The King of Directors 2000

Chapter 377

At 2007 o'clock in the evening on January 1, 5, it was cool in Paris, and the cold wind was like a swimming snake, which could get into even the smallest gaps, making people shiver.

The banquet hall of the Elysee Palace was extremely lively, and celebrities from all over France came here.

There are not only actors and singers in the entertainment circle, but also writers, painters in the cultural circle, and people in the fashion circle.

In addition to these people, there are many people from other countries.

It's like the bean from Great Britain and the ball flower from Italy.

And Li Shengyao and Cheng Long from China.

"Taken" has been released for almost a month, and it will be released in most places.

Cheng Long is very popular in France, and this will be the last publicity place for Lee Sung Yew and Cheng Long.

At this time, the French President's Office issued an invitation, saying that it was Chirac's New Year's banquet for a group of celebrities in Paris, so Li Shengyao and Cheng Long came over.

It is naturally a matter of pride to be invited by the French President Barrel.

Chinese actors are rarely invited, only Cheng Long, Gong Li, and Zhang Manyu have attended such banquets long ago.

It was the first time for Li Shengyao to participate in such a national-level dinner.

After taking a shower in the afternoon, he changed into a neat suit and brought a box of small umbrellas, and then came to the Elysee Palace with Cheng Long.

Cheng Long is very popular in France, the two of them just entered the hall, Cheng Long was then dragged away by others.

Li Shengyao could only find a seat and sit quietly.

At this time, more and more people entered the hall. Except for Jean Lei Nuo, the bastard from "Shut up", and Doudou, he didn't know any other men.

Of course, women don't recognize much, that is, Ball Flower, and Sophie Marceau.

Just when Li Shengyao felt that this was a buffet-like dinner party, and he would have a meal alone, a waiter led him to a large room inside.

I saw a circle of sofas and a large fireplace in the room. At this time, some charcoal fires were burning, which were yellow.

Several people were already sitting on the left side of the sofa, and the other person was Chirac, the chief barrel of France.

Mr. Zong Tong is tall, even if he is sitting, it can be seen that he is very tall.

With a kind face, he is much more handsome than Lei Nuo and Erdan.

With long hands and long feet, he has a military temperament.

Sitting on Chirac's left were the Chinese ambassador and Cheng Long, and on the right were two unknown men with big noses.

Most men in France are not tall, but their noses are really big. When they see Cheng Long, they should have special feelings.

Li Shengyao naturally sat beside Cheng Long.

"Li, you are so young, it's amazing. I watched "Taken" and it was very good. Your previous TV series were also very good. I saw "Winter Sonata" on some TV channels in France. You will be The pride of China."

Chirac had obviously read Lee Seung Yew's profile a long time ago, and after the introduction, he boasted.

Even though Li Shengyao knew it was a compliment, he couldn't take it seriously.

However, I am very happy to be praised by Wuchang's general manager.

He suppressed the joy in his heart and said some modest words.

"Li, when you were filming "Taken", you stayed in Paris for almost three months. What's your impression of Paris?"

"It's great. It has a unique atmosphere. There are artworks everywhere, and there are picturesque scenery everywhere. If I don't have inspiration, if I encounter difficulties, I think I can come to Paris, and this place can inspire me."

Except for places with more tourists, such as under the Eiffel Tower, such as the Champs-Elysées, such as the Arc de Triomphe, other places in Paris are full of dog poop and smell of urine everywhere.

Compared with domestic, it does have a different atmosphere.

Li Shengyao, this is an obvious official phrase.

Hearing this, Chirac looked at Li Shengyao meaningfully, and then chuckled, "Li, you speak like an old man. I've probably heard what you say tens of thousands of times."

Li Shengyao paused for a while, and then said: "Mr. Boss, if you want to hear something else, I can talk about another one now."

Everyone laughed lightly.

At this time, it would be embarrassing to be obedient, but it would be more interesting to speak out generously.

Chirac nodded, and continued: "I heard that your movie has already won the highest box office."

Naturally, what he was talking about was not the highest box office of the world's movies, but Chinese movies.

Previously, the highest-grossing Chinese film was "Hidden Dragon and Crouching Tiger", with a total global box office of 5000 million US dollars.

And "Taken 1" has almost $[-] million in box office.

Many newspapers have been discussing this matter recently.

Cheng Long answered a sentence, confirming Chirac's statement.

Chirac said with emotion: "It's amazing, young man, you have done something that many Hollywood directors can't do."

He went on to say: "If you have the opportunity to come to France to make movies in the future, you can go to the northern countryside to see. The environment and folk customs there are different from those in Paris."

Li Shengyao nodded in agreement.

Chirac then turned to Cheng Long and chatted with Cheng Long.

The eldest brother has always been very energetic and has a strong self-esteem. At this time, the French boss chatted with him, and the eldest brother was very excited.

When Chirac asked a question, the eldest brother could reply for two or three minutes, and he answered eloquently. He was obviously much more eager than Lee Shengyao.

Not long after, Li Shengyao, Cheng Long and the others left the room and went outside.

At this time, the buffet had already started, and Cheng Long quickly took it away.

Li Shengyao knew the way, found a quiet place, and looked at the others with a smile.

There are a lot of delicacies on the long dining table, some of the bread looks shiny, and there is a strong smell of wheat from a distance.

French bread is notoriously delicious.

Li Shengyao brought the plate, and then took three small pieces of bread.

The bread is yellow and crescent-shaped, dotted with thread-like sesame seeds.

Li Shengyao took a bite, mixed with cream, wheat, sesame, and other spices, very fragrant.

At this time, there was a sudden sound of the piano in the hall, and the handsome men and women began to cuddle and dance lightly.

Under bright lights, it looks like a movie scene.

Li Shengyao lowered his head, and the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up.

He's in a great mood right now.

He thought of delicious bread, Chirac, and "Taken" with a global box office of [-] million.

After a busy year, it finally paid off.

……

That is, the second day after attending the Elysee Palace dinner, Li Shengyao and Cheng Long flew to the beautiful country.

Cheng Long had something to discuss with the people from New Line Films, so he left first after getting off the plane.

Meanwhile, Li Shengyao and his assistant got into another car.

Not long after, they arrived at the Hilton Hotel and took a hasty rest after washing up.

When Li Shengyao woke up, it was already dark, and he then met Michael Thompson, the head of AMC's disc distribution department.

Thompson is a black brother, in his thirties, about 1.8 meters five, he should exercise regularly, and his muscles are almost bursting out.

The welfare of the beautiful country is good, even the poor can go to receive relief funds and shopping coupons.

They have no shortage of dairy and fresh meat.

There are very few skinny people in this situation.

But the poor have no time, no place to exercise, eat less vegetables, and tend to gain weight.

On the contrary, rich people can hire personal trainers, have time, exercise regularly, and have a good figure.

"Hey Lee, you're as handsome as Tom Cruise."

When Thompson spoke, he bared his big white teeth.

Li Shengyao smiled, "I'm very happy to be recognized by you. I was originally an actor. If I hadn't been a director, maybe I would be another Tom Cruise."

If it was in China, Lee Sheng Yew would definitely not say that.

But people in the beautiful country just like to brag, the louder they brag, the happier they are.

If you don't follow along, they will think you are abnormal and lack self-confidence.

Thompson nodded, and said some compliments. He is very patient, more patient than the average black brother.

After a while, Thompson drank half a glass of wine, and then said: "Li, we at AMC Group appreciate your talent very much, you are a very remarkable person, you are so young, but your movie's global box office has reached [-] Billion dollars, you have created many incredible achievements."

"Our AMC Group is willing to cooperate with you for a long time. The movies you own, whether it is "Taken" or "The Raid 1", can be handed over to AMC Group for disc production and distribution."

"In order to cooperate with you, all our high-level executives have conducted serious discussions. We can become long-term partners. Afterwards, AMC Group will only charge 18.00% for the production and distribution of discs."

Generally, disc production and distribution account for about 20.00%.

If the box office of Lee Sing Yew's movie theaters can recover the cost, then the subsequent disc income is pure profit.

The copyright is in his hands, and this part of the proceeds belongs exclusively to him.

如果碟片能卖到5000万美刀，20.00%就是1000万美刀，18.00%就是900万美刀。

The difference between the two is $100 million.

The accumulation of less makes more, and the number of movies increases, which is also a lot of money.

Li Shengyao didn't expect AMC Group to be so optimistic about him this time, he couldn't help but feel a little moved.

Thompson went on to say: "We also have the largest theater chain in the beautiful country, and we have the most theaters. If you cooperate with us, we can arrange your movie posters in the most prominent positions in the theater in the future. These can be included in the agreement. Here, I promise you won't suffer."

Lee Sheng Yew was relatively frugal in publicity. If someone could help promote his movie and put his movie poster in the best position, it would be a very cost-effective thing.

At this time, there was a sound of high-heeled shoes outside, and a tall, long-haired woman came slowly pushing a dining car.

She should have practiced dancing, walking swayingly, full of temptation.

She cast a few winks at Li Shengyao.

There is a contract and a glass of high-end red wine on the dining car.

Thompson skillfully took the contract and the red wine, and then said: "How about it, Li? Let's become closer partners."

Looking at Thompson's skillful appearance, Li Shengyao thought of the face of capitalists described in high school textbooks.

He is very clear that AMC Group is willing to do this, there must be a reason.

AMC is already the largest theater chain in the United States, but they are still actively exploring other markets, among which Xinmatai and Hong Kong Island are the places they covet.

Lee Sing Yew's films have made good profits in these places.

Building a good relationship with Lee Shing Yew will not only earn a share of the disc, but also benefit their development in Southeast Asia.

So under such circumstances, should Lee Sung Yew cooperate with them?
The conditions Thompson mentioned just now sound pretty good, and they are attractive to Li Shengyao.

only……

Li Shengyao thought about the financing for the production of "Taken 2".

He is very clear that the Hollywood production company must participate in this movie, otherwise, whether the second movie can pass the review and whether it can be released in the beautiful country are all problems.

If there is no cooperation from Hollywood companies, there will inevitably be a lot of people making trouble.

At that time, Hollywood companies invite a few Albanians to say that he insulted their country, and it will be a disaster.

But Li Shengyao is sure that "Taken 23" can make money, so he is naturally unwilling to give up the big head to others, not even Hollywood companies.

At this time, he needs to have more bargaining chips in his hands, and can give up more benefits, so as to shut up the Hollywood company.

The production and distribution of discs in the later stage of the movie is very profitable, which is also one of the chips.

Now that he is cooperating with the AMC Group, he has one less bargaining chip in his hand.

Thinking of this, Li Shengyao shook his head, and then said: "Man, I still need to seriously consider this matter, let's put it aside for now."

When Thompson heard this, a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes. He didn't expect Li Shengyao to refuse.

"Li, do you have any concerns? You want other conditions, we can continue talking."

Due to anti-monopoly laws, AMC Group cannot participate in the production of movies, and their voice in Hollywood is not as large as that of the six major production companies.

They do not represent the traditional forces of Hollywood.

Cooperating with them, the six majors are not happy, and they will continue to mess with Li Shengyao.

Therefore, it is impossible for him to cooperate with the AMC Group. He needs to choose one of the six major forces to help him solve film review or public opinion issues.

"Man, I very much recognize the strength of AMC Group, but this matter is still too hasty, I need to think about it again, and I will reply to you in a month."

Although Lee Sheng Yew said a month, Thompson knew it was a lifetime.

Many powerful foreign directors deal with them in this way.

He thought for a while, and then said: "Li, we have another preferential treatment. If you cooperate with us more deeply, in the future, your income from movie discs can be settled once a month."

The film split in the beautiful country is similar to that in the mainland, and it will take a year to a year and a half.

Discs are distributed a little faster, usually half a year, or once a season.

Now that Thompson said this, it was indeed a big favor.

After all, if you get the money early, you can increase the interest rate if you put it in the bank, right?

Li Shengyao looked at Thompson's expectant gaze, but still shook his head firmly, "Dude, wait a little longer, and I will give you an answer."

Not long after, Li Shengyao sent Thompson away. He sighed, and then patted his assistant on the shoulder, "Get ready and go back to China."

"Taken" has won a high box office, and Hollywood companies must be eyeing it. He plans to return to China first and make a decision after careful consideration.

(End of this chapter)