Reshaping the landscape of the Chinese entertainment industry

Chapter 74 Verbal Agreement (Second Update)

Katzenberg and Spielberg exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes.

This 18-year-old Chinese youth is not only a talented director, but also a shrewd business operator.

"Ale," Katzenberg said earnestly, "your idea is very interesting."

"DreamWorks is always looking for animation projects with a global perspective, and the panda theme certainly has potential."

The two were completely unprepared because they hadn't expected He Yi'an to bring up a new project.

Those who were well-versed in negotiation knew very well that this topic could not be continued.

After all, He Yi'an's words were so perfect, and he had considered all aspects.

To be honest, Katzenberg was very interested after hearing this, but he couldn't let his emotions interfere with the business negotiations.

It is necessary to either decisively stop the negotiations or wait for them to come down and conduct their own investigation before continuing.

Of course, he didn't rule it out completely, but the words "potential" were enough to encourage He Yi'an to take the next step.

However, he shut his mouth and stopped talking about the topic.

He Yi'an knew very well.

In arrogant Hollywood, in America, which considers itself the beacon of the world, and in the Warhammer New World, which believes everything should revolve around itself.

Especially when dealing with a company of DreamWorks' caliber, no collaboration can be finalized based on a single casual conversation.

For Katzenberg to say "potential" was already the greatest level of interest he could express from a white, condescending perspective.

After all, the arrogance of white people is ingrained in their bones.

Commercial games are nothing short of a zero-sum game.

If you don't have the strength to convince them, expecting them to cooperate with you is pure wishful thinking.

Even if they have the power to convince them, applying maximum pressure and then seeking greater benefits for themselves is a common practice of capital.

However, once an opportunity is missed, it's not so easy to reconnect and start over.

Moreover, he has more than just this movie to collaborate on. After all, Yu Feihong also made a movie a few days ago, and the distribution of this movie also requires a partner.

Logically, he should have gone to Lionsgate, but he just happened to run into them. It's much better to come to them on your own initiative than to meet them by chance.

"Mr. Jeffrey," He Yi'an said calmly after thinking it through, "I know DreamWorks' strength, and I also know that we are not yet strong enough to push this project forward."

"Right now, I'm just a young director who has made a low-budget art film, and I don't have any works to prove myself in Hollywood."

"So," he paused, "I want to prove my ability in commercial films with another movie first."

Spielberg, who had noticed their conversation, became interested after hearing this and raised an eyebrow: "What movie?"

He Yi'an put down his pen and sat up straight: "A mockumentary horror film called 'Phantom of the Opera' has been filmed and will be released soon."

"A found-footage horror film?" Katzenberg frowned. "Like 'The Blair Witch Project'?"

"Similar, but different."

He Yi'an spoke candidly about this point: "The success of 'The Blair Witch Project' is because it was the first one; audiences had never seen anything like it before, so it was fresh."

"However, the core logic of Paranormal Activity cannot rely on this point, so I chose the level of everyday horror."

"It's not a monster in the deep mountains and forests, nor a ghost in an abandoned hospital, but something that might happen in your own home."

He briefly explained the film's structure and marketing strategy.

This is exactly what he plans to do next when he goes to Hollywood to find a distribution partner.

His original plan was to approach Lionsgate or other independent publishers.

He Yi'an never intended to approach the Six Greats at first.

After all, their standards are too high; a mere title of Best Director at Venice is not enough to make them take it seriously.

But this just didn't happen.

Gong Li brought him an unexpected surprise.

The two people who appeared in front of him were, regardless of their personalities, at least according to Hollywood rumors, someone who was relatively friendly to independent films, and the other was one of the top figures in animated films.

It's like he met all the people he needed all at once.

It would be a real pity if he couldn't seize this opportunity.

After carefully listening to He Yi'an's ideas, Spielberg understood them: "You're planning to collaborate with us on distribution? How do you intend to distribute it?"

-

Steven didn't offer any opinions on his films or creative ideas, but went straight to the point.

He Yi'an had already thought this through: "We'll handle all the marketing."

"I will create a website online to generate publicity by having real videotapes discovered; at the same time, I will allocate some funds for small-scale offline screenings at universities and film festivals, relying on word-of-mouth to spread the word. Once the buzz builds, I will then expand on a large scale."

"The distributor—" He looked at Spielberg and Katzenberg, "If DreamWorks is willing to take it on, I can give you the North American and possibly subsequent global distribution rights, and we can discuss the revenue sharing."

Katzenberg and Spielberg exchanged a glance.

"Ale," Spielberg began, "you are very confident, more confident than most Asians and Chinese I've ever met."

"No," He Yi'an shook his head, "This isn't confidence, I just have confidence in my judgment. This film cost less than twenty thousand US dollars; even if it fails, I can afford the loss. But if it succeeds—"

He didn't finish speaking, but everyone understood what he meant.

If he succeeds, it will be like having his first stepping stone into Hollywood.

And this brick is the key to moving forward with what he and Katzenberg were just discussing.

Katzenberg was well aware of this, and he extended his hand: "Ale, once your film is a success, we'll sit down and talk about Kung Fu Panda properly."

He Yi'an grasped his hand: "It's a deal."

It's a deal.

Spielberg leaned back on the sofa and added, "Young man, I have faith in you. Hollywood needs fresh blood, and you have that potential."

He Yi'an simply smiled at the lukewarm praise: "Mr. Steven, for the sake of the subsequent plans, I think I shouldn't let myself down."

The group was finally able to relax and chat and drink.

The group chatted for a long time. After a few drinks, He Yi'an, feeling a bit tipsy, took out his phone and sent a message to Richard, asking him to come over.

Less than ten minutes after the message was sent, Richard appeared at the door, panting.

He had clearly run over; his hair was a bit messy, and his suit buttons were askew.

"Boss, you wanted to see me?"

He Yi'an introduced him to Spielberg and Katzenberg, and Richard's eyes widened in surprise.

"Steven Spielberg?" His voice trembled slightly.

He Yi'an patted him on the shoulder speechlessly: "Calm down, Richard."

"From today onwards, you will be in charge of liaising with DreamWorks and will be fully responsible for the publicity and distribution plan for 'Paranormal Activity'."

Hearing this, Richard tried to calm himself down, then excitedly extended his hand: "Mr. Steven, Mr. Jeffrey, it's an honor to meet you. I will send you the proposal as soon as possible."

Spielberg shook his hand and smiled, "Richard, your boss has some great ideas. Keep up the good work."

Richard nodded repeatedly.

After chatting for a few more minutes, He Yi'an checked his watch; it was almost midnight.

"Mr. Steven, Mr. Jeffrey, it's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer." He stood up. "I think it will be time for me to formally visit you after the Paranormal Activity project is completed."

Spielberg nodded: "Looking forward to your good news."

Katzenberg looked at He Yi'an seriously: "Ale, I'm very interested in the Panda project. Since you've already decided to prove yourself, let's wait for your good news and then we can talk properly."

"must."

He Yi'an came out of the VIP room and walked down the corridor, his steps a little unsteady.

It wasn't just because I drank too much; I was also excited.

Spielberg, Katzenberg —

梦工厂。

Paranormal Activity and the upcoming Kung Fu Panda —

Unexpectedly, this trip to Venice yielded some pleasant surprises.

These projects, which were just plans in his mind before, can now finally be implemented.

He walked to the top of the stairs, held onto the handrail, and tried to keep his pace steady.

At the same time, I told myself, "Don't rush, this is just the beginning, there's still a long way to go."