Chapter 116 Lost in the evening, gained in the evening

Liu Dehua should be considered the busiest Chinese movie star at this year's Berlin Film Festival.

Two films related to him were included in the main competition unit.

A Thai film called "Invisible Waves" that he invested in

A Hollywood movie starring him, "Buried"

"The Invisible Wave" was the first to premiere. Due to Andy Lau's good popularity, all the Chinese in Berlin came to the scene to support him.

After the movie ended, Yang Siwei fell asleep.

It was not until the lights came on that Yang Siwei woke up and pretended to applaud along with everyone else.

"Thinking, does it look good?" Liu Yifei said with a smile.

Would I fall asleep if it was so good? Yang Siwei shook his head.

Liu Yifei and Tang Yan smiled at each other, but in fact they both thought it didn't look good.

The whole film was too depressing, and the violent and bloody scenes were not something the girls liked.

"Xixi, you three should go back to the hotel first. I'll be back soon after some socializing." Li Chen said.

"Well, don't pour cold water on Brother Hua." Liu Yifei said with a smile.

"Okay, got it."

When Wang Zhonglei saw Li Chen alone, he had an idea and took the initiative to step forward and talk to him.

“Director Li, you must come to the promotion meeting of “The Banquet” tomorrow.” Wang Zhonglei said with a smile.

"Forget it, I won't join in the fun. Congratulations in advance to Mr. Wang on the huge success of The Banquet."

Although "The Banquet" definitely lost money at the domestic box office.

But thanks to Zhang Ziyi's participation, "Night Banquet" had already recovered its US$1500 million cost in the middle of filming.

Wang Zhonglei had no pressure at all during his trip to Berlin to sell his products.

Many film producers have already lined up to wait.

"Haha, then I'll take Director Li's good wishes. I also hope that Director Li's movie 'Those Years' will be a big hit as well." Wang Zhonglei smiled brightly.

No matter how Li Chen listened, it seemed like this guy was not speaking from the heart.

"Thank you. I hope so."

Li Chen's indifferent attitude greatly disappointed Wang Zhonglei.

At least it shows a little yearning for "The Banquet"!
"What are you two talking about? You look so happy." Liu Dehua came forward and said with a smile.

"'The Banquet' was well received by the film producers. President Wang is very proud of it, and we Chinese are also proud of it," said Li Chen.

"Who says it's not true? I hope my film The Invisible Wave is not too far behind his The Banquet."

"Okay, okay, Hua Zai, Director Li, you two have lifted me up so high, I can't come down!" Wang Zhonglei laughed.

Obviously, Li Chen and Liu Dehua had tickled his sore spot.

Not long after I returned to the hotel, Liu Yifei called to check on me.

Li Chen did not attend the promotion meeting of "The Banquet" and asked Yang Siwei to go in his place.

I heard that many film producers gathered there, mostly Asian ones, while European and American producers watched more but bought less.

With the precedent of "The Promise", film producers have become even more cunning.

Several people did not go to the premiere of "The Promise", after all, they had already seen it.

There's not much point in going, and it might even embarrass the Palme d'Or winner.

In addition to Jang Dong-gun, several leading actors, including Hiroyuki Sanada from the island country, also came.

But this is quite different from Chen Hong’s previous claim that the five main actors will appear together in Berlin.

I heard that the reporter asked about the topic of steamed buns again on the spot.

Chen Kaige said: He must sue to the end!
On the 13th, the premiere of "Buried" was packed.

Now everyone knows that this movie was shot in only a dozen days and only had one actor.

Driven by curiosity, tickets for the premiere of "Buried" were hard to get.

Inside the main conference room of the Movie Palace, Yang Siwei shook his head and sighed.

Liu Yifei frowned and smiled, "You're sighing here. If your boss finds out, be careful that he deducts your salary."

"I was sighing for Brother Hua. Didn't you see the helplessness on Brother Hua's face just now? No one was interested in "Invisible Waves", compared to the huge crowds attending "Buried Alive" today, Brother Hua must have had it tough."

"Didn't I hear that a deal has been reached with two film producers in Japan and South Korea?" Tang Yan wondered.

"Forget it, I won't say any more. I hope the boss can help Brother Hua with this movie 'Buried Alive'."

Liu Yifei and Tang Yan were not the type to gossip, and seeing that Yang Siwei didn't want to say more, they stopped asking.

Yang Siwei knows Liu Dehua's situation better than Liu Yifei and Tang Yan.

The superstar's good popularity does not seem to have brought him wealth.

Over the years, not only has it been labeled a box office poison, but its bosses and investors have also lost a lot of money.

All the hard-earned money was wasted.

Before establishing Yingyi Entertainment, Liu Dehua's "Tianmu Production" launched a number of films, but unfortunately all of them failed at the box office and suffered huge losses.

Later, he sought help from Mrs. Xiang and received 4000 million yuan in life-saving money, which brought him back to life.

However, the good times did not last long, as the company went to court with Mai Shaotang, a shareholder introduced by "Tianmu Production".

Although the two parties finally reached a settlement, "Sky Curtain Production" ceased production and went bankrupt.

After the collapse of "Tianmu", Liu Dehua did not give up the idea of ​​starting a business and founded Yingyi Entertainment in 04.

In order to attract market audiences for his first entrepreneurial film "Jiang Hu", Liu Dehua also invited Zhang Xueyou to co-star with him in the film.

As a result, this well-made film was unable to enter mainland theaters due to "review issues" and was only released in the Hong Kong film market, where it suffered huge losses.

Recently, rumors of Andy Lau's bankruptcy have been circulating in the Hong Kong circle, which is not uncommon.

The cinema palace was packed, and Tim, as the distributor, was in high spirits in the audience.

Li Chen and Liu Dehua, one the director and the other the leading actor, thanked the guests and media who came to support them on stage.

Only Wang Zhonglei came from the Chinese community. The others either had not yet arrived in Berlin or had no intention of attending the premiere of "Buried".

The movie started showing quickly. The story was not difficult to understand, and it could even be understood at first glance.

The government's inaction and anti-war purpose implied in the end received a lot of applause and praise.

Next is Tim's turn to perform. Tim moves between various film producers with ease.

Li Chen, Liu Dehua and others left the cinema and returned to the hotel.

"Director Li, shall we go to the cafe and sit down?" Liu Dehua suddenly said before parting.

Li Chen was stunned for a moment, then said, "Okay, then Xixi, you guys go back first."

"Yifei, let me borrow Director Li for a while. I'll return him to you later." Liu Dehua said with a smile.

"Don't be in a hurry, Brother Hua, you guys take your time chatting." Liu Yifei said with a blushing face.

Li Chen and Liu Dehua got out of the elevator and sat down in the hotel cafe.

Liu Dehua let out a long sigh: "Director Li, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for, Brother Hua?" Li Chen didn't react yet.

"This film 'Buried Alive' should make a lot of profit. If you hadn't insisted on giving me a 20% share, I wouldn't have a penny." Liu Dehua said with a wry smile.

Li Chen didn't know what to say, as he knew something about Liu Dehua's situation.

Over the years, Liu Dehua has been like a wound-up alarm clock.

Whether it is movies or albums, the output every year is definitely high.

The movie was never picky about the script, and although the box office was always a flop, the pay was high and he did make some money.

Liu Dehua’s path is correct. He is a boss, investing in movies, and working tirelessly on the road to capital.

Although this time, "Invisible Wave" may not lose money, it will definitely not make much profit.

"Take your time, Brother Hua. Your Asian Rising Star Director Program is a great idea. Everyone knows that the market in Hong Kong is in a slump right now."

"Double J Weekly saw the situation clearly early on and went to Hollywood to develop their careers. Now they have all moved to the mainland. You are the only one who wants to do something for Chinese-language films and support newcomers."

Although Ning Hao is no longer in the Asian Rising Star Director Program, in addition to Lin Zicong and Li Gongle from Hong Kong Island, another person from Hong Kong Island, Li Zi, has been added.

Andy Lau has spared no effort in supporting Hong Kong films, but it's a pity that these people have all failed.

"You think too highly of me, Director Li. I have also moved to the mainland," Liu Dehua said self-deprecatingly.

"Does Director Li have any good suggestions? To be honest, I admire Director Li's talent and investment vision."

It has been widely rumored in the circle that Li Chen's first pot of gold came from the futures market, and Liu Dehua has certainly heard of it.

And the rumor was very detailed, because in sharp contrast to Li Chen, a certain national team in the mainland lost nearly 100 million US dollars.

But that national team did nothing, while Li Chen did a lot.

"Brother Hua, just call me Li Chen. We are so familiar with each other now, Director Li is being so formal." Li Chen said with a smile.

Liu Dehua didn't hesitate and said with a smile: "Okay, Li Chen."

After he became familiar with people like Wang Zhonglei and Feng Xiaogang, he always called them by their names.

"In fact, there is no good suggestion. The most fundamental thing about a movie is the script. Only with a good script can the box office and word of mouth have a foundation."

"Your New Star Guide Project is very meaningful. How about this, Brother Hua, I will also contribute."

"Every year I'll take out a script and choose a director from your Rising Star Director Program, and your Yingyi Entertainment and my Rongchen Pictures will jointly invest in the production."

"Haha, that's exactly what I want. Now everyone knows that your script is a guarantee of box office success."

"Then it's settled, Brother Hua. Send me the list of rising star directors later. We'll discuss it in detail after the film festival is over and we return to the mainland."

"no problem."

After finishing the business, Liu Dehua talked about "Buried Alive"

It can be seen that Andy Lau cares a lot about whether "Buried" can help him win an international actor award.

After all, he is the only actor in the whole drama of "Buried". If he wins any award, he will definitely win the Best Actor award. It won't be the coffin he sleeps in.

"It's hard to say, Brother Hua. I believe you have seen that more than half of the films at this year's Berlin Film Festival are German films. What does it mean? It's obvious at a glance."

"That's right. It can be seen that Germany strongly supports its own films." Liu Dehua nodded.

Compared with Liu Dehua's concern about gains and losses, Li Chen is more relaxed. If I gain, I am lucky, if I lose, it is my fate.

He already has the golden palm protecting his body, which is equivalent to Lao Tzu's exquisite pagoda of heaven and earth covering his head and ignoring all attacks.

The next day, German media reported the grand premiere of "Buried".

"Li Chen, the talented Chinese director of the Palme d'Or, completed the film on the 13th. Buried Alive received rave reviews from both the director and the actor."

"Lionsgate has won the North American distribution of Buried, and many distributors in Asia and Europe are interested in introducing it!"

"Chinese actor Liu Dehua's acting skills were unanimously recognized."

Mainland media also reported extensively on the premiere of Buried.

Netizens said they couldn't wait to see Liu Dehua's one-man show. Han Sanping called Li Chen directly.

"I've reserved a spot for you. Is there any problem with 'Buried Alive' passing the review?" Han Sanping always spoke in a non-negotiable tone.

"That's definitely no problem, Mr. Han."

"That's fine. China Film intends to buy it out directly. Someone will contact Chiyou Pictures when the time comes. You can say hello to Chiyou Pictures."

After hanging up the phone, Li Chen felt as if Han Saping was talking with him about something else. Was he trying to lower the price?

Soon, it was Valentine's Day, February 14th.

As the heroine and supporting actress of "Those Years", Liu Yifei and Tang Yan are both dressed youthfully and beautifully.

It's a youth campus film, there's no need to imitate those foreigners and show shoulders and chests.

Xue Xiaolu also arrived in Berlin on the 13th.

Just like "Buried", tickets for the premiere of "Those Years" were sold out early in the morning.

In the hotel, several people were ready to go.

Liu Yifei changed into a white suit today, with her long hair flowing. It was simple yet not plain, but still equally cool.

Li Chen reminded him again: "Siwei, arrange a few more people. Although the film festival has people who are specifically responsible for preventing theft, we cannot take it lightly."

"Don't worry, boss. I understand." Yang Siwei nodded solemnly.

Because in the past few days, there has been news from somewhere that some mainland pirates have already targeted this "Those Years".

I even bought tickets for the premiere, because Li Chen's movies have been doing better and better at the box office, and he has become the God of Wealth in the eyes of these pirates!

There are still more than two months before the film is released in mainland China. If there are pirated copies before the release, Li Chen will be so angry that he will vomit blood.

Before seven in the evening, Xue Xiaolu, Li Chen, Liu Yifei and Tang Yan began to walk on the red carpet.

Foreign media reporters have become accustomed to seeing local female stars exposing their breasts and backs in the past two days.

When I saw two tall Chinese female stars, both wearing heroic suits, I immediately pressed the shutter button frantically.

"Yifei, was this outfit chosen for you by your stylist again? Your stylist has really good taste!" Some domestic media reporters have already teased Liu Yifei.

"Yes, it was chosen by the same stylist. I'll introduce you to each other some other day." Ms. Liu joked with the reporter while posing.

Li Chen was speechless. Tang Yan wanted to laugh but didn't dare to, as she was wearing a dark green slim suit.

Only Liu Yifei smiled brightly and unrestrainedly.

"Director Xue, Director Li, I hope your film 'Those Years' will be a best-seller in Europe and the United States." CCTV reporters in China sent their blessings.

"Thank you"

"Thank you. You guys can come in too. It's too cold outside." Li Chen said with a smile.

Compared to the freezing cold weather outside, the main venue of the Film Palace was crowded and bustling.

Liu Dehua and Wang Zhonglei came together, but Chen Kaige still did not show up.

The Hong Kong crew of "Isabella" just set off from Hong Kong Island to Berlin today.

Local couples can be seen everywhere at the scene.

South Korea's CJ, Japan's Toho, and several film producers in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand are all loyal fans of Li Chen's scripts.

Naturally, they will not be missing.

Coupled with the previous hype by local media and the arrival of Koslik and Markel.

The premiere of "Those Years" immediately reached the climax of the entire Berlin Film Festival.

"Hua Zai, Li Chen's appeal is really terrifying." Wang Zhonglei, who was sitting in the audience, sighed.

“It wasn’t even this lively when the trailer for The Banquet was showing!”

"You don't have to envy Li Chen. This is due to the high box office of his movies."

Facing reporters' questions, Li Chen remained confident on the stage.

"Director Li Chen, many college student couples from Berlin came today. They all came here because of our reputation. Do you feel any pressure?"

"Yeah, I saw that. I'm grateful that they came to the premiere of Those Years. There must be pressure."

"What I am sure of is that this work will be very popular in the East. As for whether it will be recognized by Western friends, I would also like to know."

"Let's wait until the film is over and ask our German friends who are here today."

"But I think good movies know no borders, so they should like it too."

There was applause from the audience.

Li Chen and several main creators walked off the stage together. Liu Yifei whispered, "You are really good at talking! Director Li!"

"Well said, Li Chen."

"Come on, Sister Lu, you should join in the fun with Xixi."

The movie screening will start soon.

At the beginning, there is the scenery of a small town in Yunnan with a strong atmosphere. Li Chen rides a bicycle and slaps away the sausage in Qiao Shan’s breakfast!
The sausage fell to the ground and stood up on the ground, like a raised middle finger!

The audience burst into laughter.

Everyone knows international hand gestures!

The film continues to move forward, the plot is compact, the main storyline is clear, and the Erhai Lake in Yunnan is breathtakingly beautiful. The Berlin university students who came to watch the film exclaimed how beautiful it is.

Until the end, Li Chen rushed towards Liu Yifei's husband like a bull in heat, pushed him down, and kissed him desperately.

There was immediate laughter and applause at the scene.

Li Chen had confidence in his decision, and the film producers who came to watch the movie felt even more confident.

The movie ended and there was constant applause.

This is probably the most lively scene since the opening of this year's Berlin Film Festival.

Because the vast majority of the films shortlisted for this year's film festival are related to politics, not only are the films dull and silent.

Moreover, most of the people who attended the premiere were older people or film critics.

It is rare to see a crowd like today where most of the moviegoers are local couples, media, and film producers.

"Markol, I'm glad that I found Li Chen. At least he came and brought warmth to the cold Berlin." Koslik and Markol who was sitting next to him smiled.

"In that case, then you can help Li Chen to canvass votes, but don't let Li Chen's "Buried Alive" go to waste. Otherwise, next time you invite him, I'm afraid he won't come again." Makol replied with a smile.

Koslik sighed, not knowing how to respond to his old friend.

Wang Zhonglei looked a little unhappy, but Liu Dehua was smiling and was very happy for Li Chen.

This youth campus film is really good, even he was attracted to it.

No wonder Li Chen told him that day that the script was the key, and it turned out to be true.

Liu Yifei never dreamed that "Those Years" would be so popular.

In fact, she and Liu's mother didn't have much hope. After all, when she and Lin Zhiying were filming that youth romance film, they were also given high hopes.

But in the end, neither mother nor daughter wanted to talk about the movie.

Looking at today, Yang Siwei, as the producer, is surrounded by a group of film producers. Is it possible that "Those Years" will really be a big hit?

"Director Xue, Li Chen, Yifei, Tang Yan, the movie is great, and Director Li's acting is also brilliant."

"You're too kind. These are all Li Chen's scripts, and he just asked me to come here to help." Xue Xiaolu said modestly.

"Brother Hua, is my acting really bad?" Liu Yifei frowned and couldn't help laughing.

"Haha, Yifei's acting skills have also improved. It seems that it still depends on who is the director and who she plays opposite." Liu Dehua said with a smile.

"Brother Hua is right. With Sister Lu sitting in the director's chair, no student would dare to slack off." Li Chen said with a smile.

"Director Xue, Director Li, congratulations! This film, Those Years, will definitely be a best-seller in Southeast Asia." Wang Zhonglei's eyes were full of envy.

But I thought of another youth campus novel by Li Chen, which is also a best-seller online.

Since "Those Years" is so popular, why not buy another novel by Li Chen, produce it with your own company, and ask Xue Xiaolu to direct it.

In this way, relying on Li Chen's reputation, I believe that as long as it wins the film festival, it will be just like "Those Years".

The more Wang Zhonglei thought about it, the better it seemed, and he didn't even think about the fact that he had stabbed Li Chen before.

I didn't expect that Li Chen was short of money and was very familiar with him. Why should I sell it to him?

Li Chen exchanged a few words with Markel and Koslik.

Foreign actors who came to watch the movie also took the initiative to come up and communicate with Li Chen, and now the news of "Thieves" has become known to everyone.

Who doesn’t want to connect with Li Chen, even though no one knows how the film will turn out.

But this young Chinese director is rich, even Oscar-winning actress Charlize Theron has to bow down to him.

Why would they be so embarrassed to lower themselves? A kiss on the cheek could make them lose their legs and fall on Li Chen.

Fortunately, Li Chen reacted quickly, as he had seen many such scenes in his previous life.

He took a step back and lifted up the big-hearted actress with one hand.

At a glance, the skin of these actresses cannot be compared with Miss Liu's.

One is in heaven, and the other is in hell, which is not an exaggeration.

With the Precious Lotus Lantern, who needs your searchlight?

The premiere of "Those Years" ended successfully.

Even Li Chen did not expect that "Those Years" would be so popular.

Yang Siwei was extremely excited when he came back. In the words of the film producer: Which country doesn’t have students? Which student watching campus romance doesn’t have first love and secret love!

"Boss, the final transaction amount for this film, Those Years, will probably be no less than that of Painted Skin. Almost all the film producers in Southeast Asia have requested a buyout."

"European and North American film producers are also interested in buying it out."

"The European and American film markets have been sluggish this year, and young people are reluctant to go to the cinema. The film producers are so worried that their hair has turned white. But the applause from these young people watching the film tonight has rekindled their enthusiasm."

Compared with Yang Siwei's excitement, Li Chen was unusually calm.

"Sisi, if European and American film producers want to buy out the film, the price cannot be too low. I, your boss, have now been pushed to the altar."

"To quote a female star: I'm worth the price!"

Yang Siwei wondered, "Who said that, boss?"

Li Chen couldn't help but laugh and said, "Baby!"

Yang Siwei thought that Li Chen was talking about a despicable person, but how could he have imagined that Li Chen was talking about the young model who would be paid 8000 million in the future.

The success of "Those Years" made Li Chen even more content. As long as Liu Dehua could win an award for "Buried Alive", Li Chen would be considered successful.

However, Li Chen didn't actually hold out much hope that "Buried" could win an award.

Not only is the scene of this year's Berlin Film Festival similar to last year's Golden Rooster Awards, but the film selection also captures the essence of the Golden Rooster Awards.

It is difficult for Liu Dehua to win the Best Actor award. He is not competing with actors, but with unspoken rules.

Even the German Minister of Culture came out to support it, and with Macor's reminder, Li Chen had a rough idea in his mind.

But seeing that Liu Dehua was still so obsessed with her, Li Chen couldn't bear to say anything more. What if?
(End of this chapter)