1697 Join forces
“It's also like a 'drunken country folk song'." Renly said with a smile on his lips..
In fact, the release of "The Ballad of Drunken Country" is already very good. Sony Classics attaches great importance to this work of the Coen Brothers and Renly. The release plan and publicity methods are top priorities, although the awards season is not for this work with a strong literary atmosphere. Still not too cold, but Sony Classics’ attention still allowed the work to usher in an explosion at the box office..
But the Coen brothers all understand what Renly means. On the one hand, works such as "Drunken Country Ballad" lack the blessing of big-name stars, and their prospects in the North American market are bound to be difficult; on the other hand, even with the blessing of big-name stars, "Drunken Country Ballad" still has no Be able to break the blockade of the statuette's tights and win more respect.
That’s why all the independent stuff wants to go to Sundance, Park City provides a stage to showcase itself, even if it doesn’t fit the style of awards season and win over the indie distribution companies headed by the Weinstein brothers, but they still have it. Opportunities for self-expression and communication with film lovers.
What if Sisyphus Films had its own distribution system?？
Of course, this does not mean that Sisyphus Films can break the blockade of theater chains in the North American market. No theater chain is willing to show unprofitable works. The United States is different from France after all; but it at least means the pioneering and innovative work of art theaters. , from the perspective of distribution strategy and publicity and promotion, Sisyphus Films is bound to be more patient and more willing to invest.
The difference in attitude and the investment of energy are already very, very rare for the release of independent films..
Take "Transcendence" as an example. If it were released by Sisyphus Pictures, the publicity strategy would not be aimed at the awards season, but would be oriented towards specific audience groups, arranging more movie viewing activities in art theaters, and creating a real sense of the world. Sparking more discussions among interested groups - Tony Kaye's original intention when filming this work was to reflect social issues and then influence the ideas of specific groups. He had no idea about the awards season at all..
According to this distribution strategy, "Detachment" may not be nominated for Oscars at all, but it will be able to create more impact among specific groups, cause more waves, generate more artistic aftermath and social aftertaste, and then attract more people in art theaters. Movie lovers. This kind of work deserves a longer screening opportunity in art theaters..
Renly's simple words made the Coen brothers exchange glances, and there was a hint of surprise in their eyes..
They all knew about Renly's acting talent, but they didn't know that Renly also had such a keen sense of touch outside of acting. This was enough to change the overall market view, and it coincided with Robert's ideas..
Sure enough, before Ethan could reply, Robert glanced at him with interest, and slowly drawled his voice, "Such an idea is very dangerous. Distribution is not a child's play, and it seems that it is also a joke. Then you can tinker with something..”
Faced with Robert's "accusation", Renly did not panic, with a smile flowing in his eyes, "You mean, making movies can be considered child's play.？”
Joel came over just in time, stuck his head out and intervened between Robert and Renly, leaving only the back of Renly's head. He looked at Robert, but his finger pointed at Renly behind him, raising his voice as if complaining. Said, "He deliberately misinterpreted you! This guy needs to be taught a lesson.".”
It seems that he is still holding a grudge..
Ethan stood beside him and laughed helplessly, while Renly shook his head slightly, and the smile in his eyes became more intense. He did not object or protest, but raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, and his mouth Li went on to say, "I know distribution is not an easy task. It is a completely different system..”
Making movies is an artistic creation, but distributing movies is marketing and business operations, which are naturally different. DreamWorks did not involve the distribution department, but later it fell into a passive position and was repeatedly hampered by its partners due to the issue of profit distribution of distribution rights. In the end, it slipped step by step into the abyss.
“I just heard about the issue of issuance." Renly explained, "I am not responsible for the specific situation, and I was not even involved in it. I think this is the best choice to reassure investors." This is a complaint about himself. Don’t you have a business acumen? Such clever little humor really makes the rhythm and atmosphere of the conversation completely different. This is the charm of Renly, “Andre is still in charge of related matters..”
Robert slightly nodded his head in appreciation, "Andre, your partner？”
“Yes, Andre Hamilton." Renly finally brought up the topic, "This time, he also came to Park City. If there is a chance, I can introduce you to him, although he may not know the famous Robert Redford. What does it mean, but I am sure that he has been looking forward to communicating with Sundance’s leading commentator..”
The subtext is... a powerful alliance? Or to be more precise, like-minded parties further explore the possibility of cooperation.？
After all, the current Sisyphus Pictures is far from being called a "strong player" and can only be regarded as a potential stock..
This time I came to Park City with Andre. In addition to the upcoming premiere of "Breaking Drummer" and Andre also coming to support it in person, the main reason was to open up the situation for Sisyphus Films - as Renly said. Said that he is responsible for the creative part; and the business part is Andre's expertise..
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 also traveled lightly. If there is a real need to establish a distribution channel, Andre hopes that Arthur- Hall can come to help, but by then, I'm afraid they will need a larger and more professional team..
The future structure of Sisyphus Films may be even bigger than Renly imagined, and this is just the beginning..
But no matter what, Robert understood immediately. Obviously, he and Renly came prepared. Regardless of whether the cooperation could be negotiated, at least in terms of attitude, both parties were full of sincerity, which was very important for Sundance. Said it was good news. Then, Robert thought of the rumors in the industry recently, and he had a hunch: all of them are in the game, and they think they are the players in the game, but no one is sure when they will be called pawns. Got it.
Renly Hall, it’s not that simple.
“Huh, I don’t know if it’s because I’m old or because young people are too motivated, I feel like I can’t keep up. Your appetite is too big.” Robert sighed with a smile on his face, but did not directly respond to Renly’s olive branch. , but the eyes and expressions still reveal positive signals.
Renly was not in a hurry, with a smile flashing deep in his eyes, "Is there any misunderstanding between us? The ambition of this Sundance 30th anniversary event is definitely not that simple. Mr. Robert Redford's idea is obviously Already ahead of the curve. Wait, there is still something wrong with my understanding.？”
The ambitions of Sisyphus Pictures are not small. Are the ambitions of Sundance just mediocre?？
The conversation styles of Robert and Renly were obviously different. Both of them were competing with each other. There was no covert probing, but they constantly took the lead in the open and honest conversation. The invisible swords and swords made Joel and Ethan who were watching. I can't say anything - in comparison, the Coen brothers are real filmmakers. All their thoughts are focused on the movie. In higher-level confrontations, they can't keep up with the rhythm..
Joel looked at Renly on the left and Robert on the right. After holding it in for a long time, he suddenly said, "Are you guys quarreling? But why are you all smiling and it doesn't look like you're quarreling?" He said. He hated the kind of hypocrisy in social situations where people do one thing in front of others and another behind their backs, but the atmosphere between Renly and Robert was not the same, so he asked directly and boldly..
Renly laughed happily and waved his hands repeatedly, "No, no, no, we are not quarreling. I am just saying that Robert's ideas and blueprint are more ambitious than ours. Let's see now whether he needs our help. Got it.”
Robert narrowed his eyes slightly and raised the corners of his mouth with a smile, "Help?" It should be mutually beneficial..
“In the final analysis, they are all the same, it’s just a difference in the way of expression." Renly said still calmly and calmly..
Robert laughed dumbly, and then gently nodded his head in agreement, "I am also very much looking forward to getting to know Andre Hamilton and daring to invest in Renly Hall's works. This requires extraordinary courage. I am now I started to get a little curious about what kind of character he is..”
This is equivalent to consent! The prospect of cooperation with Sisyphus Films at the Sundance Film Festival finally opened the door.
“I think he is probably a fool." Renly complained seriously..
At this time, Andre, who was having a video conference in the hotel, sneezed without warning, and then sneezed again. Others in the video conference said, "Bless-You." Andre paused and looked around cautiously, but in the end he still had no clue, so he could only retract his gaze and continue the meeting..
After the symposium officially ended, Renly was still not in a hurry to go back. Instead, he and the Coen brothers went to the cinema and watched two short documentaries..
The audience for documentaries is not large, and the audience for short films is even rarer. The support of Renly and the Coen brothers is, in a sense, hoping to attract the attention of more audiences. Of course, after the screening, there was a discussion with the main creators Team communication also benefits a lot.
Compared with movies, the filming of documentaries is longer, more arduous, and more difficult. The experience of the creative team is full of legends and accidents, which is eye-opening..
Renly and the Coen brothers both enjoyed the process.
By the time we left the movie theater, Park City had already entered darkness..
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