Who says Beijing Film Academy has no great directors? (2002)

The film festival has come to a close, but the filmmakers gathered in Cannes are still very excited.

Many award-winning films will be sold in large quantities in the next two days, with the amounts being staggering. Films that were originally priced at only 20 can easily fetch dozens of times more once they win a major award.

Chen Yan stayed in France for a few more days, meeting with almost every film distributor in Cannes. In the end, he selected the best of the best: Sony bought the North American rights for a guaranteed share of $150 million, France bought out the rights for $80, and Warner Bros. sold the rights for the German-speaking region for $80.

Because Japan and South Korea share Asian culture with China, they greatly admire the film "Love." Japan offered a minimum guarantee of $70, while South Korea offered a minimum guarantee of $60.

Chen Yan also bought out the copyrights from Indonesia and the Middle East for $70.

This Cannes Film Festival award-winning film, excluding the guaranteed minimum income, earned Chen Yan a net income of $510 million, which translates to 4221.27 million RMB in domestic cash.

It's basically on par with a commercial film that grossed over 100 million yuan. But keep in mind that this film hasn't been released on a large scale yet, so it can still generate some revenue.

Moreover, the benefits of winning prizes don't stop there; those three Palme d'Or awards are real.

The day after settling the payment, You Bichang and Qin Yi took a plane and returned to China.

Chen Yan had other things to do, so he flew directly to the United States that same day.

After landing in the United States, I found an agent and registered a company called "YF.LLC", which means YF Limited Liability Company.

It's taken from the initials of Chen Yan and Yi Fei, which can be considered a little surprise for Liu Yi Fei. Now let it develop slowly.

He found a seemingly decisive male employee named James. James was thin but had very bright eyes. He would later be responsible for purchasing screenplays and novel copyrights for Chen Yan in Hollywood.

These people haven't made a name for themselves in Hollywood yet, so if they don't take advantage of this opportunity, when will they?

Chen Yan gave the title of the first batch of books to be purchased, the first of which was "A Song of Ice and Fire", which is the "Game of Thrones" that was later adapted into a huge hit.

Chen Yan also registered and joined the WGA (Writers Guild of America) in the United States, so that his scripts could be credited to the guild in the future. If anyone was interested, they could call James through the guild, which would be convenient and quick!

After taking care of his miscellaneous matters, Chen Yan returned to China.

The moment I stepped out of the airport, a bunch of media surrounded me.

"Director Chen!"

"Director Chen is finally back in China!"

"Quick, quick, don't let them get away!"

The microphone was practically shoved in Chen Yan's face, and he could only say helplessly, "Everyone, please don't worry, I can answer any questions one by one."

A reporter rushed to the front and asked, "Director Chen, I'm a reporter from Xinlang Weibo. I'd like to ask, after winning three gold medals at Cannes, what are your thoughts?"

As they were talking, the camera on Xinlang's Weibo account even took a picture of Chen Yan's briefcase, presumably where the three golden palm trees were hidden.

"Well, if I had to give my impressions, I would say that France has a great artistic atmosphere. The Palme d'Or is very inclusive. I would like to visit Berlin and Venice again if I have the chance in the future."

A small group of reporters gasped in surprise.

"So, Director Chen, is there anything you'd like to say to domestic directors? Especially Director Lou, who went to Cannes with you but won nothing."

"Director Chen, as the second Chinese director to win the Palme d'Or for Best Film, what are your plans for the future?"

When Chen Yan heard these two questions, he was startled. Good heavens, they're setting a trap for me!

"All I can say is that everyone is very capable. Director Lou may have just been a little unlucky. I may take a break for a while afterward."

After saying that, Chen Yan was about to leave, otherwise these reporters would eat him alive.

"Hey, Director Chen, Director Chen..."

When Chen Yan returned home, Teacher Qiao sent her a text message: "Return to school immediately, bring the trophy, something's up."

"Sigh, being back in China is so hectic," Chen Yan complained.

Chen Yan's phone was still flooded with congratulatory messages, and he could only reply to a few of the friends he was close to.

As soon as Chen Yan arrived at the Beijing Film Academy, he saw a large banner with red background and gold lettering at the entrance.

The inscription reads: "Warmest congratulations to Chen Yan, a second-year student in the Directing Department of our school, on her film 'Love' winning the Palme d'Or, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Film at the Cannes Film Festival!"

Chen Yan got out of the taxi and immediately covered his eyes. Who did this? It's so embarrassing...

As soon as Chen Yan appeared at the school gate, people around him automatically looked at him in twos and threes, occasionally letting out screams and the clicking of mobile phone cameras.

Indeed, returning home in wealth and honor is like wearing fine clothes at night.

But Chen Yan still wanted to say, "Hey alumni in front, taking pictures is fine, but could you please turn off the flash? It's blinding me."

When Chen Yan arrived at Qiao Liang's office, he heard a lively commotion inside. He knocked on the door, and the noise immediately stopped.

When I opened the door, wow, all the teachers and directors I hadn't seen in ages had gathered together.

"Chen Yan is back! Come here."

Chen Yan went over and saw the director ask very directly, "Where's the trophy?" As he spoke, his eyes kept looking into the suitcase in Chen Yan's hand.

Chen Yan was speechless. It turned out that he was just a tool for transporting the trophy.

After opening the suitcase and taking out the trophy, these bigwigs began to admire it carefully and then took photos.

"Hmm...good, good, good. This time, our Beijing Film Academy will definitely beat the Central Academy of Drama and the Shanghai Theatre Academy." The director spun around taking pictures of the trophy.

They even took several photos of Chen Yan with the trophy.

Chen Yan could clearly sense that the Palme d'Or was definitely the main focus in the director's camera. If a director couldn't see the camera angle, he was doomed.

The director concluded by encouraging Chen Yan: "Create more works, make more films, and feel free to talk to the school about anything. The school will do its best to provide you with logistical support."

Chen Yan could only smile and agree. He hadn't received this treatment when his commercial films were huge hits, which shows how much Chinese people admire international awards.

After chatting for a few more minutes, the director left with his entourage. Teacher Qiao Liang looked at Chen Yan with a smile in his eyes: "You've really risen to the top! Any plans for the future?"

"I'd like to visit the set first."

Qiao Liang was stunned. The Cannes Film Festival's three-time Golden Horse Award-winning director was going to visit the set as soon as he returned to China. Who was he visiting? Who had such a big name?

He quickly realized it was the young girl who starred in "Heartbreak".

"Okay, go ahead, but I doubt you'll be able to keep quiet for long. The film you won the award for hasn't even been released in China yet."

Qiao Liang's words were pointed.

Chen Yan also realized that since he had been the sole investor in both of his films, some people were already envious.

"The film industry is a small circle. Once you're in it, you can't be too lone wolf. You have to give others a taste of success. If your two films can be scheduled smoothly, they can both participate in this year's domestic film festival. But all of this requires connections."

Chen Yan nodded: "Thank you, Teacher Qiao, I understand."

Qiao Liang nodded approvingly.

As soon as Chen Yan left Qiao Liang's office, his phone rang.

Chen Yan walked to the window and answered the phone.

"Director Chen, let China Film Group handle the distribution of 'Love'!" Han Sanping's loud voice came from the other end of the phone, exuding a strong sense of江湖 (jianghu, a term referring to the world of martial arts and chivalry).

He truly deserves the title of "Mountain Eagle" in the Chinese entertainment industry.

Chen Yan replied with a smile, "Sure, Chairman Han, even if you don't call me, I'll still call you."

We're thinking the same thing.

After hanging up the phone, Chen Yan immediately ordered some fruit and drinks. "It's time to go see the young lady."