"Gyove, please! You can't do that. Hearing the words of the mobile phone, Wang Yang immediately frowned, and he had no intention of appreciating the beautiful scenery of the back garden, he sat down in a chair and persuaded the mobile phone: "Please, don't do this! You know that it is Africa, South Africa, not the Middle East...... No, trust me, it's okay! There's no war in South Africa right now, aren't they? Terrorists? I haven't heard much, but we've hired a security team, and we're definitely doing better security than the FBI......

Giauf, the field supervisor over there, sighed and said, "Young, I'm sorry, I won't go anyway, my family doesn't worry about me leaving home to work, my wife and my children, for their sake, I can't take any risks." He apologized again: "I'm sorry!"

"Well, I can understand it, there's no way around it. Wang Yang covered his forehead helplessly, nodded and said, "OK, that's it, bye-bye!"

More than two weeks have passed since 911, the United States has long since lifted the alarm for terrorist attacks, planes have resumed sailing, the fires in the ruins of the World Trade Center are still burning, the rubble continues to be cleared, the slim rescue continues, and life goes on, and the whole country seems to have returned to its original order.

On the 14th, at the Institute of Creative Technology of the University of Southern California, Wang Yang was invited to participate in a brainstorming confidential meeting, including Michael Bay and other first-line directors who are either good at bombing crime movies or known for their rich imagination, and discussed with the Department of Homeland Security, counterterrorism experts and others. He proposed a "full-scale anthrax powder attack" in which terrorists drove a truck full of anthrax powder through several different cities in a short period of time, spreading anthrax powder into the air and exposing the city's residents to the virus.

Hearing his assumption, the faces of the Department of Homeland Security were grim, as well as other bold and crazy ideas from Michael Bay and others, which made the organization officials sigh at the end of the meeting, "Fortunately, these directors are not terrorists." ”

On September 21, the "America Salutes to Heroes" disaster relief fundraising party was held, which was jointly produced and broadcast by TV stations of all sizes in the United States, and was also broadcast simultaneously in 156 countries around the world, and Flame Film Company donated 20 million yuan afterwards. On September 19, the US military sent fighter jets to the military base in the Persian Gulf, and the military strike against the Afghan Taliban and al-Qaeda was about to begin at any time.

Although Wang Yang has read through the history of war and has an understanding of military affairs, he has never had a good impression of war, whether it is the Taliban or the US military, there is no real winner in the war. Life goes on, and movies go on, but neither life nor movies exist in a vacuum, and the various effects of 911 and the coming war cannot be escaped.

The biggest shadow left by the 911 incident is planes, terrorists, and personal safety, and the same is true in Hollywood, where almost all A-list stars with a salary of more than 10 million have canceled their plans to shoot overseas scenes, including superstars Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Jim Carrey, Will Smith, ...... Countless stars, as well as big producers, directors, etc., have made it clear in unison that they will no longer be trapeze artists for the time being, and they are only willing to stay in China.

The fourth season of the most-watched CBS TV reality show "Survivor" in the United States was originally going to the Middle East for filming, but now it is natural to cancel, because the entire crew, actors, and crew have given up high salaries and do not want to go to the Middle East to play their lives. But it's not just the Middle East, but now even Canada and Australia are listed as unsafe locations, and all film and television crews are suffering from security crises, and Africa in "Zone 9" ranks second on the list of "least safe", and it is the Middle East that tops the list.

Therefore, almost half of the crew that was formed before "District 9" told Wang Yang that either they would change the filming location or they would quit.

The on-location shooting of the African ghetto is very important for the cinematic effect, and the kind of realism that cannot be compared to the miniature model and the partial set-up, and if you want to build a panoramic view in Los Angeles, it is undoubtedly a fantasy, and the huge cost of such a huge cost is also unaffordable for the flame film. Wang Yang will not change his plans to shoot in Africa, so only they will withdraw.

Fortunately, it is only some jobs such as location supervisors that have been withdrawn, not members of the film crew, and these jobs can still find replacements willing to go to South Africa at a high cost, but the important positions of the film crew cannot afford to lose, otherwise they will be in trouble. After discovering this sign, Wang Yang immediately contacted the important members one by one, in addition to making security commitments, etc., he also increased the salary.

Despite this, there are still a few members of the team who are determined to leave, such as sound engineers and lighting engineers, and there are also some people who want to quit the special effects team on the side of the image engine...... Some work has to be restarted, while continuing to appease the emotions of the current members so that they don't suddenly walk away despite the contractual compensation.

"It's terrible, and then it......'s bad," Wang Yang sighed, and was about to get up and walk back into the house, when his phone suddenly rang again. He looked at it, it was Robert Downey Jr. calling, he frowned, and said with a smile: "Hey, Robert, don't tell me you're going to quit or not! If that's the case, there's no need for terrorists, I'll go to your house and kill you right now." ”

Donnie over there smiled, as if smacking his lips and said: "No, I don't have that plan, no one cares if I die anyway, you are not afraid of magical Yang, what am I afraid of?" Both of them laughed a few times, and Wang Yang said seriously: "No one will die, the slum we went to is very safe, and it is only for a month." So what are you calling me for?" Downey replied, "I'm just telling you if there's anything the crew needs help with, let me know." Don't forget that I'm also a producer and I know a lot of people. ”

"Of course. Wang Yang stood up and said as he walked: "Just now, our field supervisor resigned, so I need a new field supervisor now, what do you recommend?"

But the impact of the 911 incident on the film industry is far from just a matter of filming and framing, and the brunt of it is the box office. In the first week of the 14-20th week, the box office in the United States was still strong, up 42% compared to the same period last year, but in the second week of the 21st-27th, as the likelihood of the U.S. military starting a war increased, and there were rumors of a second wave of terrorist attacks, the movie theaters suddenly went silent.

The total box office for the week was only 56 million, down 15% from last week and 3 million lower than the same period last year. The newly released musical comedy "Starlight", starring music diva Mariah Carey, also suffered a slot, with 1,200 theaters receiving only 2.9 million at the box office, and the queen's movie star dream was poured cold water, and the total box office of the top 12 in the weekly chart was only 44.2 million, a new low since September 15, 2000.

The mood of the audience is unpredictable, but one thing is affirmed by the studios, horror and violence movies are not popular now. Some verbal criticism from the media, newspapers, and online fans also corroborate this, and the horror and violence films have become the target of public criticism overnight, and the film companies have reacted by directly withdrawing the film or postponing the release.

Including the action thriller "Indirect Damage" starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which was originally scheduled to be released on October 5, and the war film "We Were Warriors" starring Mel Gibson...... There is also the violent crime film "Gangs of New York" starring Leonardo DiCaprio, which was originally scheduled to be released on the Christmas schedule, the war film "Windtalker" by Nicolas Cage + John Woo, and even the blockbuster "Spider-Man" with exciting content...... Almost all movies that are associated with violence and thrillers have been postponed until next year, and there is no fixed schedule yet.

Last year, there were about 68 new films in preparation for the fourth season of Hollywood, but this year and now, only 16 new films are in preparation or about to start shooting, and only one of them is related to violence, "District 9".

"It's very irresponsible for Hollywood studios to invest a lot of money, a lot of time and manpower into making thrilling horror and violence movies to attract young people and make their money. A few days ago, Robert Altman, a 76-year-old film master nominated for five Oscar Best Director Awards and four Best Picture nominations, made a statement to the media: "Those terrorists are just learning Hollywood movies, and no one will come up with such atrocities unless they have seen those movies." ”

This rebellious old man, who has always had something to say and is keen on criticism and ridicule, mentioned Magic Yang by name: "I noticed that there is a rising star Wang Yang in the director, and he wants to continue to make his R-rated violent film, the only one now. I don't know what kind of mentality this kid is, but I do know that he knows how to make money from his peers. If his new film is just trying to make money, help me tell him that he shouldn't make violent movies at this time, no one will watch them, and now he should make warm and sunny movies that he is good at, and he is guaranteed to make a lot of money. ”

Many fans on the Internet have also expressed their reluctance to see him make horrific and violent new works that are disturbing and unsettling, and hope that he can make a heart-warming movie like "When Happiness Knocks on the Door" and "Juno", if it is not as lively as "Youth Musical", but don't come to "Ghost Shadow", they will not enter the cinema.

Many entertainment media have also analyzed and commented on the state of movies in the "post-911 era", and it is generally believed that it will take at least 1-2 years for the market to return to normalcy, and even longer if there is a war.

The Cinémathèque newspaper wrote: "In this time of horror, audiences are largely unhappy to see violent films, and studios are scrambling to cancel their production plans. It is worth mentioning that the magical director Wang Yang continues to go retrograde with the market, and I believe that the producers are happy to see his exploration, but what is this guy thinking? Will "District 9" be his Waterloo?

Santa Monica, the meeting room of the Flame Film Company. With a snap, Wang Yang put down the blue folder in his hand, which clearly wrote some known information about the 16 films that are now being made by all Hollywood studios, genres: comedy, romantic love, campus music, romantic comedy...... He glanced at Mark Slunt, Distribution Manager Simon Willis, Production Manager Sandy Pikes, and a few others on either side of the conference table, and shrugged his shoulders calmly.

"Jan, we're the only one, the only movie with violence, and it's a big production with a cost of 100 million. Mark Snaunt's voice was a little deep, and his eyes behind the frames were full of seriousness. Looking at everyone, Wang Yang smiled and said, "It's pretty cool, isn't it?" Simon Willis and the others all laughed suddenly, and Mark Slant also smiled helplessly: "Yes, we are always so different." But Jan, you know ......"

His face was full of panic, and he pointed to himself and said: "The current movie-watching mood is like my face, 911 has not passed yet, but maybe there will be another war tomorrow and another death." He frowned and spread his hands and did not speak, but the meaning was obvious: ""District 9" is not suitable for filming for the time being, postpone it!"

"Mark, everybody. Wang Yang looked at them one by one solemnly and said: "The 911 incident is really regrettable, but it happened, we can't blindly escape, what we need is reflection." And the story of District 9 isn't all about violence......"

Mark Slant shook his head and interrupted him: "Reflection should be about timing, every need must be timing, and it is clear that this is not the stage, not the stage of violent repression. Simon Willis nodded in agreement: "The nerves of the audience are sensitive and fragile right now. Mark Slant added: "Although the release of "District 9" will be at least in August next year, no one knows if the audience will recover by then, even if the film is made very, very well, we will probably not be able to recover the cost......"

Seeing everyone gossiping and listening to their words, Wang Yang couldn't help but frown slowly, market, market, cost, cost...... Why did he have to worry about all this? Can't he make a good movie? He suddenly shouted, interrupted everyone, and decisively said, "Needless to say, I'll continue filming!" Guys, I can't postpone it, everything is ready, everything!"

He took a deep breath and thought about the preparations all the way, from May to October now, 5 months of hard work, forming a crew, and ...... in Vancouver He said in a deep voice: "Nothing and no difficulty can stop this plan, to hell, I won't postpone it!"

Mark Slunt and the others immediately looked at each other, although they understood his feelings, but they all felt helpless, this boss was always only 21 years old, with a young willful side, which can also be said to be fearless and sharp.

"Everyone. Wang Yang pursed his lips, glanced at them and said, "I know that this may damage the interests of the company." But what if "District 9" really loses money? Will it lose a lot? The company won't fall!" He glared at them with a frown, and said, "And who said it would definitely lose money?" Please, cheer up!" He clapped his hands loudly and said vigorously: "We can do it well, we can!"

Seeing that he had really made up his mind, Mark Slunter, who knew what kind of temper he was, couldn't help but smile bitterly, and no longer persuaded him, and said with a smile: "OK, OK! Anyway, you are the magic Young, and the magic Young can always bring miracles." If District 9 succeeds again, that's pretty cool. Everyone smiled helplessly, Wang Yang gave a thumbs up encouragingly, and Mark said seriously: "Then accept the facts! Our propaganda work must be done better, and we must also make changes." ”

Simon Willis over there nodded and said his opinion: "Well, there can be no more mention of blood and violence. "District 9" is better off being silent for a while now, so that everyone can forget its violent impression. ”

"Shift the attention of the media public to aliens. Wang Yang snapped his fingers with a smile, glad that they could support his decision. He also thought about a change in publicity, saying: "I agree to fade out for a while, but not for too long, and then we will announce that it is a science fiction movie with aliens, and then launch a few viral marketing websites." ”

Hearing the viral marketing website, everyone was a little puzzled, and Mark Slant frowned and asked, "What do you mean?"

Wang Yang pondered for a while, and said that he conceived: "That website is for viral marketing and allows fans and audiences to interact...... I want to put an idea, combined with bloggers, the goal of that viral website is that everyone updates an article about "District 9" on their own blogger, as long as it reaches 50,000 people, or 100,000 people, it will unravel a concept map of aliens, and then open the next viral marketing website. ”

Looking at the thoughtful crowd, he smiled: "It's like a game, an activity, but it requires a lot of people to play together, and everyone has to participate, call their friends to participate." The more participants and the longer they participate, the higher their expectations for the movie, as if they will go into the cinema with the film being made and growing together. ”

Simon Willis, who is familiar with the promotion of the release, lit up his eyes and praised with some excitement: "In this way, viral marketing is not just a fatigue bombing, a game...... Wow, I think if this publicity plan is successful, when the movie is released, the box office will be very high in the first week......" Mark Sloan also laughed and said: "As long as the movie is good and the reviews are not bad, it will attract more people to watch it, which greatly eliminates their resistance." ”

Wang Yang slammed the table top of the conference table vigorously and said with a smile: "I just want to say this! Viral marketing, viral marketing! We must do it well." Everyone smiled, and some confidence and fighting spirit were somewhat restored. Mark Slant suddenly joked again: "Hey, Yang, that viral marketing plan seems to be also advertising for bloggers, right?" Wang Yang shrugged his shoulders with a glare, and said, "Maybe." ”

The crowd laughed a few times, and Simon Willis suggested, "I have an idea." You know 911, wars, all this damn thing. Wang Yang had already guessed what he was going to say, and asked, "You mean the overseas market?" Simon Willis nodded with a smile and said, "We should pay more attention to the overseas market this time." Mark Slunt nodded and said with a smile: "That's right, I support it!"

"Hmm......" Wang Yang frowned, as if he was thinking about something, and asked: "If "District 9" is released simultaneously in the world, how many countries can we do?"

Simon Willis was stunned, now the overseas market is generally released every 1-2 weeks, or even a few months later, and there are occasional synchronization cases, but only a few countries, obviously not the concept of "global synchronization". He thought for a moment and replied: "I think there is nothing wrong with the general, but there are many differences in the review and introduction systems of some countries, and they may not be able to match the synchronization. ”

"Guys, it's a trend to have simultaneous releases worldwide. Wang Yang picked up the water cup and took a sip of tea, and continued: "You know that as a movie fan, I always hope to see that movie as soon as possible, rather than waiting for people in other places to watch it before I can see it." That's too bad, but if it's released at the same time, everyone's enthusiasm will be very high!"

Everyone nodded in agreement, Wang Yang smiled, and said slowly and loudly: "This time we will release it globally, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Mexico, China...... Fight for as many as you want! Overseas viral marketing and publicity should also be carried out simultaneously, and the whole earth should participate, and we must play bigger!"

"Okay, okay!" Mark Slant raised his hand as if in surrender and sighed with a smile, "I originally wanted to persuade you to postpone or cancel District 9, but now it's going to be even bigger, ok!" he clenched his fist and waved it forward, "Surprise the world!"

"Haha!" Simon Willis and the others burst out laughing.

(To be continued)