"You had to see it with your own eyes; watching the audience's reaction was hilarious," said Eric, sitting in the Cooper's living room. Surrounding him were Warren, Bordeaux, and Judy, all watching a recording made in the theater.
Billy was absent, as he was in England meeting with Michael Dobbs, the author of "House of Cards," who was not only a writer but also a politician, a member of the Conservative Party, and a government advisor, an extremely busy man. Billy had been negotiating for a long time to arrange this meeting, and only when Dobbs had a break were they able to meet.
On the TV screen, groups of young people were shown entering the cinema, buying tickets for "Sharknado," and chatting as they waited for the screening to begin.
"You weren't wrong; I was browsing IMDB yesterday, and suddenly there were a lot of reviews for 'Sharknado' under 'Jaws.' People are saying it's a film comparable to 'Jaws,' a real breakthrough. I have to see it."
"Compare it to 'Jaws'? Are you kidding? That's a Spielberg movie, and I've never heard of this director, Anthony Ferrante. Do you know who he is? And what is A.K. Films? Do they sell weapons?"
"Jeff, don't judge the film before you see it. Spielberg was a newbie too when he made 'Jaws.' Who knows, maybe Anthony Ferrante will become the next Spielberg."
The couple, eating ice cream, continued arguing. The girl frowned: "Charles, why are we watching this movie? 'Rendezvous' is obviously better."
"Laura, Howard recommended it. He watched it yesterday and said it's a blast. We have to see it."
"But I want to watch 'Rendezvous.'"
"Don't worry, after 'Sharknado' we'll watch 'Rendezvous.' The night is long."
Judy asked in surprise: "Why is the audience all young people? No one from other age groups?"
"Because we used an online marketing strategy. Young people are the ones who are mostly online."
"Young people like unusual things, and office workers don't have time for such entertainments."
Bordeaux placed a tray of beer on the table: "This marketing strategy isn't considered cheating, right?"
Eric laughed: "In movies and art, everyone has their own understanding and tastes. How can it be cheating?"
"Is there a film that has received a hundred percent positive reviews? 'The Godfather'? 'The Shawshank Redemption'? '12 Angry Men'? No one will ever achieve that because it's art!"
The three friends nodded in agreement with his words.
On the screen, the same people were shown leaving the theater, clearly disappointed and angry.
"This is what you called a classic, comparable to 'Jaws'? Are you out of your mind? This is the worst movie I've ever seen!" shouted one of the young people.
Another quietly responded: "But aren't such terrible movies rare too? Isn't that a kind of innovation?"
"You..."
"There's something to that."
"Laura, don't leave! Let's watch 'Rendezvous,' you wanted to see it, right? Please don't go."
"Charles, let's call it a night. I have a headache as if a shark is gnawing on it."
In the background, someone's voice was heard: "Then you should kill it with a pool cue!"
Loud laughter erupted in the cinema.
...
"Poor Charles! Warren, you trapped that guy. Tonight, he definitely won't get any reward," Eric said, laughing.
Warren grinned: "Do you think he'll get angry? And in his rage, recommend 'Sharknado' to his friends?"
"Bingo! Of course, he will!" Eric snapped his fingers.
They toasted and downed their beers.
In such an environment, where young people, trying to restore their mental balance, unwittingly spread the word about the movie, and with the help of an army of online trolls fanning the interest, the film continued to gain popularity.
On the second day, "Sharknado" grossed three times more – over $4 million, already recouping the costs and starting to make a profit.
When this data came in, the entire A.K. Films team rejoiced. Everyone knew that "Sharknado" would be a big success.
On December 18, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" was released, and the Battle of Helm's Deep began. The screen erupted with the power of the orc army and the forces of Rohan, creating an impressive spectacle like a wild warhorse charging forward.
On December 19, the iron cavalry of Middle-earth swept through the entire North American film market, crushing everything in its path. No film could withstand it, and all competitors were defeated.
"Sharknado" was no exception: on the third day, its box office earnings fell to $2 million, and this was only because many, after watching "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," decided to change things up and watch "Sharknado" for variety.
These declines continued for three days until the first weekend of "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" ended, and the "monster" passed its peak.
During its first weekend, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" grossed $62 million, not quite reaching "Spider-Man." The first weekend of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" grossed $88 million, also not breaking the "Spider-Man" record, which had grossed $113 million.
By the end of the year, "Spider-Man" remained the unshakable champion for first-weekend box office earnings.
When the peak of "The Lord of the Rings" passed, and with an additional $50,000 budget for online promotion from Bema Hardy, "Sharknado," whose popularity had slightly waned, surged again.
On the sixth day, the box office reached $3.5 million, and on the seventh – $4.4 million, bringing the total for the first week to $12.7 million. After deducting production and marketing costs, the profit amounted to $4 million.
For a film shown in 435 theaters, $12.7 million wasn't much. Usually, such films reduce the number of showings in the second week and are completely pulled from theaters after it ends.
But "Sharknado" was an exception, as its earnings continued to grow unlike other films.
Such rarity usually indicates that the film is either very good or is being actively discussed thanks to word of mouth.
It doesn't matter if the reviews are good or bad. The main thing is that it blew up the market, right? Therefore, after the first week, seeing the growth trend, Charlie Cooper expanded the film's screening to second-tier theaters. The number of theaters showing "Sharknado" increased to 970.
The Christmas battle began, and the cunning fox lurking in the murky waters was ready to strike.
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