Chapter 275

Although he had been here once last year, when Lin Nan was in the town of Cannes again, he was still very touched.

This place was worthy of being a grand gathering for filmmakers from all over the world; looking around, promotional posters for films could be seen everywhere, and the vast majority were new films from within the last year.

"Lin Dao, Director Ning, it's estimated that it won't be long before someone comes to invite you."

"Hmm? Who are you talking about?"

Lin Nan looked at Jiang Xuerou and asked, puzzled.

"There are many directors from the country this year. I heard that Director Chen Kaige and the others intend to organize a gathering. Hmm, the Chinese-language filmmaker team, and the Chinese-language Film Night afterward."

"Worthy of being a big director holding a Palme d'Or; coming to Cannes, he naturally became the leader!"

Ning Hao looked amazed, a bit sarcastic.

"Fine, we'll talk about it when the time comes. Let's go fill our stomachs first."

Lin Nan didn't dislike Chen Kaige's gathering; it was a good thing for domestic filmmakers to be more united abroad.

"I've already booked the restaurant, Chinese food, we can go over now."

"Hmm, then let's go."

The arrival of every well-known director couldn't escape the media's attention.

Soon, some people received the news. The Golden Lion director, winner of last year's Jury Prize, Lin Nan, had arrived.

"Later, invite Lin Dao to attend the press conference for 'Chinese Zodiac'..."

"For the new film's press conference, call those two."

…………

During the meal, Lin Nan realized how large the proportion of Chinese-language filmmakers was at this Cannes Film Festival.

In the restaurant, they met several Chinese-language film crews.

"Lin Dao, 'Passengers' didn't notify me?" Andy Lau smiled.

"Just a simple copyright transaction, no need to make such a big fuss."

"That won't do. After the opening ceremony, I will definitely take time to help at the booth; after all, I am the lead actor."

Andy Lau said as a matter of course, very formally.

He came this time with the "Blind Detective" crew; this film was shortlisted for the screening section.

"That's fine. By the way, congratulations to Brother Hua on the birth of your daughter."

"Haha, thank you, Lin Dao."

Mentioning this, the smile on Andy Lau's face became even brighter, almost overflowing.

Soon, the group parted ways.

Ning Hao went to meet up with Zhong Lifang, and Lin Nan went to find the people from China Film Group.

He still had to check the film's promotion situation, but the screening of the film still had to wait until after the opening ceremony.

The background of "Bad Genius" was the SAT exam; Lin Nan felt that the North American copyright this time shouldn't be low, and he was looking forward to those big companies.

As Jiang Xuerou said, in the afternoon, Chen Kaige's call came.

"Lin Nan, don't forget the Chinese-language Film Night after the opening ceremony.

All the production companies, crews, directors, actors, and artists who came from the country will attend without exception."

"I understand, Director Chen, I will attend on time."

Lin Nan chatted with Chen Kaige for a few sentences and then hung up.

Immediately after, Jackie Chan's invitation, Jiang Wen's call, Jia Zhangke's greetings... they all came in a swarm.

"The real business hasn't started yet, but the social engagements are already lining up one by one, hehe..."

Lin Nan shook his head with a smile and muttered.

It was just that everyone knew he came alone and didn't have much to do, so they all came to invite him.

If Lin Nan had brought Liu Qianqian, then apart from his own business, the rest of the time would definitely be spent accompanying her. Where would he have so much interest in attending these dispensable activities?

…………

Lin Nan stayed in the film exhibition area for half an afternoon and contacted many film merchants.

It could be seen that many film merchants were very interested in "Passengers" and "Bad Genius" and took the initiative to ask for viewing tickets for the screening.

The fireworks display in the evening made the sky over Cannes exceptionally brilliant.

Lin Nan, having nothing better to do, was invited to attend a cocktail party held by Jiang Wen.

"Lin Dao is here, applause!"

As soon as he entered the door, he heard Jiang Wen roar; looking at him, he was clearly having a good time drinking.

A group of people greeted each other with smiles, and Ning Hao raised his glass from afar.

Lin Nan glanced slightly; there were really many people from the country, Wang Zhonglei, Yu Dong, Little Zhang Ziyi, and others were all there, as well as some Hong Kong filmmakers.

"I heard Director Jiang is going to announce a new film plan tomorrow. Did you finish the script without a sound?"

Lin Nan nodded to the people around him, walked closer, and joked.

"Hey, yes, the script is done; I did it myself. Tomorrow, along with the concept poster, it will be announced. This time, the setup is much bigger than 'Let the Bullets Fly'!"

Jiang Wen handed Lin Nan a glass of red wine and said with a hiccup.

"But I estimate it will take a year or half a year to prepare before we can start filming..."

Lin Nan knew Jiang Wen's habit; when he started filming, it was very expensive for the investors, and even more expensive in terms of time and capital.

"Are the actors set?"

When Lin Nan asked this, many people around pricked up their ears.

It wasn't that no one had asked before; they were all trying to get in, but Jiang Wen was unswayed from beginning to end.

"Are you coming? If you come, I can change the script, haha..."

Hearing this, Lin Nan understood; it was estimated that Jiang Wen already had a plan in mind regarding casting.

"I'm not cheap..."

"Expensive is good, saves me from changing the script." Jiang Wen said jokingly.

Many actors on the side also heard the meaning in the two's words and no longer held hope for Jiang Wen's film.

As for investment? Wang Zhonglei and Yu Dong both knew that Jiang Wen couldn't possibly give them this opportunity.

The latter had his own production company and Emperor as an ally; outsiders couldn't get in.

……

…………

The next morning, the atmosphere in Cannes reached its peak, because today, the film festival officially opened.

"The film screening can start. Notify China Film Group that the number of screenings for 'Passengers' must not exceed five. Someone must watch the scene to prevent it from being pirated."

"In addition, stagger the screening of 'Bad Genius' with 'Passengers,' only one screening per day, only one film, let our people watch it too..."

Lin Nan carefully instructed Jiang Xuerou, who nodded in response.

"Hmm, I'll have someone handle it later."

……

When the various crews and actors were preparing for the red carpet in the afternoon, Lin Nan was attending the press conference for Jiang Wen's new film.

On the huge concept poster were two inverted top hats, and between the hats were two golden bullet coins flying.

"Jiang Wen Film Work: 'Gone with the Bullets'!"

……

Jackie Chan's films seemed to never lack beauties.

The trailer release conference for "Chinese Zodiac" was also a highly concerned event in Cannes, just because of Jackie Chan's huge influence in the international film scene.

"I won't retire, but this is indeed my last large-scale, pure action film. I will reduce action scenes in the future; after all, I'm already old..."

Regardless of whether Jackie Chan's words were true or false, whether it was hype, anyway, after it was said, the influence was not small, and the media were a bit restless. Jackie Chan was a world-famous international superstar, an action movie superstar!

……

"This film of mine has already been set for the New Year slot; it will be announced after returning to the country."

"New Year slot, huh?"

Hearing Jackie Chan's words, Lin Nan nodded; the opponents for "Lost in Thailand" were not few. This year, Huayi seemed to have a bit too many films in the New Year slot.

The opening ceremony was being held over there, but Lin Nan was scanning films in the exhibition area.

Since he was here, he had to at least see if there were any good films he could buy.

"Teacher Gong Li on the red carpet, white dress with bare back..."

"Little Zhang Ziyi, Zhang Baizhi, competing on the red carpet, the two refute rumors of discord..."

"Huayi team appears high-profile, Wang Zhonglei claims Director Feng Xiaogang is preparing the next film and will return to comedy again..."

…………

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

Lin Nan received many quotes regarding "Passengers" and "Bad Genius."

As he expected, the copyright quote for "Passengers" was within expectations, very good, but far inferior to "Bad Genius."

The latter, because it was infinitely close to reality and had a tense and exciting plot rhythm, was more attractive, and the bidding from film merchants was very fierce.

"Currently, four days have passed since the opening ceremony, and the highest quotes for several regions from China Film Group have already exceeded 50 million USD. The vice chairman is asking, should we sell?"

"Europe and America combined exceeded 50 million USD?" Lin Nan asked softly.

"Yes."

"The five screenings haven't finished yet, what's the rush? China Film Group is responsible for the copyright of 'Passengers'; they have many things to do, and they have to wait until after the closing ceremony to go back anyway."

"They just need to sign the contract before returning to the country, so we can wait a bit longer to see if there is a higher price."

Jiang Xuerou nodded, "That's what I meant too; they are a bit excited."

This was correct; China Film Group was a leader in the country, but in the foreign copyright trading market, there were few brilliant achievements, and the few times there were, they were related to Lin Nan.

Compared to "Passengers," Lin Nan was more concerned about his and Liu Qianqian's film.

"'Bad Genius'?"

Lin Nan had just asked this when he saw Jiang Xuerou unable to suppress her excited smile.

"Good, very good, it has already exceeded 70 million USD, and there are still many film merchants constantly bidding..."

"70 million USD?"

Lin Nan muttered in a low voice; this number had already refreshed the copyright transaction record for his films.

"Yes, especially the bidding from North American film merchants, which is the fiercest."

"Continue to wait. It looks like I'll have to stay until the closing ceremony this time, but it's worth it!"

Lin Nan's tone was also a bit excited.

There were only two producers for "Bad Genius," him and Liu Qianqian, no one else!

…………

Cannes Film Festival, Chinese-language Film Night.

This was an activity that had left a name in the official film festival.

Chen Kaige was the host, officially recognized by the country; who let others have a Palme d'Or?

Just like what he said when he called Lin Nan before, the filmmakers and actors who came from the country were all present, not one missing.

……

"'Caught in the Web' by Director Chen sold for quite a lot of money."

Lin Nan had just finished greeting Teacher Gong Li and dealing with Little Zhang Ziyi, Gao Yuanyuan, and others when Ning Hao came over.

"How much?"

Lin Nan asked curiously.

No wonder Chen Kaige and Chen Hong were completely approachable tonight; it turned out they were in a good mood!

"More than 10 million USD, shouldn't have reached 15 million... Big directors still have to sell copyrights!"

Ning Hao said sourly. This was just asked by someone, and Chen Hong said it out of happiness.

"That's indeed a profit! A realistic theme, not a commercial film."

Lin Nan remembered that the cost of "Caught in the Web" in the country was only 40 million, equivalent to less than 7 million USD.

"What about you? You and Zhong Lifang should have met many film merchants these past few days, right?"

Hearing Lin Nan's words, Ning Hao was instantly a bit dejected, "People die by comparison, goods are thrown away by comparison."

"You suddenly became sentimental. Hurry up, how much?"

"3.11 million USD, your name played a big role."

Ning Hao raised his eyelids and sighed.

"As long as you make a profit, when you win a big award, you'll have made it."

"I often win awards in my dreams."

After Ning Hao finished a sentence, he suddenly reacted and stared at Lin Nan.

"Those two films of yours seem to still be screening? With your personality, you're definitely waiting for a higher price! Tell me, how much is it now?"

Looking at Ning Hao's desperate look to know, Lin Nan shook his head.

"You'd better not ask."

"What do you mean?"

"Afraid of hitting you."

"F*ck!"

…………

(End of chapter)