Chapter Twenty-Two: The Art of Hype and Strategy

Liu Qingshan understood what Chen Long meant. If someone died during the filming, not only would the investment be lost, but the compensation for the aftermath would far exceed ten million Hong Kong dollars.

“There’s another matter. Actually, it’s been weighing on my mind for several days now, and I wasn’t sure if I should mention it to you,” Liu Qingshan said.

“We’re brothers, there’s nothing we can’t say to each other,” Chen Long replied.

“It’s just my own shallow opinion, so take it as a joke if you like. I think our film, ‘Myth’, has a very obvious flaw. Everyone knows your movies are in the midst of a transition, and this one tries to combine both emotional and martial arts elements. But after reading the script, I feel that the comedy and action are mostly set in the modern time, while the emotional scenes are mainly in the ancient setting. The shifts between the two are very abrupt.”

Liu Qingshan paused deliberately, as though waiting for Chen Long to refute him.

To his surprise, Chen Long’s openness exceeded his expectations; he listened with a grave expression, paying close attention.

“For example, one moment we’re in a modern playful fight, as in your usual films, then the next we’re suddenly in a solemn, ancient scene defending the emperor and the nation. After a while, just as the atmosphere becomes heavy and tragic, it abruptly jumps back to a modern scene. The audience’s emotional involvement is broken; I think this is the biggest issue in our film.”

“So what changes do you suggest?”

“The overall structure is fine. I think your comedic style should carry over a bit into the ancient scenes; this doesn’t exceed the original story or character settings. Also, perhaps we could add some grand, epic martial arts scenes—not by filming new material, but using modern computer effects. We don’t need much, just one or two minutes would suffice.”

“The issue of computer effects is something I’ve been considering. You know my style—I prefer not to use too many special effects in personal scenes.”

“But such visuals are indispensable in any epic. With solemn orchestral music and operatic chorus as a backdrop, a minute or two is plenty.”

“Yes, we could produce it separately and then decide whether to use it depending on the results. Your suggestion is good—any others?”

“Promotion. We should make a big deal out of this accident, but not through official publicity. Instead, let it leak from the crew, as an inside story. I know there’s video footage from that day.”

“Isn’t that risky for the film? You know public opinion is hard to control. If it turns against us, it’ll be nearly impossible to turn things around. The producers will certainly try to stop it immediately—why else would they pay ten million?”

“The leaked footage would be edited beforehand, so it would include some negative elements for ‘Myth’. Then the crew would hold a press conference, release the full video, and publish the compensation agreement. Of course, we two would also speak out to clarify and reconstruct what really happened.”

“I feel this is a bit far-fetched, and a bit too big.”

“You don’t need to step in, just report it honestly to the producers. Treat it as a suggestion from a subordinate. I believe that handling an accident swiftly and properly would highlight their generosity and sense of justice, expanding their reputation for noble professionalism rather than cold commercial calculation.”

“But the risks are equally real.”

“I know what you mean—the risk is that someone might seize on the abrupt break in the tension that day. We can make a written conclusion on that now, and invite the local notary and safety departments to certify the scene.”

“But wouldn’t that blow the matter up? You seem unclear about what the producers want. They have only two demands: eliminate the negative impact, and keep the shooting schedule unchanged.”

“Such a big incident, do they really think they can keep it secret? Even without deliberate promotion, word will leak out. You said yourself yesterday, there were lots of reporters outside the hospital.”

“Yes, it’s a hidden danger! So, regardless of whether the promotion succeeds, the aftermath must be handled properly in advance.”

“Inviting the relevant departments doesn’t cost much, and it’s the truth. With those sharp rocks and someone dangling on a wire, the break was purely accidental.”

“And by actively inviting those departments to inspect, we gain a reputation for honesty and reliability.”

“That’s certain, but whether or not there’s any future promotion, we must inform the other party in advance. Such matters must not be leaked, or they’ll seriously affect future production and distribution.”

At this point, Director Tang Jieli, who had been silent, finally spoke:

“Brother, Qingshan’s suggestion is quite feasible. Nowadays, promotion through such incidents is becoming a trend. Hollywood even has courses dedicated to it. I have a hunch that if it’s well-planned, it’ll greatly boost our box office.”

“How do we approach the producers? Their cooperation is key. In practice, our job is just to film—the box office doesn’t really concern us.”

“But it’s closely tied to your future reputation, especially during this critical transition. And don’t forget, you have shares in Qinghuang.”

Qinghuang Film Company is the sole investor, producer, and distributor of ‘Myth’, an old and established film company in Hong Kong.

It differs from ‘Detective Dee’, which was produced by a committee of several companies, a new model created to spread risk. That way, the financial risk is distributed, and if there’s profit, it’s divided according to investment shares.

For sponsoring companies, each project requires less funding, so they can participate in more productions and find it easier to raise funds.

Qinghuang’s involvement with ‘Myth’ is the most traditional approach; its producer and distributor roles are merged.

“You go talk to Cheng. I’m afraid if I go, he’ll scold me.”

Chen Long lowered his head in thought for a long time, finally deciding not to handle it himself.

Uncle Yang’s real name is Yang Wancheng, Qinghuang’s largest shareholder, chairman, and the real decision-maker.

“I agree you’re not the right person to go. At least I’m an employee under Qinghuang. Luckily, Cheng is coming in the next couple of days; such matters can’t be explained over the phone.”

Tang Jieli is a contracted director at Qinghuang, and reporting major issues from the crew is part of his duties.

Chen Long is a major shareholder in Qinghuang. Yang Wancheng is also the boss of Emperor Entertainment. The two have an excellent relationship.

Moreover, Chen Long has survived in the entertainment industry so long because he’s adept at balancing the various forces in Hong Kong’s vast melting pot.

Being able to do all this is thanks to Yang Wancheng’s strong support. They’re old friends who might argue at any time, but their relationship remains unaffected.