Huayu: The Big Players Behind the Scenes

Leo puffed on a cigar, his every move exuding a uniquely French elegance.

"I can even tell you directly that the price of the three highest awards in Europe by MK2 is 2500 million euros for the Palme d'Or and 2000 million euros for the other two."

As for why the seaside town has a population of 1500 million, I'm sure you understand.

Zhuang Huai'an understood, of course, that no matter how nicely Leo spoke, he was still a businessman at heart, and how could he possibly give you free public relations?

Those who frequently engage in business negotiations know that the worst thing in business negotiations is for the other party to immediately quote you their bottom price.

But Zhuang Huai'an didn't care. No matter how excellent an art film is, it can't be a box office hit. His most important thing now is to solidify his position in the industry. There are plenty of ways to make money in the future, so there's no need to rush.

"I agree to this price," Zhuang Huai'an exhaled a puff of smoke, "but I have one more request."

"Speaking."

"You'll still have to help me in Berlin next year."

"Huh?" Leo looked surprised. "I know every director dreams of conquering the Big Three, but aren't you rushing things? Two years to cram the Big Three?"

"You don't understand, Leo. There's a Chinese saying: 'One should become famous as early as possible.' I need to hurry up."

Leo rolled his eyes and retorted, "My friend, you've come early enough. Although you didn't win the Palme d'Or in Cannes, the three awards you won combined are even more significant than the Palme d'Or."

Your debut film, "The Hunt," grossed $5000 million worldwide. Keep in mind, this is an art film!

Do you know how the French media reported on you?

Zhuang Huai'an became interested and asked, "What did they say?"

"God's favorite, son of Cannes!"

I really like this nickname.

Zhuang Huai'an nodded in satisfaction. Being able to be reborn, wasn't he God's favorite child?

The two laughed for a while, then Leo said seriously, "I agree to your conditions. As long as you make it into the main competition, MK2 will do everything it can to help you with public relations!"

Similarly, we have a small condition.

"Please speak."

Leo put down his cigar, took out a contract from his bag, turned to the last page, pointed to the clause, and said, "We need the right of first refusal for the three films you will direct in the future, of course, under the condition of equality."

Zhuang Huai'an took the contract and glanced at it. Leo was very thoughtful; he had prepared a bilingual (Chinese and French) contract.

"Leo, do you have so much faith in me?"

"An, I've seen many geniuses since I entered this industry at 22, but you're the only one who has achieved this at your age, and..."

Leo smiled and said, "You can't lie about being a director. Even if there are ups and downs, you can't possibly fail three times in a row. MK2 is willing to take a gamble on you."

Zhuang Huai'an laughed and asked, "Even if my next movie is planned for Hollywood?"

"Of course, in your Chinese way it's like..." Leo said in broken Chinese, "Once a move is made, there's no going back?"

"Yes, once a move is made, there's no going back!"

Zhuang Huai'an raised his coffee cup and gestured to him, "Well then, it's been a pleasure working with you, my friend."

"It's a pleasure working with you!"

The two drank a cup of coffee instead of alcohol.

After chatting for a while, Leo left in a hurry. For a regional general manager like him, the time after the film festival ended was very precious.

The procurement contract will not be signed so casually; MK2 will send dedicated staff to Beijing afterward.

After paying the bill, Zhuang Huai'an went upstairs and saw Han Sanping and Wang Jingsong sitting in the living room smoking as soon as he entered the room.

"You're back?"

"Oh, you just arrived today?"

"I arrived this morning. China Film Group bought several films and needs me to come and sign off on them."

Han Sanping smiled broadly: "When I came up here just now, I saw you in the coffee shop with a representative from MK2. Were you discussing distribution rights?"

"Yes, we've reached an agreement." Zhuang Huai'an walked over and sat down, then poured the two of them another Seven Stars cigarette.

"How much did you sell it for?" Han Sanping asked curiously.

The more people know about this, the better. Zhuang Huai'an said without any hesitation, "1500 million."

"RMB? Or USD?"

Zhuang Huai'an shook his head and smiled, "1500 million euros, excluding the distribution rights in Asia."

"Holy crap!" Old Han slapped his thigh, excitedly exclaiming, "This price breaks the record for Chinese-language films!"

Wang Jingsong was also somewhat shocked that he had suddenly become the male lead in a movie worth hundreds of millions of yuan.

Old Han was excited for a while. Although China Film Group did not invest in this movie, he had already secured the domestic publicity and distribution. The contract was signed with his name, Han Sanping. These were all achievements!

"Huai'an, I need your help."

Zhuang Huai'an raised an eyebrow, surprised, and asked, "What's the matter, Mr. Han? Why would you need to use the word 'beg'?"

"I saw it at the bureau. Your film, 'Gone Girl,' has already been approved. How about giving China Film Group a 30% share? Consider it a favor I owe you."

Han Sanping looked serious. It's no wonder he was so humble. He wasn't the powerful and influential Zuo Shandiao anymore; he was just a vice chairman of China Film Group. There were two others at his level.

Old Han also wants to improve!

"Since you've already spoken, what else is there to say!"

As the saying goes, having connections in the court makes things easier. Zhuang Huai'an was just wondering how to get close to Han Sanping when, unexpectedly, Han Sanping delivered himself to his doorstep.

Old Han wants political achievements, while Xiao Zhuang wants connections.

This is like a turtle eyeing a green bean; they've hit it off.

Han Sanping is the head of China Film Group, which is the only truly state-owned enterprise in the industry. In the next ten years or so, Zhuang Huai'an will need his help to make his mark in the industry.

"Alright, I've made the decision. Let's not go with the 30%; I'll give you half. But there's one thing I need to tell you beforehand."

Han Sanping snapped out of his reverie and asked, "What is it?"

Regarding the royalty sharing in overseas regions,

Zhuang Huai'an explained, "To be honest, I just finished a deal with MK2. They will get priority access to the distribution rights for the next three films. Also, I'm aiming for the Berlin Film Festival for my next film. You know the unspoken rules of the Big Three, especially regarding public relations..."

He didn't explain it very clearly, but Han Sanping understood.

This is a difficult matter for China Film Group, a state-owned enterprise. If it's not handled properly, it could easily be labeled as a loss of state-owned assets, turning a good thing into a bad one.

Just as Lao Han was having some trouble, Wang Jingsong coughed and offered his opinion.

"I've started to understand what you're talking about. I have a suggestion I'd like to hear."

As a direct descendant of the Beijing Film Academy, Wang Jingsong and Han Sanping have been friends for many years. Without this relationship, Han Sanping would not have discussed this with Zhuang Huai'an in Wang Jingsong's presence.

"Old Wang, what do you say?"

"Still invest 30%, but could you change the name for the publicity and distribution? As the leading Chinese-language film company, doesn't China Film Group have any policies to support Chinese-language films going global?"

Wang Jingsong's words were also not very clear, but Han Sanping's eyes lit up.

Policy? That would be great!

"Also..." Wang Jingsong calmly took a puff of his cigarette and said, "I heard that Shanghai Film Studio isn't doing too well lately. I've also read the script for 'Gone Girl,' and I think filming in Shanghai would be quite suitable."

Wow, those words made Zhuang Huai'an give him a thumbs up.

That's why they say when three men sit together, a genius idea will randomly emerge.

The surname Wang Jingsong is quite fitting.

No wonder he's the tough guy who uses rubber bands to make a slingshot to break people's windows; he's got some skills.