Sundance Film Festival

As Lyman's distribution strategy was adopted, the operational plan also underwent corresponding changes. Resources were concentrated, direct negotiations were conducted with specific regional theater distributors, and promotional activities were focused in the areas where these theaters were located. Furthermore, discussions regarding the film's release in overseas regions began gradually.

EuropaCorp was also straightforward. Since their own strength was not strong enough, it was feasible for them to form alliances. Thus, it was unknown how the two parties negotiated, but Eros International not only obtained distribution rights in the Indian region but also acquired distribution rights in the Middle East and even the African continent.

Once everything proceeded as planned, they only had to wait for the film's release and its performance. At the same time, they couldn't overlook the United States, the largest market. After consultations, EuropaCorp decided to let George handle the specific business there and simultaneously implement the award campaign strategy. Because the Sundance Film Festival was about to begin.

Founded in 1984, the Sundance Film Festival was co-founded by the legendary star Robert Redford and his friends. Its name was derived from his highly acclaimed and eye-catching role, "Sundance", in the film "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid".

Over the past decade, the Sundance Film Festival had grown into one of the world's leading independent film festivals. Many emerging directors considered it the best platform for showcasing their works, and Hollywood distribution companies were eager to seek film releases there. Therefore, every mid-January, countless newcomers and independent film enthusiasts flocked to Park City, located in the Great Salt Lake Valley in Utah, carrying various ideals and undergoing trials.

While there may be countless film festivals around the world, Sundance undoubtedly held a prominent position and is one of the top stages exclusive to the United States. This had led to an increasing number of independent films applying to participate in Sundance every year. Often, out of hundreds of films, less than thirty works could make it onto the official selection list, making the competition even more intense.

Three days ago, Luc Besson informed Lyman that they wanted their film "3 Idiots" to participate in the Sundance Film Festival to increase exposure and benefit from free publicity. They didn't care too much about winning awards; after all, the real effects would only be seen when the film was released worldwide.

Their trip also had another purpose: the negotiating team led by George from EuropaCorp was responsible for early contact with major Hollywood distributors and discussing the film's release in the U.S. market. Although they implemented Lyman's distribution strategy, the detailed plan was still being pushed forward by EuropaCorp.

Since the completion of their communication that day, Lyman had returned to his home in Cannes to rest, so hearing about going to the United States for screening didn't have much impact on him.

"Did you forget to have lunch again, buddy? That won't do. How can you have the energy to work?" A teasing voice brought Lyman back from his reverie, even without turning around, he could judge from the familiar voice and tone who it was. "But I'm not hungry at all. Let's eat later tonight." René indeed walked over from behind.

He was dressed casually today, and a light gray sweater made him look relaxed. His chestnut short hair was left untended, casually waving in the air, and a few strands stuck up as messy bangs. He also had a plastic bag in his hand. "What's that you're holding?" Lyman asked casually.

"Food. Lunch. How about that? Thomas will be here later too. I've called him. These are our lunches." René said, cleaning up the clutter on the table in front of Lyman and taking out packaged food from the plastic bag.

"Do you have any plans for tonight?" René asked.

"No, but I'll be busy in the next few days."

René looked puzzled, walked into the kitchen, took out utensils, arranged them neatly, and asked, "What will you be busy with?"

"The Sundance Film Festival. EuropaCorp needs us to participate in this exhibition in the United States and warm up the release work for Hollywood in advance."

Upon hearing this, René couldn't help but laugh. "That's great! Why do you look so down?"

Lyman shrugged, indifferent. "You know, I don't care about these things."

René went back into the kitchen, skillfully searching through the cabinets, and said, "Isn't it nice to go there and have some fun? I've never been to the Sundance Film Festival. Oh, by the way, do we have a screening slot this time?"

"Yes, EuropaCorp still has some influence. They secured a spot for our film through Robert Redford's endorsement," Lyman replied after some thought. The selection process for films to participate in and exhibit at the Sundance Film Festival is meticulous. The festival's official jury first watches all the submitted films and then selects the ones worthy of inclusion to ensure the quality and diversity of the festival's lineup. Additionally, after the festival opens, the professional jury is replaced, and a new panel is responsible for determining the award-winning films.

Thus, the festival's internal review team carries the responsibility of raising the overall standard of the festival's films, while the more professional jury members bear the duty of elevating the artistic and aesthetic level of the Sundance Film Festival.

Because of this, the registration period often needs to begin one to two months or even half a year in advance, allowing the festival's review team enough time for preliminary evaluation and the final exhibition selection. According to the rules, Lyman's work would never have passed through the official registration process. But that's just the general procedure, just like how Lyman, who was inexperienced at first, didn't make it to the Venice Film Festival. Everything had to follow the rules. Therefore, he didn't qualify for the screening.

However, things were different now. He no longer needed to participate in these independent film festivals, but EuropaCorp easily secured the final exhibition slot. It was through the connection with one of the festival's founders, Robert Redford. This early sex symbol eventually learned to compromise with the power of capital. He was no longer young, and this era was inevitably moving forward. He couldn't resist it.

Perhaps this actor, who was once acclaimed as the epitome of American sex appeal, along with Brad Pitt, who was rising to fame, and even Chris Hemsworth, who portrayed Thor in later years, were all following in Robert Redford's footsteps. Brad was even dubbed the "successor to Robert" in the early stages of his career.

But after more than twenty years in Hollywood, losing his youthful looks and weathering countless storms, this former "Golden Boy" had fallen on hard times. His career had transitioned from acting to the operation of the Sundance Film Festival. However, the multimillion-dollar operation of the festival every year was not something he could sustain on his own. Therefore, in recent years, he had been approaching international distributors with real power from all over the world. He was no longer the Sundance Film Festival that was once known for his distinctive style and character.

This was reality. The Sundance Film Festival ultimately relied on distributors like EuropaCorp to help operate its festival's films. Without fixed income to cover the annual operating expenses, relying solely on his income as a movie star was clearly insufficient. Of course, these later developments had become an industry's unspoken rules.

In films that were sold at the Sundance Film Festival, 5% of the sales amount was allocated as a service fee, which seemed reasonable. This wasn't unique to the Sundance Film Festival alone. Cannes sold red carpet spots, Berlin sold seats in the main venue—these were just small means to maintain a balanced budget.

René found the bag filled with coffee beans and took out three cups, pouring fresh coffee into them. Then he returned to the table, placing one cup in front of Lyman. "What do you think? Aren't you going to participate in the exhibition?"

"How could I not? EuropaCorp secured the exhibition slot, and besides, it's my film. I have an obligation to be involved in the promotion," Lyman replied, sipping his coffee.

René also sat down, tasting the coffee he brewed himself, and asked, "Have you figured out the other aspects of film distribution?"

"EuropaCorp is handling the contacts. From what I know, they have people arranging the release in several important overseas markets, such as Germany, the UK, South Korea, and... well, they're managing it. The global simultaneous release is set to begin on February 18th at the latest."

While the two of them chatted, Thomas finally arrived. "Why are you only just getting here? When I called, you said you were on your way," René opened the door and welcomed Thomas into the living room.

"Oh, there was a collision between two cars on the road. The entire intersection was blocked, and there was nothing I could do. It delayed me a bit," Thomas said, taking a sip of coffee.

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Lyman began to open the food containers. One of the items was a delicately layered mille-feuille cake, which he took one and bit into it, savoring its delicious taste.

"Thomas, do you have any plans in the coming days?"

"Why do you ask?" Thomas was curious about René's question.

"In a few days, Lyman and I are going to the United States to participate in the Sundance Film Festival. Would you like to join us?"

"Sure, I'll go," Thomas replied firmly.

"That's great. The three of us will go together, and we're bound to have a good harvest."

Lyman ate the cake and drank his coffee, paying no attention to René's suggestion. With Thomas's arrival, the two of them engaged in lively conversation. They discussed how impressive the Sundance Film Festival was, how many remarkable films had emerged from it, and how many new directors had made their breakthroughs there...

Observing their enthusiastic demeanor, it seemed like they were wondering if "3 Idiots" would receive such treatment. Lyman watched from the side, wearing a look of disdain.

How despicable...