Chapter 142 Sending Movies, Li Yang Arrives
Lin Nan chose to keep a low profile. This kind of thing should not be made public.
In theory, after Liu Xiaoli and Wang Zhonglei had their showdown, the matter was settled.
But Wang Zhonglei and Huayi might not give up. After the movie is off the screen, they are likely to use some crooked means.
If they can't get it, they will destroy it.
Lin Nan's call was necessary.
Because on the surface, Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei don't have a strong background in the industry.
She is so popular now, thanks to the fans of Miss Liu.
After this call, at least Wang Zhonglei will know that Lin Nan is behind Liu Yifei.
On New Year's Day, American time, Buried Alive was fine-cut.
It was shot quickly and edited quickly, because there was no need to cut too much stuff and content.
It was just a few employees in the post-editing department. After watching the film, they were a little depressed.
Tom chattered about the latest Hollywood news.
Leonardo's "The Departed" is sprinting for the Golden Globe Awards, and with "Blood Diamond", he may have two movies nominated for the Oscars.
"Tom, now I know why you were so keen on letting me start a company."
"Why?" Tom asked without reacting for a while.
"Look at you, eight out of ten days are spent attending banquets and parties."
Lin Nan complained.
Crystal Pictures participated in the production of "Happy Death Day".
Although it was Wen Zairen standing in front of the stage, Tom, the general manager of Crystal Pictures, also became famous and received frequent banquet invitations.
"Haha, Lin, I am born for this kind of social occasions, I will be a qualified agent."
Tom is not modest at all.
Lin Nan's main job is a director, and he really needs a professional manager like Tom to help manage the company.
"Okay, networking is indeed part of your job."
"I heard that this "The Departed" is adapted from your movie?
Leon and Matt are so cool in it. I hope Leon can win an award. This is the vane of the Oscars."
Tom was talking to himself, and Lin Nan didn't respond.
He heard Matt Damon's name, which was really interesting.
The news that Ryan Reynolds shot a movie in a coffin spread in a small circle.
There are many novel movies in Hollywood, but there is really no such movie that was shot almost entirely in a coffin.
"Ryan, are you sure the director didn't lie to you?"
"Of course not, he won the Silver Bear Award for Directors in Berlin, and this movie was indeed submitted for the competition."
These days, many friends asked this question, and many envied him. Ryan Reynolds enjoyed this feeling very much, but sometimes when he was alone, he would unconsciously feel panic and tension. The psychologist said he still needed to recover for a while.
Lin Nan packed the copy of "Buried" and mailed it out according to the channels required by the official film festival.
I still remember that when he signed up for "Into the Dust", he asked Li Yang for help.
Now, Lin Nan himself is a Silver Bear director who has left his name in Berlin. He no longer needs help from others. Who knows, someone might want him to help recommend a movie to participate in the competition in the future.
Lin Nan sent out the movie relatively late in terms of time.
Most of the participating movies were sent out in December at the latest to give the judges enough time to consider.
For this reason, Lin Nan called Paul Schrader specifically, and the other party promised to pay attention to it and thanked Lin Nan for being invited to participate in this film festival.
According to the news brought back by Tom, "Curse of the Golden Flower" was withdrawn from the North American theaters in advance because the box office was really bad, and the companies that guaranteed the release all accepted their fate.
On the contrary, "New World" received rave reviews and had good box office.
"How much box office did "Curse of the Golden Flower"?"
"The total in North America is only more than 6 million. I feel sorry for those companies that bought the copyright in advance."
When saying the last sentence, Tom did not look sad at all, but rather gloated.
Lin Nan also paid attention to the box office of "Curse of the Golden Flower".
The domestic box office broke through 200 million at the fastest speed in December, surpassing "Time and Space Cruise". The box office growth rate slowed down amid the criticism.
After more than 20 days of release, it has now reached 270 million, and it is heading for the 300 million mark.
But Lin Nan knows that it is inevitable to lose money. The cost is 360 million, and the domestic volume is there, with an upper limit.
Who would have thought that it would suddenly fail to adapt to the local environment when planning to go overseas to make US dollars.
Lin Nan remembered the box office data sent by Lionsgate. The box office of "Happy Death Day" was finally fixed at more than 77 million.
"The two are not comparable. Even if "Curse of the Golden Flower" lost money, it played a positive role in the development of the industry." Lin Nan thought to himself.
On the other hand, Lin Nan really thinks Feng Xiaogang is very cunning.
He invited Hu Jun to guest star in "Assembly", and when the media reported it, it was to take advantage of Lin Nan's popularity.
This matter is very realistic.
Hu Jun had just finished filming The Martian, and the topic was so hot that Huayi put aside its grudge with Wang Jinghua and invited him to make a cameo appearance.
In January, the Hollywood Golden Globe Awards were only North American awards, and most filmmakers with dreams were still eyeing Berlin.
Unlike Hollywood's film festivals, which summarize the past year, the three major European festivals require that the participating films must be unreleased or premiered at the Berlin Film Festival.
On this day, Lin Nan was at New Line, and Tom called and said that a friend of Lin Nan was looking for him.
When Lin Nan returned to Crystal Pictures, he was very excited.
Because the person who came was Li Yang.
"Brother Li Yang, long time no see."
"Yes, it's been almost two years."
Li Yang looked a little tired, but kept smiling.
"Let's go to the reception room on the third floor to talk." Lin Nan said enthusiastically.
"Well, okay."
Lin Nan had a hunch that it must be a serious matter, otherwise he could just send an email and didn't have to come in person.
"I heard from China that you have a cooperation with Lionsgate, and you have been watching the post-production of the movie here for the past two months, so I came directly."
Sitting in the reception room, Li Yang said with a cup of coffee.
"Brother Li, it seems that your time has come?"
"Yes, the ban on directing has just expired a few months ago." Li Yang paused and said.
"Brother Li, tell me if you have anything to say, we are not outsiders."
Lin Nan's first pot of gold was obtained by Li Yang, and the only actor award he won was also from "Blind Well".
When he switched to directing, Li Yang also encouraged him.
Putting down the coffee, Li Yang looked at Lin Nan and then spoke.
"The reason I came here in person today is to ask for your help."
Li Yang adjusted his thoughts.
"Before the ban on directing expired, I had already prepared the script and raised investment, preparing to start filming as soon as the ban on directing expired. I was ready to start filming a few months ago, but the investor suddenly withdrew his investment..."
Li Yang sighed.
"I originally thought of mortgaging my house, but later I heard from others that you were also investing in movies and TV, especially that you invested 10 million yuan in a professor of your school to make a movie some time ago, so I thought of asking you for help..."
Li Yang's words made Lin Nan feel sad.
Recalling the time when he filmed "Blind Shaft" in 2002 and received awards in Berlin and Golden Horse, Li Yang was full of energy and spirit at that time, much more energetic than now.
"These are all small things. How much money does Brother Li need?"
Lin Nan asked with a smile.
Most of the movies Li Yang made were unpopular, niche, and realistic themes. He was banned from directing for three years, so he probably didn't save much money.
Li Yang didn't answer how much money he had, but introduced his movies.
"This is a movie about a female college student who was abducted and sold, and was rescued many years later."
At this point, Lin Nan had an impression, as if there was such a movie.
"I named it "Blind Mountain."
When Li Yang said the name of the movie, he smiled, as if he was talking about his ideal.
Lin Nan admired Li Yang very much. Some movies are very meaningful after they are made, especially those about fighting against trafficking.
"How much does it cost? I'll ask the domestic company to prepare it."
"About 4.5 million will be enough. The shooting location I chose is my hometown..."
Got it, Qinling Mountains.
"Then five million, I believe that Brother Li's strength will definitely make a better movie than "Blind Well."
"Thank you, Lin Nan. Think about it, you invested in "Blind Well" in the past, and now you come to you to invest in "Blind Mountain". I have been getting back to the past over the years."
"Why say these things? It's been so long."
Lin Nan could see his simplicity from the fact that Li Yang didn't make a phone call, but came to talk about this matter face to face in person.
"If you have something to do in the future, you should call me. It's too much trouble to make a trip." Lin Nan said.
"It's not a problem. It's fine as long as the matter is done."
"After returning to China, Brother Li, call this number directly. I will tell the company."
Lin Nan gave Yue Jun's phone number to Li Yang.
"Okay, I know."
...
Li Yang didn't stay for long and took the next flight.
"Lin, is he also a director?" Tom asked.
"Yes, his film was nominated for the Golden Bear Award and finally won the Silver Bear Award for Outstanding Art. He is my first guide on the road to directing."
Lin Nan said very seriously.
...
Many employees in the company were discussing something. Lin Nan listened carefully and found out that Leo was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Lin Nan met Jackie Chan at New Line. Rush Hour 3 has been filmed for several months and is currently wrapping up.
Jackie Chan's next movie is The Forbidden Kingdom.
"Director Lin Nan, I have just established a new film company in the mainland. We can cooperate if there is a chance."
When Jackie Chan smiled, his iconic big nose was very prominent.
"Haha, big brother is too expensive, I can't afford it."
"Or I can ask you to help me make a movie." Jackie Chan said with a smile.
"The script must be exciting enough to attract me. I usually don't take outside roles."
"It seems to be true, but I still look forward to working with you once. If Andy can bargain or bring funds, I can do that too.
Last time, Jaycee didn't choose your movie, and I felt very sorry afterwards..."
Jackie Chan put his arm around Lin Nan's shoulder and talked and laughed, like a friend who hadn't seen each other for a long time. His personal assistant helped the two take a group photo.
As I said, putting aside personal issues, Jackie Chan is indeed a superstar and deserves respect.
"Director Lin Nan, remember to cooperate with me if you have the opportunity in the future. I'll go back to the crew first. See you later..."
Lin Nan smiled helplessly and waved, watching Jackie Chan being surrounded by a group of people and walking away.
This position in Hollywood is also unique among Chinese.