The Best Director

Chapter 155: The Whirling Dance is About to Rise Again

After wrapping up “The Hangover,” Wang Yang scarcely had any time to pay it mind, as the filmed footage was tucked away for storage. With May approaching, he suddenly became swamped again, with a considerable queue of tasks awaiting his attention.

The most significant was, of course, the editing of “District 9.” Since the official start of filming in October of the previous year, the production of special effects scenes had been carried out concurrently. Over seven months, the imaging engine deployed more than three hundred animators and teamed up with other effects companies, including Industrial Light & Magic, to finally finish over 800 special effects shots, ready for editing.

Wang Yang was highly satisfied with these images. The aliens, at a resolution of over four thousand pixels each, looked tactile and seamlessly integrated with the actors and settings to create lifelike scenes. The effect was no less impressive than Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, and in fact, Weta Workshop, the effects team behind “The Lord of the Rings,” also participated in some of the rendering tasks.

Apart from the aliens, the resolution of the spaceships and media was also over four thousand pixels, just as realistic; and the explosive, gory battle scenes— whether it was heads exploding or limbs being severed—were shockingly intense. The degree of gore and violence was such that the special effects team exclaimed with awe, “This is too twisted!” The spectacle included Robert Downey Jr.’s body transformations, the destitute and dark District 9- all of which were masterpieces that deserved a thumbs-up from the special effects team.

The marketing for “District 9” had never ceased. As the third round of viral marketing with several websites themed “Human and Alien Relations” was hacked by movie fans, Flamethrower Films released a series of virus videos featuring interviews with various experts, professors, and ordinary people. There was no substantial story content, but it peeled back the curtain on the coexistence of the two civilizations—aliens being vicious, destructive, hostile, deplorable… Humans had confined them to District 9, built in the Mojave Desert.

The background story puzzled movie fans. Aliens were always portrayed as powerful, so how could they end up being trampled by humans? And what exactly was the story about? One question was answered, and another arose, but the answers could only be found in the movie theaters—that’s viral marketing for you.

Flamethrower Films did not launch a fourth round of viral websites. Although Christopher Foersten’s blog, the official “District 9” website, and a host of viral sites would continue to update, the promotion had entered a new phase: viral marketing in the real world.

Nowadays, in major North American cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Toronto, passers-by can often see “District 9” promotional posters at bus stops, subway stations, construction sites… even in elevators and restrooms of some famous buildings. Instead of proper images of actors, these posters featured alien figures with a red cross or similar emblem stamped over them. Apart from the official movie website, there was no other movie information, only various slogans and a toll-free number to report alien sightings.

The slogans varied depending on location. For example, “Aliens not allowed on buses” at bus stops, “Aliens not permitted to enter” at shopping malls, “For human use only” at phone booths, and everywhere, “If you encounter an alien, please notify us for capture, and you will receive 10,000 US dollars.”…

The purpose of these tactics was not only to create promotional curiosity but also to build a sense of immersion for fans and audiences. When they encountered these posters, ostensibly official government notices, they subconsciously wondered, “Is this real?” It’s as though there genuinely exists a slum for aliens on earth.

These unconventional posters, up until the film’s release in the coming months, would spread to even more cities and more public places… But not only that, as on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, a nearly two-meter-tall alien sculpture now stood at a conspicuous roadside spot. Similarly, “3D posters

like this one are set to make appearances across North America, as well as at venues for film festivals and animation expos.

As the release date neared, the promotional efforts were almost at a breaking point; yet, “District 9” was still just a pile of video material. However, before editing the film, Wang Yang was preoccupied with another upcoming movie release, “Sweetheart.” Therefore, the tasks of assembling a preliminary trailer and rough cut were temporarily handed over to the editor Lee Smith (known for “The Truman Show,” ”

latter two earning Oscar nominations for Best Editing).

The Perfect Storm,” and “The Dark Knight,” with the

The rough cut was simple, just stringing together the shots in accordance with the script, and of course, not one of the over 800 special effects shots was missed. Lee Smith was an experienced and uniquely talented top-level editor, so Wang Yang wasn’t worried about anything.

The initial promotion for “Sweetheart” had long finished, and it had already passed the MPAA review with a G rating. Copies were ready, prepared for release in 2970 theaters across North America on April 26.

This is about a girl who loves to dance, and her dream is to win the dance championship in Dance City…” With the narrator’s voice in the trailer, a sweet and sexy girl walked through the city streets on the TV screen, looking around at the urban scenery with a smile on her face, as young people energetically danced in the streets, skateboarded, and parkoured… The scene abruptly changed to see her asking a group of hip-hop styled youths confidently, “Can I join your dance team?” The handsome guy at the front nodded, “Alright.”

Just then, the narrator’s voice sounded regretful, “But…” The screen quickly transitioned, Jessica cried out as she stumbled over her own feet and fell to the ground during practice; with an “Oh!”, she and her dance team strutted down the street and then she ran into a lamp post and fell down…

Scram!” With the shouts of the dance team, she stumbled out of the warehouse where the team practiced, “We don’t welcome you,” ” little girl”… She was met with repeated rejections, and the narrator said once more, “But…” Jessica clenched her fists and roared desperately skyward, gasping and with a look of determination, “I’m going to form a team!”

Move along,

Immediately, there was a burst of laughter. Joseph, with his hair slicked back, held his stomach, almost in tears from laughing, pointing at the fiery-eyed Jessica, “A team, a team, haha…” With a bang, he got whacked on the head by a guitar, and as another swing of the guitar approached, he hastily said, “I’m in, I’m in!”

With the light-hearted narration mentioning the main actors’ names, the screen showed their scenes corresponding, “Michael Pitt,” in a dim and messy room filled with smoke, a pale-faced Michael Pitt with bloodshot eyes smoked a cigarette, saying with despondency, “I don’t dance anymore.” Next was “Annie Darren,” Annie exaggeratedly opened her mouth wide, both scared and excited, “What, you mean a team competing? Me? I can’t do that.”

Scarlett Johansson, James Franco.” They were dressed in black leather jackets and trousers, looking like cool guys and girls. They sneered disdainfully, speaking coldly, “Why should we join?”

If

Because we’re going to take the championship!” With Jessica’s shout, the screen played some story scenes, spectacular dancing, and shots of supporting actors Justin Timberlake and others… The narrator’s voice grew louder, declaring, “Directed by Annie Fletcher, produced by Wang Yang! On April 26, the dance whirlwind rises again. ‘Sweetheart’ hits the theaters with a bang!

The screen settled to the practice warehouse, where Joseph said with a laugh, “Hey, guys, check out my new dance move!” While he said this, he began to dance a sleazy Hawaan hula dance. Jessica, Michael, Scarlett, Annie, and Franco all looked at him with odd expressions. Jessica asked, “Does anyone agree with me kicking him off the team?” Everyone raised their hands.

Haha!” After watching the trailer on TV, Wang Yang, sitting on the couch, laughed out loud, “Sweetheart, you’re really funny when you roar, very cute. Jessica chuckled crisply and roared harshly, saying, “I’m a lion!” Wang Yang looked at her and laughed, “No, you’re a King Kong.” Jessica smiled and nudged his shoulder with her head and then suddenly asked, “Yang, do you think I could mess this up?”

Mess up what?” Wang Yang asked back in confusion. Jessica shook her head, “Nothing, I’m just a bit nervous.” Wang Yang smiled, gave her a kiss, “If you mess up, it’s as if I’ve messed up. But I don’t think we will, don’t want to mess it up. This movie has all the elements of success. It might not match ‘High School Musical’s achievements, but it has its own market.”

Sweetheart” had a production cost of 20 million, and the cost for marketing and copies was also 20 million, which meant that, counting only the box office revenue, it needed to at least break the one-billion mark globally to make a profit. Of course, auxiliary income from original soundtracks, DVDs, and the like was always an indispensable part, as long as the movie garnered largely positive reviews from the youth, there wouldn’t be a disastrous outcome.

Don’t worry, we’re definitely going to have a great start!” Wang Yang’s right arm tightened around her waist. Not counting FM company’s screening schedule, FF company had five major releases planned for this year: “Sweetheart” on April 26, followed by entering the summer vacation slot with

Ice Age” on May 10 and “District 9” on August 2; at the year’s end, during the

Christmas slot, we also have “The Hangover” and “Mr. Hughes”.

Whether the two main battle movies during the summer vacation can succeed will directly affect the development path of Flame Film. Watching the advertisement on the TV screen, he waved his left hand and said, “We score 10:0 right from the opening, and then swiftly move into garbage time!” Jessica, however, frowned and smiled, “No, nobody watches during garbage time!” Wang Yang instantly had a moment of realization and said, “Oh, seems so! Then, let’s keep it close until we hit three overtimes.”

Yang, when do we go to Staples Center to watch a game?” Jessica asked with interest. Wang Yang smiled nonchalantly and said, “Anytime, but our Warriors Team is just too disappointing; it’s no fun.” This season, the Warriors Team continued to be at the bottom of the Western conference, and with a chaotic tactical system, it was hard to see any hope, which reduced his interest in watching the NBA.

That’s a bunch of tanking bastards.” Jessica spread her hands helplessly, and then, showing her teeth with a smile, she said, “Why don’t you switch to the Lakers camp?” Wang Yang uninterestedly pursed his lips and said, “Purple and green will never be my favorites, I don’t like traditional powerhouses; and more importantly, I’ve been supporting the Warriors Team since I was one.”

Jessica tilted her head to one side, acting despondent, “Then I’ll just have to keep losing with you.” Wang Yang laughed, looked at her for a long while, and decided to give her one of her birthday gifts ahead of time. Patting her shoulder, he stood up and walked toward the study, “Wait for me for a moment!”

OK.” Jessica replied with a smile, picked up the remote to change the channel, and watched the Evening News for a while before she saw Wang Yang returning with a small box wrapped in colored paper. “Ta-da, happy birthday!” He sat down on the couch, handed the box to her with both hands, and smiled, “This is one of your birthday presents for this year, I’m giving it to you in advance.

Wow! Thank you!” She took it with a happy face, gave him a kiss on the cheek, and asked, “What’s inside?” Wang Yang wrapped his arm around her waist again, smiled, and said, “Hey, open it up and see.” Jessica said, of course, tore open the colored paper, opened the box, and saw several tickets inside. She picked them up with a bit of confusion, glanced at them, and suddenly turned to look into his eyes and smiled, “The World Cup in Korea and Japan?

If

Wang Yang nodded with a smile, “That’s right, we’re going to Asia for a week! He had bought these tickets a few days ago. He had always wanted to travel to Asia, as well as spend time with his girlfriend, and the World Cup in Korea and Japan seemed like an excellent choice. Watching Jessica play with the tickets, he smiled and asked, “Do you like it?”

Mm, I enjoy traveling with you!” Jessica’s face was full of anticipation and excitement. They had been very busy for a long time and hadn’t gone on vacation for a while. But thinking of how busy they were, her happy heart couldn’t help but quiet down a bit, and she asked with a frown, “But do you have the time? ‘District 9′ is going to be released in August, don’t let me interfere with the movie work.”

She knew how important “District 9” was to him, a year’s worth of non-stop effort, reckless to the point of life and death while in Africa, enduring all kinds of sudden pressures… “Sweetheart” might afford to fail, but “District 9″ absolutely couldn’t.

Haha, no problem! Plenty of time, no worries.” Wang Yang’s voice was full of confidence. He took two tickets from her hand and said, “Trust me, you know I’m not the sort to neglect work for the sake of fun.” The World Cup in Korea and Japan wasn’t starting until May 31, and the week they planned to travel would be around that time. If it weren’t for “District 9”, he really fancied the idea of playing in Asia for a month.

However, the workload for “District 9” was indeed significant and tight. First, they had to finish the theatrical cut, then work on the music scoring, color grading, and some post-production dubbing, all of which needed to be completed by mid-July before sending in the review copy and then releasing the film as scheduled. But Jan Kaczmarek was already brewing and creating material for the music score, and Lee Smith and he had a clear and complete plan for the editing, so it wasn’t that rushed.

Besides, he was prepared to work hard for these few months, spending the whole day in the editing suite every day, and working at night as well. Then, missing a week’s time wouldn’t be a problem.

Also, Jessica, although this is your birthday gift, I want to go on a trip myself! Wang Yang smiled at her, shaking the soccer tickets in his hand, and read out loud, “Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, Shanghai… I’ve wanted to visit those cities for a long time, but it seems like a week is not enough to cover them all, otherwise we would spend the entire vacation on a plane.”

Jessica laughed as well and didn’t mention “District 9” anymore. All she needed to do was support him, as she believed he could do a good job. Thinking about traveling to Asia and watching soccer matches, she suddenly burst out laughing, looking at the soccer graphic on the ticket and said, “Yang, but I don’t really understand soccer, it’s played by 11 people, right? But besides that, I’ m not very clear about the rules.”

Ha!” Wang Yang also started laughing. He couldn’t be considered a soccer fan either, as he seldom watched soccer matches, but he was clear about the rules. He joked, “If you’re not clear about it, just ask me. I’m a master-level fan. You know ‘I Love Beckham’, I love Ronaldo, and, um… let me tell you, any sports game is simple. You just need to understand who is leading and who is falling behind, that’s all.”

Jessica rolled her eyes and laughed, “And then passionately cheer and yell for the side you support. If they win, you’re happy; if they lose, you’re sad. That’s it!”

YES! You’re really smart!” Wang Yang laughed and gave her head a gentle push, looking at the soccer tickets, “See? I bought tickets for two matches, China: Costa Rica, China has made it to the World Cup for the first time, I’m not sure about their strength; and also America: Portugal.” He described the plan, “We’ll go play in Hong Kong and those cities for a few days, then go to the soccer matches, and then I’ll come back to work. You can stay as long as you like.”

Jessica pushed his head in return, her face lit up with a sweet smile, “Of course,

I’ll come back with you. There’s no fun in me playing alone.”

On April 26th, “Sweetheart” officially hit 2,970 big screens across North America, attracting countless young movie fans and audiences passionate about street dance to the cinemas to catch a first glimpse over the weekend.

They all felt very confident about the 8 US Dollars and 105 minutes they were about to spend; the movie boasted a bunch of handsome guys and pretty girls, the trailer looked light-hearted and amusing, with cool and good-looking dance scenes. Most critically, it had the production and screenplay titles of “Magic Yang.”

It is known that movies associated with him, except for “Paranormal Activity 2” which he was completely uninvolved with, don’t even get me started on the four films he directed himself, and the screenwriting of “High School Musical” 2 and 3 which were also pretty good to watch. And this production must have something unique about it.