The entertainment industry: My 99 future timelines!

After a brief exchange of pleasantries.

Matsumoto paused for a moment, then said, "You need to agree to the terms you're willing to offer for purchasing overseas copyrights."

"Director Li, to be honest, Daiei is indeed very interested in the Japanese distribution rights for 'Love Announcement.' We can offer a very competitive price of 40 million yen, and we promise to invest no less than 10 million yen in marketing and distribution."

"This price is basically the highest we've ever paid for the low-budget films we've acquired in previous years, especially debut films by new directors."

"We guarantee that after your movie is shown, it will become quite famous in Japan. Daiei is truly sincere."

Shen Ao's eyes lit up. Forty million yen, which is about two and a half million yuan. For a small-to-medium budget romance film with an investment of just over ten million yuan, the distribution rights in the Japanese market alone could recoup nearly a quarter of the cost.

Moreover, the key point is that with Daiei's investment in the promotion and distribution of "Love Announcement," Lee Wook will become somewhat famous in Japan, which is indeed a very tempting offer.

Shen Ao couldn't help but want to ask Li Xu for his opinion in a low voice.

But before he could speak, Li Xu, with a calm expression, spoke first: "Mr. Matsumoto, what are the conditions for such generous treatment?"

Matsumoto smiled: "Director Li is indeed a smart man. Our conditions are very simple. We only hope to obtain the priority investment rights for your next film."

"If your next project has a script, under the same conditions, Daiei has the right of first refusal to invest. If the project is suitable, we can also assist with filming in Japan and finding local partners."

Upon hearing this, Li Xu remained silent.

Shen Ao's smile froze.

Preferred investment rights sound appealing, but in reality, they are a form of binding.

Once he agrees, Li Xu's next project will essentially be locked in by Daiying in advance.

If Li Xu wants to find other investors, he must first ask Daying. Only if Daying doesn't want him can he look for others.

"Junior, we can't agree to these conditions. With your abilities, this guy is definitely up to no good."

Shen Ao whispered in Li Xu's ear, speaking in Chinese. He was taking advantage of the fact that this Japanese film producer didn't speak Chinese and only English.

Li Xu glanced at Shen Ao and nodded, indicating that he understood.

"I felt Mr. Matsumoto's sincerity."

"However, I don't have any specific plans for my next project yet. 'Love Announcement' is my debut film, and I need some time to reflect and think about what to film next," Li Xu said slowly.

"I understand, I completely understand."

Matsumoto nodded. "So what I meant by priority is not mandatory. And if Director Lee doesn't have any new projects in mind for the time being, we can also cooperate on the distribution of 'Love Announcement' first. However, the purchase price and the publicity commitments may fluctuate a little."

Matsumoto put it tactfully.

But Li Xu understood the underlying meaning: if he didn't agree to the priority right, the distribution rights issue would likely not be a minor fluctuation, but a major blow.

"Mr. Matsumoto."

"We are very grateful for Daiei's sincerity, but China Film Group is very interested in Director Li's next film, and I am also interested in investing in it, after all, we all know how excellent Director Li is."

Jing Tian spoke up at the right moment, with a polite smile, interrupting Li Xu and Matsumoto's conversation.

She will definitely invest, and she can invest the full amount.

As for China Film Group, they are indeed interested in Li Xu. If the script is suitable, they will most likely invest in Li Xu's next film.

Matsumoto glanced at Jing Tian, ​​his eyes now filled with scrutiny.

He knew Jing Tian's background; this young woman had a powerful connection with the Chinese government and was not someone to be trifled with.

When Jing Tian spoke, he stopped dwelling on the matter and softened his tone: "Of course, your country's China Film Group is very powerful, and so is Miss Jing Tian's family. I am willing to respect your thoughts."

"However, the Japanese market also has its own unique characteristics. China Film's distribution network is mainly within China, while in Japan, our resources might be more suitable."

"Moreover, we don't just want to do distribution; we also want to establish long-term partnerships with outstanding directors. Director Li's talent deserves to be seen by more people, and we can continue to explore this matter gradually."

Matsumoto's words were very eloquent, both praising Li Xu and implying Daiei's sincerity.

The meal lasted two hours, but the specific details regarding the issuance rights were still not agreed upon. However, a general price range for the purchase was finally reached.

Matsumoto concluded by saying that he would have the Ministry of Justice prepare a preliminary letter of intent for cooperation, and they would discuss the details after the film festival.

Li Xu, along with Jing Tian and Shen Ao, saw Matsumoto off.

Upon seeing Matsumoto leave, Shen Ao couldn't help but complain, "This guy, he talks a good game, but he just wants to tie you down, junior. He makes it sound so easy."

"If he says he'll invest, but actually deliberately drags his feet and doesn't invest, our film will be stuck for a long time."

Li Xu nodded, glanced at Jing Tian beside him who looked unhappy, patted her shoulder to comfort her, and said, "No rush."

"There are still four days left in the film festival, let's see how it goes."

Upon hearing this, Jing Tian snorted lightly, her face showing displeasure at Matsumoto, and said unhappily, "It's okay, Li Xu, let's just let it go with Matsumoto. We won't mess with them. I've also arranged for you to meet with people from CJ Entertainment in Korea tonight, one of the largest distribution companies in Korea."

"They told me they were very interested in Asian co-productions, especially projects involving China, Japan, and South Korea."

"CJ Entertainment?"

Jing Tian's words immediately brightened Shen Ao's eyes, who had just been feeling a bit down. "That CJ, the studio that produced 'Memories of Murder' and 'The Host'?"

"right."

Jing Tian nodded.

"Their representative's surname is Kim. He will meet with us tonight, but I don't think these Korean bastards will have an easy time with their demands. We need to be careful."

"However, if we cooperate with CJ, given CJ Entertainment's huge influence in South Korea, if we sell our film 'Love Announcement' to them, it's not just about distribution, but it might even have the potential to win awards at other film festivals in South Korea."

Li Xu remained silent.

He recalled what Park Jae-hyun had said during dinner the day before: "Film festivals are not just about art, they're also about business. Awards are about appearances, but deals are about substance."

Now, sure enough, this business opportunity has come knocking on our door.

At noon, Liu Yifei finally came downstairs, and everyone had lunch together before she went back to her room to rest.

She hasn't been feeling well all day; she's on her period and has some menstrual cramps, so she didn't attend her previous meeting with the Japanese film company Matsumoto.

Wait until the afternoon.

Lee Wook hosted interviews from several media outlets, including several mainstream media outlets in South Korea, as well as reporters stationed in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

The questions asked by these journalists were largely the same, mainly concerning creative inspiration, interesting anecdotes from filming, and expectations for film festival awards.

Li Xu answered casually, using only official language.

Shen Ao, on the other hand, was much more unrestrained. Apart from avoiding vulgar topics, he answered the reporter's questions in a dazzling manner, praising "Love Announcement" to the skies.

During a break in the interview, Liu Yifei quietly went downstairs, but she did not participate in answering the reporter's questions. Instead, she sat quietly not far away, watching Li Xu and Shen Ao perform.

After the interview ended, Li Xu walked over to Liu Yifei, who was standing not far away, and said gently, "You're not feeling well today, why did you come downstairs? You should be resting in bed."

Liu Yifei shook her head: "I want to see our film win awards, I want to see our film succeed, so I don't want to miss even an interview."

"Ha, so that's what you think. I thought you'd keep your aloof and indifferent attitude, Senior Yifei?"

Hearing Liu Yifei's words, Li Xu, unusually, felt a surge of teasing and laughed.

"Aloof and indifferent? That's what people who don't know me say, but you've known me for so long, do you still think I'm like that?"

"I don't usually compete with others for ordinary things, but if it's something I think is important, I will not only compete for it, but I will fight for it desperately... For example, with this movie, I want to prove to the audience that I, Liu Yifei, am definitely not the kind of actress who can only play the role of a cold and aloof fairy."

Li Xu looked at Liu Yifei, whose eyes were now incredibly clear and focused.

She wasn't craving honors, but rather recognition—recognition from her peers in the film and television industry and from audiences as an actress, not just a star.

But at the same time.

Li Xu seemed to vaguely discern another meaning in her words.

Thinking of this, Li Xu fixed his gaze on Liu Yifei, his casual tone turning serious as he spoke in a deep voice:

"Senior Yifei, you will prove it."

Whether I win an award or not, it will prove me right.

Liu Yifei paused for a moment, then laughed: "Junior Li Xu, do you know that sometimes what you say really sounds like inspirational quotes?"

"But it's the truth."

Upon hearing this, Li Xu smiled slightly and said, "The movie has been released. Whether it wins awards or not is not up to us. After all, luck plays a role in this, in addition to ability."

"But I can see your acting skills in this movie, as well as your hard work and dedication during filming. Domestic audiences will be able to see these things in theaters soon."

A hint of joy flashed in Liu Yifei's eyes. She nodded and said nothing more.

-

After finishing the media interviews.

That night, Li Xu prepared to meet with representatives from CJ Entertainment.

Jing Tian had previously chosen to avoid media interviews because she wasn't part of the "Love Announcement" production team, but now she has to go along with it.

Liu Yifei, whose condition had improved and whose stomach pain had subsided, also chose to participate.

Li Xu, Shen Ao, Jing Tian, ​​and Liu Yifei, the four-person group heading to Busan, were finally able to travel together as a whole again.

"CJ's representative is Kim Sung-min, 40 years old, and he is the vice president of CJ Entertainment's international business division."

On the way to the restaurant, Jing Tian quickly shared the information.

"I haven't had much contact with this person. I met him through some family connections. The person who made the connection said that he is very shrewd, but he likes to be straightforward and is very firm in negotiating terms."

"However, if he thinks you have value, he will stop at nothing to get what he wants; he has a strong ambition to get what he wants."

"Is he close to Park Jae-hyun?" Lee Wook pressed.

"They're not very close, but Park Jae-hyun is a professor at Sungkyunkwan University and has a lot of connections in the Korean film and television industry, so the two of them must have interacted before."

"I understand what you mean. I asked Park Jae-hyun about the situation beforehand, and he only gave me some basic information, saying he couldn't help much."

Jing Tian understood Li Xu's thoughts very well and immediately answered seriously.

Li Xu nodded, feeling slightly regretful, but still indicating that he understood.

Dinner location.

In a private room at a high-end Korean restaurant not far from the hotel where Li Xu and the others were staying.

Korean food isn't particularly delicious, but fortunately, Li Xu and his group didn't come here specifically for a meal.

We arrived at the location.

Li Xu pushed open the door and found a middle-aged man in a dark blue suit with a serious expression already waiting.

"Director Li, Ms. Jing, Ms. Liu Yifei, and Mr. Shen, my name is Kim Sung-min, welcome."

Kim Sung-min, the representative of CJ Entertainment in South Korea, stood up. His Chinese was a little broken, but still understandable.

Everyone took their seats.

Kim Sung-min is even more direct than Matsumoto.

Without exchanging a few pleasantries, he cut straight to the point: "Director Li, I've seen your film 'Love Announcement,' it's very good, especially your and Ms. Liu's performances, which surprised me greatly."

"I've seen many Chinese films in South Korea, but such superb and outstanding performances are rare."

"Thank you," Li Xu and Liu Yifei replied politely at the same time.

Kim Sung-min nodded and continued, "Regarding this movie, I've read the program reviews and asked a few film critic friends, and they all have very high opinions of it."

"Therefore, CJ is very interested in this film. It's not just about the Korean distribution rights, but also the distribution agents throughout Asia, including Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. We have a well-established network in all of these regions."

Shen Ao's breath hitched.

The distribution agency for the entire Asian region is much more ambitious than Daiei's ambition to only target the Japanese market.

"What are the conditions?"

Li Xu asked the same question he had asked Matsumoto that morning.

"Two conditions."

Kim Sung-min held up two fingers.

"First, we want exclusive distribution rights for a period of five years. During these five years, all distribution of this film throughout Asia must go through CJ."

"Secondly, we want priority investment rights for your next project, as well as priority cooperation rights in South Korea. If the project is suitable, CJ can participate in the investment and provide production support."

Kim Sung-min's request was even more demanding than Matsumoto's from Daiei Film Company in Japan, and Lee Wook instinctively wanted to refuse.

But the next second, Kim Sung-min leaned forward, crossed his hands on the table, and said in a deep voice, "Director Lee, I know that the conditions at CJ Entertainment do sound very harsh and unacceptable."

"But I can tell you that the vast resources behind CJ Entertainment are absolutely unmatched by any other company."

"We are not only willing to offer 13 billion won for the overseas rights to your film 'Love Announcement' across Asia, but if the collaboration goes smoothly, we can also provide you with ample Korean filming resources, local actors, and even access to Cannes and Berlin Film Festivals for your next film."

"We at CJ have established connections and resources at the three major European film festivals, which is something that others cannot provide."

Li Xu fell silent.

Kim Sung-min's words were direct and honest.

Daiei can offer deep cultivation of the Japanese market, while CJ can offer distribution channels throughout Asia and the possibility of internationalization.

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, but CJ's offer is clearly more attractive and also more dangerous—the exclusive agency rights plus the right of first refusal mean that his development for the next five years and most of his career are tied to CJ.

"We have felt Minister Kim's sincerity."

Li Xu slowly began, "However, such a big decision requires us to consider it. The film festival still has a few days left. Let's discuss it in detail after the closing ceremony, okay?"

Kim Sung-min stared at Lee Wook for a few seconds, then smiled: "Okay, Director Lee is very cautious, that's a good thing."

"However, I must also remind you that new films are screened every day at the film festival, and new dark horses emerge every day. Opportunities wait for no one."

"I understand," Li Xu nodded.