As the second week of screening passed, the box office of "The Prestige" also dropped, and it began to enter the stage of accumulating box office over time.
On June 15th, the tribute film "The Founding of the Party" was released, ending the competition between "The Prestige" and "Kung Fu Panda 2".
As a director who works closely with China Film Group, has a close personal relationship with Mr. San, and has also participated in "The Founding of the Party", Zhang Hao of course had to attend the premiere.
At the premiere, Zhang Hao met Li Shaohong, one of the film's co-directors, and she seemed very enthusiastic about Zhang Hao.
"Director Zhang, please take good care of our Li Qin. She starred in your first movie." Li Shaohong took Li Qin and greeted Zhang Hao.
Li Qin followed behind and looked at Zhang Hao playfully: "Hello, Director Zhang..."
"You're so sweet," Zhang Hao responded with a smile, and casually dealt with Li Shaohong: "Of course, if there is a suitable role, of course I will think about myself."
The third master has a good relationship with Li Shaohong and says that there is nothing wrong with them.
Sure enough, Li Shaohong was very satisfied after hearing this, and asked again: "How do you get along with Mi Mi? It's a pity that she left Rong Xingda too early. I originally arranged several big projects for her."
When the big power was there, you didn't seem to take it seriously. You starred in "Dream of Red Mansions" and you were actually a maid. Why didn't this big power run away quickly?
Although he thought so in his heart, Zhang Hao replied on his face: "Very good, we get along very happily."
"That's good, I also wish her the best for finding a boyfriend as good as you." Li Shaohong laughed and dropped the topic.
After meeting Li Shaohong, Zhang Hao met Hua Tsai, one of the starring actors in "The Great Cause of the Founding of the Party".
Andy came up and said, "Director Zhang, do you want to consider me for your next project?"
"Of course I have considered it. An actor as good as you is someone any director would want to work with," Zhang Hao said.
"Then what are you waiting for? As long as it is your film, I will accept any project." Andy said.
Zhang Hao's heart moved and he thought it would be a good idea to find Hua Zai.
It’s not like Zhang Hao hasn’t thought about finding a more suitable actor, such as Liang Chaowei. But Liang Chaowei doesn’t speak Mandarin well, although this can be solved with dubbing.
But every director has his own insistence, and Zhang Hao prefers the original lines spoken by the actor himself.
The most important thing is that Tony Leung's schedule this year is still quite tight. The filming of "The Grandmaster" here is intermittent. Everyone who knows Wong Kar-wai's production style knows it well.
They also took over the project of Er Dongsheng's "The Great Magician", and Liang Chaowei couldn't free up the schedule at all.
In addition, it is still unknown whether these Hong Kong actors can accept a film directed by a mainland director. Even if they are willing to accept it, the remuneration is also a problem.
Although Zhang Hao has fully proven his talent and strength, it is still unknown whether he is willing to reduce his salary.
As mentioned before, unless you are a great director at the level of a national director, it would be very stupid to lower your salary in a commercial film.
Zhang Hao's next film is considered a literary film, and it is impossible for him to pay a salary of 20 million to hire a superstar to star in it.
The 20 million yuan is enough to make two or three movies of "The Embalmer".
So, I found Qin Hao because his acting skills are good and the pay is cheap enough.
If Andy is willing and the pay is not high, Zhang Hao can also consider it.
Although Andy's Mandarin is still not very good, it doesn't matter if he uses dubbing, and Zhang Hao is not a die-hard.
It's just that I made an appointment with Qin Hao. Although I didn't reveal the project to him, I invited him to the celebration banquet. In the end, he didn't tell him anything. It was a bit like playing tricks on him.
Forget it, I'll make it up to Qin Hao after seeing it. Qin Hao can also participate in "The Embalmer", but he is no longer a candidate for the starring role.
Look at what I am doing as a director. People are becoming more and more shady the more I do it, how come I am becoming more and more kind-hearted!
As soon as he thought about this, Zhang Hao responded: "That's right, Brother Hua, I really have a project, have you heard of the embalmer?"
"A person who puts makeup on dead people?" Andy asked.
"Yes, I plan to make a film with related themes. If you are interested, I will give you the script in a few days." Zhang Hao said.
Andy was a little hesitant. In his imagination, ghost movies seemed to have more to do with the dead.
The problem is that Zhang Hao is a mainland director and must consider mainland theaters. But Big Scissors does not allow ghosts to appear in the film. What should Zhang Hao do?
After thinking for a while, Andy asked, "Is it a ghost movie?"
Zhang Hao smiled and said: "What do you think? It's not a ghost movie, it's a literary film. If you want to take it, Brother Hua, you'd better understand the related work. By the way, it would be better to practice the cello."
Andy was heartbroken and agreed: "Okay, I'll take the film. When will the filming start?"
"Just wait, around the end of July and mid-August, our film will be competing for overseas awards and will definitely be released this year," Zhang Hao said.
"OK, I will free up my schedule and wait for your script." Andy promised.
"Let us know in advance that this is a small-budget literary film and the pay will not be too high." Zhang Hao took a precaution.
"Don't worry, it's whatever you give me." Hua Zai smiled, patted Zhang Hao on the shoulder, and the two of them reached an agreement.
In addition to the choice of the male protagonist, the veteran undertaker and the protagonist's wife in the film are also important choices.
Zhang Hao was thinking and happened to see Teacher Li Xuejian, so he walked up.
"Hey, director Xiao Zhang is here? Sit down, sit down." Li Xuejian patted the chair next to him.
"Hello, Teacher Xuejian," Zhang Hao sat next to Li Xuejian and began to chat with Li Xuejian about the film: "Teacher Xuejian, are you free recently?"
"What? You want to film with me?" Teacher Li Xuejian asked.
"Yes," Zhang Hao nodded and said, "I am preparing a small-budget literary film, and I have already invited Hua Tsai to join the cast. If you can star in it, it will definitely add a touch of brilliance to this film."
"Oh," Li Xuejian said, "I'm afraid this won't work. I haven't finished filming "Yang Shanzhou" yet, and I have "1942" directed by Xiao Gang to shoot. I'm afraid there is no schedule."
"That's it," Zhang Hao was a little disappointed: "That's such a pity."
Teacher Li Xuejian asked: "What kind of film is this? Maybe I can help you think about candidates."
"It's a film about an embalmer." Zhang Hao said, briefly telling the story of the film to Teacher Li Xuejian.
Teacher Li Xuejian pondered for a long time after listening to it, and then said: "It's a good story. If I hadn't accepted other films, I would definitely have accepted this film. Now I can only express regret."
After that, teacher Li Xuejian introduced a candidate to Zhang Hao: "I will recommend someone to you, Jin Shijie."
"Teacher Jin Shijie? Is he here today too?"
"That's not true, but I think this role is still very suitable for him. You can talk to him." Li Xuejian said.
"OK," Zhang Hao said he understood: "I will communicate with Teacher Jin Shijie the next day."
Speaking of Jin Shijie, this is an actor that not many people know yet, and he is also an experienced actor.
What impressed Zhang Hao most deeply about him was not only Wei Zhongxian in "Xiu Chun Dao", but also a long shot of more than five minutes in "The Last One".
The movie "The Last One" is not a good-looking movie, but in such a bad-looking movie, Mr. Jin Shijie also contributed extremely wonderful acting skills and vividly interpreted father's love.
So many people who have never seen the movie thought this performance was part of a documentary interview.
That sentence, 'Because I am her father, she can only be happy with me and nothing else.' made a deep impression on Zhang Hao.
After chatting with teacher Li Xuejian, Zhang Hao chatted with Mr. San again.
When the third master heard Zhang Hao talk about the new project he was preparing, he smiled half-heartedly and said: "I heard that Director Chen is preparing a film called "Search". Isn't your film a snipe at him?"
Zhang Hao was stunned. He had thought about winning an award for the film "The Embalmer" so that he could compete with Chen Gezi in terms of honors, but he really never thought about sniping Chen Gezi's film.
So Zhang Hao shook his head and said: "Then I really haven't thought about it that way. The filming time of my film will not be too long and it will be released within this year, unless Director Chen's new film will also be released this year."
"Okay, if you want to do it, just do it, I support you." Third Master said.
"Thank you, Uncle Han..."
After the premiere of "The Founding of the Party", the film was officially released in theaters, taking in 19.278 million box office on the first day and 112 million in the first week.
From its premiere on Wednesday to Sunday, the box office didn't seem to be high in the first week.
However, this type of film is important for its significance, and public institutions will rent out movie theaters in the future, so there is no need to worry too much about the box office.
There is no conflict in subject matter. "The Prestige" still maintained good performance in theaters. By the end of June 19, the film successfully earned 316 million, and Zhang Hao also reached a new milestone in his director's career.
It's just that after the box office of "The Prestige" exceeded 300 million, it seemed like a patient who had exhausted all his strength, with the box office declining rapidly every day.
By June 26, a few days before Zhang Hao's birthday, the box office of "The Prestige" had only reached 350 million, which was considered to have met Zhang Hao's psychological expectations.
The media once again raised their predictions, believing that the box office of "The Prestige" will eventually reach around 370 million.
Having achieved such good results, of course it was necessary to celebrate, so on Zhang Hao's birthday, under the auspices of Bona Pictures, "The Magic" arranged a grand celebration banquet in the capital.
Coincidentally, Da Mi Mi also finished filming "Shark Beach" and rushed back to the capital to attend the celebration banquet.
"Try this suit on and see if it fits you well?" Da Mi Mi tried on Zhang Hao the suit she bought.
Different from the black Armani suit that Zhang Yu bought, the one that Da Mi Mi bought is a light blue Dior suit. Paired with the watch she gave to Zhang Hao, the whole image and temperament are very prominent.
Zhang Hao has a good figure and looks like a male model in a suit.
It's just that Zhang Hao doesn't usually like to wear such too serious and formal clothes. He only wears them on occasions such as award ceremonies and celebration banquets.
Da Mi Mi went to Hainan for a few months to shoot, and after being exposed to the sun for several months, her skin did not look as white as before.
She was wearing a red dress today. Da Mi Mi especially loves red dresses. The styles are different, but the color remains the same.
"Mi Mi Mi, Xiao Hao, are you okay? It's time to set off." Zhang Yu shouted from outside.
"Come on, come on," Da Mi Mi tied Zhang Hao's tie and went out together holding Zhang Hao's hand.
Zhang Yu is wearing a classical cheongsam today, paired with a silk scarf, giving her the feeling of a noble lady from the Republic of China.
Today, the three of them went to the celebration banquet together. Zhang Yu had not attended the previous celebration banquets of Zhang Hao's movies, so this time she went too.
Sitting in the car, Zhang Yu said to Zhang Hao: "Is there no problem with security this time?"
"No problem, just don't worry. It's enough to do this kind of thing once. If you do it again, it won't be very interesting." Zhang Hao said.
"That's good." Zhang Yu was relieved.
The car started slowly and set off for the scene.
On the other side, Qin Hao and his agent have arrived at the celebration banquet. After receiving Zhang Hao's personal invitation and the possibility of starring in Zhang Hao's next project, Qin Hao is undoubtedly nervous and looking forward to it.
Qin Hao still doesn't know that his leading actor role has been snatched away by Andy Lau.
It is said that after Andy learned about the project from Zhang Hao, although he had not received the script yet, he had already made preparations in advance.
He had just finished filming "Sister Peach", and according to custom, he should return to commercial films.
But Zhang Hao has a magical power that attracts Andy. For this reason, he turned down Sun Jianjun's "Tianji: Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" just to star in "The Embalmer".
Sun Jianjun did not give up and personally went to Hong Kong to convince Andy and even offered him a salary of 30 million yuan.
Who knew that Hua Zai refused without hesitation at all.
Sun Jianjun became curious and asked: "Hua Zai, why did you refuse? Is it because our project is not good?"
Andy shook his head and said, "The project is good, but there is a movie I want to star in more."
Sun Jianjun asked curiously: "Can you know whose project it is?"
"Directed by Zhang Hao, maybe you have heard of him." Andy replied.
Who is currently working in the film industry has never heard of Zhang Hao, a young director who created box office myths.
The most important thing is that the commercial films shot by Zhang Hao are basically the kind of films that are both well-received and well-received.
Although Sun Jianjun was extremely confident in himself, he was not arrogant enough to think that he was comparable to Zhang Hao.
Although Zhang Hao is younger than him, he is no longer a novice. Although he is older and more mature than Zhang Hao, he is a novice in the film industry.
To put it bluntly, "Tianji: Residence in the Fuchun Mountains" is just a piece of work by Sun Jianjun, which is certainly not as attractive as Zhang Hao's new project.
The success of three consecutive films has brought Zhang Hao's reputation to an unprecedented level.
The industry is very blindly obedient to successful people, and a young and successful director like Zhang Hao is a natural target to be chased.
Now Zhang Hao is the best partner in the hearts of many actresses. If Sun Jianjun were an actress, he would have to sleep with Zhang Hao.
Now that it is known that Hua Tsai will not accept the role, Sun Jianjun will find someone else.
After Sun Jianjun left, Andy called his assistant: "Hey, Mary, help me contact a funeral home.
No, no one died, it was me who had to study for a period of time as an undertaker. Also, I found a cello teacher and I learned the cello."
Everything is ready, it’s time to wait for Zhang Hao’s script and the project to officially start.
Time turned back to the celebration banquet of "The Deadly Magic". In the banquet hall, people were drinking and drinking, and familiar people were chatting with each other.
But it seems that something is missing in the banquet hall. Yes, it is Zhang Hao, the main protagonist tonight.
Someone called out, and all the guests stopped talking and looked at the door.
The first ones to walk in were Zhang Yu and Da Mi Mi, holding hands. Da Mi Mi Mi explained with a smile: "Director Zhang Hao was stopped by reporters outside the door for an interview. He will come in soon."
Everyone expressed their understanding one after another, and then raised their glasses to congratulate Zhang Yu and Da Mi Mi.
One is Zhang Hao's mother, and the other is his girlfriend. Even if you can't get in touch with Zhang Hao, it's okay to get acquainted with them through a curve.
While waiting for Zhang Hao to come in, Da Mi Mi found his friends Tang Yan and Liu Shishi.
The three of them have a good relationship and formed a group of besties.
"Mi Mi, everyone is envious of you now." Liu Shishi said.
"Oh? Why?" Da Mi Mi was curious.
"I envy you for finding such a talented boyfriend. With him, you won't have to worry about it for the rest of your life," Liu Shishi said.
"Shi Shi, what you said is wrong," Tang Yan said with a smile: "We Mi Mi did not choose to be with Director Zhang just for the sake of later considerations. She really likes Director Zhang."
"Yes, yes, I judged a gentleman with a villain's heart. Your boyfriend and I will have a few more drinks later to make amends."
"Haha, I must drink a few more drinks."
The three sisters here are chatting and laughing, while Xu Qing and Yu Feihong are sitting in the corner talking.
Xu Qing asked Yu Feihong: "Did you ever expect that Director Xiao Zhang would achieve results so quickly?"
"Have you ever thought about it?" Yu Feihong asked.
Xu Qing nodded and said: "I really thought about it. I also thought that it would be better if I were ten years younger or if he were ten years older."
"Age doesn't matter. If I like you, just act boldly." Yu Feihong encouraged.
"It's difficult. Didn't you see that her mother was guarding me like a thief? Who would have thought that the sisters who played together would give birth to such an outstanding son." Xu Qing has always been interested in Zhang Hao.
It doesn't necessarily mean she likes him, it's the kind of impulse that a woman has when she sees a good man and wants to conquer him and make him fall under her skirt.
In comparison, Yu Feihong is much simpler.
Given her family background, it would be even harder for Zhang Hao to be with her.
Anyway, Zhang Hao already has a girlfriend now, and I heard that he has met his parents, so it would be nice to be a brother and sister who have a good relationship.
If you are interested, go and watch Zhang Hao's movies. Considering the relationship between the two, Zhang Hao will definitely not refuse.
Everyone in the banquet hall each had their own demands for Zhang Hao.
Some hope to reach a cooperation with him, some hope to star in his projects. Others hope that he will look at them differently, and then they can fly up the branches and become a phoenix, and they will become prosperous from then on.
Zhao Liying attended this celebration banquet. Her acting career has been going well recently. "My Fair Princess" will be broadcast on Mango Channel soon, and she has also accepted a drama "The Legend of Lu Zhen".