Chapter 49: The Matrix Begins Filming, and I Am Ready

Chapter 49: The Matrix Begins Filming, I Am Ready

Following the film's theatrical run, a fresh wave of reports flooded the internet.

[The Man from Earth closes with a 320 million box office, a triumphant counterattack for a low-budget film.]

[The Man from Earth: The fundamentalism of science fiction.]

[The Man from Earth, an endless contemplation originating from "eternity."]

[According to industry insiders, Director Qin Feng is set to pocket a 100 million USD profit share!]

[Chinese-American Director Qin Feng emerges as a box office dark horse. Where will his next film set its sights?]

[……]

Netizens were thoroughly satisfied with the film.

Recalling the malicious review penned by the venomous critic Debuji some time ago, they swarmed his Twitter comment section.

"Hahaha, I'm just here to spectate. Have you guys heard? Director Qin Feng's movie grossed 320 million at the box office! Mind you, its production cost was probably less than 1 million!"

"Spectator +1. I honestly don't get what this Debuji is ranting about day in and day out. Has he been traumatized by sci-fi movies or something?"

"Spectator +1. His venomous tongue is legendary. Sometimes it's not even just sci-fi; he attacks literally anyone he lays eyes on. Why else would he be called the 'Supreme Venom-Tongue'?"

"Don't you get it, buddy? Debuji represents the old school of filmmaking. There's a good chance he's backed by representatives of those traditional genres."

"I'm here to watch him get slapped in the face. With Director Qin delivering such a massive cinematic success, pulling in 320 million on a low budget, what on earth is Debuji going to say now?"

"……"

The netizens' comments infuriated Debuji, prompting him to instantly restrict comments on his profile.

Afterward, he felt the entire world had grown much more peaceful.

So, he posted another tweet:

[Looking at the aesthetic standards of today's audiences, I feel a deep sense of anxiety.]

[They are extremely impulsive, struggle to distinguish right from wrong, and possess zero independent judgment regarding the messages conveyed by film and television culture.]

[In response, I once again call upon the entire industry to resolutely resist fantasy-themed audiovisual works, with reality and classicism leading all else!]

[I will forever stand at the absolute forefront of denouncing fantasy films! Never compromising!]

……

Time flew by.

Following a month of intense preparation, the day to commence filming for The Matrix finally arrived.

Warner Bros. did not invite a multitude of media outlets, relying instead on internal resources for some preliminary publicity.

On this day, outside a studio lot in Los Angeles.

All the key creative personnel of the film were present.

Producers, directors, actors, cinematographers, editors, costume and makeup artists, floor crew, post-production staff……

Counting everyone up, even before the extras had arrived, the crowd numbered over four hundred people.

Tables at the site were laden with an abundance of fruits, snacks, and beverages.

Dressed in a black casual jacket, Qin Feng looked radiant and as handsome as ever. Walking alongside Ashev, he immediately drew everyone's attention.

The area was bustling with people and brimming with a festive atmosphere.

Assistant Director Gloria tested the microphone: "Hello, everyone, please quiet down. Let's welcome Director Qin Feng to say a few words."

The venue gradually quieted down.

Qin Feng took the microphone and faced the crowd.

"Hello everyone! I am Qin Feng, the director of this picture. The weather is wonderful today, making it an auspicious day for the commencement of The Matrix."

"We have spent a month in preparation, and I believe everyone has made their own preparations as well. In the coming period, I will work alongside all of you to complete the filming of this movie."

"The Matrix is a sci-fi action film with a profound underlying core. It is destined to become a true cinematic classic."

"Over this past month, I want to thank Manager Ashev, Director Tim Burton, and express my gratitude for the hard work put in by the cast and the stunt coordinators. To my brothers and sisters in every department, thank you all for your support of this film."

"I am thrilled to work with you all, and I hope we will unite as one, overcome any challenges, and craft this film together into a massive box office success."

"Thank you all!"

As his voice trailed off, the crowd broke into warm applause.

Everyone was exceedingly happy about the launch of the new film.

Qin Feng handed the microphone to Ashev, asking, "Manager, would you like to say a few words?"

Ashev smiled and waved his hand. "No need, you've already said everything that needed to be said. Qin Feng, filming is finally underway—how are you feeling right now?"

"Fantastic!" Qin Feng replied with a smile.

Just as they were talking, Keanu Reeves walked over from the crowd.

"Whoa~~ Mr. Keanu, you're looking more and more ripped!" Ashev exclaimed, patting his own beer belly. "If you have any fitness secrets, don't keep them to yourself; you have to share them with me."

Keanu Reeves smiled and said, "I suggest you look into Tai Chi, or do a bit more running, Manager Ashev."

Qin Feng also praised, "Mr. Keanu, it seems the results of the special training are phenomenal. I hope this training experience proves helpful to you."

"Yes, Director Qin, absolutely! I am ready."

"I am ready too."

Carrie-Anne Moss walked over, carrying herself with an athletic grace and steady steps, smiling as she greeted, "Hello Director, hello Manager Ashev."

"Carrie, you're looking in top shape as well," Qin Feng commended.

"Thank you."

The opening ceremony was simple; the group posed for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

Once the ceremony concluded, the crew cleared the site and, per schedule, immediately transitioned into the shooting phase.

Since filming took place on a soundstage, priorities were given to shots associated with the constructed sets.

Movies are rarely shot in chronological order; sometimes, due to location constraints or other special reasons, even the ending might be filmed first.

Two hours later, the very first scene officially commenced shooting.

Neo's first appearance!

"A001, Scene 1, Take 1! Get ready…… Action!"

Close-up shot, nighttime, indoors.

Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) is slumped over a desk, fast asleep.

The computer monitor remains illuminated, displaying various news articles.

He wears headphones, through which music is playing.

Wide shot, the camera rotates, revealing numerous items around him such as a mouse, keyboard, and telephone.

Suddenly! The computer screen goes pitch black.

Immediately following that, a line of text appears: [Wake up, Neo……]

True to form, Neo stirs awake. Noticing the text on the screen, he slowly sits up.

The text changes:

[The Matrix has you.]

"What? What's going on?" he murmurs, looking puzzled as he removes his headphones.

Who could have sent this message?

He taps a key, and the screen shifts again:

[Follow the white rabbit.]

"White rabbit??"

Neo looks extremely surprised. He presses the "Esc" key twice, and another line of text emerges on the screen:

[Knock, knock, Neo.]

Knock, knock, knock!

Scarcely had the text vanished when someone knocked on the door outside.

Neo jolts awake from his daze and asks, "Who is it?"

A man's voice replies, "It's Choi."

Neo stares at the screen for two seconds; the text has now disappeared, leaving the screen completely black.

"Coming, coming."

"Cut!"

Qin Feng stared intently at the monitor, picked up the walkie-talkie, and called for a halt.

"Let's run that two more times. Cameraman, please pay attention to the rhythm when cutting between angles."

"Neo, great performance!"