Chapter 116 Lost in the mulberry tree, gained in the east
Andy Lau should be regarded as the busiest Chinese movie star at this Berlin Film Festival.
Two films related to him have entered the main competition.
A Thai film "Invisible Waves" that he invested in
A Hollywood film "Buried Alive" in which he starred
"Invisible Waves" was the first to premiere. Due to Andy Lau's good popularity, all Chinese in the Berlin circle came to the scene to support Andy.
After the video was played, Yang Siwei fell asleep directly.
It wasn’t until the lights came on that Yang Siwei woke up and pretended to follow the crowd and started applauding.
"Thinking, does it look good?" Liu Yifei said with a smile.
Will I fall asleep if it looks so good? Yang Sisi shook his head.
Liu Yifei and Tang Yan looked at each other and smiled, but actually they didn't think it looked good either.
The entire film is too depressing, and the violent and bloody scenes are not the cup of tea of a few girls.
"Sissi, you three should go back to the hotel first. I'll be back after socializing for a while." Li Chen said.
"Well, don't pour cold water on Brother Hua." Liu Yifei said with a smile.
“Okay, got it.”
When Wang Zhonglei saw Li Chen alone, his thoughts moved and he took the initiative to talk to him.
"Director Li, you have to come to the promotion meeting of "The Night Banquet" tomorrow." Wang Zhonglei said with a smile.
"Forget it, I won't join in the fun. Congratulations in advance to Mr. Wang on the success of "The Night Banquet"."
Although "The Night Banquet" will definitely lose money at the domestic box office.
But because of Zhang Ziyi's joining, "The Banquet" had already recovered the cost of US$15 million in the middle of the filming.
It can be said that Wang Zhonglei felt no pressure when he came to Berlin to sell.
There are already many film producers waiting in line.
“Haha, let’s borrow some good words from Director Li. I also hope that Director Li’s film “Those Years” will be as popular.” Wang Zhonglei smiled brightly.
No matter what Li Chen heard, this guy seemed to be insincere.
“Thank you, I hope so.”
Li Chen's indifferent attitude disappointed Wang Zhonglei.
At least it shows a little yearning for "The Night Banquet"!
"What are you two talking about? You are so happy." Liu Dehua came up and smiled.
“‘The Night Banquet’ has been favored by film producers, Mr. Wang is very proud of it, and we Chinese people are also proud of it,” said Li Chen.
“Who says it’s not the case? I hope my film “Invisible Waves” will not be too different from his “The Night Banquet”.”
"Okay, okay, Hua Zai, Director Li, you two have lifted me up so high, I can't get down!" Wang Zhonglei laughed.
Obviously, Li Chen and Liu Dehua scratched his itch.
Not long after returning to the hotel, Liu Yifei called to check on her.
Li Chen did not go to the promotion meeting of "The Night Banquet", so Yang Siwei went on his behalf.
I heard that there are many film dealers, mostly Asian film dealers. European and American film dealers watch more and buy less.
With the lessons learned from "The Promise", film producers are even more ruthless.
No one went to the premiere of "The Promise", after all, they had all seen it.
It wouldn’t make much sense to go there, and it might embarrass the Palme d’Or.
In addition to Zhang Dongjian, the leading actors and actress Hiroyuki Sanada from the island country also came.
But this is a bit different from Chen Hong’s previous claim that the five leading actors will appear together in Berlin.
I heard that reporters asked about the topic of steamed buns again at the scene.
Chen Kaige said: He must sue to the end!
On the 13th, the premiere of "Buried Alive" was packed to the rafters.
Now everyone knows that this movie was only shot for more than ten days and had only one actor.
Driven by curiosity, the premiere of "Buried Alive" was sold out.
In the movie palace venue, Yang Siwei shook his head and sighed.
Liu Yifei frowned and said with a smile: "You are sighing here, let your boss know, be careful he deducts your salary."
"I sighed for Brother Hua, didn't you see Hua just now? The helplessness on my face. "Invisible Waves" has become unpopular. Compared with the crowds of "Buried Alive" today, it's too difficult for Hua. Has a deal been reached?" Tang Yan wondered.
“Forget it, let’s not talk about it anymore, I hope the boss’s film “Buried Alive” can help Brother Hua.”
Neither Liu Yifei nor Tang Yan were gossipers. Seeing that Yang Siwei didn't want to say more, they stopped asking.
Yang Siwei knows Liu Dehua's situation better than Liu Yifei and Tang Yan.
This Uranus superstar’s good popularity does not seem to have brought him wealth.
Over the years, not only has he been known as a box-office poison, but he has also suffered miserably as an investor.
All the hard-earned salary was wasted.
Before establishing Yingyi Entertainment, Andy Lau's "Cinema Productions" successively released many films, but unfortunately all of them failed at the box office, resulting in huge losses.
Later, he turned to Mrs. Xiang for help and got 40 million yuan in life-saving money before he came back to life.
However, the good times still did not last long, after the lawsuit against Bo Shaotang, the shareholder introduced by "Tianmu Production".
Although the two parties finally reached a settlement, "Torch Production" also stopped production and closed down.
After the collapse of "Tianmu", Liu Dehua did not give up the idea of starting a business, and established Yingyi Entertainment in 2004.
In order to attract market audiences for his first entrepreneurial film "Jiang Hu", Andy Lau also recruited Zhang Xueyou to co-star in the film with him.
As a result, this well-produced work failed to enter mainland theaters due to "censorship issues" and was only released in the Hong Kong film market, where it suffered a huge loss.
Recently, rumors of Andy Lau's bankruptcy have spread in Hong Kong circles, which is not uncommon.
The movie palace was packed with people, and Tim, as a distributor, was in high spirits in the audience.
Li Chen and Liu Dehua, one as the director and the other as the starring actor, thanked the guests and media who came to support them on the stage.
Wang Zhonglei is the only one in the Chinese community. Others have either not arrived in Berlin yet or are not in the mood to attend the premiere of "Buried Alive".
The movie started to show soon. The story is not obscure, it can even be said to be understandable at a glance.
The government's inaction and anti-war purpose hinted at in the end received a lot of applause and praise.
Then it’s time for Tim’s performance. Tim, who travels among various film studios, takes it easy.
Li Chen, Liu Dehua and others left the movie palace and returned to the hotel.
"Director Li, let's go sit in a coffee shop?" Liu Dehua said suddenly before leaving.
Li Chen was stunned for a moment, then said: "Okay, then Qianqian, you guys go back first."
"Yifei, I will borrow Director Li for a while and I will return it to you later." Liu Dehua smiled. road.
"Don't be in a hurry, Brother Hua, please take your time and chat." Liu Yifei said with a blushing face.
Li Chen and Liu Dehua got out of the elevator and sat down in the hotel's cafe.
Liu Dehua let out a long breath: "Director Li, thank you."
"Thank you for what, Brother Hua?" Li Chen hadn't responded yet.
"The profit from "Buried Alive" should be quite large. If you hadn't insisted on giving me a 20% share, I wouldn't have had a penny." Liu Dehua said with a bitter smile.
Li Chen didn’t know what to say. He knew more or less about Liu Dehua’s situation.
Over the years, Andy Lau has been like a clockwork alarm clock.
Every year, whether it’s movies or albums, the output is definitely high.
The movie never picks a script. Although the box office has always been a hit, the film pays a lot and it does make some money.
Liu Dehua’s route is right. Be a boss, invest in making movies, and work tirelessly on the road to capital.
Although "Invisible Waves" may not be able to lose money this time, it certainly won't make much profit.
"Take your time, Brother Hua, your Asian Rising Star Guide plan is a good idea. Everyone knows the current sluggish market in Hong Kong Island."
""Double J Weekly" saw the situation clearly early on and went to Hollywood to develop. Now they have all moved to the mainland. You are the only one who still wants to do something for Chinese films and support new talents."
Asian Rising Star Director Although Ning Hao was not included in the plan, in addition to Lin Zicong and Li Gongle from Hong Kong Island, another Li Zi from Hong Kong Island was added.
Andy Lau also spared no effort to support Hong Kong films, but it is a pity that these people have sunk.
"You think too highly of me, Director Li. I've also moved to the mainland." Liu Dehua laughed at himself.
“Do you have any good suggestions, Director Li? I can honestly say that I admire Director Li’s talent and investment vision.”
There has always been a rumor in the industry that Li Chen's first pot of gold came from the futures market, and of course Liu Dehua has heard about it.
And there are rumors that there are noses and eyes, because a mainland Chinese brand that is in sharp contrast to Li Chen lost nearly 100 million US dollars.
While that national brand is short, Li Chen is long.
"Brother Hua, just call me Li Chen. We are so familiar with each other. Director Li is so weird." Li Chen said with a smile.
Liu Dehua did not hesitate and said with a smile: "Okay, Li Chen."
After he got acquainted with people like Wang Zhonglei and Feng Xiaogang, he always called them by their first names.
“Actually, there are no good suggestions. The most fundamental thing about a movie is the script. Only with a good script can the box office and reputation be established.”
“Your plan for a new star director is very promising. Meaning, let’s do this, Brother Hua, I will also contribute.”
“Every year I will come up with a script and select a director from your Rising Star Director Project, and your Yingyi Entertainment will do it. Co-invested and produced by Rongchen Pictures."
"Haha, I really want it. Who doesn't know that your script is a guarantee of box office"
"Then it's settled, Brother Hua, you can send me the list of new star directors later. When the film festival is over and you return to the mainland, we will discuss it in detail."
"No problem."
After talking about the main business, Andy Lau talked about "Buried Alive" again
It can be seen that Andy Lau cares about whether "Buried Alive" can help him win an international best actor.
After all, he is the only actor in the whole drama "Buried Alive". As long as he wins the award, he will definitely be the best actor, and it won't be the coffin he sleeps in.
"It's really hard to say, Brother Hua. I believe you have also seen that at this Berlin Film Festival, German films accounted for more than half. What it means is very clear."
"This is true, you can watch it. Come out, Germany supports its own films," Liu Dehua nodded.
Compared with Liu Dehua's concern for gains and losses, Li Chen is more relaxed. What I gain is my luck, and what I lose is my life.
He already has a golden palm to protect his body, which is equivalent to my heaven and earth black and yellow exquisite pagoda covering his head, ignoring all attacks.
The next day, the German media reported on the grand premiere of "Buried Alive".
"Li Chen, the Chinese film director with the Palme d'Or, a Chinese genius, completed the film on the 13th. "Buried Alive" was well received by both the director and the actor."
"The North American distribution of "Buried Alive" was won by Lionsgate and distributed by many companies in Asia and Europe. Shangjun intends to introduce it!”
“Chinese actor Andy Lau’s acting skills have been unanimously recognized”
The mainland media also reported the premiere of "Buried Alive".
Netizens expressed that they can’t wait to see Andy Lau’s one-man show. Han Sanping called Li Chen directly.
“I’ve left a spot for you, will it be okay for “Buried Alive” to pass the review?” Han Sanping always spoke in a non-negotiable tone.
"It's definitely no problem, Director Han."
"That's fine. China Film intends to buy it out directly. Someone will contact Chiyou Pictures when the time comes. Say hello to Chiyou Pictures."
After hanging up the phone, Li Chen felt that Han Sanping had something to say. Was he trying to lower the price with him?
Soon, Valentine’s Day came on February 14th.
As the heroine and supporting actress of "Those Years", both Liu Yifei and Tang Yan look youthful and beautiful.
It is a youth campus film in itself. There is no need to imitate those foreigners who show their shoulders and breasts.
Xue Xiaolu also arrived in Berlin on the 13th.
Like "Buried Alive", the premiere tickets for "Those Years" were sold out early in the morning.
In the hotel, several people were getting ready to go.
Liu Yifei changed into a white suit today, with long flowing hair, simple but not simple, but still the same sass.
Li Chen warned again: "Sisi, arrange a few more people. Although the film festival has people who specialize in preventing stolen photos, we can't take it lightly."
"Don't worry, boss. I understand." Yang Siwei nodded solemnly.
Because I don’t know where the news came from in the past few days, saying that pirates from the mainland have targeted this "Those Years"
I also specially bought tickets for the premiere, because each of Li Chen's movies has higher box office than the last, and he has become the God of Wealth in the eyes of this group of pirates!
There are still more than two months until it is released in the mainland. If there is a pirated version before it is released, Li Chen will really vomit blood.
Before seven o'clock in the evening, Xue Xiaolu, Li Chen, Liu Yifei and Tang Yan began to walk on the red carpet.
Foreign media reporters have become accustomed to seeing local actresses showing their breasts and backs in the past two days.
When I saw two tall middle-aged actresses, both dressed in dashing and handsome suits, I immediately pressed the shutter button like crazy.
"Yifei, your stylist chose this outfit for you today? Your stylist has such a good taste!" Some domestic media reporters are already making fun of Liu Yifei.
"Yes, the stylist chose me. I will introduce you to him another day." Ms. Liu joked with the reporter while posing.
Li Chen was really speechless. Tang Yan, wearing a dark green slim-fitting suit, wanted to laugh but didn't dare.
Only Liu Yifei smiled brightly and unscrupulously.
"Director Xue, Director Li, I wish you that "Those Years" will sell well in Europe and the United States." Domestic CCTV reporters sent their blessings.
"Thank you"
"Thank you, please come in too, it's too cold outside." Li Chen said with a smile.
Compared with the freezing weather outside, the main venue of the Movie Palace was crowded and lively.
Liu Dehua and Wang Zhonglei came together, but Chen Kaige still didn't show up.
The crew of "Isabella" from Hong Kong Island just left Hong Kong Island for Berlin today.
Local couples can be seen everywhere.
South Korea's CJ, the island nation of Toho, and several film producers in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are all loyal fans of Li Chen's script.
Of course their presence will not be missing.
Coupled with the previous hype in local media and the arrival of Koslik and Markle.
The premiere of "Those Years" immediately pushed to the climax of the entire Berlin Film Festival.
"Hua Zai, Li Chen's appeal is really terrifying." Wang Zhonglei, who was sitting in the audience, sighed.
"The screening of "The Night Banquet" was not so lively!"
"You don't have to envy Li Chen, this is the result of the high box office of his movie."
Faced with reporters’ questions, Li Chen remained confident on stage.
"Director Li Chen, many of our local college student couples from Berlin are here today. They all come because of the reputation. Do you feel any pressure?"
"Well, I saw it. Thank you for coming to the premiere of "Those Years". There will definitely be pressure."
"What I am sure of is that this work will definitely be very popular in the East. , as for whether it will be recognized by Western friends, I also want to know.”
“You should wait until the film is over and ask the German friends who are here today.”
"However, I think they will also like good movies regardless of national boundaries."
There were bursts of applause from the audience.
Li Chen walked off the stage with several main creators, and Liu Yifei whispered: "You can really speak! Director Li!"
"That's good, Li Chen."
"Okay. , Sister Lu, you are also making noises with Sissi.”
The movie screening will start soon.
The scene at the beginning was the breathtaking scenery of a small town in Yunnan. Li Chen was riding a bicycle and slapped the ham from Qiao Shan’s breakfast with one palm!
The ham sausage landed on the ground, just like a raised middle finger!
The audience burst into laughter.
International gestures, everyone understands them!
The film continues to get closer, with a compact plot and a clear main story line. The Erhai Lake in Yunnan is so beautiful that the Berlin college students who came to watch the film sighed how beautiful it is.
Until the end, Li Chen rushed towards Liu Yifei's husband like a bull in heat, pushed him, and kissed him desperately.
The scene immediately burst into laughter and applause.
Li Chen felt confident, and the film producers who came to watch the movie felt even more confident.
The movie ended with constant applause.
This is probably the busiest scene since the opening of this Berlin Film Festival.
Because most of the films shortlisted for this film festival have nothing to do with politics, not only are the films dull and speechless.
And most of the people who came to the premiere were older people or film critics.
Like today, it is really rare to see a crowd of moviegoers mostly composed of local couples, media and film producers.
"Marcol, I am glad that I found Li Chen. At least he is here and brings warmth to the cold Berlin." Koslik and Marcol, who was sitting next to him, laughed.
"In this case, then help Li Chen canvass for votes, but don't let Li Chen's "Buried Alive" be in vain. Otherwise, I'm afraid he won't be able to invite him next time. Come again." Marcol replied with a smile.
Koslik sighed, not knowing how to answer his old friend's words.
Wang Zhonglei looked a little ugly, but Liu Dehua was smiling, very happy for Li Chen.
This youth campus movie is really good, even he watched it.
No wonder Li Chen told him that day that the script was the key, and it was true.
Liu Yifei never dreamed that "Those Years" would be so popular.
She and Liu's mother actually didn't have high hopes. After all, they also had high hopes when they were filming the youth romance film with Lin Zhiying.
But finally! Neither mother nor daughter wanted to mention the movie.
Looking at today, as a producer, Yang Siwei is surrounded by many film producers. Is this "Those Years" really going to be a big hit?
"Director Xue, Li Chen, Yifei, Tang Yan, the movie is very beautiful, and Director Li's acting skills are also very eye-catching."
"You deserve the award, it's all scripts written by Li Chen , I was brought in to help by him," Xue Xiaolu said modestly.
"Brother Hua, are my acting skills bad?" Liu Yifei frowned and couldn't help but laugh.
"Haha, Yifei's acting skills have also improved. It seems that it still depends on who is the director and who plays the opposite role." Liu Dehua said with a smile.
"Brother Hua is right. With Sister Lu sitting on the director's chair, no one among the students dares to slack off." Li Chen said with a smile.
"Director Xue, Director Li, congratulations! "Those Years" will definitely sell well in Southeast Asia." Wang Zhonglei's eyes were full of envy.
But I was thinking of another youth campus novel written by Li Chen, which is now also a best-seller on the Internet.
Since "Those Years" is so popular, why not buy another novel by Li Chen, produce it with your own company, and ask Xue Xiaolu to direct it.
In this way, with Li Chen's reputation, I believe that as long as it gets a film festival, it will be the same as "Those Years".
The more Wang Zhonglei thought about it, the more beautiful it became, but he never thought that he had done something wrong to Li Chen before.
I didn’t even expect that Li Chen was short of money and knew him very well? Why should I sell it to him?
Li Chen socialized a few more times with Macol and Koslik.
The foreign actors who came to watch the movie also took the initiative to communicate with Li Chen. Now the news of "Thieves" has been known to everyone.
Who wouldn't want to get involved with Li Chen, even though I don't know how it will turn out.
But this young Chinese director cannot resist the fact that he is rich. Even Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning actress, has to bow her head.
There is nothing they can't let go of, even a kiss to the face can make their feet weak and fall on Li Chen.
Fortunately, Li Chen reacted quickly enough. He had seen many such scenes in his previous life.
Take a step back and support the broad-minded actress with one hand.
At a quick glance, the skin of these actresses is really incomparable with Ms. Liu.
One in the sky or one on the earth is not enough.
With the lotus lantern, who needs your searchlight!
The premiere of "Those Years" concluded successfully.
Even Li Chen did not expect that "Those Years" would be so popular.
Yang Siwei was extremely excited to come back. In the words of the film producer: Which country doesn’t have students, and which student who watches campus love doesn’t have first love and secret love!
"Boss, the final transaction amount of "Those Years" is probably no less than that of "Painted Skin". Almost all film producers in Southeast Asia have requested a buyout."
"Film producers in Europe and North America are also interested in buying out."
"The film market in Europe and the United States has declined this year. Young people are unwilling to enter cinemas. Film producers are so worried that their hair has turned gray. Tonight, these The applause of the young people watching the movie made them excited again."
Compared with Yang Siwei's excitement, Li Chen was extremely calm.
"Thinking, European and American film producers want to buy out, and the price cannot be too low. Your boss and I have now been promoted to the altar."
"To quote a female star: I am worth this price !”
Yang Siwei wondered: “Who said this, boss?”
Li Chen couldn’t help but laugh: “Baby!”
Yang Siwei still said. I thought Li Chen was talking about a despicable person, but how could I have thought that Li Chen was talking about the young model who will earn 80 million yuan in the future.
The success of "Those Years" made Li Chen even more desperate. As long as Andy Lau can win the award for "Buried Alive", Li Chen will be considered successful.
However, Li Chen doesn’t actually have high hopes for whether “Buried Alive” can win an award.
Not only did the scene of this Berlin Film Festival resemble last year’s Golden Rooster, but the selected films also captured the essence of the Golden Rooster.
It will be difficult for Andy Lau to win the Best Actor Award. He is not competing with actors, but with unspoken rules.
Even the German Minister of Culture came out to stand, and with Marcol’s reminder, Li Chen probably knew what was going on.
But seeing Liu Dehua still thinking about him so much, Li Chen couldn't bear to say anything, just in case there was a chance!
(End of this chapter)