The richest person in Chinese entertainment

Chapter 334: The surging public opinion, go and receive the award

At 5 pm on May 18th, at the Carlton Hotel beach in Cannes.

There was already a long queue outside the beach at this time.

Cheng Long and Kim Hee Sun appeared at the "China Movie Night", causing a lot of noise in the audience.

Inside the venue, Zhang Chen, who had long avoided the peak entry period, had been drinking glass of juice on a lounge chair on the beach.

There was no choice. He hid for a few days and came here today to repay his debt.

Since he arrived, there has been a steady stream of domestic and foreign filmmakers looking for him to have a drink.

Even if he just took a sip, he had already drunk several large cups.

When people came over to toast him, he just symbolically wet his lips with the juice and didn't dare to drink it at all.

"It's because you, Zhang Chen, have so much face that you have invited so many big-name stars."

Because the General Administration is the host of today's event, Tong Gang also took time out to rush to Cannes from China to host the Chinese Film Centennial Night.

The purpose of this event is to showcase the century-long history of domestic films to the world. Naturally, the more people we invite, the better, and the more big names we invite, the better.

It would be most appropriate to let Zhang Chen do this kind of thing.

The result did not disappoint Tong Gang and others.

Looking at the trio of Harry Potter protagonists who are so popular on the beach that they can no longer be called the "three little ones", there are also Quentin, Will Smith, Avril and others not far away.

Even Michael Jackson, who seldom goes out these days, came.

He was joined by Madonna, Celine Dion and others.

Although some of these people are actors, some are singers, and they are all familiar faces, Tong Gang does not dislike them at all. Instead, he is very happy.

These big-name stars surrounding Zhang Chen were invited to participate in this event organized by the General Administration, which made him, the person in charge of the event, very pleased and satisfied with Zhang Chen's reliability.

"Actually, you can look for Cheng Long. He's in Hollywood and knows actors and directors."

Zhang Chen lay on the yoga mat on the beach, enjoying Liu Yifei's massage.

You know what, the girl's hands are quite strong and the massage feels very comfortable.

Hua, who felt the same way, just rolled his eyes at Zhang Chen and didn't want to answer his stupid question. Why would he need to look for "outsiders" when he has his own people?

Turning around, he said to Zhang Chen with some emotion: "You are really ruthless. The product placement in the movie made many people who watched your movie spontaneously search for which company in our country it was from."

“Art comes from reality.”

"That's right, poor Xiao Bai."

Tong Gang felt sorry for Bai Zeming who went on Weibo last year to seek an explanation.

"Brother, how are you going to deal with this matter?"

Liu Yifei suddenly interrupted their conversation, and Tong Gang also looked at Zhang Chen curiously about this question.

"Don't worry, they won't suffer any loss."

Zhang Chen patted Liu Yifei's hand, signaling her not to worry.

After so much preparation, they will get back the principal and interest.

He also has a debt to settle, and the other party can't avoid it.

The film’s copyright has not yet been traded and it can only be shown in Cannes at a rate of several screenings a day with thousands of people attending.

Once the film festival is over and the copyright transaction begins, Baidu will face doubts and contempt from movie fans all over the world.

Listing in the U.S. in August?

Ha ha.

"Speaking of which, what's going on these days? Why are the media in Cannes constantly promoting other nominated films, while no one is commenting on your film?"

"I had someone do it."

"It seems that you also know that the hottest ones will die."

Although Han Sanping is responsible for many things, he does know something.

He more or less knows a little about some of the unspoken rules of Cannes.

"It's not easy for me to win an award!"

Zhang Chen turned over and looked at the complaints above his head and said, "It's really easier to make music. It takes a few minutes to write a song and a few hours to finish it. Once you put it on Morning Light Music, you don't have to worry about anything."

"You are so young, why are you always complaining about being tired? If your health is not good, what will you let Yifei do in the future?"

While Liu Yifei looked confused and Zhang Chen looked speechless, Tong Gang walked towards the podium with a loud laugh.

"Brother, why did Director Tong mention me?" Liu Yifei pointed at herself curiously, "Does your health have anything to do with me?"

Zhang Chen pondered for a moment and patted her shoulder: "It's about your happiness!"

After saying this, he patted the non-existent sand off his butt and headed towards the podium.

He is one of the invited guests today, so he has to entertain those he invited well.

"So mysterious." Liu Yifei raised her fist towards Zhang Chen's back, "I'll ask Emma!"

Not to mention Zhang Chen and others who were celebrating, under Zhang Chen's deliberate guidance, the public opinion about "Love" began to develop in one direction.

On Facebook, the world's largest social platform, many fans who have watched the movie have expressed their thoughts after watching the movie.

The most eye-catching part is the search engine used by the male protagonist when he used the computer after his wife fell ill.

"As an audience member who was lucky enough to attend the premiere of the Lyon film "Love", this film made me think deeply about love, and also made me extremely disgusted with China's Baidu search engine. If it weren't for its malicious guidance, the heroine in the film might not have been paralyzed due to the operation, and there wouldn't have been such a depressing ending!"

"I heard that the plot of Lyon was adapted from a real case in their country. I even went to check it out. It caused quite a stir in China last year."

"I heard from my friend that this Chinese company has already gone public and will be listed on NASDAQ in a few months. I personally strongly boycott this kind of harmful company!"

"I've been listening to you guys for a few days. I'm really curious about what Leon's movie is about."

"Believe me, you must go and watch Leon's movies. They will give you a deeper understanding of life and love."

The United States has more than just a few capitals behind Baidu. There are many more powerful companies than these few on Wall Street.

What's more, with the existence of Facebook, a social platform that controls the world's public opinion, and the tacit approval of the US government, it has become correct for Baidu to be wildly criticized all over the world.

Many celebrities who have a good relationship with Zhang Chen and have considerable influence have also begun to speak out.

@Michael Jackson: What happened to Bai and Li is regrettable. I also strongly condemn the bad behavior of a certain company. At the same time, the charity foundation that I established with Lyon and others will provide some necessary assistance to Li's family. I also hope that people who have suffered similar incidents will stand up bravely. The Morning Light Charity Foundation will help you defend your rights.

Not to mention other stars, as soon as Michael Jackson, a world superstar with great prestige in the world, announced his attitude, the entire public opinion completely turned to Zhang Chen's side.

On the one hand, it condemns, and on the other hand, it actively helps those who have been harmed by Baidu, firmly grasping the moral high ground in its hands.

Many Wall Street brokerages have discovered that Baidu's stock, which was once highly regarded, is now difficult to subscribe to.

But capital always votes with its feet. As long as Baidu's financial statements are healthy, its business is developing well, and its market share in China is high, pure shareholders will still choose to buy the company's stock.

However, Baidu's plan to raise a large amount of funds through listing has certainly failed. I don't know what price Baidu's stock will close at on the day of listing after Zhang Chen's move.

The hype of the Bai Mingze and Li Sisi incident, the boost from public opinion, the support of celebrities, and the support of tens of millions of fans behind Zhang Chen, for a time, the popularity of the movie "Love" surpassed some world news and became the hottest topic at the moment. Cannes also felt unprecedented pressure.

If they still stick to the past tradition and regard media speculation as a counter-trend indicator, then this time under the wave of public opinion over "Love", they will have to carefully consider the consequences of continuing to do so.

On the 18th, Zhang Chen invited a large number of world-class stars to Cannes, which completely surpassed the stars that MGM brought when Cannes first started in terms of quantity, quality and popularity.

The audiences on Facebook who asked the film to be released in their countries as soon as possible also proved the market value of the film.

In terms of artistry, the media publication gave it a high score of 3.5.

All this made Cannes feel like it was being pushed around.

"Okay, let's vote now. We can't delay any longer."

Emir Kusturica, president of this year's Cannes Film Festival, rubbed his sore eyes and urged other jury members.

Of course they see the outside public opinion, but they have their own rhythm.

The Cannes Film Festival is actually a small circle. The judges know each other, and it is possible that the judges of the previous and next sessions are friends.

This makes it more likely that the Palme d'Or will be circulated among this small circle.

"I like David's "A History of Violence" and Hou's "The Best Time". These two films must win the award." Gallic director Benoit Jacques, one of the judges, expressed his thoughts.

"I'll also share my own opinion. Broken Flowers can win the Palme d'Or, and so can Lyon's Amour."

Emir Kusturica also expressed his views firmly.

On one side are films from the United States, which has a connection with Cannes, and on the other side are films from Zhang Chen, who is also a musician.

Emil is not only the winner of the 38th and 48th Palme d'Or, but also a screenwriter, actor, writer, musician, and bassist of the band No Smoking Zone.

Therefore, I have a natural sense of closeness towards Zhang Chen, who is also a director, screenwriter, actor and musician.

"What about Chinese films? There are so many nominated. It's impossible that they won't get any awards, right?"

Someone made a point.

Among the less than 20 nominated films, 4 are from China. It would be unreasonable if they were not given any awards.

Wu Yusen, who had been listening for a long time but could not understand English or French, finally found an opportunity to speak through his daughter's translation: "Tianjin Hong Kong must win an award. I am going to make a war film this year. In order for the Chinese market to accept war films, you have to give Tianjin Hong Kong an award."

His words were accurately conveyed to the other judges present through his daughter's translation.

"What about other Chinese films, such as Lyon's "Love"?"

Emile looked seriously at Wu Yusen, who was speaking for the first time today, and asked for his opinion.

As a representative of China on the jury of this film festival, I must strive to win an award for my country.

There are now four Chinese films, and Wu Yusen only talked about "Qinghong".

Although this will help others "divide" the remaining prizes, they also have to fully consider the voices of the outside world.

Don’t you see how much the outside world is discussing Zhang Chen’s "Love"?

Many film buyers were waiting to find Zhang Chen to buy the copyright as soon as the award ceremony was over.

A film with such great market potential deserves serious consideration no matter what.

At this time, the opinion of Wu Yusen, a compatriot and director of the movie "Love", becomes particularly important.

"Zhang Chen's "Love"?" Wu Yusen looked embarrassed.

"Decide quickly!"

"That's it."

On May 5, the crew of "Love" and some Chen Guang artists who moved here were waiting anxiously in the hotel's large conference room.

"Director Tian, didn't you say that if I received a call, it would mean I was in the running for the prize? Why hasn't my brother's phone rung yet?"

Liu Yifei was more nervous than anyone else present.

Just now, Tian Zhuangzhuang told them another unspoken rule of the three major European film festivals.

That is the shortlisted crew that the organizing committee personally called to invite, which means that there will definitely be an award at the closing ceremony of this film festival.

But they were all dressed up, but Zhang Chen's cell phone on the table didn't ring.

"Don't worry."

Zhang Chen supported his chin with one hand and looked at Liu Yifei, who was in a panic, with interest.

He himself doesn't have any particular expectations about winning the award.

He has attended many award ceremonies in his life and won many prestigious awards, so he doesn't need a Palme d'Or.

So at this scene, the director who should have been the most nervous was actually the most relaxed person in the audience.

On the contrary, Liu Yifei, who does not hold any award-winning position such as director, actor, screenwriter, or lighting engineer, is more anxious than anyone else.

This also made Zhang Chen feel a long-lost sense of tension from the side.

In fact, he really wanted to tell the little girl that it was useless to stare at his phone and wait for a call.

because
Knock knock knock!
As everyone was nervous, the door of the conference room was knocked open.

The person who came in was Xue Yining.

"Boss, there's a phone call."

"Are you going to do other things at this time?"

Liu Yifei didn't react and thought that Zhang Chen had to be busy with other work at this critical juncture.

"This is the call you've been waiting for. Let's go."

Zhang Chen knocked on Liu Yifei's head, kicked up his phone and walked out.

"But, you don't have a phone number?"

Liu Yifei touched the forehead that Zhang Chen had hit, and subconsciously followed Zhang Chen out: "Did you make me stare at you for nothing, you bastard?"

Liu Yifei, who finally reacted, was so angry that her teeth were itching.

Zhang Chen held back the little girl who was about to hit him.

How could he just report his personal phone number to anyone?

A phone number from his assistant is enough.

"Let's go and get the award."

　To restore the real Cannes awards process for everyone.

　　I didn't make all this up.

　　The jury's award-giving process in 05 was revealed by one of the judges, Benoit Jacques, in an interview.

　　Cannes is such an award where personal preference is an important criterion.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)