"Cut!"
With the director's command, the entire crew of 'Your Name' immediately sprang into action.
"Su Yan, what do you think of that shot just now?"
The well-known Xia Nation romance film director, Yajima Mitsuhiro—also the director of 'Your Name'—smiled as he spoke to Su Yan.
In the Xia Nation entertainment industry, the proportion of major figures between mainland natives and those from the Sakura Island region was roughly six to four. A large number of Sakura Island professionals were active in film and television, and since 'Your Name' contained many Sakura Island cultural elements, Su Yan had simply chosen a Sakura Island director.
The script was already set. Su Yan's only minimum requirement for the film was to preserve the visual beauty of the original work. As for acting performances and other critical filmmaking aspects, he fully entrusted them to Yajima Mitsuhiro.
After all, Su Yan wasn't an expert in filmmaking—he could offer suggestions, but directing was another matter entirely. Otherwise, what was the point of paying millions to hire him?
"Not bad. Director Yajima, your shots are very aesthetically pleasing."
Su Yan offered appropriate praise.
The 51-year-old Yajima Mitsuhiro smiled.
Although Su Yan had intervened in many aspects of location selection and special effects—and had directly taken charge of the film's music—he had placed almost no restrictions on the actual shooting process.
Moreover, Su Yan's previous film 'Rurouni Kenshin: Movie' was still dominating theaters, and its Spring Festival box office championship gave both Yajima and the entire 'Your Name' crew tremendous confidence.
Having a boss like this was truly a blessing.
They only needed to focus on making the film. As for promotion and marketing, they didn't need to worry at all.
"But we do need to speed up progress. It's already February, and the film is scheduled for a July release. Time is a bit tight."
"Of course. Although this is only Shen Liqian's third film, her acting talent is exceptional. I'd say next year's Imperial Capital Film Festival Best Actress nomination will definitely include her." Yajima said with a smile.
In this world, Xia Nation audiences didn't have the same "foreign filter" mentality as in Su Yan's previous life.
Western films had their own audiences, mainly in Western regions.
Eastern films were the same. Setting aside Western awards, the most important recognition in the East was the annual Imperial Capital Film Festival.
Named after its location in the Xia Nation capital, this award—along with the Xia Flame Awards for television—was a benchmark for the industry.
The Xia Flame Awards were held at the end of January each year, while the Imperial Capital Film Festival announced nominations in March and held its ceremony in April.
"Let's hope so." Su Yan smiled.
Among the artists under his company, the one he valued most was actually Gu Qingyuan. He also hoped for her future success the most.
However, compared to Shen Liqian, she was far more laid-back. Within the company, she wasn't proactive in fighting for roles.
Shen Liqian, on the other hand, would go all out to recommend herself for any role Su Yan created—whether it suited her or not.
Gu Qingyuan was more like a socially anxious person. If Su Yan assigned her a role, she would never refuse and would give it her all—but if he didn't bring it up, she wouldn't take the initiative.
Last year, Shen Liqian starred as Kin in 'We Made a Beautiful Bouquet'. This year, she had roles in 'Rurouni Kenshin: Movie' and 'Your Name'.
With 'Rurouni Kenshin: Movie' about to surpass 2 billion in projected expectations, she would definitely qualify for a Best Actress nomination next year.
And not just her—Su Yan himself might very well receive a Best Actor nomination for his role as Kenshin.
"If Dimensional Pictures can win both Best Actor and Best Actress within a single year, it will instantly rise to become one of the top film companies in the Xia Nation," Yajima said.
"At that point, a huge portion of the industry will depend on you, Su Yan."
"You flatter me. Who can say what will happen next year?" Su Yan replied modestly.
But both of them knew—
If Su Yan and Shen Liqian weren't nominated next year, that would be the real surprise.
Soon, Shen Liqian walked over, wiping sweat with a towel. Hearing their conversation, she showed no shyness at all.
"If I really win Best Actress at the Imperial Capital Film Festival next year… wouldn't I become the first person in Xia Nation history to win both the Xia Flame Best TV Actress and the Imperial Capital Best Film Actress? That would be making history, right?"
She brushed aside a strand of hair, revealing her fair face and a nose reddened by the cold.
In the freezing winter, she was still wearing a Sakura Island-style high school uniform for filming. Even wrapped in a down jacket between takes, her body still trembled slightly.
"That's correct," Yajima thought for a moment.
"There's never been anyone in Xia Nation who won Best TV Actress and then went on to win Best Film Actress. If you achieve that, you'll make history."
As he spoke, he glanced at Su Yan and added a bit of flattery:
"And if Su Yan wins Best Actor next year, he'll also be the first male actor to win both the TV and film top awards—also making history."
Su Yan and Shen Liqian exchanged a glance.
They both understood clearly.
'Rurouni Kenshin: Movie' was a male-led film. Its success relied heavily—90% even—on Su Yan's action performance.
He had a real chance at Best Actor, but Shen Liqian was unlikely to win Best Actress for her role as Kaoru Kamiya.
But 'Your Name' was different.
It could be considered a female-led film. If it performed well, the role of Miyamizu Mitsuha might truly have a chance—
Su Yan fell into thought.
Shen Liqian's heart began to race.
Yajima Mitsuhiro sensed the subtle shift in atmosphere.
The two in front of him seemed… more competitive now.
—
Time passed, and it was late February.
Another Sunday arrived.
Unlike in Su Yan's previous life, where 'Fate/Zero' was split into two seasons, in the Xia Nation, it aired continuously.
After waiting an entire week, Fate fans across the country were practically starving for the next episode.
Online, fans posted photos and videos showing off official 'Fate/Zero' merchandise they had purchased from Dimensional Pictures' official website or Sakura TV's shopping platform.
Among them, Artoria's life-sized, fully replicated knight armor and sword were selling out instantly. Even at prices in the thousands of Xia Nation currency, supply couldn't keep up with demand.
Although the show's ratings hadn't surpassed 'Puella Magi Madoka Magica', its merchandise sales were clearly stronger.
After all, Artoria's knight outfit could technically be worn by men as well.
But magical girl transformation outfits? Only the most devoted fans would dare wear those out in public.
By the afternoon, discussions across major forums had already erupted.
["Tonight that psycho killer better die."]
["Why? Doesn't Ryuunosuke deserve love? I think he's super cool! And Gilles too—their Master-Servant duo is really interesting!"]
["They're child-murdering psychopaths. What are you even thinking, liking them this much?"]
["It's not real, it's just a TV show. What's wrong with liking them? Compared to someone like Kayneth, Ryuunosuke is way more charismatic."]
["I just want that Gilgamesh played by Su Yan to die already. That pretentious guy is unbearable."]
["Kenshin and Gilgamesh have the same face—I love Kenshin to death, but I hate Gilgamesh just as much. Honestly, Su Yan's acting is just too good."]