Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 398 First Encounter in Berlin
The Berlin Film Festival and the Oscars almost overlapped in terms of timing.

The Berlin Film Festival announced its final list of entries for the main competition on January 18th, while the Oscars announced their nominations on January 22nd, just four days later.

The Berlin Film Festival will be held from February 7th to 18th, meaning the awards ceremony will be held on February 18th.

The Oscars ceremony is on February 24, six days after the Berlin Film Festival awards ceremony.

In other words, after attending the Berlin Film Festival, Cao Yang barely had time to stay in Berlin for social engagements before heading to Los Angeles.

Even the Oscars require rehearsals.

Of course, this is based on the premise that Cao Yang's "Affection for the Seaside City" wins an award. If it doesn't win an award, there's no need to stay until the end, let alone stay to participate in a series of official and unofficial social events.

On the other hand, Dieter Kosslick, the president of the Berlin Film Festival, had finally established a good relationship with Cao Yang in order to expand his influence, and was using the Berlin Golden Bear as leverage to keep Cao Yang on his toes.

With such a vested interest, how could Dieter Koslick possibly cheat Cao Yang?

Winning the Berlin Golden Bear might be difficult, but winning the award itself isn't.

Cao Yang himself knew that winning the Golden Bear would be difficult, but since he was going to the Berlin Film Festival, he was definitely going to give it a try.

Trying might still give you a chance, and even if you don't get it, you might at least make Dieter Koslick feel indebted to him.

In light of this, Cao Yang decided to go to Berlin a week early to see if he could make it happen; he had to give it a try.

If we remove personal factors, such as the Venice Film Festival's current president, Mark Müller, who is clearly friendly to China, the Berlin Film Festival is actually the most China-friendly of the three major European film festivals.

However, the Berlin Film Festival is extremely unfriendly to Chinese people in one aspect: the timing of its events, which almost always fall during the Spring Festival period.

The Berlin Film Festival opened on February 7th this year, which happens to be the first day of the Chinese New Year.

Cao Yang's departure for Berlin seven days early indicates that he will again be unable to spend the Chinese New Year at home this year.

Unlike Cao Yang, Ning Hao, whom he sent to Nolan's "The Dark Knight" as an executive producer, returned to China before Cao Yang left for Berlin.

"How was it? Those Americans didn't give you any trouble, did they?"

Cao Yang gestured for Ning Hao to sit down and asked with a smile.

Ning Hao didn't sit down. Instead, he brewed two cups of tea, placed one in front of Cao Yang, and then sat down.

"How could that be? They know I'm one of your people, and I'm also an executive producer with considerable power. Who would dare to make things difficult for me? They're not stupid; they certainly don't want to be kicked out of the crew."

As Ning Hao spoke, he took out two boxes of cigars from his bag, casually opened the drawer in front of him, put them in, and said as he did so:
"Director Nolan is a really nice person. He's very friendly and supportive of my work. With your and Director Nolan's support, I can practically do whatever I want on set, right?"

Cao Yang pointed to the drawer and said with a laugh, "You little rascal, trying to bribe me, are you?"

"Haha, what are you talking about? This isn't for you."

Ning Hao explained with a smile, "Doesn't Teacher Situ like to smoke? This is a cigar that Director Nolan gave me when I was on set. He said it was handmade."

As he spoke, he winked at Cao Yang with a knowing look and whispered, "It's said that this is the result of a virgin rubbing her thighs with her hands. Some powerful Americans really like this kind of thing."

Then, in a normal voice, he said, "You know, I don't like smoking this stuff, so it would be a waste to keep it here. That's why I thought of Teacher Situ."

I'm not very familiar with the old man, so I'd like to trouble you to make this trip and deliver it to Teacher Situ for me.

Cao Yang smiled and pointed at Ning Hao. This guy's emotional intelligence is undeniable, and he also has some real skills. It's no wonder he's going to make it big.

"By the way, there's one more thing."

Ning Hao whispered mysteriously again, "You know I filmed a music video for Jing Tian before? She's the little girl in your new movie, named Jing Tian, ​​and she's a student at the Beijing Film Academy."

"Yes, I know. I heard they spent a lot of money to get you, a director whose films have grossed over 100 million, to take this job."

Ning Hao scratched the back of his head, looking embarrassed, and chuckled.

“Yesterday, Jing Tian’s agency contacted me again, asking how much it would cost to win the Best New Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival.”

Ning Hao chuckled again and whispered, "They know about my relationship with you, so they can't ask you directly about this. They're asking me about the possibility. They're willing to spend up to 2000 million."

"Best New Actress..."

Cao Yang hesitated for a moment, then did not answer directly.

This award is not a regular award at the Berlin Film Festival; it's more of a consolation prize, a special award given when the prize isn't divided equally.

For Cao Yang, this award is a double-edged sword, but for a newcomer just starting out, it's a chance to quickly gain fame, after all, it's the Berlin Silver Bear.

"Her role has too few scenes, so she is not suitable to win Best New Actress."

Cao Yang said to Ning Hao.

For Cao Yang, it was easy to orchestrate a consolation prize like Best New Actress, and the Berlin Film Festival's president, Dieter Kosslick, was more than happy to let Cao Yang "owe" a favor.

It's really unnecessary to promote a Best Newcomer award for a role with so few lines; it's not worth the favors and connections involved.

This isn't about money; for Cao Yang, money is just a number now.

For example, "Pirates of the Caribbean," which is still showing in theaters, has already grossed $9.6 million worldwide and could very well reach $10 billion.

It's important to know that if the global box office reaches $10 billion, according to Cao Yang's contract with Disney, his share will directly increase to the astronomical figure of 25%.

Even if we only calculate based on $10 billion, 25% is $2.5 million.

Some people might think that this ratio is too high and simply impossible.

The person who said that doesn't understand Hollywood.

First of all, this 25% percentage is not the norm, but rather a tiered agreement based on box office revenue, somewhat similar to a betting agreement.

If the film doesn't reach $10 billion in global box office, Cao Yang's share will fall into the $8 million range, and according to the agreement, he can get 18% of the global box office revenue.

In fact, for a super A-level production like this, given Cao Yang's current status and influence, a reasonable profit-sharing ratio would be between 10% and 13%.

Given that Cao Yang's films have never failed, and considering that people in Hollywood are very superstitious and believe in those who are always successful, this maximum percentage can be discussed further, but under normal circumstances it is unlikely to exceed 15%.

Also, don't assume that Disney won't make money just because it gives Cao Yang a 25% cut.

If the movie reaches the $10 billion mark, they'll only make more.

Once you reach the $10 billion mark, whether the box office makes money or not becomes irrelevant.

These are all small amounts of money.

The real big money comes from expected returns.

For example, if Disney releases a movie worth $10 billion, it will definitely cause a huge surge in the stock market.

With a market capitalization of hundreds of billions or even trillions, a slight increase in its value would amount to more than just a few hundred million dollars.

Then, if Disney announces plans for a sequel, the stock market could see another surge in profits.

This is just from the stock market; there are also subsequent peripheral revenues, DVD rental and on-demand revenues, new media copyright revenues, and so on, which will be another wave of small profits.

Moreover, what is Disney famous for?
Amusement parks, of course!

It is foreseeable that the huge success of "Pirates of the Caribbean" will definitely drive a global surge in demand for this amusement park ride, and the increased number of visitors will be reflected in the stock market...

Also, don't think this revenue sharing ratio is unrealistic; Hollywood has a so-called "20 million club."

Of course, this is not a real club, but rather a way to describe a Hollywood star who, after becoming a big star, receives a movie fee of up to 20 million US dollars, and whose share of the profits can be as high as 20%.

20% is not the limit.

This is especially true for sequels.

In Hollywood movies, unless a multi-film contract is signed in advance, even if the sequel is profitable, why do most sequels only have three installments?

That's because after three films, the stars' salaries and profit sharing can be shockingly high.

The Avengers were a huge hit, right? Why is it so hard to make another one?
The salaries and profit sharing of the lead actors were so high that production companies hesitated to take them on. For example, when Johnny Depp took on the later Pirates of the Caribbean films, his salary increased from $5000 million to $9000 million.

This is a salary that must be paid regardless of whether the movie is a big hit or not. In other words, all the risks belong to the production company, and the actors do not bear any risks.

Well, Harry Potter is an exception, mainly because Warner Bros. executives are known for their unconventional methods and are the studio with the most outrageous practices.

They initially took advantage of the few young actors' lack of knowledge and signed profit-sharing agreements with them.

Then there's the Harry Potter film series, which is a global blockbuster, but it's still losing money in the bank—if the movies aren't making money, what's the point of signing a high profit-sharing agreement?

Cao Yang didn't want to promote the Best Newcomer Actress award to Jing Tian, ​​mainly because her role was too small, and promoting this award would make Cao Yang feel that it would "lower" his own status.

Of course, if it doesn't work out, and the Berlin Film Festival president, Dieter Kosslick, decides to award the prize, Cao Yang won't say anything. It all depends on what awards he can win at the Berlin Film Festival this time.

Cao Yang went to Berlin a week early this time. In addition to the necessary staff, he also brought along actors such as Cheng Long, Jing Tian, ​​and Mimi.

Yu Feihong's performance in this film was amplified by her immersive experience, resulting in an exceptionally good performance. Her explosive scene alone is worthy of an award for Best Actress.

Unfortunately, her role was too small, making it unlikely that the Berlin Film Festival would award her the Best Actress award.

So she just didn't bother going to Berlin.

As for Big Mimi, Li Shaohong went directly to Lao Tian and, I don't know what kind of spell she cast on him, got Lao Tian to shamelessly suggest to Cao Yang that he bring that big... well, big-eyed girl along so she could broaden her horizons.

Actually, Lao Tian had more to say, suggesting that having Cao Yang with this youthful, lively, and innocent big-breasted girl would bring him comfort and perhaps even other benefits...

Old Tian teased Cao Yang, not saying everything, but those who understood understood what Old Tian meant.

Cao Yang scoffed at this, wondering if he was that kind of person.
The reason why the feng shui of the directing department is so bad is because of people like Lao Tian, ​​Lao Chen, Lao Jia, and Ning Hao, who studied for a master's degree in directing.

However, Cao Yang eventually brought Yang Mi along.

It's not appropriate to only bring one actress, Jing Tian. She's in the same situation as Yang Mi—her role is too small. Any actress in the movie would be more suitable than her. Bringing only her will inevitably lead to gossip.

But if you bring Yang Mi along, it's a different story.

People would think that Director Cao was kind-hearted and took two young actresses who hadn't even graduated yet to Berlin to broaden their horizons. It could also be interpreted as taking two of his own people from the Beijing Film Academy to Berlin to broaden their horizons.

It can also indirectly give Beijing Film Academy another boost in advertising, letting students who intend to take the art exam know that this is a potential benefit of Beijing Film Academy—why doesn't Director Cao take students from the Central Academy of Drama or Shanghai Theatre Academy?

This is the difference.

When Cao Yang and his entourage got off the plane, they were personally picked up at the airport by Dieter Kosslick, the president of the Berlin Film Festival.

However, Dieter Kosslick didn't come alone; he brought a large number of media reporters, just to let the world know that world-class director Cao Yang and kung fu superstar Jackie Chan had come to the Berlin Film Festival.

Don't think this is a waste of time.

With Cao Yang's current influence, especially with his "New Pirates of the Caribbean" still selling well worldwide, he is currently receiving the most attention. Attending the Berlin Film Festival at this time is a form of intangible publicity.

In addition, many film stars who originally did not plan to come to Berlin for the film festival decided to come because of Cao Yang's arrival—what if they could make contact with Director Cao?

Even if no connection is established, Cao Yang's arrival in Berlin will surely attract more media reporters from around the world, and more media reporters mean more exposure.

This is the influence of a world-class director who is currently active.

This is also why the three major European film studios, which are currently declining, are going to great lengths to attract big-name directors and stars, especially the influence of top directors like Cao Yang, who are currently very popular.

Since 2006, Volkswagen Group has been one of the main sponsors of the Berlin Film Festival, responsible for providing funding and vehicle services for the festival.

The vehicles that Dieter Koslick brought to pick up Cao Yang and his group weren't luxury cars, but rather several Phaetons with lettering on them.

Cao Yang was in one car with Dieter Koslick, Cheng Long was in another car with an official from the Berlin Film Festival organizing committee, Da Tian Tian and Da Mi Mi were in one car, and the rest of the people who came along were in another car.

"Who came to pick up Director Cao? It was that old man who rode in the same car as Director Cao."

Big Mimi asked Big Sweetie in a low voice.

"I do not know."

Da Tiantian blinked. "It must be an important person, right?"

Big Mimi pouted and retorted, "Big shots drive Volkswagens? I took a look. Although that old man brought a small convoy, they were all Volkswagens, not Mercedes or BMWs. What kind of big shot could he be?"

Da Tiantian gave Da Mimi a strange look, but didn't say anything.

Seeing Da Tian Tian's expression, Da Mi Mi was a little unconvinced and said directly, "I feel like your expression is saying that I'm ignorant. Tell me, is it... is it..."

As she spoke, she waved her hands, pretending to tickle Da Tiantian's ticklish spot.

Because of filming, although their roles were small, they stayed on set almost the entire time in order to leave a good impression on Cao Yang, and as a result, they became good friends who often joked around.

No, no.

Da Tiantian waved her hands repeatedly and quickly said, "This car is called Phaeton. I have a friend who drives this car. I initially thought he was just being low-key."

Later I heard that the Phaeton with letters on the back costs over 150 million yuan for the top-spec model, supposedly equipped with a 6.0L W12 engine. I don't really understand it, but I know that the one we were sitting in seemed to be the top-spec model.

"150?"

Big Mimi stuck out her tongue, somewhat shocked.

Although she is a somewhat famous person and has acted in many TV series, her salary is only tens of thousands of yuan, and she has to give a share to her agency. 150 million yuan is definitely a huge number for her.

Previously, she thought Volkswagen was just a common car, a car for ordinary people, and she never imagined that Volkswagen had such expensive models.

Then, Da Mimi thought that the person who could bring such a small convoy to pick up Director Cao must have a high official position at the film festival, right?
That little old man might be one of the people in charge of the organizing committee.

So she said to Da Tiantian with certainty, "I think that little old man who was riding in the same car as Director Cao must be a person in charge of the film festival organizing committee."

Da Tian Tian thought about it and nodded in agreement.

When they arrived at the hotel, Da Mimi saw the old man chatting and laughing with Director Cao and quietly asked the crew members who had come with her.

"Sister Wang, who is that little old man who went to the airport to pick up Director Cao?"

After hearing what Da Mimi said, Da Tiantian also secretly pricked up her ears out of curiosity.

Sister Wang was stunned for a moment, perhaps not realizing for a moment which "little old man" Big Mimi was referring to.

After she figured out who Big Boobs was referring to, she almost chuckled softly.

She deliberately lagged behind the others by two steps, and only after Big Mimi had also slowed down did she glance forward again before saying, "That little old man is called Dieter Koslick, and he is the head of the film festival organizing committee."

Big Mimi nudged Big Sweetie with her arm and raised an eyebrow at her, as if to say, "I knew that little old man was one of the people in charge of the organizing committee."

"He is also the film festival's commercial director, artistic director, chairman of the selection committee, and president of the Berlin Film Festival."

It was obvious that Sister Wang was deliberately teasing Big Mimi.

Da Mimi's outward personality is that of a carefree and guileless Beijing girl.

Therefore, during her time on set, she got along very well with many people in the crew, especially those from the Beijing Film Academy, who all liked to tease her.

As Sister Wang spoke, Da Mimi's little mouth opened wider and wider, and her eyes widened. Although there was a bit of "pretending" involved this time, she was genuinely shocked.

"I didn't expect that Director Cao would have such a lot of influence in Berlin."

These were the first words that came to her mind.

Da Tiantian was also shocked. She never expected that the seemingly ordinary old man would have such a great background.

"Director Cao is really amazing."

For a moment, Da Tian Tian felt a sense of pride.

(End of this chapter)