The director starts by learning from the abilities of renowned directors.

Chapter 57: New Copyright High

A week later, Shen Qing met with Jojashini, the so-called vice president of Legendary Film Company, in the conference room of China Film Group.

Han Sanping first invited the American representatives to watch the film, but Jojashini waved his hand and said there was no rush, he needed to confirm one thing first.

"Recently, two excellent science fiction comics have appeared on the American market, one called 'Inception' and the other called 'Gravity.' Are both of these comics your works, Director Shen Qing?"

Shen Qing glanced at Han Sanping, then nodded: "Yes, they are all my works."

Jojasini nodded and said, "Okay, I understand. Let's watch the film now."

Han Sanping nodded and began arranging the screening.

……

Shen Qing had no interest in watching the film; her mind was preoccupied with why the vice president of the legendary film company had just mentioned "Inception."

I remember that this film company was later acquired by Wanda Film, and news reports mentioned the company's glorious history.

They have invested in excellent films such as Nolan's "Inception" and "The Dark Knight".

So, this company has a close relationship with director Nolan?!

Why is this vice president so concerned about those two comics? Could it be that Nolan has his eye on them?

Two hours later, after the film screening, the group returned to the conference room.

Jojasini stated bluntly, "The film's quality meets our expectations; in fact, it can be described as excellent. With the popularity of the first film, I believe the second film will definitely achieve ideal results."

Shen Qing nodded and replied in English, "Thank you for recognizing the quality of the film."

Jojasini said, "A minimum guarantee of $1000 million plus 15% of the initial total box office revenue in North America and Europe, but there is one condition: Director Shen Qing must transfer the rights to 'Inception' and 'Gravity' to our Legendary Pictures."

Han Sanping finally realized that the other party had also taken a liking to Director Shen Qing's comic book published in North America!

These two comics were published with the help of someone arranged by Han Sanping.

Shen Qing shook her head without hesitation and said, "I'm very sorry, those two comics were for myself."

Jojahini paused for a moment, then asked, "What if Legendary Pictures only wants the rights to one of the comic books?"

"Let me guess, what you really want is the adaptation rights to 'Inception,' right?" Shen Qing said, shaking his head. "I'm very sorry, but film adaptations of those two comics are already in my filmmaking plans."

"As far as I know, Director Shen Qing is not good at making science fiction films. In fact, there are very few directors in the whole of China who can make good science fiction films. The best way out for the two comics is to transfer them to Legendary Pictures. Science fiction is precisely the strength of Hollywood and our Legendary Pictures."

"China was just not good at making science fiction movies before, but it won't be bad at making science fiction movies forever. Someone always needs to take the first step in exploring, and I am willing to be that person."

"Director Shen, please reconsider. I will stay in China for the next week."

"it is good."

……

After seeing off the American delegation, Han Sanping called Shen Qing to his office.

The two sat down on the sofa facing each other. Mr. Han lit a cigarette, took a puff, and said, "It seems the other party is quite sincere."

Shen Qing said, "It must be that a big director has taken a liking to those two comics. If Legendary Movies can secure the rights to those two comics, it's the same as securing the rights to that big director."

"If a famous director really takes a liking to me, I could become famous!"

"It seems that if I adapt my own comic into a classic like 'The Lord of the Rings,' I can become even more famous."

Han Sanping stared at Shen Qing for a while, then sighed, "Youth is truly wonderful!"

……

Over the next week, the two sides held several more rounds of negotiations, but failed to reach a consensus.

Legendary Pictures is determined to acquire the rights to "Inception," but Shen Qing is adamant about not giving up.

Later, the other party simply promised that once "Inception" was officially in pre-production, Shen Qing could even become one of the main actors in the film, and the salary and benefits could be negotiated and written into the contract.

Shen Qing then refused the other party again.

However, the North American and European rights to Taken 2 were eventually sold to the other party.

A $10 million guarantee plus 1000% of the initial total box office revenue in North America and Europe.

……

Next, we need to work on the release date for Taken 2.

First and foremost, the May Day holiday period is definitely out of the question.

First, time is too tight; second, there are strong opponents.

The Hollywood blockbuster "Spider-Man 3" is scheduled for release on May Day.

The summer movie season is also not going to work.

This summer's blockbuster season includes "Transformers".

I remember this movie was incredibly popular; it was probably the highest-grossing domestic film of 2007.

This year's Lunar New Year film season is a battle of titans.

The Warlords, Lust, Caution, and Assembly.

Especially "Assembly", I remember it was the highest-grossing domestic film in 07.

That leaves only the National Day holiday period.

After discussions with Legendary Pictures, both parties agreed to release the film simultaneously in China and the United States on September 28.

The rights for North America and Europe have been sold, but we're not in a rush to acquire the Southeast Asian rights; we'll deal with that closer to the film's release date.

The news that "Taken 2" was scheduled for release during the National Day holiday caused quite a stir, with many netizens looking forward to the movie.

"Taken 2 is finally here. The first movie left a deep impression on me: the decisive male lead, the exciting action scenes, and the fast-paced editing. I hope the second movie can maintain the high standard of the first one."

"Director Shen, please, stop making low-budget comedies. Action films are your true calling. Becoming the third kung fu superstar after Jackie Chan and Lee Chung-ying is far better than you playing a greasy middle-aged man like Li Chenggong who's having an affair! A must-see when it's released!"

"What's next after 'Taken 2'? 'Ip Man 2'?"

News about the North American and European rights sale price for "Taken 2" has been circulating within a small circle of industry insiders, causing both surprise and doubt.

What's shocking is, is Hollywood stupid? Could they afford to spend that much money? And not only that, but they also give out profit sharing?

"A $10 million guarantee plus a 1000% share of the box office revenue?"

"It's not the total box office revenue sharing, it's the initial total box office revenue sharing."

"That's awesome!"

"I heard that the Hollywood studios originally wanted to give them 15% of the initial box office revenue!"

"Is this some kind of bullshit?! A $1000 million guarantee, plus 15% of the initial box office revenue? Are Hollywood idiots? What are they after?"

"He's definitely bragging, otherwise why did he only give 10% in the end?"

"I heard that the other party made an additional request to Director Shen Qing, which was rejected by Director Shen, which is why they couldn't get 15% of the initial total box office."

"What extra demands could Director Shen, a grown man, possibly be made of? Is it some kind of unspoken rule?"

"That doesn't sound plausible."

……

As filming for "The Shallows" was about to begin, Shen Qing established another subsidiary under Magical Films, called Magical Visual Effects Co., Ltd., which specializes in post-production special effects for film and television.

In the future, Shen Qing will personally film and invest in a large number of films and television dramas, so supporting a film and television post-production company will not be a problem.

There aren't many talents in this field in China right now. Shen Qing interviewed a bunch of people and finally selected a group of people from some small GG (gaming) technology teams to make do with for now. The special effects for the main feature film definitely can't be given to these makeshift teams, but the movie trailers can.

Hopefully, truly talented individuals will emerge.

Then, on June 1st, Shen Qing, along with Yang Mi and the entire film's creative team, headed to Hainan for the official start of filming for the movie "The Shallows".