Chapter 811: Love March, no, Farewell Song!

Lu Yan He's idea is very simple: as long as *Storm Calmer No. 1* can reach 100 million US dollars at the global box office, it will be very good.

He doesn't have that many unrealistic ideas.

And when Lu Yan He is at the height of his popularity, *Storm Calmer No. 1* can indeed get good screening conditions in various markets around the world. With proper promotion, even a foreign-language film is equally eye-catching.

However, there are still many film distributors who have unrealistic goals for *Storm Calmer No. 1* because of the results of Lu Yan He's past starring works.

For example, the South Korean distributor hoped that *Storm Calmer No. 1* could get at least 5 million US dollars at the South Korean box office.

After all, the previous work starring Lu Yan He and directed by Liu Bige, *Late Spring*, had a box office of over 8 million US dollars in South Korea, including re-releases, which was a very good result.

However, one week after *Storm Calmer No. 1* was released in South Korea, the box office had only just broken 2 million US dollars.

South Korean media are all saying that Lu Yan He's "box office panacea" has failed.

Wang Biao was so angry that he couldn't help but scold them: a serious foreign art film can get 2 million US dollars in box office in a week, and in their mouths, it becomes a box office failure.

Lu Yan He didn't care.

Although the South Korean market is not small, to be honest, with his current global box office appeal, this market, let alone performing quite well, even if it didn't perform well, wouldn't affect the overall situation. The only markets that can truly affect the assessment of his "box office appeal" are currently China and the United States.

China goes without saying, it's his home base, his fundamental market. The United States is the only country with an annual box office exceeding China's, and only here can a single film easily explode to the level of 10 million US dollars.

The box office performance of *Storm Calmer No. 1* in the United States is very outstanding.

Green Valley even sent a victory report, calling *Storm Calmer No. 1* the foreign-language film with the best box office performance in theaters since the beginning of this year.

It is well known that Americans do not like to watch non-English films, so the box office performance of foreign-language films has always been mediocre. Being able to get tens of millions of US dollars can squeeze into the top ten or top twenty in film history.

Lu Yan He now occupies many of those seats alone.

*Home Alone*, this kind of "cheating money-sucker," goes without saying, occupying three seats.

Besides that, *Burning Fire* also occupies two seats.

Plus *Dragon Gate Inn*—the box office performance of this film in the United States is equally outstanding.

These non-English films have given Lu Yan He an outstanding performance in the North American market.

Now, the box office performance of *Storm Calmer No. 1* is also about to break 30 million US dollars.

"The focus of this film is actually not on spy warfare, but on the subtle influence and changes in the relationships between characters under this background." Lu Yan He was in the UK doing promotion, accepting an interview with a TV station to introduce *Storm Calmer No. 1*. "Its overall tone is very cold and solemn, like London in winter. Many things look calm at first glance, which is the most attractive part of this film to me. In troubled times, with chaotic order, a small person just wants to protect his own safety and the safety of his family, but is caught up and forced to do some things against his will. At this time, a person appears, doing some things that ignite something in his heart that might have already existed but had never been lit."

In the UK, the style of *Storm Calmer No. 1* seems to be particularly sought after.

It is also the second overseas market after the United States where a single film has exceeded 10 million US dollars in box office.

It is precisely because of this influence that Lu Yan He accepted the interview invitation here to come and participate in the program recording.

"And, I am very lucky to have met Wen Shengming in this film." Lu Yan He said, "People who have watched the film know how terrifying he is. As my opponent actor, the stimulation he gave me made me very clear when filming that many things can only be had in this film. That kind of unique performance feeling can only be possessed when that one actor stimulates you."

"I actually have always wanted to shoot a British film, but I haven't received a suitable script before. However, to be honest, British films—in my understanding, it seems my image is not very suitable." Lu Yan He said, "I always have a feeling that British films are like many Chinese films. Except for some specific roles that need foreigners to play, otherwise, it's strange for foreigners to appear. To some extent, because we have a relatively long history and tradition, even in films where we can let our imagination run wild, we are still more conservative and change more slowly."

"This is actually related to the subject matter that our two countries prefer to shoot. If we shoot more modern comedies or science fiction and other visual films, rather than focusing on realistic themes, classical themes, etc., it might be better. But I don't think a slower speed of change is a bad thing. In the past, the world changed too slowly, so we needed to be faster and more desperate. But now, this world is changing too fast. Almost every time I wake up, many fresh things appear, which even impact our existing cognition, including concepts. At such times, being a little slower might not be a bad thing."

"No, no, I am not a so-called conservative. You should not have understood what I was saying." Lu Yan He said with a smile, "I actually don't have any unchanging views. I accept that my understanding changes at any time. In this regard, I am very open. What I mean is that every change should be based on real change, and it should be thought through, not forced. In fact, I believe you also agree that in such an era, a large amount of change is crazy, even barbaric. I am not criticizing this phenomenon; I am describing the characteristics of this change. Based on these characteristics, I would say that sometimes being a little slower might not be a bad thing."

"Of course, some people actively embrace every change, and I respect that very much. To put it plainly, people are diverse, all kinds of different, not just different skin colors, different languages used, the most critical thing is that everyone's thoughts are different."

Lu Yan He shrugged his shoulders.

"Everyone is influencing others and being influenced by others. *Storm Calmer No. 1* is actually about one person being influenced by another under a specific historical background."

Finally, on the last day of July, the tenth day of the release of *Storm Calmer No. 1*, the global box office broke 100 million US dollars.

Next, *Storm Calmer No. 1* will continue to be released in other markets, and it can guarantee 1.5 and strive for 2.

News also came from the Film Bureau that if there are no accidents this year, *Storm Calmer No. 1* will be selected to participate in the evaluation for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

A film with the theme of revolutionary predecessors and spiritual awakening is itself a mainstream melody. For such a film to be able to cut down tens of millions of US dollars in box office overseas, the official cannot but support it.

This is an attitude.

However, they actually know very well that it is very difficult for such a film to have a good performance at the Oscars, where the white left is the mainstream.

When *Raise the Red Lantern* was released, the Film Bureau specifically asked Lu Yan He what to do to increase the possibility of this film getting a nomination.

By the time of this film, they didn't even ask symbolically; they just gave Lu Yan He a heads-up in advance, probably also feeling that there was no chance.

But Lu Yan He communicated with Green Valley, and Schmidt-Lowry felt that it was worth a shot.

"In recent years, the Academy has absorbed nearly 1,500 new members from all over the world, and the proportion of internationalization is getting higher and higher." Schmidt-Lowry said, "*Storm Calmer No. 1* itself came out of the Venice International Film Festival, and the global box office is very good. As an art film, the results are very good, and the reputation is also good. Even if many people will not vote because of ideological issues, this does not mean everyone."

Lu Yan He heard this and said: "Then is Green Valley willing to do public relations?"

"Yes." Schmidt-Lowry nodded, "Including Best Actor, we will also do public relations here. It's just that you and Wen Shengming, who reports as lead and who reports as supporting, might need to discuss it."

Lu Yan He was surprised.

"Really? Is there a chance?"

"Performance awards depend on this year's situation." Schmidt-Lowry said, "Still the same sentence, with the Best Actor award from the Venice International Film Festival as a foundation, there is a basis for rushing for the award. Whether it can rush out in the outpost awards depends on the situation."

Lu Yan He also synchronized this situation with Long Yan.

Huang Zhongjing immediately made a decision: as long as the country finally decides to select *Storm Calmer No. 1* to participate in the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, they will take out 5 million US dollars for public relations.

Long Yan is the copyright holder of *Storm Calmer No. 1*.

If *Storm Calmer No. 1* can really perform and gain something in the awards season, Long Yan will be the biggest beneficiary.

Lu Yan He thought about it himself and discussed with Darren whether to do public relations this time.

Darren heard this and said: "Of course. As a Chinese art film, *Storm Calmer No. 1* can achieve a box office of over 10 million US dollars in the United States, which is unique. In this case, if you don't put in some effort and take advantage of the trend to do public relations for Best Actor, it will be a pity. Opportunities don't come twice. When there is a chance to rush for an award, you must rush."

So, Lu Yan He decided to do public relations for the Oscars again.

It is August now, and it is still early for the awards season at the end of the year, but a lot of publicity and public relations work can be done now.

Especially since the film is currently being released, it also needs promotion.

At this time, this year's Venice International Film Festival released the shortlist again.

Lu Yan He did not sign up for any films this year.

Linghe didn't either.

Two Chinese films were shortlisted.

One of them is the art film *The Pianist* starring Chen Pinhe.

After all, he is a veteran Best Actor. Under Lu Yan He's threat, once he increased the intensity, it was immediately different.

There is *Death Stranding*, a large-scale commercial streaming production, and *The Pianist*, an art film.

Chen Ziyan couldn't help but say "bad luck."

Chen Ziyan has been guarding against Ma Zhiyuan so fiercely, let alone Chen Pinhe.

If you really want to say it, Chen Pinhe's threat to Lu Yan He is much greater than Ma Zhiyuan's.

"I hope the reputation of Chen Pinhe's film will be a big flop." Chen Ziyan even told Lu Qingzhen that when there is time, she should find a temple that is more effective to worship and ask the Bodhisattva to bless that Chen Pinhe's film will gain nothing.

Lu Qingzhen said: "I heard that *The Pianist* was able to be shortlisted for Venice because Zhang Yuezhen was active behind the scenes and communicated with them for a long time."

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Chen Ziyan: "Is that so? Is Zhang Yuezhen so powerful?"

"The quality of *The Pianist* itself is also very high. However, to let Venice notice that such a film is excellent also requires ability." Lu Qingzhen said, "This is a biographical film, completely a solo show for Chen Pinhe. It is said that his performance in the film is very outstanding, and it is estimated that he wants to bring back a Best Actor award."

"If they really have the ability to get this trophy, then there is nothing to say."

"However, how can it be so easy? If it were so easy to get, Chinese international Best Actors would have been wholesaled long ago." Lu Qingzhen shook her head, "Iron needs to be hard itself. As long as Yan He's momentum does not decline now, even if Chen Pinhe gets two more Best Actor awards, it will be in vain. Just don't affect the selection of *Storm Calmer No. 1* to participate in the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this year."

Chen Ziyan: "*The Pianist* will participate in the Venice International Film Festival in September. Even if it is released in October, it won't catch up, right? Can this still have an impact on *Storm Calmer No. 1*?"

"Who knows? Chen Pinhe's relationship with the Film Bureau has always been very strong. What if he uses some off-field tricks?" Lu Qingzhen said, "He is now going all out to engage in his career. What if *The Pianist* really wins a big award in Venice this year? Whether to send *The Pianist* or *Storm Calmer No. 1* later is really not certain."

Normally, *Storm Calmer No. 1* is not just Lu Yan He's film. Director Liu Bige, screenwriter Miao Yue, production company Long Yan, and the blessing of overseas box office, unless *The Pianist* wins the highest award, no matter how you choose, it should be *Storm Calmer No. 1*.

However, Chen Ziyan feels that Lu Qingzhen makes sense.

No matter what, Chen Pinhe and Zhang Yuezhen cannot be allowed to intercept with off-field tricks.

It must be consolidated in advance.

To this end, Chen Ziyan discussed with Lu Yan He whether to advance the slogan "Rushing for the Oscars for *Storm Calmer No. 1*" to create momentum.

After all, for the Film Bureau, the most important thing is whether this nominated film can represent the image of China, and the second most important thing is how likely this film is to be nominated—

This is just like how many gold medals can be won in the Olympic Games; it is something closely related to official positions, career paths, and political achievements.

*Raise the Red Lantern* was nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film that year, which led to a series of promotions for relevant departments.

If *Storm Calmer No. 1* can show its strength in the North American awards season in advance, as long as it doesn't do something stupid like the South Korean film department did when Park Chan-wook shot *The Handmaiden* and swept the Best Foreign Language Film in the North American awards season but chose *The Age of Shadows* (given the situation where *The Handmaiden* swept the outpost awards that year, if South Korea had reported *The Handmaiden*, it could almost be said to be a sure win), it should be chosen as *Storm Calmer No. 1*.

Lu Yan He said okay.

"I am also prepared to let the European and American sides blow the wind in advance that China is very likely to report *Storm Calmer No. 1* this year."

"Hmm." Lu Yan He nodded.

On Linghe's side, *The Classic* began large-scale warm-up.

Chen Yin received a message from Lu Yan He at this time: For this film, pay attention to the publicity on short video platforms, and you can add traffic investment.

Chen Yin was stunned.

Lu Yan He didn't pay much attention to this kind of "large-scale traffic investment" method for other films before.

Why did he suddenly say he wanted to do traffic investment?

Lu Yan He said: The content of this film is suitable for developing the sinking market.

Love, tragedy, youth, parting.

This is a tear-jerker bomb that is more tear-jerking than *Those Years*.

And precisely because it is "tear-jerking," the potential box office space in the sinking market is too large.

The theme of *Those Years* is still too limited to the young market.

*The Classic* has a strong sense of the era, and even people of the parents' generation will cry when watching it.

After hearing Lu Yan He's statement, Chen Yin gathered the people from the publicity department to study it, and found that Lu Yan He's idea was actually consistent with the judgment of the publicity department, but the two sides chose different promotional methods based on this judgment.

The publicity department planned to focus on OST promotion, inviting a top-tier, king-or-queen-level singer to sing the theme song, and then let this song sound in the streets and alleys—

Song?

Hello?

Lu Yan He originally composed a piece of music for this film, used as background music in the film.

Is it possible that it can be completely adapted into a song?

Just as he was thinking this, Lu Yan He sent a score, the kind with lyrics.

He said: Oops, I forgot to send this to you in advance. This is the OST theme song I wrote for this song.

Chen Yin:!

Same-named theme song.

*The Classic*.

This song... Chen Yin, when watching the film, every time this background music sounded, plus the plot of the film, tears would flow down.

Lu Yan He actually wrote the whole song long ago!

Chen Yin could almost imagine how popular the situation would be after this song came out.

Especially after the film was released.

It is estimated that it will not be inferior to the song *Those Years*.

Last year there was *Those Years*, this year there is *The Classic*.

Linghe's summer love march.

No, it's a love farewell song.

"..." (End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 812 =====