Huayu Entertainment: Tianxian really wants to improve

Chapter 128 What do you think of the combination of me and Leonardo?
"Bruce, I finally see you!"

As soon as Gu Bei walked into the door, a middle-aged man wearing black-framed glasses and with slightly messy hair came up to him.

Producer Qiao introduced Gu Bei: "This is Michael Buck, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics and also the founder of this company."

Compared to Christmas a few months ago,
The two Hollywood elites that Gu Bei met,
Michael doesn't have any elite qualities, instead he looks more like an ordinary white uncle.

But Sony Pictures Classics is an independent film label under Sony.
It specializes in producing and acquiring independent films such as Whiplash and distributing them in North America or globally.

They were responsible for the North American distribution of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", which became the first foreign language film to break the 100 million mark in North America, and a record that Chinese-language films have yet to break.

Michael is already a big shot in Hollywood, but he is much more friendly towards Gu Bei than the two Hollywood elites.

I don’t know if it’s the charm of the Palme d’Or or the big guy’s return to nature.

"Hello, Mr. Barker."

Gu Bei behaved very calmly.

By the time he sat down, Joe had left the room.

The real copyright negotiation is not in this room.
General against general, soldier against soldier,
Joe will be next door negotiating copyrights with Michael's people.

This room is provided for Gu Bei and Michael, two people with decision-making power, to communicate with each other.

Michael didn't show any surprise when he saw this.

During his previous contact with Qiao, he already knew that Gu Bei was the leader of this project.

He smiled and said, “Finally I get to meet you. I’ve been wanting to meet you during the filming process to see what kind of director is capable of filming Whiplash.

You know, before I even arrived in Cannes, Ms. Pascal had called me and told me that there was definitely a film at the festival that would meet my requirements.”

"Ms. Pascal?"

Hearing this, Gu Bei remembered the Sony executive who appeared at the screening event, "Is it Amy Pascal?"

Michael nodded: "It seems you have seen it before."

Gu Bei shook his head: "We met once at a screening, but we didn't get to talk."

The two of them started chatting in the room.

Michael talked to Gu Bei about the promotion of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

They used cable television channels to attract a large number of viewers who were interested in Chinese culture.

after awhile,

Joe and Michael's men knocked on the door and entered the room.

Gu Bei and Qiao looked at each other and asked quietly, "How did the talk go?"

Qiao was in a good mood. "The other party's attitude was very friendly. I feel that today's goal should be fully achieved."

After hearing this, Gu Bei felt relieved.

The original Whiplash film was released in 2014, grossing over $1300 million in North America and nearly $5000 million worldwide.
Compared with the production cost of 350 million US dollars, it is 14 times as much, which can be said to be a huge profit.

Whiplash is a household name in the entertainment industry.

Since it has been ranked among the top IMDB TOP250 for many years, its revenue has long exceeded the global box office.

This time, Gu Bei only plans to sell the global distribution rights. The subsequent copyright income is a gold mine, which he will keep in his hands and mine slowly.

"You only plan to sell the global distribution rights, and exclude the Asian distribution rights?" Michael looked up at Gu Bei in surprise after hearing the report from his subordinates.

“I am a Chinese.

China Film Group has always been very supportive of Chinese directors.”

Gu Bei explained with a smile.

Michael suddenly understood and nodded.

China Film Group still has a certain strength in Asia, especially in the film market in mainland China, where China Film Group has the sole right to import films. He thought about it,

It doesn’t matter that I can’t get the subsequent derivative copyright.

Even if it is obtained, it will be operated by Sony's home entertainment department to increase other people's performance.

But if we can’t even get the Asian distribution rights, that would be unacceptable.

"Since you are confident that you can distribute it in mainland China, we can separate the distribution rights for mainland China.
But the distribution rights in Sakura Country are not an option, we are Sony after all!"

Michael proposed a middle ground.

Gu Bei saw Michael give in.
Then he went a step further and named the region he wanted most: "Let's add a Korean country."

The movie Whiplash is really to the taste of Koreans.

This kind of crazy spirit,

This is exactly the current situation of Korean society.

Therefore, South Korea, with the sixth largest film market in the world, contributed more than 1000 million US dollars to the box office, accounting for 23%, second only to the world's largest North American film market.

"no problem."

Michael hesitated but didn't refuse.

He mainly studies the North American market and is not very clear about the current situation in South Korea.

I just thought that Gu Bei had received more favorable conditions from the Korean copyright holder.

After further subdividing copyright,
Joe went to negotiate the price with Michael's men again.

Michael smiled and asked Gu Bei: "Bruce, what are your plans next?"

"If there is a low-budget love movie, we at Rose Pictures will still choose independent production."

Gu Bei's next movie is mainly for obtaining a visa and asking Rose Pictures to issue him a work certificate, so it is still a low-budget film.

After a pause,

Gu Bei thought of Leonardo, whom he had played with during the film festival:
"I do have an immature idea.

What do you think of me and Leonardo as a pairing?"

"You two would be a perfect match!"

Michael's eyes suddenly lit up and he became energetic.

Leonardo's box office appeal is obvious to all.

Although Leonardo lost himself for a few years after the Titanic,

But since collaborating with big directors like Martin Scorsese, Leonardo's films have never been less than $2 million at the global box office.
Coupled with Gu Bei, a director who won the Palme d'Or at his debut and whose creativity is on the rise,

I wonder what kind of sparks can be created?
After a pause, Michael continued to ask enthusiastically, "Do you have a script outline? As far as I know, Leonardo's schedule is still open next year!"

“It’s still an immature idea.”

Gu Bei kept it a secret, "I have to finish the filming of the new movie and the release of Whiplash first, but I will definitely contact you first, Mr. Buck."

Michael suddenly felt itchy.

According to the style shown by Gu Bei, it will definitely be a drama film that will compete for an Oscar.
Plus Leonardo,
He even thought of a slogan for the promotion.

Leonardo DiCaprio aims to prove his acting skills to the Academy and make his third attempt at the Oscar for Best Actor!

Unfortunately, Gu Bei stopped at the most critical point and refused to reveal the subsequent information.

Michael thought about it and decided to show their strength: "Bruce, what do you think Whiplash should be nominated for at the Oscars?"

Can you give it to me if I want it?
(End of this chapter)