The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 514 I am very confident

At 2011pm on May 5, 14, drizzle was falling in the sky in Cannes.

Li Shengyao watched movies all day again today. He felt as refreshed as when he went home and watched cartoons when he was a child.

Without the trivial matters of life and the pressure of work, he just immersed himself in the world of movies. This was a rare time for him to enjoy movies after time travel.

He separated from Dapeng and Xiao Ming, and then went back to his room to take a shower, planning to go to bed early and continue watching movies tomorrow.

Ten minutes later, Li Shengyao took a shower and received a strange phone call. He then went out.

A moment later, he saw Shi Nansheng in the hotel cafe.

This aunt who has just turned [-] is dressed very fashionably. She wears silk long sleeves on her upper body, a pair of denim trousers, and a silk scarf. She has the feeling of being an elite in the fashion circle.

Her hair has turned white, but she doesn't seem to be pretending to be young.

Shi Nansheng is a capable person, and Tsui Hark can concentrate on making movies. The big reason is that Shi Nansheng helped him solve the problems outside the set.

Moreover, she is good at dancing and has good relationships with various film and television companies in the Hong Kong film and television industry.

This time Cannes invited her to be a judge, which can be regarded as an affirmation for her.

Li Shengyao had met with Shi Nansheng before and talked about some things, but they were relatively superficial. They could only be described as acquaintances, not friends.

At this time, Shi Nansheng was the judge and Li Shengyao was the director of the participating film. It was actually not good for the two to meet.

Although the current social atmosphere is more tolerant and does not care too much about the contact between the judges and participating directors, taking photos of the paparazzi will eventually have some impact.

Shi Nansheng called and invited him to have a drink together. Li Shengyao didn't want to accept the invitation, but after thinking about it, he went over.

Shi Nansheng is a strong woman. Such a woman would not do anything that wastes time. She must have something to do, so she approached Li Shengyao.

He intends to go and have a look.

"Director Li, you are so handsome, just like Liming when he was young."

Li Ming was really handsome when she was young. Female celebrities would be nymphomaniacs when they were engaged in activities in other countries.

Li Shengyao smiled and said, "Miss Shi, you are also very beautiful. Just like Zhao Yazhi, your style is still the same as before."

Heather then waved and asked for a cup of coffee.

Li Shengyao thought for a while and asked for a glass of orange juice.

"Director Li, how are you these days?"

Shi Nansheng saw it in his eyes, and then asked Youyou.

"It's okay, I'm not Chen Kexin, I'm stronger than him."

Li Shengyao made a joke.

Chen Kexin came with the "Martial Arts" team to take advantage of the excitement and wanted to make a breakthrough in Cannes. However, foreign audiences and judges did not like this setting very much and had little interest in kung fu movies.

The film made no waves at Cannes and was a silent success.

Chen Kexin was so shocked that she left Cannes early the next morning after the screening of "Martial Arts".

If "1937" is not well-received at the screening and is definitely not eligible for awards, Lee Sheng-yew will leave Cannes early the next morning.

But this does not affect his current oral pleasure.

Shi Nansheng nodded, and then said: "Both "Crimson Moon" and "One Life" have been screened and have good reputations. I think they should be shortlisted for the best film."

"Vermilion Moon" is a film by Japanese director Naomi Kawase.

"One Life" is a film by Japanese director Takashi Miike.

Miike Takashi has a moderate influence in the world of cinema.

Naomi Kawase is different. She is known as the most outstanding female director in the island country. She is only 42 years old and has already won two jury awards at Cannes. She is called the daughter of Cannes.

In Lee Sheng-yew's previous life, ten years later, Naomi Kawase would become the first Asian female director to win the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

This time at the Cannes Film Festival, there were only two Chinese-language films participating. Peninsula, Ah San, and others did not enter many films, and the response was not good. Like "Martial Arts", there was no splash.

At this time, if "1937" hits the streets like this.

At this year's Cannes Film Festival, the Island Film Festival will be the representative of Asian films.

Although there is no confrontation between the two countries' filmmakers, losing to the island country's films will undoubtedly make Director Li look bad.

Li Shengyao actually knew about "The Moon" and "One Life". He didn't watch "One Life", but he did watch "The Moon" and it was indeed beautifully shot.

Naomi Kawase likes to shoot nature very much. In her movies, nature is the real protagonist, and humans are just little bugs active on it.

With such a big concept, Naomi Kawase's film is very free and easy.

The messy trivial matters of human beings are just small embellishments and gadgets in her movies, which are very relaxing to watch.

"I watched "Crimson Moon" and it was indeed an excellent movie."

Shi Nansheng picked up the coffee, took a sip, and then said slowly: "I have seen some reports from the Hong Kong media, saying that Chinese-language films will be wiped out, and the island country's films will lead Asia at this Cannes Film Festival."

"Oh, the Hong Kong media still likes to talk nonsense."

"It's not necessarily nonsense. Now the pressure is on "1937". Everyone hopes that your movie will be successful."

Shi Nansheng looked at Li Shengyao, his voice was very soft.

Director Li is now a major domestic entertainment capitalist and a theater chain boss, so he cannot be offended.

She didn't want to make Li Shengyao angry.

Li Shengyao nodded, "I have no problem, I have confidence."

Shi Nansheng then said: "You are the most successful commercial film director in Asia. We all believe in your ability. Lao Du and I both like your movies."

Lao Du is Du Qifeng.

Li Shengyao chuckled and drank orange juice, but did not answer the call.

Du Qifeng is definitely talented, but he is biased against the mainland.

Wang Jingdu knew that the decline of Hong Kong movies had nothing to do with the mainland. As a result, Johnnie To said all day long that it was the mainland that restricted the development of Hong Kong movies and yin and yang with the censorship of mainland movies.

"Hong Kong Island movies and mainland movies are both Chinese-language movies. We are our own family. We will definitely be fair and just to "1937"."

Li Shengyao moved slightly when he heard this.

Could it be that Shi Nansheng came to him tonight just to show that he would be fair and just?
This kind of thing should be done in the first place, why do you need to express your position?
The only explanation is that there is something else going on with Heather.

Li Shengyao wanted to take a rest early and be energetic enough to go watch a movie tomorrow, so he directly asked, "Miss Shi, do you have anything else to say?"

Shi Nansheng shook his head, "No, that's it. I'm here to tell you. I hope Hong Kong films and mainland films can grow with each other and make progress together."

Seeing that Li Shengyao's face remained unchanged and he was in a good mood, she continued: "The development of Hong Kong movies has been hindered in recent years. You are a big boss in the mainland. We hope you can help Hong Kong movies."

Finally, the real purpose was revealed, hoping that Director Li would understand.

Next, Shi Nansheng and Johnnie To will support "1937", which means that Director Li owes a favor, and the price is that Director Li will take more care of Hong Kong films in the future.Hearing this, Li Shengyao glanced at Shi Nansheng.

He felt funny in his heart. As a judge, he should be fair and impartial, but now Shi Nansheng used this matter to make him make some kind of promise.

He thought it was ridiculous.

Perhaps Shi Nansheng and Du Qifeng felt that he needed to be escorted, but he had never had such an idea. He was very confident.

He shook his head, "Miss Shi, I can't guarantee you what you said. I'm tired tonight, so that's it."

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Shengyao stood up, and then quickly left under the astonished gaze of Shi Nansheng.

……

The incident with Heather did not affect Li Shengyao's mood for watching movies. The next day, he was still watching various movies.

一直到了2011年5月16日上午9点，《1937》正式展映，他这才收起了悠闲的心情，准备《1937》的展映。

According to Li Shengyao's thoughtful consideration.

"1937" will be screened twice in succession at the Cannes Film Festival, both in theaters with a capacity of 300 people.

When the time came, Dunst, Pitt, Jolie, and De Niro, as well as some filmmakers whom Lee Sheng-yew didn't know, came to the screening hall of "1937".

De Niro also stopped to chat with Lee Sing-yew for a while.

"Lee, your movie has a very good gimmick, but I hope it is not just an eye-catching thing, but also a great innovation and development."

De Niro then entered the theater.

Li Shengyao did not go in. He had already watched "1937" and planned to sit outside and feel the emotions of the audience inside.

At this time, audiences were entering the theater one after another. Many viewers went straight to the "1937" screening theater. It seemed that they came here for this movie.

Most of them are white people, who should be French natives.

He was a little surprised. He didn't arrange for anyone to promote "1937" in Cannes, so why did so many locals come to watch "1937"?

At this moment, the staff inside the theater stood at the door, stopping the audience who wanted to continue entering the theater.

"There are already 300 people seated, and there are no empty seats inside."

The screening had a 100% attendance rate.

Many movie fans stood at the door, looking helpless.

Li Shengyao winked at Dapeng and asked him to go over and inquire about the news.

After a while, Dapeng came back with an excited face, "Director, the official website of the Cannes Film Festival recommended several participating films, and "1937" is one of them."

It turned out to be the case.

There was actually an official recommendation. Li Shengyao smiled and said, "Okay, let's wait and see the effect."

More and more local movie fans are coming here to watch "1937". Many of them expressed regret when they heard that the theater was full.

Li Shengyao sat on a chair outside the cinema, smiling at the fans who came over.

At this moment, a middle-aged man wearing an Armani suit came over, stretched out his hand and said, "Li, nice to meet you. I am the marketing manager of Gaumont Film Company. My name is John."

John is about 40 years old, with a strong body and broad shoulders. He exercises regularly at first glance.

He didn't have much hair left, but it was still carefully taken care of and combed completely back.

Overall, this is a European elite.

And if John is not lying, as the marketing manager of Gaumont Film Company, he has indeed climbed to a very high level.

After European integration, France and Germany frantically occupied and devoured high-quality industries in other countries.

Now the three largest film distribution companies and the three largest cinema chain companies in Europe are all French companies.

These three companies are Gaumont Films, EMI Films, and Europa Films.

Among them, Gaumont Films was the earliest established in [-]. It is now a giant in the European film and television industry. They produce, distribute, and have theaters.

Gaumont's films had great influence throughout Europe.

Li Shengyao stood up, shook hands with John, and then said some kind words.

"Li, although I haven't seen your movie yet, I think it is an excellent movie and I highly recognize your talent."

Li Shengyao remained vigilant, smiled and nodded.

John then said some nice words, and then he said: "Li, we are very optimistic about the development of "1937" in the European film market. We want to purchase the theatrical rights of "1937" for 500 million euros."

To purchase the copyright, Gaumont paid 500 million euros. After that, all the box office profits from the European screening of "1937" belong to Gaumont and have nothing to do with Fenghua.

This kind of buying and selling transactions is actually the mainstream in today's world.

Not all movies from all countries are Hollywood movies, which can be distributed globally and make money all over the world.

Most movies from small countries sell their copyrights in one go at relatively low prices.

Mainland publishing companies actually like to play this trick.

In Lee Sheng-yew's previous life, Tyrande's "Genius Gunman" was reportedly sold to Hengye Films in the Mainland for 50 yuan, and then made hundreds of millions.

"Dangal, Dad" was sold to Mainland China Film and Television Company, with a copyright of only 300 million.

Now Gaumont is willing to offer a price of 500 million euros, which is actually a high price. Almost 4000 million people have lost money.

Upon hearing this, Lee Sheng-yao paused slightly, then smiled and shook his head, "I'm glad that Gaumont Pictures is so optimistic about "1937", but we have already made an agreement with Warner, and Warner will help with global distribution."

John frowned slightly when he heard Warner, but he did not give up, "Lee, I think you should think carefully about "1937"."

"If "1937" has a good reputation, then it will be distributed by Warner Bros., so there will be no problem."

"But if "1937" doesn't get a good reputation, then even if it is distributed by Warner, it may not be able to earn 500 million euros in Europe."

"And now we are giving you a chance. You can get 500 million euros steadily without worrying about the subsequent box office."

Do you want a stable 500 million euros, or do you want to gain higher profits?

It's a matter of choice.

At this time, "1937" was being shown in the theater. There was no laughter or applause, and it seemed very quiet.

A group of movie fans who just wanted to come over to watch "1937" saw that there were no seats, and most of them left. Only a few seven or eight people were willing to sit aside and wait.

Li Shengyao actually understood what John said.

However, he rehearsed for five months, filmed for three months, and filmed for two months. Including the preparation time, it took a total of almost a year and hired more than 4000 extras.

He is naturally confident in his film.

"John, I've thought very clearly that we will work with Warner Bros. for global distribution."

(End of this chapter)