Full-time actor

“Great shot!”

“Very attentive!”

Zhang Yimou is a man of few words, but these few words are enough to show his position.

It was not just because he had a good relationship with Chen Yu, nor was it because of his local ties.

Instead, the comparison was made from a professional perspective.

Chen Yu's ideological values ​​have long been ahead of theirs, and the whole story is full of highlights without any dragging of the plot.

The other directors remained silent.

The president of this year's Venice jury and the president of the organizing committee have already stated their positions, so there is no need for them to say more.

Besides, they had to admire Chen Yu's top-notch script and Liu Yifei's perfect acting skills.

The film session will end.

As the host, in order to thank several directors for attending the film screening, Chen Yu specially booked the Jun Taihe Theater near the Central Academy of Drama.

When friends come from afar, we should of course treat them warmly.

While standing at the door with Liu Yifei to see the others off, Laurent Dutron, vice president of Paris MK2, stood in front of Chen Yu.

He didn't say anything at the screening, but that doesn't mean he had nothing to say.

Chen Yu also had some understanding of the person in front of him. Anyone who was in the entertainment industry would naturally be a familiar face.

To be precise, as the largest art film company in France, MK2 has always had a high opinion of itself.

They have such arrogance because of their strong abilities and influence on the entire film industry.

In particular, their hands are extremely long and they have even interfered with the jury's decision.

As for this vice president, he even declared that he looked down on commercial films.

If I remember correctly, Lauren Dutron didn't speak a word throughout the movie, making it hard to guess what he was thinking.

But now he has taken the initiative to come look for me, it is really Sima Zhao's intention, everyone knows it.

"Chan, could I invite you to have a drink?"

The drunkard doesn't mean wine.

Liu Yifei followed beside them, but saw that Luc Besson of Europa Films had already stood in front of them.

He looked at Liu Yifei with excitement.

"Ms. Crystal Liu, as Ferzan Ozpetek said, you will become an influential international superstar."

"I can definitely see the commercial value in you."

This wave of commercial hype caused Lauren Dutron, who was standing nearby, to look over sideways.

Their purpose seems to be the same.

This made Lauren Dutron's expression become a little subtle, but he still put the choice in Chen Yu's hands.

After greeting Luc Besson in front of him, Chen Yu looked at the two of them with interest.

As a highly influential film company in Europe, Europa and MK 2 are on par with each other.

However, the two businesses are in very different fields.

Europe focuses more on the field of commercial films. Most of them like to invest in low-cost, short-cycle scripts to produce standardized films that cater to the public's tastes.

In order to gain more commercial benefits, the film can be considered as one produced for profit.

But Luc Besson is not completely like that. He is a director with a distinct and sharp personality.

It not only has the romance of art films, but also has the social imprint of commercialism.

Apart from that, it has the aura of a Hollywood blockbuster.

Luc Besson, who made "Léon: The Professional", is diverse and has a very good relationship with Chinese filmmakers; compared to MK2's stubborn focus on literary and romantic stories, the range he can accept is much wider.

As for now, it seems that these two film studios are determined to get "Better Days".

"Chan, Better Days will surely shine at this year's Venice International Film Festival!"

“You know, I can help!
“When I saw the film, I knew its value.”

"Your filming is simply amazing, and it completely focuses on the exploration of human nature."

This can be considered as blatant robbery.

After hearing what Lauren Dutron said, Luc Besson naturally did not want to be left behind.

"Hey friend! The commercial value of this movie is extremely high."

"You have to know that there has never been a movie of this theme in Hollywood or even in the entire film industry. I think it is not just suitable for art films."

Liu Yifei curled the corner of her mouth and turned to look at Chen Yu beside her.

This is simply a large Shura field.

For her, things that require decision-making always make her feel conflicted.

However, this matter obviously did not stump Chen Yu. When facing the tug-of-war between the two, he was not affected at all.

Besides, without a definite quote, everything is just a passing cloud.

The two of them looked at Chen Yu, obviously waiting for him to give an explanation.

"I can give you a suggestion."

what--

Faced with the words of the person in front of them, they did not show any impatience.

After all, Chen Yu is the one who is in control of the situation now, so what they naturally have to do is to listen to his opinions.

"You two can buy the distribution rights together."

The two people in front of him looked at each other in confusion at what Chen Yu said. After looking at each other for a moment, they quickly looked away. It was obvious that they would not adopt this method.

"If you don't have any idea in this regard, then make a separate offer."

The solution has been placed in front of them, and both of them already understand Chen Yu's thoughts.

"Then I look forward to working with you."

Chen Yu’s position was very clear: before the final offer was made, their previous negotiations were of no use at all.

As for the two of them, they naturally need to go back and discuss it and apply for a quote for this movie.

"According to their thinking, would they think that you don't want to cooperate with them?"

After all, Chen Yu was too decisive just now.

"will not."

"If you want to cooperate, you must show sincerity!"

Chen Yu knows these filmmakers too well.

After all, both companies have their own purposes for "Better Days".

One is to promote art, the other is to make money!

***
evening.

Lauren Dutron was sitting on the balcony having a drink. The wine in the bottle was gradually dwindling, but it did not dispel his depression.

“Better Days” will definitely win an award!”

Lauren is almost certain.

The lineup for the film screening says it all. This year's jury is too kind to Chinese films.

Zhang Yimou is the main decision maker.

The tone set by the jury chairman is always authoritative, let alone Zhang Yimou, who is world-renowned and almost won all three gold medals at the three major European film festivals.

His position as chairman basically ensures the jury's right to speak.

No one puts on airs in front of him.

Only he is sure of the prize.

"The theme of school bullying is extremely rare in the world. Coupled with Chan and his girlfriend's acting skills and the story line, the award is highly biased!"

"Especially, every shot is extremely delicate, and the way Crystal Liu handles emotions is quite professional."

You have to know that the current market for art films is very small, and those that can achieve such a level are even rarer.

In response to Laurent Dutron's mumblings, Eric Rohmer shrugged.

“I can admit that the film was well shot.”

“But there have been many excellent works in the past two years, so it’s hard to say whether they can win awards.”

"After all, I've never seen Venice's early-stage awards!"

Eric Rohmer also has a movie released this year, and there are some doubts about Chen Yu's work this time.

There are many violent and bloody scenes. Their films are generally indistinguishable except for their different themes.

Lauren Dutron shook her head helplessly.

"You can't have any unacceptable thoughts about this movie just because of your prejudice."

"What we have to consider now is getting the distribution rights for this film."

If they get the distribution rights and win an award, that would naturally be the most gratifying thing for them.

"To be precise, MK 2 can give him the best help in a certain sense."

"As for his school, it also has a very strong reputation in the world. The international superstar Gong Li who is sitting next to us today is from this school."

“Besides—” Lauren Dutron paused.

"Mueller, Yimou and Chen Yu are also very close friends. They will surely make a move at the Venice Film Festival this time."

As if he was hypnotizing himself, Eric Rohmer remained noncommittal after hearing his descriptions.

"As the chairman of the organizer, it is impossible for Mark to mix in personal beliefs."

The two seemed to be discussing, but in fact they had a huge disagreement on the matter.

"but--"

"Comparatively speaking, I'd rather see Crystal Liu win the Best Actress award."

Laurent Dutron turned his head and looked over, but also noticed that Eric Rohmer's eyes were full of great interest.

have to say.

When they saw Crystal Liu's performance today, they really felt like their eyes were opened.

Compared with "Emergency Rescue", this time's performance has definitely made a qualitative leap.

She may no longer be called a vase.

Crystal Liu is a person who acts based on her feelings. She endured the beatings in the film, which made them admire her just thinking about it now.

This kind of explosive power will definitely make him a future superstar.

She will become a film queen with both talent and strength.

"I still think this movie is worth buying the distribution rights for."

"If we win it, even if he doesn't win the highest award in Venice, the plot and the actor's performance can still win corresponding awards."

Eric Rohmer felt somewhat helpless, as he certainly knew what the person in front of him was thinking.

Actually.

"Better Days" has a certain art film tone. In this rare situation, Lauren Dutron naturally wants to seize this opportunity.

Whether in principle or in personal feelings.

"I've confirmed it."

"Report to MK 2 headquarters now and try to get a suitable quote."

As for the other room, it was also caught up in an intense debate.

As a professional film selector, Luc Besson is very good at subject matter investment and box office.

To be precise, this film not only has the tone of an art film, but its commercial value is also immeasurable.

He is a balance between art and business. Even though he has been committed to commercial films, he still cannot miss any good work.

You must know that the market for "Better Days" this time is bound to be unprecedented.

Not to mention that this subject has not been seen yet.

The hype alone of director Chen Yu's debut film is sure to sell a lot of box office revenue.

That's what commercial movies are like. If he can earn three times the value, why wouldn't he want to try?

Luc Besson's eyes showed a determination to win, no matter what, their offer would be higher than that of MK 2.

He must win "Better Days".

Everyone had their own thoughts that night.

Everyone has their own opinions on this matter, and as for MK 2, it has naturally taken the fastest measure.

Both companies want to take a bite of this big bone, so it will definitely depend on who has greater sincerity.

While people were hesitating about this matter, many also expressed admiration for Liu Yifei's growth.

They are nothing more than works that are entered to win awards.

Some people are happy that someone is worried.

After the film screening, the most relaxed people were naturally Chen Yu and Liu Yifei.

After all, their long-distance relationship came to an end and they could finally spend some time together.

There are no other plans in the short term, and now it’s completely our own world.

***
a few days later.

When Liu Yifei got up from the bed in a daze, she noticed a figure sitting beside the bed.

"Husband? Why are you here?"

Hearing the voice behind him, Chen Yu turned around and looked over. After confirming that someone really appeared in front of him, Liu Yifei's mood also became cheerful.

"My mother actually agreed to let you enter my room?"

Having said that, the two families had already tacitly accepted their relationship, so even though Liu Xiaoli kept telling them about it every day, they just turned a blind eye.

"Auntie must have something urgent to do. She chatted with me for a few words and then left."

Liu Yifei nodded in understanding. Liu Xiaoli has been busy with company matters recently and has been leaving home early and coming back late almost every day.

Since the film screening, the two have been together every day but are still not satisfied.

Compared with the long-awaited wedding, the present ordinary happiness is the most worth looking forward to.

Chen Yu reached out and pulled Liu Yifei up on the bed, then lowered his head and kissed the person on the forehead.

"Don't you want to sleep a little longer?"

Faced with Chen Yu's deliberate question, the latter punched him directly in the chest.

hiss~
Liu Yifei frowned. The good figure she had built up some time ago caused her to feel a dull pain when her fist hit.

The two of them whispered to each other for a while before Liu Yifei suddenly came to her senses and reached out to stop Chen Yu from making trouble.

“Has the release of “Better Days” been confirmed?”

She had been thinking about this matter these days, but she was tortured by Chen Yu so much that she had no time to think about it.

When talking about this matter, Chen Yu's expression became serious.

"not yet."

"But the two offers have been made clear."

After thinking for a moment, Chen Yu directly told the details of the situation.

“MK 2’s price is lower, but it has a very high impact on the prize.”

"As a person who can interfere with the jury, if we cooperate with their film company, then Better Days will definitely win the award."

Hearing this, Liu Yifei's expression changed slightly.

Seeing that Chen Yu frowned, he didn't say much.

"As for Europa."

“The price quoted is naturally higher than that of MK 2.”

"It's just that the nature of Europa Films is different from MK 2. They mostly focus on commercial films."

"As for Luc Besson, he was naturally attracted by the commercial value of this film."

"I originally wanted the two companies to reconcile and release Better Days together. This is not without precedent."

“This is a perfect blend for what needs to be addressed right now.”

Seeing Liu Yifei tilting her head to look at him, Chen Yu reached out and took the person in front of him into his arms and said with a smile: "But these two companies have always been incompatible. MK 2 has a high opinion of itself and has never been willing to go along with commercial films."

So this method is naturally not feasible.

In this case, they can only choose one of the two.

"So which film company do you prefer?"

Facing the question from the lovely girl in his arms, Chen Yu did not feel any hesitation.

“At the moment, I naturally prefer to win the award.”

He no longer cares about money. After all, the money he has now is already inestimable.

Liu Yifei fell into deep thought and hesitated for a long time before speaking: "Maybe we can sell it to Europa and make more money."

"Winning the award is not impossible. The chairman of the organizer and the chairman of the jury can basically do the public relations."

“Besides, the quality of our film this time is not bad. Even without the support of MK 2, we can still try to win awards.”

Facing Liu Yifei's solemn promise, Chen Yu smiled dotingly.

That is true, but a 95% certainty is definitely not as safe as 100%.

Who doesn’t want to win awards at their fingertips?

Now that we have dealt with the chairman and the jury, we will definitely need a more precise plan.

After all, Liu Yifei is not as good as himself, and one Golden Lion Award alone may not be enough; Chen Yu wants to use his future wife as a bargaining chip to stand at the top of the world's female stars.

The Best Actress title is something that must be won.

He reached out and scratched Liu Yifei's nose. This kind of thing certainly couldn't be rushed.

As the old saying goes, you can't eat hot tofu in a hurry.

"Then let's think about it again, and let the marketing department negotiate with them on this matter."

As for now——

They have more important things to do! (End of this chapter)