Chapter 399

As mentioned before, the current film market in the mainland was still dominated by famous directors. An outstanding director who was loved by the people and could sell tickets could prop up a company. In Adriaan's eyes, there were only two people in the mainland film industry who were qualified to do so. One was Feng Xiaogang, and the other was Zhang Yimou, who was older than Feng Xiaogang.

Although he had made a lot of deep movies in the past decade, he was able to make a sharp transition when commercialization was coming. Whether it was due to stimulation or the supervisor's need, and whether his transition was not very successful, at least it had a profound impact on the mainland film market. Just based on this, even if he had other problems, he was more or less worthy of respect.

As for other directors, they were all born in so-called artistic families, and all had their eyes on the top of their heads. They always wanted to express deep meaning in their movies, regardless of the audience's feelings. As for those who went north, they were all unacclimatized. Every time they produced a movie, it would be cut to pieces by a certain bureau. Although Adriaan didn't like a certain bureau, he couldn't even make a suitable movie under the rules. How good could he be? There were so many outstanding directors in Hollywood. Except for a few, which one wasn't squeezed out by the producers? When Wu Baige arrived in Hollywood, she had to listen to the producers' arrangements.

Therefore, although New Pictures was much worse than Huayi Brothers and Bona Pictures in terms of funds, Adriaan still secretly invested in it. This was also one of the reasons why he was optimistic about Huayi Brothers. Feng Xiaogang was not as good as Zhang Yimou, but Huayi Brothers' funds and connections were stronger than New Pictures. It was also established earlier, so its future was naturally brighter. This had already been proven by "facts."

As for Bona Pictures, it didn't have a famous director to hold the fort, and it hadn't been acquired by Poly yet. It couldn't be considered as a rival to Huayi Brothers. Adriaan's indirect investment was only for the sake of the future. The other two media companies that could compete with Huayi Brothers hadn't been established yet, so this time, Bona Pictures and Yu Dong were completely accompanying.

But he didn't think much of it. He knew his own business. Even Zhang Yimou took the initiative to return to the capital from Jiuzhaigou after getting Adriaan's itinerary, let alone a new company that was only established two or three years ago.

"How should I put it? I don't have a plan yet, but I do have this idea. " Faced with Zhang Yimou's question, Adriaan took a sip of tea and said, "From a director ', I think it's worth a try."

Feng Xiaogang and Zhang Yimou did not respond, but the CEOs of the three companies exchanged glances. Wang Zhonglei had asked Adrian if he was interested in releasing "Big Shot" in North America to test the waters. He did not expect to get a positive answer. Everyone was surprised and excited. Who didn't want to enter the US market? But now Adrian said that it was from a "director's point of view". So what did he mean by that? Was he just saying it, or was it just his personal opinion and not AC Media's opinion?

Adrian chuckled inwardly when he saw their expressions. He turned to Zhang Yimou and continued, "I've read Mr. Zhang's new script from Jie and Zhiling. Frankly speaking, it's very interesting."

Hearing this, everyone exchanged glances at the same time, but Zhang Yimou only became more excited. That's right, he was rushing to Jiuzhaigou to film the big production "Hero" that was planned because of the stimulation from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". This was an ambitious work, so when the partners in Hong Kong invited Jet Li to be the lead actor, he was tempted after confirming that he could contact them.

At this time, Jett Lee happened to be filming "The Matrix" at Adriaan's place. He originally wanted to decline, but after Adriaan found out about it, he suggested he take it. Since he had already invested, he still paid some attention to the mainland's movements. When Feng Xiaogang invited Donald Sutherland to star in "Big Shot," it was him who asked Bosworth to pull the strings. He also had a certain amount of investment in "Big Shot."

Jett Lee also knew that Adriaan was thinking for his sake. No matter what, the mainland was his foundation. Since it didn't affect the filming of "The Matrix," and he had already rejected it once, he finally agreed.

Coincidentally, not long after this matter, Lin Zhiling also received the same invitation. With her role as Yu Jiaolong, she was now famous in the Chinese circle. Jiang Zhiqiang, who was working with New Pictures in Hong Kong, was also involved in the distribution of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." After Jett Lee agreed, he immediately suggested inviting Hong Kong and Taiwanese actors to participate in the film. He also recommended Lin Zhiling. Since the mainland already had Chen Daoming playing the role of Emperor Qin, it was appropriate to have another collaboration between the three places like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Therefore, Zhang Yimou had no choice but to reluctantly give up on his new girl and get someone to contact Lin Zhiling.

However, Lin Zhiling refused without even thinking about it. After acting in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," she was also considered an international star and had gained quite a bit of fame in the United States. It was inevitable that she would be a little arrogant. In addition, she was born in Taiwan, so naturally, she disdained the invitation from the mainland. Fortunately, she had an excellent agent. It had to be said that Lin Xilei was very smart. She was indeed very suitable to be an agent instead of an actress. She firmly remembered Adriaan's reminder that Lin Zhiling's greatest value was still reflected in the Chinese circle. Therefore, she did not reject the offer immediately, but brought the script to Adriaan. Naturally, Adriaan made Lin Zhiling agree, and even asked her to postpone her plan to become an American citizen.

No matter what people said about "Hero" in his previous life, it was indeed a milestone in the mainland's film industry. For example, it opened the era of blockbusters in the mainland's film industry. For example, it received a pretty good box office in North America. Since Adriaan wanted to open up the Chinese film market, there was no reason for him to let this film go, was there? As for the girl, she should continue to work in the mainland's film industry.

"Mr. Kewell, may I ask, what advice do you have for my script?" Zhang Yimou put on a humble face.

"It's not advice." Adriaan waved his hand. "After all, it's still a script. It takes a lot of effort to translate the words into the words of the camera. I just analyzed and interpreted it from a personal point of view."

"Really?" Zhang Yimou was very curious. To be honest, this man from the United States, who was both the boss of a large media group and a world-renowned director, had given him quite a lot of surprises tonight. The man's understanding of Chinese culture was far beyond that of the average Westerner.

"Let me put it this way. In my opinion, you and Stanley Kubrick are the same type of directors," Adriaan said after thinking for a while.

The others were not surprised, but Zhang Yimou, who had participated in many film festivals, was immediately surprised. The Wang brothers, Feng Xiaogang, and the others might not know Kubrick's status, but it was impossible for him not to know. But Adriaan actually compared him with Kubrick, and he was also a well-known director. How could Zhang Yimou not be flattered? He made a few meaningless gestures and laughed. "You flatter me too much."

"I think it's very suitable. You are indeed the same type of directors." Adriaan emphasized the word "type". "You know, I directed a movie for Kubrick, so I know him very well. And because I pay attention to the China market, I know all aspects of Chinese filmmakers. As one of the representatives, of course, I know a lot about you. I think you and Kubrick are very similar in many ways."

After emphasizing his authority, Adriaan paused and glanced at the people in the living room, then continued, "For example, you are good at using color, especially particularly gorgeous colors, such as bright red and yellow. The composition is very delicate and in place, full of appeal and impact, and the soundtrack is always just right. One more thing, you and Kubrick both started out as photographers, but … "

He dragged out his voice a little, and his smile became a little mysterious. "The best thing about Kubrick is that he only adapts other people's works."

"You mean …" Zhang Yimou, after all, had been in touch with cameras since the 1980s. How could he not understand what Adriaan meant? But he frowned, obviously unable to accept it.

"I'm telling the truth. Please don't be angry. But think about it, Mr. Zhang. So far, your most outstanding and well-received movies, which one of them was not an adaptation of a novel or a real person?" Adriaan shrugged. "One of the great benefits of doing this is that it's more convenient for people to watch the movie. With the original work as the foundation, it's easier for people to understand what the story is about, and it's easier for the director to better translate the text into the language of the movie. In fact, I personally prefer the ending of the movie version of 'To Live.'"

Although the Wang brothers were not interested, Zhang Yimou and his partner Zhang Weiping were very absorbed.

"Now, let's talk about the script of 'Hero.'" Adriaan finally brought up the topic. "Other than the original script, I asked Lin Zhiling to fax me a few copies of the revised version. From the text, it's very good. I can almost picture it in my mind. But there are a lot of … incongruous feelings. You don't mind if I say something harsh, right? "

"Of course not, just say it." Zhang Yimou quickly said.

"When I saw the King of Qin turn his back to John Doe, stare at the calligraphy of the broken sword for a long time, and suddenly say, 'I've understood, it's peace, it's not war.' How did I feel?" Adriaan's eyes were full of smiles. "It was like a divine thunder from the Ninth Heaven fell from the sky, and my whole body went limp. The only thing I could think of was, 'F * ck, this is a bit too much.'"

On the other side, Feng Xiaogang suddenly burst into laughter. Although he covered his mouth in time, the others also chuckled. Adriaan said it in an interesting way, and then a Westerner suddenly came out with a Beijing dialect. It was a bit funny no matter how you look at it.

Zhang Yimou scratched his head awkwardly. But before he could say anything, Adriaan continued, "This really gives people a very incongruous feeling. In fact, it's better to say something like, 'Since I ascended the throne, I've been working hard to govern. Although there's smoke everywhere, what I've done is nothing more than' stop war 'as the broken sword thinks.' So, it seems that my confidant is actually an assassin."

His words immediately changed the look in everyone's eyes. They had already thought highly of this American, but they didn't expect him to be able to make a few half-written remarks. Although these words would not have any literary talent in ancient times, the person who said it was an American, and the boss of a large media group!

"If you want, you can also make a fuss here. You can make it look like King of Qin is betting on John Doe, betting that John Doe has the world in his heart, so he deliberately turned his back to him. Then, you can use words to make it look bad." Adriaan didn't care at all and continued, "Anyway, the audience you're talking to is Chinese. You have to make them feel comfortable watching this movie, right?"

"Hmm …" Zhang Yimou pinched the bridge of his nose. "I … I will think about it … I will do it seriously …"

"Don't be so nervous, Mr. Zhang." Adriaan laughed. "I'm just suggesting. After all, you are the director and producer of this movie. You have to decide what to do. I believe this will be an outstanding movie, just like your previous works. Just like Mr. Feng's' Big Shot ', it should be worth releasing in North America. "

Hearing this, everyone was excited again, and they all listened attentively. This was what they wanted to know the most. Adriaan couldn't help but laugh in his heart. Tonight's situation was basically under control. He could tell from their expressions that the effects were good, and his efforts were not in vain. Although this had something to do with their subconscious, it was also because Adriaan was well prepared.

Since that was the case, he immediately changed the topic and didn't give them a chance to interrupt. After chatting for a few more minutes, he said that he was still jet-lagged and left.

"What does he mean by this?" After Adriaan left, Wang Zhonglei couldn't help but ask his brother, even though Zhang Weiping and the rest were still there.

"Don't worry. Aren't they going to stay here for another two days? Let's wait and see. "Wang Zhongjun frowned and said," I also need to get someone to collect more information on Adrian Kewell. "

Actually, the time Adriaan and Zhang Yimou chatted was enough for them to analyze. But the reason why they couldn't come up with any conclusions was because of Adriaan's identity. Was he talking about this as the boss of AC Media? Or was he talking about this as an international director? Different identities meant different things. If they couldn't figure out the other party's attitude, they wouldn't be able to make the appropriate response, and it would make them look passive.

Adriaan also knew this. This was the situation he created, and he knew how they felt. Actually, he didn't have any other intentions. He was just trying to scare them, and at the same time, observe their reactions. Although he had a controlling stake in a few companies, he didn't have any say in the details. The release of "Big Shot" and "Hero" in North America was already set.

There was no need to talk about the latter. Memory had proven everything. It was the third highest grossing foreign film in North America. As for the former, although the Chinese style of the ordinary people might not be to the taste of Americans, the funny parts, such as the satire on ubiquitous advertising, or the last two paragraphs on websites and real estate, were understandable. Of course, the fight against piracy would definitely be deeply rooted in people's hearts.

Maybe it wouldn't be a big seller, but as long as the schedule was right and the promotion was good, it would be enough to make a profit of millions. Adriaan wouldn't use the same trick as Weinstein.

Harvey Weinstein had always paid attention to Asian films. Many Hong Kong films in North America were distributed or bought out by Miramax, but he had a common trick for the North American distribution rights of Asian films: First, he offered a high price, higher than many people's expectations, so that people wouldn't fight with him for it. But after he gave a small deposit, he started to delay, and after a while, people would say that they didn't want it anymore. At that time, it would be too late to sell it to others. Then, he would find the producer of the film and sell it at a very low price.

Adriaan wasn't sure if "Hero" was the same. He roughly searched through his memory, but he didn't find any relevant content, only the information that Miramax bought it out. But now, Weinstein was busy working under his arrangement, so he didn't have time to intervene in the mainland, so he didn't bother to look for him again. But he still had some impression of Feng Xiaogang scolding Weinstein as a liar, so he casually searched through his memory.

In fact, it wasn't a big deal, and Weinstein wasn't wrong to do so. Every producer would do everything they could for their own interests, and as a film producer in the mainland, shouldn't he do some research beforehand? If it were Adriaan, he would take the opportunity to make enough films and try to find a way to distribute them in North America, so as to cultivate some fans first. Maybe it wasn't to the taste of Westerners, but there were so many Chinese. Just like the story of selling shoes on a deserted island, the market could be cultivated. Wasn't that what Hollywood was doing in the mainland now?

Of course, this was based on the fact that there were enough quality films in the mainland. Unfortunately, except for Zhang Yimou and Feng Xiaogang, there weren't many good storytellers in the mainland. Even Zhang Yimou's storytelling wasn't as good as Feng Xiaogang's, but he had a good grasp of the picture, camera, and music, and Feng Xiaogang's style was too local. It could be seen a few times, but the Americans would get bored after a few more times.

As long as most of the directors in China still had the unrealistic idea of learning from Europe, that the film must have a deep social theme, such a strategy wouldn't work at all. Speaking of which, whether it was Zhang Yimou or Feng Xiaogang, they didn't come from a professional school, which was really … very interesting.

And the reason why Adriaan did this, other than to expand the China market and lay the groundwork for the future, there was another important reason.

"Don't f * cking say that I didn't do anything for you." After returning to the room, he walked to the window and looked at the night view outside. Adriaan touched his chin and said in Chinese, "If A Dou doesn't want to stand up, no one can help him."