Chinese entertainment: What's wrong with actresses wanting to improve?

Chapter 82, "Crazy Stone" is released.

October 15, 2004, Beijing.

Public opinion heat comes and goes quickly.

The controversy surrounding Fu Yibai and Gao Yuanyuan's "late-night car ride" quickly cooled down after both parties issued statements and provided photos from the scene, providing further clarification.

In addition, Huayi seemed to have sensed something was amiss, and the marketing accounts that were originally eager to make a move suddenly went silent.

By late April, the matter had been relegated to a corner by updated entertainment news.

Fu Yibai's attention had already been diverted from this little incident.

"Crazy Stone" is scheduled for release on May Day, leaving little time for promotion and distribution.

Ning Hao finally finished filming "The Nameless" and rushed back to start the promotional work for "Crazy Stone".

September 20, Beijing.

The promotional event for "Crazy Stone" was held in the multi-functional hall on the third floor of Chenxi Media.

There weren't many media outlets present, only about twenty.

For a low-budget comedy with an investment of only five million, an unknown director, and all unfamiliar faces as the main actors, this is the greatest sincerity Zhao Qi could muster.

Ning Hao stood on the stage, wearing a black suit that didn't suit his temperament. There were bloodshot eyes from staying up all night, but he was as excited as if he had been injected with chicken blood.

"Dear friends in the media, I won't waste any more words."

The movie "Crazy Stone" is simply meant to give everyone a good laugh in the theater.

He scratched the back of his head and smiled somewhat sheepishly.

"We don't have the money to hire big stars or do special effects. The only thing we can guarantee is that the story is fun and the plot twists are plentiful."

If you don't find it funny, come out and criticize me, Ning Hao, I'll accept it.

Some people in the audience laughed.

"Director Ning, you've only directed one film before, 'Incense.' This time, 'Stone' is a big departure in terms of scale and style. Are you confident?"

Ning Hao chuckled: "I wouldn't dare sit here if I wasn't confident. Whether the film is good or not, you'll know once you go to the theater and see for yourself."

"The actors are all newcomers, what are your box office expectations?"

"expected?"

Ning Hao scratched his head.

"I'd be so grateful if I could just break even."

If I really have to say... thirty million?

I dreamt about it.

Another burst of laughter followed.

Fu Yibai leaned back in his chair, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Thirty million?

In its previous life, "Crazy Stone" earned 25 million without much promotion.

With the support of Morning Light's promotional resources and the endorsement of his Berlin Golden Bear reputation, doubling his earnings is not impossible.

The launch meeting concluded, and the media dispersed.

Ning Hao jumped off the stage and rushed to Fu Yibai in three quick steps.

"Director Fu! How did it go? I didn't let you down, did I?"

"good."

Fu Yibai stood up and patted him on the shoulder.

"You might have a tough time ahead of you. The company has secured some shows for 'Stone,' and you and your team will all be participating in them."

"no problem!"

Ning Hao is not afraid of hard work, but he is afraid of a lack of publicity resources.

For the next period of time, Ning Hao and his team flew all over the country, participating in more than a dozen programs for promotion.

On May 1st, "Crazy Stone" was officially released.

The thirteen cinemas of Xinghe Cinema directly allocated 60% of the screenings to "Crazy Stone".

This number was considered insane in the film market at the time.

Some industry insiders privately commented: "Fu Yibai is using his own cinemas to pave the way for his own films. This young man is shameless in business."

Fu Yibai simply smiled and let it go when he heard these words.

On May 2nd, the box office figures for the first day were released—3.72 million nationwide.

For a low-budget comedy with an investment of only five million, this start has exceeded expectations.

Ning Hao was in Hangzhou for a roadshow when he received the call. He was stunned for three seconds, and then repeatedly confirmed the number with the person on the other end of the phone three times.

"Really? Three million seven hundred and twenty thousand? You didn't misread the decimal point?"

On the other end of the phone was Wang Peng, his voice tinged with laughter.

"Director Ning, you read that right. Keep running today; the next few days are crucial."

"Okay, okay! I'll run! I'll run for my life!"

After hanging up the phone, Ning Hao jumped up and down twice, startling Huang Bo who was next to him.

"Director Ning, what's wrong?"

"Three million seven hundred and twenty thousand! Day one!"

Huang Bo was stunned for a moment, then a smile spread across his dark face.

"So, our film is done?"

"It's done!"

On Saturday, May 3rd, the box office was 4.51 million.

On Sunday, May 4th, the box office was 4.88 million.

In the first three days, a total of 13.11 million were recorded.

We've broken even.

Not only did they break even, they actually made a profit.

On May 5th, a weekday, box office revenue declined somewhat, but still remained above three million.

At the same time, word-of-mouth began to spread.

"It was so funny, I laughed from beginning to end, my stomach hurts."

The Douban rating climbed from 7.8 at the start to 8.3 and is still rising.

On May 7th, "Crazy Stone" had been in theaters for a week, and its cumulative box office revenue exceeded 23 million yuan.

Ning Hao's phone was ringing off the hook.

Invitations for interviews, collaborations, script submissions, and investment opportunities.

Overnight, he went from an unknown director who had only made one art film to a hot new star in the industry.

"Director Fu, I..."

Ning Hao's voice sounded a little unsteady on the phone.

Am I dreaming?

"no.

You really succeeded this time.

Ning Hao took a deep breath and calmed his voice.

"Director Fu, thank you so much. If it weren't for you, this film wouldn't be possible..."

"Alright."

Fu Yibai interrupted him.

"Keep up the publicity, and once the box office surpasses 50 million, the company will throw you a celebration banquet."

"Fifty million?"

Ning Hao was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

"Okay! I'll be waiting!"

Compared to the critical and commercial success of "Crazy Stone," "Kekexili" fared much worse.

After a week in theaters, the film grossed just over three million yuan, and was also accused of plagiarizing "Me and the Tibetan Antelope".

As for who leaked it...

It's definitely not dawn.