Extracting skills from movies

After a flight of more than ten hours, the film crew arrived in Venice.

I checked into a five-star luxury hotel.

This hotel is just a hundred meters away from the Cinema del Del Cinema and the famous Golden Beach.

The film festival is always packed during the year.

After resting for a while, Du Sheng, Mai Shaohui, and Teresa met up with Cais, the publicity manager of Miracle Pictures who had arrived earlier, and entered a meeting room.

James, the Venice public relations manager hired by the team, was already waiting there.

She shook hands with Du Sheng and the others one by one, had her assistant turn on the projection screen, and then stood in front of the conference table and said:

"Everyone, the original plan has changed..."

Du Sheng looked at the screen, where the names and photos of the judges popped up.

James explained:

"Due to the monsoon climate, this year's awards were held a few days later than in previous years."

There have also been personnel changes.

In addition to the established chairman of the jury, Zhang Yimou, the vice chairman has been replaced by Catherine Breya.

Other judges included Jean Campion, Emmanuel, Gonzalez, Fossen Ozpat and Paul Verhoeven…

Theresa immediately stated:
“I can handle the North American judges, and I can also handle Moses director González who has worked with MGM.”

Du Sheng thought for a moment and said:
"Even if Zhang Yimou doesn't favor us, I can make sure he won't favor others."

Although he will meet with Zhang Yimou the next day, to avoid awkwardness, they will mainly talk about personal matters and the Olympics, and will not discuss official business.

However, given their relationship, it's unlikely the other party would try to cheat him.

That alone is enough.

If we can win over two or three more judges, our chances of winning will definitely be no less than those of Brad Pitt's blockbuster "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford".

Mai Shaohui shrugged and said:

"Public relations is not my forte, and I don't know these judges."

James glanced at Mai Shaohui and pointed to Katherine Breya's name with her pen:

"The opinions of the two chairmen are the most crucial."

Since Du can guarantee Zhang Yimou's fairness and impartiality, getting Catherine on our side will greatly increase our chances of winning.

In fact, everyone can see it clearly.

If they can get Catherine's support and win over two or three judges, the film will definitely win a major award.

The award selection methods of the three major European film festivals are even more blatant than those of the Oscars.

The winner is usually chosen from the films nominated in the main competition, and who wins depends on who has the stronger financial and public relations capabilities.

James, as a professional public relations manager for the Venice Film Festival, had already conducted in-depth research on this:

"Catherine may seem easy to get along with, but she is actually very stubborn."

She's labeled a 'conservative' in the Western film industry; once she makes a decision, she rarely changes it and pushes it through completely—a decision forced upon her by her close friend.

She emphasized:
Ten years ago, when Katherine was paralyzed on one side, she was almost swindled out of her money by her best friend Benedict and another director, Christopher.

These two are now practically unable to make a living in Frances's film industry, which shows just how shrewd she is.

Du Sheng understood the deeper meaning in James's words, but didn't say anything more.

The next few days will be quite eventful, and every step will require careful planning.

Theresa frowned and asked:

"The awards ceremony hasn't even started yet, and Catherine already has a preferred candidate for Best Actor?"

When it comes to the biggest prize, the Golden Lion Award, even if Zhang Yimou didn't favor Li An's "Lust, Caution," the film's popularity and media attention would have made it a shoo-in.

But for Zhang Yimou, this is actually a difficult problem.

If China's "Lust, Caution" wins the Golden Lion Award, and another Chinese film, "The Man from Nowhere," wins Best Actor, then his "fair and neutral" image will likely be shattered by public opinion.

Therefore, it is understandable that he had to keep a low profile and refuse all public relations contact from the very beginning.

James got straight to the point:
"There is a film in this competition called Romance, directed by Eric Rohmer."

Mai Shaohui understood immediately:

"Does she have a special relationship with this director?"

James nodded:
"That's right.

As long as the film does well at the box office, Catherine won't easily change her stance.

Similar situations are all too common in the film festival circle, and Teresa and Mak Siu-fai both understand this.

Du Sheng sighed inwardly. Although the Venice awards seemed to be pending, some awards had already been decided beforehand.

As an external public relations manager, James's task was very clear.

We need to at least help "The Man from Nowhere" win a major award, preferably Best Actor.

This way, she and her team can maintain their reputation and attract more big projects in the future.

She continued her analysis:
"My advice is to focus on the Best Actor award, and then the Best Director award."

Theresa glanced at Mai Shaohui, who had a good relationship with Du Sheng, so she had to consider his feelings to some extent.

Mai Shaohui readily stated:
"As long as we can guarantee the production team wins a major award, nothing else matters."

James nodded:
"Du Sheng is quite well-known in Europe, and with the recent attack still unfolding, the buzz surrounding him hasn't died down."

Our team is in contact with Catherine, and will be focusing on…”

Theresa added:

"You need to find a way to get Catherine and a few judges to attend tomorrow."

According to the film festival rules, once the festival officially begins, judges are not allowed to contact members of the participating film crews privately.

James patted her chest and guaranteed:

“I will definitely invite Catherine, and at least three other judges.”

Teresa remembered what Du Sheng had said before and turned to ask him:

"Can you handle Zhang Yimou, at least keep him neutral?"

Du Sheng got straight to the point and said:
"Okay, we'll meet tomorrow."

Theresa felt relieved. If every actor were as proactive and reliable as Du Sheng, the production team and public relations team would have so much less trouble!

Du Sheng left the conference room and returned to his room. He first called Zhong Zhen and asked her to take charge of matters related to the Olympics. He quickly received a positive reply.

Then, he found Zhang Yimou's private number and dialed it.

.........

Meanwhile, the Venice Film Festival is about to open, and film crews from various productions have already arrived one after another.

"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" is also one of the favorites to compete in the main competition.

Brad Pitt, as an investor and lead actor, had long been aware of Li An's "Lust, Caution" and Zhang Yimou's complex relationship with Catherine Breia and Eric Rohmer.

Knowing he had little chance of winning the Golden Lion, he turned his attention to the Jury Prize and Best Actor.

However, in terms of international influence and popularity, he is no less than Du Sheng, and naturally he has his own methods.

That evening, Brad Pitt and director Andrew Dominic knocked on a hotel room door.

After the door opened, Paul Verhoeven invited them in while lowering his voice and saying:

"You just swagger in?"

Pete smiled and responded in a relaxed tone:
"The film festival hasn't even started yet, what's there to be afraid of?"

The two had worked together twice before and were quite familiar with each other.

After a few pleasantries, Andrew Dominic got straight to the point:

“We’ve known each other for a long time, you have to help us out this time.”

Verhoeven nodded:

"Personally, I definitely support you!"

But he also told the truth:
"You know the judging process. It's not up to me to decide. The key is the two chair judges."

Pete said confidently, "I can handle Catherine."

He planned to leverage his old relationship with Harvey to make some connections.

Verhoeven shrugged:

"Okay, we'll see how it goes."

After finishing their business, the two did not linger, got up to say goodbye, and went their separate ways.

……

The next morning, as arranged by public relations manager James, Du Sheng left the hotel right after breakfast and took a walk on the golden beach near Del Cinema Palace.

By now, the beach was decorated in vibrant colors, and movie fans, tourists, and media filled the entire area.

There are plenty of movie stars and directors; you can recognize several familiar faces with just a glance.

Du Sheng saw Li An, Cate Blanchett, and Paul Haggis, all well-known figures in the industry.

The crowd suddenly stirred, and the reporters, like cats that had smelled fish, all rushed in one direction.

Zhang Haolong stood on tiptoe to take a look, then jumped down and said excitedly:
"Sophie Marceau and Andrea Bobalati came out together!"

Du Sheng had just gone through the arrangements for this year's film festival yesterday, and there happened to be a new film, "Phantom Chase," directed by and starring Sophie Marceau, in the special screening section.

Zhang Haolong said excitedly:
"Sophie Marceau was also one of my childhood goddesses."

Ma Yaowei couldn't help but joke:
"Your list of goddesses is way too long."

Zhang Haolong retorted confidently:

"Any European actress over 35 years old who is beautiful and has a good temperament is my favorite."

Du Sheng smiled and said:

"You'd better go to the red carpet ceremony early tomorrow and stay a while longer."

On the Venice red carpet, Sophie Marceau is known as a 'surprise maker,' and teasing is an essential part of her routine.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Haolong immediately took out his phone, snapped a picture of the distance, and frowned when he saw the image:
"What if the photo isn't clear?"

Ma Yaowei suggested from the side:
"Bring a professional camera with you then, so you can keep the photos."

"Oh my, it seems you're someone with ideas too!"

Zhang Haolong's eyes lit up, and he nodded with a smile.

Du Sheng was accompanied by several staff members, and many reporters followed him with cameras.

Occasionally, fans would come up to him for autographs or photos, and he would always oblige.

Fortunately, this is Europe, not Hollywood.

Although he enjoys considerable popularity internationally, he is not as surrounded by crowds as he is in China or in New York.

He smiled at the camera as he walked, looking like a celebrity on vacation.

Brad Pitt saw Du Sheng surrounded by a group of people from afar and immediately quickened his pace.

He is a big shot in Europe, and the reporters tactfully made way for him.

"Hey, Du!"

He greeted him warmly.

Du Sheng turned around, smiled, and shook hands with him.

Both of them had smiles on their faces, like old friends reuniting after many years:
"Pete, I was just thinking of having a chat with you when I had time, but I didn't expect to run into you here."

Brad exchanged pleasantries while deliberately raising his voice:
"I've seen the trailers for 'The Man from Nowhere' and 'Taken,' and your action scenes are so intense, I really admire you!"

He paused, then added:
"You're now one of the top contenders for the Venice Film Festival Best Actor award!"

This sounds like a compliment, but it actually has a hidden meaning: it flatters the opponent while also adding fuel to the fire.

Upon hearing this, the surrounding reporters immediately started snapping photos and recording audio, afraid of missing any details.

Du Sheng is quite low-key:
"It's already a great honor to be in the main competition."

Brad then extended an invitation:
"Come to the premiere of our film 'Assassination of the Gunman' when you have time."

Du Sheng nodded with a smile:

"I will definitely be there."

After saying that, Brad left and walked toward Andrew Dominic, who was already waiting there on the beach.

He asked his assistant:

"Has the message been sent out? Has Catherine responded?"

The assistant shook his head:

"The message has already been sent, but there's been no response yet."

Unlike other film crews that hire professional public relations teams, Brad personally handled the awards campaign this time, saying he liked the feeling of being in control.

He smiled faintly:
"No one will guarantee anything about this kind of thing in the first place."

Prepare your wording and say that we are going to hold a special screening and invite her to come.

Her arch-enemy is her former best friend Benedictine; we can use that as leverage.

Andrew didn't speak, he just nodded.

He knew that Pete was best at these off-court maneuvers, and all he needed to do was cooperate.

.........

When Du Shengren reached the beach, he was asked by several female reporters to take photos.

However, it wasn't long before everyone's attention was drawn to a few beautiful women nearby.

After all, the scenery over there is more pleasing to the eye.

Du Sheng also saw Tang Wei in the crowd, so he called out to him:
"Tang Wei, over here!"

Upon seeing Du Sheng, Tang Wei was immediately delighted and quickly walked over to greet him:
“I was planning to visit your hotel last night, but I heard you were having a meeting, so I didn’t want to bother you.”

Du Sheng recalled Li An's earlier instructions and casually replied:
"If there's anything I can do to help in Venice, just let me know."

"Thank you, Brother Sheng."

Just then, a blonde beauty approached, smiling as well:

"What a coincidence, I didn't expect to run into you here."

Du Sheng looked at the alluring Charlize Theron and joked with a smile:

"When you show up, everywhere becomes your home ground."

Charlize rolled her eyes:

"I can't compare to you. Last year, you were named one of the top five sexiest men in Hollywood by Time magazine."

Tang Wei felt a little neglected, so she quickly interjected and asked:

"Brother Sheng, who is this?"

She actually recognized him, but didn't want to greet him casually.

Du Sheng nodded in reply:

"Charlize, we are friends."

He didn't elaborate on what kind of friends they were.

Charlize, however, couldn't figure out what kind of 'friends' Tang Wei and Du Sheng were, and exchanged a few polite words.

At that moment, a reporter diagonally opposite shouted:
"Du Sheng, Charlize, can we take a picture together?"

Before Du Sheng could speak, Charlize leaned closer, fixing her hair as she asked him:
Will it affect your chances of winning the lottery?

Du Sheng smiled:
"No, it's my honor."

Reporters have already taken the opportunity to take photos.

From their perspective, Du Sheng and Charlize's eyes met, exchanging a knowing glance...

The two then turned to face the sea and took several intimate photos with their backs to the camera.

Tang Wei's status was too low to attract the attention of reporters, but she was no pushover for becoming famous overnight. She immediately moved to the other side of Du Sheng and blended into the picture.

…(End of this chapter)