Super Zoo

The cake may be delicious, but that doesn't mean everyone can have a piece. Asian films, especially Huaxia films, have little box-office appeal in North America. Nangong Huang and Jiao Shou had all but exhausted the list of overseas distributors in Xiangjiang, and in the end, only the Disney Company was willing to send someone to negotiate. Seeing the representative sent by Disney Company, Mr. Pantela, Suming's face was all smiles, but inside he couldn't help but frown. People emanate an aura, and the environment influences the person. A person of high authority and a low-level errand runner, even if dressed identically and speaking the same words, give off completely different impressions. Mr. Pantala appeared to be in his thirties, not yet forty, with handsome looks that could easily make most young women throw themselves at him, built tall and robust with a suit that seemed tailored for a supermodel just off the Paris fashion runway. Yet, for all that, according to Suming's experience, men who look that handsome are mostly hard at work on the front lines of their jobs. Indeed, just a few words in, and there it came—a strong whiff of salesperson's vibe, enthusiastic, eloquent, and aggressively persuasive, but lacking the steadiness and depth one would expect from a real decision-maker. Moreover, this guy exuded an air of superiority that a staff member of a world-class corporation might have when dealing with a small business owner. "Mr. Su, you have to understand, in the past five years, the total box office of Huaxia movies in North America hasn't even exceeded one million US dollars. If it weren't for your film being about animals, we, Disney, wouldn't have come to talk..." "As for other film companies, your assistant must have had a firsthand experience with their attitude. I swear to God, there won't be any fool willing to buy it..." "Of course, Mr. Su, I'm not saying your movie isn't good. I'm a businessman; I have to consider the benefits! I believe you can understand that!" "Oh, you mentioned that Huaxia's films have had success before, which I cannot deny, and remember very clearly. Kung Fu made 17.1 million US dollars in North America, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 128 million US dollars, Hero over 50 million US dollars..." "Among these, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the highest-grossing, if you look closely at its production team and investors, you'll find it actually cannot be considered a Huaxia film, but rather a Hollywood production..." "But what about the others? Let me list a few for you, all big hits in Huaxia. If You Are the One, North American box office 420 thousand US dollars, Flying Swords of Dragon Gate, 410 thousand US dollars, Lost in Thailand, this record-breaking film, just 100 thousand US dollars. Oh, and the latest summer blockbuster, Tiny Times 4, preceded by Tiny Times 3, which had nearly no box office or reputation in North America..." After delivering a flurry of eloquent arguments, Pantela concluded, "Thus, Mr. Su, purchasing Huaxia movies is a huge gamble for any North American distributor, as the odds suggest it will inevitably lead to a loss..." Suming frowned in impatience and interrupted him, "Mr. Pantela, you're quite the debater, but I didn't invite you here for a debate. I just want to know two things. First, how much is Disney prepared to pay for the distribution rights to Terror Animal City? Second..." Pantela, eager to speak, was cut off by Suming who continued, "Even a salesperson should respect the client's right to speak, right? Now, Mr. Pantela, please let me finish. Second, do you have the decision-making authority? If not, I'd like to talk to the person who does." Stung by Suming's words, Pantela showed no sign of anger or dissatisfaction, which precisely indicated that his position in the Disney Company probably wasn't high, perhaps he was just a seasoned low-level henchman. Once Suming had finished and picked up his teacup to drink, Pantela finally spoke with a smile, "Mr. Su, maybe you don't understand Disney's operational model. In Disney, employees at each level have a certain amount of decision-making power. Not even my BOSS can claim to have a hundred percent decision-making authority. His permissions are just higher than mine. As for the film, my offer is..." Pantela deliberately paused, hoping to read something from Suming's expression, but all he found was an unfazed face. Pantela, somewhat embarrassed, coughed and said, "At most four hundred thousand US dollars!" Jiao Shou was about to interject when Suming waved his hand to interrupt him, turning to Pantela with a smile. "Oh? If I remember correctly, of the blockbusters you mentioned, aside from those three 'exceptional gains,' the highest box office also was just 400 thousand US dollars. Aren't you taking quite the risk offering me this price?" "Mr. Su, our positions are different. You're thinking about making money, whereas Disney isn't counting on making money through Terror Animal City. To be honest, we're prepared for it to have no box office at all." "Then I really don't understand. If your company thinks my movie won't have a box office in North America, why bother spending money to buy it?" Suming shrugged his shoulders, put down his teacup, settled into a more comfortable position on the sofa, and signaled him to continue. Pantela, feeling the rhythm of the negotiations returning to his control, smiled confidently and said, "For a large company like Disney, forty thousand US dollars is inconsequential. We're investing this money because we value the animal resources you have. As you know, Disney has a lot of animated films." "Ah, I see. So you're spending four hundred thousand US dollars not really for my film, but to make a connection with me... to use a Western expression, to establish a preliminary collaborative relationship," Suming said. "You're a smart owner, Mr. Su. Speaking with you is much more comfortable than with your assistant," Pantela glanced at Jiao Shou, his gaze falling back on Suming, "You've basically got it right. I would just add that, aside from the distribution rights, you'll have to sign a memorandum with us. Over the next year, you'll be obligated to use those animals of yours in cooperation with Disney for filming, with Disney having an unconditional priority to use them. Of course, you'll be paid for this." Suming's mouth twitched slightly, and he smiled in an odd way. If Pantela had been a typical Easterner, seeing Suming's expression, he would never have continued speaking. Unfortunately, despite his fluent Mandarin, he didn't understand Eastern culture. "Mr. Su, collaborating with Disney is beneficial for both you and your animals. It will help you break into the North American market in the future and also enhance your fame in your home country," Pantela rambled on.