Chapter 27 is scheduled for release.
Chapter 27 is scheduled for release.
Under Zhang Jiandong's leadership, Fu Yibai quickly reached a cooperation agreement with the Beijing Film Academy.
Crazy Stone was the first experimental project in which the two parties collaborated.
August 10th, 2 PM, China Film Group headquarters.
Fu Yibai brought the finished film of "Caught in the Web" to Han Shanping's office.
The air conditioning was providing ample cooling, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat outside.
Han Shanping's secretary had already brewed the tea in advance, and the fragrance of Biluochun tea filled the air.
"You're here? Have a seat."
Han Shanping got up from behind his desk and greeted Fu Yibai with a smile, inviting him to sit down on the sofa in the reception area.
"Did you bring the final cut? How long did it take to edit?"
"About a month."
Fu Yibai placed the hard drive containing the digital copy on the coffee table.
"The film is 112 minutes long, seven minutes longer than originally planned, but I find the pacing more comfortable."
"You have the final say in artistic creation."
Han Shanping picked up the hard drive and handed it to his assistant.
"Go arrange the screening room. I'll go there with Director Fu right away."
While waiting, Han Shanping sized up Fu Yibai.
"You look good, more relaxed than when I last saw you."
At the celebration party for "Black Coal, Thin Ice," you looked so thin and gaunt.
I took a few days off.
Fu Yibai accepted the tea offered by his secretary.
"Teacher Zhang also said I should take it slow."
"It's time to slow down."
Youth is an asset, but it requires a long-term, steady approach.
Han Shanping leaned back on the sofa and changed the subject.
"Do you have any ideas about the release date of 'Caught in the Web'?"
Fu Yibai was prepared.
"I think it would be good to schedule it for the National Day holiday."
"National Day holiday?"
Han Shanping tapped his finger on the armrest.
Explain your reasons.
"Caught in the Web is not a purely commercial film, but its subject matter is highly realistic and topical."
Fu Yibai had a clear train of thought.
"Cyberbullying, media ethics, workplace dilemmas, and the complexities of human nature."
These topics, especially with the rapid popularization of the internet today, easily resonate with audiences and spark discussion.
"During the seven-day National Day holiday, the number of moviegoers is large and the audience is more diverse, including not only young people, but also families and intellectuals."
If promoted effectively and sparks public discussion, it can easily generate positive word-of-mouth and drive long-term box office performance.
Han Shanping listened attentively, nodding occasionally.
"There's another consideration."
Fu Yibai continued, "Black Coal, Thin Ice has just finished its run in theaters, but its popularity continues."
My profile as a director and my media attention are at a high point.
Capitalizing on the momentum, "Caught in the Web" will be released two months later during the National Day holiday, maximizing the existing attention and reducing the cognitive cost of the new film.
"You've thought it through very thoroughly."
Han Shanping praised Xu Dao.
"The choice of release date depends not only on the film itself, but also on the market environment, competitive landscape, and publicity pace."
The National Day holiday is indeed a good choice.
If "Caught in the Web" is scheduled for a preview screening on September 30th and an official release on October 1st, the promotional period will last for more than two months, which is ample time.
He stood up and patted Fu Yibai on the shoulder.
"Let's go watch a movie first."
If the final film is as good as you say, or even better, then China Film Group will support you in the National Day film season!
The lights in the screening room dimmed, and the screen lit up.
112 minutes later, the end credits slowly rose.
The screening room was completely silent, with only the slight hum of the air conditioning system.
Han Shanping sat silently for almost a minute before slowly exhaling.
"Great movie."
His voice was somewhat deep.
"It's even better than I imagined."
He turned his head and looked at Fu Yibai in the dim light.
"The narrative pacing was well controlled, and Fan Binbin's performance exceeded expectations."
"What's most impressive is that you managed to make a potentially heavy and didactic topic so engaging, building the emotions layer by layer until that final moment..."
Han Shanping shook his head.
"It has a strong aftereffect."
"Releasing this film will definitely spark discussion."
The lights came on.
Han Shanping's eyes were completely different now; they held a gleam of light that came from seeing a work with the potential to become a "hit."
"National Day, that's settled!"
He made the final decision.
"I will personally oversee the distribution of 'Caught in the Web' with China Film Group."
"We can increase the advertising budget by another 30%; we're going to make a big splash!"
As he spoke, he and Fu Yibai walked out of the screening room and back into the office.
After Han Shanping sat down, his tone softened slightly.
"This film touches on media ethics, cyberbullying, and even contains some subtly critical elements about certain industries. When it is submitted for review, it may encounter some 'suggestions'."
You need to be mentally prepared.
Fu Yibai nodded.
"I see.
The final cut has balanced artistic expression and censorship as much as possible, but I'm open to any necessary modifications as long as they don't compromise the core message.
"That's good."
Han Shanping smiled with satisfaction.
"You're a smart person."
In this way, China Film Group will communicate with the reviewing side in advance to try to avoid making any changes.
But you still need to be prepared.
In addition, the Film Bureau has recently been advocating for outstanding works that reflect reality and provoke thought.
The subject of "The Search" is sensitive, but if handled properly, it could become a benchmark.
I will try to get the leaders to take a look first and try to gain some support.
If we can get some level of official approval, the release process will be much smoother, and we'll have more confidence in our promotional efforts.
This is the energy and resources of China Film Group as a "national team".
Fu Yibai understood, and raised his cup to drink tea instead of wine.
"Then I'll leave it all to President Han."
"We're family, so let's not speak like strangers."
Han Shanping waved his hand.
"If your film is successful, China Film Group will also be proud."
After all, China Film Group invested money in it, hahaha.
Afterwards, Fu Yibai discussed publicity matters with Han Shanping.
This includes things like roadshows, behind-the-scenes footage, and online buzz that haven't yet taken off.
His ideas broadened Han Shanping's horizons.
In terms of publicity, Chenxi's publicity department can also cooperate.
It was already evening when I left the China Film Building.
The release date of "Caught in the Web" is set for National Day, which means that the publicity campaign will enter a high-intensity phase for the next two months.
As the female lead, Fan Binbin needs to attend a large number of events.
Hu Jing, as an important supporting actress, will also have some exposure.
As the director, he is also the core of the publicity campaign.
Meanwhile, "Crazy Stone" is about to enter the casting and pre-production stage, and Ning Hao needs his final decision.
Chenxi Media's music business has just started, and the recording of ten songs needs to be followed up.
The acquisition of the cinema chain is still underway.
An artist management department needs to be established.
We are hiring a personal assistant.
With so many things to worry about, Fu Yibai was also having a headache.
"Back to the company," he told the driver.
The car entered the evening rush hour traffic.
Fu Yibai took out his phone and saw several unread messages.
Fan Binbin sent a selfie taken in a photo studio, with exquisite makeup and a fashion magazine logo in the background.
"I had my cover shoot today, and the photographer complimented me on how good I looked!"
Are you coming home for dinner tonight? I learned a new dish.
Hu Jing's information is much simpler.
"Director Fu, is the post-production of 'Caught in the Web' finished?"
I'm currently reading a new script, and there's one role I'm unsure about. Could I ask you for advice when it's convenient?
Liu Yifei sent a cute emoji with a caption: "?"
"Brother Yibai, Mom said that 'Caught in the Web' has finished filming?"
I can't wait! I've been taking acting classes lately, and my teacher said I've improved!
Yang Mi's message reads more like a work report.
"Director Fu, Mr. Li has arranged a role for me as the third female lead in a TV series. I'll be joining the crew next week."
I will do my best! Best wishes to you!
northernbook