The King of Directors 2000

The lights are bright and the cups and glasses are intertwined.

Most men wear suits or trendy matching designs customized by designers.

Most of the women wear long skirts or high-end clothes that look expensive.

They were in the banquet hall, walking on the smooth floor, as light as a lark, walking among the crowd.

The sound of clinking wine glasses, laughter, the sound of high heels, and the sounds of greetings in different languages ​​demonstrate the international nature of the Venice Film Festival.

Li Shengyao looked at Bellutocchi and Barbara, smiled and raised his wine glass.

"Lee, congratulations, you have accomplished an amazing thing."

Bellutucci looked a little tired. As one of Italy's best directors, he must be the focus of the celebration party.

After all, he is older and does not have enough energy. Even ordinary communication has consumed a lot of his energy.

Barbara's condition looked much better, and he spoke with a hint of excitement and excitement in his tone.

This is Barbara's first awards night after becoming the official seal of the Venice Film Festival.

Although this Venice Film Festival was inevitably affected by the Toronto Film Festival, some reporters ran away midway.

But overall, it's done well.

The awards went smoothly, there were good stars on the red carpet, and everyone in the Italian film and television industry recognized his achievements this time.

The only regret is probably that the sponsorship of the film festival is still not enough, and it is not as profitable as Cannes.

After entering the new millennium, Italy's economy stagnated.

Various activities across the country have been affected to varying degrees.

Serie A, once known as the Little World Cup, cannot afford big-name stars, has the lowest attendance among the five major leagues, and is not as impressive as the La Liga and Premier League teams in the Champions League.

As for movies that are not profitable, they also experienced a huge decline.

In the early years when Italy was rich and wealthy, they often produced historical blockbusters to commemorate the glory of Rome.

After the millennium, there are basically no historical blockbusters in Italy, only comedies, dramas, and literary films.

No money, no technology, what can you do?
  We can only place hope on external capital.

The Venice Film Festival has always wanted to imitate Cannes and hope to receive sponsorship from a large number of high-end brands.

It's a pity that these brands don't appreciate the influence of the Venice Film Festival.

Fortunately, at this time, a large number of Chinese brands went overseas. They advertised in the World Cup, the Super Bowl, and placed advertisements in various Hollywood movies. They were very rich.

Li Shengyao didn't know what Barbara and Bellutocchi meant, so he modestly said that he was just lucky and didn't say anything extra.

Barbara then said: "Li, have you seen the sincerity of our Venice Film Festival?"

"I see, Mr. Zhu Xi, I am very grateful to the Venice Film Festival for its preferential treatment."

"Li, we will have a very deep friendship from a long time ago to now and in the future. We hope that you will try to consider the Venice Film Festival in the future. No matter what movies you have, we welcome you. As long as your movies are The application process will be simplified, and hotels on Lido Island will also offer you various discounts.”

Li Shengyao listened to Barbara's words and then showed excitement, "Mr. Zhu Xi, thank you for your attention. I will give priority to the Venice Film Festival for new movies in the future."

He had some vague guesses about the purpose of Barbara and Bellutocci.

All he can do is strive for as many benefits as possible. If he promises, he can have it, but he can't promise it too much.

Barbara heard Li Shengyao's words and felt a little unhappy, but he thought that this time he would ask Li Shengyao for help, so he continued: "Li, we have a few things to ask of you."

"You said."

"We all believe that the influence of the Venice Film Festival in Asia is still too low. We want you to help the Venice Film Festival find an outstanding artist and let him be the Venice Film Festival promotion ambassador."

Although the Venice Film Festival is not as good as the Cannes Film Festival, it is still one of the top three in Europe, and the quality is still there.

This film festival promotion ambassador is most suitable for Hu Ge.

"No problem, I can help you choose an artist who is popular and has a good reputation."

Barbara continued: "Also, I heard that in China, there are many brand social public accounts. Li, can you help us operate them?"

This is a small thing, just arrange it with anyone.

Moreover, you can use the official account of the Venice Film Festival to repost the works of famous artists, which will make them more attractive.

"Yes, Mr. Zhuxi, we can arrange for someone to complete this matter."

Barbara was well prepared and continued: "Li, there will be a Sino-Italian cultural exchange event next year. Our Venice Film Festival also needs some artists to help us stand up. I need to trouble you about this matter."

It's also a trivial matter, just call over the artists who don't have jobs in Yanjing when the time comes.

Still for the above reasons, the Venice Film Festival has a strong character, and artists are actually willing to participate in such an event.

The three things that Barbara mentions seem to require Lee Sheng Yew's help, but in fact they are things that people in the entertainment industry are rushing to do. It doesn't matter that no one is willing to do them.

He entrusted these three things to Li Shengyao, which was actually a disguised benefit to Li Shengyao.

Li Shengyao naturally understood what Barbara was thinking. He responded with a smile, and then listened attentively, waiting for Barbara to reveal his goal this time.

Seeing Li Shengyao's cooperation, Barbara's dissatisfaction instantly disappeared.

Although Li Shengyao is young, he is a sophisticated person.

He was afraid that Li Shengyao didn't understand this and would still attack him inexplicably.

He had met some young men like this before.

"Li, we have one more thing that we need your help with."

"Mr. Zhuxi, tell me."

"The Venice Film Festival is actually a very good stage. At this time, not only can female stars walk on the red carpet, but brands with contributions and innovations can also be arranged to sponsor the film festival.

At our awards show and around the red carpet, advertising can be placed and resources can be shared. "

It turned out that I wanted to invite mainland brands to sponsor.

Barbara looked at Li Shengyao and said, "Li, I hope you can express our goodwill to our friends in the mainland."

This is a small matter. At this time, the country is encouraging companies to go overseas. As long as it does not transfer assets, the country will support it.

Li Shengyao noticed that Barbara was staring straight at him, and felt a little emotional in his heart. Even those who engage in art have to eat.

As the official seal of the Venice Film Festival, he also has to personally attract customers.

He was silent for a moment, then pretended to be embarrassed and struggled, and then slowly said: "Yes, Mr. Zhuxi, I can help you with your publicity, but I can't guarantee that I can only help you reveal the news. In the end, there is If no brand cooperates with the film festival, it still depends on the sincerity of the cooperation between both of you.”

"That is for sure."

Barbara then raised her glass and clinked a glass with Li Shengyao.

Bellutocchi didn't speak the whole time, just listened quietly.

When Barbara raised his glass to drink, he said to Li Shengyao: "Li, you are a talented director. I look forward to your new works. Don't put too much energy on other than your works."

Hearing this, Li Shengyao nodded in recognition, "Mr. Bellutucci, don't worry, my main focus is still on movies."

Bellutucci nodded, "It's great. When you reach my age, you will feel that your body can't keep up with your thoughts, and then there will be no use regretting it.

Only at this time, when you are least burdened, can you create your best work. " "I see. "

Bellutucci nodded, and then said to Barbara: "I have no energy anymore, I am too tired, I have to go back and rest first."

Barbara couldn't stop her, "Of course, you walk slowly."

Bellutucci nodded towards Li Shengyao, "Remember my words, don't pay too much attention to things other than your works."

After saying that, the old man left.

Barbara then warned Li Shengyao to make sure that Li Shengyao did not deal with him and kept it in mind before leaving.

Lee Sheng-yew smiled, and it was naturally beneficial to him to work closely with the Venice Film Festival.

Not only can it win prizes, it can also help Fenghua artists improve their performance.

……

The day after the Venice Film Festival celebration banquet, the crew of "Three Billboards" officially announced its disbandment. Maggie Cheung went to Paris. Simon Yam returned to China and said he missed home.

The two of them promised Lee Sheng Yew that they would return to China a month later during the movie promotion.

Li Shengyao did not go back immediately with his three apprentices.

He also has some activities that he cares about, and a very important one is to participate in TV talk shows.

Venice TV and Italian entertainment channels will arrange interviews with Lee Sheng-yew.

Li Shengyao has never liked to spend time on interviews. He has always been very candid about this matter and thinks he can talk about anything.

It's the same this time.

Li Shengyao took his three apprentices there without any preparation.

So, he met Emilia, a very famous female host in Italy, in the live broadcast room of Venice TV.

Italian women are still very beautiful, just like Monica Bellucci, a woman who can compete for the crown.

And Vieri, Inzaghi's girlfriends, all of them are very beautiful and have amazing figures.

The female host who interviewed Lee Sing-yew today is also very pretty. The two balls in the front are very interesting and make me feel full just looking at her.

Dapeng winked, but Li Shengyao ignored him.

He doesn't want to offend others, there's no need for it. He's in the limelight now and won the Best Director at the Venice Film Festival. It's time for him to be promoted, so why bother to make a scandal.

Amelia looked at Li Shengyao, her eyes brightening a little.

She has never been to Asia and has only seen Asian stars in some movies.

To be honest, both Cheng Long and Li Lianjie are very good at kung fu, but these two people don't have much masculine charm.

Few movie fans will think that Chinese boys are very handsome when they see them. In this aspect, these two are far weaker than Bruce Lee.

Bruce Lee's male hormones are still very prominent.

Emilia saw Li Shengyao at this time and felt that this young director who was very outstanding in the world and almost the best was very handsome and the type she liked.

Strong, clean, and temperamental.

"Li, can you sign autographs and take a group photo with us?"

"of course."

Not only Emilia, but also some staff came over to ask for autographs and take photos.

Li Shengyao welcomes everyone and serves with a smile.

After a while, he complied with these people's requests and then went to put on makeup.

When he returned to the studio, the interview began.

"Li, you have won two Palme d'Ors and the Best Director at the Venice Film Festival. Your achievements are the most outstanding among directors under the age of [-]. People who are not even close to you, you are How do you feel?"

"I'm very happy and I'm grateful to the judges at the Venice Film Festival."

"So are you now the number one director in Asia?"

Emilia's question was a bit unprofessional, and Li Shengyao shook his head, "No, directors Zhang Yimou and Ang Lee have better results than me."

There are several film masters in the island country, but they have all passed away.

As far as living directors are concerned, Lee Sung-yao's performance is firmly ranked first in other countries.

But in China, he is really not number one. Both Lao Mouzi and Li An surpassed him.

"Then you are the number one young director."

Why do you have to fight for the first place? Even if you want to be the first in your heart, there is no need to say it out loud.

Chinese people value reservation.

Li Shengyao glanced at Emilia. He was not sure whether she wanted to portray him as a talented director.

"It's hard to say. The biggest thing that young directors have in common is that they are young. Young people have unlimited possibilities. I am not sure whether there are more outstanding people. Looking back decades later, if the situation is still the same then, then it can be concluded. .”

Hearing this, Emilia raised her long eyelashes and looked over with big eyes, "Li, you have almost created a myth. No one has ever won two Palme d'Or in a row, and then won the Venice Film Festival." best director.

In addition, according to the evaluation of "Cahiers du Cinema", your new film "Three Billboards" continues your previous style and perfectly balances art and commerce.

You are so good, why should you be so humble? "

Li Shengyao shook his head when he heard this, "It's not exactly humility. I just tell the truth and don't want to be slapped in the face in the future."

"Okay, let's not talk about this issue, Li... "Three Billboards" is so good, how much box office do you think it can have in Europe? Thirty million? Forty million?"

Li Shengyao shook his head, "It's difficult. Generally speaking, this movie is a drama. It has [-] million in Europe, so I am very satisfied."

Emilia heard Li Shengyao's words and glanced at the producer in front of her without any trace.

Before interviewing Lee Sheng Yew, the producer hoped that Emilia would guide Lee Sheng Yew to say some powerful words, such as that the Venice Film Festival is better than the Cannes Film Festival.

Emilia immediately made an interview plan. First, she kept giving high hats to Lee Sheng Yew, making him feel proud.

However, what is unexpected is that Li Shengyao is too humble and does not accept the challenge at all.

Emilia was experienced, and she could feel that it was impossible for someone like Li Shengyao to be led to speak by others. Even if one or two hours passed, the situation would still be the same.

Unless Director Li drinks.

She wasn't sure whether to ask or not, so she looked at the producer and soon received a look of approval from him.

"Li, what do you think of Venice? Compared to Cannes, which film festival is more unique?"

Li Shengyao smiled. He had talked so much before, all because of this sentence. Of course he would not be fooled. "The Venice Film Festival is very good and very thoughtful. I like the Venice Film Festival very much. It is similar to the Cannes Film Festival. They are all world movies." A great platform.”

When Amelia heard this, she could only wink at the program producer.

This new best director at the Venice Film Festival is young, but very calm.

He is definitely not the kind of person who gets his way and gets carried away after winning an award. (End of chapter)