1696 Open the situation
"Thanks."
Leaving the crowd, Robert, Renli and others stood in the corner of the cinema hall. There was still bustling around, with people coming and going, but at least they had a relatively quiet and relatively closed conversation space. Robert expressed his gratitude sincerely and bluntly at the first time.
Lan Li did not refuse modestly, and nodded with a smile, "Thank you for your willingness to believe me. To be honest, I was not sure if I could do it before I officially took office. This was not an easy task. I admire your courage more than myself. This is definitely a bold decision."
Although Lan Li didn't say much, she couldn't understand the meaning.
Putting aside the achievements that Lan Li has made now, he is not yet twenty-five years old and has been in the industry for less than five years. He is undoubtedly a super junior in the star-studded Hollywood. Inviting him to be a guest at the symposium requires courage and an extraordinary courage.
Of course, the entire Hollywood industry is constantly absorbing fresh young blood, and the speed of renewal is getting faster and faster. The law of "fame early" has gradually evolved into reality under the birth of fast food culture; but there is still a fundamental difference between idol stars and powerful actors, let alone senior and powerful people who are qualified to speak.
Not to mention whether the organizer dares to take risks, even if an invitation is issued, the audience may not buy it. Especially in an independent movie holy place like Sundance, the audience is not a fan, and they will never support traffic stars. The strength, reputation, ability and talent, these practical skills are the key to standing on the stage.
In the symposium series for the 30th anniversary of the Sundance Film Festival, Lanli is the youngest and most experienced guest. Just making invitations requires great risks and under great pressure. Robert Redford's courage really made Lanli admire him.
Instead of denying it, Robert shrugged his shoulders gently and gave Lanley a big smile, "But your performance paid off for my adventure."
Similarly, on the other hand, Robert admired Lan Li's courage: How dare he go to Liangshan without a few or three?
Although it was the decision of the Sundance Chairman's Committee to invite Lanli after careful consideration, they were actually full of concerns and doubts. In addition to worrying that Lanli was not competent, the biggest concern was that Lanli refused to invite. The pressure and challenge were both. This is true for Sundance, and why Lanli was not the same?
Imagine that Lan Li really accepted the invitation, stood on the stage, and booed the audience. What would happen? Those old-fashioned fried dough sticks kept provoking Lan Li and even teasing Lan Li, and Lan Li couldn't lose her composure and get angry. What would happen? More importantly, Lan Li's profession and authority both encountered serious challenges, which eventually led to a sharp drop in image. So what should it happen?
Sundance dared to invite Lanli, and Lanli dared to agree to the invitation, which was a big bet for both parties.
"Huh, when will you two praise each other?" Joel stood beside him and started complaining directly. Robert and Renli were "attacked", but they didn't mind and both chuckled.
Joel continued, "To be honest, I don't know what else can stump you!"
Lan Li smiled a big smile, "Do you know where the most wonderful thing about language? In fact, the meaning of words itself is objective and simple, and every word is neutral; but in the process of converting into language, tone, expression, eyes and context give them more meaning. The most important thing is to the audience. The audience always interprets them based on their own ideas and opinions, and the same sentence then leads to infinite possibilities."
It's meaningful.
Robert and Ethan exchanged a glance, but Joel, the most realistic, spoke directly, "What do you mean is that all those pictures and meanings are our own random thoughts?"
"Look, that's what I mean." Lan Li chuckled, "Actually, I mean, that poem itself has nothing, it's just that everyone gave it more meaning. But obviously, your interpretation becomes complicated."
Joel was stunned.
Robert and Ethan both laughed happily.
Joel raised his right hand and lit Lanley from the air, "I think you're scolding."
Lan Li didn't defend herself, but just spread her hands, as if she was saying: You have the freedom to interpret.
Joel was speechless for a moment. Robert and Ethan, who were standing next to him, laughed more and more happily.
After a simple joke, Robert returned to the main business, "I heard before that you set up a film production company, and there are some actions next? Are you doing the production yourself or putting a name?"
Recently, there have been constant news in the Hollywood industry. With such a good show, Robert and Coen have naturally heard of it. There is no need to say anything about the twists and turns in it. Everyone knows it. After today's symposium, if Lan Li needs help in the future, Robert will never mind lending a helping hand. This is how it is.
What's more, there is a change closely related to independent movies hidden in the news, so they have no reason to miss it.
Lanli agreed, "It's true. The company I founded with my friend and I, who was responsible for the operation and I was responsible for the production." A simple sentence confirmed all the rumors about Sisyphus Pictures, but Lanli did not further explain the relevant division of labor and cooperation, because this was not the focus of today's conversation. "'Breaking Drummer' was the first work we jointly produced; not long ago, the second work we jointly produced was also filmed in Los Angeles, 'Night Walker'."
There is no need for further explanation, everyone is a wise person present, and news about "Night Walker" is definitely not unfamiliar. Lan Li personally invited Jack Gyllenhaal to be the male lead. Jack not only agreed happily, but also praised the script. It can be seen that Jack did not act because of human feelings, which once again confirmed the industry's unique guess about Lan Li.
From "Explosive Drummer" to "Night Walker", both works are typical independent styles. Coupled with Renly's usual style of conduct, things became clear. The style and positioning of Sisyphus Films are self-evident.
In today's market dilemma, it takes a lot of courage to create a film company, and the entire film industry is in a state of turmoil; let alone a film company that specializes in independent art works? Behind the glamorousness of Hollywood, the current situation of the industry is far more complicated than imagined. You can see brand new capital entering the market every year, but the speed of survival of the fittest is accelerated exponentially and exponentially.
The most commendable thing about Sisyphus Pictures is that it was created by industry professionals, rather than a mere injection of Wall Street capital. Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio and others have their own film companies; even Steven Spielberg has his own independent label, Amperelin Entertainment, outside of DreamWorks.
The participation of professionals means that they are relatively pure. Whether it is specializing in the production of awards season-oriented works or commercial works that aim to be box office, their participation will always be closer to Hollywood.
There is no need to say much about Lanley's professionalism and concentration. With Lanley's inspection, the quality of Sisyphus Film's works is guaranteed. More importantly, works with independent artistic tendencies will get more opportunities, and directors like Coen Brothers and David Finch can also get more opportunities.
Of course, starting a company is not a charity. Even if Renli is willing to spend all his money to support the independent film industry, he will inevitably be unable to survive with his own strength.
This means that the fire is high for everyone to pick up.
Robert's eyes flashed slightly, "This is a good thing. So, has your next work been confirmed? Is it also invested in and filmed by yourself?"
Even though he knew that Robert was testing himself, Lan Li didn't mind at all, "No, the next work, if nothing unexpected happens, it should be a commercial work. But our company is ready to invest in multiple works at the same time. We don't want to be too greedy, so we should do it step by step. Just right, I can ask you, do you have any plans for your work next? If it's a book like "Drunk Village Song", you are welcome to come and find me at any time."
Without politeness or greetings, Lan Li sent out an invitation directly and frankly.
In contrast, Robert felt that his attention was a bit too cautious. Although he and Renli had not had a close personal relationship, over the years, Renli's behavior has been obvious to all; today's symposium also confirmed those impressions again, and he had no need to use Wall Street's trick to test Renli.
"There are many projects here in Sundance. How about it? Are you interested?" Robert did not go around in circles and directly put the point.
A bright and pure smile appeared in Lan Li's eyes. "Of course!" Sundance set up an independent film scholarship, and he regularly sponsors the shooting of some works every year. In the past few years, many excellent works have appeared, but they have not emerged during the awards ceremony season, so they have not made a name for themselves.
If Sundance and Sisyphus Pictures can build a bridge of cooperation, it will definitely be a win-win cooperation.
"However, the biggest resource here in Sundance is undoubtedly the main competition unit. When we establish distribution channels in the future, we may be able to start more cooperation." Lanley then threw out another major news.
Robert's eyes were filled with a shimmering light, "Oh? Are you planning to do the distribution?"
"It's not an intention, but a certainty." Lanley continued, "We are discussing cooperation with Sony Classics, co-producing works in the future and jointly publishing works. However, in terms of distribution, Sony Classics is still mainly based on awards season, and there are still too few schedules for other schedules. I hope to get rid of the influence of awards season and give those excellent works more opportunities to display."
"It's like 'detachment'." Ethan just got involved in the topic. The "detachment" art theater screening was too low-key. After the awards ceremony season failed to achieve results, it was offline not long after it was removed.
Chapter completed!