Chapter 00172: Open Your Dog Eyes and See (Additional Update for the Night Alliance Leader)
# Open Your Dog Eyes and See (Additional Update for the Night Alliance Leader)
Chapter 172
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 172: Open Your Dog Eyes and See (Additional Update for the Night Alliance Leader)
"Alright, alright, this bickering is endless," the leader said with a headache, trying to stop the argument.
"Stop quarreling. Present the facts and reason things out. If there are no new arguments or evidence, then we—"
"I have something to say!" Chen Qi raised his hand and looked at the two representatives from China Film.
"There's something I'm very curious about. Let's not talk about the past, but since 1976, when domestic film production resumed, you've been in charge of both domestic and international distribution. You keep accusing us, but have you ever exported any films?"
"Of course, we have!"
"Which films have you exported?"
"This meeting is about discussing your responsibilities, not about you questioning us!"
"..."
Chen Qi turned his gaze to the leader.
"If I am responsible, I will take responsibility. But since nothing has been decided yet, they are already treating me like a criminal. Do you think that's appropriate? The question I'm asking is directly related to this matter. Understanding the real situation of this industry will help you make a better judgment, won't it?"
"That makes sense. Go ahead and explain. Everyone wants to hear it."
The leader's attitude shifted, no doubt influenced by the article in the China Youth Daily.
He had been shocked to learn that *Tai Chi* had earned 17 million in Hong Kong! With the instincts of a competent official, he sensed that there might be a twist in this matter.
"Fine, I'll briefly explain," Song Linming said reluctantly.
"We have established connections with 63 countries and regions, meaning China Film has that many options for international distribution. There are two channels: non-commercial and commercial. The non-commercial channel provides films to Chinese embassies, foreign aid departments, and friendly organizations abroad, sending out an average of 130 programs each year. The commercial channel involves selling copyrights to overseas film distributors, selling 162 films annually."
"Does that 162 include short films, educational films, and documentaries?" Chen Qi asked pointedly.
When Song Linming didn't respond, he pressed further, "How much money have you earned from these exports?"
"That's none of your business! Stop trying to divert attention with irrelevant questions. Your mistakes are clear!"
"If you won't say it, I will!"
Chen Qi had been preparing for this moment.
He pulled out a magazine and said, "This is *Film Communication*, a professional publication within the industry, not usually available to the public. I found it in the Beijing Film Studio's archives. There's an article titled *Reform and International Promotion* that lists some data. Let me read it to you..."
He cleared his throat and began, "After the reform and opening up, domestic films have made faster strides in reaching the world and have achieved some success. However, the overseas market and influence of Chinese films remain very limited, and exports are largely in a deficit. From 1978 to 1980, domestic films earned an average of $696,000 and $73,000 in foreign exchange annually, equivalent to about 1.307 million RMB. However, the expenditure was 4.66 million RMB, resulting in an annual loss of 3.553 million RMB. Director Song, is this data accurate?"
"You don't understand anything!" Song Linming avoided answering directly, as if the question had hit a sore spot.
He raised his voice, "International distribution isn't that simple. Whether it's Japan or Europe, the distribution networks in these countries are deeply entrenched and tightly controlled. They are privately owned, and getting our films into their theaters is extremely difficult."
"What about the U. S.? Aren't China and the U. S. on good terms now?"
"The U. S. is the hardest! Japanese films are famous, right? Akira Kurosawa's *Rashomon* even won an Oscar. But Japanese films don't often get shown in the U. S. either. It's essentially national-level regional protectionism!"
Chen Qi wasn't arguing today.
He just smiled and stared at Song Linming, which made the latter feel uneasy, as if some deep instinct was warning him.
So Song Linming defended China Film vigorously, "Last year, we sent a delegation to the U. S. After returning, I wrote a report, which you, Leader, have seen. This is the reality. We can't rush things and expect instant success. We need to start with quantity, letting more foreigners see our domestic films. We should focus on cultural exchange activities, host film weeks, and now, there's another avenue—film festivals."
"Well said, I've learned a lot," Chen Qi nodded with a smile.
"The China Youth Daily reported that *Tai Chi* earned 17 million at the box office in Hong Kong. So, in your opinion, how much do you think *Tai Chi* could sell for overseas?"
"I don't need to answer you!" Fang Yurong snapped.
"You think I made a mistake, right? Fine, let's say *Tai Chi* is handed over to you. How much could you sell it for? You have more experience, more seniority, and more skills than I do. I sincerely ask for your advice. Given the current environment, how would you handle a film that won the box office in Hong Kong? How much do you think it could sell for overseas? The leader has said no arguing today. If you can convince us, I'll kneel and admit my mistake, and accept any punishment you give!"
"That's right, just say it!" Wang Yang chimed in.
"..."
Song Linming and Fang Yurong were put on the spot.
They exchanged a glance, and Fang Yurong finally spoke, "*Tai Chi* was a hit in Hong Kong, but that doesn't mean it will be popular in the West. However, since it was well-received in Hong Kong, it must have something special... If it were up to us, we could sell it for at least $300,000!"
Over the years, they had sold 162 films annually, earning $769,000, averaging $4,750 per film.
To claim $300,000 was already a stretch beyond imagination.
"Hahahaha!"
Wang Yang couldn't help but burst into laughter, his beard and eyebrows shaking uncontrollably.
The old man didn't care about his image, clutching his stomach as if he might slide under the table.
He had been holding back his frustration for days, and now he couldn't contain it.
Chen Qi also laughed.
He laughed while shaking his head, then slammed the table and stood up.
He threw a stack of papers at Fang Yurong, hitting her right in the face.
Fang Yurong, with papers stuck to her face, jumped up and shouted, "What are you doing?! Not only have you made mistakes, but you also have no manners! What kind of place is this? Do you think you can act like this here?"
"Even at my worst, I'm better than you useless, stagnant wastes! You're like piles of dung, dragging others down with you. You're incompetent and think everyone else is too. Even monkeys have evolved smarter than you!"
Chen Qi pointed at her nose and cursed, "Open your dog eyes and see how much we actually sold!!!"
"You—"
Fang Yurong was about to shout back when she was interrupted by a gasp.
Song Linming had picked up the papers, glanced at them, and his face turned pale with shock.
He looked at Chen Qi in disbelief.
His tongue seemed to twist, and he could only stammer, "You... you... this can't be... how... a million..."
"A million?!!!"
The leader lost his voice for a moment, then stood up abruptly, feeling a rush of heat to his head.
His face turned red.
In his position, he understood the significance of certain things.
Without caring about his image, he pushed past the others, grabbed the papers, and saw the clear evidence, along with a list of buyers:
"20th Century Fox, U. S. A., for North America, Western Europe, and Australia: $3 million!"
"Exclusive rights for Japan: $1 million!"
"Exclusive rights for South Korea: $300,000!"
"Exclusive rights for Singapore and Malaysia: $150,000!"
"Myanmar, Thailand, the Philippines, Poland, Colombia... over twenty countries: $350,000!"
"Total overseas sales for *Tai Chi*: $4.8 million!"
(End of chapter...)