movies.

In fact, not only Han Shanping, but there are few people in China who understand special effects.

It may be a bit of an exaggeration to say that China is now in a special effects desert, but there is basically a blank in digital special effects, and most of the special effects used are physical ones.

Like the classic "Journey to the West", it's basically all physical special effects.

The Dragon Palace was photographed through the fish tank, and the somersault cloud was made of cotton.

Sun Wukong somersaulted in the air onto a trampoline borrowed from the provincial gymnastics team.

I guess after Teacher Liu finishes filming, he can go to the gymnastics team to practice trampoline.

Of course, that was a long time ago, but even now, domestic directors and the film and television industry lack understanding of CG special effects, and don’t even know what the production process of CG special effects is.

At the beginning, Liu Zhou didn’t understand, and there was no learning environment in China, so he went to Hollywood to make movies.

In addition to becoming famous, the purpose is to learn Hollywood's CG special effects production.

“In fact, the production of movie special effects is not done after the filming is completed, as many people in China think.

"The Martian" first did the physical special effects, which is the construction of the Mars exterior scenes.

During the filming, Golden Harvest Special Effects Studio and Hualong Digital, which were responsible for the special effects, were already producing CG scenes such as the sky on Mars and outer space.

In fact, special effects and filming are carried out simultaneously. They have already started before filming even begins. This is also the case with Hollywood special effects movies. It is rare that a movie will be filmed completely before doing special effects."

Liu Zhou briefly introduced the film production process to Han Shanping, which sounded a little novel to Han Shanping as it was his first time to come into contact with CG special effects.

Although Han Shanping has been a director, he has not made any movies since he moved to an administrative position and has been more busy with clerical work.

Although he is obsessed with domestic science fiction blockbusters, he really doesn't understand the production of science fiction blockbusters.

“Can the special effects of The Martian reach the level of Hollywood blockbusters?”

“Definitely not. Besides, we didn’t use many CG special effects. Only the cosmic scenes in outer space and the sky on Mars were used.”

"Ok."

Seeing Han Shanping's somewhat disappointed look, Liu Zhou smiled and said:

"Boss Han, this is only our first science fiction film. As our special effects technology becomes more and more advanced, we will definitely be able to produce a special effects blockbuster that is not inferior to Hollywood."

"Haha, that's right, I was too anxious."

"Boss Han, if there's nothing else, I'll leave first. The rest of the crew has already left."

"Wait a minute, I have something to tell you." "What is it?"

"Do you know what date is next year?"

"Next year? You mean the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the country?"

"Yes, it seems that you are quite conscious. This is a major celebration for our country, and all our major film studios have the task of shooting tribute films.

As the vanguard, China Film Group must come up with an influential work, so I would like to invite you to help us direct this tribute film."

"let me?"

Liu Zhou was surprised. Could it be that he was asked to direct "Founding of a Republic"?

"That's right. You are a well-known director in the country. I am confident that you will direct the film."

"But I've never made a mainstream movie before?"

"It doesn't matter. I will arrange for Huang Jianxin to assist you when the time comes."

“Is there a script now?”

"We are currently asking the screenwriter department to create the work, but it will definitely still revolve around the theme of nation-building."

It is most likely "The Founding of a Republic", and Liu Zhou cannot steal the limelight from Han Shanping.

“Boss Han, I really don’t have time this year and early next year. After I finish the project of The Martian, I will be busy with the listing of Golden Harvest.

You know how complicated it is to get a release, so I really didn’t have the time to direct this movie.”

"Are you really planning to go public with Jiahe?"

"Yes, there is such a plan. The listing process should be officially launched in the second half of the year."

"I thought it was just a rumor, but I didn't expect it to be true."

"Besides the company's top executives, you're the only one who knows this. You have to keep it a secret for me for now."

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. But if that's the case, then you might not be suitable."

After all, a company's listing is a big deal, especially for a company of Jiahe's size, which involves billions of funds.

By then, they will definitely be very busy, plus there is the filming of the movie. Han Shanping is worried that Liu Zhou will not do well on both sides, and then he will be a sinner.

"Mr. Han, although I can't direct this movie, I have an idea that you can refer to. It will definitely be of great help in enhancing the influence of the movie."

"Oh, what idea?" Han Shanping asked curiously.

“Since the movie is about the founding of a nation, there will definitely be many famous historical figures appearing, and I think we can invite an all-star cast to play these characters.

I think if a movie gathers hundreds of big and small stars, it's hard for it not to be a sensation, right?"

Han Shanping certainly hadn't thought of this idea yet. The reason why so many people came to make guest appearances in the historical "Founding of a Republic" was actually an accident.

At first, there were only a few individuals who came to make guest appearances, and later on, more and more came, and finally even artists in the circle took the initiative to request to make guest appearances, and explicitly stated that it would be free of charge.

After that, no one was too embarrassed to charge money, even the leading actor said it was free.

Han Shanping was delighted at first when he heard Liu Zhou's words, but then he frowned and said:
"It would be a big deal, but the cost would explode, and we don't have that much budget."

"You want to be paid for presenting a gift to the motherland?"

"Isn't this a bit of moral kidnapping?"

“Don’t worry, that won’t happen. When this movie becomes popular, some people will be willing to play a role even if they have to pay for it, not to mention for free.

Once the project is approved, I will ask the artists under Golden Harvest to publicly announce that they will come to guest star for free, which I think will stir up the popularity.”

Liu Zhou did not do this out of generosity, but he really felt that as a celebrity, it was his duty to do something on such an important day for the country.

Of course, when the time comes, he will definitely arrange for all such main theme tribute films to be watched for free on Sina Video.

After listening to Liu Zhou's words, Han Shanping fell into deep thought, then he said with a determined look:

"Okay, just do as you say."

The higher-ups attached great importance to the 60th anniversary celebration and gave important instructions to China Film Corporation.

Originally, Han Shanping wanted to invite Liu Zhou to direct this tribute film, also wanting to leverage his strong influence and popularity.

He also believed that Liu Zhou had the ability to make a good and beautiful movie.

But since Liu Zhou was busy with important things, he didn't want to force it. However, he also felt that the suggestion Liu Zhou made was very promising.

In order to satisfy the higher-ups with this tribute film, Han Shanping is prepared to be shameless for once. He hopes that the stars in the circle will have a higher level of awareness.

Seeing that Han Shanping had adopted his suggestion, Liu Zhou continued:

“Boss Han, there will be so many stars in the crew that even an ordinary director won’t be able to control them, so I think you can come out of retirement and personally direct this tribute film.

I believe that with your prestige, no one would dare to act like a big shot. "

"Haha, let's talk about this later."

You know what, after hearing what Liu Zhou said, Han Shanping was really moved.

Then Han Shanping saw Liu Zhou who was also laughing, and continued:

"Although you don't have time to make a movie, as the leading private film and television company, Golden Harvest should also set an example. Next year, Golden Harvest should also release a tribute film."

"No problem, I'll arrange things later."

After chatting with Han Shanping for a few more words, Liu Zhou left.

Liu Zhou then went straight to the airport and returned to Dunhuang in the evening.

Although I had only been away for half a month, I was still amazed when I saw the majestic scenery of the Northwest.

However, Liu Zhou did not have much time or mood to admire the scenery. When he arrived at his residence, he called a meeting with all the crew members.

Actually, there is not much to say. I just need to tell them that time is tight and the task is heavy, ask them to focus, and then give them some encouragement.

Although this seems a bit redundant, these words are still effective when they come from Liu Zhou's mouth. After all, he not only has the highest status, but also makes them convinced.

The next day, the crew started filming the movie again.

However, because of the half-month interruption, everyone's previous smooth and efficient state seems to have been interrupted, and some minor problems occur from time to time.

Even Qin Hao's performance was interrupted because he stopped for half a month.

Liu Zhou also knew what the problem was, so he didn't get angry. Instead, he patiently worked with the crew again to get them back to their previous state.

For them, re-adjustment is easier than the initial adjustment. After three days, Liu Zhou felt that the smooth feeling he had when shooting had returned.

Seeing the crew running smoothly again, Liu Zhou couldn't help but smile.

Afterwards, Liu Zhou also devoted himself to the filming of "The Martian", which lasted for more than half a month.

(End of this chapter)