Nobody knows movies better than me

Chapter 70 Warm-up Period

"China Film Group invested in this film. When it comes to box office revenue sharing, our share was either concealed or stolen by the cinema, which is a loss for all of us."

Facing the leaders of China Film Distribution Corporation, Zhang Junyi spoke sternly: "Some people say that pirated movies are very harmful to legitimate films, but in my opinion, this behavior of cinemas is the biggest harm to the film market."

If this continues, a large portion of the profits belonging to the production companies will be stolen by the cinemas. If the production companies can't make money, who will be willing to invest in movies?

If no movies are showing in theaters, what will attract audiences?

Without audiences, there's no revenue. Does that mean Chinese-language films have a future?

Looking at the serious-looking leaders of China Film Distribution Corporation, Zhang Jun waved his hands vigorously to strengthen his persuasiveness.

"I hope China Film Group can make things clear and reasonable with the cinemas, and ask them to consider this question: do they want to make a quick buck, or do they want long-term benefits?"

In business, we shouldn't just focus on short-term gains, but rather on the long term; this benefits the entire market.

Cheng Yang, manager of China Film Distribution Company, assured them, "Don't worry, we will keep a close eye on the cinemas. I can't guarantee anything else, but there won't be any problems with the cinemas under China Film's umbrella."

Zhang Jun didn't expect China Film Group to change this problem; he was just reminding them to pay attention to it, at least in his films.

After the meeting with China Film Distribution Company, on the way back, Gao Yan, the assistant, was still asking, "Boss, can the distribution company change this situation?"

Zhang Jun shook his head: "It can't be changed. Everyone understands the big principles, but only a few people have a long-term vision for development."

However, for those blockbuster films, as long as China Film Group takes them seriously, and with the supervision of media reporters, cinemas won't dare to go too far.

The practice of stealing and concealing box office revenue still occurs from time to time, even two or three decades later, and is difficult to regulate. In some cases, it is even theft by those in charge.

It wasn't until cinemas began to close down on a large scale, leaving them with nowhere to steal box office revenue, that cinemas realized how wrong their previous actions had been.

Unfortunately, it was too late. After 2015, the film industry entered a newer trend, and cinemas were no longer the only way to watch new movies. Online movies began to emerge.

In 2035, a Chinese VR technology company collaborated with Guo Fan to produce a VR film, thus driving a revolution in VR movies.

When Zhang Jun first experienced it in his previous life, it felt wonderful, somewhat like the dream experience in Cyberpunk 2077.

As technology advances, VR devices with more advanced technology, stronger immersion, and better viewing experience are constantly being launched.

Meanwhile, cinemas were also undergoing technological innovations, with more advanced projection systems and more immersive sensory experiences bringing a new life to cinemas.

The proliferation of movie-watching options has made it impossible for cinemas to dominate the film market, and the practice of stealing or concealing box office revenue has been exposed under public scrutiny.

However, that was in his past life. Now that Zhang Jun has returned to the present, he doesn't know how history will change in the future.

Zhang Jun felt a pang of regret. If he had known he would time-travel, he would have studied technology diligently during his school years. If he couldn't become a scientist, he could at least have been an engineer and started a tech business after returning home.

Unfortunately, he had the ambition to be Steve Jobs, but lacked the skills.

Running a technology company isn't just about knowing how future technologies will develop. If you don't understand the relevant technologies, you can't even describe them, let alone hire scientists or engineers to develop them.

So there's not much Zhang Jun can do: while making good films, keep an eye on companies that are poised to emerge. And when they need investment, provide it promptly. That's all Zhang Jun can do.

Starting a business is out of the question for him; he doesn't know how. He can only be an angel investor.

The promotion of "About Time" is in full swing. In addition to Beijing and Shanghai, the film has also launched a "dark restaurant" campaign in Guangzhou and Wuhan in collaboration with local restaurants.

Meanwhile, the preview screenings were a great success, with invited media reporters and seasoned film enthusiasts praising the film.

Although Southern Metropolis Daily is similar in nature to Reader and Yilin, this media outlet has been full of praise for Abroad Time.

"In today's Chinese-language film landscape, it's rare to see a movie like 'About Time.' It uses time travel as a backdrop to tell a touching love story."

Moreover, it offers refreshing perspectives on growth, how to love life, family, and happiness.

This movie is worth seeing in theaters; I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Film Weekly also commented: "Following Little Miss Sunshine, Zhang Jun brings us another film, About Time."

This is a heartwarming comedy film, without deliberately created jokes or strong plot conflicts.

It's like a little stream, flowing gently into our hearts and warming us.

A friendly reminder: although it's a heartwarming comedy, it can still move you to tears, so please bring tissues.

Sina Entertainment also wrote an article saying: "From The Tuner to Little Miss Sunshine, from the Great Wall in Beijing to the beaches of Cannes."

Zhang Jun has fully demonstrated one thing: the power of young people cannot be ignored.

Of course, the performances of actors such as Chen Kun, Gao Yuanyuan, and Fan Bingbing in the film also deserve praise.

After "The Story of a Noble Family," Chen Kun seemed to have been stuck in the role of Jin Yanxi, without any other outstanding characters. But this time, in "About Time," he brings a different kind of role.

Gao Yuanyuan was stunningly beautiful in the film; the moment she made her breathtaking appearance, all the men in the theater were captivated by her.

Fan Bingbing's performance was also commendable; although she was only a supporting actress, she left a deep impression.

These media outlets gave it unanimous praise, partly because the production company gave them red envelopes (bribes), and partly because "About Time" was indeed very good.

Some seasoned moviegoers shared their thoughts online after watching the preview screening.

"After watching director Zhang Jun's films, you'll feel that his style is different from other directors in Chinese cinema. Of course, I know that every director has a different style."

But Zhang Jun is different. Just as he doesn't belong to the Chinese film industry, his films also have a quality that other Chinese films don't possess.

I think this might be related to Zhang Jun's background at Tsinghua University. After all, he is a highly educated director, with a better educational background than most directors in the industry.

In short, this movie is worth seeing in theaters; once you've seen it, you'll understand what I mean.

Without spoiling anything, these words have already piqued the curiosity of many netizens. Zhang Jun already has a high reputation among young people, especially university students.

This positive word-of-mouth has made audiences increasingly eager for the film's release.

In addition, Zhang Jun also specifically promoted the film to couples. The film's release on Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day) is perfect for couples to watch.