Huayu 1999: Starting with nothing but getting something for nothing

The topic was too high-level, which set off alarm bells in Yang Che's mind. This was purely a subconscious reaction.

His experiences in another time and space told him that projects would develop well as long as the relevant departments did not interfere.

As expected, Han Sanping then said directly, "China Film Group wants to invest in and distribute this film. The box office revenue will be used to fund your next film. What do you say?"

Seeing Han Sanping's expectant look, Yang Che tried his best to remain composed. Because the other party mentioned "China Film Group," he changed his form of address: "Thank you, President Han. Although we haven't signed a specific contract with Berna regarding distribution, we have finalized our cooperation. As for investment, we still have the budget for post-production and distribution."

Han Sanping was stunned. He wondered if he had misheard. Shouldn't the production company be grateful that China Film Group was going to be responsible for the distribution of a movie?

However, he also confirmed that Yang Che was capable of making decisions. As a producer and screenwriter, he certainly had a bright future.

"Then let's do a joint release; Yu Dong won't have any objections."

Yang Che was immediately annoyed. He smiled and said, "I'm afraid I won't be able to recover the box office revenue from the various debt disputes between China Film Group and local cinemas. I can't bear that risk."

Han Sanping's brain completely shut down. He didn't react for a moment. Why didn't anyone tell me that he was a hothead?

No, that greenhorn wouldn't say those polite things.

"Ha ha."

Han Sanping laughed a few times, not to hide his embarrassment, but because he thought Yang Che's words were too ridiculous: "Your worries are unnecessary. Those were all in the past... Alright, it's fine if you don't want to. Just do your job well. The distribution strategies you mentioned are very good. If you have any difficulties, you can call me."

Upon hearing this, Yang Che suddenly realized, "Damn, so that's what they came for."

Yang Che reflected on himself and realized that he had been prejudiced from the start, subconsciously assuming that the other party was there to freeload.

Han Sanping is genuinely interested in mentoring outstanding young filmmakers, just like Hou Keming had when he called him before. Of course, he also has the intention of experimenting with this distribution plan.

Indeed, Han Sanping keeps pushing for the marketization of film, the marketization of genres, and the marketization of distribution... But even a skilled cook can't cook without rice. Leaving aside the current conditions of cinemas, let's talk about directors. Who in China today is a director who doesn't pursue artistic expression, doesn't strive for international awards, doesn't carry humanistic reflection, and only chases box office success in commercial genre films?

That means Feng Xiaogang, but he was recently recruited by Huayi Brothers.

Yang Che was also quite emotional. He had dealt with quite a few "leaders" in another time and space. Even a neighborhood committee director was more arrogant and knowledgeable than this one (pointing fingers and giving orders).

He stood up and said in the manner of a junior, "President Han, it's not that I'm ungrateful, but I roughly understand President Han's thoughts. I admire and am very grateful."

However, as long as the relationship between China Film Group and local film companies remains one of administrative subordination, coordinating screenings at the same time becomes difficult. If unified screenings cannot be achieved, piracy will consume more than half of the market share. My initial choice of Berna Films was precisely because Berna's relationship with local film companies was purely commercial; I think the relevant departments granted Berna a distribution license for the same reason.

Han Sanping, who slowly stood up, frowned. Yang Che's words meant that the restructuring of China Film Group into a corporation wouldn't be completed by next year... That's ridiculous. He really wanted to talk to this young man, but felt it wasn't appropriate.

"I'll say it again: do a good job."

Yang Che nodded and was about to take his leave when he suddenly remembered something.

"Mr. Han, I don't quite understand. So, if 'My Sassy Girl' is to be released overseas through a theatrical distribution model, wouldn't it have to go through the China Film Import & Export Corporation's channels?"

Han Sanping was stunned. Oh, so they want to distribute it overseas?

"Are you sure you're going through overseas theatrical distribution and not just selling the copyright?"

"Yes, at least in Japan and South Korea, if I want to go through revenue sharing, I will negotiate with their distributors myself."

Han Sanping thought this guy was really a hothead, but he also had a glimmer of hope. What if it worked out? Not to mention overseas revenue sharing, even overseas distribution would be a good start.

For a moment, disregarding all etiquette, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and tentatively asked, "Are you confident?"

Yang Che smiled and said, "There are some. I've studied some Japanese and Korean literature in recent years and found an increasingly prominent topic: the 'love capitalism' of Japanese women and the 'awakening of women's independent consciousness' in South Korea. Both of these talk about 'feminism,' which is that women are strong and men are weak. So the movie 'My Sassy Girl' is a perfect fit for their market, and it's still virgin territory."

I think those in the film distribution industries of these two countries can't be unaware of this.

Han Sanping didn't know what "feminism" was, but Yang Che's words sounded awesome, like he was talking nonsense. Why did he say the last sentence? Who was he implying?

"What are your plans?"

"I'll be setting up a booth at the Asian Film Festival next March. Like I always say, let's just do it first, what if it works out?"

"Haha, okay, I'll have my import/export colleagues accompany you then, so you won't be completely clueless."

"That's great."

Yang Che was truly moved to tears.

Han Sanping said thoughtfully, "Your analysis is good, very good."

Yang Che suddenly thought of a film distribution incident that had taught Chinese filmmakers a harsh lesson.

"Mr. Han, have you seen 'Postmen in the Mountains'?"

"That's called 'Postmen in the Mountains,' you've seen it, so what?"

Han Sanping's expression wasn't very good. Of course it was good; it was critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful. Pshaw, it didn't even sell a single copy. Hmm... Beijing Film Studio was the production company.

"This film is simple, profound, and tells its story in a gentle, flowing manner..."

"What are you trying to say?"

"After Takeshi Kitano's 'Kikujiro's Summer' was released, this kind of heartwarming rural film was very popular in Japan. The Japanese will definitely like this film. You can contact Iwanami Cinema in Japan, which is a theater chain that specializes in showing art films."

Han Sanping paused for a moment, then got up and went to his desk to get paper and pen: "Which two words? Write them down."

Yang Che's impression of Han Sanping improved even more. He quickly wrote the four characters "Iwanami Cinema" on the paper and said, "We can talk to them about a revenue-sharing model. If we want to buy out the copyright, we should aim for $100 million."

"How many?"

Yang Che repeated the sentence and then secretly pursed his lips. It's already 1999, and the Chinese people are still a bit short-sighted.

Just like when they sold the Japanese version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" to CCTV, they offered $15,000, and the Japanese side immediately made the payment, fearing that CCTV would back out... Both sides were overjoyed.

Later, when "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" was broadcast in Japan, NHK earned $1.2 million in revenue from the show.

A poor man has little ambition, and a thin horse has long mane!