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

Chapter 378 Oscar's Ambition!

Berlin, Taidong Hotel.

This is one of the few authentic Chinese restaurants in Berlin. It opened in 1920 and has a history of nearly a century.

In 1935, the film queen of the Republic of China, Butterfly, visited Europe and praised this place highly. For this reason, almost every Chinese filmmaker who comes to the Berlin Film Festival will stop by here.

Because Taidong is not far from the venue of the Berlin Film Festival, it only takes about ten minutes by taxi.

The cast and crew of "Jinling" held a celebration banquet here today to mark their Golden Lion win, inviting a group of familiar filmmakers. Dieter and Mike Lee also came to show their support out of respect for Zhang Yimou.

As for domestic media outlets and industry peers, they were also invited.

Several distributors came uninvited, because the North American distribution rights for "Jinling" hadn't been finalized yet, and they all wanted to get their hands on this coveted prize.

Today, the whole world is reporting on the award-winning publication of "Jinling" and the historical events of the Holocaust. Chen Jin's acceptance speech has also been reported. However, the West is more interested in joining in the fun and spreading some of the history of the Holocaust.

Of course, MK2 played a significant role in this.

As Europe's largest art-house film studio, it has been rooted in Europe for nearly half a century and has always been known for its high-class image.

But being high-class doesn't mean you won't make money.

On the contrary, similar to the fact that several luxury brands originated in Europe, MK2 is also very good at storytelling.

The success of brands like Gucci and LV is largely due to their compelling narratives, such as the love story between Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn. These brands are all, to varying degrees, connected to movies, which ultimately boils down to certain marketing strategies.

Marketing = Making money!

If MK2 wants "Nanjing" to be a big hit in Europe, it definitely needs to tell the story of the massacre well, and Chen Jin is actually happy to see this happen.

Zhang Yimou's original intention in making "The Battle at Lake Changjin" was to let the whole world know about the crimes committed by the Japanese.

The reason why "Titanic" was a global phenomenon and a box office hit was because Cameron gave the world a story about a ship hitting an iceberg, making the world aware that the United States once had such a ship and that such a tragic natural and man-made disaster had occurred.

MK2 is simply replicating some basic practices in the industry, which is the news marketing of movies.

It appears to be a news report, but it's actually a ploy to sell tickets!
Regardless of the initial intention, as long as the desired result is achieved, that's all that matters.

You can't stop others from making money.

It's a win-win situation: you can make money and promote it to the world.
So, Harvey had already pulled Chen Jin into the private room; he was genuinely getting anxious.

Since parting ways with Disney, The Weinstein Company hasn't been as successful as it used to be; it's not that Harvey's connections are gone, but rather that it lacks breakout hits.

Quentin Tarantino isn't like Zhang Yimou, who makes one movie a year; he only makes one every few years.

Harvey has made a lot of small money over the years, but he hasn't really made much big money.

"Jinling" is currently vying for the Berlin Golden Bear, and it's a collaboration between Zhang Yimou and Christian Bale. However, there are no film studios in North America to co-distribute it, so the only option is to sell the film.

Then there would be a lot of people making reservations.

"Chan, you should be able to see my true feelings!"

Harvey was trying hard to maintain his composure. Chen Jin clinked glasses with him, smiled, and said, "Everyone is very sincere, aren't they?"

"You should understand what I mean!"

"I've already agreed to the 3000 million!"

"If it's any higher, I don't believe the other companies will be much lower..."

Otherwise, Chen Jin would have signed it long ago.

In fact, the price of 3000 million was really painful for Harvey, but after thinking about how he could earn it back through public relations efforts for the Oscars and Golden Globes, he could only grit his teeth and swallow it.

The other companies don't have such a money-making strategy.

In fact, Harvey's guess was correct. Both Fox Searchlight and Paramount's Regency Entertainment chose to wait and see because of Chen Jin's offer of 3000 million.

Americans aren't as wealthy and powerful as outsiders imagine; they're just looking to pick up bargains.

Moreover, they are used to being arrogant. It is you who want our North American market, not us who want your work.

They've been very tight-lipped about prices.

Although there is competition among the companies, they have reached similar price agreements.

If you go any higher, they'll show their American arrogance and refuse to do business with you.

If they feel they won't make much money from a film, they'll definitely lose interest.

Harvey seems to be the most pressing one right now.

He has too many schemes and tricks to make money back from acquisitions in various ways; he also has a lot of dirty tricks, such as paying a deposit, offering a high price to buy out the shares, and then drastically cutting the price so you can't refuse to sell.

The entire industry knows that Harvey has bought "Jinling". If you want to sell it to another company, they don't want to offend this guy.

That's how shameless they are.

……

"3500 million, I won't sell for a penny less than that!"

Chen Jin reiterated her previous statement.

I quoted you 3000 million before, but you didn't agree. Now that Berlin has won the Golden Lion, the price has to go up.

"..."

Harvey gritted his teeth; he really wanted to punch the guy in front of him to the ground.

When did Chinese filmmakers become so arrogant?

He's still a greenhorn.

"Also, I don't accept any deposits!"

"Payment must be made immediately after the contract is signed!"

Harvey's face indeed darkened.

“Really, Mr. Weinstein, if I were you, I wouldn’t buy it… I actually had a pretty good talk with the Searchlight and the Regent!”

Chen Jin felt it was a good deal to sell the 3000 million.

But since Harvey is so sincere, let's make an extra 500 million... He doesn't believe this guy would agree to this.

Agreeing is certainly better.

Chen Jin wasn't someone he absolutely had to sell.

Seeing that Harvey remained silent, Chen Jin smiled and said, "Do I need to add any more conditions?"

"For example, the number of theaters opening for the first time ensures the film will be nominated for Golden Globes and Oscars—"

"Chan, you've gone too far!"

Harvey's eyes were dark as he stared intently at Chen Jin: "Do you believe I can make sure 'Jinling' can't even be shown in North America?"

"I believe it!"

Chen Jin said frankly, "I said I've already made money from this movie. The box office in China will soon reach 16 billion RMB, so it's my freedom to sell it to whomever I want. I'm just opening up my bargaining chips!"

"If you don't agree, there's nothing I can do. I genuinely want to close this deal!"

"Otherwise, I wouldn't be sitting here talking to you!"

Chen Jin looked at Harvey's unfriendly expression and said, "Actually, you should know that several Searchlight companies are willing to take over the 3000 million price tag!"

"I'm just thinking about who to sell it to!"

That statement is absolutely correct.

The Hollywood Big Six have established their status, and their cooperation with China is also very close.

Harvey knew very well that the Searchlight Pictures studios could definitely afford the $3000 million price tag, because the film was indeed worth that price.

With Bale in the lead role, the reputation and market performance in China have already proven their worth; even if it's bad, it won't be too bad in North America.

Having a template to refer to makes a difference compared to not having one.

"I'd really like to find a reliable partner in North America!"

"Because I still have several films to be released, you should have investigated our CETC projects. We already have three films that broke market records in China..."

"My next popcorn blockbuster is also aimed at the global market!"

At this point, Chen Jin opened her phone and showed Harvey some clips from "Killer: Dragon".

"This is a modern action movie!"

"In North America, we Chinese don't have distribution channels, so we can only collaborate with your local filmmakers!"

"I can't possibly find a distributor for every film I make; it's too exhausting!"

Chen Jin's words were half true and half false, but they were also a negotiation tactic.

Let Harvey see the potential of CETC, and not just the movie "Jinling".

Harvey is a man with a long history of misconduct and numerous problems, but the reason why Chinese filmmakers and many film companies outside of North America are willing to work with him is because he has a very good network of connections and is very skilled in distribution.

Ultimately, Harvey was also very valuable to Chen Jin and others.

For the same price, you sell to Fox and others, and they distribute through conventional channels.

Harvey is different. He has a variety of methods and can even pave the way for Golden Globes, Oscars, and other prestigious awards. Take the 02 film "Hero" for example. Although Zhang Yimou is a globally renowned director, he didn't have much recognition in North America. So Harvey brought in his friend Quentin Tarantino to be the producer of "Hero."

During its North American release, the film relied heavily on the names of Quentin Tarantino and Jet Li, which helped "Hero" gross nearly $6000 million at the box office.

Now, Quentin is one of the shareholders of The Weinstein Company.

This guy is truly generous to those who are valuable.

Speculation is one aspect, but there is also a very realistic side to being a person.

"I'll consider it. I'd really like to establish a long-term partnership with you!"

"I can also act as a go-between in the future Chinese market. You should know the relationship between China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC) and China Film Group Corporation (CFGC)..."

Chen Jin revealed some of her trump cards and also threw out some of the signing conditions required for "Jinling". I believe that as long as Harvey isn't stupid, he will definitely be willing to grit his teeth and cooperate.

He may be angry now, but once the movie is released and makes money, they'll be good friends again.

That's just human nature.

Harvey, such a realistic old pervert, is even more so real.

"30 million, with over 1500 venues in the initial opening. I'll try my best to secure a slot in May. I can't guarantee an Oscar nomination, but I'll help with the Golden Globe!"

Harvey was speaking very seriously.

Chen Jin shook her head: "3500 million. If I sold it to someone else for 3000 million, wouldn't it be the same?"

"Does Searchlight guarantee you the number of Golden Ball awards and the number of opening days?"

"That's not important. If you don't even have this, would I even consider cooperating with you?"

"3100 million!"

Harvey is starting to soften his stance.

Chen Jin chuckled. Damn it, he really is a scoundrel. He's still agonizing over an extra million.

After some haggling, the two finally settled on a reasonable price of 3250 million, and Harvey's fat face kept trembling.

I really want to punch you in the face!

Harvey was speaking through gritted teeth, but Chen Jin knew he was joking.

He might have had that thought just now, but now that the cooperation has been reached, he was just venting and saying something in anger.

"Each each other!"

"You have an excellent reputation among directors in our country!"

Chen Jin was also mocking her, and at the end she didn't forget to add, "Oh, I know kung fu, you just saw it in the video!"

"Hahaha!"

Harvey laughed so hard his fat jiggled; he understood what Chen Jin meant.

"Kid, it's a pleasure doing business with you!"

"I hope what you're saying is true, and that we'll have the opportunity to work together again in the future!"

Harvey actually admires Chen Jin quite a bit.

Sometimes, simply showing weakness won't earn you the respect of these white pigs, but demonstrating an equal stance will make them look at you with new respect.

Chen Jin's attitude, at least in Harvey's view, was very inconsistent with his age.

The original timeline of "Jinling" sold its North American distribution rights for $1200 million; now it has more than doubled. This is partly due to the Berlin Golden Lion award, but Chen Jin's efforts are indeed indispensable.

The hope is that, unlike the original timeline, the film won't face a boycott upon release.

The original distribution company, FilmNation, was also an independent studio, but it was clearly no match for the six major Hollywood studios like Sony, which is why it suffered a setback.

The cunning and shrewd Harvey is the most formidable of the six opponents.

He has a rich track record of fighting with the Big Six, and even Disney, the leader of the Big Six, had its CEO removed because of him, not to mention outsiders like Sony; so selling to him is actually more appropriate than selling to the Big Six.

He is certainly not afraid of the threats from the Six Greats. If anyone goes against him and prevents him from making money, he can tear a piece of flesh off the Six Greats.

This is one of the reasons why Chen Jin collaborated with him.

The subsequent contract details and additional terms were handled by CETC's overseas department in contact with The Weinstein Company.

At least a preliminary agreement on cooperation has been reached.

After seeing off Harvey and the other filmmakers who had come to celebrate, Zhang Yimou glanced at Chen Jin and asked, "Have the North American distribution rights been secured?"

"Okay, let's leave it to Harvey!"

"3250 million!"

"A number I never even imagined before!"

Zhang Yimou frowned: "Harvey agreed?"

"Agreed, and it's full payment!"

Chen Jin was laughing when Zhang Yimou stared at her, then shook his head: "Harvey is not a simple man. Don't fall for his tricks!"

"I know, I understand!"

Although Zhang Yimou didn't seem to understand what he was saying at all.

Ultimately, in Zhang Yimou's mind, Chen Jin was still too young.

However, Chen Jin is indeed very wary of Harvey, and will definitely consult with relevant lawyers in North America and China when it comes to contract signing and other matters.

Another issue is the amount received, which also needs to be confirmed.

In short, cooperating with Harvey was indeed like seeking a tiger's skin, but the old scoundrel has his good points.

"Director Zhang, Harvey still has influence over the Oscars!"

Chen Jin suddenly said, "I hope that by this time next year, our film will be on that list!"

At the very least, the Golden Lion in Berlin is a significant boost to an Oscar nomination.

"Keep a calm mind!"

"I used to value the Oscars a lot, but over the years I've become less interested..."

Zhang Yimou sighed. Chen Jin could actually tell that he was not being sincere.

In the past two years, everyone in China could see Zhang Yimou's ambition for the Oscars, but he himself was the only one who comforted himself with this thought.

"Are you going straight back to China or going to North America?"

Zhang Yimou suddenly changed the subject.

"North America!"

"Brother Meng helped me get in touch with director James Wan..."

On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, the day Mission: Impossible 4 was released, Meng Danqing officially married Zhang Mo.

I actually got the certificate before the new year.

Chen Jin naturally went to participate.

"Are you really sure you want to make that zombie movie?"

"Correct!"

"First, I'll get the project approved. I've already written the script. If the department doesn't approve it, I'll film it here in North America!"

"Alright!"

Zhang Yimou smiled and gave Chen Jin a deep look: "You've paved the way for North America!"

"It's far away, but I actually still want to focus on developing the domestic market!"

"That's where the blue ocean lies!"

"North America is really just an alternative!"

If Chen Jin had a choice, she would certainly hope that "Train to Busan" could be released in China.

"So you're that optimistic about the domestic market?"

In fact, even Zhang Yimou, the top director in China, doesn't believe that China's market can surpass the world's number one; because the power of the United States is deeply ingrained in the minds of many of them!

To break this ingrained perception, relying on fifth and sixth generation directors is simply useless.

The new generation of directors is the future.

Chen Jin is fortunate to be becoming part of the new generation of China.

"Of course, I am more confident than ever!"

"Ha ha!"

Zhang Yimou patted Chen Jin on the shoulder, still feeling he was quite naive: "Having confidence is a good thing, but please... don't be reckless!"

Don't assume that Chinese cinema has risen to prominence just because you've made two movies and broken two records in mainland China.

How many records did Zhang Yimou break before with films like "Hero", "House of Flying Daggers", and "Curse of the Golden Flower"?
He didn't even dare to say that. This kid Chen Jin... he's really gotten a bit arrogant!
(End of this chapter)