Chapter 405
The Art of War
Chapter 405 The Art of War
The so-called reconsideration is just a way of trying to save face even when the other party has already softened their stance.
Fang Xinghe didn't expose them, and smiled, "Okay, there's still enough time. You can broaden the scope of your discussion and think carefully about what Sony really wants."
The profound words left ample room for imagination.
Master Fang is also a professional when it comes to fishing.
Sony respectfully saw Fang Xinghe off and then held several high-level meetings behind closed doors.
It seems like we're taking this too seriously, but the truth is that this matter isn't as simple as it appears on the surface; there are two major issues at play.
The meeting had barely begun when a heated debate erupted.
"Please share your thoughts on the first topic: From a purely commercial perspective, which version is better?"
"Of course, it's our edited version!"
"SR Edit Version!"
"The original version is more reliable, more classic, and more secure. We already have the SR, there's no need to take any risks!"
"And what about innovation?"
"As SR's first action film in Hollywood, what innovation do we need? The enlarged title is a box office guarantee, and his handsome face on the poster is the publicity!"
"So, all you want is $1.5 million in domestic box office? I want much more than that."
“SR could have played like JetLee, but he gave up. I don’t think he has any data to support his idea. Maybe he just wanted to be different from others.”
"The fact is, the SR cut is more stylish!"
"Since when has a strong style been equated with high box office? That's ridiculous."
……
The company's conservative and radical factions were arguing fiercely over quality issues.
Many people think that Hollywood is a place where liberalism prevails, but that's not true. 70% of the Academy's members are old-fashioned, and the conservative forces within the six top executives are equally astonishing.
Unfortunately, film is an art form where individual feelings take precedence over everything else, and it lacks objective standards.
"Ne Zha 2" is a particularly good example. From the first day of its release, a large number of viewers felt it was "just okay". When it reached 150 billion yuan in box office, more and more people felt that it did not deserve the box office.
There is no right or wrong in this view. As long as no money was received and the opinion is based on individual feelings, it is normal and legitimate for a person to like or dislike "Ne Zha 2".
The same principle applies now.
Fang Xinghe was very confident in his edited version, but the people inside Brother Suo were not a group of NPCs who would abandon their own stance, experience, and aesthetics and accept everything just because of a few words.
In particular, there is a second problem in between.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please consider this question: Both versions of the final cut are actually excellent, and a sequel is highly likely. So, given this opportunity, should we fight for the editing rights back?"
The meeting room fell silent for a moment, but was quickly engulfed by an even more intense argument.
In this respect, Tom Cruise set a good example for Fang Xinghe by taxing power for 50 years.
"Without a doubt, being able to fully bind with SR is the best thing ever!"
"But we can't profit from this at all!"
"Yes, Brother So is one of the Six Majors, not some little toy under StarNet!"
"If SR is willing to keep messing with us, why not? If it were Buffett and Bill Gates, wouldn't you be willing?"
"They can mess with me once or twice, but they can't keep doing it! It's a fucking free ride!"
“Indeed, SR’s profits are too high. We are practically working for them for free. This kind of cooperation model is unsustainable. We should find a way to restrict it now.”
"And then just watch him cooperate with our opponents?"
"Come on, no one but us would be so subservient. I can't imagine what Sony would become if the whole series were like this."
"Don't forget, SR is ultimately a Chinese man; he's not even of Chinese descent!"
After these words were spoken, the meeting room fell silent again for a while.
Much later, someone muttered, "But we've already signed a contract and promised out the editing rights."
“Yes,” the vice president in charge of production said in a deep voice, “but we can try to negotiate.”
High emotional intelligence: Strive for it.
Low emotional intelligence: Changing one's mind.
This might sound unbelievable, but it's perfectly normal in the US, depending on whether there's a need for it.
They don't even need to go to the point of breaking the contract. They can first persuade, then delay, and if that doesn't work, then refuse. They can drag things out and argue slowly, since the distribution rights have already been locked up with Sony. Let's see who gets impatient.
This is why Fang Xinghe had to come to the United States in person—making a good film doesn't mean everything is settled.
Spielberg's collaborations with the Big Six studios were fraught with intrigue and capriciousness, let alone for a Chinese man who was inherently considered inferior.
Some things don't need to be said too bluntly; after all, ambitious people and superiors will always be like that.
"Let me think about it some more, let's leave it at that for today."
The big boss made the final decision, and the first meeting ended in disappointment.
Then came the second game, the third game...
A week later, Sony still couldn't reach a consensus.
The crux of the matter is that some people believe the fast-paced version of "Taken" is sufficient, while others are using the issue of dignity to attack those who disagree with them.
It seems that Director Fang's new film will be stuck in limbo for quite some time, and apart from him, no one is really in a hurry.
Finally, Brother Fang decided to take the initiative.
He invited Nakamura, a Japanese supervisor at Sony headquarters, to go out and play golf.
“Fang Dian, private Marseille!” Nakamura bowed deeply. “I’m sorry, I’m just a finance director and don’t have much say in this kind of thing.”
Fang Xinghe looked at him calmly: "But you have some information to tell me, right?"
"This……"
Nakamura looked embarrassed, but Fang Xinghe didn't press the matter further and changed the subject: "We're good friends, come and see the gift I prepared for my friend."
Ten pairs of Galaxy 5 limited edition colorways, five for men and five for women, all signed.
All literary works are Japanese hardcover editions, signed.
Collector's edition gift box containing all film and television works, signed.
These items are not particularly valuable in themselves and have practical everyday uses, so they do not constitute any commercial bribery. However, they can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars in the Japanese collectors market.
Nakamura, who had been all smiles, instantly became considerate.
"Lord Fang, the current situation is as follows..."
He explained to his good friend in detail the various factions within Sony Columbia, their attitudes toward the collaboration, where things were stalled, who was more likely to make concessions, external pressures, and so on.
Towards the end of the conversation, he even offered a suggestion: "I think you should be more proactive and assertive. Don't worry about making a scene. Sony is Sony, and Sony Columbia is Sony Columbia."
What a perfect example of being in Cao Cao's camp but having one's heart in Han!
Brother Fang chuckled and said leisurely, "Here's what you'll do: find an opportunity to suggest to the board of directors that the internal screenings be expanded further."
Although he didn't understand where his confidence came from, Nakamura did as he was told. At one meeting, Nakamura asked impatiently, "Why don't you let the ordinary employees give their scores too? Men, women, young people... just do something about it."
Okay, then let's do something symbolic.
Then, as the scale of screenings expanded, more and more ordinary employees saw the finished film, and the score difference between the two versions began to widen continuously.
The former dropped from 8.0 to 6.5, while the latter rose to 9.1.
The day Fang Xinghe's version of "Taken" broke the 9 mark in internal ratings, the conference room was silent.
How could this happen?
The head of the business department looked bewildered and muttered to himself.
Of course that will happen.
The fast-cut version of Taken, taken on its own, is definitely a fantastic action popcorn movie.
No matter how badly it's edited, it's still an action film starring the Martial Saint himself, exuding a unique charm.
However, if you look at the two together, the former is obviously too chaotic and clichéd, and the pacing is far worse.
The leader of the cooperative faction at the top of the Sogo team opened to the last page of the survey and proudly reminded everyone: "Pay attention to the evaluations from female employees; this is the key to differentiating scores."
“Yes,” Nakamura interjected, a rare occurrence. “Our internal judging panel previously lacked women, so they gave the quick-cut version a high score. But in reality, female employees generally felt uncomfortable with this version…”
"They'll feel uncomfortable with any action movie! That's no excuse!"
“But they accepted the director’s cut.” Nakamura looked at the other person with a wistful gaze. “This means we can gain a lot more female audience.”
Everyone fell silent, filled with disbelief.
How exactly did SR achieve this?
It's very simple: lengthening the attack animation is equivalent to enhancing the aura, and reducing screen cuts is equivalent to reducing information jumps—this is so friendly to female players.
Women may not like action movies, but they definitely love watching handsome men showing off.
"But..." the conservatives have fallen, but the ambitious are still not resigned to their fate. "Are we to give up all our rights for this?"
No one answered; no one wanted to take on this responsibility.
It's okay, Brother Fang is willing to take responsibility.
A few days later, Fang Xinghe chose an auspicious day and attacked Brother Suo's headquarters.
This time, he was in a bad mood and didn't tolerate anyone anymore.
"That damn editing right is mine! Get the cut done and get ready to release it. Stop thinking with your walnut-sized brains. Idiots plus idiots equal idiots!"
The hot-tempered Fang Ge is venting his anger online.
"Make this money well. The sequel is still yours, and you can also handle the subsequent copyright operations. This series is enough to support some of you in your retirement."
Don't mess with me. With a production cost of $1500 million, I can reshoot anytime with anyone!
Remember, nobody in this world isn't attracted to young female audiences!
A decisive goal.
The company acquired by the Japanese also had a bit of a scumbag streak. After hurling insults at them, the cooperation finally got on track.
Of course, this is not because Fang Ge used foul language, but because the harsh reality shattered the illusions of the ambitious and allowed the cooperative faction to regain control of Suo Ge's internal discourse.
"This will be a groundbreaking action film series that appeals to both men and women!"
"We may not earn much, but we can strengthen our core business!"
In short, I love Star River, and I'm willing to work with them!
Upon hearing the other party's declaration of loyalty, Brother Fang finally smiled and said, "Very good. I don't love money. I'm happy to see that my partner has the same vision. From now on, we are friends."
Many people silently complained to themselves: "The price of being friends with you is fucking high..."
Not long after, the final cut was finalized, the master tape and dubbing were readjusted, subtitles were added, and it was submitted for review.
In late April, Taken received a PG-13 rating.
During this period, public opinion was not favorable, and the other five companies also had their grievances, but Sony Columbia resolved them all.
They were determined to follow Fang Xinghe to the bitter end.
If the box office is a huge success, then this series will be permanently in Fang Xinghe's hands. He can film it however he wants, whenever he wants, and even... involve others in it, squeezing out Suo Ge's market share.
If the box office is not successful, then Fang Xinghe will have to relinquish his existing power and obediently become a tool for making films, similar to Hendrik Willem Van Loon or Jet Li.
If the box office is a failure, then it's terrible; the entire Western world will shut its doors to him.
You're a master of both film and kung fu!
How can you prove your authority? Prove that you're not just a self-proclaimed figure seeking fame?
Let the box office speak for itself.
This thing is purely commercial popcorn entertainment; there are no other criteria for judging it. High box office is awesome, and data is beautiful.
To achieve good data, Fang Xinghe prepared for a high-intensity publicity campaign.
But before that, he had to do the most important thing again and again—find a few easy targets, squeeze them hard, and make them juicy.
This year's North American summer movie season starts on the first weekend of May and lasts until the first weekend of September (Labor Day).
If you miss this window of opportunity, there won't be enough space to accommodate a blockbuster film.
Then, after Sony sent over the arrangements for all the competitors, Fang suddenly felt a chill run down his spine—even a slight chill was still a chill.
Let's take a look at the films that have already been scheduled for release.
On May 4th, Batman 3, Sony Columbia's top priority and core film of the year, will be released.
On May 18th, Shrek 3, a joint production of DreamWorks and Paramount, was released, marking the third sequel to an animated milestone.
At the end of May, Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End was basically scheduled for release, and it's a sure-fire hit for the year.
Following that are Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Transformers, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Four, Bruce Almighty...
And it is a direct competitor to other action films of the same genre, such as The Bourne Identity, Die Hard 4, and Ocean's Thirteen.
This is absolutely hellish difficulty. During this year's summer movie season, you can't even find a film with a budget lower than Taken.
So, when do you plan to release it?
Faced with this question, Brother Fang's expression remained unchanged: "May is too rushed, let's do it sometime in June or July."
"No specific time?"
"Not at the moment."
"Then the publicity work will be very difficult."
"Then don't rush to advertise. Go and see how other companies advertise."
Fang, a master director, martial arts superstar, and slightly timid Xinghe, urgently withdrew a promotional plan and prepared to lie in wait in the bushes for a while to see how things went.
This isn't fear; only a psychopath would run head-on into Optimus Prime, the pirate ship, Batman, and Voldemort.
Compared to special effects blockbusters, the viewing experience of traditional action movies is naturally inferior. If he had any other choice, he would try to bring Bourne III, Die Hard 4, and Ocean's Thirteen to his side to make a table full of dishes for a forced mahjong game.
Unfortunately, they're not stupid, and they're unlikely to give Fang Xinghe that kind of opportunity.
If all else fails... should we dig another hole?
Knowing that this summer vacation would be difficult, Fang Xinghe thought of the treasure of Chinese culture—Sun Tzu's Art of War.
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I'm so tired and my whole body aches. I'll try to stay home this month and get my body back in shape.
(End of this chapter)