Filming "The Three-Body Problem" is definitely a big project. Zheng Qian has no idea of filming it himself in the short term, so he still has some willingness to sell the film rights.
Under normal circumstances, after the copyright is sold, the effective adaptation period of the copyright is five years.
It is unlikely that Zheng Qian will film "The Three-Body Problem" within five years. This will require technological innovation by the domestic special effects team.
However, using foreign special effects teams is too expensive. Given the current domestic film market ecology, it will be a complete loss for each film, and nine times out of ten, the money will not be recovered.
Therefore, facing these wealthy international people in front of him, Zheng Qian was still a little moved.
"The Three-Body Problem" won the Hugo Award, which has proven its value. If the movie is well-made, it will naturally become a hit, and it will also drive book sales. If the movie is not well-made and the box office is sluggish, it has nothing to do with the author, because
It's because you didn't take the picture well.
No matter how he thought about it, Zheng Qian felt that there was nothing wrong with it, so he agreed to the invitation.
He instead gave Taro Karasawa his contact information. Although the latter was eager to communicate with Zheng Qian, the price of the film copyright was destined to be much higher than the animation copyright.
Compared with Yamakawa Kazuo, as the president of the comics club, he is obviously not a competitor. After all, the two are seeking different adaptation rights, so they bowed farewell and asked Zheng Qian to contact him afterwards.
Later, Zheng Qian took a vehicle and went to a local private club with Stephen at the invitation of Kazuo Yamakawa and others.
The meal was Japanese food, and Zheng Qian wasn't used to it, so he casually picked up a few fish fillets and put down his chopsticks.
Yamakawa Kazuo and others were originally chatting with Zheng Qian about interesting things about the World Science Fiction Convention. When Zheng Qian put down his chopsticks, they immediately looked at each other and knew that Mr. Zheng already wanted to join the group, so they also put down their chopsticks.
lay down.
"The Three-Body Problem is a great work. There is no doubt that the Hugo Award is just the icing on the cake."
Kazuo Yamakawa wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin, and then said seriously: "Mr. Zheng, I am a member of Science Frontier, and naturally I am also a fan of "The Three-Body Problem". As a fan, I very eagerly hope that "The Three-Body Problem"
This kind of work can be put on the big screen and let the world experience the charm of "The Three-Body Problem"."
As he said that, he pointed to the few people next to him: "They also have the same idea as me. We are here on this trip. Whether "The Three-Body Problem" wins or not, it will not affect our desire to adapt "The Three-Body Problem" into a movie.
determination."
Daisuke Ito, president of the Japanese Film Directors Association, said: "Mr. Zheng, we are actually all your fans. We have all watched "The Three-Body Problem" not long ago. To say something offensive, considering the current level of special effects in China,
It is impossible to film "The Three-Body Problem", but we in Japan have the world's top special effects team. Under the shooting of Director Yamakawa, the entire "Three-Body Problem" will be shot extremely realistically."
"In terms of actors, because I am the president of the Film Directors Association, in order to film "The Three-Body Problem", I believe that many capable actors will join. Of course, we know that Mr. Zheng is also a well-known actor in China. If you are willing, you can
You can also participate in the filming of the movie."
"With the connections, the support of Sony Pictures, and the funding from Goldin Investment Bank, I believe that in the near future, "The Three-Body Problem" will truly become popular all over the world and become a household name."
Daisuke Ito spoke impassionedly and took everything in his hands. As long as Zheng Qian sold the copyright, he could become a hands-off shopkeeper.
Sony Pictures Vice President Minoru Murata said with a smile: "Mr. Zheng, Director Yamakawa is indeed a rare talent in our country. The disaster films he shot have always been famous for their grand scenes, and they once maintained the reputation of being the most popular film in Japan. Box office myth, plus he is a fan of your book. In this way, you can safely understand the narration and shooting of various scenes in the book, and maintain restoration to the greatest extent. I think that the entire international film world has no There is no director more suitable for filming "The Three-Body Problem" than Director Yamakawa."
"Mr. Murata is right. Perhaps Hollywood's special effects technology can film "The Three-Body Problem", but the actual situation must be taken into account. Chinese culture has a long history. Confucian culture has influenced neighboring countries. We in Japan once admired Chinese culture. We There are still Chinese characters in the text."
Daisuke Ito knelt down at the dining table and said enthusiastically: "Because of the great influence, we have been studying Chinese culture. In this way, we can understand the meaning of the scenes and words in the book. Sometimes, I will also use the language of the camera to explain some of the narrations in the book."
Yamakawa Kazuo's eyes were bright and he looked directly at Zheng Qian, expecting a reply.
Although Zheng Qian doesn't know much about Kazuo Yamakawa, he does know about Sony Pictures. As a director exclusively contracted by Sony Pictures, Yamakawa's status and strength in Japan are obvious.
Everything is in the most satisfactory state.
But as for copyright fees...
Zheng Qian lowered his head and drank tea.
Although he didn't speak, Yamakawa Kazuo already understood what Zheng Qian meant, so he turned to look at Kyuhiko Ushihara, the head of the investment department of Soprano Investment Bank.
Ushihara Kyuhiko is already over fifty years old. His hair is slightly gray, but he takes care of it very carefully. However, he seems to be a little too cautious in his words and deeds. From the moment they met, he never said more than Ten sentences.
Seeing Kazuo Yamakawa looking over at this time, Ushihara Kyuhiko took out a check from his arms and handed it to Zheng Qian with both hands: "Mr. Zheng, after our evaluation of the novel "The Three-Body Problem", we believe that this novel The price for the film and television adaptation rights of the novel should be US$3 million."
Three million U.S. dollars, at the current exchange rate, is about 24 million yuan.
It's true that Zheng Qian is not moved.
He had never even seen a check for three million dollars, but when he glanced at it, he found that the check only said one hundred thousand dollars.
"This is the advance deposit." Ushihara Kyuhiko said with a smile.
Zheng Qian almost poured the water in the teacup in his hand.
"Mr. Zheng, we only have a verbal agreement at the moment. If you are willing, the three million US dollars can be transferred to your account the moment we sign the contract."
Ushihara Yuhiko said with a smile: "I am the director of the investment department of Goldin Investment Bank. We at Goldin have a professional investment and research team. The adaptation of "The Three-Body Problem" is of high value. Coupled with director Yamakawa, this is a double sword." Together, there is so much value that can be developed, and I look forward to the day when the movie version of "The Three-Body Problem" will be released."
Zheng Qian said: "I only sell movie rights."
Kazuo Yamakawa smiled: "This is naturally the price of the movie copyright."
"I will only sell it for five years."
"Yes, there is enough time. I believe that the filming of "The Three-Body Problem" will officially start at the end of this year. By this time next year at the latest, you can hear the news of the movie being released."
“Can I raise the price?”
Zheng Qian said casually, with an ambiguous attitude.
Yamakawa Kazuo paused, then looked at Ushihara Kyuhiko.
Ushihara Kyuhiko shook his head.
Kazuo Yamakawa turned around and laughed: "Of course, Mr. Zheng, I am personally willing to pay another half a million US dollars, a total of 3.5 million US dollars, to buy the film rights of "The Three-Body Problem" for a period of five years, five years
After that, the copyright is automatically returned."
Zheng Qian put the tea cup on the table, extended his hand and said, "It's a pleasure to cooperate."
“A pleasure to work with.”
…
Zheng Qian was not greedy, he just wanted to test Kazuo Yamakawa's attitude. Since he was willing to pay half a million US dollars out of his own pocket, he would naturally take the film copyright of the novel "The Three-Body Problem" seriously.
Money or no money doesn't matter, what Zheng Qian wants is an attitude.
Otherwise, Zheng Qian himself would be blushing if something weird happened like fighting spirit turning into a horse.
And Zheng Qian believes that even if his asking price is higher, Yamakawa Kazuo will agree without hesitation.
But that would be a bit too uninteresting.
Although "The Three-Body Problem" is indeed very valuable, the film adaptation rights alone can be sold for nearly 30 million yuan, which is already a sky-high price.
There is no such price in the entire continent, and only international investors can spend huge sums of money.
After attending the World Science Fiction Conference and finalizing the contract for the film copyright of "The Three-Body Problem", Zheng Qian returned to China.
The lonely Tangsawa Taro did not wait for Zheng Qian's call.
Compared to the sky-high price of movie copyrights and the price and ownership of comic copyrights, Zheng Qian obviously doesn't care too much.
Moreover, although the domestic special effects team cannot make a movie of "The Three-Body Problem", the comic can still be run.
Yuexiang Media itself has a comic team. The first season of "That Year of the Rabbit" has been completed and animation has begun. At this stage, the company is actively applying to relevant departments for animation release qualifications.
However, the current domestic situation does not allow such animations to appear on satellite TV. With various delays, Qi Zhongcai, general manager of Yuexiang Media, decided to abandon the traditional broadcast method and change it to online broadcast.
Although the current 2G network cannot support video playback on mobile phones, current broadband is enough to play this animation smoothly.
All that is needed now is production time.
However, after several preparations, the comic version of "That Year of the Rabbit" is also ready to be launched in the near future. However, this comic, which Zheng Qian has high hopes for, is obviously unable to make profits for the company in a short period of time, and it can
It is foreseeable that there will be a lot of talk about piracy of all kinds as the Internet goes online.
Zheng Qian has a way to stop it, but it's not necessary.
He looked down upon that little money.
He just wanted to watch the leeks quietly, and when the leeks were ripe, he would chop them with his knife and harvest them perfectly.
After working together for half a year, the comic team has already developed a tacit understanding, so it is okay to take over the "Three-Body" comic.
Taro Karasawa is destined to be let down for the time being, unless he can come across the sea.
Then he really came across the sea.
…
It was the first time for Taro Karasawa to set foot in China. When he got off the plane in Beijing, he looked at the scenery outside the window through the taxi, feeling a little amazed and a little confused.
All the surrounding buildings are brand new.
As well as the people's demeanor, they are all energetic and upward, and their words are full of passion.
How imaginary is this from Japan twenty years ago!
Everyone's faces have a beautiful vision for the future written on their faces.
Tang Zetaro's heart trembled.
He had a hunch that if China continued to develop at this rate, it would not be long before China would surpass Japan and become the world's leading superpower.
Compared with Japan, China does not have many constraints and is unlikely to sign the "Plaza Agreement"...
Taro Karasawa suddenly woke up.
As long as this country works steadily, it will be able to soar into the sky. The future is absolutely limitless, and it may even be able to show off its muscles and show off its strength with the United States.
Look at the land area, geographical location, development status and level, coupled with the unique diligence and intelligence of the Chinese cultural circle...
Taro Karasawa was fascinated by it.
This time when he came to China, he suddenly had a bold idea.
The current housing prices in Tokyo are ridiculously high, but the housing prices in first-tier cities in mainland China are crazy low. He even has the idea and desire to immediately spend all his wealth to invest in China.
With his current financial resources, he can still buy several high-quality residences in the capital.
But he soon came to his senses.
I am here to discuss the comic copyright agreement with Zheng Qian. I should not pay for these ridiculous ideas...
On the other side, Zheng Qian also received the news that Taro Karasawa had arrived in the capital.
However, because I was in Hong Kong and was busy with work and was discussing with Wan Feng to prepare for the upcoming Asian tour concert, I was unable to return to the mainland, so I called Qi Zhongcai to receive him on his behalf.
As for the comic copyright, Zheng Qian has also thought about it. The copyright can be divided into Chinese and Japanese versions. The Chinese version will be handled by his own comic studio, and the Japanese version can be sold to Taro Karasawa.
If you don't agree, you can only cancel this cooperation.
Although "The Three-Body Problem" just won the Hugo Award and the market is currently very hot, not everyone is interested in the rights to adapt the science fiction novel. Currently, Taro Karasawa, who is in the Japanese market, has contacted Zheng Qian one after another.
The attitude is still very sincere.
As for the expected price, it will naturally not be as sky-high as the "Three-Body" movie rights.
But it shouldn't be too low.
Zheng Qian thinks that just a few million yuan for the copyright of the first comic book will be enough, so as not to embarrass international friends.
When Qi Zhongcai met with Taro Karasawa and after a reception, he entered the group.
In less than half an hour, the negotiation was over.
Qi Zhongcai walked out of the reception room, entered the bathroom, and rinsed his hands with cold water.
He looked at the water flow, and gradually picked up the water and rinsed his cheeks.
He wanted to try to wake himself up.
After a long time, he raised his head and looked at himself in the mirror. His expression could no longer be controlled, and he looked surprised: "Are all these small Japanese people so rich?"
Ten million yuan!
It turned out to be 10 million yuan!
In addition, in order to achieve his goal, Taro Karasawa also took the initiative to give 10% of the comics publishing share.
Qi Zhongcai was indeed frightened.
He still remembered Zheng Qian's instructions that it could be sold for two to three million. At that time, he thought this figure was exaggerated.
Because China is really not that proud.
One million can buy the movie rights of several best-selling novel authors.
Is this the difference between developed and developing countries?