Huayu: From charlatan to great entertainer

Chapter 148 Buying a coffin and returning a pearl
Liu Xiaoli and Ankang were both hungover from the night before, and only Boss Lu, who had weathered the alcohol test, got up in high spirits.

He was practicing the "Eight-part Vajra Exercise" in the yard of his villa.

This is a set of Taoist health exercises that has been passed down to later generations.

Its efficacy is unknown, but it is harmless to use it as morning exercise like Shi Duan Jin or Wu Qin Xi.

However, this set of health exercises originated from the Quanzhen Longmen sect, which was considered an act of betrayal for him, a young Taoist priest from the Zhengyi ancestral temple.

"Lu Kuan, what are you practicing?"

After Liu Yifei finished her morning exercises and took a shower, she saw Lu Kuan dancing in the yard from the second-floor terrace.

"Taoist secret technique, don't peek."

After a while, Ah Fei also came out. He came out from an underground boxing gym in Hong Kong and has always looked down on this kind of soft kung fu.

However, as the road becomes wider, you can really feel the meridians and joints throughout your body becoming unblocked, and the qi in your internal organs flowing smoothly.

This generous employer added a bit of mystery to his eyes.

Then he thought of the person that Boss Lu had sent out to look for his relatives, but there was no news at all. How about asking Boss to calculate for him?
"Hey, what are you daydreaming about? Pack up and go."

Boss Lu patted the cold-faced Ah Fei on the shoulder in a funny way. It was rare to see him distracted.

"Ah? You're leaving today?"

Concubine Liu Yi walked from the second floor to the yard.

"I have an appointment with a buyer from Lionsgate. I need to finish the meeting quickly and then I have to rush to Berlin."

"Blind Well" failed to be released in theaters, but it successfully entered the Berlin Film Festival in February 2003, and the big investor Lu Laoban was ready to reap the profits.

It’s not that I’m worried about Li Yang’s unprofessionalism in copyright negotiations. After all, he is a top student who graduated from the Cologne Film Academy and has some connections in Germany.

Jiang Zhiqiang and Zhang Yimou would also bring "Hero" to the exhibition. Knowing that he was abroad, they specially invited him to travel with them.

Liu Yifei was a little reluctant: "Okay, then you guys drive slowly on the road."

"Okay, don't send me off."

"Siwei, you and Xiao Liu should prepare to release the EP when you return, to coincide with the broadcast of 'The Golden Age'."

"I've already mentioned the joint promotional plan to Director Dawei. You can directly coordinate it."

Yang Siwei respectfully accepted the order.

"Oh, right."

Lu Kuan pondered what to say.

"Yesterday, a friend of mine from Guangdong Province told me that there's a severe flu outbreak in the southern coastal areas and Hong Kong."

"Tell all your relatives and friends to be extra careful, including when you go to Xiangjiang to visit Sister Mei."

“Wear a mask.”

Liu Yifei and Yang Siwei were confused and had no idea what he meant, so they just responded casually.

Yang Siwei looked at the little girl's stunned eyes and joked, "Don't look, Xixi, you can't even see Mr. Lu's license plate."

Concubine Liu Yi had become familiar with her, and the two of them would often bicker with each other, but she didn't have the leisure to do so at this moment.

"Sister Siwei, you said that Mr. Lu..."

Yang Siwei didn't understand her hesitation: "What?"

"They all say Lu Kuan is a little god who can tell fortunes and predict good and bad luck. Do you think that's true?"

Yang Siwei was stunned: "How would I know, but Lu is always amazing."

It’s amazing, it’s amazing…

Liu Yifei suddenly remembered that at Sundance he could point out Emile's privacy by just drawing a talisman.

But maybe that was the result of him having been keeping an eye on this person for a long time and conducting an investigation in advance?
I really don't understand.

There are many people who don’t understand how wide the road is.

Only those who were close to him, such as Mei Yanfang, Liu Yifei and others, took a nonchalant attitude towards this matter.

After all, he is a friend, not an enemy. Besides, Lu Kuan’s halo in the fields of business and directing is dazzling enough, so who cares if he is a little god or not?
But some people are on pins and needles.

For example, Liu Yanei, who regarded him as a thorn in his side, was just protected by the power of autocracy and was too lazy to pay attention to the weird rumors about you, Lu Kuan.

If you dare to publicize it and act under the name of a charlatan, it will play into his hands.

For example, Zhao Wei had a face-to-face conflict with Boss Lu, but the latter also took the initiative to attend the celebration banquet of "The Drummer", which was considered to have repaired the rift on the surface.

There are also people like Nicholas Tse, Edison Chen, and Raymond Lam from Ying Huang, who are now caught in the middle and feel a little awkward.

Hong Kong, Yinghuang Entertainment, Huo Wenxi's office.

"Sister Mani, why did the boss suddenly transfer you to the Peking office? Are you not going to take me with you anymore?"

Huo Wenxi was packing up the clutter, and she was also a little worried about the uncertain future.

"The boss has arranged direct agents for you all. They will report any issues to me. They will definitely take care of it, don't worry."

Not to mention Nicholas Tse's confusion, Huo Wenxi himself didn't know the reason.

A few years ago, Lu Kuan brought the crew of "Whiplash" to Hong Kong for a roadshow, and Li Shoucheng invited him to a dinner at his mansion.

It seemed that just a few days after that, the company's Vice President Wu began to gradually hand over and adjust her work.

It was not until after the Spring Festival that Li Shoucheng asked her to replace Zhang Jianting and take full responsibility for the affairs in the north.

Put aside your responsibilities as an agent for now and just focus on overall management.

Nicholas Tse sighed deeply. Huo Wenxi had been his agent since he was a teenager, and in his heart, she was no different from his older sister.

"Okay, I'll take you there."

"No, I'm going to the boss' office. He has something to tell me before I leave."

Li Shoucheng stopped in front of the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking Victoria Harbour and looked back at Huo Wenxi who pushed the door open.

"Come sit here and bask in the sun. It's good for your health."

Huo Wenxi had no objection.

"Boss, do you have anything to ask of me?"

"Do you know how to get to the north?"

"Make friends with outstanding directors from the mainland, run the Yinghuang Zhongbei Performing Arts School well, and build good relationships with professors and leaders of cultural and artistic departments in Peking universities."

Li Shoucheng did not comment, but solemnly arranged one last task for his subordinates.

"The more good friends you make, the wider your path will be. I heard he's going to make a science fiction film after this movie is finished, and it's definitely going to be a big production."

"No matter what method you use, the Eagle King must be involved!"

Huo Wenxi looked at the boss in great surprise.

Science fiction? Participate at all costs?

Boss, you seem to be acting in a science fiction movie yourself.

Not only in the mainland, but even in Hong Kong and Taiwan, science fiction films are generally recognized as a must-fail project.

Li Shoucheng didn't want to explain anything to her, or perhaps he himself didn't know how to explain it.

Am I going to say that Uncle Chen returned to Mount Qingcheng and spent another 49 days painstakingly telling him a fortune?

Do you also conclude that this talented director who suddenly emerged might have a rare and fortunate fate?
Zi and Wu are both in the same sign, the Azure Dragon is in a state of retreat, the White Tiger is in power, the Vermillion Bird is riding the wind, and the Black Tortoise is in power. . .

Uncle Chen didn't write any prophecy in the letter, such as "A golden fish cannot stay in a pond; it will turn into a dragon when it encounters wind and clouds."

He just judged that Lu Kuan's fate was extremely strange and unpredictable, which was the most bizarre thing he had never encountered in his sixty years of "career".

In Lu Kuan, he saw the shadows of many people and the destinies of many people!

Li Shoucheng dug out a pile of information about Lu Kuan from his office drawer that he had sent people to secretly investigate from Maoshan, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province.

There is also a handwritten letter from Uncle Chen.

"This boy has an ordinary appearance, but with his wise eyes he changed his destiny, creating the Five Mountains and Four Rivers, and finally achieving a once-in-a-millennium destiny that blesses the East Sea. He should be your benefactor. Befriend him, don't worry about him, and distinguish him! Be careful!"

Li Shoucheng sighed and recalled the decades of friendship between him and Uncle Chen.

He gave me many reminders and never said anything wrong.

Why not trust him again!
Lionsgate headquarters building in Santa Monica, California, February 2003, 2.

The receptionist led Lu Kuan and Emil into the conference room where Quentin and a white man were having a heated conversation.

"Oh! We've reached the road."

The two hugged each other politely. Quentin is busy with the post-production of "Kill Bill", which will premiere in Hollywood in September this year.

"Jason, this is the Golden Lion Award-winning director Lu Kuan I mentioned. The animation that Ishii Yuren created was his idea!"

"Hi, I'm Jason Constantine from Lionsgate."

Lu Kuan also smiled and walked forward to shake hands. He had heard of this person.

He was the main buyer for the purchase and marketing of films such as "Saw" and "Crash", and was later promoted to chairman of film procurement and co-production at Lionsgate in 2008.

"You two, this is my friend, Emil from USC."

Emile and Quentin were of similar build, both tall and fat white men. They shook hands and smelled the faint scent of women's perfume on each other.

Quentin raised an eyebrow in understanding.

Lu Kuan smiled as he watched the eye contact between the two lechers. Quentin was a certified gangster and a senior foot fetishist in Hollywood. Later, there was news that he spent $10,000 to hire a stripper just to suck her feet.

People in Hollywood are more pragmatic. Lu Kuan didn't waste any time and just took out a script and a DVD.

The script was titled "Hard Candy," and the DVD was a rough cut of "Paranormal Activity."

Boss Lu came to Lionsgate today for three things: to sell the script of "Hard Candy" and to ask Lionsgate to distribute "Ghost".

One more thing...

It's to let Quentin take him to a strip club!
Let him criticize the corruption of capitalism!
Lionsgate buyers had already read the script, and the rough cut of "Paranormal Activity" had been transmitted via the Internet for Jason to make a preliminary evaluation.

Today we are going to discuss the price with Quentin's introduction.

"Well, guests who have come from afar, what are your thoughts?"

The Lionsgate buyer threw the question to the other party first. He had heard of the name of the Golden Lion Award winner, but didn't know him at all.

For Hollywood, apart from the Golden Globe Awards and the Oscars, and at most film festivals such as Sundance or Toronto, the rest are all regarded as second-tier.

Second tier in terms of box office revenue.

Boss Lu hit the nail on the head: "Jason, what do you think of this movie 'Hard Candy'?"

Jason was secretly happy. Since the seller asked about it, he could take the initiative.

"It's a decent piece of work, but the plot is too linear, without much ups and downs."

"This is just a cool movie, the audience doesn't have to think too much." Lu Kuan said with a smile.

Earl also commented: "The subject matter should be ZZ-correct in the American market."

"Hard Candy" is a drama about a woman who bravely fights back against a pedophile and makes him suffer the consequences.

In a country like the United States, where copper smelting is free and dirty, this is undoubtedly a very topical topic. This is not only a work that Lu Kuan copied for Lionsgate, but also a "prescription" that can cure the problem for Lionsgate's boss!
As a guy with a lot of experience, he knew that Lionsgate needed this film with a unique theme right now.

Jason's expression froze when he heard this. Could it be that he saw what he was thinking?
No, no, no, the topic cannot continue like this, otherwise we will be led by the nose by this Oriental man.

"The acting and storyline of this movie aren't particularly impressive. We're more interested in Paranormal Activity."

The road is so wide that I seem unaware of it.

"Oh? Is that so? Well, let's not talk about 'Hard Candy' anymore. Let's just talk about the release of 'Ghost' today!"

Jason looked calm, but secretly cursed the Chinese for being cunning!

As cunning as the damned Jews!
He didn't know that the Chinese man sitting opposite him was a Jew, and that Jews are all maternal descendants.

Jason had already spoken, and going back on his word now would undoubtedly expose his true intentions.

I had no choice but to talk to Lu Kuan about the release of "Ghost".

Lionsgate has previously made low-budget thrillers such as "The Blair Witch Project" and is no stranger to such subject matter, which is also in line with the tone of their independent film company.

What tonality?
The Saw series, The Haunting of the Morgue, The Cabin in the Woods, The Hunger Games series...

However, the film has already been produced, and for Lionsgate, no matter how optimistic it is, the only piece of cake it can have is the distribution channel.

Jason's ambition did not stop there. If he had not found out that the script and the movie had been filed by the other party, he would have almost thought of robbing them by force.

"Two options."

"First, we at Lionsgate paid $100 million to purchase the full copyright of Paranormal Activity, as well as the rights to additional derivative products."

He paused, as if trying to get some expected feedback from Lu Kuan's face, but unfortunately the latter still looked at him calmly, obviously not interested in this plan.

"Second option: Your film's budget can't exceed $10, so there's no box office risk. Lionsgate now has over 1000 screens and strong relationships with several independent theater chains. We want the maximum 50% distribution commission! And we have to deduct distribution expenses!"

The total cost for Emil to make this film, including the cost of registering the company, was only 12 US dollars.

Except for people like Lu Kuan, nine out of ten people would be happy to spend 100 million.

But he wanted to curse after hearing what he heard. Did these Hollywood guys really think he was a sucker or an outsider?
He and Emil exchanged a silent glance, then slowly said, "I wonder if this is Mr. Jason's intention or Mr. Gustav's instruction?"

"Is there a difference?"

"If that's what you mean, I think you should give Mr. Gustav a call before his lunch break to ask for his instructions."

"If that's what Mr. Gustav meant, I don't think there's any need to continue the conversation."

Jason remained unmoved: "Go ahead."

Lu Kuan and Quentin gestured, turned around and left with Emil without a trace of nostalgia.

Emil: ???

What about the promise of retaining someone? What about the promise of retreating in order to advance?
"Road, this..."

Lu Kuan signaled him to drive first, as that bastard Jason must be watching them upstairs.

"Don't worry, he won't give up. Maybe they really don't like Paranormal Activity, but Lionsgate will definitely take Hard Candy!"

Jason left the window and returned to his seat.

"Quentin, your Chinese friend is truly extraordinary."

Quentin laughed and said, "Jason, I advise you not to try to take advantage of him. Harvey is no match for him."

"Oh? He's only in his early twenties, and he knows all the rules of Hollywood business?"

"No no no!"

Quentin shook his index finger dismissively and pulled out his cell phone.

"Look, a Taoist talisman!"

Jason leaned over with a confused look on his face, looking at the "Taoist Talisman" written with water on the phone screen.

It was this "masterpiece" that was used to fool Harvey at the Venice Road.

"What is that? Is that Harvey next to you?"

"Bingo! This Lu is a descendant of a mysterious Chinese religion. He can predict many things. You can think of him as a wizard."

Jason was speechless, but Quentin has always been like this, he's used to it, he's a crazy foot fetishist.

After thinking about what Lu Kuan had just done, he left without hesitation and tapped the table with his index finger.

"You'll see him again tonight, right?"

"Yes, in Starry Sky Garden."

Well, I have no choice but to bite the bullet and create a chance encounter...

6 p.m., Figueroa Avenue, Los Angeles.

This is the paradise of the erotic industry in the Lighthouse Country.

But today it’s a real-person challenge, and there are no vehicles yet.

Lu Kuan admired the dazzling array of big breasts and buttocks in front of him, and occasionally took out some money and stuffed it into the girls' bras. He was so happy!

Make friends like Quentin! He's so kind!

However, before the three perverts could have enough fun, they were interrupted by an uninvited guest.

Jason held his glass and did not pretend to be surprised by the encounter. Everyone knew what was going on.

"Quentin, you play with Emil while Jason and I go have a couple of drinks."

The two tall and fat white men didn't even turn their heads, but just waved at him at the same time.

The two of them got straight to the point in the booth.

"Lu, you're a smart man. We want the copyright to 'Hard Candy'. Name your price."

As mentioned earlier, this movie was a masterpiece of Lu Kuan's tailor-made and targeted approach for Lionsgate, which involved an old story about Lionsgate boss Gustavo.

Lionsgate has always been a pioneering independent film company.

At the beginning of its establishment, the founder Gustav made various efforts and participated in the production of several low-cost art films such as "Buffalo 66" and "Misery", but the results were not good.

After losing nearly $40 in the first year, Gustav decided to stop making honest movies and instead use some highly topical and controversial themes to attract the attention of the market and the audience.

In the open American culture at that time, sex was no longer a very explosive movie subject.

Gustav had a sudden idea and acquired the distribution rights of "Lolita" in 1997, ready to make a fortune from perverted porn fans.

However, due to the film's excessive scope, it was boycotted by some women and children protection organizations and feminist groups, and was accused of condoning copper smelting.

In the end, the film couldn't even be released in theaters and could only be broadcast on DVDs and other media. Lionsgate suffered another heavy blow.

Gustav's own reputation also plummeted. If he were put in the future when LGBT is prevalent, he would probably be beaten to death by female fists.

Lionsgate then put a lot of effort into B-movies and finally turned losses into profits step by step.

However, the bad reputation of Gustavo and Lionsgate as copper smelters has been attacked by the outside world and has become a label of criticism.

And this "Hard Candy" is a cool movie that fights back against copper smelting. It is very suitable for Lionsgate to find someone to shoot it, operate it and win awards, and then it will soar in box office and reputation.

And to clear Gustav's name.

"$500 million."

Jason wanted to laugh out loud. Is this a lunatic?
Lu Kuan was not a madman, but he simply hadn't thought of discussing the film with him first.

His core request was to let Lionsgate make "Paranormal Activity" for him at the lowest distribution cost.

This "Hard Candy" is completely designed to trick Jason into buying the box and returning the pearl.

Let's do a simple calculation:
Paranormal Activity was released by Paramount in 2009 and grossed $1.97 million worldwide (mostly in North America).

If Lionsgate asked for even 1 percentage point less in distribution fees, that would be a difference of nearly $200 million. Why would Lu Kuan bother with him on another script?

The information gap between the two is that Lionsgate believes that "Hard Candy" is important and valuable;

But Lu Kuan knew that the truly valuable movie was "Paranormal Activity", which had a box office revenue of nearly 2 million US dollars!
Of course, the issuance fees and costs must be deducted, so it is not possible for Wenjie (US) Company to directly pocket the 1.97 million.

"Jason, I have a suggestion. Let's discuss the release of Paranormal Activity first. If I'm satisfied, I can lower the price of Hard Candy."

The copyright is in the hands of others, so Jason can only swallow it, but he will not show weakness first.

"Lu, I've already told you the Lion Gate's conditions this morning. Now, please tell me what you think."

Jason's previous conditions were:
$100 million buyout or 50% of the maximum issuance fee.

Hollywood distributors generally charge film producers 30%-50% of the distribution fee, and distribution expenses are calculated separately.

"We only accept Lionsgate to participate in the distribution, and we cannot deduct the distribution expenses. The 30% fee ratio is our bottom line!"

Jason shook his head: "Impossible, Mr. Gustav would not agree."

30% might be given to Quentin, but a newcomer like Lu Kuan who has never proven his box office ability in the North American market is just dreaming.

Boss Lu sighed: "Then I'll give you another plan. If it still doesn't work, I'll have to apologize for today."

Jason paused, knowing the main point was about to begin.

There was a lot of arguing before, but the price offered now is the real reason.

"please say."

"We can work together to release the DVD first and then make a bet with Lionsgate based on the sales."

"If the DVD sales of Paranormal Activity exceed 50 copies in North America within six months, Lionsgate will only receive a 30% commission from our omnichannel distribution, and no additional deductions will be made for distribution expenses."

Jason estimated the number of 50 in his mind. Based on the average household size in North America, 50 sets would mean at least 300 million viewers.

If such a shoddy movie can really sell in such large quantities, then subsequent theaters will not have to worry about box office sales.

The omni-channel that Lu Kuan mentioned here includes not only DVDs and theaters, but also home theaters, pay TV, Internet TV, etc.

"What if I can't do it?"

"Then we'll do as you say, 50% split, and we'll cover the publishing expenses!"

In fact, this condition is not a loss for Lionsgate.

As Lu Kuan said, the distribution costs of such low-budget movies will not be as high as those of blockbusters.

Even if the box office is not satisfactory, Lionsgate will at most hover between a small loss and a small profit, and there will not be too much risk.

What's more, the other party has already tested the waters by releasing DVDs.

However, a qualified negotiator will never agree to the other party's conditions at once, no matter how superior the conditions seem or how much they benefit his side.

Jason didn't forget his core demand: "What does 'Hard Candy' say?"

"$250 million, one price!"

Seeing Jason's frown and hesitation, Lu Kuan pressed the issue, "I've already made concessions on the release of Paranormal Activity. Do you think you should also show some sincerity?"

The Lionsgate buyer put down his glass and said, "Wait a moment, I need to ask Mr. Gustav for instructions."

Not long after, Jason, who had been fooled, returned to the booth and extended his hand to Lu Kuan with a smile.

"Lu, congratulations on gaining the friendship of Lion Gate. Mr. Gustav asked me to give you his regards!"

(End of this chapter)