Chapter 108: Transactions and Awards

There are 4 films with high heat at this year's Berlin Film Festival: "The English Patient", "The People vs. Larry Flynt", "Luo Miou + Zhu Liye", and "Run Luo La Run". This heat refers to comprehensive heat, including topic degree, etc., not winning awards.

In the exchange of the three major film festivals, popular films have always been the object of competition among major film distributors. But look at these films: "The English Patient" is Miramax's, which is now a subsidiary of Disney and can use Disney's distribution channels; "Luo Miou + Zhu Liye" is Fox's; "The People vs. Larry Flynt" is also from Hollywood and has the Big Eight label. How can those European distributors talk about it?

Therefore, among the four big-hit films, only "Run Luo La Run" became the object that these film distributors could compete for. As a result, one can imagine how popular Wu Yuchen was.

He himself was also clear about this, so even if he had the idea of cooperating with Pathé in his heart, he didn't take the initiative to contact them, but met these film distributors one by one.

Actually, he basically declined the small film distributors, firstly because they didn't have the strength, and secondly because they couldn't afford the price he wanted. He met with several major European distributors such as Gaumont and MK2 in succession, and even met with several from the Big Eight. After all, the Big Eight were also very interested in this hot "Run Luo La Run", and if the price was right, they would be very willing to take it down.

Sure enough, not two days later, Harris from Pathé couldn't sit still and came knocking again. This time the two met in a coffee shop.

Wu Yuchen arrived late and said to Harris with a smile: "Sorry, Mr. Harris, I've been a bit busy these two days and couldn't get away~"

"Hehe, I understand very well. The talent you've shown has attracted the attention of all of Berlin."

Wu Yuchen smiled and didn't deny it. After ordering a cup of coffee, he started to exchange pleasantries with the other party.

Harris's attitude was still very good, but after the routine greeting session ended, he asked:

"Wu, I don't know how you've considered it. Our Pathé's sincerity is full!"

Wu Yuchen said with a smile: "Mr. Harris, I think sincerity should be reflected in the price, shouldn't it?"

"4 million US dollars. I think this price is already very sincere. And Wu, we will do our best to help 'Run Luo La Run' in other aspects."

Wu Yuchen chuckled and shook his head: "Mr. Harris, your sincerity is not very sufficient. Do you know? Miramax approached me, and it was Harvey Weinstein himself, offering 12 million US dollars for global copyright, and also promised me global distribution."

Harris frowned upon hearing this. Harvey Weinstein now has a great reputation, and Miramax is not the small company it was a few years ago. Now the parent company belongs to Disney, and they can use Disney's channels for distribution.

Moreover, Miramax's films have repeatedly won awards at the three major festivals and the Oscars. Like this time, "The English Patient" was led by Harvey, a PR master, himself. With global distribution and the attraction of the Oscars, he has a fatal attraction to those small directors.

Therefore, as soon as he heard Harvey Weinstein's intervention, Harris felt that things had become a bit tricky, and he didn't know how much he had to increase the price to grab it.

At this time, Wu Yuchen continued: "Harvey also told me that he regretted selling the copyright of 'Pulp Fiction' for 12 million US dollars back then, because its European box office was also over 100 million, and he made a losing deal. Watching a lot of money fall into your pockets, he felt heartbroken!"

Harris was very unhappy after hearing this. Although they did make a big profit that time with "Pulp Fiction", this also had risks. Only by taking risks could they earn so much. Of course, he also had to admit that it was because he saw the potential of "Run Luo La Run" to be a blockbuster like "Pulp Fiction" that he was willing to pay so much money to buy it.

He just persuaded: "Wu, we can also give you 5 million. Although Harvey is very famous, he is not a very good partner. He is a greedy and arrogant guy. Believe me, he won't be willing to take out 12 million at once."

Unexpectedly, Wu Yuchen opposite nodded and agreed:

"Yes, I know, so I didn't agree to his conditions, and I also really hope to cooperate with Pathé. As long as you agree to one condition, I can sell it to you for 5 million."

Harris was happy in his heart. Originally, he planned to increase it to 6 million US dollars: "Wu, please say it!"

"For the part of the European box office of 'Run Luo La Run' over 30 million, I want 10% of the box office share."

This made Harris stunned. Box office share is a treatment only big directors have. Just as he was about to say something, he was stopped by Wu Yuchen's hand.

Wu Yuchen continued: "Mr. Harris, my price is already very considerate for you. I know that your Pathé has its own distribution channels in Europe, and you even have your own cinema chain. In the box office of a film, you can achieve at least 40% of the revenue, maybe higher."

"Buying the copyright for 5 million, you can break even at 12 million. Judging from the current situation of 'Run Luo La Run', this is a risk-free deal. And all I want is 10% of the share for the part over 30 million box office, which greatly reduces your risk, doesn't it?"

After Wu Yuchen finished speaking, he didn't speak anymore, waiting for Harris's answer.

And Harris was also pondering with knitted brows. He personally was very optimistic about "Run Luo La Run". 12 million was naturally no problem, otherwise he wouldn't dare to report this price. But he felt that such a film starring Orientals, even if it exploded, would not reach the level of "Pulp Fiction" with a box office of over 100 million in Europe. It might be 30 million at worst, and 50 million at best.

He calculated in his heart that even if the box office could reach 50 million, it would only be an extra 2 million for the other party. Plus the 5 million copyright fee, it would only be 7 million, while their Pathé could earn 20 million. This deal is definitely not a loss, and it is very profitable.

Harris looked at Wu Yuchen's resolute eyes again and said: "Wu, wait a moment, I need to make a phone call."

Wu Yuchen gestured for him to please. Harris picked up his mobile phone and communicated with the headquarters. After a while, he put down his phone and said to Wu Yuchen:

"Wu, in principle, our Pathé agrees to this deal, but we hope you will also sell the DVD and videotape rights of 'Run Luo La Run' together."

Wu Yuchen smiled: "Mr. Harris, I am willing to sell, but are you willing to pay this price?"

"4 million US dollars, Wu, this is not a small number!"

Wu Yuchen shook his head: "Mr. Harris, I think it's better to wait until the film is released to talk about the disc copyright. This is a bit far from my expected price."

Seeing that Wu Yuchen didn't even want to talk much about the price this time, Harris knew it was really far from his expectation. He thought for a while and said: "Then we want to get two rights: the priority purchase right for disc copyright and film adaptation rights."

Wu Yuchen didn't care about the priority purchase right, which also proved the other party's optimism, so he reached out and shook hands with Harris: "Happy cooperation!"

Since the two sides had reached a cooperation, Wu Yuchen didn't care anymore and said: "Mr. Harris, about the awards..."

Harris smiled upon hearing this: "Wu, we will definitely try our best to strive for it. As far as the situation of 'Run Luo La Run' is concerned, I think there are two directions for our efforts."

Wu Yuchen gestured for him to listen carefully. Harris continued:

"The first is the final Golden Bear Grand Prize. Although it is difficult, it is not without opportunity."

"Your 'Run Luo La Run' is very popular with women. I know the Falanxi female judge is very interested in your 'Run Luo La Run'. If your compatriot, Miss Cheung, is also willing to vote for you, then there will be two votes. In this case, Mr. Lang can help you strive for it."

Upon hearing this, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but sigh, and then said to Harris: "Harris, I cannot ensure that Miss Cheung will definitely vote for me."

Harris frowned upon hearing this, and then said: "If that's the case, it's not easy to say. We can only see if we can strive for the jury."

Then he continued: "Another award is the Best Director Award. Wu, this 'Run Luo La Run' fully demonstrates your talent as a director, so I think you have hope to strive for this award."

Wu Yuchen nodded upon hearing this. In the eyes of the audience, the protagonist of the film "Run Luo La Run" is undoubtedly Luo La, but insiders know at a glance that the soul of the film is the director.

"However, Wu, you must understand one thing. Nowadays, at the three major film festivals, unless the jury president is a very powerful freak, they will follow the principle of dividing the cake, so these two awards are likely to have only one."

Wu Yuchen fell into deep thought upon hearing this. Jury Grand Prix and Best Director?

After parting with Harris, Wu Yuchen also re-examined the deal just reached.

Harris was not wrong before. "Run Luo La Run" is an Oriental story, destined to be impossible to sell for 12 million US dollars like "Pulp Fiction". If it is only screening rights, no one in Europe is willing to offer a price above 6 million, because this figure is already not small, and it represents risk itself.

Therefore, he would rather accept the price of 5 million in exchange for a share of the box office over 30 million. Perhaps the other party feels that a box office of 30 or 40 million is about the same, but Wu Yuchen still has some hope for "Run Luo La Run".

And this is a box office share, not a profit share. Box office figures are not as easy to hide as profits, and people in Europe and America dare not steal box office as blatantly as they do in China now.

As for Harvey Weinstein, Wu Yuchen just used him as a wingman. He doesn't know how much of the promised 12 million can reach his hands.

Wu Yuchen stopped thinking about the box office. The current goal is awards. Since he has reached a cooperation with Pathé, they are a community of interests. He just doesn't know which award he can finally win.

A few days later, without surprise, Wu Yuchen received a notice inviting them to attend the award ceremony the next day, which was completely within his expectations.

However, this made Li Xiaoran very excited, because in the film festival magazine's prediction, the Luo La she starred in was a very popular candidate for Best Actress. No way, the discussion degree of the female-led character was too high. Now that "Run Luo La Run" was invited to attend the award ceremony, it made her constantly guess whether her female lead could win the Berlin Best Actress?

"......"

The next day, on the red carpet avenue, lights flashed, fans cheered, and the red carpet ceremony of the closing ceremony was extremely lively.

To be honest, Berlin's heat this year was higher than last year. Several Hollywood films did bring a lot of popularity to Berlin. Of course, "Run Luo La Run" also made a contribution.

Wu Yuchen was naturally no stranger to the red carpet; he had experienced it once last year. He was in a black suit, tall and straight, walking and stopping with Li Xiaoran's arm, constantly smiling and greeting both sides of the red carpet.

"Luo La, you are really great!"

"Luo La, you make me deeply fascinated!"

"Luo La, you are so cool, come on!"

"Luo La, smash all difficulties, charge, charge, charge!"

There were many fans of "Run Luo La Run", basically all young people. After seeing Li Xiaoran, they started shouting.

Li Xiaoran walked the red carpet for the first time, but she was not timid at all. While waving excitedly with Wu Yuchen, she listened to the cheers on both sides, enjoying the feeling of being in the spotlight, and only then did she really realize the feeling of being a star, which made her feel immersed in it and unable to extricate herself!

Wu Yuchen was also full of smiles when he saw this. This degree of support was not weaker than those Hollywood films.

The only thing he felt a pity about was that domestic media had not started sending reporters to the three major festivals every year like ten years later. Most of those taking pictures of them were foreign media reporters. He did see a few Chinese faces, but they spoke Cantonese, seemingly reporters from Hong Kong.

After walking the red carpet and entering the hall to take their seats, the lights went out, leaving only the podium bright. The host stepped onto the stage with a smile, and the award ceremony officially began.

As usual, the first few were some small awards. Li Xiaoran was very interested in coming for the first time and often asked questions. Wu Yuchen answered them one by one with a smile, and the atmosphere in the whole hall was still very relaxed.

As other awards were announced, leaving only a few major awards, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly choked from the previous relaxation.

"Next is the Best Actress award. Let's see..."

As the words "Best Actress" appeared on the big screen, Wu Yuchen felt a tightness in his hand, understanding that Li Xiaoran must have started to get nervous too.

After a brief introduction, without keeping people in suspense, the award presenter directly announced:

"Best Actress, 'The English Patient', Juliette Binoche!"

Seeing the disappointment on Li Xiaoran's face after hearing the result, Wu Yuchen couldn't help but squeeze her hand and whispered in her ear: "There will be opportunities in the future."

Li Xiaoran nodded upon hearing this. It was her first time starring in a film and she could compete for Best Actress, which was enough to be happy about. She tidied up her mood and then applauded with Wu Yuchen.

The next award was naturally Best Actor. The competition this time was quite fierce. Woody Harrelson of "The People vs. Larry Flynt", Ralph Fiennes of "The English Patient", and Leonardo of "Luo Miou + Zhu Liye" were all previous popular candidates.

"Best Actor is..."

Wu Yuchen was observing each candidate at this time, especially Leonardo, seeing his whole face tense, eyes staring at the podium without blinking.

Although the Berlin Film Festival was far less important than the Oscars in Leonardo's heart, since he was already here and wrapped in the atmosphere of the scene, how could he not want to win an award?

"Leonardo, 'Luo Miou + Zhu Liye'!"

Leonardo jumped up, his whole face showing a brilliant smile, hugging left and right, and then stepped onto the stage to receive the award.

Wu Yuchen looked at Leonardo, who was happy on the stage with the award at this moment, and then thought about the old Leonardo who cried in the Oscar toilet several times later, and couldn't help but laugh out loud.

To be honest, if he hadn't come to participate in this Berlin Film Festival, Wu Yuchen would have ignored that Leonardo had also won the Berlin Best Actor!

Tension will not disappear, it will only shift. After Leonardo walked off the podium with a relaxed body, it was Wu Yuchen's turn to start getting nervous. Because the next award was Best Director!

The host spoke again: "Next is the Best Director of this film festival. Please welcome Ms. Brecht!"

This Ms. Brecht was the Falanxi female judge on the jury. She first smiled and nodded, then made a difficult and depressed expression:

"Oh, this Best Director is really very difficult to choose! There are really many excellent directors this year, which makes it difficult for our jury to make a choice. We have had many rounds of discussion and voting for this. No matter who is elected, he deserves this honor!"

Her words were not false. Wu Yuchen's competitors were all very strong:

The director of "The English Patient", Anthony Minghella, he won the Oscar for Best Director for this film!

The director of "Port of Call", Éric Heumann, a Falanxi director, won the Venice Golden Lion, the jury of Cannes and Berlin, and the Berlin Best Director. The nominations were so many that they were endless. Having been in the industry for nearly 50 years, he could be said to be a super senior player of the three major festivals. At this moment, his posture was very relaxed.

Miloš Forman of "The People vs. Larry Flynt", won the Oscar for Best Director twice for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "Amadeus". This honor is enough to make people envious.

Tsai Ming-liang of "The River", this is a Taiwan film. Director Tsai Ming-liang defeated "In the Heat of the Sun" at the 1994 Venice Film Festival with "Vive L'Amour" and won the Golden Lion Award.

It can be said that the qualifications of each of these competitors were more than a little stronger than Wu Yuchen's, so he had no confidence at this time.

Although he reached a cooperation with Pathé, it didn't mean it would definitely work. If you have connections, don't others have them? Compared with them, in terms of qualifications and connections, I am afraid that Wu Yuchen is the weakest.

Wu Yuchen glanced at President Lang, who was sitting in the center of the jury, and didn't know how much he helped him and where he exerted his strength. If he exerted his strength in the wrong place, the worst result might be getting nothing.

In Wu Yuchen's somewhat uneasy mood, with everyone in the audience holding their breath, Brecht tore open the envelope:

"The 47th Berlin Film Festival Best Director is..."

Brecht looked at the audience. Several directors, from 20 to 77 years old, from yellow skin to white skin, were all staring at her eagerly.

"Wu, 'Run Luo La Run'!" ===== CHAPTER 109 =====