This director needs to apologize

Chapter 39: Using emotion to lure someone
After the screening on the night of the 8th, and on the 9th and 10th, Chen Yiming's originally planned trip to the Big Apple City completely fell through, and he had to follow Shen Pengfei to meet people behind his back.

Of course you can watch a movie together, but talking about cooperation must be done family by family.

As Sister Shen's old friend, Erchazi was naturally ranked first, and according to Chinese custom, they ate and talked at the dinner table.

At noon on the 9th, in a Chinese restaurant in downtown Montreal, Chen Yiming, Shen Pengfei, Charles and his female assistant were sitting around a round table by the window.

Erchazi continued the enthusiasm from last night and was very excited when talking about movies.

"When I first saw "Holiday" in China, I couldn't believe my eyes. Such a Hollywood-style love movie was actually made by a Chinese director.

What I like most is the reversal at the end of the movie. The characters' behavior is unexpected, but it fits my understanding of them. It seems that when the story develops here, they should make that choice.

Yiming, I was even more surprised to hear from Tracey that you have never left China.

You are a genius whose artistic sense naturally transcends race and national boundaries. You can keenly capture Western cultural concepts simply by watching movies and reading, and perfectly present them in movies.

Frankly speaking from the perspective of a friend, even without the timely exposure of Princess Margaret's Diary, the movie "Holiday" is still qualified to be remade by Hollywood.

But not necessarily now, maybe next year, maybe the year after that, maybe with the agreement on the copyright of Princess Diary, it may no longer be possible.

I don't mean to offend, but there is really no need for Hollywood to look for stories and inspiration in China. There has never been this precedent before.

I say this because I hope you can understand, Yiming, that the cooperation between "Holiday in the Magic City" and Beacon is not only a win-win business, but also a milestone in the exchange between China and Nut Films, which in itself has transcended the meaning of money. "

While Charles was speaking, Chen Yiming politely put down his chopsticks, sat upright, smiled and nodded repeatedly.

As for his inner feelings, it was completely the opposite. No matter how high-end Hollywood was, foreign devils would not resist wearing a mask to flatter you for the sake of profit.

Erchazi is worthy of being an Asia expert who speaks three foreign languages. He is familiar with the thinking logic and emotional appeal of East Asians, and he is three points more skillful than those politicians in pulling off traps.

If Chen Yiming belonged to the old studio system and had three or two leaders who pursued political achievements, the overseas rights and interests of "Holiday in the City" might have been simply given away.

Chen Yiming didn't need to speak at this time, so Shen Pengfei took over the conversation skillfully.

"Charlie, you and Dengtao's recognition of "Holiday in Magic City" is the best compliment to us. I believe Yiming thinks so too."

Having said this, Sister Shen smiled and waved her hand to Chen Yiming, who bowed slightly to express his agreement.

"We completely agree with your point of view. The achievement of being the first Chinese film to be remade by Hollywood is indeed a milestone. This step will have far-reaching consequences, so we should be extremely cautious."

As she spoke, Shen Pengfei had quietly replaced the cooperation with Lighthouse in Charles' words with cooperation with Hollywood.

She continued, "I think we can start with simpler, less involved collaborations, such as the North American distribution of "Holiday". What do you think, Charles?"

Erchazi received Shen Pengfei's transformation technique, but his expression did not change at all. He waved his right hand gracefully.

"Of course, I respect any request you and Yiming have. Every collaborator is a friend of our Lighthouse."

After expressing his stance, he naturally turned the topic back to movies, turned his eyes to Chen Yiming and asked.

"Yi Ming, after watching the movie twice, I have a question that I can't figure out."

Chen Yiming smiled and nodded, indicating that he was listening.

"It seems that the hero and heroine in the movie have never been named. I think this is deliberate. What kind of creative intention does this reflect?"

Of course the male and female protagonists in the original "Roman Holiday" had names. The princess played by Hepburn was named Anne, and the reporter played by Peck was named Joe Bradley.

However, Chen Yiming's modified version of "Holiday in the Magic City" changed the background of the story to China. No matter how the Chinese reporter's name was named, Lily would feel a little awkward when calling it.

Chen Yiming simply ignored the two people's names and directly changed to the second person when referring to each other.

Not to mention, omitting names during the conversation naturally adds a sense of acquaintance, and the effect is really good.

This has certainly been noticed by savvy movie fans. More than one film review has mentioned it and made many interpretations.

For example, the director hinted in this way that this is a fictional and absurd story.

For example, the dramatic encounter between two anonymous people foreshadowed the tragic ending from the beginning.

For example, the male and female protagonists have been deceiving each other since the beginning of their acquaintance, and the lack of names reveals this.There are so many different things. It is true that I understand Zhou Shuren better than Lu Xun.

Of course, Chen Yiming's answer was meaningless, while Erchazi transformed into a Chinese class representative and paid compliments. The conversation during lunch continued to revolve around the movie itself, as if it was just a small gathering among friends.

Charles didn't say anything to Shen Pengfei until the two parties broke up at 2 p.m.

"TRACEY, regarding the overseas release of "Holiday in Magic", you can completely trust Beacon Pictures' global distribution capabilities, and I guarantee that the buyout price will not disappoint you.

In addition, regarding the remake of "Holiday in the City", I hope you and Yiming can carefully consider it and choose a suitable partner. It will be a blessing for "Holiday in the City" and the Chinese film industry. "

……

After bidding farewell to Er Chazi and his assistant, Chen Yiming and Shen Pengfei walked back to the hotel in the car. Today, Sister Shen's style was rare and more casual. Her feet were no longer sky-high but had a pair of flat shoes.

The next meeting is scheduled in the hotel room at 3:[-] pm, which is plenty of time.

The smile on Shen Pengfei's face seemed to be wiped away suddenly, and she said seriously.

“Yiming, don’t take Charles’ compliment seriously, he is playing the emotional card.

Compared with those arrogant white guys in Hollywood, this guy understands the thinking of the Chinese people better. To him, as long as he can negotiate a business, the occasional favor is nothing. "

Chen Yiming nodded in agreement, "Thank you for reminding me. Don't worry, Sister Shen. As I said, you alone have the final say on all overseas cooperation for this film."

Shen Pengfei heard Chen Yiming's special emphasis on "all" and "one person", and a smile appeared on her face with relief.

The smile flashed and then disappeared, Shen Pengfei said seriously, "Yi Ming, today's meeting at noon can confirm two things. I can't say it is good or bad. I can only say that there is some progress."

"First, Lighthouse is willing to take over the overseas distribution of "Holiday in Magic City", but refuses the share-sharing model and insists on buying out the distribution rights.

Second, Beacon values ​​the adaptation rights of "Holiday" more than releasing the original film.

Charles's subtext is obvious. If cooperation cannot be reached for the remake, the North American release of "Holiday" will not go smoothly. "

Chen Yiming showed a trace of ignorance, "Sister Shen, I thought that with Princess Margaret, we could sit on the Diaoyutai and watch those Hollywood buyers compete with each other and the one with the highest price would win."

Shen Pengfei didn't mind Chen Yiming's slightly deliberately pretending to be stupid. She was very willing to teach young people a lesson.

"Yi Ming, I just said that Hollywood filmmakers are arrogant white guys when it comes to all outsiders. Note that when I say white guys, I refer to my stance, and it has nothing to do with skin color.

Charles has been involved in overseas markets all year round and belongs to the well-educated category. You will be able to see what true arrogance looks like this afternoon and tomorrow.

My advice to you is, don't get excited or angry, just treat it like watching a show. "

Shen Pengfei was right. During the afternoon meeting, Ioan Connor from Stan Brothers Pictures showed the arrogance of Hollywood to its fullest.

The highest level of arrogance is not looking down, not underestimating, not dwarfing, but completely ignoring.

Regardless of your wishes, treat all givens as gifts as God treats his people.

Mr. Ain is actually a very well-educated gentleman, and he always maintained a polite and well-spoken attitude throughout the entire meeting.

Chen Yiming can feel his heartfelt appreciation and recognition from his words and deeds. His praise for the film and its creators is not limited to business politeness.

But when it came to cooperation and interests, Ain's condescension hidden behind his smile suddenly filled the room.

Maybe he didn't intend to hide it.

Stein Brothers Pictures is an expert in operating Oscar awards. Over the years, it has often taken the opportunity to deal with Chinese filmmakers, so the conditions set out must be tailored to the situation.

I missed out on the foreign language film Oscar, but is Director Chen interested in participating in the adaptation of "Holiday in the City"?The Chinese have never won the Academy Award for Adapted Screenplay!

After knocking on the door of Hollywood, it is natural to be invited to be the director of a Hollywood blockbuster. The Stan Brothers will have a Huajian co-production project next year. Wouldn't Director Chen consider it?

Stan Brothers Pictures is the company that is best at distributing overseas films in Nuts. It can guarantee that "Holiday" will be released in 2000 theaters during the release period. Doesn't Director Chen want to be the Chinese director with the highest number of theaters opened in Nuts?
If Erchazi moved him with emotion, then Ain lured him with profit.

If Shen Pengfei and Chen Yiming hadn't told them who the two Stan brothers were, another Chinese director would probably have followed suit on the spot.

(End of this chapter)