I’m a Director, I’m Not Bad

Chapter 918 914. Equivalence

"Director Xu...isn't interested in Oscar?"

Seeing Xu Xin deep in thought, Zhong Changyou asked.

"So be it."

Xu Xin didn't hide it either.

This thing is not a secret, there is nothing to hide:

"When I didn't enter this industry before, I thought the Oscar was the most powerful award... Actually, Brother Zhong, haven't you noticed? The mentality of our generation of 80... or those born in 1985 is just stuck at a juncture. You go Ten years ago, in the minds of those born around 1975, America and strength are absolutely equated.

But if you ask people born in the 1990s what their impression of the United States is, they will probably tell you: let it wash its neck in the number one position and wait.

In fact, if we want to talk about this issue, it involves cultural self-confidence and the awakening of the consciousness of a strong country. It’s too big, let’s leave it alone. Speaking for myself personally, after entering this industry, after I understood that the essence of movies was spiritual entertainment from the beginning, and was endowed with artistry bit by bit, I became a loyal believer in the three major European movies.

Regardless of whether the Oscars are good or bad, the three major European awards are not actually about how great their awards are. Rather, it was countless film artists who, through their works, pushed them to where they are now. The fact that I can win an award does not mean that I have received recognition from the three major awards. It is more like... I stand together with those seniors and artists, and we all feel like a "family".

But I really don’t feel that way about Oscar. I've seen too many films that just missed out on Oscars. Even though there are always so many controversies at the Oscars every year, I don’t really like the hype. "

Holding the wine glass in his hand, Xu Xin shook his head slightly:

"Although it's a bit of armchair talk, and the rules go against market demand. But I really feel that the artistry of the Oscars is not as strong as the top three. I can even say now that if I collect the best picture and best director from the top three in the future, Two honors, then I would be ecstatic. But if I were standing on the Oscar stage now, holding a statuette in my hand... I actually can't think of what I would say in my acceptance speech. Just like me, I am too lazy to go to China. Those awards are the same.”

Hearing his words, Zhong Changyou smiled and said:

"But more people don't see it that way."

"That's for sure. It's definitely true that the Oscars have a stronger commercial flavor and are more widely known. But time has passed, and just this time, if "Perfect" was allowed to appear on the Oscar stage, would I be willing? I would definitely be willing. Apart from anything else, I still owe my friends some compensation for withdrawing from the competition in Tokyo. But I cannot accept Paramount’s conditions.”

He informed Zhong Changyou:

"I guess Brother Qi definitely wants me to go. I can go, but this condition... is not good."

"Director Xu thinks they want too much?"

"On the one hand. On the other hand, everyone should cooperate on an equal basis, but I feel something... unequal from their conditions."

He didn't say the word "exploitation".

But it showed on his expression.

"It's like this now, Brother Zhong. Personally, I don't care how much the overseas box office of "Perfect" is. Money is not the first thing I need to consider."

Zhong Changyou looked understanding.

really.

Although in his own opinion, Director Xu's movies can easily earn hundreds of millions at the box office, as well as Mimi's various endorsements, TV series, business contracts, etc. These two people earn at least 100 million or 200 million a year. They are really making money.

But throughout the West Film Studio, everyone felt the same as Ming Jing.

Director Xu really doesn't make money from this.

My family has several mines, and my brother also has a large real estate company.

Everyone was chatting privately and estimating that Director Xu’s family business could make a profit of at least one billion a year!

Regardless of whether Director Xu can make money, he is really not short of money.

And even if "Perfect" this time has a box office of 100 million U.S. dollars, the real share to Director Xu may only be 10 million yuan.

Because this film was produced by Cloud Atlas.

Among Yuntu's shares, the headwind is only 10%.

As for the 10% of Headwind, there are other people's shares, and Director Xu's shares are very small.

Moreover, in all the movies, Director Xu never mentioned anything about "director's share".

You invest, I shoot.

Ever since Director Xu entered Xiying Film Studio, no one had ever heard of him arguing with anyone over money.

People's "not caring about money" is not something they say in words, but something they actually do for everyone to see.

"In "Perfect", there is Philip's screenwriter share and the actors' share. I don't care about money, which doesn't mean that others don't care. And, I say this in two ways. If I ignore my friends because of my personal pursuit, they should I am not being kind to the benefits I got.

But if the interests of my friends are also ignored because of the pursuit of our factory, this is also unkind on my part.

Oscar, I can participate. Don't worry about being shortlisted or not, no matter how much I don't care, I won't have trouble with these things. But the problem is, if all this is based on harming the interests of friends, that won't work.

This is where I really feel uncomfortable.

Whether Paramount has the strength to win an Oscar is one thing. But it is another matter that they use this condition to make the lion open his mouth. I said this, Brother Zhong, do you understand? "

"I understand. To put it bluntly... Director Xu, you don't accept this kind of arrogance that is a little bit American imperialism, right?"

"That's right. The worst case scenario is that we can find an intermediary company like Director Zhang to run the business. I remember those two companies are quite powerful. Even if they ask us to meet the same 40% standard as Director Zhang, it's still better than Parallel." Mong... It's 3% more. If you want to talk, let's talk about it carefully at the table. Don't come up and act like we're going to take the big hit no matter if we get the prize or not. It's too ugly. Take it or not. It’s one thing to win an award, but it’s another thing to kneel down to get the award.”

At this point, Zhong Changyou actually understood all of Xu Xin's opinions.

His attitude was one of rejection.

That's for sure.

But it’s not about rejecting Oscar, it’s about rejecting Paramount’s outrageous conditions.

Even if this condition is just a bet.

But the premise of this bet should at least be based on equality that both parties can accept.

From Director Xu’s personal perspective, it doesn’t matter if he doesn’t participate in the Oscars.

But because of his friends, he won't refuse to participate.

But this condition doesn’t work.

It's not okay for Paramount to treat a director with a "don't care" attitude with this kind of ugly attitude.

If you really want to cooperate, show sincerity.

Don't be like those who fool people who have never seen the world.

After understanding Director Xu's attitude, he said:

"Then... Director Xu, Mr. Qi has already rested. How about you wake up tomorrow..."

The time difference between Germany and China is 6 hours.

It's almost 12 o'clock in the morning now, and the time in China should be around 5 o'clock in the morning.

Although Zhong Changyou was the one in charge of negotiating this kind of thing, and he also understood what Xu Xin meant. But in the final analysis, the factory has to show its attitude towards this matter.

Without the attitude of the factory, even if he thought what Xu Xin said was reasonable, he would not be able to talk to Paramount.

The factory doesn't give him a bottom line, so he doesn't have the right to make decisions.

"I know."

Xu Xin nodded:

"When you wake up tomorrow, we will communicate. Is there anything else in "Perfect" that you need my opinion on?"

"There is nothing else. Apart from the release in various countries, it is the remake copyright..."

Speaking of this, Zhong Changyou became obviously excited:

"Director Xu, many people want to buy the remake rights! At least 15 people have come to ask me in the past two days! This subject is so universal, even countries with different cultural backgrounds can find very suitable topics. They are very interested in this topic. I’m particularly interested in the movie!”

"It doesn't matter if you make a remake. If the price is right, just sell it~"

"Do you have any specific requirements?"

"As long as the script doesn't harm our country, there will be no problem."

"good."

After almost talking about "Perfect", Zhong Changyou took out his mobile phone and rummaged around, and Xu Xin's WeChat message rang:

"Director Xu, let's plan the itinerary for the next few days..."

"Um."

…

This trip to Berlin is quite full.

The most popular one is the cocktail party in the evening.

Some are official and some are from film producers.

Others were okay, there were some interviews, but they all required the crew to attend.

And right before the trip, a message was sent.

It turned out to be Zhang Songwen.

"Director Xu, I have arrived at the hotel. When will I meet you tomorrow?"

After seeing this message, Xu Xin replied:

"You're here? Didn't you just say you're here on the third day of the junior high school?"

Zhang Songwen flew on civil aviation.

Civil aviation requires transfers. When he was on the plane, Liu Zhishi was still complaining to his wife, saying that the flight from Yanjing to Berlin generally takes about 20 hours. The shortest one also has a layover of 3 hours and a total flight time of 17 hours.

If I had known she would have flown here together.

No matter how good the first class cabin is, it is definitely not as comfortable as a private jet.

And Zhang Songwen is here now... In other words, he may board the plane on the night of New Year's Eve.

this……

Xu Xin raised his head and asked Zhong Changyou:

“Are the crew members’ tickets economy or first class?”

"The staff are in economy class and the actors are in first class."

"...When is Zhang Songwen's flight?"

"It's New Year's Eve. Originally, I planned to arrange a trip for him and everyone to set off from Yanjing together on the first day of the new year... His family is from Guangdong, and he wanted to spend the Spring Festival with his family. But the flights there are basically flights of more than 22 hours. , he was afraid that he would not be able to reach Yanjing in time, so he booked a flight directly from Guangzhou...at 11:30 in the evening."

Fine.

He looked at the same reply as Zhong Changyou in WeChat, thought for a while, and said:

"Go back to your room and rest first. There will be nothing to do tomorrow. Let's recover well in the morning. There will be an interview in the afternoon, so you come with me. I will take you to a cocktail party in the evening."

"Okay, Director Xu. I'm going to take a rest. You should also take a rest early."

"Okay, Teacher Zhang, thank you for your hard work."

"Thank you, Director Xu, for your concern."

"/moon"

After sending the message, he raised his head and said to Zhong Changyou:

"Zhang Songwen has been following the schedule for the past few days. Domestic reporters... also say hello to them and post more photos of him. Especially when the crew is traveling as a whole, if you want to take pictures, take pictures of everyone, don't make any mistakes. Take it out of context and give half of the screenshot."

Zhong Changyou understood Xu Xin's meaning instantly and nodded with a smile:

"okay."

…

Early 12 o'clock.

Xu Xin tiptoed back to the room.

The night light is still on.

He didn't pay much attention at first, but when he finished taking a shower and was about to go to bed, he lifted the quilt and discovered that this time, in addition to his own pillow, his wife also had a set of bedding.

Between the pure white sheets and quilt, there is a mattress sheet and quilt.

The style looks like it was taken from home.

It's like isolating bedding that has been used by God knows how many people and washed many times.

Even the familiar touch saved Xu Xin from the trouble of readjusting.

"……hey-hey."

Unconsciously, he laughed out loud.

I thought she must be my wife.

So considerate.

That idiot Mengmeng can't do anything except hang clothes!

Um.

Deduct 500 from her this month!

With this idea in mind, he naturally wanted to pass his arm under his wife's neck.

First hold her for a while and smell her sweet smell~

Then when his arms were numb, he kicked her away.

But who would have thought that as soon as her arm went through, Yang Mi, who was already asleep, pushed her arm away a little irritably and muttered:

"Get out! You're pressing my hair!"

After saying that, he wrapped himself in a sheet, twisted his body, and fell into a deep sleep.

"..."

The rough duvet surface rubbed Xu Xin's body. He opened the quilt and watched his wife wrap a whole bed of sheets from home tightly and hold them between her legs. He sighed silently and closed it directly. Got the desk lamp.

Still cute.

he said in his heart.

…

Berlin time on February 11 at 8 a.m.

"I understand what you mean. So let's make two preparations? Paramount is really strong. If there is a real possibility of reaching the Olympics, I actually recommend choosing them. But you said so, then let's Look for it again. How about it?"

"Well, actually I don't care whether I am successful or not. As I said before, if you want to talk, you must be equal. At least it must be from the perspective of the distributor and the film studio, not like now. It's outrageous."

"Okay...Actually, this is the main reason why I didn't tell you in advance. When Lao Zhong talked about this matter with me, I felt it was not appropriate. But the problem is where the Oscar status lies. If "Perfect" can succeed , which means you have completely opened up the international market. Let alone the domestic market. I think as long as you are shortlisted, this will greatly improve your status. With this goal, it is acceptable to give up 5% of the profit point. . To tell you the truth, I never thought about winning the Best Foreign Language Film. Just the nomination will give us a lot of room to operate when we return to China."

"Indeed, but I really don't think it's necessary. Besides, I want to run for the best picture and best director."

"Hahaha, that's for sure."

Amidst the joking, the matter was completely settled.

Xu Xin took off the Bluetooth headset hanging on his ears, and Yang Mi, who had finished eating early and was sitting on a chair playing with her mobile phone, asked:

"Are you done talking?"

"Um."

"I was just thinking about something."

"What?"

""Perfect" Tokyo's withdrawal last time...will it have any impact?"

"Maybe."

Yang Mi was stunned.

I raised my head and glanced at my husband...

As if he didn't understand what he meant, he continued:

"I mean...you protested to the United States last time, right?"

"Yeah. What?"

"Let's not discuss Oscar's position for now, let's just talk about this matter... If "Perfect" really wins the Oscar..."

"It may have an impact. Didn't I answer you?"

He asked doubtfully while slicing the sausage.

Not to mention, the German sausage tastes really good.

Here he must admire foreign things.

The so-called "golden gong" and "king of kings" in China are far worse than the real German sausages.

There is really meat in this!

But when Yang Mi looked at her slow husband, she looked dumbfounded:

"I mean, since it has an impact, why bother?"

"...When did I say I was going to compete in the Olympics?"

Xu Xin was also speechless:

"Paramount came to us and wanted to release it in the United States. They may have thought that this movie had the potential to win the Olympics, so they made a betting agreement. Brother Qi meant that it could win, and if nothing else, as long as it was nominated, then My status will reach a higher level. It doesn’t matter whether I win an award or not, as long as it can be linked to the Oscars, it will be effective. When did I say that I was going to compete for the Oscars?"

"Then you still express your stance on reciprocal negotiations on this matter... It's best not to express your stance, right? Let the factory handle it."

"If I don't express my position, how can I hold my head up when I eat with Jesse and the others in the future? Although I don't know what the process is for Italian films to compete for the Olympics. But... if they win the award, they will find out after they get their own dividends, why is it so little? When asked, it turns out that for my own selfish desires, I, a director, actually sacrificed the interests of everyone and increased the share to Paramount to achieve my own success?

...You have to understand that the best foreign language film is not eligible to compete for Best Actor, Best Actor, Director, or Best Picture. Only films produced and distributed in the United States, or even if invested by multiple countries, must have a dominant role in the United States, are eligible. Therefore, no matter how good "Perfect" is, even if it can dominate American movies for a whole year, the ceiling is still only the best foreign language film.

No matter how superb the actor's acting skills are, he is just a foil in the Oscars, and he is born with the "green leaf" foil attribute. If I continue to sacrifice everyone’s dividends..."

"Understood."

Yang Mi nodded.

"That's right, let the factory discuss this matter. In fact, it doesn't have much to do with us~"

"Um...Teacher Zhang, here."

Yang Mi, who responded, suddenly saw two people walking into the restaurant with some restraint, and she waved.

Xu Xin turned around and saw Zhang Songwen and the buddy next to him who looked about the same age as Zhang Songwen.

Smile and wave.

"Director Xu, Teacher Yang."

Zhang Songwen came over, and his title remained unchanged.

Yang Mi and Xu Xin stood up:

"Teacher Zhang, have you eaten?"

Zhang Songwen taught her acting, even though she had already graduated from Beijing Film Academy.

And there is indeed a big gap in status between the two.

But some etiquette has become instinctive.

While talking, everyone shook hands.

When Xu Xin took the hand of the strange guy next to Zhang Songwen, he heard the other person bow and introduce:

"Hello, Director Xu, I am Zhao Yude, Zhang Songwen's agent."

"Well, hello, Manager Zhao."

Xu Xin smiled and nodded.

"Hello, Agent Zhao."

"Hello, Teacher Yang Mi."

Yang Mi did not respond to the title, but naturally changed the subject and said considerately:

"Go and eat quickly. The film festival is responsible for our meals. Show the person the guest card given by the film festival and then take the plate. The sausages they have here are quite delicious..."

She didn't know what their English proficiency was, but she still explained the process in detail so that they could feel confident.

"Hey, okay."

Zhao Yude responded first.

Zhang Songwen glanced at the two empty dishes on the table, and then said:

"I'm actually not very hungry..."

"Then you have to eat. Let's just try the special dishes. You have an interview in the morning, so you can't go without something to eat. Go quickly, the time is almost up."

Yang Mi, who noticed his little moves, didn't let him continue.

In fact, this situation is easy to understand.

Both myself and my husband had finished eating, and the other party must have thought that they couldn't be kept waiting.

After all... In terms of status, if you don't mention it yourself, let Director Xu wait for you to eat?

Is there anyone in the entertainment industry who can make her husband wait until he finishes eating?

have.

But Zhang Songwen is definitely not qualified.

Yang Mixin said that Teacher Zhang is really a sensitive and meticulous person...but unfortunately, he is too "social".

Although you can be diplomatic, sometimes doing so can ignore the genuine good intentions of others.

And when Zhang Songwen saw that she had said this, he knew he couldn't refuse. He nodded and took Zhao Yude to get the dinner plate.

At this time, Xu Xin heard his wife’s words:

"Make a bet?"

"What?"

Xu Xin, who had just sat down again, asked casually.

I saw my wife pouting in the direction of those two people:

"I bet they won't take much food. And they'll finish it within five minutes of sitting here."

Xu Xin was stunned.

He glanced in the direction of Zhang Songwen and Zhao Yude and realized what his wife meant.

He smiled and said:

"You don't know Teacher Zhang very well. Three minutes at most. I bet you can wear the dress you brought tonight..."

"Go and have your Spring and Autumn Big Head Dream!"

Seeing that this bitch was going to ruin her dress, Yang Mi rolled her eyes and refused the bet.

This person...

Absolutely hilarious!

You can mess with me.

The dresses I got this time are all unique, one set for each banquet.

If any of the sets fails, you may have to run naked.

Want to ruin my dress?

impossible!

Absolutely impossible!

"...Tsk."

Xu Xin, whose treacherous plot failed, smacked his lips with regret.

Therefore, it is really not okay for a woman to be too smart.

Life is no longer interesting.

While thinking about it, he waited for Zhang Songwen and Zhao Yude to come over together.

The couple glanced at their food at the same time.

Zhang Songwen is a glass of milk, a sausage, some mashed potatoes, and some corn kernels.

The same goes for Zhao Yude, the only difference is that there is more salad.

All are one bite size.

Xu Xin glanced at his wife and found that she was also looking at him.

This amount...

To say three minutes is an overestimation.

This game...let's call it a draw.