Extracting skills from movies

But what surprised Du Sheng was that
Not a single person from the domestic “Night Train” crew showed up.

I don't know what happened.

However, the heroine of the "Blind Mountain" crew, Liu Dan, was present.

As the spokesperson for a cosmetics brand, she attended the event in a silver-gray dress.

It’s just that his fame is neither too high nor too low, so he is not often pursued by the camera.

The crew of "Wanted" was scheduled to appear as the finale.

Du Sheng and Scarlett showed up at the end, and the scene instantly became lively.

The fans' screams continued one after another.

Even in France, Du Sheng's popularity is still astonishingly high.

Even surpassing some local A-list stars.

This is mainly due to the hype and awards won by the previous film "The Departed".

As for the "Du disciples", they are also constantly making their presence felt online, and their popularity remains high.

As for Scarlett, she is a top star in Hollywood, with blonde hair, blue eyes and outstanding temperament. Naturally, she is the focus of everyone's attention.

The organizers let them perform as the last act in order to take advantage of their super popularity.

When the two walked to the middle of the red carpet, the staff immediately cleared the area and left them enough space to take photos and show themselves. They were treated quite well.

However, for Du Sheng, such scenes are already commonplace, and there is no need to increase exposure by walking on the red carpet.

After a few simple greetings and taking a few photos, he took Scarlett to the Palais des Festivals.

This is not Du Sheng’s first visit to Cannes. He came here once a few years ago with the crew of Kill Bill 2.

But to be honest, the public security in Romance-speaking countries is really hard to describe.

Many of the big cities in places like France and Italy are places where thieves are rampant.

International film festival venues such as Cannes and Venice are no exception.

It's not uncommon for journalists to lose their bags and cameras here.

Even the news center may have a "mole" hiding.

As I was walking forward, a familiar voice suddenly came from the side:
"Hey, Du, which movie of yours is a Hollywood hit in Europe and America?"

Du Sheng turned around and nodded in response with a smile:

"That's right, Miss Maria."

Maria is a typical French romantic. She has worked as an actor, screenwriter and director. This time she is one of the judges of the film festival.

She became famous for starring in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction". The two met when "Kill Bill 2" was exhibited last time.

“Hopefully it will surprise me, just like your The Departed did!
Your performance in the film was so infectious that Leo was completely smitten by you!"

"Haha, that's an exaggeration."

Du Sheng smiled modestly:
"But this time, the style of Wanted is different. It's more romantic. I believe you will like it."

At this time, a middle-aged bald white man wearing a neat suit interrupted with a standard London accent:
"Beautiful Hong Kong has also produced many classic romantic action films!

Now...it's a bit of a pity."

He is Stephen Frears, chairman of the jury of this year's Cannes Film Festival and a famous British director.

Du Sheng looked at him and said:

"Mr. Stephen, there is no shortage of good films in the East right now, and Hong Kong is just a part of it."

Stephen smiled slightly:
"It's a pity that it no longer belongs to the British Empire."

Du Sheng replied calmly:
"Mr. Stephen, Xiangjiang is just roaming around in England. It has always been a part of China."

Stephen is still smiling:
“Dear Du, I have never denied this.

Even though we are not related by blood, we still have a deep bond, right? "

"Of course!"

Du Sheng nodded with a relaxed tone.

Maria took the opportunity to joke:
"Gentlemen, how about telling everyone the story of this 'free-range' thing?"

Du Sheng had nothing to do, so he casually gave them some scientific knowledge.

In fact, most foreigners don't care about Eastern things.

Even though Hong Kong has returned to China for so many years, it is still a vague concept in their eyes.

Just like how ordinary people would not care which African country splits again, they don’t care at all.

Stephen then changed the subject and said in a low voice:

“Du, as far as I know, seven out of the nine judges are very optimistic about 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, so there is basically no suspense about the Palme d’Or.

As for your "Wanted", the four judges appreciated it more.
But apart from Zhang Manyu, it’s hard to say whether other people can vote for you.”

"But-"

He paused:

"If you are willing to sell the distribution rights in Europe and America at a lower price, I can help you win a Silver Palm Award."

Du Sheng was not surprised to hear this.

The three major European film festivals may seem aloof on the surface, but in fact, they are all a game of connections and interests.

Especially Cannes, everyone in the circle knows that it is a "film exchange".

With Zhang Manyu among the judges, and with the influence of Stephen, the chairman of the jury, the chances are indeed good.

He thought about it and asked back:
"Mr. Stephen, the silver palm you mentioned...what kind is it?"

Stephen smiled:
"You are a very understanding person."

It turns out that there are actually several types of Silver Palms in Cannes:

Best Director, Best Actor and Actress, Special Jury Award, Best Screenplay, Artistic Contribution Award, etc.

Awards like Best Supporting Actress aren't realistic for Wanted.

The main goals are concentrated in the three categories of Actor, Director and Special Jury Award.

In its previous life, this film was nominated for Oscars, MTV Film Awards, Saturn Awards, etc., and its box office results are enough to prove its excellence.

If Cannes had done some PY this time, maybe it would have really worked.

If it just reduces the copyright fees in Europe and the United States a little, the cost won't be that high.

"Didn't Director Timo tell you?"

Stephen went on to explain:
“Each award ceremony is actually a process of resource allocation, and it is impossible to have everything.

You'd better concentrate your firepower on one direction.

Timo was chosen for Best Actor, so you arrived just in time!"

When Du Sheng heard this, he turned to look at Timo with surprise on his face.

Timo shrugged and said with a smile:

“It’s no use for me to get a Best Director award.

Why don’t you win an award for Best Actor? Maybe you can even boost the box office!”

Actually, Timo doesn't want to win the Best Director award?
Of course!
But he knew in his heart that after the filming of "Wanted", he was almost tied to Miracle Pictures, and the director's halo had limited impact on the follow-up.

Instead of competing for the award yourself, it’s better to give it to the leading actor.

There is still half a month left before the closing ceremony and prize drawing, so there is enough time.

Since Timo had no idea, Du Sheng naturally wouldn't be polite.

He pulled Stephen and Maria aside and started muttering.

Although Cannes is one of the three major international awards, winning awards is so simple and unpretentious.

Last year, when King of Sunglasses was the chairman of the jury, he awarded more than a dozen Silver Palm Awards in one go. This may be the result of PY transactions.

Next was the movie watching session, in which Li Yixin and Cui Yayi showed great interest.

Seeing that Du Sheng was still busy, they agreed to go around and have a look.

It's a rare opportunity, so of course we can't miss it.

After Du Sheng finished the negotiation, he was immediately taken away by Scarlett, who wanted to go surfing, to explore the mysteries.

In her words, Cannes is a unique place and you must leave some special memories there.

The next day, after attending the Cannes red carpet ceremony, the group left temporarily.

There is nothing for them to do here anymore, and they don't have to do anything themselves to win the awards, so why not take advantage of the opportunity to expand publicity and promotion in Europe and the United States.

Just wait until "Wanted" holds its world premiere here, then come back. ………

On that day, hundreds of representatives from the media, theater managers and movie fans gathered in the MGM Theater.

Watching the North American preview of "Wanted".

The film hasn’t added the opening and ending credits yet, but the atmosphere is already hot.

In the box on the third floor, Lydia, who had just returned from a vacation in Europe, was a little nervous.

She paced back and forth, her hands unconsciously tightening the strap of her bag.

This film is so important to them.

Miracle Pictures poured all the money it made from the first two films into this.

Success or failure depends on this one move, which is related to their status and voice in the family.

Du Sheng lazily leaned on the sofa, watching her walking back and forth, and couldn't help but say:

"I feel dizzy, stop shaking."

Lydia rolled her eyes at him and slightly adjusted the collar of her suit:

"If this movie fails, I will have to go to the East with you to beg."

Du Sheng chuckled:
"That's what we want. We are in need of ladies like you."

On the screen, gunshots rang out and the picture froze on the character played by Du Sheng. The preview of "Wanted" ended.

A few seconds later, the audience burst into applause.

Several young people in the back row even shouted out:

"So handsome!"

“The action scenes are so intense!”

"This movie is the ultimate in fun!"

In addition to the theater heads from Glenn Graduate Pictures and MGM, other theater managers also nodded and applauded.

What they want is this kind of film with a strong commercial flavor, fast pace, explosive special effects and exciting action, and there will definitely be a lot of screenings.

In comparison, the reactions of the media and film critics seemed much calmer.

Kashi from Hollywood Entertainment is somewhat puzzled:

"Du Mingming is an actor with great potential, why did he take a role that relies on being handsome and shooting a gun?"

Glinda, a Los Angeles News reporter sitting nearby, had a different view:
"He played the protagonist's transformation from an ordinary person to an Avenger. His acting is rated above 8 points, which is pretty good in this type of movie."

Kashi nodded:
“At least much better than Scarlett Johansson.

She is now... well, why not be a feminist fighter? "

Glinda remembered what Du Sheng said:

“Actresses also need to eat, and business and art are not mutually exclusive.

You see, his last film, The Departed, won an Oscar, which shows that he knows how to relax and work at the right time.”

Kashi echoed:
"Yes, this Asian boy has a lot of ambitions."

After the preview, the general audience handed in their questionnaires and left first.

The media and film critics were invited to the lounge next door, and the crew also thoughtfully prepared souvenirs.

Du Sheng joined the main creative team and chatted with the guests while seeing them off, making the atmosphere much more relaxed.

Soon, the statistical results came out.

Twenty minutes later, Claude, MGM General Manager Theresa, Lydia, Director Timo, Du Sheng and others gathered in the office.

Lydia couldn't wait to ask:
"No one leaked it, right? Let's start reporting."

Sony representative Claude picked up the report card:

"The average grade from the general public is A."

Du Sheng nodded:

"Not bad, a good start."

Theresa picked up the second data:

“Theater Manager Rating A+!”

Lydia's eyes lit up:
"It seems that our film schedule is stable. 3000 theaters in North America shouldn't be a problem, right?"

Claude said confidently:
“The managers’ feedback today was very good, and I can guarantee that all 3300 theaters will be fine!
The A+ rating shows that commercial theater decision makers are very confident about the film's financial potential."

Lydia continued to ask:

“What about the critics and the media?”

Claude looked at the data:

“Overall it’s pretty good, mostly good reviews, not many bad ones.”

As one of the executive producers, Du Sheng also asked:
“Can we start word-of-mouth marketing now?”

"Of course!"

Claude nodded:
"We'll start promoting it tonight, and promote it as 'the most exciting action movie of the year.'"

The success of a movie not only depends on its quality but also on its marketing.

Labels like "Best of the Year" are often hyped up through this strategy.

Lydia breathed a sigh of relief, and when she stood up and left, she walked to Du Sheng and whispered:
"Come to my house tonight. Amanda has prepared a new set of toys."

Du Sheng originally planned to have a good rest tonight, but ended up starting another “tug of war”?
"Don't wait until night, go now."

Taylor and Blake are still at home, so we can't favor one over the other.

Lydia did not hesitate:
"Let's go, get in the car."

Du Sheng looked at Ma Yaowei, who had made a phone call, and shook his head slightly:
“I didn’t find any paparazzi following me.”

So Du Sheng drove Lydia's Ferrari and took her straight to the villa.

On the way, passing by the Olsen sisters' house, there was no sense of worldly affairs.

Du Sheng asked casually:
"Did they move?"

Lydia looked at him with a half-smile:
"No, my family went to New York for vacation."

Du Sheng didn't ask any more questions because as soon as he got off the car, Amanda, wearing a long tulle dress, came out to greet him.

.........

That night, while the crew and Sony were promoting the male and female protagonists of "Wanted", they also kicked off word-of-mouth marketing.

The Rotten Tomatoes website immediately released the ratings, with a freshness rating of 88.9%.

At the same time, MTC (Metacritic) also announced the film's comprehensive media score:

80.1 points!
Generally speaking, movies that quickly release their ratings and review data after their previews tend not to perform too badly.

On the contrary, films that wait until they are released nationwide before releasing the rating ban are more likely to become bad films.

Hollywood is a master in this area, and the means of controlling comments are endless.

As a result, various positive reviews about "Wanted" emerged like a tide in traditional paper media and the Internet.

Hollywood Weekly published a soft article with a large bold headline:
"Wanted, one of the best special effects action movies this year!"

Similar propaganda articles are also everywhere on the Internet:

“Wanted is Du Sheng’s best fighting film!”

Los Angeles News columnist Glinda wrote an article praising the film:

“I think Wanted has set a new benchmark for special effects + action aesthetics.

Du Sheng's performance is as outstanding as ever, successfully interpreting the character's extremes from helplessness and silence to explosion..."

At the same time, Scarlett also frequently appeared on major shows.

The background of the photo of her hugging the host was the poster of "Wanted".

In order to increase exposure, Du Sheng also participated in several roadshows in North America.

And he was often photographed by paparazzi shopping with Taylor and Blake, which further increased the attention of the film.

In North America, every appearance and every exposure of the male and female leading actors before the movie is released may be converted into actual box office figures.

Keywords such as hero and love triangle are particularly attractive in the North American market.

………(End of chapter)