Chapter 131: Viral Comments and Film Distributors at the Door

"Damn, this film is intense! That Asian woman is truly ruthless—that scene where she gouged out the eyeball with a knife? Alan, tell me I'm not the only one who thinks so?" Even though the screening had ended, many people lingered at the theater entrance, unwilling to leave. Some were even waiting for the next few showtimes, hoping for any leftover tickets to watch it again. This was David speaking; the film was perfectly to his taste—cruel and bloody, with special effects makeup that looked hauntingly real.

"I still prefer the opening scene, where the guy cuts his own carotid artery. What was the director thinking? It was brilliant!" Alan gestured across his own neck with his finger.

"Exactly. I have no idea how they pulled it off. It looked so real, nothing like those old movies where it’s just a fake skin prop, and blood pours out like water from a tap the moment you poke it with a knife," Matt chimed in, nodding.

"Speaking of which, it's really pathetic how those people in Hong Kong live. So many crammed into such a tiny space. Did you see those things on screen? What did they call them? They looked like little cages, and they’re so expensive, too. It’s enough to drive a person insane," Matt continued.

"They just have too many people over there. I heard that red nation is pushing ten billion people now. Good grief, housing must be even scarcer there," Alan nodded.

"In a few years, it’ll be just like that movie *Liberation of Paris*. Hundreds of millions of People's Liberation Army soldiers will just march in and occupy Europe," David chuckled.

"Hey, don't ignore the fact that the lead actress in the movie was gorgeous. It’s the first time I’ve felt that Asian women have such a vibe, especially when she gets vicious—she’s like a total queen," Alan said.

"I knew you were into being dominated. If you want a taste of an Asian woman, I happen to know a place. A few Japanese girls just arrived there," Matt said, nudging Alan’s arm with a lecherous grin.

"Damn, no wonder I didn't see you at the parties lately. You were out chasing girls? You’re a fool—there are all kinds of women at the parties, and it’s so easy to pick them up. Why spend the money?" David asked, looking at Matt. At those parties, it was common to go from strangers to intimate encounters, only to go separate ways the next day. Everyone was there to cut loose, and many reservations were simply cast aside.

"What do you know? Paying for it is different. You get your pick of beauties, and they provide whatever service you want. You just sit back and enjoy. If you want a 'double flight' or a 'one-on-three,' it’s no problem," Matt said, savoring the memory.

"Is it really that good? I’ve never been with a Japanese girl. I wonder if Bob managed to get the tickets. Once the next show is over, I’ll go check it out with you," Alan said, feeling restless.

"Got the tickets! I got them!" Before Alan could finish, Bob squeezed through the crowd, holding a few movie tickets in his hand.

"The next showing is sold out. I got tickets for the midnight screening, and these were the very last ones. Everything else was snatched up." Bob was panting, breathless, as he handed the tickets to the group.

"Then we’ll wait a bit. We can catch the midnight show, and then we’ll head out with Matt to relax," David said, taking the tickets.

...

After the screening, the impact far exceeded the expectations of Yan Xu and his team. Yan Xu knew his film might cater to Western tastes, but he hadn't anticipated this level of success. The theater was filled with applause and cheers, which was enough to thrill him. He knew that after this premiere, his film would spread rapidly among the tens of thousands of fantasy fans in Sitges. Judging by the immediate reaction alone, even without reviews, this fervor would be enough to attract distributors. Regardless of what the critics said, box office receipts were ultimately what mattered most.

"Ah Xu, let me introduce you to someone." Just as Yan Xu was watching the crowds pouring in for the second screening and the audience lingering at the door to discuss the film, Brother Jiu came running over excitedly with his translator, A-Yang, in tow. A foreigner was following close behind them.

"What's up?" Yan Xu looked at Brother Jiu, whose broad smile spoke volumes about his current mood.

"This is Mr. Wick from New Line Cinema. He wants to talk to you about the North American distribution rights for *Mansion No. 1*," Brother Jiu introduced him. He hadn't expected a film distributor to approach them so quickly; this was definitely cause for celebration. Ever since the death of Bruce Lee, few Hong Kong films had managed to secure a theatrical release in the United States.

"New Line Cinema?" Yan Xu was stunned. As a horror fan, his attention toward New Line Cinema far exceeded that of other Hollywood studios. It was a company that made its name by distributing low-budget European and domestic horror films to American college campuses, later moving into producing their own low-budget horror features. Eventually, they would be absorbed by Time Warner, ending forty years of independent operation, followed by massive layoffs and a reduction in film production.

Yet, the films produced by New Line were legendary among fantasy fans: the *A Nightmare on Elm Street* series, the *Friday the 13th* series, *Final Destination*, *Blade*, *The Lord of the Rings*, *Rush Hour*, *Harold & Kumar*, *Austin Powers*, as well as *Dumb and Dumber*, *The Mask*, *The Butterfly Effect*, *Snakes on a Plane*, *Inkheart*, *Journey to the Center of the Earth*, and so on—every single one a box-office hit.

"You've heard of our company?" Wick asked, noticing Yan Xu’s surprise.

New Line Cinema wasn't very large yet. Although it had been established for twenty years, it had primarily focused on distributing low-budget horror films, only beginning to produce its own in the last few years. Among the many American film companies, it was considered a small player. Consequently, their core business remained distribution. As a company with a soft spot for horror, they wouldn't miss a fantasy festival like the Sitges Film Festival in Spain. While such festivals featured many famous films, they also showcased local gems looking for a larger market, and Wick was one of the representatives sent by New Line.

Initially, like everyone else, Wick hadn't thought much of Yan Xu's opening film, *Mansion No. 1*. Their impression of Hong Kong cinema was still stuck in the Bruce Lee era, and even their limited horror films couldn't compare to Western ones—they were usually absurd, antiquated stories that Westerners couldn't understand, involving little yellow paper charms making ghosts retreat.

However, as a distribution manager, his motto was not to let a single film slip through his fingers. When he sat in the theater and saw that first scene—the caretaker slicing his own carotid artery and the blood spraying out—it instantly made his blood boil. A film like this would definitely find a massive audience in the U.S., especially among young people. Without a second thought, he decided he had to secure the North American distribution rights.

"I’ve seen *A Nightmare on Elm Street*, which your company produced. It’s a classic; there aren't many fantasy fans who don't love it." Although New Line had produced a few films, only *A Nightmare on Elm Street* from the previous year had been a standout success. With a budget of $1.8 million, it had unexpectedly grossed over $26 million in North America alone, achieving both critical and commercial success.

"We've already finished the second one. It will be released in the U.S. around Halloween," Wick said, smiling at Yan Xu. They were quite proud of their *Nightmare* franchise.

"Then I congratulate you in advance on another box-office smash," Yan Xu said. Truth be told, the second *Nightmare* film was a failure. Influenced by works like *Teen Wolf*, it added shapeshifting elements but lacked the tension of the first, turning into a lackluster mess that was savaged by critics. Of course, riding the momentum of the first, its box office wasn't low, even reaching $30 million.

"Thank you, we are very confident." The foreigner lacked the typical Chinese modesty.

"So, Mr. Wick, what brings you to me today?" After the pleasantries, Yan Xu got straight to the point.

"Oh, Mr. Yan, I represent New Line Cinema, and we are hoping to acquire the North American distribution and theatrical rights for *Mansion No. 1*." Wick looked at Yan Xu expectantly.

"Mr. Wick is interested in our film?"

"Yes. The *Mansion No. 1* you directed is an absolute masterpiece. You can tell by the audience's reaction. Not only is the story tight and suspenseful, but the makeup and special effects in this film are also brilliant. We never expected such a high-quality film to come out of Hong Kong; I almost missed it. And I heard the budget for this film was only $200,000—that’s truly incredible." As a professional agent, Wick knew how to speak well; he highlighted the film's brilliance while subtly pointing out its lack of broad exposure and its low budget.

"Although New Line Cinema isn't huge, we have sufficient distribution channels. Over the years, we have distributed hundreds of horror and fantasy films from around the world. In the entire fantasy industry, we are second to none."

"Mr. Wick, if we were to grant you the North American distribution rights, how much are you offering?" Yan Xu already knew quite a bit about New Line and their extensive channels, so he cut Wick off.

"$150,000. I believe that is a fair price." Wick looked at Yan Xu, answering directly without further fluff. In his view, for a film with a budget of under $200,000, $150,000 was an extremely sincere offer.