Great Fortune, Great Auspiciousness!

The host and MC was Zhang Nengshou, the production director of the film crew.

Under his introduction, Shen Shanden, the soul of the "Grand Director" project and its director, made his appearance.

Shen Shanden wasn't deliberately wearing his director's vest today, nor had he chosen a suit.

Jeans paired with a simple white t-shirt.

Minimalist, youthful.

Don't ask if he's cold wearing a t-shirt; if you look cool, you're not cold.

He continued the student-like vibe from the Beijing Film Academy press conference. He looked like a student, a gentleman, full of scholarly charm.

Shen Shanden walked onto the red carpet. The moment he appeared, he immediately became the center of attention.

The crowd erupted in the loudest commotion and discussion.

"Wow! Deng Deng!"

These were Shen Shanden's fans.

"It's him! The director!"

"He looks pretty decent!"

"I wonder how the movie will turn out."

"Are his rumors with Fan Bingbing true or false? Didn't they say he was with Yang Mi?"

A stir went through the media area in the front row. The media personnel adjusted their equipment, their long lenses and cameras focusing on this young man who had gone from an online singer to a director.

The lenses captured frantically.

Only they knew that the young man before them was not as harmless and simple as he appeared.

If they had thought a few months ago at the kick-off ceremony that this young man was too outspoken, they had privately criticized him, thinking that at such a young age, holding a multi-million dollar project, he should at least appear more mature.

Looking back, these media professionals seemed like rookies in front of Shen Shanden.

Shen Shanden was shaping himself into a cultural icon!

Jeans, a white t-shirt, combined with his student identity.

From a traditional perspective, someone young and inexperienced couldn't be relied upon, but Shen Shanden wasn't playing the traditional game at all.

The first time might have been a coincidence, but this time at the start-up ceremony, Shen Shanden was still dressed like this, which meant it was deliberate, a conscious effort to shape his image.

Combined with the promotional rhythm of "The Grand Director," the launch ceremony had exploded across online portals and media, followed by the gradual release of news about celebrity cast members, then casting, stills, and posters, and the organized creation of online communities to foster audience engagement.

With so many "coincidences," it couldn't be accidental.

Either it was Shen Shanden himself, or he had a marketing team that was even better than that young opinion leader from the south.

Facing the gathered gazes, Shen Shanden remained unmoved, his steps steady and powerful, his eyes sharp and focused, his aura calm and restrained.

Many were surprised to find a faint aura emanating from Shen Shanden.

Like a young general about to command a battle, the air in the entire ceremony venue seemed to tighten slightly.

The host invited others to the stage.

Zhou Qifeng, tempered by the film crew's preparations, had shed his last trace of immaturity. He wore a well-fitting dark casual suit, not deliberately trying to look older, and his steps had become steady.

In the audience, Zhou Qifeng's girlfriend was happy for her boyfriend.

Wu Jing, as the absolute core, also appeared shortly after, standing half a step behind Shen Shanden.

He was no longer in the slightly nervous state from the Beijing Film Academy press conference; he had fully entered his multiple roles, his aura condensed.

He wore a sharp black training suit, his muscle lines subtly visible, his expression serious and focused, his eyes filled with a sense of mission.

Wu Jing looked at Shen Shanden with a fervor akin to "a scholar dies for his confidant."

After months of collaboration, Shen Shanden had become like a rising sun in Chinese Cinema in his heart.

Next came the celebrity appearances. Chen Kun exuded his unique artistic temperament.

His acting skills and audience appeal were important guarantees of the film's quality.

His presence raised the expectations of the media and knowledgeable audiences for the film's "texture."

Fan Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, Chen Hao, and others took the stage one after another.

"Please welcome, the renowned performing artist Mr. Chen Daoming," the host announced.

Chen Daoming made a low-key appearance.

He was dressed relatively modestly in a simple jacket, yet his presence was the most powerful.

Despite his cameo appearance, he was like a "stabilizing force."

He didn't need the pursuit of spotlights, but when he appeared, the venue instantly quieted down.

All the main creators showed expressions of respect.

This wasn't the end; the host announced the presence of a major figure.

"Please welcome Mr. Han Sanping, Chairman of China Film Group and the primary producer of the film 'The Grand Director'."

The appearance of Han Sanping brought the atmosphere at the scene to its first climax.

The reporters went wild instantly, the sound of shutters erupting into a continuous white noise.

The surrounding crowd also erupted in louder exclamations, asking who this old man was, looking rather impressive.

Those in the know were all shocked.

Han Sanping personally attending the commencement ceremony for a new director's medium-budget project?

The signal conveyed was unmistakable.

China Film's emphasis on Shen Shanden and the "Grand Director" project was top-tier!

And he would personally endorse it!

Han Sanping, wearing a dark jacket and his signature calm smile, met Shen Shanden with a firm handshake, patted his shoulder, and spoke a few words in a low voice.

This action was directly displayed in front of countless cameras, captured by the spotlights.

Following that.

Han Sanping shook hands and exchanged pleasantries with Deputy Manager Wang, the representative from the Production Department, Zhang Nengshou, the host and also China Film's representative on set, as well as big stars like Fan Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, and Chen Daoming, showcasing his magnate demeanor.

His arrival was the true anchor.

It meant that "Grand Director" not only had an all-star cast but also an industry titan overseeing it, completely stabilizing the situation.

It also injected the strongest confidence into the entire crew and project.

Fan Bingbing couldn't stop smiling, already imagining the accompanying photos for the major media headlines the next day.

Seeing that the time was almost right, host Zhang Nengshou said, "The auspicious hour has arrived, let us offer incense and pray for blessings."

Shen Shanden, without deliberate attempts at being unconventional, followed the standard procedure.

At the main altar, Shen Shanden, as the director, was on one side, while Han Sanping, as the primary producer, was in the center.

Han Sanping nodded secretly.

Shen Shanden handled things with neither haste nor impatience, yet he didn't lack youthful drive; he was indeed the promising talent he had identified.

At the accompanying altar.

Wu Jing, Chen Kun, then the biggest star, the Huadan lead Fan Bingbing, followed by Huang Xiaoming, Chen Hao, special guest Chen Daoming, Deputy Manager Wang from China Film's Production Department, representatives from Bona and Guangxian as investors, and then production manager Zhang Nengshou, producer Zhou Qifeng, and others.

Everyone's expression was solemn, their smiles retracted.

Incense smoke swirled, creating a solemn atmosphere.

Commencement ceremonies in mainland China were heavily influenced by Hong Kong Island, with roasted pigs and worshipping deities becoming fixed rituals.

Initially, because film equipment was easily damaged, they would worship for peace of mind.

As time went on, equipment quality improved, and failure rates decreased, with commencement ceremonies gradually becoming an important part of film promotion.

However, the original meaning remained significant.

For a project like "Grand Director", twelve million yuan was equivalent to fifty to sixty million in later years, and with Shen Shanden securing many discounts from China Film, a film that could truly make money today might not be able to be produced for one to two hundred million.

For such an important project, any delay, even a single day, meant a significant financial loss, and they couldn't afford to dawdle.

Shen Shanden discovered that making movies was similar to engineering; money flowed like water daily, and unforeseen events could cause substantial losses.

It wasn't a lack of faith in science, but rather that metaphysics offered better cost-effectiveness.

Of course, there was also a scientific basis for this.

The deity-worshipping segment of the commencement ceremony focused not on the deities themselves, but on the act of "worship."

This was an application of "ritual" within a film crew. Worship was a ceremony, a set of actions with specific procedures and rules, intended to soothe the hearts of the people and signify their entry into the work.

Shen Shanden grasped the key point and reinforced the process. With stars and a titan like Han Sanping backing "Grand Director", the aim was to showcase this and create an atmosphere of "ritual."

The effect was quite good.

Shen Shanden's expression was particularly devout and resolute.

Following the prior rehearsal, he, along with the main creators, shouted together.

"Today, we commence filming. May the spirit of the camera rejoice, bringing great fortune and prosperity!"

This was to pray for smooth filming and a box office success.

Han Sanping hadn't rehearsed with them, but in this setting, he could only move his lips along with the chant.

It felt a bit embarrassing!

He retracted his earlier thought; it was indeed a new trend, but the younger generation's way of doing things was a bit too novel.

After the ritual concluded.

Shen Shanden and Han Sanping, who was full of inner monologues, walked together to the main camera covered with a red cloth.

They reached out together and dramatically lifted the red cloth!

At this moment, the camera flashes poured down like a storm once again!

This marked the official launch of the "Grand Director" project and its entry into the filming stage.

As for burning incense and roasting a suckling pig, Shen Shanden skipped it.

Instead, he had wedding candies packed in textured boxes, and he took out the first one to eat.

The main creators came forward one by one to symbolically take a piece, sharing the good luck of this "opening ceremony candy."

Han Sanping didn't like sweets, but he ate one to show his support.

"Milk candy, quite delicious."

It was surprisingly delicious, much to Han Sanping's surprise.

The atmosphere at the scene became relaxed and lively.

Shen Shanden ate the candy, feeling sweet and even more excited and thrilled.

He had finally reached this point.

With Han Sanping presiding and an all-star cast, who could look down on this? Who dared to look down on this?

He, Shen Shanden, was making his boasts come true one by one!

He was standing in the eye of the storm.

And he had created this storm himself!

This was truly impressive!

With the core part of the ceremony concluded, it was time for the media.

Reporters surged towards the main creators like a tide, microphones bristling.

A barrage of questions found Shen Shanden, asking about his feelings during preparation, his evaluation of the actors, how he balanced commercial appeal with "exploring new paths," and how he viewed the subsequent discussions sparked by "A weak nation has no art."

Shen Shanden did not shy away from the controversy; instead, he chose to open a new battlefield.

When there were enough controversies, they wouldn't be able to catch up to him.

"For the film The Grand Director, let's set a small goal first: a box office of one hundred million!"

Han Sanping, standing nearby, felt his heart skip a beat.

So bold?

Boom!

The reporters' gazes turned to Shen Shanden, sparkling with the excitement of discovering a gold mine.

He's so good at creating buzz!

The reporters were ecstatic!