Chapter 13: A Toast to Cinema! The Grand Production Launch Ceremony
Chapter 13: A Toast to Cinema! The Grand Commencement Ceremony
Qin Feng smiled and said, "Greetings to the three of you. My name is Qin Feng, from China."
The three were inwardly startled.
As both the assistant director and the chief screenwriter, his role in this film was crucial. No wonder Director Spielberg kept him close.
More importantly, Qin Feng was so young. Given time, he might even inherit Spielberg's legacy and make a magnificent mark in the film industry.
With Spielberg’s achievements and status backing him, the future was promising indeed.
The three couldn’t help but look at Qin Feng with newfound respect.
Sam Neill exclaimed, “We’ve already read the script. It’s a truly spectacular story! I didn’t expect you to be so young, Qin Feng!”
“You’re truly a talent for our film industry!”
Spielberg smiled and said, “You three might not know this, but during casting, Qin Feng was the first to suggest you for these roles.”
“I only finalized it after his reminder,” he added.
“Is that so?” Sam Neill said in surprise. “In that case, we really owe Qin Feng our thanks!”
Laura Dern said, “I was nearly nervous to death when reading the script. Knowing Director Spielberg wanted me as Dr. Sattler felt incredibly fortunate!”
“Thank you too, Mr. Qin Feng!”
Jeff Goldblum gave a charming smile and raised his glass toward Qin Feng.
“I’m glad to have a young director like you in our industry. I’ll toast to you first, Qin Feng.”
“You flatter me,” Qin Feng replied modestly, clinking his glass with theirs and taking a sip.
Goldblum then turned to Spielberg, “Director, have all the other actors been confirmed?”
“All set. We’re just waiting to start filming.”
“When will filming begin?”
“In three days. We’ll have the opening ceremony then. Meanwhile, memorize your lines, and if you have any questions, come find me or Qin Feng.”
“Understood.”
“Got it.”
Sam Neill led the toast again, “Director, we toast to you.”
Spielberg shook his head lightly, his eyes reflecting a hint of emotion, as if he felt a decade younger.
“Jurassic Park will be a groundbreaking work. I’m delighted to work with you all.”
He raised his glass, “Let us toast to cinema.”
“To cinema.”
“To cinema.”
“……”
The time for the opening ceremony was set: 9 a.m. on Monday.
The venue was Stage 4 at Los Angeles Studios.
Every department was busily preparing for the film’s start.
The location scouts, after over a month of searching and set design, had finally chosen Kauai Island in Hawaii to film the main scenes set on Nublar Island.
Additionally, Universal Studios had rented six sound stages for indoor shooting.
The art department had completed concept art, storyboards, and animation previews; next, they would focus on promotional materials.
Costume, makeup, and props departments were all ready.
The model studios, led by Stanley’s team, had worked overtime to complete most of the dinosaur animatronics, with only a few requiring on-site adjustments.
The three post-production visual effects companies, including Industrial Light & Magic, had built all the virtual dinosaurs after receiving the concept art and animation previews.
Everything was in place.
Producer Kathleen Kennedy arranged for the publicity team to invite a dozen entertainment media outlets to build early buzz.
The first concept poster was unveiled:
At its center was a circle framing the fossilized skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex, jaws agape.
Below in large letters: Coming Soon.
In smaller text: An unprecedented fantastical adventure takes you into an unimaginable world of dinosaurs.
As soon as the poster appeared online, it sparked a frenzy of discussion.
“Wow! Isn’t that a dinosaur? Is someone making a sci-fi movie?”
“The poster bears Universal's logo. Hope they don’t mess it up! Last time I saw a dinosaur movie, the creatures were just people in suits. That was awful!”
“It shouldn’t be that bad. That film was ages ago. Special effects have improved a lot recently.”
“Honestly, I’m tired of dramas and art films these days. I want to see something fresh.”
“Don’t get your hopes up, folks. Every effects-heavy film is usually terrible! God is my witness, I’m right!”
“I won’t comment yet. Let’s wait and see. Shooting hasn’t even started; the release is still far off.”
……
On the morning three days later, the sun shone brightly.
In front of Stage 4 at Los Angeles Studios, balloons hung high, colorful ribbons and flags fluttered, and a ten-meter tall concept poster towered.
A red carpet was laid at the entrance, flanked by tables filled with water and champagne.
Qin Feng arrived early, dressed in a casual suit and black leather shoes, looking exceptionally spirited and handsome. Anyone unaware might have thought he was a celebrity.
Soon, people from all sides began arriving.
Actors, guests, crew members, media reporters…
Over five to six hundred in total.
“Hello, Qin Feng!”
Jeff Goldblum spotted him from afar and came over to greet him.
“Hello, Mr. Goldblum, you look great today!”
“Hahaha… same to you, you look very handsome!”
They shook hands warmly and chatted.
The reporters present were surprised.
“Who is this handsome Asian guy? Why is Goldblum greeting him so warmly?”
“He must be a newly debuted actor, with Goldblum mentoring him.”
“I don’t think so. They seem quite familiar with each other…”
Not only the reporters but many crew members hadn’t seen him before either.
Everyone was curious, speculating about his identity.
They all wanted to know who this Asian gentleman was.
At that moment, Sam Neill and Laura Dern noticed them and walked over side by side.
“Hello, Qin Feng!”
They greeted him warmly.
“Hello, Mr. Neill; hello, Ms. Dern.”
Sam Neill, dressed in his usual gentlemanly style, said gracefully, “What a wonderful day. Finally, filming begins!”
Laura Dern smiled happily, “I’ve been looking forward to this day. This is the biggest opening ceremony I’ve ever seen.”
Qin Feng smiled, “Yes! Wishing a smooth start!”
Sam Neill added, “Qin Feng, I have some thoughts about the lines.”
“Please, go ahead.”
……
The four gathered together, chatting amiably.
The reporters were baffled. “Who is this young Asian actor? Why are the three stars chatting with him?”
“No idea. A new face, never seen before.”
Some reporters approached.
“Lead actors, what are your thoughts on this sci-fi film?”
Sam Neill: “Uh, I’m very excited. This will be a classic.”
Laura Dern smiled: “I look forward to it too. An extraordinary adventure is about to begin.”
Jeff Goldblum’s lips curled into a smile: “No doubt, we should always trust Director Spielberg.”
Turning to Qin Feng, the reporter shifted focus:
“Sir, may I ask, what role are you playing?”
(End of chapter)