Chapter 0933: Countermeasures

Many things, in fact, have a thread that can be followed. If you can't find the cause of something, look at the result.

For example, whoever gains the most benefit is likely the instigator.

"Obviously, that Ma guy is messing with us," said a department manager from Future Film responsible for publicity, gritting his teeth.

Bai Jie frowned and glanced at the man: "Don't speak without evidence!"

After all, with many eyes and ears, who knew if someone in the room might leak the information.

"This matter clearly has a backer behind it," Ye Jing said, not needing to be so cautious. Bai Jie cared because Future Film had no backing in the industry, so she had to tread carefully, but he, Ye Jing, didn't need to.

"Yeah, such blatant reporting is obviously trying to elevate someone's work by slandering us," Jiang Wen added coolly.

In fact, this was often seen in later promotional campaigns.

Two films in the same release window being compared, one being smeared—in Zhao Fusheng's view, it was just a promotional tactic. He really couldn't understand why everyone was so alarmed.

"Ahem, let me say something," Zhao Fusheng blinked, deciding to give everyone present a heads-up.

"What is it? Go ahead," Ye Jing said, glancing at Zhao Fusheng.

Zhao Fusheng smiled: "I don't know much about film promotion, but I have a suggestion. Since they're smearing us, can't we counterattack along their line of thinking?"

"Counterattack?"

Everyone looked puzzled. Bai Jie and Ye Jing, who knew Zhao Fusheng well, understood he wasn't one to speak without reason, but those unfamiliar with him frowned.

"Director Zhao, forgive my bluntness. You may be excellent at advertising planning, but film promotion isn't as simple as you think. The principle that every profession has its own expertise goes without saying."

A middle-aged man in a black suit sitting to Bai Jie's left, with a lecherous look, sneered after hearing Zhao Fusheng's words and interjected.

Zhao Fusheng frowned, glanced at him, and said nothing.

"Ah, this is Director Liu Tianzuo, whom we just hired to oversee promotion," Bai Jie introduced. "Director Liu previously worked at China Film Group and is a very experienced industry insider."

"Industry insider?"

Zhao Fusheng gave a cold laugh but didn't say anything more.

There were far too many so-called industry insiders nowadays. Most had worked within the system and, riding the wave of leaving state jobs to start businesses, either founded their own companies or joined private capital, leveraging their former connections and status to carve a niche in new firms.

Zhao Fusheng didn't exactly despise such people. What he disliked was Liu Tianzuo's condescending attitude, as if he were still within the system.

"So, Director Liu, what do you think we should do now?" After a long pause, Bai Jie asked Liu Tianzuo.

Liu Tianzuo's expression softened slightly, and he smiled at Bai Jie: "Good question, President Bai. In my opinion, since they're smearing us, we must clarify immediately. Issue a statement to show that our work isn't what they claim. If necessary, we can change the release date."

"Change the release date?"

After Liu Tianzuo said this, everyone except Zhao Fusheng and Jiang Wen's eyes lit up.

In their view, this might be the most practical approach. After all, if things continued as they were, with "Cell Phone" and "The Missing Gun" releasing simultaneously during the New Year period, they might be crushed.

Better to change the timing and avoid the opponent's edge.

This was also a common tactic in film distribution nowadays.

"I think it's worth considering," Bai Jie said hesitantly, her gaze falling on Ye Jing.

Because neither Zhao Fusheng nor Jiang Wen often intervened in this collaboration; Ye Jing was the one from Phoenix Film handling the liaison with Future Film.

Ye Jing pondered, saying nothing, but his eyes flickered.

Sighing inwardly, Zhao Fusheng knew he had to speak up.

"President Bai, President Ye, why do you think 'Cell Phone' is inferior to 'The Missing Gun'?" Zhao Fusheng asked, looking at Bai Jie and the others.

"Do you even need to ask? 'The Missing Gun' tells a story about justice. What is 'Cell Phone'?" Before Bai Jie and Ye Jing could respond, Liu Tianzuo coldly interrupted Zhao Fusheng.

"Director Zhao, I hear you wrote the script for this film. Forgive my bluntness, but while the story is decent, the content really has nothing commendable—no depth at all. To move an audience, a film needs more than just gimmicks; it needs substance, emotion, understand?"

Seeming to hold a grudge against Zhao Fusheng, Director Liu immediately launched an attack on him.

"Emotion?"

Hearing Liu Tianzuo's words, Zhao Fusheng suddenly laughed coldly: "People always talk about emotion, but most of them have none. Precisely because they lack it, when someone gives them a sense of it, they immediately embrace it with self-indulgent tears and then proclaim everywhere, 'This is my emotion.'"

Then, looking at Liu Tianzuo, he said coldly: "I don't know why you keep targeting me, Director Liu, but I want to tell you: the purpose of making a film is to make money. Do you think a film that doesn't make money is a good film?"

"Or do you prefer to shut yourself in and make a film you like just for yourself? Or has someone paid you to slander me here?"

Liu Tianzuo's face turned ugly. With a slap on the table, he stood up: "Director Zhao, this is slander! Naked slander!"

"Hah!"

Zhao Fusheng laughed coldly: "If not, then tell me, why do you think my film is inferior to 'The Missing Gun'? Why should we give way to them? Just because of the media's smears?"

Pausing for less than two seconds, Zhao Fusheng said coldly: "We're making commercial films, not art films. Substance and emotion—should I add some mainstream values for you?"

Everyone was stunned, never expecting that the usually mild-mannered Zhao Fusheng would directly confront the head of the promotion department at the meeting.

Bai Jie's expression was also grim. She really hadn't expected Zhao Fusheng to react so strongly.

It seemed she would have to make a decision this time.