Chapter 872 (This appears to be a fragment of a larger text, possibly a title or heading. The last part, "蹭" (a literal translation of "蹭"), is incomplete and lacks context. It seems to refer to a specific type of online activity or platform.
The Chinese title of Murken Sorge's new film is "The Island of Horrors".
After learning about the film, Lu Yanhe thought about it and contacted Mu Ken the next day. In addition to telling him that Bai Jin was very willing to participate in the film, he also said that if needed, Linghe would be very willing to take charge of part of the investment and handle the film's distribution in China.
The film rights to "The Island of Horror" will not be given to D19.
Murken Sorge's current status is no longer that of a director hired by a big company to make films.
The film's copyright definitely belongs to his own production company. D19 is merely an investor, enjoying a share of the profits and responsible for distributing the film in North America and other regions.
Lu Yanhe didn't know exactly how Murken Sorge and D19 had negotiated, but he felt that Murken wouldn't possibly hand over the entire global distribution rights of his films to D19. Murken's films weren't worthless—
In particular, Linghe helped him sell the game adaptation rights and other copyrights for the two films he directed in the past, which greatly increased the value of his films.
Muken asked, "Will the movie 'The Island of Horror' be released in China? Isn't it said that horror and thriller movies are generally difficult to release in China? Even the 'Misty' series was not released in China."
Lu Yanhe said, "The current review policy has been relaxed a lot. As long as it's not about filming supernatural or ghostly things on the surface, it's been opened up."
"Are you planning to finalize the acquisition of the distribution rights in China at this stage?" Muken asked.
Lu Yanhe said, "Yes, but Muken, I must tell you first that if there are any sensitive scenes that need to be deleted, Linghe will edit your film for the purpose of release. Of course, we won't cut randomly and ruin the integrity of your film."
Muken: "But I heard that you even changed the ending of a movie by editing and adding subtitles."
Lu Yanhe: "I don't know which movie you're talking about, but I would never do such a thing. Don't worry, this can be written into the contract. For the movie 'The Island of Horror,' if you have the script now, you can send it to me to take a look, and I'll be more confident."
“Actually, you can wait until the movie is finished before deciding whether to buy it. I can reserve the distribution rights in China for you and not give them to anyone else. You can decide after you’ve seen it,” Muken said.
“That’s not appropriate either,” Lu Yanhe said. “Besides, I actually wanted to get involved earlier because I was worried that D19 might want to replace Bai Jin again. The sooner I get involved in the production of this film, the more I can speak up for you when you need me.”
Muken: "What if it ends up being a flop and can't be released? Wouldn't that be a loss for you?"
“I wouldn’t mind if you sold me the distribution rights for the entire Asian region,” Lu Yanhe said. “Linghe has now established a relatively mature distribution network in various Asian markets. Although it can’t compare with large companies, it’s sufficient.”
Muken: "D19 probably won't agree to the distribution rights for the entire Asian region."
"Has the release date been set yet?" Lu Yanhe asked.
Muken: "No, but D19 wants the global distribution of this film. This is a condition they put forward for covering all the production costs. If it were just the distribution rights for the Chinese market, I could talk to them about it."
"Forget it, don't make things difficult for me," Lu Yanhe said. "You've already established a solid cooperative relationship with D19, and I don't want them to feel like I'm stealing their business."
Muken: "No, they won't pay for the $80 million all by themselves. They will definitely find other parties to share the burden. Of course, other parties will not be allowed to get involved in the issuance."
Lu Yanhe: "It sounds like they've been taking extra care of me."
“They’re not giving you special treatment; it’s that you’re handling distribution in China, which helps them make money. Because D19’s films are mainly horror, thriller, or independent films, they either face screening restrictions or mediocre box office results. Therefore, D19 doesn’t have much communication or contact with Chinese film companies. But it’s different with you. Hollywood film companies know that with your involvement, they can get a lot of convenience in terms of release date selection and censorship approval,” said Murken Sorge. “Whether it’s the Hollywood films you starred in, such as Hurricane 2, or the ones you wrote and produced, like Red Eye, Buried, and Flypaper, none of them encountered any censorship issues, and their release dates were not restricted.”
Lu Yanhe knew that he had always been protected and supported in the country.
No one told him about these things. But they've always done it this way. This has provided Lu Yanhe with tremendous support, both implicitly and implicitly. It's an attitude, and also a tangible benefit—the domestic government is genuinely helping Lu Yanhe further penetrate the international market.
Is it useful? As long as the international community values the Chinese market and wants to make money in the Chinese market, then it is useful, extremely useful.
Take, for example, D19's attitude towards Lu Yanhe. Lu Yanhe neither wrote nor starred in the film *The Island of Horror*, so why would D19 give him the Chinese distribution rights? You say you can invest, but how much? Out of an $80 million share, if you can only bring in money, there might not be many who would dare to be the lead investor in such a project, but there would be plenty willing to co-invest.
For Lu Yanhe, such support has strategic value on a larger scale.
-
After thinking it over, Lu Yanhe concluded that both the cooperation with Muken and the cooperation with D19 were worth continuing.
Especially his collaboration with D19. He doesn't plan to return to the *Misty* series anytime soon, which has left D19 somewhat unhappy. They finally created such a top-tier horror film series—
If they can keep making it, a hit horror movie series would be a money-making machine.
In particular, horror films have limited budgets, unlike other genres and themes where costs can increase over time.
Horror movies, no.
Lu Yanhe's decision not to return for the time being suddenly dulled D19's money-making machine. They could continue making spin-off films, with different actors and different characters as leads. But if they did that, a large portion of the fame and fans gained from the first two films would not be satisfied.
It's not to say that such a spin-off film will necessarily underperform the first two films, but—
With Lu Yanhe starring, it's possible to ensure that the key elements for the previous success are still present, reducing risk and increasing audience satisfaction.
-
Lu Yanhe thought for a moment and realized that perhaps it was time to launch a brand new horror film series to continue the business partnership with D19.
He served as a screenwriter and producer to develop these projects.
Of course, it would be great if Murken Sorge could join in to provide support.
After thinking for a moment, Lu Yanhe figured out how to negotiate with D19 on the investment and distribution of the movie "The Island of Horror".
Lu Yanhe immediately called Chen Yin and told him to make the necessary preparations and then come to the United States.
-
Every time he comes to the United States, Schmidt Lawley of Green Valley always makes sure to meet with Lu Yanhe.
On Lu Yanhe's success in Hollywood—
Schmidt Laurie of Midoriya is an unforgettable name.
In recent years, Midoriya has reaped a great harvest thanks to its collaboration with Lu Yanhe.
Putting everything else aside, the Home Alone series alone has made Midoriya a fortune.
Therefore, among all the Hollywood film company executives, Schmidt Laurie is the one who values maintaining a relationship with Lu Yanhe the most.
The closer his relationship with Lu Yanhe, the more successful Lu Yanhe became, the more say he had on the board of directors, and the more secure his position became.
"We plan to release 'Love is Not Blind' in more than 30 markets in Europe and America next March."
After meeting with Schmidt Laurie of Midoriya, Schmidt discussed the film's distribution plans with Lu Yanhe.
“The original idea was to release it simultaneously with China,” Schmidt said. “That way, ‘Love is Not Blind’ would definitely have been the top-grossing film worldwide for at least a week, and the film’s promotion would have been more focused.”
"The New Year's Eve period is a very important period, and it is also suitable for this movie."
Lu Yanhe didn't say anything else to Schmidt Laurie, only gave a brief explanation.
Lu Yanhe didn't want to be a blabbermouth and gossip about Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian's affair.
"Has the promotion for 'Love is Not Blind' started in Europe and America?" Lu Yanhe asked.
Schmidt Laurie nodded and said, "We have already started to simultaneously disseminate and promote some of the interview materials of Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian in China. Jiang Yuqian is now very well-known in Europe and America, especially in the fashion industry where she is highly regarded. On social media, her popularity and buzz are on par with that of a top Hollywood star."
Lu Yanhe said, "Can these benefits contribute to the promotion of this film?"
“Yes.” Schmidt nodded. “Love is not a film. It’s a typical chick flick that’s about female self-growth and love. There are a lot of memorable lines in the movie. I think it will definitely be a hit on social media. It’s just a matter of how popular it becomes.”
Lu Yanhe asked, "Can this movie create a box office miracle in Europe and America?"
Schmidt said, "We've been working towards that goal. We've organized several screenings internally, and everyone really enjoyed this lighthearted film. With Jiang Yuqian's current fame and appeal, I think this film should gross at least $20 million in the US."
Lu Yanhe: "Really?"
“Really,” Schmidt said. “After Red Eye and Doomsday, Jiang Yuqian has a strong appeal in the film market, especially for a film of this genre. The ceiling may be relatively low, but... it has a huge audience. Jiang Yuqian’s fans in fashion and social media happen to be the main audience for this type of film, so we think the box office performance is promising.”
Lu Yanhe understood.
In fact, movies like "Love is Not Blind" are exactly the type that most easily spark discussions on social media. Films like this have been consistently popular in the Western film market, with one or two frequently emerging that generate significant buzz or achieve outstanding box office results.
Take, for example, the American film "I Just Want to Love You" from last year, a huge dark horse that grossed over $200 million worldwide.
Schmidt Laurie's statement makes a lot of sense. Seeing Midoriya's confidence in the film "Love is Not Blind," Lu Yanhe breathed a sigh of relief.
If Midoriya lacks confidence, the distribution scale of "Love is Not Blind" will inevitably be affected.
“I also think this movie has the potential to create a small box office miracle in Europe and America,” Lu Yanhe said. “Then, in Europe and America, the selling point of this movie will entirely depend on Jiang Yuqian alone?”
“Yes, although Li Zhibai acted in ‘Buried’ and became known to some people, that’s basically not the audience of ‘Love is Not Blind’,” Schmidt Laurie said. “Moreover, Jiang Yuqian has a much greater appeal in Europe and America than Li Zhibai.”
“Alright.” Lu Yanhe smiled. “Then hopefully this movie will bring him greater fame.”
Schmidt Laurie suddenly said, "By the way, did you know that Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian starred in an art film before?"
"Yeah, I know. What's up?" Lu Yanhe asked. "By the way, I haven't been paying attention. Has it been released yet?"
“No, no company was willing to do theatrical distribution. Maxine bought it outright and is preparing to release it directly on streaming platforms,” Schmidt Laurie said. “I heard they’re planning to release it alongside ‘Love is Not Blind.’ Did you know that?”
Lu Yanhe shook his head hesitantly.
ha? -
The art film starring Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian is called "Yellow Smoke".
Lu Yanhe attended the premiere and watched the film. Without him saying anything, the film was met with widespread ridicule after its screening at the Picardo Film Festival.
Lan Tianqi, who bought the domestic distribution rights to the film at the time, said with a frustrated expression that it was probably going to flop.
To this day, this movie has not been released in the country, and no one knows why.
Is Maxine trying to use "Yellow Smoke" to ride the coattails of "Love is Not Blind"?
It's not impossible. There are Hollywood film companies that do this kind of thing. If you make *Transformers*, I'll make *Transformers*; if you make *Pacific Rim*, I'll make *Atlantic Rim*. They're aiming to ride the coattails of popular films from the very beginning.
Lu Yanhe didn't want "Love is Not Blind" to be affected by the movie "Yellow Smoke," as the negative reviews of "Yellow Smoke" might even affect "Love is Not Blind."
Lu Yanhe quickly called Chen Yin again and asked him to negotiate with Zhong Benshuo.
Linghe has collaborated with Maxine so much, how could Maxine be so incompetent?
Although Maxine did not violate any contract terms by doing this.
-
Meanwhile, Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian, who were promoting the show in China, also received news that "Yellow Smoke" would soon be available on Maxine.
Maxine invited them to help with the movie promotion.
Both Li Zhibai and Jiang Yuqian were somewhat taken aback. Why was this movie going to be released at this time?
The movie "Yellow Smoke" is terrible.
It was so bad that they were embarrassed to even mention it after the Picardo Film Festival.
However, because the film has not been released on a large scale and has not yet met with audiences, the two of them have not yet been "affected" or "burdened" by the film.
Sometimes, Li Zhibai really wished that this movie would just not be released at all.
It should be "shelved" immediately and never to reappear.
"Our contract at the time didn't include any clause requiring cooperation in promotion, did it?" Li Zhibai asked.
Lin Suyang said, "I'm satisfied with that. We've already done several promotional events at the Carlo Film Festival, but—the contract doesn't have these clauses. It was already unbelievable that we agreed to act in it. At the time, I didn't understand what you were thinking, going to act in this movie with such a mediocre script. Of course, now I know it was because you were blinded by lust."
Li Zhibai: "...You're so mean."
"Are you sure you want to refuse them and not cooperate with the publicity?"
“Let me ask Yuqian first,” Li Zhibai said. “If she still cooperates with the publicity, I can’t just let her go alone.”
Lin Suyang: "Zhibai, you need to know that Maxine is choosing this time to release this movie, which is clearly an attempt to ride on the popularity of 'Love is Not Blind' starring you and Jiang Yuqian."
Li Zhi was stunned.
"Love is Not Blind will be released in China first, and then in Asia in January and February. I heard it will be released in Europe and America in March," Lin Suyang said. "The reviews of The Yellow Smoke were very bad in Picardo. Maxine chose to release The Yellow Smoke at this time. It also stars you and Jiang Yuqian. It may affect Love is Not Blind."
“That won’t do.” Li Zhibai immediately shook his head.
-
“I signed some promotional agreements at the time,” Jiang Yuqian said on the phone, sounding very frustrated. “I had to attend at least two of their screenings.”
Li Zhibai was also anxious upon hearing this, but he didn't know what he could do.
"It's okay, I'll go with you." He finally said, "If the movie isn't good, we'll just accept it honestly, it's fine."
Jiang Yuqian: "It's fine if everyone criticizes me. I took on the film. If the film is a flop, I deserve to be criticized. But I'm afraid that this timing will affect 'Love is Not Blind'."
Li Zhi thought to himself, "Sure enough, everyone has thought of the same thing."
Jiang Yuqian: "I don't know how to face Yan He now."
Li Zhibai said with some helplessness, "Don't say anything, I'm the same."
"We're just constantly holding him back," Jiang Yuqian said with a wry smile.
"He's a bad friend," Li Zhibai said with a wry smile.
He could no longer say, "At worst, I'll make two more movies for him for free and help him make up for his losses."
This is no longer a matter of whether there is a loss or not.
Li Zhibai said, "I have a profound feeling about this."
"How did you feel?"
“We need to be more careful about collaborating in the future,” Li Zhibai said. “If it weren’t for the two of us starring in ‘Love is Not Blind,’ these things wouldn’t have been so troublesome. Is this year just unlucky?”
Jiang Yuqian: "I have already asked Sister Heng to communicate with Maxine to see if Maxine can postpone the release of this movie, at least until after 'Love is Not Blind' is released."
Li Zhibai: "Wait a moment, Yan He is calling me, let me answer this first."
(End of this chapter)
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