Chapter 52: Film Commencement

(The return of Chen Dong, presenting classic xianxia with "Heaven Covering" (Book No. 1735921))

The opening ceremony of "Springtime Leaked" was held on set. As a modern fashion film, it didn’t require a special film studio like a film city; many scenes were filmed in ordinary locations. This set was where one of the scenes was shot.

Once Li Yan arrived, the others followed. There were already many people on site, primarily consisting of three groups: the crew members, media reporters, and onlookers.

When films on Cloud Island commenced, there was traditionally a lion and dragon dance, worship, and incense burning. It might not necessarily be just superstition, but rather tradition. For most people, it was simply a joyful event, a way to bring good luck. Of course, people in Wudong were quite keen on worshipping, so if the boss was from Wudong, it would naturally be more grand.

As for other activities, due to budget issues, only firecrackers were prepared. The commencement ceremony was quite simple, essentially a ribbon-cutting event. Its primary purpose wasn’t just celebration but rather gathering all the actors, inviting media reporters, officially marking the first promotional activity.

Li Yan arrived with a group, and the other two investors, Chu Yi and Mo Yan, also showed up. No one from distribution or theater chains attended.

They all came over to greet him. When Li Yan walked over, he had already noticed the situation with the crew and asked a bit oddly: "Old Qiao, didn’t you say the actors couldn’t all coordinate their schedules, that only some could make it? How come I see everyone here?"

Qiao Pan immediately complained, "It’s not that simple. Today, they were especially requested to come. After this, they will still follow their own schedules. These stars will have to split into several groups to shoot. Today, under the guise of the start of filming, everyone was called over mainly for publicity."

He nodded toward the media reporters: "See? So many reporters, who are they here for? How many can Xiao Zhou and I attract? They’re all here for these stars. If it were just the actors currently on set, it would be quite deserted. Damn, all this back-and-forth with people’s travel expenses sure cost a lot."

Mo Yan, wearing sunglasses, said, "Alright, isn’t it just plane ticket money? Consider today as the start of our first promotion. If we don’t get media coverage, how will we earn it back? This money is accounted for in the promotion budget!"

"Nonsense, if it’s not promotion expenses, could I be paying out of my own pocket?"

In truth, what bothered Qiao Pan wasn’t the travel expenses but the increasing diva-like attitudes of celebrities, becoming harder to please. They always needed a manager and an assistant, and the bigger stars also required a makeup artist, bodyguard, and so on.

Who bears these costs? The crew. Why do movie promotion expenses keep rising? This is one reason.

When Jet Li filmed "Suicide Squad," he also brought his manager, assistant, bodyguard, and a martial arts team of over ten people, and it was Stallone’s crew who paid as well.

"Alright, you’re all the bosses; your time is precious. We’re about to start. Finish the ribbon-cutting, then it’s contract photos, media interviews, and Xiao Zhou starts filming." Qiao Pan, being the busiest, didn’t stand on ceremony with them.

The site was already set up. In addition to the three investors, the ribbon-cutting involved Director Zhou Yuan and Qiao Pan.

At this time, Li Yan didn’t have the chance to introduce Zeng Zixi, just signaled Jiang Xueyin to teach Zeng Zixi more.

The reporters all took their positions, but had little interest in their ribbon-cutting, preferring to aim their cameras at the resting stars nearby.

Qiao Pan felt slightly awkward. He brought Li Yan to avoid neglecting the investors, but given the atmosphere, they had to simplify. All actors were quickly assembled for group photos, then firecrackers were set off nearby.

The stars, initially resting separately, gathered for the group photos, enabling the reporters to finally start filming, creating a lively atmosphere. Owing to the stars, they weren’t stingy about photographing Li Yan and others, who had no marketability.

However, whether it was Li Yan, Mo Yan, or Chu Yi, appearing in front of cameras for the first time, they didn’t feel embarrassed. Instead, being surrounded by cameras felt unnatural. Later, Qiao Pan arranged for them to meet the media. They were merely investors, not rich people keen on meeting or endorsing stars, so they simply smiled politely at both lesser-known and top stars without the fervor of fandom.

Afterward, the three sat down to rest aside.

Li Yan observed that the top stars were surrounded by many reporters, while those less famous had fewer. However, the young women Chu Yi introduced, like Xiao Ai, Xiao Lü, and a few others, although unknown, were young and beautiful, attracting photographers’ attention. These aspiring girls beamed with excitement, as if it marked the first step of their success.

Seeing their radiant smiles, Li Yan felt touched. Whatever their backgrounds, they possessed a pure side!

Chu Yi and Mo Yan were also watching them.

Chu Yi said seriously, "They have dreams and passion. The opportunity to act in films and gain fame drives them, even if the dream is mundane. Now is the best time for them; no matter the role, even as corpses, they’d perform earnestly. Whatever the director’s instructions or criticism, they’d humbly listen. Compared to many who have lost their passion for acting, these fresh faces inspire more expectation!"

"I also have great expectations for them!" Mo Yan laughed lewdly, but seeing Li Yan and Chu Yi apparently looking at him sternly, he adjusted his sunglasses, putting on a serious stance:

"In my view, the way they reach the set is a product of the overall environment. Si Country is similar; many land roles by dating or marrying stars, directors, or producers. The key isn’t the means but whether they succeed and have the ability. Our country values respecting elders, yet sometimes it goes too far, becoming experience-oriented. For instance, at annual film festivals and industry conferences, ’veteran artists’ are showcased. Yet, many haven’t produced any work for decades, considered ’veteran’ merely for playing supporting roles in youth, later revered as ’veteran artists.’"

Li Yan chuckled at his assertion, "So, you believe ignoring these veteran artists would change the current situation?"

"Certainly, more roads to fame would reduce sacrifices. Much like singing talent shows offering grassroots opportunities to become singers. Si Country respects veteran artists, but only truly accomplished ones, like Clint Eastwood, who at the age of a retired veteran artist continues acting, directing, and frequently releasing works, even masterpieces. His box-office appeal exceeds a line of popular stars, which speaks volumes."

Chu Yi calmly added, "Advocating for the elderly to just retire is quite a tough stance."

Li Yan laughed, "Given such an environment, old Chu sure finds success among young women."

"I’ve read the script. The story should pass scrutiny. My concern is the title might be considered indecent and disharmonious by older officials, so a backup title might be necessary."

Mo Yan’s comment resonated with the others, prompting Chu Yi to remind Qiao Pan.

...

After extensive interviews with the actors and stars, the reporters left. The stars with scheduling conflicts also started leaving. Since Cloud Island’s stars were nearby, arranging transportation was cheaper than multiple airfares. It took only half a day, so they could all make it.

With arrangements made, Chu Yi, Mo Yan, and others departed. Heavenly Film participants, except Jiang Xueyin and Zeng Zixi, returned to work afterward.

Li Yan brought Zeng Zixi to Qiao Pan, explained his plan to let Zeng Zixi assist in marketing and promotional tasks.

Qiao Pan, being shrewd, immediately understood Li Yan intended for him to train her. Their collaboration was limited to one film, while Zeng Zixi’s development would benefit Heavenly Film. However, since it only pertained to marketing and promotion, it wouldn’t threaten his position as a producer planning entire film projects. Since Li Yan had helped him this time, solidifying their relationship might lead to future collaboration, so after a brief contemplation, he agreed.

As Zeng Zixi hadn’t completed formalities and contracts, Li Yan first took her back to the company.

On the way back, Jiang Xueyin sat in the front passenger seat, and Zeng Zixi sat in the back. In contrast to her earlier state, Jiang Xueyin was far more excited, chattering about having taken photos with stars, finally having something to boast about to her friends.

Seeing her excitement, back at the office, Li Yan instructed her to take Zeng Zixi to HR to handle formalities. He took a break himself, then headed to the business department to visit Huang Ying. Being Huang Ying’s first formal job after graduation and having worked for over a year, leaving now always felt uneasy.

He didn’t expect surprises awaiting him at the business department!

(Thanks to the brothers who tipped on the 15th: ★You Lan★, Fruit Decisive, Ayiguli, Master Yidu, jys0022, kipling, Almighty Masters, Clint Eastwood) (To be continued, for more Chapters, please visit www.qidian.com and support the author with legitimate reading!)

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