The Best Director

February 5th was Wang Yang’s 19th birthday. He could have had a lavish birthday bash, hiring a company that specializes in parties to plan and arrange everything. They could have invited celebrities and party-loving beauties to revel all night long. With his current finances, all this was possible. Yet Wang Yang did not crave such a party. Though he had not experienced one, he could imagine how the chaos could have given him a headache, losing the true meaning of his birthday.

So, Wang Yang just wanted to celebrate modestly with his close friends. Clearly, his apartment was not large enough to accommodate everyone, so he rented a villa for the day, designed for parties. He invited his good friends, Jessica, Rachel, Zachary and other main actors from “High School Musical”… as well as friends like Michael Pitt, George Harry, and Joshua.

After an enjoyable birthday party, Wang Yang also received many thoughtful gifts, such as books and collectors’ items from movies, and so on.

While some people rejoice, others despair. Cole, who had been following Wang Yang, managed to snap photos outside the villa, capturing who attended the birthday bash; but he didn’t capture any valuable pictures of Wang Yang kissing or hugging any girls. His dream of changing cars fizzled out, but Cole refused to give up, continuing to follow Wang Yang daily. He believed that sooner or later he would get his shot, unless this youngest director was asexual.

Holidays always come one after another, and soon it was Chinese New Year. Despite the tradition, Wang Yang did not return to San Francisco, but instead wished his parents, relatives, and friends well over the phone. He was too busy to leave, and didn’t want to delay the post-production process of his movie. Every day, he spent all day in the editing room; he also monitored the film’s publicity, offering his ideas to guarantee effective promotion; and each night he would talk on the phone with Jessica, a relaxing routine for him.

Busy days slipped by, and after countless debates with Margaret Goodspeed, the editing work for “High School Musical” finally concluded in mid-March. The final version of the movie was 100 minutes long, and although the structure was similar to the original TV movie, the camera work, rhythm, and style were completely different.

After editing was done, post-production seemed to have just begun. They contracted a special effects company to produce the movie’s opening fireworks; David Lawrence began working on the film’s score; the well-trained main actors were also in the recording studio, showing off their singing skills for the song recordings. Wang Yang and Marg “divorced,” and he reunited with Varese Feist to manually adjust the film’s color grading, giving it a more sunny, aesthetic, and substantial look.

Once all these tasks were completed, Flame Film Company immediately sent the final version of “High School Musical” to MPAA for classification review. With not a single kiss in the 100-minute movie, no violence, drugs, horror, or unsettling scenes, it was a 100% wholesome film, and MPAA unsurprisingly rated it G for all ages, with no parental accompaniment required.

The official website for “High School Musical” also released a trailer. Wang Yang and Marg had no dispute over how to edit this 2-minute preview. The trailer’s content was simple, outlining the plot through the characters’ dialogue; it mainly featured the actors’ captivating shots, like Tom Welling looking cool playing basketball, Jessica’s sweet smile, and Rachel with a cute expression as she hatched her schemes. Of course, some exciting dance and song scenes were also essential.

The entire trailer was youthful, sunny, and passionate, bursting with “explosiveness.” It seemed to be an entirely new style of campus movie. Watching those brightly lit scenes, where students danced joyfully in the clean, beautiful cafeteria while listening to the lively “Wildcats” anthem, it was difficult for a young person not to take an interest or even feel their blood boil with excitement.

The thrilling trailer also caused expectations for “High School Musical” among fans to skyrocket. Traffic on the official website surged, and it seemed that some media outlets had a change of heart; at least the trailer wasn’t bad, right?

But overall, the media was still not enthusiastic. At The Movies, the media’s focus was on the currently released “The Matrix,” an unprecedented sci-fi film that was driving America crazy; while for the upcoming releases, everyone’s attention was centered on blockbusters like “The Mummy” and “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” For instance, Natalie Portman might miss the premiere of “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace” because she had to prepare for her final high school exams.

However, the popularity of “High School Musical” indeed kept rising. Although it wasn’t very visible in the mainstream media, it was quietly brewing, and by now, it was ready to burst forth.

As early as the beginning of March, the announcement boards at the University of Southern California and the walls of the canteen were all covered with a movie poster featuring six vibrant, energetic, and attractive young men and women jumping up, all with beaming smiles. This was the promotional poster for “High School Musical,” which also announced an event: “It’s time to show off! Let everyone see your style!” and “Want to see the dance pros at school? Visit !” This site was the official website built specifically for the event.

The same situation occurred in schools all over America, including New York University, Stanford, and other higher education institutions, as well as many more high schools. Overnight, they seemed to be surrounded by “High School Musical” everywhere, even their campus television channels aired a 5-minute segment called “Come Dance” three times a day, with new content every episode.

At Saugerties Public High School’s cafeteria during lunchtime, the TV was airing the latest episode of “Come Dance.” As Tom Welling’s handsome figure appeared on screen, a group of girls by several long tables immediately erupted with cheers, eagerly watching the TV, and some even shouted, “Troy! Troy!” Of course, there were also girls who showed no interest and continued to bury their heads in their books.

On the TV screen, Tom Welling flashed a charming smile and said, “Hi, everyone, I’m Troy Bolton. Today I’m going to teach you the Moonwalk, yes, just like Michael Jackson. Watch closely.” With that, he effortlessly demonstrated the move, and his female fans in the cafeteria immediately had hearts in their eyes.

Watching Tom show off, the boys in the cafeteria were a bit bored. A freckled white boy complained, “Oh, hell, why can’t it be Gabriela?” Another blonde boy muttered, “I like Sharpay!”

The freckled boy suddenly slammed the table as if making a significant decision, declaring, “Dude, I’m going to participate in ‘Show Yourself.’ Maybe I can go to Los Angeles for the ‘High School Musical’ premiere and see Gabriela up close!” The blonde boy looked at him for a few moments and said decisively, “Shit! I’m in too. Showtime!”

Meanwhile, the “Come Dance” segment was also viewable on Showyourself and the official “High School Musical” website. Flame Film Company leveraged viral marketing to bombard every school forum in America with the event, making everyone aware of it.

Although the initial participants were plants specifically hired by the company, it wasn’t long before real participants uploaded their videos, and then more and more joined in. The pins on the promotional map became increasingly dense, and soon, students from schools across the entire North American region were involved. As more and more people participated, the traffic on Showyourself skyrocketed, to the point where the company had to rent several sets of servers.

With an exciting trailer, the soaring popularity of the “Show Yourself” campaign, and “Come Dance” shorts going viral online, combined with forum discussions and a poster campaign’s viral marketing, these were the reasons for the surging popularity of “High School Musical.” Countless students were waiting and anticipating the release of the movie, with many convinced that it would definitely be a film as phenomenal as “Footloose”!

On April 20, the “Show Yourself” event concluded, and the top ten contestants, selected through internet voting, emerged. Either boasting excellent dancing skills or voices just like pop stars, and also blessed with attractive appearances, these were naturally among the reasons they drew votes; too lucky participants were also randomly chosen by the system, all of whom would get to attend the premiere in Los Angeles.

As the promotional impact of “High School Musical” hit its peak, time quickly advanced to April 28, the date of the film’s premiere.

The premiere was arranged to be at the “Vitagraph Projection” cinema by Wang Yang, who had developed a certain fondness for the place. It was where he and Jessica had reunited, where he had watched the premiere of “Paranormal Activity,” and where he was about to see the premiere of “High School Musical.”

This cinema was also the only non-campus theater participating in the first round of showings for “High School Musical.” Flame Film Company had signed a contract with the theater guaranteeing a minimum price. For $50,000, they had secured Theater #1 from 7:00 PM to midnight for one month, showing the film twice every evening. This was also a part of the promotional plan. For the first two weeks, only specific campus theaters could screen it. So, what about other students in Los Angeles who wanted to watch? They would all flock to this cinema, creating an overflowing scenario. Of course, this would all assume that “High School Musical” could drive the students crazy, resulting in a domino effect of enthusiasm.

At this moment, Theater it 1 of the Vitagraph Projection cinema, with its 500 seats, was packed to the brim. Apart from the main cast and crew of “High School Musical,” some family members, and the 110 students from across America participating in the “Show Yourself” event, there were also students invited from various schools in Los Angeles, along with some film critics and media journalists. The public relations department had worked with each of them, and their relationships with Flame Film could be considered “very good.” If “High School Musical” passed muster, they would not hold back their words of praise; if the film was terrible, their criticisms would be delivered with some measure of “gentleness.”

Wang Yang, donned in a black suit, made his way toward the front row seats through the aisles. He had just been to where his parents were seated. They were both very happy and had told him to go and do his thing.

People on both sides of the aisle saw Wang Yang and greeted him with smiles: “Director!” “Yang!” “Yang! I love you!” Some were crew members, others invited students, like the girl who shouted “I love you!” from her high school.

“Hey.” Wang Yang smiled and waved back, responding to their enthusiasm. Seeing each seat occupied by an audience member with a smiling face, he couldn’t help but feel sentimental. During the premiere of “Paranormal Activity,” the audience had been less than 50 people, barely filling the space; now, it was so lively.

Reflecting on this, he arrived at the seats located in the front row closest to the screen. Seated in the front row were the film’s leading creators and main actors: Vale Fest, Annie Fletcher, David Lawrence, Margaret Goodspeed… as well as Tom Welling, Jessica, Rachel, Zachary, and others. Everyone was dressed formally, the gentlemen in suits and ties, and the ladies in beautiful evening dresses, all meticulously made up by makeup artists.

The interactive segment of the premiere had passed, and the film was soon to begin its official showing. Wang Yang settled into his seat in the middle of the first row. To his left was Tom Welling; to his right was Jessica, who was wearing an off-shoulder white evening dress, her wavy brown hair falling over her shoulders, and a hint of blush on her cheeks that made her look even more beautiful and charming. She glanced at Wang Yang and said, “Yang.”

“It’s about to start,” Wang Yang leaned back in his seat, gazing at the big screen in front, and sighed again, “It’s about to start.”

The efforts of the past six months, everyone’s sweat and hard work, would all be encapsulated in the upcoming 100 minutes of film. “High School Musical” was about to shed its cocoon and dance gracefully, revealing itself to the world. Would it be a beautiful butterfly?

Wang Yang glanced at Jessica beside him. Today was her 18th birthday, one of the most important moments of her life. If “High School Musical” turned out to be a success, it would be the best gift he could give her. Regardless, everyone who had put their effort into this film would reap their own share of beauty that evening.

“Last year this time, I was sitting in your living room, and then Milan said,” Wang Yang mirrored Milan’s serious tone to her, “Yang, you might as well become an actor.” Jessica’s lips curled slightly as she replied, “Then she was surprised, everyone was surprised.” Wang Yang shrugged and laughed, “Time flies, it’s been a year. I still remember your grandmother’s doughnuts, they were sweet and crispy, very delicious.” Jessica, a bit proud, said, “I’ve already learned from my grandmother. I’ll make some for you in a few days!” “Wow, that’s something to look forward to!” Wang Yang smiled, then fell silent. It wasn’t just the delicious doughnuts he remembered—he remembered handing out flyers on the street, the struggle at McDonald’s, and then receiving Rachel’s call to go to Lionsgate Company and get the distribution contract… Thinking of these, he glanced at Rachel, seated several places to his right, and inwardly said, “Thank you, Rachel.”

Rachel seemed to sense something as she turned her head and glanced over, meeting Wang Yang’s gaze. She gave a slight smile, a natural expression on her face. Wang Yang smiled back at her, then redirected his attention.

At that moment, the film was about to start playing. The dimly lit theater suddenly quieted down as everyone focused on the big screen. A flame seemed to ignite in Wang Yang’s eyes as he whispered with contained excitement, “It’s starting.” Next to him, Jessica, Tom Welling, Rachel, Zachary… everyone instinctively held their breath.

In the back rows, Michael Pitt, dressed in a suit and sporting dark circles under his eyes, stared unwaveringly at the screen. George Harry next to him muttered nervously, “Jesus! I wonder if the shot I filmed is still in.” In truth, he had only operated the dolly track; the camera angle had been adjusted long ago.

On the big screen, the opening animation for Flame Film Company appeared.