Chapter 13 Overwhelming propaganda

There are so many handsome guys in the entertainment industry, but only Wu Qizu has so many "XX descendants".

Twenty years later, his handsomeness has become a specific noun and adjective.

Some boys who are quite confident about their looks would call themselves "the ancestor of so-and-so", but few would call themselves Kim Sung-woo or Wang Lihong.

It seems that Zu has filled most of the country and has become a synonym for handsome in the hearts of countless people, which shows how outstanding his appearance is.

The savior Neo he played in the movie was so handsome that countless women in the audience were crazy about him.

Don't ignore the impact of appearance on success in the film industry. The most typical example is Jet Li. The reason why he can firmly sit on the title of "Kung Fu Emperor" is that those who are more handsome than him are not as good at fighting as he is, and those who are better at fighting than him are not as handsome as him.

The perfect combination of graceful and elegant movements and sunny and handsome appearance, as well as his harmless and righteous fighting appearance, is really popular with the audience.

At this moment, Wu Qiuzu seemed to be on the verge of becoming famous. Although he was still a newcomer with no works released to the public, after the main creators came on stage, he quickly became the focus of the media taking pictures and asking questions.

"Hello Mr. Wu Yizu, how did you join the crew?" asked a female reporter wearing glasses.

"Well, actually I really never thought that I would make a movie one day. I just thought that in this year, I must go to Hong Kong to take a look! When I traveled there, I spent almost all my money, so I thought about making some money and becoming a model. Then I was introduced to Director Jiang Heng!"

Perhaps it was because he was born to do this job, Wu Qiuzu was not at all flustered and talked freely in front of the guests and media reporters in the audience.

"Director Jiang's first sentence stunned me, and what he said afterwards made me question my life for a long time!"

The reporters were intrigued and asked him what he said at the time.

"Director Jiang said that the probability of us living in the real world is less than one in a billion. I was a little confused at the time. How could this be possible?"

The guests and reporters in the audience were even more confused. They had only seen the most exciting fighting scenes and had not yet been exposed to the film's worldview.

In addition, in 1997, information was blocked in China, and almost no one in the auditorium had ever heard of the theory of virtual world.

"How is this possible!"

"This, this is too sci-fi!"

Reporters were discussing the issue, and Wu Yizu smiled. "I thought so too. Then Director Jiang started telling me all kinds of theories and evidence. We talked for about an hour. My brain was confused. Then he showed me the outline of the script. I felt that my worldview was overturned. I thought this story was so cool. Even if I didn't get paid much, I was willing to participate."

After hearing this, the reporters and guests became more interested in "The Matrix". Of course, the main reason was that they felt there was too much material to write about in this issue.

“The most handsome man in Hong Kong”, “The first Chinese science fiction film”, “Humans live in a virtual world”…

Among these gimmicks, the most contagious one is actually “Hong Kong’s No. 1 Handsome Man”!
The so-called text has no first, Wu has no second.

Everyone has different aesthetic tastes, so naturally not everyone thinks Wu Yizu is the most handsome.

As long as the idea that "Aizu Wu is the most handsome man in Hong Kong, surpassing the Four Heavenly Kings and overshadowing Brother Haonan" is put forward, it will inevitably arouse heated discussions among movie fans. If Wu Aizu's posters are posted on bus stops and outdoor advertising screens in major voting-rich cities, it will inevitably attract a large number of boys and girls to watch the movie.

Although Li Meiqi's appearance cannot be called "the most beautiful woman in Hong Kong", she has a mixed-race look.

Coupled with her glamorous and cool image in the movie, her posters will definitely sell out after the release.

There is a saying that appearance is justice. Before the premiere ceremony, Wu Aizu and Li Meiqi were completely unknown in mainland China, but they were photographed and asked questions by a group of reporters at the event.

Yuen Wah and Yuen Tak are considered to be somewhat well-known figures in the Hong Kong film industry, but after they came on stage, they became little known and almost no one asked them any questions.

If Yu Dong hadn't arranged a few reporters in advance, no one would have paid attention to these two people, which would have been very embarrassing.

After answering the questions, a video clip was played.

It was Neo, played by Wu Aizu, who reached out and touched the mirror, and was immediately covered with mercury. Then a bald, naked man with tubes inserted into his body appeared in the petri dish.

"Fuck, this, this!"

It was hard for everyone present to believe that the monster-like guy in the petri dish was the handsome and cool Wu Qizu.

But as the male protagonist's eyes rotated, people saw more petri dishes, each of which contained a human being with tubes inserted into it.

The male protagonist looked around and saw countless petri dishes densely covering the circular building like a skyscraper.

Electric arcs kept flashing across the sky, as if generating electrical energy.

"Fuck, they're not using humans to generate electricity, are they?"

“This is too imaginative!”

The guests and reporters present were extremely curious and wanted to know what would happen next. The lights in the venue came on and the second preview ended.

Then a host came on stage and expressed gratitude to all the guests and reporters on behalf of the "Matrix" crew, and the premiere celebration officially ended.

"Fuck, this isn't intentional to seduce me!"

Jiang Wen cursed and decided to ask later.

To express his gratitude, Jiang Heng booked a large private room at a nearby star-rated hotel to entertain the guests.

Although the reporters who came could not go there, they all received travel expenses.

It's not that I'm reluctant to spend some money on the banquet, it's just that it's really not easy to bring reporters to occasions where celebrities are dining.

There were about twenty or so stars and artists who came to eat in the box, mostly from Hong Kong. Most of the guests from the mainland left directly.

Instead, Jiang Wen sat next to Jiang Heng and asked about the plot of "The Matrix".

Jiang Heng briefly described the plot of the first part, and Jiang Wen couldn't help but give him a thumbs up, "Brother, you are right. Our idea of ​​making the film is still about family and country, grudges and hatred, but you are directly doubting the world, and it seems very reasonable!"

Jiang Heng laughed, "I'm just young, I dare to think and dare to shoot!"

Xu Ke said quietly, "It's not that simple. When I watched the gunfight scene in the film directed by Zhang Yimou, the visuals, sound effects and music were all classics. It's not an exaggeration to say that it surpassed John Woo in all aspects!"

Liu Weiqiang also said: "That scene really showed your skills. Have you really never learned directing before?"

Jiang Heng was a little shy, "No, I just tried my best to learn how the director arranged the scenes when I was playing a minor role."

"You can't learn this by stealing!"

Liu Weiqiang shook his head slightly, but didn't want to delve into the details.

Judging from the two preview clips, the final effect of "The Matrix" is very amazing, and it is not something that a novice who has never been a director can shoot. Even Yuan De, the martial arts instructor, does not have such skills.

Even if he could shoot it, he wouldn't understand these special effects. Jiang Heng must have a team helping him behind the scenes.

Could it be some big Hollywood company? How come no news has been leaked out?

The meal was quite enjoyable, and then everyone went their separate ways with doubts.

The China Film Group was on high alert. In addition to Ge You who spontaneously dressed up as a reporter to join in the fun at the premiere ceremony, Han Sanping also sent people from the Beijing Film Studio to enter the CPPCC auditorium with open confidence.

After attending the entire ceremony, the employee of Beijing Film Studio was sweating profusely.

"Director, this is amazing! Their publicity concept is amazing! Although I have never done any publicity, after a premiere, I feel that there are too many things to report, and they are very eye-catching!"

Han Sanping frowned slightly. The man who went to attend the premiere was called Zhang Xiang, and he was considered a veteran of the Beijing Film Studio. The fact that he dared to say such words "boosting others' morale and destroying his own prestige" could only mean one thing, that is, "The Matrix" was far beyond his imagination, both in terms of film (clips) quality and publicity methods.

He must have felt that "Party A and Party B" had no chance of winning, which was why he said that. This was to lay the groundwork for future box office failures so that he wouldn't be blamed for not reporting the truth!
"Oh, anything worthy of media coverage?"

"Although the male lead in the film is a new actor, he has very good looks, tough and handsome. He will probably become a new idol for teenagers after the film is released!"

"Is he more handsome than Zheng Yijian who has been very popular in the past two years?"

"Well, it's mainly because of his performance in the movie. He's much more handsome than Chen Haonan in a fight!"

Han Sanping thought about the scene of teenagers worshipping and imitating Chen Haonan, "If I can replace that young and dangerous guy and become the idol of teenagers, it would be a good thing!"

Zhang Xiang was a little confused and didn't know how to respond.

Fortunately, Han Sanping continued: "Is there anything else special?"

"We screened two clips on site, and the gunfight scenes can be said to surpass John Woo's in every way!"

Han Sanping's eyes widened and he stared at Zhang Xiang, as if to say, "Think carefully before you say that!"

Surpass John Woo?
What a joke! Among all the current domestic directors, how many can confidently say that they can surpass John Woo in handling gun battle scenes?

Even Chen Kaige and Zhang Yimou wouldn’t dare to say this!
How could Jiang Heng, a new director, possibly shoot a better gunfight scene than John Woo's? He would never believe it even if you kill him!
Zhang Xiang considered himself to be the factory director's confidant, so he knew what Han Sanping was thinking.

The question is whether he really thinks the gunfight scene in the preview of "The Matrix" has surpassed John Woo's previous works.

The special effect of the bullet flying through the air is absolutely epoch-making!
He hurriedly expressed his views, and Han Sanping was simply stunned.

"anything else?"

Zhang Xiang then talked about the shock he felt from the second preview, and finally added, "Director, I think the final product of this film may not be inferior to a pure Hollywood blockbuster, and the box office performance will be very high, what do you think?"

Han Sanping didn't say anything. He slowly smoked a cigarette, glanced at Zhang Xiang and said, "You want to say that we should change the schedule of Party A and Party B?"

Zhang Xiang smiled but didn't say anything. He thought to himself, "Anyway, I didn't say it!"

Han Sanping said: "I have thought about it carefully. Although the two films are competing with each other when they are released in the same period, they are not completely competing in terms of film types. One is science fiction and the other is a comedy. If both films are good, many people will choose to watch both!"

Zhang Xiang thought, "That being said, if you think the movie tickets are too expensive, you will still choose one of the two!"

Of course, he would never dare say this even if he was beaten to death.

Not only did they not dare to speak, but they also had to agree with Han Sanping's words and add to and interpret them.

"Yeah, that's true. I think we can use their fame to promote this product!"

Before the premiere, "Party A and Party B" was far more famous than "The Matrix", but I believe the situation will be reversed soon.

As for "Party A and Party B", they can take advantage of the fact that the two films are competing in the same release period to carry out large-scale bundling promotion.

Han Sanping agreed with this statement and said in surprise: "Yes, that's what I mean! We should take advantage of Hong Kong's momentum to achieve box office success!"

"Director, this is a brilliant idea!"

……

The two knew that the publicity campaign for "The Matrix" would be intense, but they did not anticipate to what extent.

Bus stops across Beijing are all decorated with promotional posters for The Matrix, and some outdoor advertising screens are no exception.

Of course, these are relatively easy as long as you are willing to organize manpower and spend money.

But it is quite shocking that entertainment media across the country are giving extensive coverage to "The Matrix". When has there ever been such a scene?
If you take a look at it, you will find that the reports have different focuses. Some praise the male lead for his handsomeness and say he will become a new teenage idol.

Some praised the film's action scenes, believing that it would be a visual feast.

Some say that the special effects are extremely shocking, and that it is the pioneering work of Chinese science fiction films, or perhaps its pinnacle.

The most exaggerated thing is that even a non-entertainment media like "China Science and Technology News" followed suit and reported on the premiere ceremony of "The Matrix".

What’s even worse is that the “Six Princesses of CCTV” with their own unique personalities reported on “The Matrix” on a large scale, and the audience was too broad.

It can be said that in just a few days, too many people went from having never heard of it to knowing that a film known as the "pioneering Chinese science fiction film" would soon be released during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Han Sanping's bundling promotion strategy has not yet been implemented, but the promotion of "The Matrix" is already in full swing.

This is a bit embarrassing!
Even more embarrassing was the Wang brothers of Huayi. They had a chat with Jiang Heng once when he came to Beijing to seek film distribution, but they didn't expect that they couldn't see eye to eye and the talks broke down on the spot.

Wang Zhonglei even mocked it, saying that looking at the current situation, even if "The Matrix" cannot make 95 million at the box office like "True Lies" released in , it will probably make to million.

With a box office of 60 to 70 million, the income from agency share must be huge, it hurts just thinking about it!

The Wang brothers were half annoyed and half jealous, and kept an eye on the promotion of "The Matrix".

By the night of December 12, large crowds of people began to flock to several cinemas in Beijing's main urban area that were screening "The Matrix."

A reporter came to interview and learned that these people were there to attend the midnight show of "The Matrix".

It was indeed surprising that the midnight show on the first day was more of a "gimmick" than the actual scheduling. After walking around and asking a few questions, the reporter found that almost all the people who came to watch the movie were students on vacation or white-collar workers who had just started working.

The question is, I heard that this movie has handsome men and beautiful women, and the scenes are cool!

(End of this chapter)