I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 416 414. Peak of Industry

"Dudu... Hey, brother... big, big, big! Big move! Help!! Help, help, help!"

"..."

Listening to Yang Mi's frantic calls on the phone, Xu Xin's head was full of black lines:

"Keep your voice down, the child is sleeping!"

"It's at my dad's house. What do you want? 8Gou and I are demolishing a black shop."

"...It's okay. You play, and I'll tell you that I'm going back to the hotel to sleep."

"Ang! Let me go to sleep. If you kill me, I will buy you a live TP! Beat me!!!"

It looks like this game is quite intense.

Xu Xin hung up the phone helplessly.

Frankly speaking, he felt that his wife had the international skills of a master of time management.

When she should be busy, she was dedicated to her work. When it was time to play, even if the King of Heaven came, I would wait for her to finish the game...

The most important thing is that she is the kind of player who can get into anything.

Play "Sword of Immortal" and find out the guides for various first- and second-week objectives. When playing DOTA, if you decide which hero to practice, you will keep playing.

He himself can't do it.

Play a stand-alone game, turn on a modifier and experience the plot, it's over.

There is no such thing as the second week.

In addition to being addicted to playing DOTA in the early stage, at this stage, it is all about relying on a few heroes to rest on one's laurels.

The new hero's abilities aren't even clear.

From this aspect, the two are really two extremes.

Before going to bed, he checked the news on his mobile phone again, intending to see how the box office of "Avatar" was doing.

But as soon as I opened the entertainment section, I saw a piece of news:

""The theater chain appeals: Please line up rationally and don't fight."

? ?

I clicked on it and took a look, and found that it was a copy of the current affairs news from Yanjing TV.

Since "Avatar" was released on the 6th, it has been difficult to get tickets in many places, and conflicts caused by queues have even occurred every day.

This news has specially selected a few examples, hoping that everyone can return to rationality.

"Avatar" has 3 months of release time, so there is no need to compete, and all fans who like to watch it can see it. Don't be in a hurry, everyone...

The manuscript gave many examples. For example, the winter vacation has begun one after another, and a mother made an appointment to watch a movie with her child. In order to buy tickets, I had to queue up in front of the cinema in the early morning to buy tickets...

Here is an example.

There is also a response from someone from Wanda Cinema Line.

The main content of the response is about the "IMAX screen" issue.

They are taking the time to update their equipment to ensure that more movie fans can experience the ultimate picture experience of 3D-IMAX.

We also responded to the question of whether IMAX ticket prices are too high.

The ticket price for "Avatar" 3D-IMAX is 120 yuan per ticket.

This price... let alone netizens. Even Xu Xin was a little surprised when he saw the price.

120 yuan a ticket...

The general price is only 30 yuan or 35 yuan.

For example, Wanda's individual halls with super comfortable chairs only cost 45 yuan a ticket.

IMAX can actually sell for 120...huh? etc.

Xu Xin looked at the poster's explanation.

His IMAX ticket is not a regular seat, but an "extra seat" in the corridor!

The normal seat price in a theater is generally 150 to 180? ? ?

Although it is said that rare things are more expensive, is the price too outrageous?

3D technology…

This thing actually existed as early as the early days of movies. If we really talk about the history of technology, its emergence is a three-dimensional glasses technology invented by the British in 1839. It was also very early when he was used to make movies. Xu Xin remembered it very clearly when he was studying history class.

In 1922, "The Power of Love" was the world's first 3D movie.

However, the source of the film has been lost, and I don’t know what it was about.

But in 1952, there was a movie in the United States called "African Adventure", which was also shot using 3D technology.

It is said to be: The lion is at your legs, the beauty is in your arms.

This marketing slogan originally attracted many people to watch it in cinemas.

However, although the technology appeared early, it is also due to technical reasons that this kind of movie can easily cause eye fatigue and discomfort to the viewer.

Over time it declined.

"Avatar" restarted 3D production technology this time, and the shooting scenes achieved through technical means have received a lot of praise...

The director's instinct told Xu Xin... The next era is likely to enter the "3D" era.

This should also be the reason why "Avatar" is so popular.

The immersive visuals, the famous director of "Titanic", and the bandwagon effect... this movie has now become a phenomenon.

Now he can't wait to go back to Yanjing and watch it.

My intuition tells me that I should be able to get a lot of inspiration from this movie.

After reading the news about "Avatar" for a while, with a lot of speculation, the room fell into darkness.

…

On the afternoon of the 9th, at 4 o'clock.

In front of the office building of Shanghai Film Group.

After Xue Haifeng saw Xu Xin out, his eyes were filled with regret:

"Director Xu came here in a bit of a hurry this time. The dinner table for the evening has been laid out."

"Haha, there is nothing we can do about it. Director Zhang is still waiting for me, and the World Expo is also very important."

Hearing Xu Xin's words, Xue Haifeng nodded:

"That's right, it must be business that's important."

"Isn't it business to meet Mr. Xue... This meal is mine. Let's have a good meal later. Mr. Xue can't always invite me, he has to let me do my duty as a landlord."

Xu Xin exchanged pleasantries with him and finally said:

"Then when I go back this time, I will mention it to the factory. This cooperation cannot be achieved without the strong support of our factory. Our cooperation will definitely be closer in the future. One family cannot talk about two things. As the saying goes, if Mr. Xue needs my help for anything, I will definitely do it."

"Similarly, if Director Xu needs us, we will definitely give our full support. As friends, we help each other keep moving forward."

"Haha~"

"Hahaha~"

After chatting for about half a cigarette, Xu Xin said goodbye to him and drove away from Shanghai Film Group.

After leaving the gate, he dialed Qi Lei's phone number.

"Hey, Brother Qi, I've reached an agreement with Shanghai Film Studio."

"What conditions?"

"They will add an additional 30 million. Then our factory, Yindu, and me will take care of the remaining money. Over there, we can start to contact Wang Jiawei."

"...the negotiation went so smoothly?"

There was some surprise in Qi Lei's voice:

"I thought they were going to hang on to the money and not let it go."

"That's not the case."

Recalling what I talked about in the conference room with people from Shanghai Film Studio in the afternoon...

In fact, the people at Shanghai Film Studio are very straightforward.

This drama must have lost money.

They don't need to lose money to make a profit, but since Director Xu is very optimistic about this story, we must trust Director Xu.

Give Xu Xin enough face.

However, some words inevitably came out.

They hope to deepen their cooperation with their wives.

The multifaceted kind.

Obviously, Xu Xin's 500 million box office and the return on investment ratio at a total cost of 50 million made them put the bet on themselves.

Maybe in the future, all movies with Xu Xin and Yang Mi will have their shadows in them.

But this was something Xu Xin had expected.

Regardless of whether he is filming a movie or a movie starring Yang Mi, the factory must be involved in it.

There will also be some in Yindu.

As for Yindu's share, it comes from the factory.

Shanghai Film Studio took the share from Shuangwei and Niefeng.

Multiple investments, multiple benefits.

To put it bluntly, it’s still a win-win situation.

In Xu Xin's opinion, this result is the most satisfactory.

After saying this, Qi Lei responded:

"Okay, I'll see Mr. Tian later and talk about this."

"Well, Mr. Wada will talk about it and then... we will see when it is more appropriate to release this news."

"Let's wait and negotiate with Wang Jiawei. As for the producers, how did you talk to them?"

"They are no longer pursuing this issue. After all, we have to take into account the face of our factory and Yindu."

"Looking at it this way, Wang Jiawei's degree of freedom is quite high."

"But we can't let him do whatever he wants..."

"Well... then, I will discuss this matter with Mr. Tian now, and then people from Yindu will contact Wang Jiawei in the next few days. At that time, including our people, we will definitely get together to discuss this matter again. Investment , filming progress guarantee, producer team, etc. Once everything is settled, let’s let the news out. How about it?”

"Okay. Then let's put Yanjing where we can discuss things then? I'll arrange the place."

"Okay. Then I'll do it right now?"

"Well, thank you for your hard work, Brother Qi."

"Haha, where did this go... OK, I'll go right away."

"Um."

After hanging up the phone, Xu Xin started to think about the next steps while driving to Tomson Yipin.

The place to meet then...

Just put it in Changan Club.

Xue Haifeng made several insinuations about headwinds at the meeting today.

He really had to show off his skills.

Then there is how to spread the news in a reasonable way.

Let people in the circle know that Wang Jiawei and Shanghai Film Studio had originally broken down. But...because of Yang Mi's presence, Shanghai Film Studio, Yindu Film Studio, and West Film Studio all gave Yang Mi the face to sit down and talk again...

There's a lot that can be done about this.

If it is handled well, on the one hand, it can enhance Yang Mi's appeal in the hearts of movie fans.

On the other hand, it can also let people in the circle see how "terrible" her current energy is.

Then there is how to ensure the quality of the film.

In fact, money is not what Xu Xin cares about most...

Along the way, he was thinking about what to do next. When he arrived at Tomson Yipin, he parked the car, dragged his suitcase and took a taxi to the airport.

Then before getting on the plane, he suddenly remembered something and sent a message to Li Hao:

"Please arrange an Audi for me here in Shanghai. An A6 will do, keep a low profile."

Li Hao replied quickly:

"no problem."

Xu Xin didn't reply and turned off his phone directly.

…

10 o'clock in the evening.

"Quick, quick, let's go! Hurry...Dad, we are leaving!"

Yang Mi walked out of her parents' bedroom like a thief, took off the down jacket on the hanger and quickly put it on.

Long down jackets, wide pants, woolen hats, and the most important masks are all ready.

She and Xu Xin quietly left the house.

After leaving the house and getting into the car, Xu Xin glanced at the time and pressed the accelerator quite hard.

"Slow down, don't be in a hurry! It just snowed yesterday and the road is slippery. Our safety comes first."

Yang Mi, the co-pilot, said quickly.

Xu Xin nodded:

"Yeah. Didn't Brother Cheng change snow tires?"

"Changed."

Yang Mi turned up the air conditioner and grabbed Xu Xin's hand on the gear lever with both hands:

"so cold!"

"The water will be warm as soon as it warms up."

"Hmm... By the way, we haven't been to the cinema for a long time. Hehe, I suddenly remembered that we just fell in love. What was the first movie we watched?"

"The Da Vinci Code, by Tom Hanks."

"Yes, yes, I just came back from "The Golden Armor" and I think I went to watch it at this time."

Holding her husband's hand, she looked at the neon lights on the road and said with some emotion:

"Time flies so fast... It seems like yesterday that I kissed you for the first time, but now I even have a child..."

"..."

Xu Xin's mouth twitched.

Said speechlessly:

"Didn't we agree? Never mention that year again."

"What are you mentioning? I didn't mention that you turned off the wrong bathroom light. I didn't mention that you stuck out your tongue first... Hey, hey... That's wrong... Brother, it hurts! Please squeeze it gently !”

Hearing her begging for mercy, Xu Xin let her go with numbness.

At the same time, he rubbed his somewhat hot face.

Those days are really hard to look back on.

Now that I think about it...it's really shameful.

At this time, a cold finger touched his cheek:

"Don't be shy, little brother~ Who hasn't read some dark history? If you don't want to talk about this, let's talk about the time you held me and chewed for 4 hours... Hey, you said we were addicted at the beginning Why is it so big..."

"I found... you are really perverted. Bah! Mi Tai!"

"Hehehe~"

After getting rid of the "burden" of the child, the couple returned to the days when they were young without children. The tenderness and sweetness in the hearts of the couple at this moment began to ripple in the spacious compartment of the Volvo.

He rushed all the way towards Chaoyang Wanda.

Chaoyang Wanda has an IMAX screen.

The tickets were reserved in advance by Big Lao Wang for today’s last midnight show.

When the couple arrived, Wanda had already closed its doors, leaving only the elevator leading directly to the theater open.

Logically speaking, there must not be many people at the 11:05 movie.

However, it turns out... they both thought too much.

The whole theater was crowded.

It looks like Chinese New Year.

"……so many people."

Wearing a mask, Yang Mi, who was deliberately dressed simply today, crossed Xu Xin's arm and blinked in amazement:

"Aren't these people sleeping?"

"I don't know...I'm going to get the tickets."

"Would you like to eat Haagen-Dazs?"

"Eat. Vanilla."

"Fanta? Still eye-catching."

"Watch out."

Yang Mi, who has become very familiar with Xu Xin's habits in the past few years, nodded.

The two quickly separated.

Soon, with two tickets, a large bucket of popcorn, and two drinks, the couple received 3D glasses, followed the team into the IMAX hall, and sat in their own back row seats.

Wanda's popcorn is quite delicious.

Especially popcorn dipped in Haagen-Dazs.

Twice the sweetness.

Soon, the movie’s logo appeared.

The lights are dim.

"Avatar" begins.

The couple made a unified move.

When the lush aerial jungle at the beginning of the movie appeared, the two of them held their glasses and began to see the difference between wearing glasses and seeing with the naked eye.

"Wow...the texture is great!"

"...Well, stop talking to me."

After hearing what her husband said, Yang Mi nodded:

"good."

Then he naturally took the popcorn in his arms.

This vat is all hers.

The reason why my husband didn't allow me to talk to him was actually because he wanted to look at the shooting ideas and some things related to digital shooting technology from a director's perspective.

well……

Or it could be said that the job of directing is not done by humans.

Others are enjoying the movie... but the director has to work hard and regard watching movies as a learning course.

Tsk tsk.

She felt a little emotional.

Then……

"Ah woo~"

A large handful of popcorn was stuffed into his mouth.

Fragrant and sweet.

"Hululu..."

Yeah, I drank the Coke a little fast.

Is this the bottom?

Seeing this, she thought about it...

"Brother...are you still drinking that?"

"..."

No response?

Then I'll take it as your default.

He quietly changed the positions of Coca-Cola and Xingzuo, enjoying himself with a bite of popcorn and a bite of drink.

And looking at the male protagonist being thrown out of the bar...

Tsk.

So ugly.

Not handsome at all.

And sitting in a wheelchair...

But in Xu Xin's eyes, after seeing these light and shadow effects, he saw the kind of culture that Cameron wanted to express.

Cyberpunk is a cultural phenomenon extended from the 1984 book "Neuromancer".

Moreover, these light and shadow paintings are a bit like "Ghost in the Shell".

Cybernetics?

Crossing his legs, he half-squinted his eyes, memorizing the light and shadow effects of each scene bit by bit, reviewing and criticizing the shooting style of the director who shouted "I am the king of the world" , began to analyze silently.

As for the plot...

All he could say was watch it.

As a director, when encountering science fiction themes, the first thing he looks at is how others construct the world view and express the spiritual core...or how to impart the meaning conveyed in certain literary works to movies, as well as those production techniques.

The plot was not his first concern.

The entire movie is 162 minutes.

2 hours and 42 minutes…

Very long.

And considering the 3-month screening period...

He was really looking forward to what heights this film would reach in the end.

that's all……

More than 2 hours flew by.

Xu Xin's brows were already furrowed from the moment when the protagonist Jack first entered the Na'vi territory with the ultimate light and shadow effects.

Yang Mi also frowned.

Eyes...a bit dry.

Not very comfortable.

Obviously, this kind of visual effect will make people feel a little tired after a long time.

I should have known I would have brought eye drops with me.

And throughout the cinema, the exclamations from time to time never stopped.

After watching the entire movie, when the lights came on at the end, Yang Mi took off her glasses immediately. Under the double-image and blurred cast list, she turned to Xu Xin and asked:

"how do you feel?"

"..."

Xu Xin, who had been silent for more than two hours, hesitated for about five or six seconds after hearing this, and said:

"sharp."

With that said, he also took off his glasses.

"I have to read the specific content of the story again tomorrow...how do you feel?"

"It's quite enjoyable. It looks good! But my glasses are a bit sore... shall we go?"

"Wait, let me look at the credits."

…

Volvone.

"Why do I feel like you are not in a good mood?"

"Do you feel it?"

"Yeah. Do you think the technical gap is too big or something?"

Yang Mi was a little confused.

"Um."

Xu Xin nodded:

"You pull up your clothes and I'll smoke a cigarette."

After lowering the window and lighting a cigarette, Xu Xin thought for a while and said:

"I actually didn't watch much about the specific story. I mainly paid attention to the special effects... There is still a big gap between this movie and the "Transformers" and "Star Wars" we watched before."

"Do you think we are too backward?"

"That's not true. You can catch up if you fall behind... Do you know why I had to look at the credits just now?"

"Why?"

"I was just estimating how many people there were in his team. Because of his movie, I watched interviews during the promotion. James Cameron himself said that the live shooting of his movie only accounted for 1% of the entire movie. 25 to 30. The rest is all 3D technology. Even the facial capture technology he used, many of which I have never heard of..."

"Normally, that's Hollywood. They will definitely use all new and iterative technologies in film shooting first..."

Yang Mi still thought her husband was fascinated by Hollywood's technology.

But it's not actually...

"I'm not talking about technology, I'm looking at the behind-the-scenes team. And based on the staff list just now... I made a conservative estimate. This movie is not considered a computer special effects production, so the number of staff filming in the crew should be around 400. To 500 people...if post-production is included, the number of participants in the entire film team is likely to exceed 1,000...or even 1,500 people..."

"You manage tens of thousands of people in the Olympics. Why do you compete with this?"

"That's different."

Xu Xin shook his head...

In fact, he had many things to consider.

These people can also reflect many things.

For example, the amount of investment is huge.

For example, the director’s control on the set.

The preliminary design team for the models of Pandora’s numerous flora and fauna.

The improvement of worldview.

Obey the Tao.

Etc., etc.

A series of things weighed heavily on Xu Xin's heart.

To put it bluntly... he didn't really understand the old man's generation of directors' yearning for foreign movies... or to be honest, for Hollywood.

For him, movies are movies.

What effect you want to achieve, you just need to find the right team.

If you can’t do it at home, just go find someone from abroad.

Just give you money.

I pay and you design what I want.

But now...after seeing this movie, he finally understood.

It turns out that it was not Hollywood that attracted the director.

It turns out that the only thing that attracts directors is Hollywood.

"This movie... is not so much a movie, I would rather summarize it as one of the pinnacle masterpieces of the film industry chain factory. Do you understand what I mean? The director... is amazing. But compared with these behind-the-scenes things, the director is also It’s not that amazing.”

"...Where are you here with the doll?"

"So you don't understand."

Xu Xin shook his head:

"For me, the most attractive part of it is the picture, not the story. Its picture allows me to see... digital technology, a technological innovation with unlimited possibilities. James Cameron personally started it This era... isn't right either. It can't be said that he started it.

But there must be his place on the highest throne. And that's the reason why I'm in a bad mood... let's put it this way. You think driving a Xiali is already a big deal in your village, but when you get to a big city, you realize that there is another kind of car in the world called a Daben...

It doesn’t mean that the movie must be like his, with stunning images, large investment, and excellent special effects. The shining point of why movies can be called the seventh art is that even just exploring human nature is enough for a director to study for a lifetime.

But...as a director, when I see his films, the gap I feel is really too big. The professionalism of Hollywood...is far beyond imagination, you know what I mean? They are so professional. It is the kind of profession driven by capital and wrapped up in monetary interests.

In this profession, any director can fully demonstrate his or her talents, and the subject matter of the script, the direction of the story, the tone, and even inner thoughts can be brought into full play. The cultural diversity of it is so intimidating, and the platforms that allow it to be hosted are so solid…

But that doesn’t mean we are useless. But... from an artistic point of view, the constraints on the director are indeed extremely small. The idea of ​​​​James Cameron's story is actually very general, you can even say that it is a bit cliché...

Of course, we have to admit that the company has indeed frequently released explosive products before, and this gives investors the confidence to trust them. But this is a chicken-and-egg paradox. Let’s not mention it. Let’s just talk about the industrial power revealed behind this movie..."

Xu Xin's words were particularly broken.

Especially wordy.

Even a little messy.

But Yang Mi was listening.

Moreover, she felt like Ming Jing, her husband was a little stimulated.

It’s not that I worship foreigners and yearn for Hollywood.

But he... must have seen some things that may never be possible in China, and then he has a kind of unwillingness to admit defeat, but he is also willing to admit that others have done a great job.

He was conflicted at the moment.

Even to be honest…

Somewhat sour.

But she can understand.

That's Hollywood.

The center of film culture.

To put it bluntly, she seems to be somewhat popular in China... but if she really wants to break into Hollywood... she is no different from a bitch.

The class cruelty of film actors is no less than that of directors.

If you are famous in Hollywood, you are a world-famous actor.

But no matter how famous you are in China, you will only be a little bean sprout in Hollywood.

The same is true for the development of China's film industry.

Because I yearn for it, I chase it.

But while chasing, I felt a little desperate.

This despair is not just about cultural diversity and the strength of the sense of restraint.

It is still an insurmountable gap.

Even she, as an actor, can feel it, and her husband, as a director, naturally feels it more clearly.

but……

"We're working hard too, aren't we?"

After hearing her words, Xu Xin, who was chattering away, nodded immediately:

"Of course I'm working hard. Didn't I say it before? Movies are not just about technology, their artistry is the core of fascination. But..."

"Don't be but. We are just trying to catch up. It's useless for you to think so much now. Some things are not a matter of one or two people. It is the joint efforts of the entire industry... Isn't that what Hollywood is like? He has never been a director. It was supported by two directors or three or four movies. You are too hasty..."

Xu Xin was startled...

In an instant, sanity returned.

He was stunned...and suddenly became happy.

He flicked the cigarette butt out and raised the window.

"That's right. You have to eat one bite at a time... Only by working together can we surpass. Don't be in a hurry..."

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and looked at the Shijia Hutong just ahead of him and said.

His eyes were bright and firm.