Fuyuki City's Third Battle of the Sword and Lance

"Currently, this segment of the global film market is still dominated by old-school action films, which are more about violence than skill."

"But our Mission Impossible: Impossible film abandons the style of just guns in its action scenes, effectively combining martial arts action with modern high-tech equipment."

"The narrative pace is a bit slow, but fortunately, it can be salvaged through editing."

After a self-aggrandizing speech, Shinji briefly mentioned a few shortcomings.

"Huh?!"

Irisviel looked excited. "So there's nothing seriously wrong?"

"Yes."

Shinji glanced at Irisviel and said, "The movie should be finished before the end of May, right?"

Like Shinji's films, most of the visual effects in Mission Impossible: Impossible were completed during filming, with minimal post-production work.

"Of course, no problem. If we're lucky, it should be ready by mid-May."

Irisviel, the producer, is not just a mascot. Although she rarely participates directly in the specifics, she keeps the filming schedule under her control.

Shinji immediately made the decision. "Then let's do it this way. I'll discuss it with the Jidai Group and set the date for late June or early July."

The timing is a bit rushed, but as a film that's somewhat based on classical Chinese literature, Shinji is confident in Mission Impossible: Impossible.

Besides, if the goal is to make the Film Company bigger and stronger, how can there only be one movie during the summer season?

In previous years, the problem was insufficient production capacity; now that we have the capacity, we naturally need to schedule more films.

Irisviel happily returned to the film set, fulfilling Shinji's scheduling requirements.

After learning about Diarmuid's progress, Shinji immediately turned to check on the situation on the set where the other Lancer was located.

Overall, compared to Mission Impossible: Impossible, Ultraseven X is progressing much slower.

Because it's a cyberpunk film, each scene needed to be built separately, which significantly delayed the film's progress.

However, Shinji was not in a hurry; slow and steady wins the race.

The goal of <Ultraseven X> is to become a classic in film history. If rushing to finish the film results in flaws, that would be the real problem.

Shinji had originally planned to have Ultraseven X participate in next year's Cannes Film Festival.

Director Denis Villeneuve surprised Shinji.

"Based on the current filming schedule, the finished film should be released in August."

Are you sure it's August?

Shinji confirmed this with surprise.

"Yes," Denis Villeneuve replied affirmatively. "Mr. Matou, didn't you want to submit this film to the three major film festivals?"

"Yes."

Denis Villeneuve smiled slightly, "The Venice Film Festival, the latest of the three major festivals, is at the end of August. If we register in advance and then meet the final film submission deadline, we should have enough time."

Shinji was startled by this answer, "Dennis, when I said attending the three major events, I meant Cannes next year..."

"..."

Denis Villeneuve was also very embarrassed when he realized he had misunderstood.

To meet the deadline, he worked late into the night for several months, only to have his boss tell him that the work wasn't actually that urgent!

"How about... I film it slower?"

Still somewhat disoriented, Denis Villeneuve made a rather comical suggestion.

"Fine, let's go at your pace."

Shinji shook his head. "Going to Venice is fine too. <Ultraseven X> might be more suitable for the Venice Film Festival than Cannes."

Although all three major film festivals aim to develop the art of film, they each have different focuses.

Because the Berlin Film Festival is a product of the Cold War, it has a very strong political atmosphere, and the award-winning films tend to be more focused on social realities.

Therefore, Shinji never considered the Berlin Film Festival from the beginning.

As for the Cannes Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival, each has its advantages and disadvantages for <Ultraseven X>.

Cannes is more inclined to discover new talent, so Denis Villeneuve, as a new Director, has a greater advantage.

However, the Cannes Film Festival uses a jury system, and whether a film can win an award depends entirely on whether it can hit the jury president's sweet spot.

Compared to the fluctuating reputation of the Cannes Film Festival's awards, Venice is much more consistent, with only one judging criterion—artistic merit.

However, the Venice Film Festival does not reject innovation in film, especially technological innovation.

In 2017, the Venice Film Festival even added a VR film competition section.

Furthermore, another unique feature of the Venice Film Festival is that as long as a film is artistically made, even a special effects film can win an award.

If I remember correctly, Shinji recalls that the sci-fi romance film <The Shape of Water> won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

"I just don't know if Ultraseven X is artistic enough in the eyes of those old Europeans."

Shinji rubbed his chin, deep in thought, his brows furrowed tightly.

Compared to other Ultraman movies, <Ultraseven X> is undoubtedly an art film, but compared to true art films, <Ultraseven X> is definitely an action movie.

"Whatever, I'll just go to Cannes next year."

Shinji thought despondently, scratching his head, his expression turning somewhat angry.

"As long as we get exposure at the three major film festivals and gain significant influence, that's enough."

Shinji realized he was a little obsessed. He tapped his palm and smiled.

It's indeed difficult for science fiction films to win over those old folks; winning awards is entirely a matter of luck.

Even his acclaimed science fiction masterpiece, Blade Runner, only won a visual arts award in his previous life.

Since that's the case, let's not worry about winning awards, just go and participate.

"As expected of Director Matou, his expressions are so rich; no wonder he can make so many films that resonate with people emotionally."

Watching the Second Master switch expressions so quickly, like a Sichuan opera face-changing act, Denis Villeneuve, standing behind him, uttered this remark.

Chapter 227 The Third Battle of Camlann in Fuyuki City

The promising progress of the Mission: Mission Impossible and Ultraseven X productions is good news for Shinji.

For film investors, the best news is that the project is progressing smoothly and can be released as planned.

Comparing Shinji's previous life's film market after 2020 reveals the true meaning of "no comparison, no harm."

Film industry professionals probably never dreamed that one day a film's normal theatrical release would become a luxury.

Of course, the project's smooth progress is not a good thing for Shinji personally, as his schedule has been packed for most of the year.

From March to April, he will complete the first phase of filming for FA.

In May, he'll be busy with the promotional tour for "Super 8," basically traveling back and forth between North America and Japan.

In June, I'll be going to Shanghai for the first half of the month to attend the Shanghai Film Festival, and then I'll be promoting Mission: Mission Impossible in the second half.

Even in July and August, Shinji won't have an easy time, because Ultraseven X is waiting for him in Venice.

It seems to be going well, but during this time Shinji also has to squeeze in time to supervise the production progress of <Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya>, the sales of the HF compilation DVD, and the pre-production work for <Kara no Kyoukai>...

Thankfully, Udagawa Nao took over the daily operations and management of Type-Moon Company, otherwise, the Second Master would have really gone crazy.

"Fine, I'm just born to be a workaholic. I can't seem to stop running around."

Looking at his already packed schedule, Shinji sighed, feeling utterly exhausted.

Artoria teased, "Master, you should say that to yourself at the end of last year, when you were really enjoying slacking off."

"Shut up!"

Shinji grinned unhappily. "Artoria, don't be so presumptuous."

"..."

Artoria didn't speak, she just squinted at Shinji.

Startled by that empty, lifeless gaze, which carried a hint of yandere Shinji took a small step back.

"What... are you doing?"

"Didn't you tell me not to speak, Master?"

Artoria's tone carried a hint of resentment.

"You're acting a bit impulsive today, what's wrong?"

Artoria gave a cold snort, pointing to the film set that was being set up around her.

"Master, how dare you say 'what's wrong'? You did this on purpose, didn't you?"

At this moment, Shinji and Artoria were standing on a hillside. Judging from the scene, it should be a devastated battlefield, with countless knights' "corpses" lying around them.

Anyone with even a slight understanding of Fate or the King Arthur legend knows that this is King Arthur's final resting place— Camlann.

Therefore, the conclusion is obvious: Shinji is filming Mordred's memories of the Battle of Camlann from Fate Mordred, and that's exactly what Artoria is unhappy about.

"Master, can't you really use some clips from before?"

Artoria pursed her lips, offering this suggestion to Shinji for what seemed like the umpteenth time.

This is not the first time Shinji has filmed the Battle of Camlann.

He filmed this scene in both the Fate/stay night movie and Fate/Zero.

This is the third time, and it's very likely that it will be filmed a fourth or fifth time in the future...

After all, as Type-Moon's top star, King Arthur's story will be told from various angles, and this drama of father and son stabbing each other will continue to unfold.

In the Three Kingdoms card game, it's like "When Shu has no great generals, Zhuge Liang will emerge again"; in Type-Moon, it's like "Whenever there's a new Fate, there's bound to be Britain."

"Alright, Artoria. We all agreed to reshoot this scene."

Shinji patted Artoria on the shoulder and comforted her, "You weren't so resistant when we filmed the Battle of Camlann before, were you?"

"That's because I'm too young."

Artoria looked embarrassed, and her eyes became unfocused.

"What do you mean, 'young'?"

I didn't expect that—

Before Artoria could finish speaking, a sweet, infatuated voice came from behind them.

"Father~~"

Mordred, beaming with joy, threw herself into her father's arms.

The girl didn't care that she and Artoria were both wearing metal armor, and they just bumped into each other.

Crunch... crunch...

The sickening metallic squeaking made Shinji's ears tremble.

"Mordred, isn't that enough? Can't you see how troubled Artoria?"

Shinji rubbed his ears, and to stop the girl's silly behavior from continuing to torment them.

"What are you saying, Master!"

Mordred bared his teeth, looking like a fierce, angry little lion.

"Master! Are you unhappy about my and Father's family time? How dare you interrupt this precious time between father and son? Master, are you serious?!"

Mordred raised his knight's sword and asked with a serious expression.

Artoria calmly patted her armor, which had been crushed by Mordred, and used magic to restore it to its original state.

"It's alright, Master. I'm not bothered at all." Artoria glanced at Mordred indifferently, "Because I don't feel anything at all."

"Hey! Father!"

Mordred was struck dumb, frozen in place.

Seeing her child's expression of being an abandoned puppy, Artoria sighed resignedly.