Chapter 35: Posters? Trailers?
After discussing with Banil for a while, Durin quickly realized that Banil had no understanding of marketing techniques such as advertising. Even crucial theater promotion relied solely on word-of-mouth, with the audience spreading the word themselves. In this world, despite a thriving paper industry, newspapers had not developed to the extent of providing advertising channels.
Due to the limited circulation of people within the cities and the slow internal information dissemination, deliberate promotion was unnecessary. Thus, dominant industries like the Norsrick Grand Theater didn't bother with marketing preparations.
Initially dismayed by this situation, Durin soon recognized the untapped business opportunities it presented.
Realizing they could be the first to explore this field, Durin and his team saw potential benefits that could solidify their position in the industry, even if they were later imitated.
After some thought, Durin decided to educate Banil on advertising concepts.
"Fliers? Posters? Putting your brand name on small items distributed at screenings?"
Banil, who had never considered such matters before, looked as if a new world had been opened up to him, showing an excited expression. He immediately exclaimed, "Fantastic! Baron Edward, your insights transcend the times. I finally understand why you were able to invent movies right after creating the magic projector and imaging crystal. Such a wise mind truly commands my utmost admiration!"
Though Banil seemed to be excessively praising himself, Durin, having experienced Earth's bustling world, couldn't muster much enthusiasm for it.
Because these things were extremely novel to the people of this world, whereas for someone from another world, they were just everyday occurrences.
Anyway, armed with Durin's ideas, Banil quickly began preparing what he called advertising. The first step was naturally distributing flyers. Although time was tight, tonight's premiere wasn't the final screening. According to Durin's plan, the film should run continuously for several months.
So even if the flyers were received a bit later, as long as they could be distributed as far as possible, the audience arriving during the film's screening period would still become potential viewers.
Moreover, in this world with a certain level of printing technology, making flyers was quite convenient. Of course, Durin still provided advice on layout, considering his past experiences with numerous flyer distributors and the abundance of small ads plastered on street corners. Therefore, even just replicating the appearance of those flyers produced satisfactory results.
Though still somewhat crude in comparison, it was a novelty for this world, which had never seen such advertisements before.
"Shall we distribute these flyers now?"
Upon hearing Banil's excited words, Durin just shook his head. "Although we've prepared quickly, distributing flyers still takes time. To ensure tonight's premiere, we need to quickly produce an advertisement that's fast and effective!"
"Fast and effective?"
In response to Banil's confusion, Durin simply smiled and said, "Lord Banil, where is the busiest place in Norsrick in the evening?"
Surprised by Durin's question, Banil thought for a moment before hastily responding, "It's the Central Square, I suppose. Although it only has a fountain and a moderately sized square, it has gained some popularity due to the frequent street performances there. Most people go there for a stroll after dinner."
"What else?"
"If there's more, it would be the Norsrick Grand Market and Pleasure Street. The former is more popular among parents and children, while the latter is a gathering place for young people. And of course, Baron Edward, you know the reason."
Regarding Banil's suggestive expression, Durin just nodded and said, "Then let's go with these three places for now. Let's put up movie posters in the most eye-catching way possible!"
"Trailer? Posters? What are those?"
Seeing Banil unable to understand his meaning, Durin didn't explain further. He simply said, "Anyway, later you'll have someone go to these three places to scout. Make sure to find white walls similar to this one that can be seen. Of course, if you can manage to get a cart with a huge square white cloth hanging on it, even better!"
"Um, I'll quickly have someone prepare for that."
Although Banil didn't know what Durin intended to do, he didn't say much more. He immediately went to prepare the posters as Durin had instructed.
Meanwhile, Durin, who remained in place, showed a subtle expression. While posters were the first thing that came to mind, during his exchange with Banil just now, he suddenly realized why he had to use ideas from Earth for design. Yes, while Earth was more advanced in terms of civilization, this world had something that Earth didn't: magic!
While posters would be a good choice, if he added elements of magic, there was actually a better option available to Durin right now.
"Skipping from posters directly to large-screen advertisements—only a world with magic can do that. In that case, we'll need to make a trailer too!"
Looking at the imaging crystal he had copied and used as a sample, Durin patiently edited its content to create a trailer.
After delving deeper into the mechanisms of the crystal, Durin had mastered more ways to use it, including a method of editing by arranging the magical energies within the moving crystal.
The final result of the editing, while not remarkable, was still decent. It comprised scenes of the protagonist and a goddess being forced into a different world, joining new companions, using explosive magic, and encountering a headless knight.
Under the blend of these scenes, while viewers couldn't immediately grasp the storyline of the movie, they couldn't help but feel excited and eagerly anticipate it.
Ultimately, after completing the editing, Durin personally provided the voiceover for the trailer. The gist of it was that "Konosuba God's Blessings on This Wonderful World" would be screening tonight at the Norsrick Grand Theater. Those interested could inquire about the specifics at the theater.
Having finished everything, Durin quietly awaited news from Banil's end. And Banil didn't disappoint; he quickly returned, appearing happy, indicating that he had completed the tasks Durin had set for him.