Hollywood starts with a broker

The Venice Film Festival came to a successful conclusion, but Aaron left early, returning to Paris with Sophie Marceau;

After all, buying a Chinese art film was a minor matter that didn't require Aaron's personal attention, and the distribution of art films like "My Own Private Idaho" didn't need Aaron to worry about it.

The suite at the Ritz Hotel in Paris.

Aaron had just finished a phone call with Brad Grey. "My Own Private Idaho" and "Raise the Red Lantern" would be scheduled for release in China in November and December!

Sophie Marceau came out of the bedroom and saw Aaron standing by the window. "What's wrong? Has the deal for 'The Lovers on the Bridge' been finalized?"

"The Lovers on the Bridge," directed by Leos Carax and starring Juliette Binoche and Denis Lavant, is a modern love film.

From preparation to completion, "The Lovers on the Bridge" had a tumultuous fate, filming on and off, constantly seeking funding, and costing over 130 million francs!

Aaron smiled. "'The Lovers on the Bridge' has good artistic merit, a typical French art film, but it won't have much impact in the United States;"

"It won't be too difficult to take it to the United States for distribution. Let's go directly to Gaumont Film Company later!"

Sophie Marceau blinked. "You haven't prepared anything?"

"Heh, whether or not we can take it back for distribution doesn't matter much to me. I'm mainly here in Paris to accompany you!"

Aaron persuaded Sophie Marceau to develop her career in Hollywood, which meant her relationship with Andrzej Zulawski had to end.

Sophie Marceau took a deep breath. "Aaron, do you want me to live in Hollywood permanently?"

Aaron hugged the woman. "Otherwise? You're so beautiful, you won't lack opportunities. Besides, if I take care of you, no man with bad intentions will dare to covet you, right?"

"Didn't you say that you often encountered people harassing you before? Like filmmakers such as Gérard Depardieu!"

"Big Nose" Gérard Depardieu had collaborated with Sophie Marceau on a film a few years ago, and the young Sophie Marceau had been harassed by him.

After all, the European art circle is more chaotic and has fewer morals and principles than Hollywood.

"I don't have any Hollywood scripts right now!"

Sophie Marceau kissed Aaron on the face.

"It doesn't matter, go to Hollywood first, practice your English while waiting for opportunities. I'll help you with recommendations!"

Aaron knows many people now, and it wouldn't be too difficult to introduce Sophie Marceau to an agent and recommend roles.

"By the way, do you know Luc Besson?"

As he spoke, Aaron pulled Sophie Marceau to sit on the sofa.

Among the French directors, Luc Besson is the most memorable to Aaron. Unfortunately, Luc Besson's documentary "Atlantis" was the opening film of this year's Venice Film Festival.

When Aaron arrived in Venice, Luc Besson had already returned to France.

Moreover, Luc Besson's French action film "Nikita" from last year was also very popular.

Adding to his previous works such as "Subway" and "The Big Blue", Luc Besson has now firmly established himself as the leading French film director.

"Luc Besson, of course I know him, but I haven't worked with him. His works have a strong commercial appeal, which is somewhat different from mainstream French culture."

"Is that so?" Aaron scoffed. The mainstream in France is art, and most filmmakers are just paying lip service while disdaining commercial works.

"Help me make an appointment. I want to invite Luc Besson to dinner and meet him!"

France, as the center of European cinema, is a very important market that cannot be ignored.

"Meeting Luc Besson, uh, no problem, I'll help you arrange it!"

In the afternoon, Aaron went to Gaumont Film Company specifically to introduce "The Lovers on the Bridge". After all, Aaron knew Juliette Binoche, a French actress, and she was a very capable actress.

Unexpectedly, the North American distribution rights for "The Lovers on the Bridge" had already been bought by Miramax!

"So it's Harvey Weinstein?"

Aaron wasn't too surprised, after all, Miramax had been importing quite a few art films in the past two years.

At the same time, Aaron also met the great director Ridley Scott on the Gaumont set. He was directing a historical biopic about Christopher Columbus, "1492: Conquest of Paradise", co-produced by the UK, USA, France and Spain.

However, Aaron is now more concerned about "Thelma \u0026 Louise", which he filmed last year and will be released next month.

"Director Scott, I remember, it seems Warner Bros. is also filming a 'Christopher Columbus: The Discovery'!"

Aaron smiled and clinked glasses with Ridley Scott.

"I know that, but Warner Bros.' 'Christopher Columbus: The Discovery' is a British-American co-production, with the addition of actor Marlon Brando!"

Because the historical time when Columbus discovered the New World was 1492, next year will be the 500th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America;

Therefore, there will be two biopics about Columbus next year, which doesn't seem surprising.

"Their crew is on the set in Spain. I also returned from filming in Spain before returning to the French set!"

Listening to the other party's explanation, Aaron was also deeply moved.

Without exception, read it all at once!

"1492: Conquest of Paradise" is a collaboration between French Gaumont and American Paramount, with a production budget of $47 million;

"Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" is a collaboration between Warner Bros. and other companies, with a budget of $40 million!

Director Ridley Scott is indeed very interested in this type of historical work.

It's just that Warner Bros. at least found the famous Marlon Brando to participate, although not as the main character, but as an important role;

This "1492: Conquest of Paradise" stars French actor Gérard Depardieu as the male lead Columbus and Sigourney Weaver as Queen Isabella of Spain, which feels awkward!

Aaron doesn't know how the box office of Warner Bros.' Columbus biopic will be, but the box office of Ridley Scott's "1492: Conquest of Paradise" will definitely be very low;

Especially in North America, Gérard Depardieu is not very popular. This kind of actor will only appear in comedy movies or supporting roles in dramas in Hollywood.

"Well, you really don't think highly of '1492: Conquest of Paradise'?"

Sophie Marceau asked after leaving Gaumont.

"Of course, I can't understand why Ridley Scott would shoot this movie!"

Aaron spread his hands. Gérard Depardieu is popular in France, but not in North America. How can he have any box office appeal?

The romantic love film "Green Card", directed by Peter Weir and starring Gérard Depardieu, which was released at the end of last year, also didn't make much of a splash.

"Sophie!" Suddenly a shout came.

"Andrzej!" Sophie Marceau turned her head, her expression hesitant. Her boyfriend, Andrzej Zulawski, walked over.

Aaron was stunned at first, and then he reacted. "So this is that old man?"

"Then I'll go back to the hotel first!"

If these two continue to be in contact, Aaron certainly won't waste his time. It doesn't matter whether Sophie Marceau goes to Hollywood or not.

It's just that Sophie Marceau's taste is indeed unique!