Chapter 116: Lost at the Mulberry Tree, Gained at the Eastern Corner
Andy Lau should be considered the busiest Chinese film star at this Berlin Film Festival.
Two films related to him both entered the main competition unit.
One was the Thai film “Invisible Waves” which he invested in.
The other was the Hollywood film “buried” which he starred in.
“Invisible Waves” premiered first, and with Andy Lau’s good connections, all the Chinese insiders in Berlin came to support him.
After the film finished, Yang Siwei fell asleep directly.
It wasn't until the lights came on brightly that Yang Siwei woke up, and then pretended to applaud with everyone.
“Siwei, was it good?” Liu Yifei asked with a smile.
If it was good, would I have fallen asleep? Yang Siwei shook her head.
Liu Yifei and Tang Yan looked at each other and smiled; in fact, they both thought it wasn't good either.
The whole film was too depressing, and the violent and bloody scenes were not to the liking of the girls.
“Yifei, you three should go back to the hotel first. I’ll be back after I socialize a bit.” Li Chen said.
“Okay, but don’t pour cold water on Hua Ge.” Liu Yifei said with a smile.
“Alright, I got it.”
Wang Zhonglei saw Li Chen alone, and his mind stirred, so he stepped forward to strike up a conversation.
“Director Li, you must come to the promotion event for ‘the banquet’ tomorrow to show your support.” Wang Zhonglei said with a smile.
“Forget it, I won’t join in the fun. I’ll congratulate President Wang in advance on the big success of ‘the banquet’.”
Although “the banquet” would definitely lose money at the domestic box office.
However, due to the participation of Zhang Ziyi, “the banquet” had already recouped its $15 million cost in the middle of filming.
Wang Zhonglei came to Berlin to sell it this time, practically without any pressure.
Many film distributors were already queuing up.
“Haha, then I’ll take Director Li’s auspicious words. I also hope Director Li’s ‘those years’ sells just as well.” Wang Zhonglei’s smile flickered.
No matter how Li Chen listened, this guy’s words sounded insincere.
“Thank you, I hope so.”
Li Chen’s indifferent attitude greatly disappointed Wang Zhonglei.
At least show some longing for “the banquet”!
“What are you two talking about? So happy.” Andy Lau came forward and said with a smile.
“’the banquet’ is highly sought after by film distributors, President Wang is riding high, and we Chinese also have reason to be proud.” Li Chen said.
“Who says it isn’t? I hope my ‘Invisible Waves’ isn’t too far behind his ‘the banquet’.”
“Alright, alright, Hua Zai, Director Li, you two are praising me so much, I can’t get down now!” Wang Zhonglei laughed heartily.
Clearly, Li Chen and Andy Lau had hit his sweet spot.
Not long after returning to the hotel, Liu Yifei called to check up on him.
Li Chen didn’t go to the promotion event for “the banquet”; he sent Yang Siwei in his place.
It was said that film distributors gathered, mostly Asian ones, with European and American distributors watching more and buying less.
With the precedent of “The Promise,” distributors became even more cautious.
None of them went to the Premiere of “The Promise” since they had all seen it already.
Going there would not have much meaning, and it might even embarrass The Golden Palm director.
Apart from Zhang Dongjian, Hiroyuki Sanada from Japan also came among the main actors.
However, this was quite different from Chen Hong’s earlier claim that the five main actors would collectively appear in Berlin.
It was said that reporters at the scene brought up the topic of moutou again.
Chen Kaige stated: He would sue to the end!
On the 13th, the Premiere of “buried” was completely packed.
Everyone now knew that this film was shot in just over ten days and featured only one actor.
Driven by curiosity, tickets for the “buried” Premiere were extremely hard to come by.
Inside the main hall of the Cinema Palace, Yang Siwei shook her head and sighed.
Liu Yifei frowned and smiled, “You’re sighing here. If your boss finds out, be careful, he might deduct your salary.”
“I’m sighing for Hua Ge. Didn’t you see the helplessness on Hua Ge’s face just now? ‘Invisible Waves’ was ignored, compared to today’s ‘buried’ which drew huge crowds. Hua Ge is having a really tough time.”
“Didn’t I hear that deals have already been made with two film distributors from Japan and South Korea?” Tang Yan asked, puzzled.
“Forget it, I won’t say anymore. I hope the boss’s ‘buried’ can give Hua Ge a boost.”
Liu Yifei and Tang Yan were not gossipy people, so seeing that Yang Siwei didn't want to say more, they didn't press further.
Yang Siwei was more aware of Andy Lau’s situation than Liu Yifei and Tang Yan.
This superstar’s good connections didn’t seem to bring him financial luck.
For many years, not only was he labeled as a box office poison, but as a boss and investor, he also lost terribly.
All the hard-earned film fees were completely lost.
Before Yingyi Entertainment was established, Andy Lau’s “Teamwork Motion Pictures” successively launched several films, but unfortunately, all of them flopped at the box office, resulting in huge losses.
Later, he sought help from Xiang Tai, who provided 40 million in life-saving funds, bringing him back from the brink.
However, the good times did not last long. After a public dispute with Mai Shaotang, a shareholder introduced by “Teamwork Motion Pictures.”
Although the two sides eventually reached a settlement, “Teamwork Motion Pictures” also ceased production and went out of business.
After “Teamwork Motion Pictures” closed down, Andy Lau did not give up the idea of starting a business, and in 2004, he established Yingyi Entertainment.
For his first entrepreneurial project, “Jiang Hu,” he even invited Jacky Cheung to co-star with him to attract market audiences.
As a result, this well-produced work, due to “censorship issues,” could not be released in mainland cinemas and was only shown in the Hong Kong market, leading to another huge loss.
Recently, rumors of Andy Lau’s bankruptcy have been circulating in Hong Kong, which is not uncommon.
The Cinema Palace was packed, and Tim, as the distributor, was in high spirits below the stage.
Li Chen and Andy Lau, one as director and the other as lead actor, thanked the guests and media who came to support them on stage.
Only Wang Zhonglei came from the Chinese community; others either hadn't arrived in Berlin yet or had no interest in attending the Premiere of “buried.”
The movie quickly began to play. The story was not obscure or difficult to understand; in fact, it could be said to be instantly clear.
The final allusions to government inaction and the anti-war theme received much applause and praise.
Next was Tim’s moment to shine, moving effortlessly among the various film distributors.
Li Chen and Andy Lau left the Cinema Palace and returned to the hotel.
“Director Li, shall we go to the coffee shop for a sit?” Andy Lau suddenly said before they parted ways.
Li Chen was startled, then said, “Okay, Yifei, you guys go back first.”
“Yifei, I’ll borrow Director Li for a bit, and give him back to you later.” Andy Lau said with a smile.
“No hurry, Hua Ge, take your time talking.” Liu Yifei said with a blush.
Li Chen and Andy Lau exited the elevator and sat down in the hotel’s coffee shop.
Andy Lau let out a long breath: “Director Li, thank you.”
“Thank me for what, Hua Ge?” Li Chen hadn’t quite reacted yet.
“This film ‘buried’ should be quite profitable. If you hadn’t insisted on giving me a 20% share, I wouldn’t have gotten a single cent.” Andy Lau said with a bitter smile.
Li Chen also didn’t know what to say; he knew a bit about Andy Lau’s situation.
In recent years, Andy Lau has been like a wind-up clock.
Every year, whether it’s films or albums, his output is definitely high.
He never picks scripts for movies. Although the box office has consistently flopped, he earns a lot from film fees and indeed made some money.
Andy Lau’s path was correct: being a boss, investing in films, tirelessly pursuing the path to capital.
This time, although “Invisible Waves” might not lose money, it certainly won’t make much profit either.
“Take your time, Hua Ge. Your New Asian Shooting Stars plan is a great idea. Everyone knows the current downturn in the Hong Kong market.”
“‘Double J and One Zhou’ saw the situation clearly early on and went to Hollywood for development. Now they’ve all shifted to the mainland, and only you are still thinking of doing something for Chinese films and supporting newcomers.”
Although Ning Hao was no longer part of the New Asian Shooting Stars plan, in addition to Lam Tze-chung and Li Gongle from Hong Kong, Li Zi from Hong Kong was also added.
Andy Lau spared no effort in supporting Hong Kong films, but unfortunately, these few people all failed.
“You think too highly of me, Director Li, I also shifted to the mainland.” Andy Lau said self-deprecatingly.
“Does Director Li have any good suggestions? Honestly, I really admire Director Li’s talent and investment vision.”
It has always been widely rumored in the industry that Li Chen’s first pot of gold came from the futures market, and Andy Lau had naturally heard about it.
Moreover, the rumors were very detailed, because a certain state-owned enterprise in the mainland, which was in stark contrast to Li Chen, lost nearly 100 million US dollars.
And that state-owned enterprise was shorting, while Li Chen was long.
“Hua Ge, just call me Li Chen. We’re so familiar now, ‘Director Li’ sounds too formal.” Li Chen said with a smile.
Andy Lau didn’t beat around the bush and said with a smile, “Okay, Li Chen.”
He and people like Wang Zhonglei and Feng Xiaogang always called each other by their first names once they became familiar.
“Actually, there’s not much good advice. The most fundamental thing in a film is the script. With a good script, box office and reputation have a foundation.”
“Your New Asian Shooting Stars plan is very meaningful. How about this, Hua Ge, I’ll also contribute.”
“Every year, I’ll provide a script, and you can select a director from your New Asian Shooting Stars plan. Your Yingyi Entertainment and my Rongchen Film and Television will co-invest and produce it.”
“Haha, then I truly couldn’t ask for more. Who doesn’t know that your scripts are a guarantee of box office success now?”
“Then it’s settled, Hua Ge. Later, send me the list of New Asian Shooting Stars. After the film festival, when we return to the mainland, we’ll discuss it in detail.”
“No problem.”
After discussing business, Andy Lau brought up “buried” again.
It was evident that Andy Lau cared deeply about whether “buried” could help him win an international Best Actor award.
After all, he was the only actor in the entire film “buried.” If it won an award, the Best Actor would definitely be him; it wouldn’t be the coffin he slept in, right?
“That’s really hard to say, Hua Ge. I believe you’ve also seen that German local films account for more than half of this Berlin Film Festival. What that means is clear at a glance.”
“That’s true. It’s clear that Germany is strongly supporting its own films.” Andy Lau nodded.
Compared to Andy Lau’s anxiety about gains and losses, Li Chen was more relaxed, taking things as they came.
He already had the Golden Palm protecting him, which was like having his own Heaven and Earth Xuanhuang Linglong Pagoda above his head, immune to all attacks.
The next day, German media reported on the grand Premiere of “buried.”
“China’s genius Golden Palm Director Li Chen, with ‘buried’ completed in thirteen days, receives rave reviews for its direction and performance.”
“Lionsgate acquires North American distribution rights for ‘buried,’ with multiple Asian and European distributors interested in introducing it!”
“Chinese actor Andy Lau’s acting receives unanimous praise.”
Mainland media also extensively reported on the Premiere of “buried” at the same time.
Netizens eagerly expressed their anticipation to see Andy Lau’s one-man show.
Han Sanping called Li Chen directly.
“I’ve reserved a spot for you. There won’t be any problem with ‘buried’ passing censorship, right?” Han Sanping’s tone was always one of no negotiation.
“Absolutely no problem, Han Dong.”
“Then that’s fine. China Film Group Corporation plans to buy it out directly. Someone will contact Chiyou Films later, so give Chiyou Films a heads-up.”
After hanging up the phone, Li Chen felt as if Han Sanping had a hidden meaning in his words. Was he trying to lower the price?
Soon, it was February 14th, Valentine's Day.
As the female lead and supporting actress of "those years," Liu Yifei and Tang Yan both dressed up in youthful and beautiful attire.
Since it was a youth campus film, there was no need to imitate those foreigners who bared their shoulders and chests.
Xue Xiaolu also arrived in Berlin on the 13th.
Just like "buried," tickets for the Premiere of "those years" were snapped up early in the morning.
In the hotel, several people were ready to go.
Liu Yifei changed into a white suit again today, with long flowing hair, simple yet not simple, but still equally dashing.
Li Chen reminded again, "Siwei, arrange a few more people. Although the film festival has people specifically for anti-piracy, we can't be careless."
"Boss, don't worry, I understand." Yang Siwei nodded solemnly.
Because in the past few days, news had spread from an unknown source that mainland pirates had already set their sights on "those years."
They even bought tickets for the Premiere, because Li Chen's films had been getting higher box office returns one after another, making him a money god in the eyes of these pirates!
There were still more than two months until the mainland release. If there was piracy before the official release, Li Chen would truly be spitting blood.
Before 7 PM in the evening, Xue Xiaolu, Li Chen, Liu Yifei, and Tang Yan began to walk the red carpet.
Foreign media reporters, having been accustomed to local actresses baring their chests and backs for the past two days,
Upon seeing two tall China actresses in dashing suits, they immediately frantically pressed their camera shutters.
"Yifei, is this outfit chosen by your stylist again today? Your stylist has such high taste!" Some domestic media reporters were already teasing Liu Yifei.
"Yes, it was still chosen by that stylist. I'll introduce you to them another day." Miss Liu joked with the reporters while posing.
Li Chen was truly speechless. Tang Yan, in a dark green fitted suit, wanted to laugh but didn't dare.
Only Liu Yifei smiled brightly and uninhibitedly.
"Director Xue, Director Li, I wish your film 'those years' great success in Europe and America." A CCTV reporter from China offered their blessings.
"Thank you."
"Thank you, you should also go inside, it's too cold outside." Li Chen said with a smile.
Compared to the freezing weather outside, the main venue of the Cinema Palace was bustling with people and lively.
Andy Lau and Wang Zhonglei arrived together, while Chen Kaige still hadn't appeared.
The Hong Kong "isabella" crew only departed from Hong Kong today to rush to Berlin.
Local couples were everywhere at the scene.
South Korea's CJ, Japan's Toho, and several film companies from Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand were all loyal followers of Li Chen's scripts.
Naturally, their presence would not be missed.
Coupled with the extensive publicity from local media and the arrival of Kostlick and Markel,
The Premiere of "those years" was instantly pushed to the climax of the entire Berlin Film Festival.
"Hua Zai, Li Chen's appeal is truly terrifying." Wang Zhonglei, sitting below the stage, sighed.
"the banquet wasn't this lively even when the film's trailer was shown!"
"You don't need to envy Li Chen, this is earned by his films' high box office one after another."
Facing questions from reporters, Li Chen remained confident on stage.
"Director Li Chen, many university student couples from our local Berlin have come today, they are all here because of your reputation. Do you feel any pressure?"
"Hmm, I saw them. Thank you for coming to the Premiere of 'those years.' There will definitely be pressure."
"What I can confirm is that this work will definitely be very popular in the East. As for whether it will be recognized by Western friends, I am also very curious."
"Let's wait until the film screening is over, and you can help me ask the German friends who attended today."
"However, I think good films have no borders, and they should like it too."
A round of applause erupted in the venue.
Li Chen and the main creators walked off the stage together. Liu Yifei whispered, "You really can talk, Director Li!"
"Well said, Li Chen."
"That's enough, Sister Lu, you're also joining in with Xixi."
The film screening quickly began.
It started with the rich scenery of a small town in Yunnan. Li Chen rode a bicycle and slapped away the ham sausage from Qiao Shan's breakfast!
The ham sausage fell to the ground and stood upright, like a raised middle finger!
The audience burst into laughter.
An international gesture, everyone understood!
The film continued, with a compact plot and a clear main storyline. The Erhai Lake in Yunnan was breathtakingly beautiful, and the Berlin university students watching the film all exclaimed how beautiful it was.
Until the end, Li Chen, like a bull in heat, rushed towards Liu Yifei's husband, pushed him down, and desperately kissed him.
Laughter and applause immediately erupted in the venue.
Li Chen felt confident, and the film companies watching felt even more confident.
The film ended, and applause continued.
This was probably the most lively scene since the opening of this Berlin Film Festival.
Because most of the films nominated for this film festival were politically themed, not only were the films dull and silent,
But most of those who came to the Premiere were elderly people or film critics.
Today's scene, where the audience was mostly composed of local couples, media, and a large number of film companies, was truly a rare sight.
"Markel, I'm glad I brought Li Chen here. At least his presence brought warmth to the cold Berlin." Kostlick said with a smile to Markel, who was sitting next to him.
"In that case, you should help Li Chen campaign for votes. Don't let Li Chen's 'buried' come in vain, otherwise, if you invite him again next time, he probably won't come." Markel replied with a smile.
Kostlick sighed, not knowing how to respond to his old friend's words.
Wang Zhonglei's expression was a bit grim, but Andy Lau was beaming, genuinely happy for Li Chen.
This youth campus film was really good, even he got into it.
No wonder Li Chen told him that day that the script was the key, and it was indeed true.
Liu Yifei never dreamed that "those years" would be so popular.
She and Liu's Mother actually didn't have much hope, after all, they had high hopes when they filmed that youth romance film with Jimmy Lin.
But in the end! Neither the mother nor the daughter wanted to mention that film.
Looking at today, Yang Siwei, as the producer, was surrounded by film companies. Could this "those years" really be a huge hit?
"Director Xue, Li Chen, Yifei, Tang Yan, the film was very good, and Director Li's acting was also very impressive."
"You're overpraising me. It's all Li Chen's script, I was just pulled in by him to help." Xue Xiaolu said modestly.
"Hua Ge, is my acting really bad?" Liu Yifei frowned, trying to suppress a laugh.
"Haha, Yifei's acting has also improved. It seems it still depends on who the director is and who she's acting opposite." Andy Lau said with a smile.
"Hua Ge is right, with Sister Lu in the director's chair, which student would dare to slack off." Li Chen said with a smile.
"Director Xue, Director Li, congratulations! This 'those years' will definitely be a bestseller in Southeast Asia." Wang Zhonglei's eyes were full of envy.
But in his heart, he thought of Li Chen's other youth campus novel, which was also a bestseller online now.
Since "those years" was so popular, why not buy Li Chen's other novel, have his own company produce it, and find Xue Xiaolu to direct it?
That way, relying on Li Chen's reputation, he believed that as long as it made it to the film festival, it would be just like "those years."
The more Wang Zhonglei thought about it, the better it seemed, completely forgetting his previous dirty tricks against Li Chen.
He also didn't think about whether Li Chen was short on money or if he was very familiar with him. Why should he sell it to him?
Li Chen exchanged a few more pleasantries with Markel and Kostlick.
Foreign actors who came to watch the film also actively came up to talk to Li Chen. Now, the news of "the thieves" was already known to everyone.
Who wouldn't want to connect with Li Chen? Although they didn't know how the film would turn out in the end,
But this young Chinese director had money, and even Oscar Best Actress Charlize Theron had to bow her head.
What else did they have to put down? A cheek kiss could make them weak in the knees and fall onto Li Chen.
Fortunately, Li Chen reacted quickly. He had seen such scenes many times in his previous life.
He took a step back and, with one hand, helped up the broad-chested actress.
At a glance, the skin of these actresses really couldn't compare with Miss Liu's.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say one was in heaven and the other on earth.
With a lotus lamp, who would want your searchlight!
The Premiere of "those years" ended successfully.
Even Li Chen didn't expect "those years" to be so popular.
Yang Siwei returned extremely excited, quoting the film companies: Which country doesn't have students, and which student watching campus romance hasn't experienced first love and crushes!
"Boss, the final transaction amount for 'those years' will probably be no less than 'painted skin.' Film companies in Southeast Asia almost all requested to buy out."
"Film companies in Europe and North America also intend to buy out."
"This year, the European and American film markets are in decline, young people are unwilling to go to cinemas, and film companies are worried sick. The applause from the young people watching tonight has rekindled their passion."
Compared to Yang Siwei's excitement, Li Chen was unusually calm.
"Siwei, if European and American film companies want to buy out, the price can't be too low. Your boss, me, has now been pushed onto a pedestal."
"To quote an actress: 'I'm worth this price!'"
Yang Siwei wondered, "Who said that, boss?"
Li Chen couldn't help but laugh, "Baby!"
Yang Siwei thought Li Chen was referring to a despicable person, how could she have thought Li Chen was referring to the future young model with an 80 million yuan salary.
The success of "those years" made Li Chen even more content. As long as Andy Lau could win an award for "buried," Li Chen would consider himself successful.
However, Li Chen actually didn't have much hope for "buried" winning an award.
This year's Berlin Film Festival not only resembled last year's Golden Rooster Awards, but even the selection of films captured the essence of the Golden Rooster Awards.
It was difficult for Andy Lau to win Best Actor. He wasn't competing with actors, but with unspoken rules.
Even the German Minister of Culture came out to support, coupled with Markel's reminder, Li Chen generally understood.
But seeing Andy Lau still so focused, Li Chen couldn't bear to say more. What if there was still a chance!
