Huayu Entertainment: Starting with Exorcising Evil from a Film Queen

Chapter 96 I'm Here to Collect a Debt (3K)

Sunlight from the French Riviera streamed through the gaps in the curtains, slicing a bright patch of light across the carpet.

Chen Zhixi sat on the sofa in the suite, holding two newly printed letters of intent in her hands.

"The people from Sony Classic and Fox Searchlight are all in the coffee shop downstairs."

Chen Zhixi looked up at Zhang Ze, who was adjusting his cuffs, her breathing slightly rapid.

Zhang Ze adjusted his collar in front of the mirror and calmly asked, "Are they willing to negotiate separately, or put their prices together in a bidding war?"

"Let's talk separately. Sony is at 9 o'clock, and Fox is at 10:30."

Chen Zhixi stood up, picked up the folder on the table, quickly flipped through it a couple of times, and confirmed that all the files were complete.

Zhang Ze picked up the sunglasses on the table and put them on, concealing the emotions in his eyes.

"Let's go see if these Hollywood gentlemen are more generous than that scoundrel Harvey."

The air conditioning in the private room of the coffee shop was turned up high.

Sony's two purchasing managers, dressed in well-tailored dark suits, had two untouched iced Americanos in front of them.

Zhang Ze sat down, without taking off his sunglasses, and simply leaned back casually in his chair.

Chen Zhixi was in charge of the main negotiations, and she handed over an English version of the project proposal.

"Five million US dollars, that's our offer."

Although Chen Zhixi's voice was a little tense, her speaking speed was very steady.

The white managers across from each other exchanged glances, and the older one adjusted his glasses.

"Ms. Chen, Director Zhang. Five million is the price Harvey offered you, but as far as we know, it's a buyout contract that includes all global rights."

"Sony Classics only wants the distribution rights for North America and Europe."

The other party had clearly done their homework, tapping their fingers lightly on the table.

"Two million US dollars, that's the sincerity we can offer."

"After all, this film hasn't won any awards yet."

"Furthermore, we are not committed to large-scale screenings; this film can only be shown in art-house cinemas."

Zhang Ze leaned forward slightly. "I am very grateful for Sony's recognition. However, I have a different opinion regarding the price. North America and Europe are the two largest box office markets in the world, and two million is not a lot."

"I think we can discuss the specific price after the film festival, what do you think?"

The supervisor on the other end paused for a moment.

"Director Zhang, you are very confident."

"After all, I directed this film, so I know whether it's good or not," Zhang Ze said with a smile. "If we win the lottery, I hope the price can be higher, like three million. If we don't win, the film will be yours for one million."

"I just don't know if Sony has the guts to follow suit?"

A brief silence fell over the meeting room.

The two supervisors exchanged a few words in hushed tones, speaking very quickly.

Five minutes later, the older supervisor extended his hand.

"Director Zhang, you are more greedy than I imagined, but you are also more confident."

"We at Sony are also willing to pay for talent."

"make a deal."

After Sony's representatives left, negotiations with Fox Searchlight went much more smoothly.

With Sony's letter of intent as their trump card, Fox, while sticking to its tight grip on revenue-sharing terms, loosened its stance on the base offer.

Finally, after a three-hour tug-of-war.

Sony secured the North American distribution rights, while Fox acquired the European distribution rights at a slightly lower price than Sony.

The copyrights for North America and Europe were divided up by the two companies in advance.

Although the final transaction price can only be calculated after the film festival closes and the awards are announced, even if the film doesn't win any awards, the two companies will still put up a price of one million US dollars to acquire the film based on the guaranteed minimum price alone.

With the rights acquired in other regions, the film has already recouped all its costs and even made a small profit.

After a morning of meetings, Chen Zhixi was in a state of high excitement.

"I never imagined that my first time producing a film would lead to an international release!"

"With this achievement, I will become a highly sought-after emerging producer in the country!"

Zhang Ze leaned against the elevator wall, showing no particular reaction.

"This is just the beginning; the real feast is yet to come."

This film had the potential to win awards, so the fact that it attracted investment was not beyond his expectations.

Moreover, in Zhang Ze's mind, the potential of this film has not yet been exhausted.

Or rather, the person he really wants to sell to hasn't appeared yet.

Chen Zhixi paused for a moment, then walked to his side.

"You mean the domestic box office?"

"It's already good enough that it can be released domestically. Art films don't do much at the box office in China to begin with, and don't you know what the situation is like this year?"

""

Zhang Ze chuckled, his gaze passing through the crowd and landing on a Japanese flag on the distant beach.

"I'm waiting for the Japanese film distributors."

Chen Zhixi was somewhat surprised. "Japan?"

"The core of this film is the entanglement of blood ties and upbringing. This kind of theme is quite popular in East Asian culture, and the Japanese are particularly fond of it."

Zhang Ze spoke with certainty.

"The value of this film is much higher in the eyes of Japanese film distributors than that of European and American film distributors."

"Moreover, I can only get a share of the box office revenue if I negotiate with the Japanese."

Chen Zhixi nodded thoughtfully, quickly took out her notebook, and began to search for the exhibitor list.

"Then I'll go back and contact those major Japanese publishing companies, Shochiku, Toho, and GAGA."

"6

"Go."

Zhang Ze waved his hand, "No need to be too proactive, just spread the word. Once the news of the sale of the European and American rights gets out, they'll come knocking on our door."

Back in the hotel room, it was empty.

There was a note on the table, written in Li Xiaoran's handwriting.

"I'm going to try on my dress, then I'll go shopping. You'll have to take care of lunch yourself, don't miss me too much."

Zhang Ze picked up the note, glanced at it, and casually put it aside.

He ate a simple meal alone at the hotel restaurant. The afternoon sun was shining brightly, so he decided to go to the Palace of Cinema to see the other films nominated this year.

Just as I reached the door of my room, ready to leave, the doorbell rang.

Zhang Ze assumed it was room service and casually opened the door.

A woman in a black trench coat stood at the door, wearing sunglasses that covered half her face, with full red lips.

Hao Lei.

She took off her sunglasses, revealing a captivating and alluring face.

"I've finally caught you, Director Zhang."

A smile appeared on Zhang Ze's face.

"Sister Hao, why are you only arriving now?"

"The film crew is in a small city without an airport, so we were delayed on the road."

After giving a brief explanation, Hao Lei walked straight into the room, threw his bag on the sofa, and began to look around the ocean-view suite.

"Great, you're staying in a Shanghai-style hotel room now."

She turned around and walked step by step to Zhang Ze. "You've really made something of yourself, not even answering your sister's calls anymore?"

"At the wrap party, we agreed to stay in touch, but what happened?"

"It's been over a month, and I haven't seen a single person or heard a single phone call."

Zhang Zeqian coughed twice, realizing he was in the wrong.

"I've been so busy lately, editing videos and then going straight to the film set. I just haven't had any time to myself."

Hao Lei extended his index finger and tapped his chest.

"Excuse."

She withdrew her hand, walked to the bar, and poured herself a glass of water.

"Alright, since you brought me to Cannes, I'll let it go this time."

Hao Lei took a sip of water, glanced at Zhang Ze's attire, and asked, "Are you getting ready to go out?"

"Since I've come all this way, I'm planning to check out the other films at the festival."

"Zhang Ze answered honestly."

"Perfect timing! I just got off the plane and I'm jet-lagged, so I don't want to rest yet. Let's go for a walk together."

"OK!"

The two arrived at the cinema, had their tickets checked, and entered a screening room.

The film is an Eastern European production that tells the story of a twisted family against the backdrop of war.

It has to be said that foreigners really know how to play the game; the film is very explicit, filled with undisguised violence and sex scenes.

If this film were shown in China, it would be banned except for the opening and closing credits. But here, it's shown without any censorship.

"What's wrong, are you stunned?" Hao Lei's voice rang out from the side.

"A little," Zhang Ze said honestly.

"This is Cannes," Hao Lei said calmly. "Here, art comes first; morality and commerce take a back seat."

"Only here can you see the most original form of film."

"Art is wonderful! We must learn art!" Zhang Ze exclaimed with emotion.

After watching a movie, it was already dark outside.

The two returned to the hotel and had dinner at the restaurant.

"The film festival opens tomorrow, are you nervous?" Hao Lei asked casually while cutting his steak.

"It's alright," Zhang Ze replied.

"What if we don't win an award?"

"What can we do? Lose less money, of course."

Hao Lei smiled.

"You're quite optimistic."

After finishing their meal, the two went upstairs together.

The carpet in the hallway was thick, and it made no sound when you stepped on it.

Zhang Ze swiped the door open and stepped aside to let Hao Lei in.

The room card was inserted into the slot, the overhead light turned on, and the dim yellow light cast long shadows of the two people.

Hao Lei casually tossed his bag onto the entryway cabinet, kicked off his high heels, and stepped barefoot onto the floor.

She turned around, leaned against the wall, crossed her arms, raised her chin slightly, and stared at Zhang Ze.

"Close the door."

Zhang Ze did as instructed, closing and locking the door.

"Sister Hao, it's so late, aren't you going home to rest?" Zhang Ze loosened his shirt collar and walked to the bar to pour two glasses of water.

"Stop trying to fool me." Hao Lei took the water glass and slammed it down on the table. "We need to settle the score."

Zhang Ze leaned against the edge of the table, looking completely innocent.

"You didn't say that during the day. Didn't you say you wouldn't hold it against me?"

"Daytime is daytime, and now is now." Hao Lei took a step forward, his perfume wafting towards you.

Zhang Ze helplessly spread his hands.

"So how do you want to calculate it?"

Hao Lei reached out and grabbed Zhang Ze by the collar, pulling him down sharply.

Their faces were very close, their breaths mingling.

"This will teach you a lesson," Hao Lei said in a low voice.

"I didn't do this on purpose. Didn't I say I did it all for the movie? —"

"Shut up."

Hao Lei didn't want to hear any explanation.

She silenced Zhang Ze with her actions.

Zhang Ze did not struggle; instead, he took the opportunity to put his arm around Hao Lei's waist.

The skin under my palm felt firm and strong, without an ounce of excess fat.

"I'm here to collect a debt, not to listen to your complaints."

Hao Lei's fingers traced across Zhang Ze's Adam's apple, moving downwards to stop at his chest.