Chapter 855: Rubbing

Muken Zorge's new film is translated into Chinese as 'Gudao Horror'.

After learning about this film, Lu Yan He thought about it and contacted Muken the next day. In addition to telling him about Bai Jin's willingness to participate in this film, he also said that if needed, Linghe is very willing to be responsible for a part of the investment and do the distribution of this film in China.

The film copyright of 'Gudao Horror' will not be given to D19—

Muken Zorge's current status is no longer that of a director hired by big companies to film.

The copyright of the film must be under his own production company. D19 only acts as an investor, enjoys a share of the revenue, and is responsible for distributing this film in North America and other regions.

Lu Yan He doesn't know how Muken Zorge negotiated with D19, but he feels that Muken wouldn't hand over the global distribution rights of the film to D19 anyway. Muken's films aren't that worthless—

Especially since Linghe also helped the two films he directed in the past sell game adaptation rights and many other copyrights, making the value of his films soar.

Muken asked: "Can 'Gudao Horror' be shown in China? Isn't it said that horror and thriller films are generally very difficult to be shown in China? Even the 'Mist' series wasn't shown in China."

Lu Yan He said: "The current censorship policy has loosened a lot. As long as it's not openly filming things about gods and ghosts, it has already opened up."

Muken said: "Are you planning to decide to buy the distribution rights for the Chinese region at this stage?"

Lu Yan He said: "Yes, however, Muken, I must tell you first that if there are any relatively sensitive scenes that need to be deleted, for the sake of screening, Linghe will edit your film. Of course, we won't edit blindly to destroy the integrity of your film."

Muken: "But I heard that you even changed the ending of a film through editing and subtitles."

Lu Yan He: "I don't know which film you are talking about, but I will absolutely not do such a thing. Don't worry, this point can also be written into the contract. For the film 'Gudao Horror', if you have a script now, you can send it to me first, and I will be more confident."

"Actually, you can wait until the film is finished before deciding whether to buy it. I can keep the distribution rights for China for you and not give them to others, and wait for you to see it before deciding," Muken said.

"That's not appropriate either," Lu Yan He said. "Moreover, I actually want to intervene a little in advance because I'm worried that D19 will want to replace Bai Jin's role again. The earlier I participate in the production of this film, the more I can speak for you when you need it."

Muken: "What if it flops in the end and can't be shown? Wouldn't that make you suffer a loss?"

"I don't mind you selling the distribution rights for the entire Asian region to me," Lu Yan He said. "Linghe has established relatively mature distribution networks in various Asian markets now. Although we can't compare with big companies, it's enough."

Muken: "The distribution rights for the entire Asian region… D19 probably won't agree."

"Is the distribution already decided now?" Lu Yan He asked.

Muken: "No, but D19 wants the global distribution of this film. This is the condition they put forward for being responsible for all production funds. If it's the distribution rights for the Chinese market alone, I can still talk to them."

"Forget it, then don't make it difficult for yourself," Lu Yan He said. "You have already established a solid cooperative relationship with D19, and I don't want them to feel that I am snatching their business."

Muken: "That won't happen either. For these 80 million dollars, they won't pay it all by themselves. They will definitely find other parties to share it. Of course, other parties won't be allowed to touch distribution."

Lu Yan He: "Sounds like they have given me extra care."

"They aren't giving you extra care; it's that you doing the distribution in China can help them make money. Because the films produced by D19 are mainly horror, thriller, or independent films, which are either limited in screening or have average box office performance, D19 doesn't have much communication or connection with Chinese film companies. But you are different. Hollywood film companies all know that if you participate, whether it's the choice of release date or passing censorship, you can get a lot of convenience," Muken Zorge said. "Whether it's 'Hurricane 2' that you starred in, or 'Red Eye Flight', 'Buried', and 'Flypaper' that you wrote and produced, none of them encountered censorship problems, and the release dates weren't limited."

Lu Yan He knows that he has always been protected and supported domestically.

No party has told him about these things. However, they have always been doing so. Invisibly, this has also brought huge support to Lu Yan He. This is an attitude, and it is also a real, tangible benefit. This is the domestic official side practically helping Lu Yan He further impact the international market.

Is it useful? As long as you value the Chinese market internationally and want to make money in the Chinese market, then it is useful, hugely useful.

For example, D19's attitude toward Lu Yan He. For the film 'Gudao Horror', Lu Yan He is not the screenwriter or the lead, so why should D19 give the Chinese distribution rights to you, Lu Yan He? You say you can invest, but how much can you invest? In the share of 80 million dollars, if you can only bring money, there might not be many who dare to be the main investor for such a project, but there won't be few who are willing to co-invest.

Then such support, for Lu Yan He, actually has strategic value significance on a deeper level.

Lu Yan He thought about it, whether it's the collaboration with Muken or the collaboration with D19, it is very worth continuing.

Especially the collaboration with D19. In the short term, he doesn't plan to return to the 'Mist' series, which makes D19 a bit unhappy. They finally made such a top-tier horror film series—

If it could be done continuously, a hot horror film series is a money-making tool.

Especially since the cost of horror films is limited, unlike other types and subjects where the cost gets higher and higher.

Horror films don't.

Lu Yan He's decision not to return for the time being made D19's money-making tool suddenly dull. They can also continue to make spin-offs, change other actors, and use other characters as the lead. But in this way, a large part of the popularity and fans brought by the first two works won't buy it.

It's not to say that such spin-offs won't necessarily have better results than the first two works, but—

If Lu Yan He stars, then the main elements that ensured the previous success can be guaranteed, the risk is smaller, and the fans are more satisfied.

Lu Yan He thought about it, perhaps it is time to bring out a brand-new horror film series to continue the commercial cooperative relationship with D19.

He will serve as the screenwriter and producer to develop these projects.

Of course, if Muken Zorge can join to escort, that would also be great.

Lu Yan He thought for a while and figured out how to negotiate with D19 about the investment and distribution matters of the film 'Gudao Horror'.

Lu Yan He immediately made a phone call to Chen Yin, asking him to make relevant preparations and then come to the United States.

And every time he comes to the United States, Schmidt Lawley of Green Valley will definitely want to meet with Lu Yan He.

Regarding Lu Yan He's success in Hollywood—

Schmidt Lawley of Green Valley is a name that absolutely cannot be erased.

And Green Valley has also had a "bumper harvest" in the past few years because of its collaboration with Lu Yan He.

Not to mention anything else, the 'Home Alone' series alone made Green Valley full of money.

Therefore, Schmidt Lawley is the one among so many Hollywood film company executives who pays the most attention to maintaining a relationship with Lu Yan He.

The closer his relationship with Lu Yan He is, and the more successful Lu Yan He is, the more say he has on the board of directors, and the more firmly he stands in his position.

"We plan to release 'Love is Not Blind' in more than thirty markets in Europe and America next March."

After meeting with Schmidt Lawley of Green Valley, Schmidt talked to Lu Yan He about the distribution plan for this film.

"Originally, I wanted to release it simultaneously with China," Schmidt said. "If so, 'Love is Not Blind' would definitely be able to take at least one week of global box office champion, and the promotion for the film would be more concentrated."

"The New Year's Eve slot is a very important slot, and it's also suitable for this film."

Lu Yan He didn't say anything else to Schmidt Lawley, just briefly explained it.

Lu Yan He didn't want to be a big mouth and talk about Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian's affairs everywhere.

"Has the promotion for 'Love is Not Blind' started in Europe and America?" Lu Yan He asked.

Schmidt Lawley nodded and said: "It has already started to spread and promote some interview materials of Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian in China simultaneously. Jiang Yuqian has high popularity in Europe and America now, especially the fashion circle highly respects her. On social media, her popularity and heat are completely at the level of a Hollywood first-tier star."

Lu Yan He said: "Can these be fed back into the promotion of this film?"

"Yes," Schmidt nodded. "'Love is Not Blind' is a typical chick flick, and it's related to female self-growth and love. There are many golden sentences in the film. I think this film will be popular on social media. It just depends on how popular it can be."

Lu Yan He asked: "Then can this film create a box office miracle in Europe and America?" Schmidt said: "We are working toward this goal. We organized a few screenings internally, and everyone likes this light film very much. Plus Jiang Yuqian's current popularity and appeal, I think this film should be able to get at least 20 million in box office in the United States."

Lu Yan He: "Really?"

"Really," Schmidt said. "After 'Red Eye Flight' and 'Doomsday', Jiang Yuqian's appeal in the film market is excellent, especially for a film with this subject matter. The upper limit might be lower, but… it itself also has a huge audience. Jiang Yuqian's fans in fashion and social media happen to be the main audience for this type of film, so we think the box office performance can be expected."

Lu Yan He understood.

Actually, a film like 'Love is Not Blind' is indeed the type that is easiest to spark topic discussion on social media. Films like this have been enduring in the European and American film markets, and every now and then, one or two with high discussion or good box office performance will pop up.

For example, last year's American film 'Just Love You', a huge dark horse, cut down more than 200 million dollars in global results.

Schmidt Lawley's statement is very reasonable. Seeing that Green Valley is so confident in the film 'Love is Not Blind', Lu Yan He felt relieved in his heart.

If Green Valley didn't have confidence, then the distribution scale of 'Love is Not Blind' would inevitably be affected.

"I also think this film has the possibility of creating a small box office miracle in Europe and America," Lu Yan He said. "Then in Europe and America, is the selling point of this film completely on Jiang Yuqian alone?"

"Yes, although Li Zhibai acted in 'Buried' and was known by some people, that is basically not the audience for 'Love is Not Blind'," Schmidt Lawley said. "And Jiang Yuqian's appeal in Europe and America is much greater than Li Zhibai's."

"Alright," Lu Yan He laughed. "Then I hope this film can open up greater popularity for him."

Schmidt Lawley suddenly said: "By the way, Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian starred in a literary film before, do you know?"

"I know, what's wrong?" Lu Yan He asked. "By the way, I haven't paid attention, has it been released?"

"No, no company is willing to do theatrical distribution. It was bought directly by Maxine, preparing to go online directly on streaming media," Schmidt Lawley said. "I heard they are preparing to go with 'Love is Not Blind', do you know about this?"

Lu Yan He hesitated and shook his head.

Huh? -

The literary film starred in by Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian is called 'Yellow Smoke'.

Lu Yan He specially attended the premiere and watched this film. He didn't even need to say anything; after the film was shown at the Bicarlo Film Festival, it was mocked.

Lan Tianqi, who bought the domestic distribution rights for this film at the time, also said with a depressed face that it was probably a flop.

Until now, this film hasn't been shown domestically, and I don't know what's going on.

Is Maxine trying to rub off the heat of 'Love is Not Blind' with 'Yellow Smoke'?

It's not impossible. There are film companies in Hollywood that do this kind of thing. You film 'Transformers', then I film 'Transmorphers'. People are aiming to "rub off the heat" from the very beginning of the project.

Lu Yan He doesn't want 'Love is Not Blind' to be affected by the film 'Yellow Smoke'. By then, the bad reviews of 'Yellow Smoke' might even affect 'Love is Not Blind'.

Lu Yan He hurriedly made another phone call to Chen Yin, asking him to negotiate with Zhong Benshuo.

Linghe has so many collaborations with Maxine, does Maxine have to be so unhuman?

Although, Maxine doing this kind of thing didn't violate any contract terms.

At the same time, Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian, who were doing promotion domestically, also received news that 'Yellow Smoke' was about to go online on Maxine.

Maxine made an appointment with them to cooperate with the film promotion.

Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian were both astonished, how come this film is going online at this time?

The film 'Yellow Smoke' is too rotten.

So rotten that they were embarrassed to mention it after the Bicarlo Film Festival.

However, because the film hasn't been shown on a large scale and met the audience, the two of them haven't been "affected" and "dragged down" by this film yet.

Sometimes, Li Zhibai really hopes that this film just won't be shown.

Directly "shelved", never to appear again.

"We didn't sign a clause in the contract at the time that we needed to cooperate with the promotion, right?" Li Zhibai asked.

Lin Suyang said: "Even if there was, it's been satisfied. We already did a few promotions at the Bicarlo Film Festival, but—there are no such clauses in the contract. It was already incredible that we agreed to star in it at the time. I didn't understand at the time what you were thinking, wanting to act in this film. The script was so mediocre. Of course, I know now, it's because of being blinded by lust."

Li Zhibai: "……You speak so meanly."

"Then are you sure you want to refuse them and not cooperate with the promotion?"

"I'll ask Yuqian first," Li Zhibai said. "If she still cooperates with the promotion, I can't just let her go alone."

Lin Suyang: "Zhibai, you have to know, Maxine choosing this time point to prepare to go online with this film clearly wants to rub off the heat of 'Love is Not Blind' starred in by you and Jiang Yuqian."

Li Zhibai was stunned.

"'Love is Not Blind' is released in China first, and will be released in Asia one after another in January and February. As for Europe and America, I heard it's March," Lin Suyang said. "'Yellow Smoke' had very bad word-of-mouth at Bicarlo. Maxine choosing to push 'Yellow Smoke' out at this time, also starred in by you and Jiang Yuqian, might affect 'Love is Not Blind'."

"That won't do," Li Zhibai immediately shook his head.

"I signed some promotion clauses at the time," Jiang Yuqian said very dejectedly on the phone. "I must attend the screening activities they hold, at least two."

Li Zhibai listened and was anxious, but didn't know what he could do.

"It's okay, I'll accompany you to participate," he finally said. "If the film is bad, we'll just honestly admit it, it's okay."

Jiang Yuqian: "It's fine if everyone scolds me; I accepted the film, and if the film flops, I deserve to be scolded, but I'm afraid this time node will affect 'Love is Not Blind'."

Li Zhibai thought to himself, sure enough, everyone thought of the same thing.

Jiang Yuqian: "I don't know how to face Yan He now."

Li Zhibai was a bit helpless, but what he said was: "Don't say it, me too."

"The two of us are constantly dragging him down," Jiang Yuqian smiled bitterly.

"We're bad friends," Li Zhibai also smiled bitterly.

He really couldn't say "at worst I'll film two more films for him for free and help him earn back the loss" anymore.

This isn't a matter of loss or not.

Li Zhibai said: "I actually have a profound feeling."

"What feeling?"

"We need to be more cautious when we collaborate in the future," Li Zhibai said. "If 'Love is Not Blind' wasn't starred in by the two of us, these things wouldn't be so troublesome. Is this year an unlucky year?"

Jiang Yuqian: "I have already asked Sister Heng to communicate with Maxine to see if Maxine can postpone the online time of this film, at least until 'Love is Not Blind' finishes showing."

Li Zhibai: "Wait a moment, Yan He called me, I'll answer it first." ===== CHAPTER 856 =====