I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 373 An Opportunity to Counterattack Huayi!
"How did it go, Director Zhang?"

After Xu Ke and the others left, Chen Jin asked Zhang Yimou, who had just finished making a phone call.

Zhang Yimou grinned: "Old Dieter told me to stay until the closing ceremony!"

"Yes!"

Chen Jin clenched her fist tightly.

At least, it's certain that "Jinling" will win an award, even a consolation prize or a special jury prize, which is better than winning nothing.

In either case, the box office and distribution rights in other countries are guaranteed.

To some extent, global box office revenue will increase, and domestic revenue will also increase; and the selling price will definitely rise accordingly.

Although the European distribution rights for "Jinling" were sold at a very low price, MK2's jury's public relations efforts were clearly significant, and you can't say that winning the award had nothing to do with them.

Moreover, Chen Jin didn't even consider Europe; his main goal was to have "Jinling" screened in three different places.

North America, Japan, and mainland China.

There's no need to worry about the mainland now; he only hopes that a Japanese publisher will contact him.

As for North America, there's no rush to announce the awards.

The original timeline of "Jinling" made no waves internationally, but now it's much better than before.

It not only ignited Berlin, but it was also left until the very end.

When the awards are announced, even the jury prize will be announced globally.

Media outlets around the world report on the Venice Film Festival, which is a testament to the prestige of the three major film festivals in the world in terms of artistic merit. Japan may not report on it, but that doesn't matter. What Chen Jin wants is for other countries to know about the film "The Flowers of War".

As everyone knows, this is a film about the Japanese invasion of China.

It's clear that Zhang Yimou was in a good mood after receiving the call; although he had won the Golden Lion at the three major film festivals, especially the Berlin Film Festival, having won it in 88 with "Red Sorghum".

But things are different now, and Berlin's commercial value in the country is becoming increasingly prominent.

He didn't really feel anything about winning the Big Three for other movies, because there were already quite a few.

But "Jinling" is different; it's a political film that desperately needs such film festival certification. Compared to "Red Sorghum," Zhang Yimou actually hopes that films like "Jinling" will be known to people all over the world.

Especially after the recent disturbances caused by the Japanese, Zhang Yimou has been holding back a lot of energy.

"Let's see which one we can take!"

As Chen Jin spoke, she naturally hoped... the higher the award, the better.

If it's that first prize, the Lion, then this time it's definitely a huge win.

Moreover, Chen Jin was well aware that this was not impossible. He might not have had such expectations for other films, but the political nature of "Jinling" destined it to have some controversy and impact in Berlin.

The depth of "White Deer Plain" cannot even come close to that of this film.

"By the way, Director Zhang, Director Xu Ke said there's a Sina Chinese Night tonight, and he wants to talk to me about something. Are you going?"

Chen Jin sought Zhang Yimou's opinion.

He used to attend these routine gatherings of Chinese filmmakers at the three major film festivals, but due to the Japanese disturbances, he has been staying home these past few days, mostly in his hotel.

"Go ahead, I still need to keep an eye on things!"

"What if those people are extremely vicious? I'm afraid something might go wrong!"

The production of "Jinling" cannot afford any mistakes at this moment, and as the director, he cannot afford to have any problems.

"Okay, that's what I think too!"

"I'll leave all the bodyguards from the security company to you!"

"You don't need this, but don't you need that?"

The two walked and talked, and Ni Ni could hardly get a word in edgewise, but she had clearly heard some useful information.

Although it was my first time attending such an international film festival, I knew what it meant to stay until the last day.

My debut film is going to win three major awards.

For an actress, this is definitely a career that peaks right from the start.

This will definitely be of great help to her future acting career. Everyone knows that Zhang Yimou's movies promote people, especially women; just look at Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, and Zhu Yanmanzi. Now, each of them is a unique figure among their peers in mainland China.

The reason why these three are so outstanding is that the films they starred in won awards at all three major film festivals.

This is the key.

Whether or not a "Zhang Yimou Girl" wins a major award is the key to whether she can become famous.

There are also a few actresses who have not become famous in Zhang Yimou's films. Many people have concluded that this is because they have not won any awards.

Ni Ni was lost in thought, clearly hoping to become like the three mentioned above and have her own place in the Chinese entertainment industry; now that "Jinling" has made it to the end, it can be considered that she has one foot in the door.

***
In the evening, Chen Jin and Ni Ni attended the Chinese Film Night organized by Sina.

All the Chinese filmmakers who were nominated for the main competition and other sections attended the banquet.

They pay money and give news exposure, and since it's a way to build connections within a circle, most people will come to support them, which is also a way of giving Sina face.

It's just that... Chen Jin's phone kept ringing.

Clearly, the fact that "Jinling" was left until the end might be kept secret from others, but not from the film distributors.

Everyone knew that "Jinling" was going to win an award.

So, they all called to inquire about the possibility of cooperation.

Tom Quinn, who had previously wanted to buy the North American distribution rights to "The Golden City," was among this group; apparently, he had originally given up on the film, but unexpectedly, he caused quite a stir at the Berlin Film Festival.

He also knew many judges in private, and Weinstein's public relations skills should never be underestimated, so he was well aware of the impact of "The Golden Bear" on the final winner.

If they won an award, wouldn't that be amazing?

For filmmakers who prioritize profit above all else, there's nothing they can't talk about.

It's just that the negotiations broke down before, right?
You can make money as long as you have thick skin.

Tom Quinn, ever the shameless caller, is here again; and besides him, there are of course other buyers from the other subsidiaries of the Hollywood Big Six, such as Mila Disney, Fox Searchlight, Paramount's Regency Entertainment... except for—Sony!
Sony is undoubtedly assertive; its independent film-buying company at film festivals worldwide is called "Focus Cinema," and it's on par with independent companies like Searchlight Pictures and The Weinstein Company.

This time, they didn't contact them. Instead, Chen Jin felt that they were the ones who instigated the trouble caused by the Japanese students.

"Busy working?"

Seeing Chen Jin bring over the champagne, Ni Ni teased her.

"Headache!"

"None of them contacted us before, but now that they see there's money to be made, they're all calling us like crazy!"

Chen Jin shook his head and toasted her.

Ni Ni covered her mouth and said, "Isn't that human nature? Foreigners are even more money-grubbing. If there's money to be made, why not just make a phone call and ask? There's no harm in it..."

"Well, you're right!"

"So, what brings you here?"

Chen Jin watched as Xu Ke walked up to him with his wife Shi Nansheng in his arms.

Xu Laoguai's current status is largely due to his wife; however, in the future, Xu Ke still dumped her.

The fact that people in their 60s are still going through the motions of divorce only shows that they've had enough of each other.

According to Chen Jin's analysis, it cannot be said that Xu Ke abandoned his wife after becoming powerful and went to play around with young models and female celebrities. Although this is very possible, because paparazzi have repeatedly exposed real gossip news such as Xu Ke taking beautiful women to see plays and holding hands with his female assistant late at night.

In fact, Shi Nansheng definitely has problems too.

Her biggest problem is that she is too capable.

She's a strong woman with an overly assertive personality, and Xu Ke is also very concerned about his image. Of course, "two tigers cannot share one mountain!"
When they weren't very successful, the two were business partners, and Xu Ke could tolerate things. But after they achieved success, Xu Ke thought he was awesome, and he was bound to settle scores later.

In the film industry, especially in Hong Kong, Shi Nansheng is actually more popular than Xu Ke. She is indeed a very capable woman.

Xu Ke's idea to invest independently in and co-produce the sequel to "Detective Dee" with Huayi Brothers was suggested by Shi Nansheng.

Xu Ke's reputation was ruined in his later years because he kicked his good wife out of his life; all he could do was make movies and draw comics. Apart from directing and making movies, the film studio was handled entirely by Shi Nansheng.

Financing, distribution, promotion... these are sometimes more difficult than making a good movie.

No matter how good your movie is, it's all for nothing if it doesn't make money at the box office. Many highly rated films haven't made any money or made any money at the box office.

Xu Ke's films are so profitable, thanks in large part to his wife.

Shi Nansheng's international standing is actually higher than Xu Ke's; Xu Ke has never won any awards, but his wife won the Berlin Golden Photography Award, which is a special achievement award, so it is quite prestigious.

This is of course because Shi Nansheng is good at building connections, while Xu Ke has low emotional intelligence.

In terms of connections within the film industry, Shi Nansheng is definitely stronger than Xu Ke. She has managed to become a jury member at the three major film studios, while Xu Ke's appointment as a Cannes jury member was also secured by Shi Nansheng.

……

"Jinsheng, I've long admired your name!"

Shi Nansheng smiled warmly at Chen Jin.

This first impression is much better than Xu Ke's.

"Miss Shi, you can just call me Jinzi!"

After Chen Jin finished speaking, he greeted Xu Ke. Xu Ke made a gesture, and although Chen Jin knew who Shi Nansheng was, he still introduced him.

"First of all, congratulations! I heard that 'Jinling' has been recalled by the organizers!"

"This time, Director Zhang is going to reach the top again!"

Shi Nansheng was indeed adept at getting inside information.

Despite being from Hong Kong, she was born in mainland China and shifted her career focus from Hong Kong several years ago.

She was responsible for handling many of Xu Ke's interpersonal interactions and studio social engagements.

She is very familiar with many companies and agents in the mainland entertainment industry.

It can be said that her work ability is well adapted to the mainland.

"I don't even dare to think about reaching the summit!"

"Winning an award is already a stroke of luck. We had no interest in anything after the Japanese started causing trouble!"

Chen Jin spoke half-truthfully.

Shi Nansheng nodded: "I was also on the red carpet, and I was really shocked. Fortunately, Director Zhang has a high status, and the disturbance did not affect the jury's praise for the masterpiece!"

"..."

The two exchanged pleasantries and even talked about Zhang Weiping, their conversation filled with subtle flattery.

The only award Zhang Weiping won for collaborating with Zhang Yimou was for "Under the Hawthorn," which was largely thanks to Chen Jin. Now, with a full-scale collaboration with Chen Jin, they've achieved such success... Hearing these words, even the most composed young people are genuinely happy.

Shi Nansheng is much more eloquent than Xu Ke.

"Director Xu really married a wonderful wife..."

Chen Jin was, of course, just doing professional mutual praise; it was all about mutual business compliments, and she wouldn't lose anything.

Perhaps realizing that Chen Jin was different from other young people, Shi Nansheng finally revealed his true intentions and asked directly, "Brother Jin, are you interested in cooperating?"

"Yes, of course!"

Xu Ke's films in recent years have been quite profitable.

Chen Jin figured it was a free lunch, and he'd be happy to take advantage of the opportunity to make money off her.

"That's right, my husband's next film is a sequel to 'Detective Dee,' and we're short of a suitable male lead!"

"My husband and I looked around in the industry and felt you were the most suitable!"

Seeing that Chen Jin didn't seem very interested in this pie, Shi Nansheng quickly said, "We can invest together and make the pie bigger!"

"The copyright to this movie should be held by Huayi Brothers, right?"

Chen Jin attended the premiere of the first film, "Detective Dee"; it happened to be nominated for the Venice Film Festival the year before last, along with "Under the Hawthorn Tree," so she has a strong impression of it.

Xu Ke had met Chen Jin before, but they hadn't really talked much.

After all, Chen Jin was just a nobody back then, and Huayi didn't even take him seriously.

"Strictly speaking, the copyright for this film is held by both my studio and the studio!"

"Therefore, we have the right to increase our partners!"

Shi Nansheng spoke very forcefully.

I just don't know if they dare to say this in front of the Wang brothers.

"Actually, I'm quite busy!"

Chen Jin didn't lie to them: "Moreover, I have a habit when making movies: I prefer to finance them independently, except for some collaborations with state-owned enterprises!"

"That's unlikely..."

Shi Nansheng was surprised that Chen Jin would refuse such a lucrative project.

To be honest, she never expected Chen Jin to refuse so decisively. Looking at the whole world, even Hollywood, everyone wants to work with Xu Ke; Xu Ke's movies have mediocre reviews, but he is indeed very good at making money.

As mentioned above, Chen Jin also wanted to invest and earn some extra money.

Xu Ke was one of the earliest directors in China to work in 3D, and his blockbuster films are indeed visually stunning, but the plots are a mess.

Even so, these projects have indeed been very profitable in recent years, which gave Shi Nansheng a lot of confidence in negotiations.

"At most, we can collaborate as a three-way partnership!"

"I can offer a slightly larger share here..."

Shi Nansheng's words clearly demonstrate her sincerity.

Chen Jin smiled and said, "Sister Sheng, I really want to collaborate, but my schedule is indeed fully booked for the next year!"

"I would definitely be happy to work with Director Tsui, even if I don't act in it, I'm fine with just contributing money!"

"But if I were to act in it, I'm afraid it would interfere with Director Xu's schedule!"

"How about we collaborate with our CETC (China Electronics Technology Group Corporation) on the next project?"

Chen Jin smiled slightly, making Shi Nansheng and Xu Ke feel quite awkward.

As expected, Tsui Hark's next film was not a collaboration with Huayi Brothers, but rather with Bona Film Group and China Film Group. Moreover, it was the most brilliant film of his career after entering the mainland market - "The Taking of Tiger Mountain"!
This film achieved both critical and commercial success, which was the initial step that propelled him to the throne of China's top commercial film director.

He was able to secure the "Changjin Lake" project in the future thanks to the deep impression the film left on China Film Group.

However, the TV series "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" plunged him into a desperate situation once again.

This guy's abilities fluctuate wildly, so Chen Jin might not blindly cooperate with him.

It depends on the project!

If it were Tiger Mountain and the Battle of Changjin Lake, Chen Jin would absolutely be willing; but... Detective Dee, then forget it!

However, recalling the online backlash Chen Su had received some time ago, and considering the results of his investigation, it seemed that Hua Yi had played a part in it. So this time, Chen Jin would have to use Xu Laoguai's help to teach them a lesson.

It is only polite to reciprocate, and Chen Jin obviously wouldn't miss such a good opportunity.

Sorry, it was you who came to our door!
Chen Jin pondered some solutions in her mind. This time, she had to make Hua Yi step on a landmine as well.

In particular, the "Detective Dee" project is one of Huayi Brothers' most promising IPs!

(End of this chapter)