The Best Director

Trailer clips for “Firefly” are everywhere online! YouTube, forums, personal websites… Some videos have 100,000 clicks, others 1,000, and some are shared so many times they get 100. After nearly half a year of promotion by the Firefly publishing department and the spontaneous enthusiasm of netizens, this universal trailer transformed into various versions, crossing over film, TV, animation, music, and all available visual materials. A simple fan’s “Firefly Trailer Album” would collect more than a hundred versions.

You reap what you sow. This new style of viral marketing storm made the buzz around “Firefly” soar repeatedly. Tens of millions, hundreds of millions of global netizens have seen the “Firefly Trailer,” and then, amid curious laughter, most people searched for the actual “Firefly” trailer to watch, thrilling and blood-pumping! A great portion of them consequently developed varying degrees of interest and began to follow and anticipate it.

Most people don’t even realize that this is an internet phenomenon triggered by an official promotional campaign, thinking it’s just something netizens created for “fun.”

For “Firefly,” as long as everyone is aware of its existence, knows about this “magical Wang Yang’s 200 million big-budget sci-fi new film,” it’s very OK, it’s a success! Even the box-office draw of stars like Robert Downey Jr., Heath Ledger, Jessica Alba, and the creative force of Joss Whedon, didn’t need to be utilized, as long as YOUNG-WANG was involved! That Oscar’s youngest Best Director, that 25-year-old superstar director!

Of course, the higher the popularity, the better, but it wasn’t just viral marketing, not just magical Wang Yang. The global promotion budget for “Firefly” came close to 100 million US dollars, including trailers in theaters, posters, TV ads, bloopers, outdoor advertising, magazine covers, interviews, daytime/late-night talk shows… all-pervasive.

This 100 million US dollars was real money spent, enough to make a blockbuster, to make more than ten independent films, not the pseudo-blockbuster “last-minute” type of promotional model. Instead, it was a continuous bombing since the announcement of the project, lasting two years without interruption, attracting attention at all costs. The production and promotion costs alone were 300 million, definitely showing big hands and absolute confidence!

The promotional expenses for “Avatar,” slated for release in 2009, were said to be 150 million US dollars, and given its box office, it must have created an all-encompassing effect with James Cameron + 3D as its biggest promotional selling points. Now with 100 million US dollars in 2005, it’s on par with the selling points of magical Wang Yang + IMAX.

It’s generally the case that a movie’s promotional budget dictates a relatively high box-office performance, even at a loss; moreover, the popularity of the king of the world doesn’t match up to the idol director magical creature. With such astonishing promotional scale, no one dares to underestimate the box-office performance of “Firefly,” even though it has its innovative risks, magical Wang Yang subjected to the office building law, and other commercial doubts. Yet, relying on his fame, status, and these 300 million, media agencies predict that even in the event of a failure, “Firefly” would easily exceed 300 million at the global box office.

Let’s see how the legendary “magical Wang Yang’s flop” fares—it’s already worth the ticket price regardless of how bad it might be. But will it really be the case?

The global box office must at least hit the 6-7 hundred million US dollars mark for Firefly Pictures to be barely satisfied. Their ambition isn’t as vast as “War of the Worlds,” which claimed it would take in 1.8 billion, but it’s not small at all! Success depends on “Firefly” being a classic film, winning critical acclaim—the power of 100 million in promotion will fully explode!

“Magical Wang Yang! Magical Wang Yang! Magical Wang Yang!”

In the afternoon, at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, the AMC-CityWalk cinema was hosting the grand red carpet entrance ceremony for the “Firefly” premiere, with the premiere itself to be held in the cinema’s IMAX theater. The long red carpet was glimmering with stars, and the dazzling flashes of photography were relentless.

Everyone had arrived, Wang Yang and Jessica, Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Levin, Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams, Michael Pitt and Jamie Bochert, Daniel Wu and Lisa Slayton, Alan Tudyk, Gina Torres, Ellen Page, Chloe Moretz, Elle Fanning… as well as Joss Whedon, Vale Fiest, Hans Jimo, Jan Kaczmarek, Donnie Yen, Gordon Chin, Margaret Goodspeed, Shana Hayes, and their families and partners. Those who had spent the past nearly two years working on “Firefly” were gathered here, ready to reap the rewards.

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Evangeline Lilly, Megan Fox, Channing Tatum, and several other stars who played small roles or just came to support, also attracted some flashes with their glamorous presence.

“Ahh!” At this moment, there was another stir among the fans on both sides of the railing. Dressed in a black suit, Wang Yang waved to them with a smile, and the female fans immediately erupted into excited screams, waving posters, souvenir booklets, and the like in their hands: “Ahhh—Magical Yang! Jessica!!” The photographers busied themselves taking pictures as Wang Yang and Robert Downey Jr. horsed around, along with three pregnant women, a bunch of stars… they just couldn’t be quiet, and there was Wang Yang, taking Chloe Moretz and Elle Fanning by the hand to walk the show.

“Magical Yang! Magical Yang! Magical Yang!” Before anyone knew it, the chant of thousands of fans became uniform, rhythmically shouting the nickname of the celebrity star to express their adoration: “Magical Yang, Magical Yang!…”

Incredible! In the midst of this chorus of thousands, 19-year-old Megan Fox and 25-year-old Channing Tatum were astounded. Looking at Magical Yang, who was of their age group, they saw that he had already, amazingly! Moreover, he was of Asian descent, an unavoidable topic, but now he had completely overcome prejudices and conquered the fans, his every move driving them wild—truly magical!

From Massachusetts’s Gloucester, traversing the entire United States to California’s Los Angeles to attend the premiere of “Firefly”! Clair had been looking forward to this for half a year, and today was just too exciting. She finally saw her idol, Wang Yang—even though they hadn’t talked face-to-face yet, she already felt an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. Meanwhile, at the other, not red carpet entrance, hearing these chants, Clair wanted to join in the shouting but suddenly felt a great, immense pressure on behalf of Wang Yang.

If “Firefly” flops, they might start cursing right away, not to mention the critics; it wasn’t surprising, even she, a die-hard fan, would be disappointed, especially as a film critic, she couldn’t let herself be swayed by fan sentiments.

How hot can a movie get before its release? “Firefly” responds with boundless heat. Global fans had waited too long, reaching the brink of a 10-second countdown to a massive explosion! Today, finally, it was being released globally, entering what fans call “Firefly Time”! It’s Magical Yang’s ninth directed film, his second sci-fi movie, and a 200 million dollar epic! “Everyone guess, what will Magical Yang’s box office score be?” “Those planning to rate it 10 on IMDB, raise your hands!” “I’ll wait and see the film first!”…

No matter what, skies raining nuclear bombs, the outbreak of the third world war, streets full of zombies from “Resident Evil”—anything goes, but a big production from Magical Yang is an absolute must-see! This was the consensus among global Wang Yang fans; Magical Yang + 200 million + interstellar sci-fi, rumored to have new technology, was a must-see in theaters!

“Give me four tickets for ‘Firefly’!” JUNE-17TH-2005, a festival day for movie fans. All over North America, 3845 regular and IMAX theaters were swamped with excited youths, countless others met by ticket sellers with helpless expressions: “Sorry, all of tonight’s ‘Firefly’ tickets are sold out, but we still have ‘Batman’, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’, ‘Star Wars Prequel’, all good movies, I recommend…” The young people couldn’t help but freak out: “No! No! I want to see Magical Yang, I want to see ‘Firefly’!!”

Seeing that guy freaking out and hearing the long line of people complaining, Evelyn, who was passing by with friends, sighed. They weren’t going to see the premiere, how sad! Luckily, she had bought presale tickets early and could enjoy “Firefly” with her friends—fantastic!

“Yang, blessings to you!” In the bustling theater, Nancy Reno silently wished him well as she took her seat. Looking at the big screen which was playing commercials and trailers, she had graduated from the University of Southern California a few days ago, not pursuing a master’s degree. She had long accepted Wang Yang’s invitation to become his assistant, not the kind that hands over tea or water as in “Juno”, but an assistant involved in original drawings, storyboarding, and on-set direction, where she could learn and progress. The first project was a new movie starting to shoot in August.

For now, taking a deep breath, dear Nancy Reno, let me witness the charm of “Firefly”!

“Let me witness the charm of “Firefly”!” The 3845 North American Cinemas overflowed with patrons, among them many “celebrity watchers”—Natalie Portman munching on chips, Rachel McAdams sipping on soda, Scarlett Johansson, Smith father and son who had agreed early to watch the movie, Miller Wentworth… countless others, and an absolute sensation for many fans, George Lucas had also taken time to see this film which might create a new interstellar sci-fi culture; Robert Zemeckis was also amongst the audience, he wouldn’t miss an IMAX movie…

The day belonged to Magical Yang! Not just supporters, neutrals, but also many who prayed daily for his downfall and a resulting slump, like Paris Hilton, the Olsen twins, as well as those hoping “Firefly” wouldn’t do well, like Brad Pitt, The Northwest Herald’s Jeffrey Westhoff, and others who were either following or watching the movie. This film had no excuse for failure! If it did fail, what awaited Magical Yang would be a sky full of ridicule and blame!

“Come on, director!” Annie Darren quietly prayed as the movie was about to start, and the audience in the theater gradually quieted down on their own.

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With a synchronized global release, movie fans all over the world were mobilized. The youth of Europe, recently scared half to death by “Paranormal Activity 3,” now eagerly flocked to the cinemas; in Asia, barring Japan which would release the film in August due to marketing strategies, countries including China, Korea, Singapore, and others were all awaiting their premieres. It wasn’t just about Wang Yang; the Eastern elements in “Firefly” alone were alluring enough, “Firefly is coming out!!”, “Absolutely have to watch Young Master Yang’s film!”, “Miss it and you’ll regret it!”…

Africa, South America, and Oceania also joined in the excitement of this summer’s movie-going frenzy… In Antarctica, a group of penguins flapped their wings, walking back and forth as if anxious about missing “Firefly”; under the night sky of North America, the summer fireflies danced in the sky, dotting it with dazzling points of light.

“Magical Yang! Magical Yang! Magical Yang! Magical Yang!…”

At the AMC-CityWalk cinema, the super spacious IMAX theater naturally had no empty seats, with 360-degree surround sound, rocking armchairs, and an IMAX screen as tall as an 8-story building engulfing the entire field of vision. It was considered one of the best movie theaters in Los Angeles, set to witness the success or failure of “Firefly”!

“Baby, let’s watch the premiere together.” The crew members sat in the front rows on the bottom floor. Through his evening attire, Wang Yang gently caressed Jessica’s belly and smiled, “Daddy looks cool fighting.” Jessica’s voice was sweet, “Mommy looks cool too.” Wang Yang muttered, “And then you fainted from exhaustion.” He patted her belly, “Baby, don’t learn that!” Jessica wiped her eyes, suddenly moist, “Yang, this is the third time.” Wang Yang smiled, understanding what she meant. Pregnant women can be so emotional, and wasn’t he the same? The show was about to start. Alfredo’s words were still in his ears, “I don’t want to hear from you anymore, I want to hear others talk about you.”

It was starting! As Heath Ledger who said to his daughter, “Mathilda, daddy really isn’t a bad guy,” Robert Downey Jr. with his wife, Michael Pitt, Ellen Page… everyone fell silent, looking up at the screen. All their efforts and sweat were for this moment. It began!

All the theaters showing “Firefly” fell into silence. Audiences in both IMAX and regular cinemas perked up, and film critics with either calm or fierce expressions, along with unnoticed film people… Countless eyes in North America were fixed on the big screens. “Firefly” had finally arrived!

Accompanied by the sound of distant music, a pale yellow moth flew into a blazing flame on the pitch-black screen, and the scene brightened. In the beautiful countryside, moths with shimmering wings danced with colorful butterflies, twining as they soared towards the sky. Amidst them, a flame ignited, revealing the word “Flames-Films” beneath it. This was the iconic opening animation of Flame Films, cherished by fans as a classic.

“Boom, boom, boom—”

After the opening animation, the world within the screen made the audience exclaim in awe. They knew they were looking at Serenity Valley! The clear blue sky, the emerald-green valley, with rivers flowing through it — not the deserted feel of the Western but the desolate beauty of plateau mountains. However, before they could appreciate the scenery, a fleet of fly-by warships broke the silence with their fiery blasts and horrific explosions. Screams from the independent soldiers on the ground instantly plunged Serenity Valley into an atmosphere of destruction and danger.

“Wow!” In less than a minute, the audience realized they couldn’t take their eyes off the screen, all thanks to the vast visual feast. Natalie Portman paused with a chip halfway to her mouth, “The effects are amazing.”

It was worthy of a 200 million production! The texture of those warships was so high it couldn’t be further improved upon with current technology. The seamlessly integrated Serenity Valley couldn’t be recognized as a composite of various locations; and it wasn’t just about the effects. This wasn’t digital filming like “Star Wars: Episode III,” but it had the unique filmic feel of celluloid. Moreover, the Battle of Serenity Valley was shot on 65MM IMAX film! Although the MSM-9802 camera was incredibly demanding, the resulting effect was stunning.

“That kid didn’t waste IMAX; he’s done well.” Robert Zemeckis silently praised. These frames detailing the battle were impeccable. The composition of the shots, the focusing of the camera, the transition of the editing—all were excellent. The action was intense but not dizzying, and the details were rich yet natural, imbued with spiritual energy and precision. After watching just this segment, he felt there was no need to worry about the cinematography or visuals of the film. Time to enjoy!

No matter if the screen was 8 stories, 6 stories, or 4 stories high… The audiences at IMAX cinemas enjoyed these visual images to the fullest; their entire world was the war-torn Serenity Valley as if they were right there in the midst of it. And the audiences in regular cinemas also seemed to have a different feeling about the images, particularly beautiful and comfortable. They too were in a state of visual enjoyment, growing increasingly tense.

“The Space Alliance said they would waltz through Serenity Valley, no! We’re going to choke them with their own words, we must hold on!”

In the fierce battle of Serenity Valley, Robert Downey Jr., playing the independence fighter Captain Mal, braved the flames of war and returned to the simple cave base. Just as he was issuing orders with a clear mind, Sergeant Zoe said expressionlessly, “The radio says they’ve all surrendered, Captain.” Seeing the varied reactions of his soldiers, Mal couldn’t bring himself to believe it, “That’s a trick by the Space Alliance!” After rallying his troops behind him, Staff Sergeant Cyclone also refused to believe it, passionately backing up Mal, “We’ve achieved so much that was thought impossible until now! Showing our strength! Now to let the Space Alliance control us? Fuck that! Nobody is surrendering!”

Listening to their emotional and highly influential speeches, the audience couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. Many movie fans were slightly taken out of the film by the remark – this time, Best Director’s acting was truly explosive!

“Captain…” Just when Mal and his men were ready to fight to the end, even if it meant giving their lives, and all the soldiers were boiling with rage, a soldier came rushing in from outside, bewildered, “You better come out and see this…”

The camera cut to the next scene and they quickly emerged to the desolate valley with stony faces. Looking up at the scene in the azure sky, they slowed their pace, and the entire world seemed to slow down with them as the mournful music crescendoed from soft to loud, gripping the audience’s hearts.

All they saw was a group of fighters and a large spaceship skimming by, the spaceship’s tail spewing out messages. The wide expanse of blue sky slowly revealed a grid-like display across the screen, filling the entire sky that represents freedom. Each image showed a different planet, a different place, all broadcasting the same message – the independents have surrendered! In the close-up shots, a parade of images moved from left to right. Cowboys in tattered uniforms disheartenedly disarm, while the impeccably uniformed Space Alliance officers march forward proudly.

As the frames slid by, the sound fluctuated from high to low, “Humanity has come to a new star system, we must unite and build a beautiful home together!” “From now on we will officially take over this planet, those who surrender will be spared! You may join the Space Alliance, and the Space Alliance will arrange positions for you!” “The Space Alliance is not your enemy, the Space Alliance will bring a better life!” One by one the independent officers lowered their heads, “I accept…” “I accept…” “I accept…”

Amidst the center of a prospering futuristic street in the star system, throngs of people are overjoyed, “Victory belongs to the Space Alliance!!” “The war is over, the war is over!”…

The sorrowful music continued, and the large screen returned to a slow-motion medium shot of Serenity Valley, focusing on Mal, whose lips quivered as if he were about to cry, his mouth set in a taut line. His eyes, staring at the sky, blinked not once, his expression growing increasingly wooden. Cyclone trembled uncontrollably beside him, his face a mixture of grief and resignation. Everyone looked as if they were on the brink of tears, their faith in independence shattered, their dreams and persistence all for naught, discarded like worthless rubbish…

All of a sudden, what appeared to be a fighter jet zoomed by, and a streak of fire shot out, hitting a soldier on the far left, who in slow motion, fell backward in pain and died. Human life was as insignificant as that of ants – no one paid him any heed. Mal, Cyclone, and the others just stood there, still and stunned.

Then, the camera slowly pulled back. Mal and the others, looking up at the sky, became tinier and tinier, and Serenity Valley shrank until it became a beautiful Earth-like planet in the universe, almost resembling Earth. Suddenly, the nine planets burst forth into view, the solar system. The mournful music shifted to a serene Western style, and the screen transitioned to a comic book effect, as a fleet of starships launched from Earth, following the same trajectory toward the far reaches of space. They arrived at a new star system, entering the first Earth-like planet, whereupon countless starships scattered in all directions.

The great spaceship entered the central planets of the star system, while smaller ships ventured to the fringe. As the scene changed, the credits began to roll, “Director: Wang Yang, Screenwriter: Wang Yang & Joss Whedon, Producers: Wang Yang, Joss Whedon…”

“Robert Downey Jr., Heath Ledger, Daniel Wu, Michael Pitt” on the big screen, the perspective suddenly shifted to an overall view of the star system. Most planets displayed the dragon-eagle banner of the Space Alliance, while the fringe worlds remained flagless, in an anarchic independent state. However, as the warships from the center headed out, the tricolor flag of the independents appeared, and war broke out, flames blazing. “Jessica Alba, Ellen Page” under the offensive of Space Alliance’s warships and fighters, each fringe world adopted the dragon-eagle banner, eventually covering the entire new star system.

The camera then zoomed in rapidly, transitioning to an Earth-like planet that was different from the Serenity Valley planet earlier. (