noveltune Chapter 22 First Day Box Office
Chapter 22 First Day Box Office
June 19th, early morning, on the set of "Caught in the Web".
Before seven o'clock, Fu Yibai was already sitting behind the monitor, holding the storyboards for the scenes to be filmed that day.
However, his mind was not on the upcoming filming at that moment.
His mind is currently focused on yesterday's box office results for "Black Coal, Thin Ice".
No matter how dazzling the spotlight is in Berlin, it will ultimately have to withstand the test of domestic audiences and the market.
This is related to the actual appeal of his name, Fu Yibai, within the domestic industry, and the prestige of Chenxi Media's initial launch.
The set was bustling with activity. The lighting technicians were adjusting the lights, the art director was finalizing the set details, and the actors were arriving at the dressing room one after another.
Fan Binbin was wearing a simple set of home clothes.
She saw that Fu Yibai was already there, her eyes softened for a moment, but she quickly composed herself and simply walked over to greet him softly.
Good morning, Director Fu.
"morning."
Fu Yibai looked up and nodded at her.
Fan Binbin smiled, said nothing, and turned to walk to his seat.
She knew that Fu Yibai was preoccupied with something else at the moment, and it wasn't the time for him to be sentimental.
Hu Jing also arrived. Her scenes were in the afternoon, but she was used to arriving early to soak up the atmosphere on set.
At 8:00 AM sharp, filming is about to begin.
Just before the script supervisor was about to strike the clapperboard, Fu Yibai's phone, which was next to the director's chair, vibrated. The screen lit up, displaying the words "Han Shanping".
Fu Yibai's heart skipped a beat.
He raised his hand to signal a pause and picked up his phone.
"Everyone, take a break. I need to take this call."
He took a deep breath and pressed the answer button.
"Good morning, Mr. Han."
Han Shanping's signature, energetic laughter came from the other end of the phone; you could feel his joy even through the receiver.
"Haha, Director Fu, good morning! Did I disturb your filming?"
"No, we're about to begin."
"Mr. Han, is there some good news calling so early?"
Fu Yibai steadied himself and asked in a calm tone.
"Great news! Of course it's great news!"
Han Shanping's voice was filled with excitement.
"Yesterday, the preliminary box office figures for the first day of 'Black Coal, Thin Ice' were released!"
Guess how many?
Fu Yibai didn't guess; he just waited.
Han Shanping didn't keep them in suspense for long, and loudly announced the numbers.
"Opening day box office nationwide: 515 million! 515 million, Director Fu!"
515 million!
Fu Yibai's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped his phone.
In 2003, a semi-art film, not a commercial blockbuster, grossed 515 million on its opening day!
This number far exceeded his original expectations, and may even have exceeded the expectations of China Film Group Corporation!
It's worth noting that "Hero," which sparked a movie-going frenzy last year, only grossed a little over ten million yuan on its opening day, but that was achieved with massive publicity and near-monopoly on screenings.
For a cold, suspenseful art film like "Black Coal, Thin Ice" to achieve this result is truly amazing.
"President Han, this number... is indeed a pleasant surprise."
Fu Yibai's voice also carried a genuine smile.
"This is more than just a surprise! It's a fantastic start, a harbinger of a huge success!"
Han Shanping was in high spirits.
"This movie had an incredibly high attendance rate! Especially during prime time at night, many theaters were packed!"
Word-of-mouth has started to spread, and I've received numerous calls from cinemas requesting more screenings!
He paused, his tone becoming more serious and appreciative.
"Director Fu, I, Lao Han, was right about you!"
The film is of high quality, the Berlin Film Festival award is a plus, and our effective promotional strategy has won over audiences! Now the whole industry is watching closely. This time, Director Fu's reputation in the domestic film market is firmly established! It's a sure thing!
"It's all thanks to General Manager Han and the China Film distribution team; publicity and distribution channels were key."
Fu Yibai offered a timely compliment.
"Haha, we're mutually beneficial! We're mutually beneficial!"
Han Shanping was clearly very pleased.
"At this rate, breaking 10 million in the opening week will be a breeze, and the total box office... I think it has a good chance of reaching 50 million, or even higher! This collaboration is definitely a win-win situation!"
He gave Fu Yibai a few more instructions, telling him to focus on filming "Caught in the Web" and that China Film Group would handle the box office and publicity. Then he hung up the phone without hesitation.
Putting down his phone, Fu Yibai slowly exhaled, his chest filled with something solid and warm.
515 million on the first day.
The market affirmed his "borrowed" works and his "return from Berlin" as a director in the most direct way.
This not only means huge reputation and potential box office revenue sharing (although it's a buyout, if there are excess profits, China Film Group will be more generous in subsequent collaborations).
This also means that his upcoming projects with Morning Light Media, his cinema layout, and even his bigger future plans will have a more solid foundation and greater influence.
After composing himself, Fu Yibai picked up the walkie-talkie again, and his voice, clear, calm, and powerful, resonated throughout the set through the loudspeaker.
"All departments, prepare."
Scene 47, Shot 1 of "The Search".
"start!"
The entire crew seemed to be injected with new energy and started operating quickly and efficiently.
Meanwhile, news that "Black Coal, Thin Ice" had grossed over five million yuan on its opening day had spread rapidly through leaks intentionally released by China Film Group and industry channels.
Online forums and entertainment media were abuzz once again.
Breaking news! "Black Coal, Thin Ice" grosses 515 million yuan on its opening day! A new record for art-house films?
With the Silver Bear accolade from Berlin and positive word-of-mouth, "Black Coal, Thin Ice" looks promising at the box office!
"Fu Yibai's domestic appeal is beginning to emerge, and the commercial value of this new generation of directors is being recognized!"
In the Huayi office, Wang Zhongjun looked at the newly delivered briefing and sighed to Wang Zhonglei.
"515 million on the first day... This kid really gave everyone a surprise."
It seems they're not only likely to win awards, but the market also recognizes their talent; we need to expedite our outreach efforts.
Rong Xinda and Li Xiaowan also received the news.
She waved to Yang Mi, who had just returned from a photoshoot, pointed to the news on the computer screen, and said meaningfully.
"Honey, did you see that?"
Director Fu's "Black Coal, Thin Ice" had a successful opening at the box office.
This is true strength and influence.
You did well yesterday and got their contact information; keep it safe.
"Grasping the hand of such a benefactor is a stroke of good fortune for you."
Looking at the photo of Fu Yibai looking triumphant at the premiere on the screen, and recalling his gentle smile and the words "the future is promising" from last night, Yang Mi's heart skipped a beat, and she nodded vigorously.
"Mr. Li, I understand! I will!"
At Liu Yifei's home, Liu Xiaoli was even more excited.
She pointed to the newspaper article and said to her daughter who was eating breakfast.
"Feifei, look! Director Fu's movie is a huge box office hit!"
Mom told you that yesterday, Mr. Cai officially contacted me and arranged to discuss the "Chinese Paladin" project in detail. This must have been because Director Fu's words had a big impact!
Remember to send Director Fu a message to congratulate him later, okay?
Liu Yifei, biting her spoon, looked at Fu Yibai's name on the newspaper, her big eyes filled with admiration and joy.
"Wow! Mom, Director Fu is amazing! I'll post it right away!"
She put down her spoon, rushed back to her room, turned on her computer, found the newly saved QQ account labeled "Brother Yibai," and carefully typed it in, word by word:
"Good morning, Director Fu!"
I saw in the news that "Black Coal, Thin Ice" did very well at the box office, congratulations!
I'm so happy for you!
(^▽^) I hope that I can play a role as wonderful as Sister Zeng Li in the future!
Wishing you a smooth filming day! —Yifei
After clicking send, she hugged her pillow, her cheeks slightly flushed, hoping for a possible reply.
Fu Yibai only saw the several messages that came in on his phone during a break between filming.
Besides Liu Yifei's message with cute emoticons and obvious admiration, there was also a message from Yang Mi, which was slightly more formal but also expressed congratulations and admiration, ending with "Looking forward to having the opportunity to learn from Director Fu in the future."