Chapter 97: Promotion Work for the New Movie
The filming of "Fate Zero" has finally wrapped up. After presenting a grand gift to the inhabitants of the port of Arkance, the crew hastily proceeded to the desert beyond the western border to capture the scene of the King of Conquerors's Noble Phantasm. With this, the first chapter of this extraordinary and imaginative production has come to an end.
Meanwhile, amidst the hectic filming schedule, there are still two days remaining before the new students enroll at the Mage Tower. This gives Durin ample time to prepare for the movie's premiere. Since only the first chapter of the film has been completed, the crew has not disbanded, and almost everyone has returned with Durin to Norsrick.
"In two days, the movie will officially premiere, and before that, I have an idea that I want to put into practice."
Addressing the gathered members of the Edward Studio and the Snowflake Theater Troupe, Durin stood atop the closed tavern counter and spoke slowly, "This time, I don't intend to hold a premiere ceremony!"
Upon hearing his words, Banil was the first to express surprise, "No premiere? Um... Is that okay?"
Although most people didn't fully grasp the significance of a premiere, for Banil, it represented a lucrative opportunity. With the current hype surrounding the movie, premiere ticket prices could skyrocket to thousands of gold coins. Missing out on such easy money was truly disheartening for the young viscount, who was gradually embracing capitalism.
In response, Durin simply shook his head silently before stating, "Banil, I understand your perspective, but you have to know, my purpose in creating movies has never been about money. While making money is enjoyable, if the foundation is misguided and priorities are skewed, it would be a great regret for me."
"Um, then Director Durin, what is your real purpose?"
Despite many present having known Durin for a long time, including veterans of the Edward Studio like Zat, they remained unaware of Durin's true motives in filmmaking. The only person privy to this information was absent, silently aiding Durin in managing the Edward family.
Realizing this, Durin spoke slowly, "Change. My original intention is simple: to change this mundane world, enabling those confined to tavern banter and mundane routines after work to experience the wonders of magic and enjoy captivating stories. Thus, I created movies and successfully popularized them in the Southern Region, allowing everyone, regardless of status, to enjoy cinema and find joy in it."
"At first glance, it seems that my goal has been partially achieved. However, it's not enough! Despite the accessibility of movies, not everyone is interested in cinemas. Therefore, I aim to create something that enables everyone to watch movies at home or in taverns, and revel in captivating stories!"
In simple terms, despite all the elaboration, Durin's ultimate goal is essentially to create television. Only with the advent of television can he truly promote episodic anime and let the people of this world experience the terror of following a series!
Although if possible, Durin would prefer to create something like a computer, but alas, the technology for the internet is still nowhere to be found...
Unaware of Durin's thoughts, upon hearing his words, the people present immediately showed expressions of longing. After all, Durin's words transcended the era, surpassing the imagination of those present who were trapped by the limitations of their time. They all fell into imagining such an era.
Meanwhile, upon learning of Durin's ambitious plans, Banil quickly spoke up, "Lord Durin, do you already have ideas?"
Instantly, everyone turned their gaze to Durin, even Laetitia, an undead, showed a hint of excitement. After all, the thought of such an era was incredibly beautiful.
However, in response to everyone's expectations, Durin simply shook his head silently and said, "Not yet. Although the technology for real-time video transmission has been completed, the crucial issue of energy has not been resolved. So even if this technology is promoted, it can only be temporarily available in places like the Mage Tower, which are filled with magicians. Ordinary people who are not magicians cannot yet enjoy such convenience."
"I see..."
Immediately, ordinary people like Zat and Chase showed expressions of regret, while magicians like Helena and Wiz revealed expressions of anticipation.
Before anyone could ask any more questions, Durin quickly continued, "Anyway, getting back to the original topic, for this screening of 'Fate Zero,' I don't want to use the traditional premiere method. Instead, I intend to adopt a formal premiere followed by free promotion!"
"Formal premiere followed by free promotion?"
Upon hearing Durin's words, Banil's expression lit up as if he had opened the door to a new world. Durin quickly explained, "Yes, and one more thing. Due to the extensive promotion of the movie during this period, the price of imaging crystals has become increasingly expensive, which is not what I want to see. So for this movie premiere, I plan to use a new technology I obtained from my friends at the Mage Tower to conduct a live broadcast simultaneously in all cinemas across the empire!"
"A live broadcast?"
"Yes, I know you're confused now, but when the time comes, I'll introduce you to the technology of video transmission."
After explaining, Durin quickly clarified to everyone what video transmission is. Simply put, a replicated imaging crystal is like a DVD disc, capable of recording and playing back video signals. The video transmission invented earlier is like a video-enabled telephone, capable of transmitting these recorded video signals through teleportation arrays via black box technology to another alchemy array in a distant location, and then broadcasting them through the signal output channel structured in the alchemy array for long-distance live streaming.
Although Durin's explanation was as straightforward as possible, the vocabulary was beyond the comprehension of even ordinary grand mages, leaving everyone present struggling to keep up with Durin's train of thought. So, besides nodding blankly, the only instinctive response they could muster was to inquire about what he intended to do.
To this, Durin just smiled and said, "Anyway, due to the direct change in the screening mode this time, the screening times will be completely unified. Therefore, I've decided to cancel the premiere ceremony altogether since I've already confirmed that the movie's content is fine."
Then, he took out an imaging crystal and a booklet from his pocket and continued, "Also, because the content of this movie, 'Fate Zero,' is quite complex, I previously made a rather long trailer, which roughly explained the setting and worldview. Later, Banil, you will arrange for the trailer to be shown in all towns with cinemas in the Northern and Southern regions, and have people distribute this movie guidebook and 'Fate Zero Setting Collection' as much as possible, treating them as new flyers."
"Oh, okay..."
Although Banil didn't quite understand the technical aspects, he was quite adept at movie promotion, having experience from two previous movies. After ensuring that there were enough imaging crystals for now, he promptly left with the trailer's imaging crystal and the new movie guidebook.
As for the remaining people who seemed to have nothing to do and were bored enough to chat idly, Durin decisively opened the tavern door, keeping them busy once again.
As for the Snowflake Theater Troupe, they went back to rest as soon as they received their long-awaited vacation. They looked exhausted, and it was likely they wouldn't get out of bed until the new movie premiered...
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