Hollywood starts with an agent

Chapter 660 Pure Art Films Have No Market
Now that Aaron knows about Christopher Nolan, he will definitely seek cooperation in the future, but there's no need to be too deliberate about it.

After the Houston Rockets eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 in the second round of the playoffs, the Portland Trail Blazers also eliminated the Utah Jazz.
The Western Conference Finals will see the Houston Rockets face off against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Meanwhile, Britney Spears' second studio album, "The Love Is Back," was released, selling 132 million copies in its first week, becoming number one on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and breaking Mariah Carey's record for the highest single-week sales by a female artist!
“Darling, you’re amazing,” Aaron said as he rolled off Britney Spears in his villa in East Hampton, Long Island, New York.

Britney Spears, panting, said, "Well, next up, I'm going to start my world tour."

"We'll be busy until next year."

“It’s okay, you can rest anytime,” Aaron said, kissing the woman on the cheek and groping her chest.

"How much did Spider-Man make at the box office?"

Britney Spears suddenly asked.

Aaron couldn't help but laugh. "In just three weeks, the North American box office has already reached $2.8 million. The phenomenal success of 'Spider-Man' is unbelievable!"

This box office record is even faster than that of last year's blockbuster, "Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace";

However, Aaron doesn't think Spider-Man can compare to the national IP Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
"That's so cool! Spider-Man is even better than Batman and Superman!"

Britney Spears said, stroking Aaron's chest, "It seems like CBS contacted me to help promote their talent show, 'American Idol';"

Is it going to air this year?

Aaron shook his head. "It's too late. The first season will definitely air next year. 'American Idol' is a large-scale talent show that I specifically got CBS to host."

"There's a lot of preliminary work to be done. We're still in the preparation stage. Don't worry, it won't be that fast."

“Oh, that’s good,” Britney Spears is about to embark on a world tour and doesn’t really have time to promote it.

……

Aaron then traveled to Cannes, France, and returned to the Cannes International Film Festival many years later!

Ang Lee's new film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," invested in by Dawn Crescent, is also being promoted in Cannes.
Wang Zhuxian also brought Norika Fujiwara with her to Cannes.

On the sofa in the hotel suite, Wang Zhuxian flipped through the newspaper in her hand. "The expectations for 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' are really high!"

Aaron hugged Norika Fujiwara and kissed her, saying, "Don't underestimate director Ang Lee; he's quite famous in Hollywood's art-house circles."

"Compared to the Coen brothers, Ang Lee's films have performed much better commercially."

Wang Zhuxian thought for a moment, "Would the United States accept a Chinese-style martial arts film like 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'?"

She felt that only action films starring Jack Cheng and Jett Lee would be accepted by Hollywood;
New Moon Films previously released an older Hong Kong film, "Iron Monkey," which grossed over $1000 million at the box office!
"Who knows? Let's give it a try," Aaron said, actually not caring much, after all, Dawn was too strong, and there were too many blockbuster movies.

"I met with Donna Langley of Crescent Moon Films, and she has great confidence in Ang Lee's work."

"However, I don't know what the outcome will be if Ang Lee directs a martial arts film?"

After acquiring Golden Harvest's film library, Media Asia Films, which Wang Zhuxian now manages, has its own film distribution capabilities.

However, with the Hong Kong market sluggish, Media Asia has been increasing its film and television investments in mainland China. Aaron smiled, "Alright, now that we're in Cannes, let's have some fun. It's been years since I've been here!"

Norika Fujiwara, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, "Yes, the sunshine and beach here are very attractive."

"What, is this your first time here?" Aaron asked, looking at Norika Fujiwara in his arms.

"Yes, this is my first time in Cannes. I didn't have any films to promote here before."

Aaron shook his head. "Come whenever you want. You can come for a vacation and travel even if there are no movies!"

Wang Zhuxian leaned back on the sofa. "Now, we have the chance to have some fun."

“Onii-chan,” Norika Fujiwara tugged at Wang Zhuxian’s arm, “Of course I have to prioritize work and help you promote ‘Thunder Cop’.”

Aaron smiled. "Has something happened in Hong Kong again?"

"No, it's still the same. It's just that a group of Hong Kong filmmakers have gone north, hoping that the mainland market will open up more."

"As you know, Hong Kong films are now considered imported films when they enter the mainland market!"

"And then, what happened?"

Wang Zhuxian looked helpless. "There's been no progress. This is the policy in mainland China. Right now, private companies just want to obtain production qualifications as soon as possible."

Currently, China's film and television regulations are still very strict. Enterprises can invest, but the films must be produced by state-owned studios!
"Well, don't worry, the bilateral trade agreement between China and the US has already been signed. We just need China to settle things with Europe, and then we can officially join the WTO."

"At that time, the Chinese film market will definitely undergo some changes. Even if it is aimed at foreign films, Hong Kong films are still Chinese-language films, and they will be opened up."

This year, the number of foreign blockbusters imported into mainland China has increased to 15, an increase of 5!

"Let's not talk about that. There are three Chinese-language films nominated for the main competition at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Didn't Dawn Films have any that they liked?"

Wang Zhuxian looked at Aaron.

Aaron shrugged. "Shuguang has always valued Chinese-language films, but at least they need to show some commercial success."

"Those purely art-house films don't have much of a market in the US, not even in the Chinese community. But if they win the Palme d'Or or the Golden Lion, they can use that for promotion!"

Previously, Zhang Yimou's films had some success at the Venice Film Festival, but the box office was terrible, with only a million or two million dollars in revenue, which was meaningless.
Americans are just looking for something new, to see the poverty and backwardness there. Aaron really doesn't want to release this kind of work.

Ang Lee's Father Trilogy, though Chinese-language films, explores human nature and philosophical themes, and has grossed tens of millions of dollars in the United States.

Not to mention Ang Lee's English-language film "Sense and Sensibility," which grossed $1.2 million worldwide, making New Moon a fortune.

Donna Langley always wanted to find the next Ang Lee, but unfortunately it didn't work out!

Wong Kar-wai of Hong Kong has a strong artistic flair, but every film he makes loses money. His previous film, "Happy Together," only grossed $30 in North America.
Wong Kar-wai's "In the Mood for Love," which was nominated for the Cannes Film Festival this time, is bound to lose money again, making it completely meaningless.

(End of this chapter)