Japanese Entertainment: From special effects actor to action superstar

Chapter 557 Returning the favor, increasing the ration ratio

"Did Narayama's Ballad win an award?"

When Shohei Imamura called to formally invite him, Akira Tani was busy working on special effects at Bishamonten Studio.

Hearing this news, Gu Ming was not surprised at all.

Because Narayama had already won an award, he did nothing.

The Ballad of Narayama is a film that reflects the ignorance and stupidity of the Japanese people. It also contains a lot of intimate scenes. It can be said that this is a movie that should be rated NC17 even if it is released.

Gu Ming, the demon warrior, beheaded hundreds of people, yet he only ranked NC17 in the US. The fact that Narayama's The Ballad of Narayama ranked NC17 shows just how daring the film was.

It can be said like this.

Films that are unabashed about sex, filled with actors' classic performances, and can also reflect the ignorance of the masses are exactly what film festivals crave.

That's why Narayama Ballad won the Palme d'Or in history.

Because there were no surprises, Gu Ming didn't even go to Cannes. He just used his connections to make a few phone calls to let them know that he had submitted the film, and then he was busy filming.

Unexpectedly, upon his return, Shohei Imamura's first act was to come and see him.

Tanaka leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"Gugu, it's an international letter, a telegram from France."

"Oh, I know, it's the name of the Cannes Film Festival jury president, what's his name again?"

Gu Ming was a little confused and couldn't remember the name, but he still unfolded the telegram and read it carefully.

The telegram had already been translated into Japanese, so Taniaki could understand it.

In the letter, the president of the Cannes Film Festival jury made no secret of his praise.

"I originally thought that Mr. Furia's first year as a special guest was a disrespectful way to avoid the Cannes Film Festival, but I never expected that Mr. Furia would give us, the French people, such a surprise."

"This film is bold and avant-garde, open and beautiful. It is a rare classic in film history. It is clear that Mr. Furia put a lot of thought into choosing this film."

"On behalf of the Cannes Film Festival jury, I extend my highest respect to you..."

Gu Ming closed the letter and clicked his tongue.

He's lying right here, and he's even getting credit for it!
It's quite normal for the French to praise him; after all, this special invitation isn't given out casually. If he submitted some lousy film to the film festival in Japan, he wouldn't be able to be a guest.

But the French were deeply impressed that they won the Palme d'Or in their first year.

"Praise is fine, but you won't even show my Onimusha movie, so what's the point of saying all that! And Narayama Ballad? I haven't even reported on Red Sorghum to you guys yet!"

Gu Ming waved his hand and casually handed the letter to Tanaka.

Since he was invited today, he naturally decided to go and meet them.

Moreover, Gu Ming was somewhat interested in Imamura Shohei.

……

……

Shohei Imamura is a Japanese director, but he has a peculiar trait: he enjoys filming backward and impoverished places and some absurd customs.

Simply put, Shohei Imamura is a Japanese public intellectual. Many of his films, besides featuring erotic scenes, also depict the backwardness of Japan.

In China, Shohei Imamura would be considered a "big brother" (a derogatory term implying someone who is overly ambitious or influential).

Therefore, Gu Ming was indeed somewhat interested in Imamura Shohei.

If this happened in China, encountering directors like EMO and Kai Gege in their early years who liked to film outdated themes would definitely make people very angry.

But it doesn't matter in Japan.

If Shohei Imamura loves to film, Tani Akira will fully support him.

Anyway, it’s not your face that’s lost.

You can also win prizes and boost your reputation, so why not!

At the dinner, Gu Ming met an unexpected person in addition to Imamura Shohei.

“President Okada.” Gu Ming looked at Okada Shigeru, who was sitting in the main seat, with some surprise.

Imamura Shohei, who was sitting to the side as a guest, showed a bit of ingratiation towards Gu Ming, gesturing for him to sit down.

"Furuya-kun, you've arrived! Please have a seat, Furuya-kun! Speaking of which, I invited you here as soon as I got back. I must thank you in person for this!" Gu Ming suppressed a laugh and bowed slightly: "I'm ashamed to say that I only did a very insignificant job, just submitting the film to the French."

"I understand, I understand! The effort behind it can't be spoken of, but I remember all the kindness Furuya-kun has shown me!"

Shohei Imamura patted his chest.

I won't say anything more; it's all in the wine.

Okada Shigeru also looked Tani Akira up and down, filled with emotion.

The actors are great, it's a pity they're not from Toei! They're always getting involved with that Kadokawa Haruki guy.

What's so great about Kadokawa Group? Toei Animation is great too!

Okada Shigeru didn't have much time, so he couldn't stay there drinking forever. After clinking glasses with Tani Akira, he said succinctly, "On behalf of Toei, I thank Mr. Furuya for this matter. Now the film can be profitable."

Gu Mingdao said, "Even with only 500 million in ration revenue, Toei won't lose money, right?"

After all, a distribution of 500 million yuan means that both the production company and the exhibition company each received around 500 million yuan.

With both production and screening, Toei's 500 million yen in allocated revenue was definitely a good deal.

Even if the production cost is as high as 200 million, it will still be profitable.

“That’s different,” Okada Shigeru said. “As a businessman, not making much money is considered a loss.”

Gu Ming clicked his tongue in amazement.

Sigh! Capital!

Ugh! Meituan!

Okada Shigeru then changed the subject: "Speaking of which, although Furuya-kun's new film is produced by Kadokawa Group, it is directed by Toei, so it can be considered half a Toei film. Toei has a distribution plan that I can tell you about."

"I plan to charter a special fireworks festival in Tokyo during the summer!"

Okada Shigeru gestured with his hands: "Click! All the fireworks are sent into the sky, resounding with the same name: Onimusha!"

Gu Ming leaned back instantly.

That's a really big deal!

"Toei will pay close attention to the publicity plan, but there is one more thing that I must discuss with Mr. Furuya in person: the rationing ratio."

When this topic came up, Gu Ming sat up straight.

“Previously, Toei’s rationing ratio was around 40% to 45%, but now I think this ratio is unreasonable. We should revise the rationing ratio to more than 55%!”

Gu Ming quickly went through it in his mind.

This is equivalent to him receiving an additional 20% of the allocated income!

He also raised his glass and clinked it with Okada Shigeru's.

No need to say anything more, it's all in the wine!
After Okada Shigeru finished speaking and drank some wine, he left in a hurry, leaving only Tani Akira and Imamura Shohei behind.

Amidst the clinking of glasses, Gu Ming casually brought up the matter of the film.

"It's a pity that Imamura-kun's films don't align with my personal career path, so I won't be appearing in them. But if you need any help, such as funding or actor coordination, feel free to contact me anytime!"

Shohei Imamura's films have won the Palme d'Or several times.

Hearing Gu Ming's words, Imamura Shohei also became serious: "Then, I won't stand on ceremony! Actually, I have a favor to ask. I originally had my eye on an actor who switched to your company..."

As soon as he said that, Gu Ming knew.

Hiroyuki Sanada.

Yes, Zhen Zidan was taking Sanada Hiroyuki out on her motorcycle when they crashed!

It was later determined that it was indeed an accident, and although their injuries were quite frightening, they had gradually recovered after two months of rest. Zhen Zidan was already running and jumping again, completely healed, while Sanada Hiroyuki still needed more time to recover.

The main problem was that he wasn't wearing a helmet while riding his motorcycle.

“Of course, no problem with Sanada-kun!”

Gu Ming waved his hand.

Take it if you want! Anyway, a mature actor like Hiroyuki Sanada doesn't need his help!

(End of this chapter)