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Tonight's Vanity Fair reception was mainly attended by three film teams.

The first two are "Skyfall" and "The Croods" respectively, which are to praise the excellent achievements of these two movies. However, what really caught Zhou Buqi's attention was the third movie, a movie "Life Visa" that was not released yet.

The director is Ann Lee, the actor is Tony Leung, and the heroine is Gong Li.

It is about Germany's policy of genocide in Europe during World War II. Many foreigners were following the requirements of the SS in order to survive. There is only one story about He Fengshan, a diplomat from the Republic of China, who risked his life and faced political pressure from the embassy to issue visas to Jews.

This project was established by Zhou Buqi.

It's been several years.

At that time, director Ann Lee had just taken over "The Life of Pi", and the project had been on hold. It was not until he completed that film that the project was finally launched.

The film has not yet been released, and it will take the route of competing for awards.

First go to Europe to attend the Cannes Film Festival in May.

It is originally the history of World War II and has a local feel for Europe.

By the time August arrives, the popularity of the summer season has gradually faded away, and global releases have gradually begun. After all, it's not a commercial masterpiece. It's best not to compete with those Hollywood masterpieces in the summer season. It might be squeezed out and you won't even be able to drink soup.

It is worth mentioning that Spielberg's masterpiece "Schindler's List" about saving the Jews was also produced and distributed by Universal Pictures. This is a coincidence.

Blanco Lustig, the producer of "Schindler's List", was invited to serve as the producer of "Visa for Life".

He readily agreed.

The old man is 82 years old this year. He has not been involved in film production in recent years and is in a state of semi-retirement. This time his family all supported him in coming out to protect "Life Visa", which is also related to the nature of the story of "Life Visa".

You can tell from the name, Blanco Lustig... Anyone with "later" in their name is basically a Jew.

After Zhou Buqi left, he first had to express his respect to this famous Hollywood producer. He wanted to get closer and talk to him, "Old man, how are you?"

"No more, no more." Mr. Lustig shook his head and pointed to his ears, "I can't hear you."

Zhou Buqi said loudly: "You can do more."

Lustig waved his hand and said: "The future belongs to you young people. I am old and retired. This movie is the last one in my life and also my favorite one. Enough, this Enough for one life."

In such social situations, Zhou Buqi is used to saying all kinds of nonsense. Hollywood is much more hypocritical than Silicon Valley. He said: "You are the spiritual pillar of Universal Pictures."

Lustig waved his hand again. The girl next to him seemed to be his granddaughter. She was wearing a blue evening dress. She had an outstanding appearance and an outstanding figure. She had a deep groove and a slim waist. She was holding her grandfather's arm beside her. , staring at the legendary richest man in the world with big eyes.

"I was imprisoned for a year in Auschwitz. I thought I would die there. In fact, most of my family members died there. I didn't expect that I would come out of there alive, let alone I think that I can become an actor and a producer, and have the opportunity to produce those stories from back then and share them with the world."

Maybe it was because he saw The Big Boss, or maybe it was the last movie in his life, Lustig seemed a little moved.

Zhou Buqi had no choice but to continue expressing his respect for the senior.

I also have thoughts in mind.

At such an old age, his production level is probably not that high.

The reason why Universal Pictures promoted him and asked him to serve as the first producer of "Visa for Life" probably had this in mind.

He is a Jew and a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp numbered A3317. He has great influence among the Jewish community.

And this is his last movie.

Due to multiple factors, many of next year's Oscar judges will have more human and emotional references when voting.

This will give "Life Visa" more advantages when it comes to winning prizes.

Then Zhou Buqi met with the film’s co-producer Harvey Weinstein.

The film was not independently produced by Universal Pictures, but was controlled by Universal Pictures and involved five partners. The total investment was US$30 million, of which Universal Pictures only contributed US$10 million.

A very important reason is the Sino-US co-production.

This will allow for a better box office share when it is released in mainland China. The total investment from Jieyu Media, Huayi Brothers, and China Film Group reached US$15 million.

An organization in Israel also donated $2 million.

The Weinstein Films only invested US$1 million, but received a share of copyright income equivalent to US$5 million as a shareholder, mainly due to Harvey Weinstein's strong influence in the industry.

This guy is a scumbag and is now recognized as the number one "red couch" person in Hollywood.

Zhou Buqi didn't want to get too close to him, but because he valued the film "Visa for Life", he shook hands with Weinstein and said with a smile: "I've heard many people say that during the Oscar awards season It’s always magic.”

Harvey Weinstein laughed: “There was some strategy.”

"Oh? Can you tell me more specifically?"

"It's actually simple. Hollywood releases so many movies a year, but many of the Oscar judges are in their 60s, 70s, 70s or 80s. It's impossible for them to have the energy to watch all the movies."

"Um."

"So when operating the awards, we should focus on overcoming this level."

Harvey Weinstein was vague.

Zhou Buqi understood it as soon as he heard it and said with a smile: "I think this movie can win the Oscar like "Schindler's List", what do you think?"

Harvey Weinstein’s fat, round face suddenly gained a bit more color, “Just like the presidential election, whoever makes more political donations can mobilize more social resources to influence votes through various channels. The Oscars are much easier, we just have to figure out how to get those judges to vote for our movie.”

Zhou Buqi casually sighed: "When I founded Ziweixing Global, the last thing I worried about was making money. In comparison, the Oscar award is more attractive."

The implication is that I don’t care about money, I must win prizes.

Harvey Weinstein is very confident, "The quality of this film is very high and it is fully qualified to win an Oscar. At this year's Oscars, Ann Lee's "Life of Pi" only won one best award. It won the Director Award, but missed out on the Best Picture Award. Judging from past tradition, the Academy will also have some compensation."

Zhou Buqi patted his plump shoulder, "Then it all depends on you!"

Harvey was very confident and patted his chest, "Wrap it around me."

Zhou Buqi promised: "If we really win the Oscar, Weinstein will have priority in future orders from Universal Pictures."

"sure!"

Harvey Weinstein is even more motivated now.

"By the way," Zhou Buqi seemed to remember something again, "can you win Cannes in May?"

Harvey Weinstein laughed and said that Ann Lee, Tony Leung, and Gong Li are all very influential in Cannes. "Visa for Life" is such an important subject, and there are only a few judges in Cannes.

In short, it is much easier to win Cannes than Oscar.

Zhou Buqi was very pleased.

He never considered making money from the "Life Visa". It is a display of international image, a gift to every Chinese in the world, and an accelerant of every Chinese's national identity.

Awards are more important than box office.

Even if you are giving money or gifts to build relationships, you must still win a few big prizes!