Huayu: Starting from joining the mainstream entertainment industry in 96

Chapter 373, Section 371: The Attention of Hollywood Capital

The jubilation at Wulihe Stadium did not end with the conclusion of the match; instead, like a pebble thrown into a still lake, the ripples spread rapidly throughout Shenyang and even the entire country.

Firecrackers popped sporadically in every corner of the city, then merged into a lively symphony, interspersed with the excited shouts and loud singing of young people.

On the streets, fans waving national flags and with face paint on could be seen everywhere. They sang and danced in groups, releasing the passion and joy that had been pent up for decades.

Taxi horns honked in response, and the whole city was immersed in an unprecedented festive atmosphere.

The Shenyang municipal government held a grand celebration banquet for the national football team players who made history, choosing the banquet hall of the city's most upscale hotel as the venue.

Wang Sheng, Zhou Xingxing, Li Xiaoran, Gao Yuanyuan, and others attended as special guests.

The banquet hall was filled with the clinking of glasses and the jubilation of victory.

Mayor Xu, beaming with joy, went from table to table toasting the coaches and team members, and also thanking Wang Sheng, the "lucky star," for bringing good fortune and for his promise of "three hundred spots."

Wang Sheng smiled and politely accepted the toasts from all sides, and had a brief exchange with the national football team's key players.

He did not stay long. After symbolically eating a few dishes and experiencing the enthusiasm of the occasion, he bid farewell to Mayor Xu and others, citing work arrangements for the next day.

Zhou Xingxing, Li Xiaoran, and Gao Yuanyuan also left the table.

On the way back to the hotel, the relative quiet inside the car contrasted sharply with the bustling street scene outside the window.

Wang Sheng and Zhou Xingxing rode in the back of an Audi A6, while Li Xiaoran and Gao Yuanyuan followed in another car.

Stephen Chow gazed at the cheering crowds passing by outside the window, his face showing a hint of weariness, but more so, a sense of感慨 (gǎnkǎi, a complex emotion encompassing feelings, reflection, and a touch of melancholy).

He paused for a moment, then spoke in his characteristic slow, thoughtful tone: "Mr. Wang, seeing them... it's like seeing them going through countless takes for a single shot, finally achieving a satisfactory result. That kind of joy, so pure."

Wang Sheng nodded slightly, his gaze also turning to the window: "Dreams coming true is always touching."

He understood Stephen Chow's analogy: whether it's football or movies, the passion and dedication to excellence that exists at the grassroots level is indeed something in common.

Zhou Xingxing nodded, then seemed to remember something, and his tone became slightly serious: "There's something I want to tell you. This morning when I came to Shenyang, I received an overseas call from a film company called Miramax in the United States."

Wang Sheng's eyes flickered slightly, signaling him to continue.

Miramax was a name he was familiar with.

This independent film company, founded by brothers Harvey Weinstein and Bob Weinstein, is known for its expertise in producing low-budget art films and its ability to wield considerable influence during Oscar season, earning it the nickname "Awards Machine."

They were an undeniable force in Hollywood from the 1990s to the early 2000s.

They started by buying and distributing non-English films (especially Asian films), and are adept at bringing niche art films to the North American market through film festivals and word-of-mouth marketing, achieving great success and influence, such as with Pulp Fiction and The English Patient.

At the same time, they also use their usual methods to acquire the North American distribution rights of overseas films, especially Asian films, at low prices, and then shelve them or edit and package them to suit their interests before releasing them, thereby controlling the market, making huge profits, and engaging in financial manipulation, which has earned them a "notorious reputation".

For many Asian filmmakers eager to tap into the North American market, the Weinstein brothers were both "Oscar guides" and troublesome "copyright plunderers."

Stephen Chow continued, "They wanted to inquire about the North American rights to 'Shaolin Soccer,' and their asking price was... very low."

He paused, then stated a figure: "150 million US dollars..."

Compared to the more than $6000 million box office revenue that "Shaolin Soccer" achieved in Asia, it is indeed low to the point of being humiliating. Rather than being a purchase, it is more like a resource plunder in line with the bald eagle's style.

Stephen Chow continued, "I told them that the copyright is not in my hands, but mainly in Sheng Ying and Beijing Film Studio. I estimate that they will find you soon."

After listening, Wang Sheng's face remained expressionless; he simply gave a soft "hmm" to indicate that he understood.

He leaned back in his chair, lost in thought for a moment.

The covetousness of the likes of Miramax was within his expectations.

The explosive success of *Shaolin Soccer* in the Asian market, especially its unique comedic style and action effects, could not possibly have escaped the attention of Hollywood's shrewd "vultures." The North American market…

Before the rise of the Chinese film market, it was the world's richest single film market, attracting countless filmmakers from China and around the world.

Even after two or three decades, its status has not changed; it remains a leading center of world cinema.

The reason is simple: it is backed by the military strength of the United States and its economic power to plunder the world.

present.

The United States' attention has been drawn to its "big brother," and its relations with China have improved considerably. Its accession to the WTO is progressing rapidly.

China's accession to the WTO has had a significant impact on copyright prices, so Wang Sheng is not in a hurry to sell his copyrights.

Another reason is that Jackie Chan, who went to the United States to film "The Tuxedo," promised to help communicate with Hollywood companies such as New Line Cinema to see if they were interested in distributing "Shaolin Soccer" and whether Sheng Ying Media could participate in the North American promotional activities, etc.

It's just publicity.

New Line Cinema and Miramax are both subsidiaries of Hollywood giants.

In Hollywood, excluding the declining MGM, other companies survive by relying on the existing Hollywood Big Seven (MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount, Sony, Disney, Universal, and 20th Century Fox).

New Line Cinema and Miramax are Warner Bros. and Disney's subsidiaries, respectively, and are among the most elite subsidiaries with a certain degree of autonomy.

However, one focuses on commerce, while the other focuses on art.

New Line Cinema, backed by Warner Bros., has a strong distribution network and the ability to distribute films in North America and some international markets, enabling it to launch films on a large scale.

However, they are relatively cautious about Asian films and prefer to invest in or collaborate on projects that can reach the global market.

Miramax focuses on specific distributions in the North American market and excels at "platform-based" distribution through film festivals, limited releases, and word-of-mouth marketing.

They are extremely active and aggressive in their attitude toward Asian films, and are the main buyers of Asian films (Chinese, Korean, and Indian) entering North America, but they are forceful in their methods and often buy them out at low prices.

"I'll handle this."

Wang Sheng patted Zhou Xingxing on the shoulder and said.

"it is good."

Stephen Chow nodded noncommittally.

……

Back at the hotel.

After washing up.

I lay down on the bed.

Wang Sheng glanced at the text message he had received.

Li Xiaoran said her period had started.

Gao Yuanyuan did not.

After a while, Gao Yuanyuan came over.