"It's like 'drunken country ballads'. Lan Li said with a smile on the corner of his mouth.

In fact, the release of "Drunken Country Ballad" has been very good, Sony Classics attaches great importance to this work of the Coen Brothers and Lan Li, and the distribution plan and publicity methods are the top priorities, although the awards season is still not very interested in this literary and artistic work, but the importance of Sony Classics still makes the work usher in an explosion at the box office level.

But the Coen brothers understood what Lan Li meant. On the one hand, the future of works such as "Drunken Country Ballads" in the North American market is bound to be difficult without the blessing of big-name stars, and on the other hand, even with the blessings of big names, "Drunken Country Ballads" still has not been able to break the blockade of the little golden man tights and win more respect.

That's why all independent productions want to go to Sundance, and Park City offers a stage to present themselves, even if they don't fit the style of awards season and win over independent distribution companies led by the Weinstein brothers, but they still have the opportunity to present themselves and connect with moviegoers at large.

What if Sisyphus Pictures had its own distribution system?

Of course, this does not mean that Sisyphus Pictures can break the blockade of the North American market, and there are still no theaters willing to show unprofitable works, and the United States is different from France after all, but at least it means that the development and innovation of art theaters, from the perspective of distribution strategy and promotion, Sisyphus Pictures is bound to be more patient and more willing to invest.

The difference in attitude and the investment of energy, which is already very, very rare for the distribution of independent films.

In the case of "detachment", if it was released by Sisyphus Pictures, the publicity strategy would not be aimed at the awards season, but rather at a specific audience group, arranging more movie-going events in art theaters and sparking more discussions among the groups that are really interested - Tony Kaye's original intention in filming this film was to reflect social issues and then influence the minds of specific groups, and he had no idea about the awards season at all.

According to this distribution strategy, "detachment" may not be nominated for an Oscar at all, but it can create more influence among specific groups, cause more waves, generate more artistic aftermath and social aftertaste, and then attract more movie lovers in art theaters. Such a work deserves a longer screening opportunity in art theaters.

Lan Li's simple words made the Coen brothers exchange glances, and a touch of surprise flowed in their eyes.

They all know Lan Li's acting talent, but they don't know that Lan Li also has such a keen touch outside of performance, which is enough to change the overall situation of the entire market, which coincides with Robert's idea.

Sure enough, without waiting for Ethan to reply, Robert cast his gaze with great interest, and slowly dragged out his voice, "This idea is very dangerous." The release is not child's play, and it seems that you can make some noise. ”

In the face of Robert's "accusation", Lan Li did not panic, and a smile flowed from his eyes, "You mean, making a movie can be regarded as child's play?"

Joel leaned over just right, poked his head out and intervened between Robert and Lan Li, leaving only the back of Lan Li's head, looking at Robert, but his finger pointed at Lan Li behind him, as if he was complaining, and said in a loud voice, "He deliberately misinterpreted what you meant! ”

It seems that he is still holding a grudge.

Ethan stood next to him and laughed helplessly, Lan Li shook his head slightly, the smile in his eyes became more and more intense, he did not object or protest, but raised his hands, made a gesture of surrender, and continued to say, "I know that distribution is not an easy task, it is a completely different system." ”

Making a film is an artistic creation, but distributing a film is marketing and a commercial operation, which is naturally different. DreamWorks was not involved in the distribution department, but later it fell into passivity, and was repeatedly constrained by its partners because of the distribution of interests in the distribution of distribution rights, and finally slipped into the abyss step by step.

"I've only heard about the issue. "I wasn't in charge of the specifics, I wasn't even involved in it, and I think that's the best option to reassure investors." "Is this complaining that I have no business acumen? Such a little humor really makes the rhythm and atmosphere of the conversation completely different, which is the charm of Lan Li," said Andre. ”

Robert slightly bowed his head in appreciation, "Andrey, your partner?"

"Yes, Andre Hamilton. Lan Li finally got to the point, "This time, he also came to Park City. I can introduce you to the opportunity, and while he doesn't necessarily know what Robert Redford means, I can be sure that he's always looking forward to talking to Sundance's master. ”

The subtext is ...... Or, more accurately, like-minded parties to explore the possibility of cooperation in greater depth?

After all, the current Sisyphus Pictures is far from being called a "strong one", it can only be regarded as a potential stock.

This time I came to Park City, and Andre walked with me. In addition to the upcoming premiere of "Burst Drummer" and Andre's personal attendance, the main reason is to open up the situation for Sisyphus Pictures - as Lan Li said, he is responsible for the creative part, and the management part is Andre's specialty.

However, during this trip to Park City, Andre only came to inquire about the situation and initially test Sundance's future plans and cooperation intentions, because he was also traveling lightly. If there is a real need to establish a distribution channel, Andre hopes that Arthur Hall can come and help, but at that time, they will need a larger and more professional team.

The future of Sisyphus Pictures may be even bigger than Lan Li imagined, and now it is just the beginning.

But no matter what, Robert immediately understood, obviously, he and Lan Li came prepared, regardless of whether the cooperation can be negotiated or not, at least in terms of attitude, both parties are full of sincerity, which is good news for Sundance. Then, Robert remembered the rumors in the industry for some time, and he had a hunch: all of them were in the game, thinking they were gamers, but no one was sure when they would be called pawns.

Lanli-Hall, it's not that simple.

"Phew, I don't know if I'm getting old, or if I'm too young and impulsive, I think I'm a little out of pace. Your appetite is too great. Robert sighed with a smile on his face, not responding positively to Lan Li's olive branch, but his eyes and expression still revealed a positive signal.

Lan Li was not in a hurry, a smile flashed in the depths of his eyes, "Is there any misunderstanding between us? The ambition of this Sundance thirtieth anniversary event is definitely not that simple, and Mr. Robert Redford's idea is obviously ahead of the curve." Wait, or did I get a mistake in my understanding?"

Sisyphus Pictures' ambitions are not small, is Sundance's ambition mediocre?

Robert and Lan Li's conversation styles are obviously different, both of them are fighting each other and learning from each other, without hidden temptation, but they continue to seize the opportunity in the open dialogue, and the invisible sword and sword shadow make Joel and Ethan who are watching unable to interject - in comparison, the Coen brothers are real filmmakers, all their minds are on the movie, and they can't keep up with the rhythm of higher-level confrontations.

Joel looked at Lan Li on the left and Robert on the right, and after holding back for a long time, he suddenly said, "Are you arguing? But why do you all have smiles on your faces, and it doesn't look like a quarrel?"

Lan Li laughed happily and waved his hand repeatedly, "No, no, no, we're not arguing. I'm just saying that Robert's ideas and blueprints are even more ambitious than ours, and it's up to us to see if he needs our help. ”

Robert narrowed his eyes slightly, and slightly raised the corners of his mouth with a smile written on it, "Help?" It should be mutually beneficial.

"At the end of the day, it's all the same, it's just a difference in the way it is expressed. Lan Li still said calmly and calmly.

Robert smiled dumbly, then gently bowed his head in agreement, "I'm also very much looking forward to getting to know this Andre Hamilton and daring to invest in the work of Ranley Hall, it takes extraordinary courage, and I'm starting to wonder a little bit about what kind of character he is." ”

Sisyphus Films' prospect of cooperation at the Sundance Film Festival has finally knocked on the door.

"I guess he's a fool. Lan Li complained solemnly.

At this time, Andre, who was having a video conference in the hotel, sneezed without warning, and then another one, and the others in the video conference said, "Bless-You", but Andre paused, looked around vigilantly, but after all, he still had no clue, so he could only withdraw his gaze and continue the meeting.

After the symposium officially ended, Lan Li still did not rush back, but went to the cinema with the Coen brothers to watch two short documentaries.

The audience for documentaries is already small, and the audience for short films is even more scarce. Lan Li and the Coen brothers' cheering, in a sense, also hopes to attract the attention of more audiences. Of course, after the screening, the communication with the main creative team was also very beneficial.

Compared to films, documentaries are longer, more arduous, and more difficult to shoot. The experience of the main creative team is full of legends and accidents, which is eye-opening.

Both the Lanley and Coen brothers enjoyed the process.

By the time I left the cinema, Park City was already in full darkness.