Conquer America, Start with a Boxing Champion

The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the three major international film festivals in the world.

Formerly known as the West Berlin International Film Festival, it was founded in 1951. The highest award is the Golden Bear, which is similar to the Cannes Film Festival. It is also divided into several units, including main competition, encounter, short film competition, new generation, film forum, special Screenings, etc.

Held every year in January and February for two weeks, the purpose is to strengthen the exchanges of film workers from all over the world and promote the improvement of the level of film art.

During this year's Berlin Film Festival, more than 400 films were screened in many large theaters in Berlin. After selection by the jury, "Buried Alive", "Caesar Must Die", "Royal Romance", "Sister", "Battlefield", "White Deer", etc. 18 films entered the main competition.

In addition to "White Deer Plain", China also has "Jinling Thirteen Hairpins" and "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" participating in the exhibition, but they will not participate in the award selection.

At the film festival, Link also met director Zhang Da, the heroine Nini, the director of "White Deer Plain" Wang An'an, the heroine Zhang Yuqi, the actor Duan Yihong and others, as well as the director of "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" Tsui Hark and others.

Director Zhang has been in a bad mood recently, with a frown on his face and a few wrinkles on his face.

Mainly because of the box office issues of "Thirteen Hairpins".

The production cost of this film was nearly 600 million yuan. It was released in China for nearly two months and only received 720 million yuan.

The overseas box office results are also very average. Except for the United States, the total box office in other regions is less than 15 million US dollars.

North America is relatively better. "Thirteen Girls" was released on a small scale on January 2 and has so far taken in a box office of 5.47 million U.S. dollars, which is converted into more than 30 million yuan. However, Lionsgate Pictures has not invested in this movie. The publicity cost is as high as 2 million US dollars.

Lionsgate Pictures is barely able to maintain its capital, but it will be difficult for the film producers to recoup the capital, and the loss is expected to be about 300 million yuan.

In order to reduce losses, Director Zhang recently took the crew to participate in film festivals to expand the influence of the film, but the effect was relatively average.

"Haha, Link, you're here too."

In the film exhibition hall of the Berlin Film Palace, Director Zhang saw him coming, took his hand and shook it with a very warm attitude.

On the one hand, the two of them have been working on the set for more than a month, have had drinks several times, and are relatively familiar with each other.

On the other hand, "The Thirteen Hairpins" performed relatively poorly when it was screened in North America, and it may lose money if it continues to be released.

However, Link insisted on extending the release time and spent more than two million US dollars on publicity, helping Thirteen Hairs to be nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

From this point of view, Link did a very interesting job.

In addition, after the movie was released, the domestic media criticized the plot of the movie a lot, including obscenity, facial expressions, and forced sensationalism, and considered the movie a disastrous failure.

But there was a lot of praise for Link, the leading actor, and they thought Link played a very good role in the film.

"Southern Metropolis Daily" commented that although Link is a foreign actor, he can integrate well into the Chinese actors when performing. His behavior, movements, temperament, and even the emotions revealed in his eyes are very grounded. Angry, as a foreigner like him standing among a group of Chinese actors, he does not stand out at all. This is something that many foreign actors find difficult to achieve in Chinese movies.

Ifeng.com commented that Link is the most suitable foreign actor to star in Chinese movies.

Fans are also very satisfied with Link's performance in the film and think he is the best actor in the film.

For this reason, the media believes that if this movie had a different male protagonist, the box office performance would definitely be worse.

Director Zhang also felt that he made the right choice by choosing Link, and he couldn't help but be happy when he saw Link.

"Director Zhang, how is the distribution of the movie in Europe?"

Link asked, shaking hands.

"generally."

Director Zhang moved the corners of his mouth and smiled reluctantly.

Director Zhang came to Europe for a tour and found that currently only film producers from five countries were willing to win the distribution rights, but the bids were all very low.

If a movie wants to make money, it needs to be released in more countries and regions. However, when film producers purchase movies, they must first consider whether the movie has room for profit. No one is willing to make a loss-making deal.

No one would be as bold as Link, insisting on releasing it at the risk of losing money, and investing 2 million in publicity.

"Director Zhang, Lionsgate has several distribution companies that we often cooperate with in Europe. If you need it, I can arrange for someone to contact them to see if they are interested in "Thirteen Girls"."

Link thought for a moment and said.

Director Zhang heard what he said and quickly agreed.

Lionsgate is a large studio that delivers a lot of film and television resources to Europe every year. If distribution companies want to make money, they need to have good relationships with upstream production companies and obtain relatively high-quality film sources.

In this regard, Lionsgate has some influence over these distribution companies.

If Link is willing to help, it will be very beneficial to "Thirteen Hairpins" in opening up the European market.

Director Zhang was happy to hear this and asked him when he would have time and wanted to treat him to a drink.

Link smiled softly and did not refuse. Germany is the hometown of beer. There are more than 5,000 kinds of beer. It would be good to drink some beer here.

"Hey Link, see you again."

After he finished chatting with Director Zhang, the heroine Nini came over and said hello with a smile on her face.

Nini speaks good English. According to her, her career ideal was to work in a foreign company after graduating from university and become a white-collar worker.

She took the initiative to practice foreign languages ​​during college. Her English level is good, which is one of the reasons why she can become the heroine of Thirteen Hairpins.

"Nina, you look great today, do you have anything happy to share?"

Link greeted the girl as he looked at her.

Nini’s English name is NiNi, also known as Nina. Nini is wearing a Nordic-style fur skirt and a Chinese-style white shawl. She has medium-long hair and relatively delicate makeup. She is fresh and beautiful. Plus the girl looks even better with a big smile on her face.

Link had been with her on the set for more than a month, and had filmed several kissing scenes and a sex scene. They were both acquaintances, and they talked more casually.

"Yes, is it a pleasure to meet you here?"

Nini covered her red lips and smiled.

"Haha, I'm very happy to see you too."

Link smiled and gave the girl a hug.

Before the two of them could chat more, directors and actors from the crews of "White Deer Plain" and "Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" also came over to say hello, and Director Zhang helped make introductions.

Link also chatted with a few people.

"White Deer Plain" was not released in North America because its subject matter was too biased.

"Flying Swords of Dragon Gate" 3D was released by Weinstein Pictures in North America, almost at the same time as "Thirteen Hairpins". However, Weinstein Pictures was worried about losing money and did not do much publicity. The distribution scale was also relatively small. It was released within two weeks of its release. The film ended its run with a box office of 870,000 US dollars, which was much worse than "Thirteen Hairpins".

The two directors were also quite enthusiastic when they saw him and wished him the Berlin Best Actor Award in broken English.

Link politely thanked the two and saw Jamie Jones and "Buried Alive" director Rodrigo Cortez coming over. He said hello to Director Zhang and Nini and left the front hall of the Film Palace.

——

"Tsk tsk, Link is worth tens of billions and is the boss of Lionsgate Pictures. Why does he seem to have no airs at all and is very kind when he speaks."

After Link left, Zhang Yuqi, the heroine of "White Deer Plain", looked at his tall back and praised him.

"There's nothing special about him. He's much more low-key than the rich men I've seen."

Duan Yihong nodded.

"Link has always been very kind. When he came to the set for filming last year, he only brought an assistant and nothing else. He usually ate the same food as us, without any pretense."

Nini also looked at Link's figure and said.

"That's the gentlemanly thing to do, Link. What a nice man."

Zhang Yuqi praised.

"Stop boasting, don't forget that Link is a playboy."

Her husband, Director Wang Anping reminded.

"It's so funny what you said. How many of you men are clean? How dare you say that you have never messed around on the set before? Link is a bit of a playboy, but people are clear about their playfulness and never hide it. He pretends to be a good man, but he is like some people who are serious on the outside but filthy on the inside.”

Zhang Yuqi glanced at him and said bluntly and without mercy.

Ahem!

Her words made the men next to her cough dryly. Wang Anping also pulled her and indicated with his eyes that Director Zhang was still there.

"Haha, Link is indeed a good young man. He is still young and it is normal to be a little fickle. When he is older, he will take relationships seriously."

Director Zhang smiled.

"Director Zhang is right."

Everyone quickly agreed.

Nini heard it funny and secretly gave Zhang Yuqi a thumbs up. Zhang Yuqi flicked her ponytail carelessly, suddenly rolled her eyes, pulled Nini beside her and whispered in a low voice. She didn't know what to say, which made Nini blush. He shook his head repeatedly.

Director Zhang and the others here were also holding hot coffee and chatting about movies, also related to Link. It was the news that "Mr. Tree" released by Lionsgate Pictures was nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

After the news spread back to China, it caused a great shock in the industry.

There are currently seven Chinese-language films nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, including "Ju Dou" in 1991, "Raise the Red Lantern" in 1992, "Farewell My Concubine" and "The Wedding Banquet" in 1994, "Eat Drink, Couple" in 1995, and "Raise the Red Lantern" in 1994. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won the award, and "Heroes" in 2003.

"Mr. Tree" is the eighth film.

The directors of the first seven films are Director Zhang Da, Director Chen Dige, and Director Ang Lee, all of whom are great directors.

The director of "Mr. Tree", Han Jie, is only a young director and not very famous. The quality of this film is not bad, but it does not reach the level of an Academy Award.

But it can't help but be surprising that such a relatively rustic movie was nominated for an Oscar by Lionsgate Pictures.

Seeing that "Mr. Tree" can also be nominated for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, many domestic directors are excited and are planning to make some art films similar to "Mr. Tree" to try their luck at the Oscars.

And Lionsgate Pictures, the Oscar company that helps operate "Mr. Tree", is undoubtedly a good partner.

And the boss of Lionsgate is undoubtedly a person worth getting to know.

"Speaking of Mr. Shu's nomination for the Oscars, Baoqiang called me two days ago and said that he was very anxious now and didn't know whether he should go to the United States to attend the Oscars ceremony. He asked me to give him some advice. I said that of course I would go after receiving the invitation. No one else can grab this good opportunity, so how can you not take it? If you miss it this time, you may not have the opportunity in the future.

Baoqiang also said that all the guests attending the Oscars were wearing suits. He said that he didn't look good in a suit and was very tacky. He didn't know what to wear when he went there, and he was very annoyed now. "

Duan Yihong imitated Wang Baoqiang's voice and said.

Everyone couldn't help laughing after hearing this, thinking that Wang Baoqiang would attend the Oscar party. It would be an interesting scene.

Zhang Yuqi and Nini were whispering to each other. Zhang Yuqi asked Nini how she was related to Link and if she could help introduce them.

Nini said they were just friends.

Zhang Yuqi didn't believe it and asked ambiguously if they were boyfriend and girlfriend? Link was a playboy and Nini was also very beautiful. They had also filmed intimate scenes. Didn't anything happen?

Nini shook her head and denied it, saying that they were just ordinary friends.

Zhang Yuqi saw her expression and felt that she was not lying.

"It's a pity. You know Liu Tianxian? She almost died two years ago. Since last year, she has relied on Link's relationship to eat up a lot of film and television resources, leaving other actresses far behind. And do you know Boss Yang Damie? The investor behind Dolphin Bay Entertainment is also Link. How popular is Boss Yang now? Nini, if I were you, I would never let go of this big fat leg of Link."

Zhang Yuqi said straightforwardly.

Nini blinked her eyes and said with a red face: "Lin Ke and I don't have that kind of relationship, how can I hug his thick legs?"

"If there is no relationship, then have sex. Do you need me to teach you this kind of thing?"

Zhang Yuqi suddenly glanced at her, "Don't tell me you are still a simple college student."

Nini shook her head repeatedly, "I heard that foreigners have different aesthetics. In Lin Ke's eyes, will I be ugly and unattractive? He has never flirted with me in the crew."

"No, compared with Liu Tianxian, Yang Daming, and Shu Chang, you are taller and sexier than them, and you are also very beautiful. Why don't you try it? How do you know if it won't work if you don't try it?"

Zhang Yuqi instigated.

Nini glanced at Lin Ke who was talking not far away and shook her head with a blushing face.

When filming in the crew, she could feel that Lin Ke was a little interested in her, and Lin Ke also responded when filming the intimate scenes.

But for some reason, Lin Ke did not take the initiative to ask for a date after the filming. She was not sure whether Lin Ke had any thoughts about her.

After hearing Zhang Yuqi's words, Nini thought of more.

After filming "The Flowers of War", she became a popular movie star and was ready to continue to develop in the film and television industry. Link was a billionaire, the boss of Lionsgate, and a major shareholder of Wanda Pictures. If she could befriend him, it would be very beneficial for her to develop in the industry in the future.

In addition, Link was a world superstar, very handsome, and the male god in the minds of countless girls, and so was she.

When she heard that she could film with Link, she was often so excited that she couldn't sleep. If she could befriend him, it would definitely be a wonderful thing.

'But will Link like me? '

Nini looked at Link again, and hesitated for a while but didn't make a decision.