Too Eager to Improve!

Han Sanping's wording was much milder than Shen Shanden's, and he didn't show much emotion.

But his status was different; he was now in charge of the marketization of Chinese cinema.

Calling filmmakers "unclear-headed" was already very strong language.

Many reporters felt Han Sanping's wording was inaccurate, but they were wrong.

Han Sanping wasn't acting recklessly.

He was well-prepared!

Fifty-four years old, the prime age for pioneering!

"Last year, our film market, in the realm of historical blockbusters, was filled with a heavy chill. The works of Director Zhang Yimou, Director Chen Kaige, and Director Feng Xiaogang, three films that gathered the country's top resources, all met with disaster in the overseas market, especially in Europe and America."

"This is a dangerous critical signal, announcing that the historical blockbuster model of Eastern spectacle + Western core, which began with Director Paperclip's House of Flying Daggers and was pushed to its climax by Director Zhang Yimou's Hero, has reached the end of its road in overseas markets."

"A crisis has already emerged. Where does the crisis come from? Fundamentally, it's because we are facing a highly mature and extremely aggressive opponent: Hollywood."

"Their operational models, capital strength, and global distribution networks are more mature than ours. They are happy to accept works with exotic flavors in the early stages, cultivate specific audiences, and establish market dependency. Once the time is right and they invest heavily expecting returns, they can easily tighten their grip."

"Facing Hollywood's covetous gaze, the key to protecting the Chinese film industry from being overwhelmed lies in serving Chinese audiences. The 1.3 billion compatriots are our most solid and reliable foundation!"

"The direction and positioning of Chinese cinema, and the primary goal of film creation, should be to satisfy the aesthetic needs, emotional needs, and cultural identity of domestic audiences."

Han Sanping kept it simple, not elaborating further.

To say more would lean towards nationalism, which would be incorrect.

"As the main person in charge of China Film, we must translate this into action. A crisis presents both danger and opportunity. We must upgrade historical blockbusters, upgrade blockbusters, and upgrade the entire Chinese film industry."

The celebrity artists present appeared to be deep in thought.

Of course, they didn't understand.

But whether they understood or not wasn't important; at this moment, they had to appear to be thinking.

Shen Shanden felt something was off.

These words from Han Sanping sounded so familiar!

Even though he had also plagiarized some of Han Sanping's interviews, the old man shouldn't plagiarize him back, right? Was that appropriate? Not really.

Entertainment reporters felt bored, but those focusing on film academia and social issues were deeply moved.

Foundation, direction, positioning, primary goal, specific measures.

Han Sanping was definitely not acting recklessly; he was prepared and was articulating his philosophy and ideas after taking charge of China Film.

Some reporters were already pondering why Han Sanping chose this occasion to speak.

There must be a deeper meaning!

Han Sanping continued according to his prepared remarks.

"Chinese cinema must explore the development of diversified genre films, support small- and medium-budget domestic gems that are close to reality, and establish a healthier market structure and investment and financing system."

"China Film will also invest in the infrastructure construction of the film industry, with a degree of forward-looking construction. Blockbuster filming is infrastructure; it must consider economic benefits, but more importantly, social responsibility. Being moderately ahead of the curve is beneficial to society."

Han Sanping used infrastructure development as a relatable example.

Then, he returned to film: "The setback of the historical blockbuster model is precisely the opportunity for Chinese cinema to return to its roots. In terms of historical themes, our industry chain is already quite mature. The next step should be to aim for the soul of China, rooted in Chinese history."

Shen Shanden wanted to call the police!

Before, he could say it was inspired by; now, it was definitely plagiarism!

He almost couldn't hold back!

Is the old comrade trying to be a repeater?

A reporter from the professional film media China Film News, checking her voice recorder, with a solemn expression, was rapidly taking notes. She felt the progressive spirit of the old comrade.

Not only did it inherit the previous blockbuster strategy, but on that foundation, it also outlined a complete path for film development, even slightly touching upon the path of cultural development.

This was not accidental; it was a carefully prepared probe, a signal release.

Han Sanping said: "Today is May Fourth Youth Day. More than eighty years ago, young students engaged in patriotic movements through various means, giving birth to the great May Fourth spirit. China Film values the growth of young directors."

"China Film cares about the growth of young directors. Director Shen Shanden, a top student from Beijing Film Academy, voluntarily proposed to me that he wants to be a vanguard, willing to be the first to charge for Chinese cinema!"

"Very spirited!"

A collective gasp of admiration rippled through the crowd, followed by thunderous applause.

First to charge!

An indomitable spirit, this is youth!

Chinese people love this kind of narrative!

As expected of Shen Shanden, who shouted "Save the Nation Through Film"!

Da Mimi's eyes sparkled.

This was her man.

And in private, she had never heard Shen Shanden mention it; her man was too low-key.

Is this what they call "success born from ambition"?

He poured his heart and soul into his career, yet was content with mediocrity.

Da Mimi couldn't say she could do that; that level of spiritual attainment was too high.

Wu Jing's gaze burned with intensity, feeling the sun's brilliance.

The vanguard, a unit facing nine deaths, or even ten deaths out of ten.

This is Director Shen, fearless of death. No wonder he dared to directly address Wu Jing!

Fan Bingbing and the others also paid their respects with solemnity.

If it were a few months ago, they would have thought it was just polite talk, but having personally participated in this project, they knew from their own experiences that it was the truth.

The director is giving his all!

As Han Sanping said this, he paused, looking at Shen Shanden with encouraging eyes.

Shen Shanden pursed his lips and returned a determined gaze.

Little did they know, deep down he was internally screaming!

He's revealed what Old Deng said in private!

A sneak attack, is that good? That's not good!

No honor!

No warning!

A direct sneak attack!

Do the vanguard and the vanguards have a good outcome?

It's glorious for those who survive as vanguard, but most die, and the success of one general is built on the bones of ten thousand.

Shen Shanden, with his small arms and legs, just wants to make movies low-key, not too high-profile!

Han Sanping continued, "Since the youth are so spirited, I, as a middle-aged youth, must also join in."

Everyone was caught off guard by Han Sanping's joke and burst into laughter.

Shen Shanden could only force a smile.

Han Sanping concluded, " The Grand Director is an attempt by China Film to focus on the upgrading strategy of the Chinese film industry, aiming to find an upgrade path for historical epics and the blockbuster strategy."

Hiss, hiss, hiss!

Everyone was shocked!

They gasped in disbelief!

Public support!

The reporters were so happy they could cry. There were too many explosive stories today; compared to other film and television launch ceremonies, The Grand Director was too spectacular.

Han Sanping's statement set an extremely high bar for The Grand Director and tied his own future to Shen Shanden.

Especially Han Sanping's secretary, Liao Yun, and Deputy Manager Wang from the Production Department, were inwardly terrified.

This gamble is a bit too big!

Only then did Shen Shanden show a smile.

At least he had received support.

If he hadn't, he would definitely have found a way to expose Old Deng's "gold coins" later. Well, not necessarily gold coins, but resources. For now, he decided to wait.

Han Sanping saw the shock in everyone's eyes, but what could he do?

He was also desperate!

Wu Jing's Red Cliff started production in mid-last month, and Han Sanping had completely given up hope.

It was as if his wife wrote the script, and then promoted Lin Chi-ling from Taiwan who couldn't even act.

Every scene was done with as much money as possible, and management was chaotic.

It was already chaotic before, with several delays, and it didn't get any better after filming began.

Moreover, they would rather the crew shut down than consider actors from mainland China for the lead roles.

Was this making a movie?

Everything Shen Shanden predicted came true!

Wu Jing's approach was slightly better than the Sixth Generation's small studio model, but not much better than the Fifth Generation's workshop style, filled with arbitrariness.

Shen Shanden's The Grand Director crew, on the other hand, had a rigorous plan, scientific processes, clear responsibilities, and strong preliminary preparation and cost control.

Compared to the Red Cliff crew, who was the international big director, and who was the rookie director?

Han Sanping was truly afraid that Shen Shanden would leave.

He had to bind him quickly. He had already been promoted anyway and wasn't afraid of a little controversy.

Han Sanping wasn't doing this for his own advancement, but to achieve the industrial upgrading of Chinese cinema. He was going all out!

Han Sanping's objective was achieved, and he said no more.

Next were the main stars.

Fan Bingbing and Huang Xiaoming were asked why they joined, about their characters' traits, and their feelings about working with a new director.

Both answered appropriately, praising the script and the director's vision, emphasizing the team's professionalism, and avoiding discussion of the overt competition between Hong Kong Island and the mainland.

Fan Bingbing occasionally displayed some charm, and her answers regarding the rumors with Shen Shanden were vague.

She wasn't trying to steal anyone's man.

She was just a little interested in the twenty-four-hour usage rights!

Huang Xiaoming, on the other hand, emphasized the action challenges and character breakthroughs.

Wu Jing was asked more questions, about the pressure of his multiple identities, his concepts for action design, and whether going all-in was worth it.

Wu Jing's responses were more formal and serious, simple yet full of strength. He emphasized his trust in the director and the team, expressed full confidence in the action scenes, and stated, "I'll do my best even if it costs me my life."

Though it sounded like polite remarks, it was Wu Jing's genuine sentiment.

He was so grateful for an opportunity like The Grand Director.

The reporters' questions for Chen Kun and Chen Daoming were relatively focused on character depth and script appeal.

Chen Kun discussed the complexity of his character.

Chen Daoming spoke little. His cameo role was Yang Tinghe, but he affirmed the script and creative atmosphere with considerable weight.

The media event concluded with a group photo of the main cast and crew.

All the main cast and principal actors lined up in front of the backdrop.

At the center were director Shen Shanden and Han Sanping, with Wu Jing, Fan Bingbing, Huang Xiaoming, Chen Kun, Chen Hao, and Chen Daoming flanking them. A circle of key creative personnel also surrounded them.

As the photographer from China Film News pressed the shutter, a sudden, wondrous feeling washed over him.

Combining Shen Shanden's speech and Han Sanping's remarks, looking at the photo of mainland's top stars, film industry bigwigs, and emerging directors, he felt as if he were witnessing history.

"This seems like it could become a memorable moment in Chinese film history."

The photographer thought to himself.

The opening ceremony ended.

Han Sanping left first, surrounded by the crowd.

Shen Shanden did not rest for a moment. He immediately convened a on-site coordination meeting with the heads of each department – production, cinematography, art, action, logistics, and more – to check the preparation status of the first scene.