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Chapter 804: Chapter 699: Set the Date (Subscribe please!)
Comet Film Headquarters.
The atmosphere was brimming with celebration.
This was the first production by Comet Film, a significant milestone. Although most of them hadn’t actually seen the sample film, it didn’t prevent the released seismic sensation of the viewing experience from coming through.
The most crucial thing was.
Their promotional trailers were already prepared.
The grand scenes within ensured the movie wouldn’t disappoint.
Inside the conference room.
Pu Chaodong said excitedly, "Everyone has worked hard during this period. The film has passed the review and can be released on schedule. You all have made a great contribution. I won’t say much more. The trailer can now be officially released, have it pinned to the homepage of Comet Video starting tomorrow, and immediately start the pop-ups on Penguin and promotions across major media. This Spring Festival slot belongs to Comet Film."
In the face of Pu Chaodong’s bold words.
The reaction below wasn’t too enthusiastic, as Zheng Lin’s operation was sure to be error-free, something they had anticipated.
"Director Li, start the nationwide promotion next Monday. As for the international schedule, you’ll arrange it yourselves. Let’s get our actors some news coverage too. Alright, that’s it for the meeting. Everyone, go back to your tasks."
Pu Chaodong didn’t mince words and quickly concluded the meeting.
The others returned to their workstations, and Comet Film’s promotion officially kicked off.
After the others had left.
Pu Chaodong, who was about to head back to his office, got a call on his phone.
An unfamiliar number.
"Hello, you’ve reached Pu Chaodong," he answered.
"Hello, Mr. Pu, this is Wang Zhong from Huayi Brothers." The call from one of the helmsmen of Huayi took Pu Chaodong by surprise, even exciting him, since the man was previously an untouchable big shot.
"Mr. Wang, hello, I’ve long admired you."
Pu Chaodong seemed to understand something.
Indeed.
"Ha ha, hello there, I’ll cut to the chase. It’s not a big deal, I just heard that your film’s special effects are particularly impressive, and I was wondering where they were done. Our company is very interested, and I was hoping for an introduction if possible?"
Pu Chaodong replied with a smile, "Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Wang. I can tell you the name of the special effects company, but I can’t guarantee they will take on your project."
"Alright, I understand. Let’s have a meal together sometime; I think we’ll have plenty of opportunities to collaborate in the future." Huayi had the largest actor resources in Huaxia, and it was almost impossible to avoid working with Huayi’s artists in the film circle.
"Sure, I’ve long admired you too, Mr. Wang. When you’re in Shanghai next time, I’ll host you," Pu Chaodong said happily.
"That would be great..."
"..."
A few more formulaic exchanges ensued.
Pu Chaodong hung up the phone.
The film review involved not just the censors from SARFT but also other industry veterans, such as directors, screenwriters, and leaders, whose participation was not fixed.
As long as the majority of the review committee members agreed, the film could pass. Thus, the call didn’t surprise Pu Chaodong. He even felt a bit proud; it was an honor for industry big shots to call and connect with him.
And for Comet Film.
They didn’t need to curry favor with anyone.
Tang Qing had money, technology, and ideas.
Chai Ren and Zheng Lin had the background, the connections.
Even if Huayi asked him to be the CEO, Pu Chaodong wouldn’t be interested. Compared to this vanity title, he preferred the solidity of being in Comet Film, where he could peacefully work on projects, leaving the rest to the Board of Directors.
But Pu Chaodong also knew this wasn’t a long-term strategy.
After all, they couldn’t always ask Zheng Lin to expedite things.
Zheng Lin had also told him that for the next film, they needed to fully involve themselves in the review process. Zheng Lin would introduce him to the relevant people, and the necessary Public Relation steps still had to be taken. This time, Zheng Lin had handled the theater circuit issue as well, but next time, it would be their responsibility. They couldn’t always expect Zheng Lin to do the legwork.
"Ding ding ding."
The phone rang again.
This time it was a famous director.
Pu Chaodong managed to hang up after quite a while, feeling that this attention might have been too much, attracting so many people.
That day.
Pu Chaodong received many calls, all from industry heavyweights, and his throat was sore from talking so much. He had just managed to deal with the various thoughts and even the well-informed celebrities who had directly called him.
He inquired about the possibility of cooperation, and Pu Chaodong spoke without giving away a drop of information.
...
Shanghai Stock Market.
At Hu Li’s home.
Today was Hu Li’s day off.
She helped her parents with chores at home and discussed continuing the family business with them. Ever since Tang Qing handled Chu Wang’s usury issue and sent Chu Wang to prison, it felt as if a mountain weighing down on their family had been lifted.
They held the IOU delivered by the police.
The family was moved to tears.
After a few days to recover, Hu Li’s parents’ emotions finally stabilized.
Therefore, Hu Li’s father considered going back to his old trade and continuing the business. No amount of persuasion could stop him; in the end, they agreed, but there was disagreement about what to do. Hu Li wanted her parents to do something less demanding.
Hu Li’s mother, who was peeling an apple, brought it up for what seemed like the umpteenth time, "My girl, I really hope your movie gets released soon. I can’t wait to see our daughter’s performance."
"Don’t worry, it will be very soon," Hu Li said helplessly.
"When the time comes, I’ll invite all our neighbors and friends over," her mother said with a beaming smile that wouldn’t fade.
"Alright, alright, whatever you say," Hu Li responded.
Buzz, buzz, buzz.
The ’fashion flip’ mobile phone on the table buzzed.
"Director Li."
The screen displayed two characters. Hu Li perked up.
Director Li.
Of course, it was Li Xizhao.
After learning about the movie’s release date, Li Xizhao had been busy planning the film’s promotion. He usually didn’t need to contact the actors personally, but today he was so elated that he wanted to be the first to share the good news with them.
"Li Li, the movie has passed censorship and will be released on New Year’s Day. The Company’s promotional plan has already been initiated. Get ready; you need to attend the press conference at the headquarters tomorrow at ten in the morning. After that, we will be promoting in various places, including the United States and Europe. The Company will arrange your passport for you. Remember to bring your identity documents tomorrow," Li Xizhao rattled off.
"That’s great, I’ll be there first thing in the morning," Hu Li exclaimed excitedly upon hearing she was going abroad.
"Mm, wear something nice. I suggest you wear clothes from Sheng Tang, as the chairman might be watching," recommended Li Xizhao, now a contracted director with Comet Film and naturally considering things from Tang Qing’s perspective.
He had no thoughts of branching out on his own.
After all, directors do not necessarily need to sign with a company; renowned directors are sought after by everyone.
But Li Xizhao knew.
Without Comet Film, he would be nothing; without a special effects company, his talent would remain just talent. He was determined to stick with Comet Film for life, dismissing the notion of going solo.
"Okay, I understand," Hu Li nodded hurriedly. She knew Sheng Tang Group belonged to Tang Qing. Supporting the business of their handsome and excellent chairman went without saying.
After hanging up.
Li Xizhao notified one by one.
Some were not the Company’s actors and had scheduling conflicts.
But upon learning that the movie had been reviewed and scheduled, they agreed immediately without any fuss, setting aside other matters. After all, a globally released film presented a chance to be seen; the opportunity to promote in Western countries was a treatment not available for other domestic movies.
"Mom, it’s set for New Year’s Day," Hu Li embraced her mother tightly, bubbling with joy.
"Good, good, that’s wonderful! Let’s make a delicious dinner tonight to celebrate," her mother was even happier than she was.
"Mm."
"Let’s go buy groceries. You rest well, my daughter," her mother said and then spiritedly headed out the door with Hu Li’s father.
Hu Li knew her mother was off to spread the word; sure enough, her mother would tell every acquaintance she met, "My daughter’s movie is releasing on New Year’s Day. Make sure you come, we’re inviting you."
"Be sure to come."
"Getting autographs? No problem. I’ll get them for you."
...
Standing by the window, Hu Li watched her mother chatting enthusiastically with people and couldn’t help but smile wryly. However, deep down, she was very happy. Which child wouldn’t want their parents to be proud of them?
