""Becoming Julia"? Sony has already made a move, let's follow the price of 5 million. "How about 'A Good Woman'? It seems to have Oscar potential, and Scarlett Johansson and Helen Hunter also have good box office appeal. "I just know that if I don't buy "Flying Over the Ocean", I will regret it. ”…… Despite the gradual start of the fall semester of various schools, due to the arrival of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the area around the Greater Toronto City Convention and Exhibition Center has attracted more attention than ever, with media reporters and celebrities everywhere, and well-known media such as The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, The New York Times, and the Los Angeles Times have gathered in the restaurant café to conduct different interviews and photos.

This year's TIFF has 328 films participating in the exhibition, which is divided into 16 units such as "Canadian Premiere, Discovery, Master, Midnight Madness, Special Introduction", etc. But unlike the three major European film festivals in Berlin, Cannes and Venice, TIFF is not a competition, it doesn't even have a jury, and the entire festival has only one "People's Choice Award", voted for by the people for the best film of the year, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and last year's "Zatoichi Story" have won this award.

The lack of awards is even more flocking to studios, because TIFF is known for its large number of film screenings, including art films, independent films, and commercial films, and many films find distributors from this point to the big screen in North America, and then either make a fortune, or make Oscar nominations and podiums, or rush off the production line after a week of test screenings. And there is no doubt that there must be something good hidden in the 328 movies!

This is a topic that distributors are discussing, such as the opening film "Becoming Julia", "A Good Woman" based on Oscar Wilde's "The Admirer of Lady Windermere", and Kevin Spacey's "Flying Over the Sea", which he wrote, directed, and acted in...... The People's Choice Award hit "Hotel Rwanda" was not sold, and the producer Lianmei & Lionsgate let it exhibit purely to add to its fame.

"'Crash,' we're going to have to take it. It was already September 10, the second day of the opening, and the most watched "Special Introduction" unit films were released one after another, and after watching "Crash" written and directed by Paul Haggis, Jon Feltemmel, partner and CEO of Lionsgate, took a fancy to it at a glance.

"Crash" is jointly invested by 6.5 million US dollars from six small producers, including Bullseye Films, Bob-Yari Films, DEJ Films, and Blackfriars-Bridge Films, 51-year-old Paul Haggis is a famous TV screenwriter who began to move into the field of film scripts after 2000, and now the script works include the unreleased "Million Dollar Baby" and "Crash", the former has been scheduled to be released on December 15 this year;

Although Paul Haggis is famous for his TV work, the excellent script of "Crash" has also attracted various stars such as Matt Dillon and Sandy Newton to join, and Sandra Braque even paid for a plane ticket to the set out of her own pocket in order to participate. However, with an initial cost budget of 6 million, in order to save money, Haggis used his own house and car in some scenes, and there is no distributor so far...... This all shows some of its awkward state.

First of all, it has great potential to impact various awards such as the Oscars, and social issues such as racial discrimination are very good points to discuss, don't forget that "Million Dollar Baby" received a lot of praise in the test screening; if it can be nominated for the grand prize, or even won, the global box office of "Crash" will not be less than 30 million, is this really the case? Thinking of this, in the corner of the café of the convention and exhibition center, Jon Filtimmel said in a calm tone: "All the distribution rights of the theater chain and DVD, let's bid 2 million first." ”

"2 million shouldn't be able to take it, Miramax is also interested, and ......" The coffee cup was steaming, but Tom Odenberg had a grim face, and he was not in the mood to drink coffee at all, and said: "I'm afraid that Wang Yang is interested now." ”

In recent years, Lionsgate has been crushed by flames, and it has repeatedly failed in the competition to buy films, and those who do not often do not achieve poor results. Because of the avoidance of causing a scramble to buy, the flame movie that is not stupid is very good at playing tricks, and when buying a film, it is false and real, and several "misses" have caused the opponent's hemorrhage, and sometimes it can be spent on a movie for 1 million yuan because of "love", no publicity or screening, only DVD, etc., to increase the amount of films for the film and television library; of course, sometimes it really does a loss-making business, but under the long-tail theory, it has become "putting a long line to catch small fish", all of which is difficult for people to see where its gold mine is.

As soon as he heard Young-ang, Jon Fittimmel's face changed, and he subconsciously took a deep breath slightly: "If he's interested, that's really ...... Worst. Is it possible to stop the buying team of Flame Films from seeing 'Crash'? Jon Feltimel smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "We can only watch how things develop, but this time, Tom, you know, I'm very determined." ”

He took a sip of coffee, and there was a touch of excitement on his middle-aged face: "The story of "Crash" is very strong, it is the kind of film that can be shown on a large scale in the first week, and if the preliminary publicity work is done, it can become "Fahrenheit 911." ”

"Fahrenheit 911" has now received 110 million at the North American box office in 11 weeks of theater and nearly 200 million worldwide, making it Lionsgate's most beautiful fight since "Ghost Record" and perhaps "Crash" for the third time. Tom Odenberg nodded, his determination was also great, and the success of Fahrenheit 911 was enough to support them in explaining the operation to the board, if old friends come, let's see!

"Jan, you're at the Toronto Film Festival right now? I recommend you check out Crash because it's so well scripted, and if it's a good movie, you can't miss it!"

There was an excited voice from Australia-Sydney on the phone, and Heath Ledger had joined the producers for the role of "Hansen" in "Crash", and Hansen was later played by Ryan Phillip. "No, we're just about to buy the rights to it. Wang Yang put away his mobile phone, dragged Jessica's hand beside him, and walked to a screening hall in the convention and exhibition center: "Let's go watch "Crash"!" Jessica blinked curiously: "Is Flame going to buy it?" Wang Yang nodded and said, "It's been decided a long time ago." "......" Flame Films has joined the competition for the distribution rights of "Crash", and it is rumored that the price has been offered 4 million. —Reuters.

"What!?4 million ......" Hearing the news, Jon Fitty Melton frowned tightly, the old friend still came, this is really not surprising at all, how could Amazing Young not see the potential of "Crash"? Good things and bad things, the good thing is that "Crash" may be even better than the previous evaluation; the bad thing is that it is difficult for it to enter the Lionsgate film and television library, as soon as he opens his mouth, it is 4 million! Jon Filtimmel came back to his senses and couldn't help but scold: "Damn! Don't go too far with this kid......"

4 million is almost the limit price of Lionsgate when the flame movie does not participate in the competition, and now the finish line of Lionsgate is the starting line of the flames, which is in trouble. Although they are indeed very determined, their opponent is the crazy Wonder Young! And it is the Wonder Young, who has just made a name for himself in the IT world, and the money in his hand is now too busy, right? Can he just lose "Crash" like this? Jon Fittimmel's scalp suddenly went numb, no! "Crash" has amazing potential! He pondered for a while, and said to Oldenberg: "We mentioned 4.5 million. ”

"Competition for the distribution rights of Crash is fierce, with a number of well-known publishers battling. —Toronto Star

As soon as the 4 million price of the flame movie started, Lionsgate quoted 4.5 million, and now with the "Miracle Young Certification", Miramax can safely open 5 million, and Sony Classic will not be left behind 6 million...... Then the second offer of the flame movie, 8 million. "How much?", "What did Wonder Young say?" Seeing Don Cheadle, who was in charge of liaising with the flames, hung up the phone with a dumbfounded face, several other producers Robert Moresco, Bobo Yari, and Paul Haggis all suddenly asked, and Don Cheadle gradually showed a happy smile: "He said that no matter what, the flame movie will release "Crash", 8 million. ”

"He's a black hole!", "I'm!" According to the gossip media, the Weinstein brothers of Miramax angrily scolded Magic Yang in the café after learning the latest price of the Flame Movie, and a reporter next to him heard it clearly and took a photo.

In fact, it is no wonder that the Weinstein brothers are so annoyed, since the conflict with the parent company Disney CEO Michael Eisner has intensified, they have been holding their breath, although they can still produce and distribute "Chicago", "Cold Mountain", "Kill Bill" and other good films, Disney has curbed their plans to make the company bigger and make more big-budget films, and they have also suggested joining the acquisition of "Artisan Films" Disney rejected the competition, and finally the well-funded Fire Movies won Lionsgate and got the now coveted film and television library; Disney also shot Miramax for investing in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, and just this year, Michael Eisner banned their plans to produce and distribute "Fahrenheit 911", and then Lionsgate had the last laugh...... Now, 8 million is a cut above Disney's license price for Crash, which means Miramax will pull out of the bid. After scolding those two times emotionally out of control, the Weinstein brothers also strengthened their determination to completely break away from Disney and stand on their own!

In this way, Miraculous Yang has another name, the Weinstein brothers gave the nickname "Black Hole", no one knows what its mass limit is, no one knows how crazy he will be.

"Jan, you also know that the media likes to exaggerate, "Crash" is a very amazing movie, we are going to quit, I couldn't help but sigh at the time, it turned into a curse, haha! I hope you don't mind this. "Now that we have made up our minds to create another independent film company, it is even more important to maintain a good relationship with independent film companies, because competitors can become partners at any time, and the Weinstein brothers, who have always been very popular, know what to do, and personally call Wang Yang to explain.

Wang Yang naturally didn't care about this little thing, and replied to Brother Weinstein with a smile: "I understand, it's nothing, sometimes I'm really like a black hole, when my wife cooks a table of delicious food." ”

"Hello, Mr. Zhou, it's really nice to meet you, I like your movies so much!" This year's Toronto Film Festival has reached its sixth day, and dozens of participating films will premiere on September 14, including the Hong Kong film "Kung Fu". And Wang Yang took Jessica and the flame film team to the premiere screening hall of "Kung Fu", and happily shook hands with Stephen Chow, who was dressed in a white kung fu suit. Jessica looked at him with a smile, knowing best that he really liked Stephen Chow's movies, and pulled her to watch DVDs of several films such as "God of Food" and "Shaolin Football".

"Thank you very much!" Stephen Chow laughed with his signature face, and he was also very happy: "Mr. Wang, I always say that, I like your movies very much, you are so good." ”

After getting to know each other one by one, Wang Yang seemed to be very familiar with each other, and said a little reproachfully: "Stephen, why don't you ask us to invest? Tell me honestly!" He said a broken Cantonese and said with a smile: "When will you have a chance next time?" Stephen Chow was a little stunned: "Uh." Wang Yang said with a smile as if he was serious: "I have always had an idea, if you and Jim Carrey are put into the same comedy, the two best and funniest guys, what do you think?" Stephen Chow hesitated to snort again, and Wang Yang had already said: "Think about it! I have a plan." ”…… Although Miramax only received 489,000 box office for the release of "Shaolin Football" in North America this year, "Kung Fu" is not without distributors, because of its $20 million production cost, there are Huayi Brothers, Beijing Film Studio, Xinghui and other participants, and the main Columbia company, its North American distribution rights naturally fell into the hands of Sony Classics. ”

If Miramax asks, it's possible, and if the fire movie asks, it's not possible.

"Just now, Lionsgate bid to 8.5 million. The sold-out screening room rang out with chuckles from time to time, many local Chinese fans in Toronto came to support, and it seemed that "Kung Fu" had the charm to make North American audiences laugh. On the big screen, the charter wife chased Stephen Chow, and in the laughter, in the front seat, Mark Slunt whispered to Wang Yang, who was laughing wildly regardless of his image, Miramax withdrew, but Lionsgate, Sony Classic, Fox Searchlight, Focus, Summit and other companies were still on the runway.

Now all companies have almost made a promise when negotiating that they will give "Crash" strong publicity and large-scale screening, in fact, there is no need to promise, Bull's Eye Company and other producers are very relieved, can 8.5 million buy it back to press the warehouse? However, there are differences in the release time, whether it will be released at the end of this year and hit the '05 Oscars, or will it be released next year and hit the '06 Oscars? Lionsgate is inclined to next year; and the Flames are this year.

It's not a tendency but a certainty, Wang Yang and Flame Movies are so 100% asking for the purchase of "Crash", the business is only secondary, and the most important thing is to arrange for it to be released this year, acting as a spoiler for the 77th Oscars in 2005, not the 78th. Because the road to the Oscars of "Mr. Hughes 2" is not clear, and being able to get multiple nominations is already a victory, but Wang Yang is very aware of the "Best Picture" potential of "Crash".

Maybe "Crash" is so good, maybe the academy judges are not afraid to award the best picture to a gay film, without "Crash" and "Munich", anyway, "Brokeback Mountain" has a regrettable result at the 78th Oscars. But no matter what, Wang Yang hopes to try to change the track that he has never seen; as for "Firefly", whose life and death are unknown, he doesn't think about it so much, and his only extravagant hope is that it is a successful film and a classic film.

"Besides, let's stop being wordy, hahahaha!!" Wang Yangzheng was saying that there was a burst of laughter again, and even Jessica looked at him eagerly, laughing too exaggeratedly! Laughing and laughing, Wang Yang did not forget about "Crash", and said to Mark Slent: "But I think it's time to change the strategy! Buy it out at a high price, like 15 million, 20 million!" Mark Slant shrugged knowingly.

"Wouldn't it be a bit much?" Jessica also heard his words, and couldn't help but lean into his ear and asked curiously, the production cost of "Crash" is only 6.5 million, and the distribution fee of 9 million is already a miraculous sky-high price, and she knows that the normal situation should be about 4 million. Jessica didn't doubt the vision of him and the Flame Buying Department, but she was a little emotional, she had been following him for a long time, and she often saw that "casually" was smashed out by 100 million, so that she was about to forget the careful calculation that a woman should have learned from her mother in magazines and books, which is unimaginable.

Wang Yang finally stopped laughing, shook his head and said, "No, it's very good, it's definitely worth the price, hahaha...... I hope no one will give 100 million and the flames to rob!" Jessica raised her eyebrows innocently, as if she had messed up the family's ledger: "I'm sure, no." ”

100 million? No one even 10 million followed. After learning the news of the two-fold plan of Flame Movie's offer of 9 million + dividends and 20 million buyouts, Jon Filtimmel could only scold aggrievedly: "Black hole." Then he withdrew from the competition, determined to properly package and promote "Hotel Rwanda"! He was already starting to be a little scared, and suddenly the flame movie said that he would not follow, and he played everyone again, and Lionsgate needed to pay 8.5 million for the purchase of the film.

And almost everyone thinks that the price offered by the flame is too high, "Crash" is widely acclaimed, but it is not the first in popularity at the TIFF People's Choice Awards, and the public prefers "Hotel Rwanda" and "Becoming Julia".

Fans of the mass media thought about it and came up with a more reasonable explanation that Wonder Young had just made a fortune in the IT industry and was now a Santa Claus in advance.

(To be continued)