"Fifty percent of the release commission? The distribution fee must be calculated separately?" Xu Ligong understood the Hollywood distribution rules and said: "Mr. Anderson, this movie was released in North America. I remember that the North American distribution commission routine is not about 30%?"

Ronan's skin is very white, but his heart is dark: "Yes, a Hollywood movie is released in North America, and the commission for distribution is usually about 30%. But! Director Lee, Mr. Xu, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is not a Hollywood movie, it is a foreign language foreign power source! You are locally distributed in Zhongguo. Now we are talking about the overseas market distribution rights of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"!"

Ang Lee and Xu Ligong looked at each other and found that the other party was so reasonable, and they instantly felt speechless.

But Xu Ligong is a businessman, and immediately left this aside and said: "The distribution fee is too high. Director Lee is a well-known Hollywood director. He has a wide reputation in North America. This alone can attract a large number of audiences."

Since he was talking about business and was sure that his side had a favorable position, Ronan became sharp: "Two, I am forgiving. Director Lee's previous films, "Ice Storm", invested nearly 20 million US dollars, and the box office in North America was only 8 million US dollars."

He glanced at Ang Lee and said, "Sorry, Director Lee. I'm just telling the truth."

Ang Lee only had a slightly cramped smile on his face.

Ronan's words are not finished yet: "The production cost of "Historing with the Devil" released last year is as high as US$35 million, and the box office in North America is only US$630,000. Overseas copyright is still under the hands of Universal Pictures and cannot be sold."

These are all verifiable data, and Ang Lee and Xu Ligong could not refute it at all.

"Because of these two films," Ronan said directly: "Director Lee is on the blacklist of many Hollywood companies. Isn't this fake?"

Since he has taken a fancy to this film, Ronan will definitely make full preparations: "Director Lee's first two movies failed. This "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" has a distinct author style. The publisher's risk is very high. You can't let us take risks alone, right?"

Xu Ligong's head turned quickly and said, "Mr. Anderson, let's not discuss anything else. If you are proficient in Eastern culture, you must understand that there are a large number of Chinese people in North America, including countless martial arts movie lovers, and their thoughts have long been westernized. These are all potential audiences."

Luo Nan smiled and said, "As a martial arts film, the form of this movie is not good enough, and the setting of martial arts movements is too romantic. It emphasizes elegance and lightness, which makes people always feel uncomfortable. Although the history of Chinese martial arts is indeed very respectful of sword harmony, the concept of martial arts is far more than lightness and elegance, right?"

"I sat among ordinary audiences at the premiere. Do you know how they evaluate this film?" Ronan didn't need anyone to answer, and said directly: "Many audience members said it was a science fiction film!"

When he heard the word "science fiction", Xu Ligong and Ang Lee's faces were a little dark.

Ronan ignored this and continued: "Don't talk to me about ideas or other metaphysical things. I am a publisher, only talking about market and business. The subversive martial arts form and content of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is not friendly to traditional martial arts fans. In the eyes of ordinary Western audiences, this kind of flying film is simply a science fiction film."

He looked at Ang Lee and Xu Ligong: "Don't forget, this is still a foreign language film! How much risk should the publisher bear such a movie with inherent flaws?"

Ang Lee seemed to have suffered a little blow, without saying a word. His original defeat in "Historing with the Devil" damaged his confidence. At this time, he couldn't help but wonder if the filming of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was wrong.

But he was a man with a relatively firm will after all, and he quickly calmed down his mind.

For a moment, Xu Ligong wanted to give up negotiations and simply sold the film to Miramax for $6 million.

After all, businessmen are profit-oriented and will not let go of the opportunity to make more money. Xu Ligong said with a bad face and said, "The commission for distribution of 50% of total income is too high. This film is for financing and filming. I cannot explain such conditions to the partner."

Luo Nan frowned, as if in a very difficult situation. After a while, he said: "Director Li, Mr. Xu, I like the martial arts culture of the East. The most heroic people are for the country and the people. I was moved by it. I also want to recommend the things I like to more people, but I also have to be responsible to the company and employees and cannot do business at a loss."

These words are full of emotion and expressive, fully demonstrating a person's struggle and hesitation between preferences and business.

Ronan always believes that the people with the best acting skills in the world have never been Oscar winners or performance award winners at the three major European film festivals, but businessmen and politicians.

"I can take a step back for what I like," Ronan said.

Xu Ligong was delighted. This old man really likes martial arts?

Ronan calmly put forward the real conditions: "Embassy Pictures bought out the North American copyright of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and took the risk!" He gritted his teeth and said, "$5 million, buy out at one time!"

Although Xu Ligong was not satisfied with this number, the other party finally made concessions, which shows that some talks were made.

Selling off the North American distribution copyright is not a bad idea, and it can guarantee stable returns for the producers, and all risks are grafted to the distribution company.

"This price is too low!" Xu Ligong didn't notice at all. He was already following Ronan's rhythm. He dragged Miramax out as negotiation conditions: "Millamax's Harvey Weinstein has contacted me and wants to buy out the North American copyright of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" for one-time for $7 million."

Ronan's heart moved, but his face was silent, and he said, "You really want to work with Miramax. I believe Director Lee has heard of Harvey Weinstein's character."

Ang Lee didn't say anything.

Ronan thought of the Harvey Weinstein purchase case that he had seen in his previous life and asked: "Milla Max wants to buy out the copyright in one lump sum. Do they have to pay the money in one lump sum?"

Xu Ligong immediately heard that there was something wrong with it.

"No?" Ronan immediately speculated: "It could be an installment, right?"

He said directly: "As far as I know, Harvey Weinstein used installment payments to deceive the producers more than once. He first offered $6 million, but when others saw it, they didn't rob him. He gave a deposit of $2 million. The rest of the film had to wait until the income was obtained before giving it to the film, and then it would drag it out, and it was delayed indefinitely. The contract was signed overseas, and the lawsuit was very cumbersome..."

Ang Lee looked at Xu Ligong. Xu Ligong understood what he meant and quietly tapped his chin.

When it is time to step on the competitor, Ronan never hesitates: "The conflict between Miramax and his parent company Walt Disney is extremely sharp, and the conflict between Weinstein brothers and Michael Eisner is even more irreconcilable. Michael Eisner has been working hard to regain Miramax's independent management rights in recent years. In that case, the Weinstein brothers can only step down from Miramax, and then they have to pay in installments, which will increase exponentially."

This time, Xu Ligong, who didn't know much about the inside story of Hollywood, looked at Ang Lee, and Ang Lee nodded gently.

A trace of cold sweat oozed out of Xu Ligong's forehead. The situation was confirmed. What does this mean? He was almost cheated by Harvey Weinstein!

Even if the money can be recovered for a few years, how do you calculate the time cost? What if the lawsuit is filed in the law and the costs are incurred?

This Miramax is a pit!

Ronan said: "I can guarantee that Embassy Film will pay the buyout fee in one lump sum." He raised the conditions in due course: "8 million US dollars, pay it in one lump sum. I can only say sorry if it is higher."

Xu Ligong quickly calculated in his mind that the production cost of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was $17 million, but in fact it was only $15 million. North America alone could recover half of the cost...

Martial arts films are ultimately niche in North America.

Xu Ligong sighed secretly and looked at Luo Nan again. Luo Nan had no intention of continuing to speak, and was waiting for his reply.

"I need some time to think about it." Xu Ligong was very cautious: "Mr. Anderson, I will give you an answer in a while."

Ronan nodded and said, "Yes. But don't let me wait too long. I've been in Cannes for a short time and left before the closing ceremony."

Xu Ligong said: "There is one week before the closing ceremony, and I will give you a reply within five days."

Luo Nan could not force Xu Ligong to respond immediately and said, "Yes."

When it comes to this, there is basically nothing to say. Ronan shook hands with Ang Lee and Xu Ligong and left the cafe.

In the next few days, Ronan continued to watch movies around at the Cannes Film Festival, looking for other impressive movies, but gained nothing.

Many art films he remembers are priced at millions of dollars in North America. Even if they buy them and get them back to North America for distribution, there is not much profit.

In addition, Ronan also saw Sophie Marceau himself at a premiere and went over to exchange greetings.

Whether it is Aunt Su or Aunt Mo who met before, these two screen goddesses who take off their clothes in the movie are as ordinary as drinking water and eating, they can clearly feel the beauty's sadness.

Fortunately, these two people have left countless artistic masterpieces on the screen that are both standard and profound!

If you think about it carefully, I don’t know how many little lives in the world died in front of their artistic beauty lens.

Perhaps, they have also made outstanding contributions to limiting the unlimited increase in the global population.

Ronan remembers that the two of them were both unfortunate in their marriage. Did Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci never notice it? They were born with a couple!

These two great gods are all the same, and it feels like they think about it.

If Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci star in real artistic masterpieces, such as romantic action movies, they will definitely be out of stock.
Chapter completed!