I am a historical film director in the entertainment industry.

In another timeline, "Still Life" won the Golden Lion Award this year.

However, it remains to be seen whether "Still Life" will win the Golden Lion Award, given my involvement!
"There's nothing to regret. I've already made a fortune selling it for over 50 million RMB. I owe it all to Director Cheng for his help."

Jia Zhangke said with great joy.

Indeed, the total investment in "Still Life" was only 6 million yuan, but with Cheng Sheng's help, it was distributed to 75 countries and earned as much as 50 million yuan in copyright fees.

This not only allowed him to recoup his investment, but also made him a fortune.

Seeing how satisfied Jia Zhangke was, Cheng Sheng nodded secretly. In another timeline, although "Still Life" also sold for a high price, this time with his help, it sold for more than ten million more.

Cheng Sheng felt a little emotional. Just because Jia Zhangke was called an "underground worker" and his films were banned from being shown, doesn't mean that his art films didn't make money.

But that's not actually the case. Without anyone knowing, Chia Chang-Ke had already quietly pocketed the money.

It's true that his movie can't be released, and it's also true that it won't make money at the box office.

However, they didn't set their sights on the domestic market; instead, they set their sights on the international market.

This is why Chia Chang-ko is willing to risk being banned from directing to participate in foreign film festivals.

Arthouse film directors are generally perceived as having a bleak financial future.

But Chia Chang-ko was an exception. He achieved financial freedom at the age of 28, and his debut film "Xiao Wu" in 1998 earned him nearly 500 million.

In fact, not only did his own films make money, but Chia Chang-Ke's investment in "Hello! Mr. Tree," directed by Han Jie and starring Wang Baobao, also didn't cause him to lose money.

Chia Chang Technology makes money from movies without relying on cinemas or distribution channels, and the secret to all of this lies in its overseas distribution channels.

While other directors are focused on domestic box office returns, Chia Chang-ko's eyes are set on overseas markets.

"Film is a long-term investment with a long payback period, but I never lack confidence and patience."

This is what a reporter said in an interview with Jia Zhangke, which proves that his Xihe Film and Television Company is considered an 'expert' among Chinese companies in terms of overseas distribution markets.

Those familiar with Chia Chang's business acumen know that Takeshi Kitano's studio and the French company MK2 are not only his long-term partners, but also key drivers behind his overseas distribution network.

Since Platform in 2000, every work by Yoshiaki Kazuo has featured the influence of Takeshi Kitano's studio.

But the mastermind behind it was not the famous Takeshi Kitano, but Shozo Ichiyama.

Shozo Ichiyama previously worked at the long-established Japanese film company Shochiku, where he produced several works by Yizhou film master Hou Xiaoxian, including "Good Men and Good Women," "Goodbye South, Goodbye," and "Flowers of Shanghai."

In 1998, Shozo Ichiyama joined T-Mark, a subsidiary of Takeshi Kitano's studio.

In the same year, he met Chia Chang-ke at the Berlin Film Festival.

Chia Chang-ko was shortlisted for the Berlin Film Festival's Forum for Young People with his film "Xiao Wu". Before going to the festival, he and Yu Li-wei, the producer of the film's production company Xiangjiang Hutong and also the cinematographer, finalized a plan to "sell the film".

Upon arriving in Berlin, the two of them cast a wide net, distributing flyers everywhere and inviting overseas buyers to watch the film. It was then that Shozo Ichiyama, acting as a buyer, took a liking to Chihōko.

Before Chia Chang-ko's "Still Life" won the Venice Golden Lion Award, the main funding for his three works, "Platform," "Unknown Pleasures," and "The World," came from the small-time government.

Kitano's studio was the biggest contributor, investing 600 million yen in "Platform" and double that amount to 1200 million yen in "The World".

After "Still Life" won the Golden Lion at Venice, Chia Chang-ko became famous, and the film's sales were booming. Who wouldn't want this hot commodity?
French company MK2 has taken a strong stance in the global distribution business of Chia Chang Films, leaving Takeshi Kitano Studio with only the Chinese distribution rights for "Little Days".

But that was Jia Zhangke's experience in another timeline; this time it's a little different.

Although "Still Life" received positive reviews at its Venice premiere, the French company MK2 did not hire Chia Chang-ko this time.

Instead, Jia Zhangke approached Cheng Sheng, who then introduced him to Columbia Company.

"Director Jia, if you're looking for investment for your future films, you can contact our Shengli Film Company. I'm very interested in your films," Cheng Sheng said to Jia Zhangke.

Chia Chang Films is very reliable in terms of profitability; it will not cheat investors, and almost every film it makes money.

Cheng Sheng didn't want to miss out on such a good investment.

"Director Cheng, forget about investing. I'm afraid I'll be banned from directing when I get back this time," Jia Zhangke said helplessly.

Even before "Still Life" had passed censorship, he brought the film to the Venice Film Festival.

This situation is very serious; being banned from directing is considered a light punishment.

However, he already knew this outcome and had learned from experience that it just meant he couldn't make movies openly! He would continue to be his 'underground worker'.

Cheng Sheng couldn't help but laugh upon hearing this.

Under normal circumstances, Chia Chang-ko would definitely be banned from directing after returning.

But who can blame him when Chia-chang is so formidable!
"Still Life" won Best Film.

Now, even if the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television wants to ban him, it will have to consider the impact on public opinion.

Therefore, in the end, Chia Chang-ko was not only not banned from directing, but "Still Life" was actually released in mainland China.

Unfortunately, "Still Life" only grossed a paltry 300,000 yuan at the box office.

It's fair to say that mainland audiences have little interest in Chia Chang-ko's art films, resulting in virtually no box office success.

As for why audiences don't like Chia Chang-ke's art films?

The main reason is that Chia Chang-ko's films have always focused on the marginalized and the underprivileged.

Audiences are often not interested in this type of film.

The movie's plot is too heavy.

Who goes to the movies and gets depressed?
Most viewers want to have a good time when watching a movie.

Cheng Sheng didn't continue talking about investing in the film, because even if he told Jia Zhangke now that his film would win Best Picture, the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television wouldn't ban it, and the film could still be shown in mainland China.

But Chia Chang-ko probably wouldn't believe it, since he himself didn't think his film could win the Golden Lion Award.

After saying goodbye to Jia Zhangke, Cheng Sheng returned to his room.

Da da da!
Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

"what happened?"

Cheng Sheng opened the door and saw the bloated demon standing there excitedly.

"The organizers called!" the bloated demon exclaimed with elation.

"Did the organizers call?"

Cheng Sheng was taken aback at first, and then he couldn't help but show his joy.

Generally speaking, when the organizers call them at this time, it's a hint, or even an explicit statement, meaning they're almost guaranteed to win the prize tomorrow.

Although he had received the news from Catherine, he still had some doubts.

But now that the organizers have called, winning the prize is practically guaranteed. (End of Chapter)