Shinji: Isn't That What Uncles Are For-To Run Them Ragged?

The journalists and filmmakers present were all seasoned moviegoers. They had seen not only Shinji's special effects blockbusters but also a wide variety of other technically advanced films. Among them were quite a few who had seen 3D movies and IMAX documentaries.

Even they had never seen such visually realistic images.

Especially with the IMAX screen's information content far exceeding that of ordinary picture quality, coupled with the obvious depth effect of 3D without glasses and the soul-stirring vibration, many viewers really had the illusion of facing a giant monster in Yokohama.

"Holy crap! The house collapsed!"

"This really is a monster!"

"Are you kidding me?!"

Several audience members screamed and jumped up from their seats, trying to run towards the theater door.

Perhaps it's because the ritual of wearing 3D glasses is missing, or perhaps it's because even when you move your body, the scene in front of you still maintains a 3D effect.

The moviegoers seemed to have forgotten they were sitting in a theater watching Dentsu.

At this moment, the audience members who stood up were exactly like those who watched "Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat" in 1895, who were frightened by the train and scattered in all directions.

This collaboration across time and space brought a satisfied smile to Shinji's face.

Although only a minority of the audience members got up and ran away, most of the audience members in the theater subconsciously moved their bodies to avoid the flying stones when faced with falling buildings on screen.

"This... this is what they call new technology? It's truly amazing!"

I'm becoming increasingly interested in this tokusatsu film by Udagawa Nao.

Compared to the novelty and excitement of most viewers, and their greater understanding of the related technology, the reporter who had been talking animatedly just moments before was not so calm.

"This is absolutely not the mainstream color-shift 3D technology currently used worldwide; it doesn't even use glasses!! How is that possible!!"

This reporter clearly understands 3D technology, but it is precisely because he is an expert that he finds it even more incredible.

However, he soon realized he had been surprised too soon.

If the scenes of Guvira destroying the city were merely demonstrating how old technology could achieve the same level of destruction using new technology, then the battles shown when Ultraman Mebius appeared were beyond the comprehension of ordinary people.

Everyone saw it: when Ultraman Mebius was retreating, one of his feet actually stepped off the screen!!

This kind of visual effect, bursting out of the screen and breaking down the dimensional barrier, made all the audience members at the scene feel for the first time how close they were to the movie.

Chapter 148 Shinji: Isn't Second Uncle just someone to be bossed around?

Soon, all three segments had finished playing, but the audience was still somewhat unsatisfied.

This 3D technology allowed the audience to experience what it means to be truly immersed in the film, and some even felt the excitement they felt when they first watched a movie from these clips.

Many people have already started asking around about when the next screening will be, and when the movie <The Super 8> will be released.

Even if they aren't interested in Ultraman, which of these filmmakers could resist such 3D special effects?

It's like how a man can never resist the allure of a giant robot.

"What an innovative technique! The way Ultraman steps out of the screen perfectly showcases the advantages of this technology."

After the broadcast ended, a reporter, deeply impressed by Shinji, grabbed Shinji's hands and said excitedly.

"This is truly a technology that can change the film industry, Director Matou."

"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment."

Shinji smiled very subtly, as if everything was perfectly natural.

"After this Best Actress, aside from anything else, the theory of film composition will undergo a huge change. In addition to the original compositional elements, Director of this era will also need to consider the depth of field of the shot."

"Those old pedants in school must hate you, Director Matou. Your technique has forced them to revise theories that haven't been touched for decades."

Shinji raised an eyebrow. "Isn't it only natural that old guys who can't keep up with the times are eliminated?"

"Of course."

The reporter nodded vigorously and prepared to use that sentence as the title of his article.

Creating a big news story is in their nature as reporters.

"Ugh! Why is my video such a mess?!"

At that moment, a viewer who had just left the theater screamed.

Immediately afterwards, other audience members who were also filming in the movie theater also let out wails.

What happened to them?

As Kariya walked out of the theater together, Udagawa Nao saw this scene and asked curiously.

"The footage you captured is all blurry, isn't it?" Kariya shrugged. "That kind of new technology can't be captured by ordinary cameras."

Because the entire scene has been manipulated with Magecraft, ordinary cameras simply cannot record it.

"Is this considered a new technology to prevent surreptitious filming?"

Kariya shook his head. "How could that be? It's just that the new technology happens to be able to do it."

Unless the 2D movie format can be eliminated, pirated movies will never be completely eradicated.

"The 3D effects are really amazing! This Ultraman movie will definitely become a global sensation after its release. I wonder when Shinji will be able to finish the whole thing; it's really keeping us on the edge of our seats."

Udagawa Nao thought she had seen enough movies, but <Super 8> felt completely different to her.

This indescribable feeling of excitement was something even the Fate series of movies hadn't given her.

"It'll be ready soon. Since Shinji dared to show a clip from the movie, it means the final cut is almost complete," Kariya teased from the side. "I just wonder if you, Nannou, will be able to enjoy other movies Best Actress watching this one. The difference in our levels is huge."

Udagawa Nao pouted, "So what if I can't get into it? I can just watch more clips, right? There are IMAX theaters in Tokyo too. Shinji said that all the IMAX theaters will be showing this film. I'll just find some time to go see it then."

Kariya touched his nose regretfully. "Not coming to Fuyuki City..."

Just as the two were talking, Touko Cheng had already walked towards Shinji.

"Junior, it seems we succeeded." Touko congratulated him sincerely.

Shinji shrugged and chuckled, "It's still early. The key to our success is whether we can successfully promote the technology. So, I have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first, senior?"

"Can you just tell me the good news? Skip the bad news." Touko's face was full of black lines. "I came to congratulate you, and you're just trying to make me uncomfortable, aren't you?"

Shinji seemed not to have heard the second half of the sentence and said directly, "Then let me tell you the good news. Thanks to the efforts of Type-Moon Company, our 3D technology has been approved for entry into the Chinese market."

"As our technical director, your next task is to go to China and train a team of technical maintenance personnel."

The procedures for foreigners to work in China are far too complicated, so it's much more convenient to just use a local.

Anyway, there are quite a few Mage Families in China, so Shinji isn't worried about not being able to find suitable talent.

Touko raised her eyebrows. "In other words, junior, you're expecting me to go on long-term business trips alone?"

"Why are you alone?" Shinji smiled wickedly. "You have my second uncle with you, senior."

"Wait a minute! How come I've never heard of this before!"

Kariya, who had come with Udagawa Nao, shouted loudly.

"Didn't you hear that now?"

"What the hell did you hear!" Kariya said, annoyed. "I just got back from there, I haven't even had a proper rubbish with Nannou yet... Ugh, I haven't even been home for a full month!"

"You could buy a cozy little home in a first-tier city like Rabbit; that would be the most perfect investment of your life, Uncle."

Shinji briefly explored his future vision, explaining a way to make money to his second uncle.

Unfortunately, Kariya wasn't interested at all, and instead glared at Shinji: "Why would I buy a house in China? I don't plan to live there long-term!"

"Who knows? You can never predict the future."

Shinji blinked at Kariya.

Kariya wasn't buying it. "What mischief are you up to, you little rascal?"

But Shinji ignored him. "Senpai, the bad news is that because Medea can't leave Fuyuki City, besides training the staff, you also have to help modify the screen. Just think of it as practical experience in training the staff."

"How much exactly do I need to get?" Touko frowned slightly.

Shinji patted Touko on the shoulder. "I already told you it's bad news. Senior, how much workload do you think it is? Hurry up and train the staff so they can handle things independently."

Can I refuse?

"Salary is guaranteed."

"All right."

Touko is currently experiencing a mix of joy and pain.

[At least for the short term, I won't have to worry about money.]

Touko, now a wage earner, consoled herself with this thought.

"Hey, Second Uncle."

After arranging the Touko, Shinji turned to Kariya and said, "I have two pieces of bad news for you. Which one would you like to hear first?"

"I don't want to hear any of this! Shinji you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?!"

Kariya opened her mouth, closed her eyes, and let out a scream.

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In fact, the two pieces of bad news Shinji told Kariya were actually only one thing—to rebuild Tsuburaya Productions' Chinese branch and restart the promotion of official Ultraman merchandise in China.

The so-called second piece of bad news was simply that Kariya had to separate from Udagawa Nao immediately after their brief meeting.

What malicious intent could Shinji possibly have?

He simply separated a couple who weren't fully in love yet, making them live in different places.

Isn't there an old saying that distance makes the heart grow fonder?

Shinji felt that he was doing a good deed by helping his second uncle create beauty.

I guess so...

Anyway, as long as Kariya works hard, he should be able to return to Japan before the New Year.

In fact, Shinji didn't expect Kariya to achieve much in China; his role was more about showing off and being a mascot.

The specific negotiations should still be handled by the lower-level staff.

Moreover, given the complex market environment in China, it's unlikely that we'll make any significant progress in the Ultraman merchandise market in the next few years. Our role will likely be more promotional, waiting for the market to develop.

Even if the markets surrounding China develop, Shinji doesn't have high expectations.

Even after 2020, China only caught up with other countries in terms of box office revenue; overall consumption of cultural and entertainment products still lagged far behind.

After all, watching a movie doesn't cost much, but when it comes to buying toys or merchandise costing hundreds or thousands of yuan, many people will hesitate.

After all, the income and spending power gap between China and Europe and the United States is undeniable, so cultural and entertainment-related products are destined not to become mainstream.

Furthermore, in order to prevent product prices in other markets from collapsing, Shinji could not lower prices in the Chinese market.

That would only lead to one outcome—all of China's products would be resold overseas by middlemen, disrupting the entire surrounding market.

Therefore, in Shinji's eyes, the Chinese market for peripheral products like toys and models is just an add-on; the most important market is still Europe and America.

However, it's not to say that there are no profitable projects in the Chinese market. There are two types of merchandise that can still make a lot of money in China: trading cards and pay-to-win mobile games.

The latter needs to be developed slowly because the performance of mainstream mobile phones has not yet caught up, but the peripherals of the card can still be laid out.

Especially the Ultraman series of cards; if you don't know about it, you'd hardly realize how successful this series has been in the Chinese market, far surpassing the three major TCGs (Trading Card Games) – Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and Pokémon.

Although the high-end market is still dominated by Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon – Ultraman cards that can sell for thousands of yuan are extremely rare, far fewer than Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon cards.

But even with the high price of a single card, the sheer volume of Ultraman cards sold makes it impossible to compete. The low-to-mid-range market for TCGs in China is basically dominated by Ultraman cards.

Even with the impact of piracy, genuine Ultraman cards still enjoy great popularity in China, occupying a large share of the overall market.

Even in the extraordinary year of 2020, Ultraman cards still had the funds to host offline tournaments, which shows how much money Ultraman cards have made in this market.

Shinji didn't expect Tsuburaya Productions to promote Ultraman cards to the peak he remembered within a few years, but at least they should set up the framework.

After all, there won't be a better promotional opportunity in the next few years than next year.

With the Heisei Ultraman Trilogy plus the Ultraman Super 8 movie, Shinji believes that even a business novice like himself can be one of those pigs blown up by the winds of change.

Regarding Shinji's statement, the polite "Pig Mr." Kariya only had one sentence:

Are you?