Huayu: I was immediately ensnared by Jing Tian as soon as I entered the industry.

In the afternoon, Wang Xuan and the people from China Film Group met with several film distributors they had been in contact with throughout the film festival, without informing Harvey.

The hotel conference room was borrowed.

While Wang Xuan was negotiating the price with the film distributor, the conference room door was pushed open, and Harvey Weinstein walked in with a large pregnant belly.

He was completely devoid of the arrogance he displayed last night, and wore a fawning smile.

When he learned that Wang Xuan had met with various film producers, he rushed over in a hurry.

At the same time, he cursed Wang Xuan in his heart for being a despicable person who said he would wait two days but then went to find someone else.

"Wang, let's continue discussing the copyright of 'Buried Alive'!"

Wang Xuan laughed, glancing at the chubby man: "Didn't we talk about this last night? I've already given you the price, so what's there to discuss?"

Upon hearing this, Harvey was certain that Wang Xuan was going to sideline him and seek collaborations with other North American film studios.

"Your quoted price is unrealistic. After careful consideration, I found that the North American rights to 'Buried' are only worth $100 million."

Heh~

This price is still a bit short of Wang Xuan's expectations.

The original version grossed $11 million at the North American box office. After deducting marketing and theater revenue sharing, the $1 million buyout of the rights meant that the fat guy still made a profit.

This doesn't even include subsequent costs such as DVD rentals and online streaming.

Wang Xuan said seriously, "I'll give you a real price: 170 million US dollars, not a penny less."

Upon hearing this, the white pig's eyes widened in anger:

"Impossible. I know your country's labor costs. Your film production cost is at most $50."

So don't be too greedy. You've already made a killing at $100 million, not to mention there are other regions as well.

Harvey gritted his teeth, trying to control his anger.

You have to understand that the film market is a buyer's market, so how could anyone dare to haggle with them, especially since North America is the largest film market?

"The production cost of 'Buried Alive' was indeed not high, but the high medical expenses incurred for me later on were also part of the film's cost."

Wang Xuan spoke with such confidence that he wouldn't turn against Harvey if he caught him, and that Squid was only after profit.

Lu Yang recalled the conditions during filming and Wang Xuan's reckless acting style, and thought that adding another zero to the copyright fee would be reasonable.

For a shrewd Jewish businessman, Wang Xuan's words could only be described as utterly unappealing.

I'm trying to do business with you, and you're playing the victim. Let's see if I even give you the time of day.

Wang Xuan wasn't targeting Harvey, but rather the other film companies that were watching with bated breath.

If this fat white guy chops too hard, and others follow suit, then there's no point in talking.

Wang Xuan felt he was losing out if he earned even a penny less, as it would be unfair to his body, which had been tormented both mentally and physically.

He ignored the fat man who was on the verge of going berserk and turned his attention to other film studios:

"Everyone, please share your quotes, including those for North America."

"US$60 in Europe."

"South America 15..."

"Southeast Asia…"

"Japan and South Korea..."

Various film studios offered reasonable prices, and one businessman, after glancing at Harvey, quoted the North American price:

"North America 1..."

Before he could finish speaking, the chubby man interrupted him: "You win. $170 million for the North American rights."

After speaking, he gave the film distributor who had just made the offer an arrogant glare, then turned to look at Wang Xuan:

"Wang, you are a shrewd film businessman. I hope Miramax can work with you next time."

Wang Xuan shrugged noncommittally and looked at the film company that had just made the offer, wondering if they would raise the price.

To Wang Xuan's disappointment, the other party shook his head. Miramax is not a small company in Hollywood; it is a film company under Disney, a behemoth.

"I can agree to a deal for 170 million, but I want to pay it all at once."

Harvey, that fat guy, is no saint; Feng Xiaogang was once tricked by him.

At one film festival, he quoted $100 million but refused to pay.

After the film festival ended, none of the submitted films were accepted, so he started to lower the prices again.

$50, do you want it?

No, then 20.

This incident made Feng Xiaogang a laughing stock in the country.

After agreeing on the price, the two parties discussed some details and payment methods.

Ultimately, the copyright for "Buried Alive" was sold to all regions except mainland China, for a total price of US$3.2 million.

That evening, Wang Xuan made a special trip to see La Peikang to thank China Film Group for their help, saying that they had assisted with everything from drafting the contract.

"Wang Xuan, if you have a good script in the future but there is a funding gap, China Film Group is very willing to help you."

Lapekang's implication was quite clear.

Wang Xuan won't be able to enjoy the next film all by himself.

When he was unknown, no one paid attention to him, but he has already proven his commercial value. It would be wrong of him to keep it all to himself.

When making movies in China, it's best to collaborate with state-owned enterprises, as they can provide assistance in areas such as censorship and film scheduling.

"My next film will definitely not be a small investment; I will prioritize collaborating with China Film Group."

Lapekang nodded with satisfaction. Although China Film Group is a state-owned enterprise, it is also facing financial difficulties.

So many veteran directors are supported, and every year they have assignments to shoot humanities and documentaries, which are all unprofitable projects.

There are only a handful of directors in China who can make money. Zhang Yimou is being kept under tight control by Zhang Weiping at New Pictures, and China Film Group has virtually no say in his work.

When Feng Xiaogang was at Huayi Brothers, the Wang brothers kept a closer eye on him than anyone else.

In recent years, the only one who has been able to make commercial films is Ning Hao, who is just starting out.

He was drawn to Wang Xuan's imaginative ideas; if he had a few more scripts for "Buried Alive," he could sell the rights at the film festival.

He knew the cost of the "live burial" operation. It sold for 3.2 million US dollars, a net profit of more than 20 times. Who wouldn't be envious?

"Let's get back and start promoting it."

"Okay, I'll follow your instructions."

Given the content of "Buried Alive," the domestic box office is unlikely to be very high, and Wang Xuan has already given up on it.

···

As the group set off to return home, Wang Xuan began to carefully calculate the gains from the trip.

Without a doubt, it's that Silver Bear trophy. The copyright fee can't even compare to the bear itself; it's something you can live off for a lifetime.

Now a problem has arisen: having won awards that other actors dream of at such a young age has significantly diminished his desire to become an actor.

I'll consider changing my major when I get back.

Given his current status as a movie star, if he were to approach a school, let alone whether the school leaders would agree, Wang Chunzi would probably be the first to object.

Regardless, Wang Xuan made up his mind to change his major, even if it meant going to the photography department.

When the plane landed at the Capital Airport in the early morning, the air in my hometown smelled better. Although it wasn't sweet, at least it didn't make me feel uncomfortable.

I turned on my phone, and my parents' text messages bombarded me.

They only found out about Wang Xuan's award in Berlin after seeing the news.

I'm bound to get a lecture when I get back.

"Old Lu, I need to go home for a bit. I'll contact you when I get back."

The movie made a lot of money, so director Lu Yang gave him a bonus.