Entering the Chinese entertainment industry is like entering a deep sea

Chapter 841 Another Palme d'Or Winner

After dealing with the reporters, the two "Zhang Yimou girls" appeared together in front of Li Chen.

"Director Li, congratulations! I never expected that our animated film could also impress foreigners." Gong Li's smile always gave Li Chen a feeling of being haunted by Qiu Xiang.

It seems that Gong Li's smile has been stretched out like this ever since she finished filming "Flirting Scholar".

If this were in the country, Li Chen would not have sent Gong Li an invitation.

But once abroad, they always have yellow skin and black eyes.

At the "Ne Zha" gala dinner that evening, Li Bingbing, Gong Li, Nini, and others attended in their finest attire.

Yang Siwei was kept chatting with Gong Li all night.

In fact, there is only one central idea being expressed.

"Boss, this Gonghuang really wants to cooperate with you. She's been very persuasive and reasonable. I never knew she had such a friendly side."

"She actually talked to me last night, and it seemed like she wanted to join Yixin!" The next morning, Yang Siwei told her boss about Gong Li's "drinking and chatting" with her last night while having breakfast with Li Chen.

Li Chen ate his breakfast seriously, ignoring Yang Siwei's rambling.

Even when he was penniless, he never thought of signing Gongli.

Moreover, the situation has reversed today.

The former "Zhang Yimou Girl" has now gained weight and looks like a middle-aged European or American woman. Signing her would be more of a headache for Li Chen.

"Your focus today should be on those film companies, don't put the cart before the horse," Li Chen said to Yang Siwei, wiping his mouth.

Yang Siwei nodded: "I understand, boss."

As the two were talking, Tim Smith arrived.

"Boss, Mike from Warner Music is eager to contact ThinkTank as soon as possible to discuss the North American rights."

“Tim, not only Warner Bros., but also Sarah from Netflix called me last night after the premiere. They’re willing to offer anything. And there are people from Sony who also want to talk to us!” Yang Siwei said with a smile.

Faced with enormous profits, these film producers will not care about past grievances or grudges.

"Boss, I'll get back to work now." Yang Siwei got up, said goodbye to Li Chen, and left.

As soon as they left the restaurant, Yang Siwei's two assistants followed.

"Notify all teams to return to the hotel immediately for a meeting. Tell Warner, Netflix, Lionsgate, and Sony that the meeting starts at 9 a.m. this morning, with 45 minutes for each company," Yang Siwei quickly instructed his assistant.

Meanwhile, Yixin's negotiation team was already on high alert in the hotel conference room.

A world map hangs on the wall, marking various key markets.

Six laptops were placed on the table, displaying real-time exchange rates, financial reports of various companies, and competitor intelligence.

As soon as Yang Siwei entered, the others stood up.

Yang Siwei gestured downwards, indicating that the group should sit down.

"Today's negotiations have three principles: First, price is not the only criterion; second, the scale of theatrical distribution must be guaranteed; and third, the revenue sharing ratio takes precedence over the guaranteed amount."

In the following days, Yang Siwei was so busy that she disappeared from sight, not just in North America.

Publishers in Europe and Asia are still overwhelmed with orders.

Ultimately, Warner Bros. secured the North American distribution rights for "Ne Zha" with a guaranteed minimum of $1.2 million and a 15% share of the North American box office revenue.

France, Europe's largest voting bloc, was sold to Wild Bunch for €1000 million.

Japan's Toho Towa Co., Ltd. offered a record-breaking 12 billion yen for the deal.

According to data reported by Yang Siwei on the evening of May 15, the total overseas sales of "Ne Zha" had reached $180 million.

Even Yang Siwei himself was taken aback, feeling that when the animation went crazy, it was truly unreasonable. No wonder the boss invested heavily in establishing Zhizhen Art and the laboratory back then.

At 7 p.m. that evening, Rongchen Pictures and Warner Bros. held a grand signing ceremony at the Majestic Hotel in Cannes.

More than 200 Chinese and foreign journalists were present.

Following the signing, Warner Bros. immediately announced its decision to release the film in North America simultaneously with the Chinese release.

Han Sanping learned of this news from Li Chen immediately, and felt proud and elated.

It's astonishing that Chinese animated films are now being snapped up by Western film studios; how could he, as the head of the Chinese film industry, not be delighted?

China Film Report
"Ne Zha" achieves legendary status at Cannes, igniting a global buying frenzy!

"When the 69th Cannes Film Festival opened, 'Ne Zha' as the opening film unleashed a hurricane that demonstrated its astonishing power to sweep the globe."

"From the French Riviera to the other side of the Pacific, this Chinese animated film has made a perfect leap from artistic recognition to commercial conquest, and finally burst into the most dazzling fireworks in history at the Cannes Film Festival."

According to China Film Group, the domestic distributor, the total overseas distribution of "Ne Zha" has exceeded US$1.8 million, completely recouping its production costs and generating huge profits.

"For an animated film adapted from a local IP, this is unprecedented in the history of Chinese cinema."

Beijing Huayi Headquarters Building
The post-production of "If You Are the One 3" was already halfway done. When the two Wangs called Feng Xiaogang to discuss the release schedule of "If You Are the One 3" and their next project, they heard the good news from Cannes.

Wang Zhonglei's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets, and he unconsciously swallowed: "1.8 million! That's outrageous!"

Feng Xiaogang also felt a bitter taste in his mouth. Even if he didn't like Li Chen, the transaction amount of 1.8 million US dollars was really a blow.

The capital market is always the fastest to react.

Shares of Yixin Media, a listed company under Rongchen Pictures, surged 55% that day!

This caused a stir among all shareholders of film and animation stocks, with the sector rising by more than 5% in a single day!

"His exquisite painting skills are something no one else can afford to spend that much money on!" Wang Zhongjun said objectively.

When Zhizhen Painting Art was first established, everyone thought Li Chen had too much money to burn.

Why raise a hen if you want to eat eggs? It's so convenient to just buy them whenever you need them.

But Li Chen insisted on raising one, and even raised a hen that laid golden eggs.

"Let's not talk about that anymore, Xiaogang. What time slot do you think would be suitable for 'If You Are the One 3'?" Wang Zhongjun raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile.

Feng Xiaogang gave a smile that looked more like a grimace.

"Why not release it during the National Day holiday? The summer season is too rushed, and the Lunar New Year season is too late."

Feng Xiaogang's words were filled with bitterness.

There was a time when the Lunar New Year film season was Feng Xiaogang's exclusive time slot.

Today, he actually came up with such a flimsy excuse as 'it's too late'.

Wang Zhonglei glanced at his elder brother, Wang Zhongjun, who nodded and said, "That's fine too."

After Feng Xiaogang left, Wang Zhonglei said, "Brother, did Feng Xiaogang back down?"

"Whether he admits defeat or not, he won't stand up for himself! We shouldn't even think about competing with Li Chen anytime soon."

"Just look at these comments online, and you'll see how popular Li Chen is! He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world!"

News of "Ne Zha" being "snatched up" at Cannes quickly went viral in China via social media platforms such as Weibo and WeChat Moments.

"We used to be the ones snapping up Hollywood blockbusters, but today it's finally their turn to snatch ours!"

"Li Chen has already proven that he can make world-class films, and 'Ne Zha' has proven that China can make world-class animation!"

"1.8 million US dollars! This isn't just child's birth, it's the God of Wealth descending to earth!"

The most significant outcome is always the fate of state media.

The official Weibo account of state media published a micro-comment.

"#A vivid example of the cultural export of 'Ne Zha': From 'Maleficent' 'borrowing a boat to go to sea' to 'Your Name' 'building a boat to go to sea', and then to 'Ne Zha' setting sail for the future."

"This proves that Chinese stories have global appeal and that China's cultural and creative industries have global competitiveness."

"Pre-release hype" is an understatement to describe the popularity of "Ne Zha"; "burning with excitement" is a more accurate description.

On the 16th, Li Meijing brought the "Parasite" crew to Cannes, while Yang Siwei returned to China to begin preparing for the promotion of "Ne Zha". In fact, at this stage, the promotion of "Ne Zha" was already half completed.

The fact that the first Chinese animated film was the opening film at Cannes and that it fetched a record-breaking price of 1.8 million yuan has already piqued the curiosity of domestic audiences.

Upon seeing Li Chen, Li Meijing immediately beamed with joy: "Congratulations, Director Li, for setting an example for Asian cinema. I have even more confidence in our 'Parasite' now."

These words sounded incredibly awkward to Li Chen. "Our parasites!"
That evening, his wife, Liu Yifei, called.

Congratulations, Mr. Li!

"Congratulations, Teacher Liu!" "What's there to be happy about? Some people have gotten even more arrogant!"

"What do you mean by thick or thin? Even if it's thick, only you can hug it!"

Hearing this was quite comforting, Liu Yifei laughed and said, "Don't come back if you don't win the Palme d'Or this time!"

"What if we get it?"

"Isn't it only right that we got it! Li Chen is worth two men!" Liu Yifei said shamelessly.

The couple chatted for a while, then Liu Yifei hung up the phone and told Li Chen to get some rest.

The following day, the Lumière Hall, the main venue for the premiere of "Parasite," was still packed to capacity.

Despite the successful pre-event hype from the opening film "Ne Zha," a critical atmosphere still permeated the media screening.

Can a Chinese director truly master a class allegory within a Korean language context?

From the very beginning, the film's exquisite composition and dark humor quickly captivated the audience.

As the plot unfolds and the secrets of the basement are revealed, the misplacement of identities and the conflict between the two families, one rich and one poor, erupt on a stormy night. The atmosphere in the theater gradually shifts from curiosity to shock, and finally to utter admiration.

"I don't think you can find another director like Li in the whole country with his narrative style and ideas!" Nini and her senior sister Gongli sat together and quietly exclaimed.

"If Yi Mou heard this, he would probably regret choosing you as his student!" Gong Li said with a smile.

Nini thought to herself, "Yi Mou, you're calling me that so affectionately. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were my teacher's wife!"

As the end credits rolled, the entire audience fell silent for a moment, then erupted in applause that lasted for a long time. Lee Mi-kyung also stood up, turned to face the audience, and applauded with several South Korean actors, hugged each other, and bowed in thanks.

It felt like an awards ceremony.

Li Chen simply clapped; there was no need for him to bow.

Li Meijing was about to hug Li Chen again, but Li Chen quickly dodged her, saying, "President Li, it's not too late to celebrate after we win an award!"

Li Meijing beamed: "Director Li, we have great confidence in you! Listen to this applause, look at their expressions, and see that the theater is still packed and no one has left. I'm sure our 'Parasite' will get a high rating tomorrow!"

The South Korean actors were also extremely excited.

Li Chen was filled with contempt: "You're really from an island, you've never seen the world!"

The scene was incredibly lively, with the mixed zone instantly packed with reporters from various countries.

Li Meijing and the rest of the "Parasite" crew crowded around Li Chen, but the media's focus was solely on Li Chen.

Li Meijing was only asked two questions before being sidelined.

"Mr. Lee, how are you able to so accurately capture the pain points of social classes in South Korea?" The reporter from Screen magazine hit the nail on the head right from the start.

Li Meijing's smile froze upon hearing this, but it didn't matter. In South Korea, when they make movies, their motto is "If you can't imagine it, we can film it."

Li Chen smiled and said, "Class stratification and the gap between the rich and the poor are not problems unique to any one country; they are common ailments of the global capitalist era."

"I simply chose the most suitable vessel to tell this story. Film is the scalpel, society is the patient, and the scalpel should be used to cut wherever the lesion is."

Nini was blocked on the outside, but luckily her English was excellent, and she burst out laughing when she heard Li Chen's English sentence.

"Director Li is too outspoken! Doesn't this mean he's completely eradicated capitalism?"

"The imagery of 'smell' appears repeatedly in the film. Is this a core metaphor for class distinction?" a reporter from Le Figaro asked.

"Mr. Lee, as a Chinese director, have you encountered any cultural barriers when filming Korean-language movies?" A reporter from South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo was also busy asking.

Li Meijing finally found an opportunity to intervene.

"Thank you to Director Lee Cheong and our Korean film colleagues for their selfless help. The language of film is universal, and the dilemmas of human nature are universal. What we are pursuing is not superficial truth, but the truth of emotions and circumstances."

Li Chen found it amusing; this Li Meijing was quite quick-witted, actually knowing to bring up the idea that art knows no borders.

Immediately after the premiere, positive reviews flooded social media.

"Masterpiece!" became the most common evaluation.

The Hollywood Reporter also published an article titled "A masterpiece that perfectly blends Hitchcockian suspense, Chaplinian comedy, and social critique."

The event quickly went viral on domestic trending topics and Douyin (TikTok), seemingly turning Li Chen's participation in the Cannes Film Festival into a celebration for Douyin and Weibo.

The following day, the final scores from Screen, the authoritative publication of the Cannes Film Festival, were released.

With an astonishing score of 3.8, "Parasite" topped the list of all films in the main competition, breaking the rating record set by the festival's daily publication in the past decade.

As for those film critics, it's as if they've taken money from Li Chen.

The film "Parasite" has been widely praised for its intricate and tightly woven structure, as well as its perfect narrative rhythm.

When the news reached China, it instantly sparked a frenzy of public opinion and media frenzy.

State media published an article stating: "Chinese director Li Chen's 'Parasite' received the highest score in the Cannes Film Festival's official publication! Cultural confidence stems from strength!"

Even CCTV's news channel gave it a full minute of coverage in its evening news, with the headline "Chinese Film Power Shines on the World Stage!"
How could female celebrities be absent from a time like this?

Zhang, an international figure, posted on Weibo.

"Sleepless all night! So proud of our Chinese directors! Looking forward to 'Parasite' hitting domestic theaters. Congratulations to director Li Chen, well deserved!"

Nini also shared photos of the grand occasion.

"It's no exaggeration to say that Parasite is the most incredible movie I've ever seen! Director Li's narrative and conception are unparalleled!"

Following closely behind, Gong Li and Li Bingbing also posted articles.

The enthusiasm of netizens was completely ignited.

"A 3.8 rating in the event program? What does that mean? They've practically got half the Palme d'Or in their pocket!"

"Who questioned Leonardo DiCaprio's decision to make a Korean film? Come out and apologize!"

"If Leonardo DiCaprio really wins the Palme d'Or, I'll ask you this: who else can boast the prestige of a double Palme d'Or?"

Domestic film forums and social media have been completely flooded with keywords such as "Parasite," "Li Chen," and "Palm of France," and an unprecedented sense of anticipation and pride is silently spreading online.

Han Sanping had just received a phone call from a senior leader who highly praised his work over the past few years.

Li Chen's name was mentioned three times by the top leader.

Han Sanping knew that what the top leader most appreciated was probably that he had discovered Li Chen, this national treasure!
Han Sanping couldn't wait to call Li Chen, and it took him two tries to get through.

"Give me a straight answer, kid. Are you confident you can win the Palme d'Or again?"

"Director Han, you're just like my husband, asking the same questions. We'll know in a couple of days, how can I say for sure!"

The day before the closing ceremony, unsurprisingly, Li Meijing, who starred in "Parasite," received a phone call about the unspoken rules of the industry, which meant that "Parasite" was guaranteed at least one award.

Like Han Sanping, what Li Meijing cares about most is, of course, the Golden Palm.

On the evening of May 22, at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

The awards ceremony was both tense and enthusiastic.

The cast and crew of "Parasite" were like opening a blind box.

Everyone has different thoughts.

Li Meijing hopes not to hear any name related to "Parasite" until the Palme d'Or is announced!

As for the actors, they each had their own thoughts; however, winning Best Actor and Best Actress were both just wishful thinking.

When it came to the Best Director award, Li Meijing's smile faltered, and she couldn't help but glance at Li Chen.

I prayed to the gods and Buddhas that it wasn't Li Chen!

When the winner of the Best Director award was announced, Li Meijing visibly relaxed her shoulders, and Li Chen almost burst out laughing.

Now it's time for the second, extremely prestigious Jury Prize.

Whispers were already going off in the audience because Parasite had not yet won any awards.

Subsequently, the title "Parasite" was still not found.

Li Meijing was on the verge of a brain hemorrhage; her face was flushed, as if she had taken aphrodisiacs.

It's impossible for something to become a hot favorite and then turn out to be a flop!
Finally, the presenter, legendary American actress Jane Fonda, stepped forward with a golden envelope and smiled, saying, "The winner of the Palme d'Or for Best Film at the 69th Cannes Film Festival is..."

At this moment, Li Chen and Li Meijing finally synchronized, they hated this kind of lottery announcement with a big pause!
Jane Fonda paused deliberately, glanced in a certain direction from the audience, and then clearly pronounced the name: "Parasite, Li Chen!"

"Wow—" The entire audience erupted in a huge gasp and thunderous applause.

(End of this chapter)