Generation Z Artists

Chapter 310 Everyone Falls into the Pit
"Less Than You" swept Cannes and also made a huge splash in the United States.

Generally speaking, Hollywood doesn't think much of the three major European awards; their arrogance is on another level, and they don't see European art films as a threat.

But Fang Xinghe winning the award is another matter entirely.

"The summer movie season is in turmoil again, with Star River bringing a new film and escalating the chaos!"

The headlines in "Movie World" largely represent the overall mindset of Hollywood. They generally regard Fang Xinghe as a powerful disruptor and believe that "You Are My Destiny" has the potential to be a dark horse.

The Hollywood Reporter provided an in-depth analysis of this matter.

"Better Days is a youth romance film with bullying and redemption as its core themes. It has a tight structure, smooth plot, full emotions, and a cathartic ending, making it an extremely excellent and mature film."

Star Rivers had previously contacted several major film companies, clearly stating its intention to participate in the summer movie season competition.

This makes this year's summer movie season even more hellish.

It doesn't clash with the vast majority of films that are about to be released, so it's highly likely to suddenly appear in any release window.

However, due to Star River's personal influence, coupled with the appeal of youth-themed films to young people and the fame of sweeping Cannes, "Better Days" is likely to siphon off a large audience from any blockbuster it faces.

At that time, it will most likely result in a lose-lose situation.

Therefore, the six major Hollywood studios are collectively nervous and in a difficult position, and are trying to buy out the film at an extremely high price.

If the buyout is successful, we can proceed with our plans at our leisure. But if the buyout fails, then everyone will face a Damocles' sword that could fall from who-knows-where…

After landing, Fang Xinghe gave a brief interview to The Hollywood Reporter.

He smiled and nodded at the camera.

"Yes, I rejected the buyout offer and only accepted co-publishing."

The reporter was puzzled: "But why? You clearly accepted the European buyout."

"Because the price isn't high enough."

Fang Xinghe made a startling statement: "They believe that my film can only reach a maximum of 1.2 million in North American box office, and I regard this judgment as an insult."

The reporter suddenly realized: "Price differences are indeed difficult to bridge with anything else."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "So, what is your ideal box office performance...?"

"Add another 8000 million." Fang Xinghe didn't hesitate at all, holding up two fingers, "2 million then."

The reporter was dumbfounded.

"But this is just a coming-of-age film!"

"Yes, it's just a coming-of-age film."

Fang Xinghe nodded, repeated it, and then slightly raised his chin towards the camera.

"But this is my coming-of-age film."

This concludes the interview.

After the footage was broadcast on television, its impact intensified.

"His ambitions are too great!"

John Culli, chairman of Sony Columbia and the perfect partner last time, has now become an extremely dissatisfied and resentful woman.

"They want the best release date, they want our key projects to give way, they want all kinds of resources invested, but they only give us 15% of the distribution fees... What do they take us for?!"

Use it as a chamber pot!

Nakamura kept muttering to himself as he intently stared at the laptop screen.

Jeff, the head of distribution, coughed lightly and offered his opinion: "I think we should give him that buyout fee..."

"FUCK! Are you crazy?!"

In an instant, many people stared at him with wide eyes.

"A buyout fee of $1.5 million, paid in one lump sum, but only for the North American rights... We'll be laughed at by the whole world for 20 years!"

"It shouldn't take 20 years to break even..."

"What's the difference in 15 years, you idiot!"

“Okay, then reject him.” Jeff said impatiently. “You wouldn’t even dare to use our movie to run him over.”

Upon hearing this, the conference room suddenly fell into an eerie silence.

After a long pause, John Callie asked, "What is the marketing department's final assessment of 'Better Days'?"

The vice president replied, "The box office is expected to be between 8000 million and 12 million yuan. Female viewers account for more than 75% of the audience, and the main audience is between 1.2 and 25 years old. There is little overlap with our audience. The simultaneous release will inevitably cause some diversion, but the impact will not be too great."

In North America during the summer movie season, there is a potential box office of up to $1.5 million per week.

Such a solid foundation is sufficient to accommodate the simultaneous release of two blockbusters.

But in reality, it's impossible for anyone to do that.

Each company's core projects will be scheduled to be released at least 10 days apart from other core projects. If it's impossible to separate them, a week is the minimum.

Unless... they are completely different types.

John Culley then asked, "When was Our Angels originally scheduled to be released?"

"Late June."

Who is the main adversary?

"The release dates for Universal's green blockbuster and Warner Bros.' Terminator 3 are still undetermined."

It's May 26th now, and The Matrix Reloaded has been released, unsurprisingly sparking a movie-going frenzy.

The films that are about to be released and have confirmed release dates are "Finding Nemo" on the 30th and "Fast & Furious 2" on June 6th.

Because they are waiting for the results of "Better Days" at Cannes, neither Universal nor Sony has officially confirmed a release date yet, and has only started regular trailer promotion.

Starting from June 10th, Universal, Sony, and Warner Bros. will be scheduling the film, but the specific dates have not yet been agreed upon.

This is not a normal situation, but they had no choice but to wait for Fang Xinghe.

Hollywood has no choice but to wait for Fang Xinghe.

John Callie suddenly turned to Jeff: "Can you be sure of Star River's ideal partners and ideal release dates?"

“I can’t,” Jeff shook his head, but immediately added, “I’m willing to try.”

"OK, that's settled then. Go find out his feelings, and then..."

John Culley raised his right hand and swung it down heavily.

"If you don't agree to our terms, then join him in the same period, squeeze out the other competitors, and use him as a sacrifice for our angels!"

The people in the conference room responded with a resounding roar, their fighting spirit soaring.

"That's how it should be!"

The vice president emphasized forcefully: "That's how it should be! Our angel is aimed at adult males, so we're not afraid of any campus romances between little boys and girls. Let's go all out and rise to power by stepping on his myth!"

Upon hearing this, Nakamura rolled his eyes.

But he was just a finance officer and supervisor, and had no authority over these arrogant and unruly soldiers.

His heart was filled with pessimism. He thought: Can't a youth romance theme attract male audiences? That's Prince Fang Xinghe... the miracle boy who just swept Cannes!
However, regardless of the circumstances, Sony's decision is now a done deal.

……

Turning back, Jeff personally visited Fang Xinghe.

He spoke casually in the cigar room of the hotel's presidential suite.

"MR, we have fulfilled our mission. Sony is willing to share the same release date with you."

"very good."

Fang Xinghe nodded in satisfaction.

"Your next leading project will be directly sponsored by Intel."

Yes, the PR team leader bribed Jeff, but not through the crude method of giving him a check; instead, he openly sponsored him with a rotating commission.

How Jeff decides to make money is none of Fang Xinghe's business.

As for the collective decision-making process of Sony Columbia, Fang Ge is theoretically unaware of it.

It's quite interesting that "in theory," this is America, this is Hollywood.

...The next day, Fang Xinghe and Huanqiu also "broke down in their negotiations".

"I am not satisfied with your offer."

Brother Fang issued a threat in a calm tone.

"Perfect timing! I've long admired Director Li and really want to have a go at him. Now's a great opportunity. What do you guys think?"

"Is this your decision?"

Universal Pictures Vice President Mark Schumacher laughed in exasperation.

"Very good, very much the drive of a young person."

He stared intently at Fang Xinghe, his expression so fierce it looked like he wanted to devour him.

"BUT, you've picked the wrong opponent, kid. 'The Hulk' will be released on the 10th, so bring it on!"

Fun fact: Before its release, Universal Pictures remained tight-lipped about the quality of the final product of "The Incredible Hulk" and never expressed any strong opinion.

Because the final judgment of the film review committee was vague.

On the one hand, there are deep doubts about the film's plot and pacing; on the other hand, there is great confidence in Li An's artistic abilities.

Who can say for sure that a Hulk with such a focus on profound meaning won't become a huge hit?
Perhaps this is the new direction for superhero movies, isn't it?

Mark Schumacher was aggressive.

"SR, no matter what awards you win, 'Better Days' is just a low-budget teen movie, while 'Hulk' is a super-budget special effects blockbuster!"

Fang Xinghe smiled casually and replied, "If you were truly confident, you wouldn't have emphasized this point. Let's let the results speak for themselves."

He successfully angered Universal, and the very next day, the release date for "The Incredible Hulk" was officially announced.

On June 20th, it was deliberately released half a month apart from its own "Fast & Furious 2".

This gap in the middle was the trap they set for Fang Xinghe.

We've given you the opportunity. Do you dare to come in?

……

Fang Xinghe immediately went to find Warner.

Without a single wasted word, he went straight to the point: "I want a June release, what price can you offer?"

Warner was overjoyed.

June is Universal and Sony's private domain; Warner Bros. has no films released in that month, so naturally, they have no profit from it.

But they were happy to see someone sabotage the interests of Universal and Sony.

"What do you want? We can discuss anything."

Even at this point, Fang Xinghe did not give up on making exorbitant demands.

"I'll give you a maximum of 15% for distribution fees, no less than $5000 million for advertising, 60% of the North American DVD revenue, and no less than 40% of the global overseas revenue excluding China, Japan, South Korea, and Europe..."

Warner executives were stunned.

"Fang, I'm not Aladdin's genie, you can't joke like that with me!"

Fang Xinghe gave a polite yet indifferent smile: "It's alright, we can talk slowly."

The conversation lasted for 12 hours.

With his extraordinary energy, Fang Ge tormented Warner's executives in every way.

The core reason is...

"Fast & Furious, Hulk, and Charlie's Angels are all key projects for Universal and Sony, and their box office potential is self-evident."

You don't have any videos to put into this meat grinder, and neither do other companies.

Therefore, you must give them complete control throughout June.

This summer, only one film had the chance to survive in the cracks between them, and to thrive, and that was my film, *Better Days*.

I am the only one who has the opportunity to cause them trouble, and even if I fail, my base is very solid.

Think it over carefully: do you really want to cooperate with me and seize a market share that didn't originally belong to you in June?

Actually, I don't care at all. Whether it clashes with Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" in early July or with your "Terminator" later, it won't affect a teen campus film at all.

You go and fight over men, while the girls will definitely come to see me.

How about we make a bet? You name the stakes.

Warner immediately knelt down.

No company in Hollywood doubts that this summer, teenage girls will flock to theaters to see "Better Days".

This is Fang Xinghe's territory.

"YES, of course, you can crash any movie you want, it won't affect you at all."

Warner's second brother endured Fang Xinghe's threats and put on a smiling, flattering face.

"Alright then, June is yours. I wish us a pleasant collaboration!"

It's finally done...

Fang Xinghe breathed a sigh of relief, but on the surface he remained arrogant and indifferent.

"That's the gist of it. So all you need to do is one last thing—move Terminator even further away, and I'll personally come to support you then."

Warner was overjoyed.

With Fang Xinghe's help in promotion, the Terminator will make up for its last shortcoming—not being popular with young girls.

"That would be great!"

They happily jumped into the pit.

"In that case, we'll move 'Terminator' back a week later, to July 9th, giving you more than 20 days for the release, how about that?"

"Okay, that's it."

As soon as Fang Xinghe stepped out of Warner's gate, he beamed with joy.

The delayed release of "Terminator" wasn't just its own problem; affected by it, Disney also hesitantly postponed the release of "Pirates of the Caribbean" by a week.

They had no confidence in this unconventional fantasy film, and they wanted to hide from everyone, as timid as mice and as quiet as chickens.

With this, all the films scheduled for release in June and July have been confirmed.

On June 6, "Fast & Furious 2" was released by Universal Pictures.

June 13, "Better Days", Warner Bros.

On June 20, "The Incredible Hulk" was released by Universal Pictures.

On June 27, "Charlie's Angels 2" was released by Sony Pictures.

July 9th, Terminator 3, Warner Bros.

July 16, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Disney.

From the perspective of Hollywood as a whole, the period from June 6th to July 15th was the real hell of the summer movie season.

Except for "Fast & Furious 2," which was slightly weaker, all the other films were blockbusters with a box office of 1 million yuan, and some of them even had the potential to reach 2 million yuan.

However, only Fang Xinghe knew what kind of schedule he had arranged for himself.

从6月13号到7月15号，整整33天的时间，几乎没有任何像样的竞争。

Terminator 3 did well at the box office, but so what? By then, it was already the end of the explosive period for The Young Ones, and they were starting to shrink their venues and enter a long-term screening mode.

During this period, both "The Hulk" and "Charlie's Angels" served as stepping stones for Fang Ge's ascension to godhood.

While Asian-starring youth films are indeed a weak point, when the market is empty and the only two competitors are bad films with negative reviews, viewers with no other choice will naturally vote with their feet, unleashing the potential that "You Are My Destiny" did not originally have.

The North American market is already in my pocket!

Filled with intense joy and unwavering confidence, Fang Xinghe began a flurry of promotional activities.

And things went exactly as he predicted. He fully engaged the young audience in North America, who began to look forward to this redemptive work that had been touted as a "milestone in teen drama."

Time flies, and it's already the 13th, the day of the global release of "Les Young".

*********
(End of this chapter)