[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr":3,"chapter-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-54":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Academic Director: Reborn in the Film Industry",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2297054,4493,"Chapter 54: Maximizing Profit","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-54",54,"\u003Cp>Is Cao Yang sincere?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course he is; otherwise, how could he have had the people from Sony Pictures Classics and mk2 come over before even attending the film festival?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the goal were to maximize profit from the copyright, one would certainly wait until the film had won an award, as the sold copyright would be worth more and bring in more US dollars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But doing that would be a bit short-sighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, Li An’s *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* received ten nominations at the Oscars and eventually won four; four out of ten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you think the judges gave him ten nominations because his film was brilliant after he submitted it to the Oscars?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could that be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the States, if you don’t do public relations and spend big money, how could they possibly give you a nomination, how could they let you win?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Which Oscar-winning film’s PR operation costs don't run into the hundreds of thousands—in US dollars, at that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who pays for this money?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once you sell the copyright, the company that bought it decides whether to operate it, and they are the ones who pay for the operation; of course, if it wins, it will bring in even greater benefits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you don't sell the copyright, you have to find a PR firm yourself and pay for it yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang’s goal is very simple: assuming he didn't bring in Sony Pictures Classics and mk2, relying solely on the school, there is a high probability of winning an award, but it wouldn't maximize profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Sony Pictures Classics and mk2 are added, it is possible to maximize profit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang assumes that if this film can win an award at Venice, the overseas copyright fee for the film will be around 2.5 to 3 million—in US dollars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is it not as much as the money from the first film?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first film won two Silver Bears, so it definitely sold for more money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it wins an award this time, because there are no \"insiders\" on the jury, it is difficult to win two major awards, and even with the bonus of fame, it is definitely not as valuable as the first film.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is assuming no special circumstances arise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What are the special circumstances? It is cooperating with Sony Pictures Classics and mk2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don't look at the fact that mk2’s home turf is Cannes; this year, they absolutely have the ability to influence the Venice Film Festival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just at the recent Cannes Film Festival, an Italian director Nanni Moretti, whom mk2 had supported, took home the Palme d'Or at Cannes with *The Son's Room*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to reliable information gathered by Old Tian, the Venice Film Festival intends to invite Nanni Moretti to serve as the jury president this year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>mk2 has the ability to influence Nanni Moretti.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang doesn't know what Mikhalkov and Bellman talked about, but when Bellman saw Cao Yang again, his attitude was much more enthusiastic than before, and to show closeness, he even called Cao Yang \"Cao\" directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, due to pronunciation issues, Cao Yang felt it sounded particularly awkward and quickly stopped him, telling him to just call him by his full name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One wanted to sell, the other wanted to buy, and this copyright negotiation went exceptionally smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, contrary to Cao Yang’s expectations, the price given by Sony Pictures Classics was $200,000 higher than the previous film; they gave $1.7 million for the copyright excluding Europe and Greater China.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The European copyright that mk2 wanted remained at $1.6 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang didn't haggle too much; if the film didn't win an award at this price, it would definitely lose money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore, if you want to make money, get to work, damn it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you want to make big money, work hard at the operation and get the film a few more awards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you want to make huge money, then find a way to operate it into a Golden Lion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the deal was settled, Cao Yang told Hou Ke that he had already sold the overseas copyright to Sony Pictures Classics and mk2.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Talking to smart people is effortless; Cao Yang only mentioned it once, and Hou Ke understood immediately, saying directly that he would find the two parties to discuss the Venice matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three parties have common interests, and Cao Yang believes they will definitely be able to talk very happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, Hou Ke also told Cao Yang that the film had been submitted for review, and he would keep a close eye on it, definitely finding a way to get the film approved as soon as possible. Furthermore, Hou Ke intentionally reminded Cao Yang that he could discuss the film’s trip to Venice more with Tian Zhuangzhuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hate riddle-makers who only say half of what they mean!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two days later, Mikhalkov and Bellman were about to return, and before leaving, Mikhalkov specifically sought out Cao Yang to offer some personal advice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He told Cao Yang that if a film wants to win the top prize at the three major European festivals, besides luck, and provided there is no lack of support, one should not seek to be \"all-encompassing\"; one can try to take an unconventional path, and going to the extreme might actually have an effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Going to the extreme?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang understood what Mikhalkov meant; going to the extreme might strike a chord with certain members of the upper echelons of the film festival, which would lead to their strong support, making it easier to win the top award.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more extreme you go and the more deviant you play, the easier it is to get support; these artsy Europeans are indeed all a bit abnormal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Cao Yang didn't understand the deeper meaning of Hou Ke’s words from two days ago, now that the people from Sony Pictures Classics and mk2 were gone, he had free time, so he could just find Old Tian and ask him to find out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same restaurant as last time; the two ordered four dishes and a few bottles of beer, chatting while they ate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wouldn't it be better to order some hard liquor? This stuff has no kick.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian drank a glass, shook his head, and complained to Cao Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher said that while I'm out, I have to watch you and not let you drink excessively; I can't knowingly commit a mistake.\" Cao Yang took a sip and said while picking up food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian picked up some food, and while chewing, asked vaguely: \"You've only been free for two days, don't tell me you have ideas again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could that be? I'm not a god; polishing a script always takes time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian picked up his glass and was about to drink, but upon hearing this, he put the glass down and said in surprise: \"You kid wouldn't really have ideas, would you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I do have some ideas, but it won't be that fast. Even if I want to shoot, I have to wait until after the Venice Film Festival. Let's not talk about this. Dean Hou told me that you have an acquaintance in Venice and told me to look for you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang decided to bluff Old Tian to see if Old Tian was really as Hou Ke said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian’s hand holding the food paused, he let out a \"heh,\" put down his chopsticks, and picked up his glass to drain it in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So there really is a special situation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang filled Old Tian’s glass and said: \"Senior brother, if it’s difficult, just pretend I didn't ask.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian was silent for a moment, then sighed and said: \"Actually, it’s not a secret. I have a very good friend who particularly appreciates my talent and values me highly. Because I was banned from directing for ten years for certain reasons, I feel a bit embarrassed to ask him for help.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for Cao Yang to press him, Old Tian drank another half glass of beer and said: \"His name is Müller, an Italian. He came to the country to study in '74 and really likes domestic films. Because we are about the same age, he is friends with almost all the Fifth Generation directors you talk about...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, wait...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang reached out to stop Old Tian’s words, and he couldn't help but ask again: \"What was the name of the person you just said appreciated you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What 'appreciated'? Valued! Valued! It’s valued! We are good friends, a pure friendship!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian emphasized it a few times before saying: \"Müller, his name is Marco Müller. We all call him Old Ma; otherwise, where do you think I got the ability to know in advance who the Venice jury president would be?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn! Not bad, Old Tian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Yang looked at Old Tian in surprise; he really didn't expect that while Hou Ke was still hinting, Old Tian had already taken action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he asked again: \"Marco Müller, the person in charge of Asian film selection for the Venice Film Festival since '86, and he still holds the position of Asian film selection head, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Tian nodded and asked with some confusion: \"He has indeed always been the head of Asian film selection for the Venice Film Festival, but what do you mean by 'still holds'? Did he become the president of another film festival? Is it Rotterdam or Locarno?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, Old Tian, your information is too closed off; it seems that in these years of not being a director, you really haven't been paying attention to these things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1619,"2026-06-20T05:36:32.009Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","45b5d8f5a2bb809f392f29a4d81853c68092d707cf7d41a1fb6f1d02d194a1a0","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-55","the-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-chapter-53",411,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-academic-director-reborn-in-the-film-industr-cover.jpg"]