Chapter 400: Don't Make Me Say It a Second Time

Thanks to Pierre, Chen Nuo reacted completely this time.

Isn't that right?

Before coming, he researched this and that, and even called Zhang Yimou, Wang Ka, and Wei to ask around. It felt like selling a movie in Cannes was something mysterious and high-end.

Damn, how different is it from selling houses in China?

This advance screening is like the house hasn't been built yet, showing the blueprints to the client. The premiere is like building a model room, everyone can visit and evaluate together.

And the awards ceremony is like handing over the house. Winning the Palme d'Or means the location has appreciated and made a huge profit; winning other small awards is also a top-tier quality community with first-class landscaping, mountains, and water.

But if you don't get anything, don't expect it to appreciate.

You can only pray that the house doesn't leak, isn't soundproof, and there isn't a graveyard outside the window.

Speaking of which, he might not be good at selling films, but he is a professional at selling houses.

At that time, Chen Bicheng let him be in charge of sales and marketing. To prove he wasn't a loser, he even took a week of sales training courses with those sales ladies, and learned "How to Make Clients Your Obedient Dogs" from a sales manager Chen Bicheng specifically poached from Vanke.

Although he only took it for a week before a small mess happened, and he was scolded by Chen Bicheng for being a loser who couldn't do anything, and was forbidden from stepping into the sales department ever again.

Consequently, he failed to learn the final chapter from his teacher; he didn't know how to turn clients into obedient dogs, nor did he know how to transform the cornucopia of the penultimate chapter that one could enjoy for a lifetime, or the money tree of the third-to-last chapter that brought wealth and status.

But he learned the first three chapters! Isn't it just hanging a sweet and delicious carrot in front of the client, stirring up their desire, and letting them follow willingly?

He knows how!

As a senior film purchasing manager for Eagle Pictures, Italy's largest independent distributor, Luo Bote Proia had been in this line of work for nearly 30 years. He had experienced the 80s when he competed with Harvey for *The People vs. Larry Flynt*, and he had experienced the 90s when Miramax was at its peak. For him, film festivals large and small in Europe were like home, and the advance screenings he had experienced were countless.

However, this seemed to be the first time he had experienced such a thing.

Until returning to the hotel, he still hadn't quite come back to his senses.

And his assistant, market analyst, and lover Anna Casali seemed the same.

The two sat on the sofa and were silent for a while, then Luo Bote Proia said: "Anna, tell me your thoughts."

"Uh... you have to let me sort out my thoughts, Luo Bote. My feeling now is like an elephant just stepped on my head."

"Hmm, then let's start from the beginning, let's talk about the film itself. How about that?"

"Good."

"What do you think of this film?"

"C-." Anna Casali said without hesitation.

Luo Bote Proia opened his notebook at this time.

Although he couldn't watch it after watching for two minutes earlier, he still faithfully performed his duty as a film viewing manager and wrote down his thoughts while watching the movie in his notebook.

"Narrative ambition is large, need to observe if it converges later."

"Leung's performance is as stable and excellent as ever."

"Visual style is sharp, has the shadow of the Coen brothers' *No Country for Old Men*."

"Male lead number two, excellent actor."

"Director's foundation is solid, scheduling is precise, trying to control the balance between thriller and black humor. Doing well so far."

"Lens usage tends to be realistic, color design is unique, sound effects are mediocre."

"Story is strong, enough to keep the audience."

"Female lead is impressive. Overall actor performance is surprising."

"The ending is unexpectedly clean and efficient. Lens language strengthens the desolation, echoes the opening, forming a closed loop."

"Summary: An excellent road thriller black comedy film."

Just like that, he wrote an Italian film title at the end: *Regione Inabitata* (No Man's Land).

Beside it was a score: C-.

And it was exactly the same as what Anna Casali just said.

In their Eagle Pictures selection criteria, B or above would enter the negotiation stage. C-, for a general film, only means it can be paid attention to.

Unless there is a major award added later, it will not be considered.

Why is this?

Perhaps in film festivals like Rotterdam or Croatia, such a film could enter the B- ranks,

but unfortunately, this is Cannes.

Here gather the best films in the world.

As a film with oriental narrative, just being excellent, without the power to touch people's hearts, and having the déjà vu of *No Country for Old Men*, simply wasn't enough to move him.

In fact, if it weren't for that big black face on the promotional poster, he wouldn't have attended this advance screening.

They, Eagle Pictures, as Italy's largest independent film distributor, rarely distribute Chinese films; they generally only purchase Western films from France, Germany, or the United States.

Chinese films?

Only niche film companies like iWonder Pictures or L'altrofilm would occasionally operate them.

The only reason he would attend the screening was that after *My Blueberry Nights* won him a bonus, he became very interested in the owner of that face.

And in the subsequent *Mother* and *Under the Hawthorn Tree*, he also tasted the sweetness, and it became unstoppable.

By now, he was quite interested in all the films of this man.

However, this time, to be honest, until the film ended, he was very disappointed.

Actually, he was thinking before going, why did his film also have to have an advance screening this time? As a Cannes regular, in his memory, the films starring this person never had advance screenings.

*Zhang Yaba House* didn't, Cannes' *My Blueberry Nights* didn't, *Mother* didn't, *Under the Hawthorn Tree* didn't either.

Those damn producers guarded the films as if holding a 99.99k pure gold doll, definitely waiting until after the premiere to open for trading.

As if completely unaware that trading with big film distributors like them at an advance screening is the most mainstream trading method in the film market of major film festivals.

What happened this time?

Then, when the owner of that big face was hit by a car, he suddenly realized.

Cazzo! It was just a cameo!

So, after this, Luo Bote Proia couldn't watch it anymore.

Although he still recorded so much, it was just because he had already come.

But now... he was moved, he was really moved.

"A C-level film, let's write it here. C-. Now according to the old method, let's see if its score can be added."

"Okay, Luo Bote."

"Then let's start... first, do you think it can win an award?"

"Very difficult. Its style isn't that distinct, if you have to say it has one, it's only the mystery brought by the Chinese background and the desert. Besides that, it doesn't have much fresh stuff. And the humor inside is hard to understand."

"Then you think there are no points to add here?"

"Yes, none."

"I agree, then the next one. The premiere, what do you think? How much can it add?"

Anna said without hesitation: "B-!"

Luo Bote laughed: "Are you sure? Just crossed C+ so simply and came directly to B-?"

"Certo (Of course)! The reason is only one, his new film is about to be released globally soon, the world has been looking forward to it for two whole years, I think the probability of it failing is minimal. If it really succeeds, Luo Bote, when he comes to Italy to promote this film of ours, it will definitely be a storm! Although he only appeared for two minutes in it, so what? Many people go to watch *Eyes Wide Shut*, just to see Nicole Kidman's two minutes of nudity."

"Hahahahaha. Alright, I agree with what you said, B-, this is enough for us to call them to talk about the price. But now, let's continue. The first ten to sign the contract get local language subtitles, posters, and trailers? How about this one?"

"Hahahaha. Too funny." Anna laughed.

Luo Bote Proia also laughed along, shaking his head while laughing: "This is definitely the stingiest company I've ever seen in my life. What does he mean? Does it mean not only no dubbing provided, but instead, companies that sign the contract after the tenth place have to spend their own money to make subtitles, posters, and trailers?"

Anna laughed: "I think so. I think about that scene, and I feel creepy. Fortunately, no matter how we rank, we are in the top ten."

"Yes. Then do you think points can be added here?"

"Can they? If we need to spend our own money to make Italian posters and trailers, I think the company will eat us two."

"Then now we have reached B+. This is already a score we need to actively strive for. But let's continue. 12% discount for signing the contract before the premiere. Luo Bote Proia wondered: "Actually, I think it's quite strange, why is it 12%?"

Anna shrugged: "Who knows. But I think this is just a hypocritical statement. Can't add points. Let's go to the next one."

"Agreed, then the next one. Top five get a media interview. How about this?"

Anna said straightforwardly: "Must add two points! When the time comes, arrange for him to be on shows like *Che Tempo Che Fa* or *Tiki Taka*, I believe, although he doesn't speak Italian, look at his appearance on stage today. I bet, give him a microphone and a talk show stage, he can definitely make people take out money to enter the cinema."

"Hahahahahaha."

Luo Bote Proia laughed loudly, "I 100% agree with this point. But now, our score seems to be a bit over the limit. Now it has reached A-plus. This is already a score we must sign as soon as possible. Then what about the things he said later? Like the mysterious ultimate prize?"

Anna Casali said calmly: "Discounts and lucky draws are irrelevant. As for that ultimate prize, it sounds more like a marketing gimmick. Luo Bote, what we need to do now is strive to sign the contract in the top five and get the premiere and media interview. Call the company, tell them our opinion."

Luo Bote Proia laughed and said: "No rush, Anna, actually there is one more thing. Since the score of this film has exceeded A+, then, are we only thirsty for Italy alone?"

Anna Casali was stunned for a moment, then surprised: "Luo Bote, you mean..."

"I want to package the entire Southern European market and let him accompany us to run half of Europe's roadshow. What do you think?"

The first advance screening on the morning of May 12th ended.

This was aimed at big clients in important markets like Japan, Korea, and Europe and America.

The second session in the afternoon was aimed at Southeast Asian and Latin American markets, such as Malaysia, India, Thailand, Brazil, and Mexico distributors.

The 13th, which was the last session before the premiere, was the US special session.

Because there were more film distributors in the US than in other countries, they were arranged together.

The three advance screenings added up, basically covering the 30-plus largest and most important countries in the world's film market. The actual coverage area was even more, it should be 70-plus countries. Because some small countries have always been packaged together. After the meeting, in front of everyone, he couldn't say anything, but in his heart, he had decided to thank Pierre properly.

Others' 12% discount is of course a numbers game, whoever believes it is an idiot.

However, he was prepared to take Pierre's seriously.

Of course, not seriously giving StudioCanal a discount, but seriously giving Pierre a 12-point red envelope.

To express his feelings.

After chatting about the first session, Chen Nuo didn't plan to show up himself in the afternoon session. After all, where does the boss show up every time to sell houses? That's of course the sales ladies' business.

"Chen Zong, I, my spoken language really hasn't been practiced well, I'm afraid." Guli Nazha never dreamed that she would suddenly be burdened with such a big thing.

Just thinking about having to speak her clumsy English in front of so many people that afternoon made her calves tremble.

Chen Nuo comforted her: "Spoken language needs to be practiced more, I see your basic conversation is no problem now, be bolder. If there is really anything you can't say in English, then let the translator translate it."

"But, but..."

"Don't 'but' anymore. That's it, anyway, just do it according to what I said this morning, I have already explained it clearly just now. Alright, now head up and chest out, let me see."

As soon as he spoke, Guli Nazha subconsciously stood straight.

Worthy of being someone who has been a model,

Wearing a white one-piece skirt, the hem just above the knees, this head up and chest out, instantly showed a slender waist and long legs.

The Xinjiang girl's skin was as white as porcelain, with a unique exotic style, her features were three-dimensional and exquisite, her nose bridge was high, and her eye sockets were deep, her eyes clear and bright.

Her dense eyelashes trembled lightly, revealing a few nervous and expectant expressions. Her black long hair was simply coiled into a low bun, a few strands of hair hanging by her ears, adding a few more gentle qualities, the whole person exuding a unique oriental charm and the beauty of Western mixed-race fusion.

Seeing this, Chen Nuo couldn't help but nod secretly.

Not to mention anything else. This figure, this appearance, if placed in the sales department, even if she were a mute, as long as the skirt was two centimeters shorter and two more buttons were undone, she would have a chance to impact the sales champion.

Guli Nazha was made to have a deer bumping in her heart by his gaze, but she didn't dare to lower her head, just a pretty face getting redder and redder.

Seeing that the girl's temperament didn't need to be worried about, Chen Nuo didn't say much more, just encouraged: "Sell well, if you sell well, I'll give you a commission." Casually following the commission for selling buildings in his previous life, he added: "0.2%."

Unfortunately, he was throwing a wink to a blind person.

Guli Nazha had never passed math since she was a child, and at this moment, she didn't understand how much the 0.2% he mentioned was worth.

The girl only had one thought in her mind: this was the first task Chen Zong gave her, she must do it well.

Chen Nuo and Chen Kexin, the long-haired one, hadn't seen each other for about a year.

Being able to reunite in Cannes this time, the two were exceptionally affectionate.

"Hahaha, Nuo-zai!"

"Haha, Director Kexin."

In a cafe next to the villa where Chen Nuo lived, the two hugged each other properly. Afterward, he looked at the smiling woman beside him: "Sister Junru, hello."

Sandra Ng opened her arms and laughed: "Chen Nuo, finally saw you, come, let's have a hug."

Since that was the case, Chen Nuo didn't act like an outsider, and hugged her shallowly.

Sandra Ng said: "Hugged a handsome guy like you, I won't wash my hands for at least a month."

"Me too, hugged a great beauty like you, Sister Junru, I won't wash for at least three months."

"Hahahahahaha."

Everyone laughed.

After sitting down and ordering drinks, Chen Nuo said sincerely: "Director Kexin, congratulations, shortlisted for the Cannes main competition section, this time must bring back a Palme d'Or."

Sandra Ng laughed: "If he can win the Palme d'Or, I wouldn't mind running naked on the street. Unless Nuo-zai you act in it, but you didn't! Just be thankful if it can sell for more money."

Peter Chan laughed: "Don't dare to think about the Palme d'Or, I'm satisfied just being shortlisted."

Chen Nuo laughed: "No, no, I believe you will definitely win an award this time."

"Never thought about it, really never thought about it..." Peter Chan waved his hands repeatedly, "Vice President Luo Rui said, this time competing with Woody Allen and *The Tree of Life*, our film basically has no chance, I'd be satisfied if I could win a screenplay award."

"Her? Her words can just be listened to, can't be taken as truth." Chen Nuo curled his lips, making a look of disdain.

Peter Chan couldn't help but lock eyes with Sandra Ng.

Married for many years, they had long been in tune.

Peter Chan received the surprise in Sandra Ng's eyes and couldn't help but laugh.

Before coming to Cannes, the couple had talked about the relationship between Lori Eisner and Chen Nuo. Peter Chan said these two were really good friends, but Sandra Ng didn't quite believe it.

But at this moment, Chen Nuo's tone revealed an extraordinary and deep friendship.

Sandra Ng would of course be surprised.

Thinking of this, Peter Chan said with some emotion: "Speaking of which, I really still have to thank you, Nuo-zai. If it weren't for you introducing Ms. Eisner to me, I wouldn't even have the money to film this movie, let alone come to Cannes."

"Director, please don't say that, if it weren't for those 200,000 back then, I wouldn't even be able to open the company."

"Hahahahaha. By the way, I also want to congratulate you, from actor to big boss, how long has it been, the film produced by the company can reach Cannes, amazing, really amazing."

"Where, where, it's all luck."

Afterward, the two chatted about each other's films.

Actually, none of it was easy.

Chen Nuo's *No Man's Land*, although it experienced all kinds of difficulties, finally got the dragon mark to go abroad to compete, and Peter Chan's *Wu Xia* (Dragon) collaborated with Netflix, wasn't it also after many tribulations that it was filmed?

"Vice President Luo Rui is truly amazing, capable and bold." Speaking of the various difficulties back then, Peter Chan also sighed repeatedly, "If it weren't for her going against the public opinion and helping me block a lot of pressure, this film definitely wouldn't have been finished. In these twenty years, I've seen two young people who make me feel ashamed of my inferiority, one is you, the other is her."

Chen Nuo laughed: "I don't know about her, but I'm definitely not... hey, she's here."

Chen Nuo waved at the door, and Lori Eisner, who hadn't been seen for a long time, immediately smiled at him.

This smile made the blonde Barbie, who looked like Vivien Leigh, look at least five years younger, instantly changing from a serious and rigid professional woman into a sunny and cheerful great beauty.

Lori wasn't alone, she brought a man and a woman behind her.

After the introduction, he learned that the handsome man was named Harper, her assistant, and the other brown-haired little beauty was named Ruth, her secretary.

Harper had a polite smile on his face, but his heart felt as if a poisonous snake was biting him.

Watching the yellow-skinned man opposite the table, hugging cheek-to-cheek with the beautiful princess he looked up to.

And afterward, a beautiful smile suddenly bloomed on her face that he had never seen before.

How could it be?

What is the relationship between the two of them?

How could he be so intimate with the noble Disney princess!?

But he was just a Chinese person famous for selling his face, with a world of difference from Eisner's noble bloodline, this damn bastard. He should pay attention to his status!

Chen Nuo didn't notice the look in Lori's assistant's eyes; he was chatting very happily with Lori.

Although Peter Chan and others were present, many truly private things were not easy to talk about, but reuniting with an old friend, there were endless topics.

"Did Reed Hastings envy that your fame is bigger than his now?"

"Shut up."

"Hahahahahaha, I'm telling the truth, the president of Netflix, who knows him now? All of Hollywood knows, Netflix is now exerting force on streaming media, leading the company to charge into battle is a vicious, cold-blooded witch who recognizes no relatives, reorganized three departments as soon as she took office, and laid off 70% of the staff..."

"Chen, do you want to die?"

"Hahahahaha!"

Chen Nuo laughed while saying: "I'm telling the truth."

Lori Eisner seemed to want to say something, but her eyes flickered over Peter Chan's face, and she closed her mouth again, then changed the topic: "Don't talk about me, did you organize three advance screenings for your film this time?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Of course I heard about it."

"Who said it? I clearly signed a confidentiality agreement with every company, whoever said it, I'm going to sue them!"

"Forget it." Lori Eisner said angrily, "Before saying who you are going to sue, please put away your happy smile first, seeing you laugh like this, I know you made a fortune this time. Sold for how much, tell me."

Chen Nuo laughed: "Compared to you, I just made a little bit of pocket money, not worth mentioning. By the way, the director said you were talking to a French film distributor just now? How was it, did you negotiate it down?"

Lori Eisner smiled and said: "No."

Chen Nuo laughed: "So miserable? Do you want me to help you?"

Lori raised her chin, proudly and disdainfully: "No need. I can handle it myself!"

Chen Nuo laughed to death, laughed for a while, and said: "Oh, we are all friends, don't be so polite. What is our relationship, as long as you beg me, I will tell you my sales tips that I have cherished for a long time, how about it?"

Harper listened for a long time on the side, and at this moment, seeing Chen Nuo's smile and hearing what he said, the anger in his heart suddenly erupted like a volcano, and he couldn't hold it back anymore.

With a hot head, he said angrily: "Forgive me for being blunt, Chen, Vice President Eisner actually doesn't need your help."

"We talked very well with the French film distributor just now, it's just that his offer was lower than our expectations. It was the Vice President who rejected his offer and very firmly told him to go back and consider it again."

"I believe, at most tomorrow, he will come back to beg us."

"Don't think that the Vice President really needs your help! Take back your insulting words!"

After he finished saying this, everyone present was stunned.

Afterward, as the person involved, Chen Nuo reacted the fastest, touched his nose a bit awkwardly, and was preparing to say something,

but before he could open his mouth,

Lori Eisner snatched his words, turned her head, and said expressionlessly to Harper: "Get out."

Harper was scared silly, explained with a red face: "Vice President Eisner, he doesn't respect you, I just..."

"Shut your mouth, don't speak! I want you, this idiot, to disappear from my sight immediately. Immediately! Don't make me say it a second time!" Lori Eisner's emerald blue eyes suddenly narrowed, revealing a look of extreme disgust, and said coldly.

At this moment, she really looked like the cold-blooded and vicious witch in the rumors, looking extremely fierce.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 401 =====

(End of this chapter)