Chapter 00175: On Exporting Films
# On Exporting Films
Chapter 175
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 175: On Exporting Films
"I haven't been in the film industry for long, and my experience is limited. When it comes to film theory and techniques, I can't compare to the veterans. So, I won't pretend to be an expert," Chen Qi began, setting the tone for his speech.
"But since we're talking about exporting films to earn foreign currency, it's essentially about selling and buying. Everyone understands that, so I'll approach it from that angle."
"If we want them to buy our films, we need to understand the psychology of the buyers. Take the United States, for example. During my recent trips to Hong Kong and Berlin, I learned a lot about American films. Their industry is highly developed, with a wide variety of genres. They've pretty much covered every type of film. Last year, *Star Wars* grossed over 200 million dollars in North America alone. So, why would such a country spend 3 million dollars to buy *Tai Chi*? The reason is simple—because *Tai Chi* is a Chinese martial arts film, something the U. S. doesn't have. From Bruce Lee to Jackie Chan, and now Jet Li, these martial arts stars are something the U. S. could never produce. The label of Chinese martial arts is unique, one of a kind in the world. That's why I think we should focus on making more martial arts films."
In front of the high-ranking officials, Chen Qi kept his speech concise and to the point.
The officials listened without showing much reaction, simply urging him to continue.
"Filming what we have and they don't—that's the first category. The second category is what both sides have. For example, murder, romance, comedy, tragedy—they have all of these, and they're more advanced than us. So, how do we compete? If we try to surpass them purely in terms of quality, it's too difficult. I think there's a shortcut: finding differences within similarities. Chinese films are reappearing on the world stage, and for Western audiences, they're unfamiliar. I think there's a voyeuristic curiosity—they want to see China's history, traditional culture, and contemporary life. For example, films about ordinary people. Our ordinary people are different from theirs—living environments, clothing, eating habits, family values, social ethics, and so on. If we film these things, we might even win some awards. Winning awards overseas is important because it increases the value of the films and boosts morale. But unfortunately, we haven't been doing a good job..."
After discussing what to film, Chen Qi moved on to how to film.
"First, we need to make sure they can understand our films. If they can't even understand them, how can they buy them? One of my deepest impressions in Berlin was that foreigners find Chinese films too theatrical, lacking realism, and filled with too much political rhetoric. They feel like they're being lectured. Our directors' methods are too direct, like teaching children: 'You must love your country, love this land...' Of course, that's correct, but can children really understand it? There's another way—take them to see the beauty of our country, let them experience it for themselves through the landscapes, let them read history and understand the hardships the Chinese nation has endured. Be more subtle, more indirect. Hide the political messages within the story, using the narrative to convey the message, rather than directly stating it. That might work better."Secondly, our films are too slow!""Too slow?""Yes, the pacing is too slow, with too much exposition.
It's dull and uninteresting.
Even our own audiences don't like it, so how can we expect foreign audiences to enjoy it? Take *Tai Chi*, for example.
It starts with a martial arts competition, then Yang Yuqian gets a lesson from a master, goes to Henan to learn martial arts, gets rejected, but then meets Chen Shaomei, who teaches him Tai Chi, and then Chen Zhengying discovers him...
Every step forward comes with setbacks, which are resolved, and then new problems arise.
This kind of fast-paced, entertaining, and dramatic storytelling is what audiences like."Compared to his usual self, Chen Qi was being quite reserved, sticking to the facts without any exaggeration. He concluded,"In short, I personally think there are two paths to earning foreign currency through film exports: one is to focus on making martial arts films as entertainment, and the other is to aim for awards.
Oh, and one more thing—when negotiating with foreigners, don't back down.
Some of our films are really good, and selling them cheaply is a shame!"In fact, back in the 1980s, some forward-thinking individuals had already proposed the idea of earning foreign currency through films. However, the entire industry, from top to bottom, wasn't up to the task, and the idea was eventually abandoned. Now, with *Tai Chi* making a groundbreaking impact, the feasibility of this idea has become a reality. The high-ranking officials listened carefully, and one of them asked,"You said our domestic films are too slow.
Is there a way to make them faster?""I can't speak for others, but I have a way for my own films.""What's your next plan?""Exactly what I just said—making two types of films: one aimed at making money, and the other aimed at winning awards...
That is, if I'm still allowed to make films,"Chen Qi said sheepishly, scratching his head."Is there a way to distribute films to Taiwan?"a previously silent official suddenly asked. Chen Qi was taken aback."Pure mainland films can't be distributed there, but according to Uncle Fu Qi, I think it's possible.
We can find directors and actors who can enter Taiwan, make the film, remove the production company's name, release it in Taiwan first, and then add the production company's name when it's brought back.
Or, we could secretly invest in a company and have them make the film.
But if we're distributing to Taiwan, we have to be even more careful about political rhetoric, or it won't pass censorship.""This young man is quite clever,"the official said with a smile. Liao Gong also understood."The principle is simple.
It's unrelated to domestic films, focusing solely on exporting to earn foreign currency, just like those foreign trade goods.""That's right..."the high-ranking official nodded, flicking the ash from his cigarette, and suddenly started chatting with Liao Gong about everyday matters. Chen Qi didn't have experience with this, but Wang Yang understood that they had other matters to discuss. He quickly pulled Chen Qi away to say their goodbyes, while the cultural ministry officials stayed behind."Talent comes in all forms.
I think this young man has potential.
And now, at the beginning of reforms, anything that benefits the country is worth trying.
He's just one person, and even if he fails, it won't have a big impact,"the high-ranking official said."I agree.
Xiao Chen has already proven that this path is feasible, so we might as well let him try,"Liao Gong added."We hope for improved relations with Taiwan, and film is a great medium for communication.
We can use Hong Kong and overseas film festivals as bridges to connect with filmmakers there,"the official said. The three officials discussing films might seem exaggerated, but in those times, it was normal. In the early days of reform and opening up, even something as simple as Nian Guangjiu selling"Fool's Melon Seeds"was repeatedly mentioned by top officials, let alone something as important as film. After a brief discussion, the high-ranking official said to Liao Gong,"This is a special case with no precedent.
Can you coordinate with the relevant departments and come up with a plan?""Sure!"With that, the meeting concluded. The cultural ministry official, who had been silent the whole time, quickly left, secretly marveling at the fact that special cases were being handled with urgency—it seemed like big changes were coming! ... Chen Qi finally returned to his loyal Beijing Film Studio. He took a shower and then collapsed into bed. He had been summoned to the cultural ministry right after returning from Berlin and had been working non-stop for days, leaving him physically and mentally exhausted. Meanwhile, the leadership at *China Youth Daily* had repeatedly verified the data and decided to let Yu Jiajia publish the article. With a flourish of her pen, Yu Jiajia wrote:"*Tai Chi* Triumphs in West Berlin, Conquers Foreign Audiences, Earns Record 4.8 Million USD!"Boom! It was like dropping a bomb, with no regard for the aftermath. Ordinary people who read it might just say,"Wow, that's amazing," but industry insiders were green with envy! While Chen Qi was sound asleep, countless people were rushing to Beijing, hoping to catch a glimpse of the rising star!!
(End of chapter...)