Entertainment: I am the peak

Chapter 284 The next opportunity!
Many people don’t know that in WTO arbitration on films and audio-visual products, my country loses more than it wins.

In December 09, the WTO ruled that my country had violated relevant regulations. In order to implement the WTO's ruling, my country had to start a new round of film import agreement negotiations with the United States.

This was the negotiation in which Li Qiutang participated.

The negotiations took a long time, but the general framework had actually been agreed upon long ago. This year is the final round of negotiations, and the contract will be announced once the details are agreed upon.

The negotiations are directly under the charge of China Film Group, but the person in charge is Future No. 2, who will finalize the results of the negotiations during his visit to the United States in February.

The counterpart to the Chinese side is naturally the MPAA, a film association composed of the six major American film companies.

Li Qiutang didn't know why he was selected for the negotiation team. They just asked him to go with them and "give some reference opinions."

On his side, there were people Li Qiutang knew and people he had never met, but they all knew Li Qiutang.

"You are so famous in the circle, who doesn't know you?" Li Qiutang felt embarrassed.

The negotiation team met in advance to exchange ideas and review the previous negotiation results. Li Qiutang knew that he was here to be the mascot, and it was not his turn to make decisions in such an occasion, so he just sat at the end and tried not to speak.

But he didn't say anything, and someone called on him.

"Xiao Li, I've listened for so long, what do you have to say? You're new here, so tell us what you think and give us some new ideas."

What Li Qiutang just heard was basically the same as what he remembered.

Increase the share of imported films and increase the proportion of foreign profit sharing; Sino-US co-productions will enjoy the same treatment as Sino-Hong Kong co-productions; and box office data will be subject to international audits.

Since he was named, Li Qiutang simply said two points.

"I wonder if we can be more detailed in increasing the number of imported films. For example, we can increase the number, but the added ones must be 3D or IMAX blockbusters. From what I know about American films, they don't have many 3D and IMAX films either. Of course, they have more than we do. Domestic audiences have a strong demand for blockbusters. If I let you bring in your 3D IMAX blockbusters, it can firstly satisfy the audience's viewing needs, secondly it can force theaters to update their equipment, and thirdly the introduction of Hollywood 3D IMAX blockbusters can also encourage domestic film companies to make blockbusters. If they can't come up with so many 3D IMAX blockbusters, it's their incompetence, not ours."

Everyone laughed after hearing this. This young man was very direct in his words, but it was indeed something that could be considered.

"One more thing, I think we can take this opportunity to propose a film talent exchange program." If Li Qiutang remembered correctly, this plan started in 13, but since he was present and could give some suggestions, he boldly said, "We will select some young domestic filmmakers to study in their companies and crews. Many of our young directors want to go abroad, but have no channels, so we will build an official channel to send them out.

"This is just my little idea, just random talk, haha."

"Well said, very thoughtful." I also received praise.

After two days of exchanges, the delegations from both sides began the final round of negotiations on the new agreement at a hotel in Los Angeles.

When Li Qiutang has time, she also pays attention to the domestic New Year's Day - Spring Festival period and the company's situation.

Li Qiutang was unable to attend the company's annual meeting this year, which was a bit regretful.

During the Spring Festival last year, "In Time" alone grossed 6 million yuan at the box office, allowing the market to see the potential of the Spring Festival period. This year, many films want to get a piece of the pie during the Spring Festival period.

"The Great Magician" starring Tony Leung, Liu Qingyun and Zhou Xun was scheduled here, as was "Reverse War" starring Nicholas Tse and Jay Chou. Of course, there are also various comedies, such as "Eight Stars Reporting Happiness", and even two Hollywood blockbusters "Sherlock Holmes 2" and "Mission Impossible 4" were scheduled for the Spring Festival.

This year's Spring Festival movie season is particularly good.

But Li Qiutang focused on a Taiwanese movie, "Those Years".

Teen movies are coming.

In theory, Liu Yifei's "Introduction to Architecture" is also a youth film, but "Those Years" was released first, so it took the lead in the youth film market. Li Qiutang called the company and boldly predicted that youth films would definitely play a leading role in the next 3-5 years.

As a director, Li Qiutang looks down on youth films, but as the boss of a film company, he loves them very much!

There is no other reason, except to make money.

To put it bluntly, in the next 3-5 years, youth films will be like picking up money.

Li Qiutang did not need to explain the definition of youth films to the company, Li Qiutang's requirements were very simple.

First of all, the marketing of the first youth film of autumn, "Introduction to Architecture", shifted to focus on the pain, memories, and sadness of youth.

Secondly, the company should collect more youth films to see if it can be made. If the cost is controlled well, it will not be difficult to make a profit.

But in fact, Li Qiutang did not say so. The company has also realized the profitability of such films.

It is because of Liu Yifei, whose "The Beauty Inside" achieved great success with a small investment, that the company has seen the potential of this kind of fresh and simple love movie, otherwise it would not have invested in "Introduction to Architecture" without hesitation.

"The Beauty Inside" is certainly not a youth film, but it also has many characteristics of youth films.

People inside the company just don’t know that this type of movie is called a “youth film”.

…………

Li Qiutang and Liu Yifei confirmed their relationship in 09. Liu Yifei did not come to Li Qiutang's house during the New Year of 11. Li Qiutang's parents could understand that. But this year, Li Qiutang said that Liu Yifei would not come to their house for the New Year, which made Li Qiutang's parents a little dissatisfied.

Although they knew that Liu Yifei was filming abroad and was not deliberately avoiding them, as parents they still felt it was a bit procrastinating that she had not brought her home after dating for more than two or three years.

The parents of both parties have already met and had a very happy chat. Liu Yifei has been "dragging" and not coming home, which is always a big deal.

But now this feeling of dissatisfaction has disappeared. The future daughter-in-law actually called and said that she would take them abroad to celebrate the New Year.

It's the same whether Liu Yifei goes to their house or they go to Liu Yifei's house, there is no difference.

Liu Yifei also told Li's father and mother that Li Qiutang had been negotiating with the group for the past two months.

She also deliberately exaggerated, "He went abroad with XXX this time to negotiate with the Americans on behalf of the country. It is not convenient for him to contact the outside world. I have already told Qiu Tang that you are with me this year. Don't disturb him."

In fact, Liu Yifei just wanted to hide it from Li Qiutang and didn't want Li Qiutang to be distracted.

Liu Yifei was also very nervous before doing this, but in the end she mustered up the courage to make the call.

When Liu Xiaoli found out about this, she was actually very happy, thinking that this showed that her daughter was generous and sensible. She also cooperated with her daughter's work, contacted the future in-laws in person, and urged them to get their passports as soon as possible so that the three of them could fly to Toronto together.

While Li Qiutang was in full swing in negotiations in Los Angeles, Liu Yifei had already brought her mother and Li Qiutang's parents from China to Toronto.

"Yifei, I really trouble you too much." Mother Li took Liu Yifei's hand as soon as she got off the plane, "I hope it didn't delay your work on the crew."

"It won't delay me. I have very little filming time these days." Liu Yifei said with a smile.

Director Li was kept in the dark throughout the whole process.

(End of this chapter)