The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 552 The world’s great director

Cannes is a coastal city and a world-famous tourist destination.

Naturally, many hotels were built.

This is a huge advantage Cannes has over Venice and Berlin.

Venice is a water city, and the most important means of transportation in the city is boats. Many places are not even accessible to traffic.

This leads to the fact that although water cruises are very romantic and poetic, there are too few places where you can connect quickly and smoothly.

The Venice Film Festival will be hosted on Lido, the largest island in the city.

This island is also nicknamed the Automobile City, not because the island produces cars, but because other islands in Venice are not accessible to traffic. Only Lido Island is large enough and has spacious roads for cars to drive on.

But compared to Cannes, Lido Island is naturally not that wide and is still too crowded.

If it is during the film festival, there are many tourists and there are often traffic jams.

This has become an important factor restricting the development of the Venice Film Festival. Local officials once discussed whether to fill in the river, but they were rejected.

As for Berlin, it is the capital of Germany, a place with a strong political atmosphere, with average scenery and no special features, and the upper limit is visibly low.

Taken together, in terms of topography, Cannes is the best location among the three major film festivals.

There are many hotels here, and the annual Cannes Film Festival celebration banquet is a project that major hotels compete for.

The 2012 film festival celebration dinner was held at the Martinez Hotel.

This hotel is said to have been opened in the 20s. It is said to be a hotel, but more like a manor.

At this time, a group of celebrities, stars, directors and producers were enjoying fine wine and food on the grass outside the hotel building.

The clinking sound of glasses can be heard in English, French, Korean, Chinese, and other languages.

The smell of perfume mixed with baguettes floated in the air.

The lights all around the hotel lawn were turned on, there were long tables, a variety of pastries, and wine of various colors.

Hundreds of reporters followed, holding cameras in the distance, turning on flashes, and taking photos.

Li Shengyao was smiling. He was not sure how many people he had taken pictures with. If not three hundred, maybe two hundred and five.

Only then did I realize that smiling is not an easy thing.

He wasn't sure if his smile was fake, so he could only say it was as sincere as possible.

After standing for about 10 minutes, he finally had some time to rest. Then he sat down, picked up a piece of pastry and ate it.

At this moment, Zheng Youmei, wearing a green dress with her back exposed, walked over with an adoring look on her face.

"Senior, congratulations."

Li Shengyao looked at Zheng Youmei, their eyes met, and nodded, "Thank you."

"Senior, our director wants to visit you, is that okay?"

It's just a visit, does it need to be so formal?

Li Shengyao was stunned when he heard this. He noticed that Zheng Youmei's serious expression did not look like he was joking, and then he came back to his senses.

Hong Sang-soo, the director of "In a Foreign Country", is a very unique director.

His status in the Peninsula film and television industry should be among the top five.

In Lee Sung-yao's previous life, Hong Sang-soo would later win the Venice Silver Lion Award for Best Director and Best Screenplay.

This person has a withdrawn personality and is deeply wary of everything in the outside world. Except for making movies, he rarely appears in front of the camera.

He has never appeared on variety shows, and he doesn't even care about movie promotions, which means he only shows up on the premiere day.

That is to say, he never cares about the box office of movies.

Of course, this person is not unconventional and will cheat on Jin Minxi in a few years.

Brother is right, men all make mistakes.

To sum up, in this world, apart from beautiful women and confidants, Hong Sang-soo is probably the only one who can appreciate film awards.

Hong Sang-soo makes a movie every year and must participate in a film festival, either in Cannes, Venice or Berlin.

He knows very well that with a character like his, even if every movie he makes loses money and he can dominate the peninsula, he can win awards.

Li Shengyao thought of something and nodded, "Of course, Director Hong is a director I admire."

Not long after, Hong Sang-soo came over with the actors from "In a Foreign Country". He looked much older than his actual age.

He was just 50 years old, but he had white hair and an old face, like someone in his sixties.

"Director Li, congratulations on winning the grand prize. You are the pride of our Asian films. I watched "Parasite". This movie is great and will definitely shock the whole world.

This movie will definitely win more awards, and maybe it will compete for honors in next year's Oscars. "

Lee Sheng-yao smiled and shook hands with Hong Sang-soo, "Director Hong, you're welcome. You are my senior and I like your movies very much."

Hong Sang-soo's eyes lit up when he heard this, and then he said: "Really, Director Li, what do you think of "In a Foreign Country"?"

Lee Sing-yew has not watched "In a Foreign Country", but when he was teaching Zheng Youmei, he heard Zheng Youmei talk about the plot of the movie.

At that time, he remembered that he had read some movie reviews of "In a Foreign Country" in his previous life.

Although "In a Foreign Country" did not win an award at Cannes, it was highly praised by the industry. The film was selected into the top ten films of Cahiers du Cinéma in 2012.

"It's great. The collision of Eastern and Western cultures in this movie is very interesting and full of thoughts. I like it very much."

Hong Sang-soo and Chief Jia, Nanni Moretti are directors of the same type.

The theme of Chief Jia's movies is always young people in small towns in a big era.

The themes of Nanni Moretti's movies are always the various plights and thoughts of ordinary people in ordinary lives.

Hong Sang-soo's movies are always about the uneasiness and desire in the emotions of men and women.

Digging into a subject this deeply may seem a bit monotonous, but if you shoot it well, you can win awards.

Hearing this, Hong Sangxiu nodded excitedly, turned to look at a few people around him, and after receiving affirmative looks from others, he said: "Director Li, thank you for your recognition. "Parasite" is very good. I will wait until the movie is released." Yes, I will go to the cinema to support "Parasite"."

Hong Sang-soo didn't even bother to go to the cinema to watch his own movie. It was very rare for him to go to the cinema to watch "Parasite".

Li Shengyao smiled, and then chatted with Hong Sangxiu for a while, and then Hong Sangxiu left with satisfaction.

Before leaving, he turned around, bowed to Li Shengyao, and said respectfully: "Director Li, I am very happy to communicate with you. I hope to have more communication and cooperation with you in the future."

Li Shengyao poured a glass of yellow orange juice and took a sip. It was sour and sweet.

He noticed that Hong Sangxiu was still looking at him after leaving, so he smiled and waved.

A person like Hong Sang-soo, who is like no one on the peninsula, is so polite to him now, and he has the attitude of being a late learner.

He had some vague guesses.

If he won the Palme d'Or last year, he became an outstanding new director.

Well, this year he won the Palme d'Or again. Although Lee Sung-yew is still very young, in the industry, there is no doubt that he is not only a new director, but also a world-famous director.

In addition to making movies in the future, there will definitely be a lot of film festivals. The film awards invited Lee Sung-yew to be a judge. With two Palme d'Or in hand, it is not impossible to be the chief seal of the jury.

Like the Oscars, there are hundreds of judges, and a single judge is not important.

But at film festivals like Cannes, Venice, and Berlin, the tastes of the judges are crucial.

Just like this year's Cannes Film Festival, Nanni Moretti is very disgusted with commercial films and likes innovative films.

This guy Reygadas's movie is a piece of shit in terms of plot, and it's a movie for a lunatic to watch, but his movies are made in novel formats and with unique techniques. Even if they are not so perfect, they still win the favor of Nanni Moretti.

If it were judged by Robert De Niro, the chief seal of the jury last year, Reygadas would definitely not win the best director.

Lee Sheung Yew's two Golden Palms, two consecutive Golden Palms that created history, have established his position in the film industry. Maybe that year will be the main seal of the Cannes Film Festival jury.

It’s not surprising that Hong Sang-soo, who is so keen on awards, comes to say good things and express his attitude.

Li Shengyao picked up the orange juice, shook it, and drank it in one gulp.

"Li, congratulations to you, you are really great. You are a genius born for movies." Director Li was just about to check if there were any delicious food at other tables. John, the theater manager of Raymond Pictures, was holding high Footcup came over.

This guy drank a lot, smelled of alcohol, and his face was red, but his eyes were calm and he was not drunk.

Last year, Lee Sung-yew won the Palme d'Or, and John spent US$200 million on behalf of Raymond Pictures to buy the rights to "1937" in Africa.

Later, John called Lee Sung-yew and said that "1937" performed well in the film market, with a total box office of US$900 million in all African countries.

Raymond Pictures owns the largest theater chain in Europe and is the largest film production company in Europe. It has no conflict with China Film.

This is a natural friend.

Li Shengyao poured another glass of orange juice, and then clinked a glass with John.

"Did you watch 'Parasite'?"

"No, I will be in England on the day of the screening. When the movie is released, I will definitely go and watch it."

John paused and then said: "Li, we have successful cooperation experience, so I won't talk nonsense. Sell the African copyright of "Parasite" to us, Raymond Pictures."

The distribution of "Parasite" in Europe and North America will definitely be handed over to Warner Bros.

As for the copyright on the African continent, it is unprofitable money, so it can naturally be sold to Raymond Pictures.

However, "1937" made 200 million US dollars, and "Parasite" naturally had more.

"1937" tells the story of the Battle of Songhu, which foreigners are not familiar with.

But "Parasite" is about class conflict, and people all over the world can understand it.

In Lee Sheng-yew's previous life, "Parasite" earned $[-] million worldwide. This movie was not released in the mainland, otherwise it might have earned $[-] million.

"No problem, but the copyright fee for "Parasite" is higher."

"Oh, how much?"

"One million dollars."

Raymond Pictures has obviously already investigated the subject matter of "Parasite" and knows that this movie is more commercial.

John smiled with a sincere look on his face, "If it were anyone else, I would definitely have to bargain, but you are different. Li, for our friendship, 300 million, the deal is done."

Although Li Shengyao didn't believe a word of it, he still raised his glass and clinked a drink with John.

Anyway, you won't die if you say a few nice words.

John continued: "Li, we at Raymond Pictures would like to have more in-depth cooperation with you and hold your personal film exhibition in France. Do you have any requirements?"

Holding a personal film exhibition is purely about making money.

After all, they are all old movies on display.

Li Shengyao naturally would not refuse. He thought for a while and said, "John, Raymond Pictures will be responsible for this matter. Just like you just agreed to my offer, I am willing to cooperate with you."

John looked delighted and continued: "Whenever you have time, we will arrange for someone to take a few sets of promotional photos for you."

"Tomorrow."

Lee Sheng Yew will not return to China immediately this time, he still has some interviews.

Including Cannes TV, as well as France News Agency and France [-], they all want to interview him.

Since he won the Palme d'Or in France, Lee Sheng Yew will naturally give him face.

"We will also arrange some French stars to guide you. This film exhibition will definitely not disappoint you."

"Thank you."

John blinked and continued: "Li, we at Raymond Pictures attach great importance to you. Just like I said last year, we want to cooperate with you at any time. No matter what projects you have, you can negotiate with us." , we have funds and channels.”

Li Shengyao nodded, "I understand. If there is a suitable project, I am willing to cooperate with you."

Hearing this, John put down his glass, clapped his hands and said, "Li, I'm looking forward to it very much."

Li Shengyao chatted with John for a while, and then the two separated.

Under the warm light, men were wearing suits, women were wearing dresses, and some were wearing dazzling gems.

Everyone was smiling, laughing everywhere, with kind faces and friendly voices.

The smell of delicious perfume, red wine, and baguettes floated in the air.

At this moment, this place is like a paradise on earth.

Li Shengyao knows that Raymond Pictures is not doing charity. This year John is more generous and enthusiastic than last year. It is definitely not because he has become more handsome or because John is in a good mood.

The only reason is that he won the Palme d'Or twice in a row and his status in the world of cinema has improved.

Just like Hong Sang-soo, Lee Sheng-yao could influence some things, and John's attitude changed.

This is just the beginning. I believe that more people in the film industry will show him a kind and kind side in the future.

The celebration banquet has come to an end, and Li Shengyao plans to find Liu Dehua, Liang Jiawui and others to go back to the hotel together later.

At this moment, Cannes Film Festival Chief Seal Jacob and Trenty Niang, Emmanuelle Riva came over.

Jacob is 80 years old. He has no hair and a tired face. He does not look like a traditional Frenchman, but looks a bit like an old Asian man.

Niang is 82 years old this year. He is an actor. Although he is older, he takes better care of himself than Jacob. He has white hair, but he has his own temperament.

Riva is 85 years old.She is in a similar state to Niang, and one can imagine that she was very beautiful when she was young.

Niang and Riva are the male and female protagonists of "Love". Together, they are 167 years old.

In Lee Sheung Yew's previous life, although these two did not win the Best Actor and Actor at the Cannes Film Festival, they would later win the French César Award for Best Actor, and they would also win the Best Actor Award at many film festivals.

Li Shengyao always respects people who are dedicated and passionate about movies, so he took the initiative to welcome him.

"Li, congratulations, you are the shining star tonight, and Cannes has become richer and more beautiful because of you."

Before Li Shengyao could speak, Jacob spoke first. He spoke very standard English.

Niang and Riva then said some words of praise.

Li Shengyao said modestly: "Mr. Zhu Xi is so polite. I am just lucky. In addition, I would like to thank the organizers of the film festival and the judges. Your recognition makes me more confident."

Jacob was very satisfied with Lee Sheng-yew's attitude. He smiled and said: "Lee, you are very good. Among the new generation of directors, I am most optimistic about you. I hope you can continue to make great films. Cannes is like your home." Just the same, we are always full of expectations, full of enthusiasm and welcome you at any time.”

After the words fell, Jacob turned his eyes to Li Shengyao's face.

In fact, he is not a film major. He just liked movies when he was a student. After leaving school, he worked in a factory. However, he has always loved movies and often wrote articles for various film magazines.

When he was 40 years old, the factory where he worked was acquired by the Chinese. He was appreciated by Robert Bray, the chief seal of the Cannes Film Festival at the time, and entered the Cannes Film Festival to work, and quickly rose to the top.

He has been the chief seal of Cannes for 80 years, starting in the 30s.

It was under his full promotion that Cannes became the world's number one film festival.

But competition at Cannes remains.

Among the three major film festivals in Europe, the Cannes Film Festival is more commercial and likes to find a balance between commerce and art.

The Venice Film Festival made mistakes during World War II, but later focused on artistry.

The Berlin Film Festival was the last to be established and took a different approach, focusing mainly on films that are niche or have questionable political foundations.

Under such circumstances, the three major film festivals each had their own film selection criteria from the beginning.

However, good movies and good directors are always scarce, and the three major film festivals will cultivate their own direct directors.

Jacob hopes that Lee Sung-yew will make good movies in the future, and his first choice is the Cannes Film Festival.

Li Shengyao nodded, "Mr. Zhu Xi, just like you said, Cannes is my home. I will remember this. I hope to make more movies and shine in Cannes."

Jacob heard this and nodded happily, "Li, you have already set a new record in Cannes. You are still so young. I believe you can create more excellent records."

"Haha, this is what I expected."

(End of this chapter)