Louis Theater, located on 17th Street in Burbank, is a two-story community theatre. This afternoon, it was temporarily closed to host a screening of "The Purge" organized by Seashore Entertainment.
Over a hundred recruited movie fans were the first to enter the theatre.
Screenings and test screenings like this were very common in Los Angeles, and many movie fans enjoyed participating in these free viewing activities, making it easy to recruit test audiences.
However, Michael had added something extra to the mix.
"How's everything going?" he asked Robert in the theatre lobby. "Is everyone here?"
Robert nodded lightly. "Don't worry, we've rehearsed this over thirty times. We've prepared for many unexpected situations, so there shouldn't be any problems."
Michael exhaled, his slightly anxious mood gradually calming. "If things don't go well, we'll have to go to film festivals or look for smaller distribution companies."
Robert knew about Michael's agreement with the Arabs; this film definitely had to be released in North America rather than just going straight to video.
"Any progress on acquiring a distribution company?" Robert asked quietly.
Michael roughly replied, "George provided some lists. Acquiring a company with broad distribution channels is difficult. Buying a small company with limited channels is pointless."
Robert agreed. "Instead of acquiring a small company, we might as well hire people to set up a distribution department."
Michael thought for a moment and said, "The first choice is still acquisition. If we can't find a suitable target, then we'll set up our own distribution company."
It wouldn't be an additional department under Seashore Entertainment but rather an independent distribution company.
James Wong walked over at this moment, and Michael and Robert stopped discussing company matters and greeted him in turn.
"How many distribution companies are coming today?" James Wong, although primarily focused on the upcoming "Final Destination," was still very concerned about whether his first film would make it to theatres. "Do we have any specific targets?"
As soon as he spoke, he realized he had asked a somewhat silly question. If there were specific targets, there wouldn't be a need for a screening.
However, Michael said, "We'll see. I expect representatives from seven or eight companies. After that, it depends on the specific conditions."
Distribution was necessary, but they had to strive for favourable terms on this basis.
More than forty minutes remained before the screening, yet representatives from distribution companies had yet to arrive. Robert was a bit anxious, frequently glancing towards the theatre entrance.
Michael was also a bit anxious. This was, after all, his first film in Hollywood and directly related to his future development.
If the film was successfully released in North America and achieved decent box office results, the overseas screening rights could be sold reasonably. Abu Dhabi would be pleased, and securing further investment would be easier.
Attracting investment often posed the greatest challenge the first time. Successful cooperation would lay a solid foundation for future partnerships.
Concerns about being accused or investigated due to collaboration with Arabs shouldn't be overblown. Countless companies and individuals across America had business dealings with Arabs.
Abu Dhabi, part of the UAE, was much less risky compared to countries like Saudi Arabia.
Numerous American companies had business dealings with Arabs. Who would bother with a small company in a non-critical industry unless they crossed a certain line?
Besides, Michael wasn't foolish enough to bind himself too closely with Arabs.
He was primarily interested in the money Arabs held, and his gaze also turned towards India.
After waiting a while longer, Michael checked his watch. With only a little over thirty minutes left and no one arriving yet, what use was his carefully planned script without the target audience?
James Wong was also anxious, frequently checking his watch.
For him, if this film could be released in theatres, the distribution of his next movie would be much smoother.
"Still not here," Robert frowned.
Michael's face remained calm. "Stay calm." He raised an eyebrow. "They're here."
A black Lexus sedan stopped at the entrance, and a middle-aged man got out and entered the theatre. Michael quickly approached him, extending his right hand first. "Welcome, Mr. Chris."
Chris, the man, shook his hand and smiled. "There was a bit of traffic on the way, but fortunately, I'm not late."
Michael smiled. "We're honoured to have you here."
Flattery costs nothing and can be very effective. After exchanging pleasantries with Chris from Sony Distribution, he had Robert escort him to a private box on the second floor.
Soon after, Bran Milner from Warner Bros. arrived.
One after another, representatives or screening experts from four or five distribution companies arrived at the theatre.
Of course, these individuals held positions of some authority but not too high within their companies. Their main job was to search for and evaluate films suitable for theatrical release.
In other words, attending screenings was part of their daily work.
In the second-floor box, Chris saw Bran Milner arriving and greeted him out of curiosity. "You're here too?"
"If you can come, so can I," Bran Milner replied with a smile.
Chris probed, "Is Warner Bros. interested in this small production?"
"A three-million-dollar horror film, directed by someone who has worked on 'The X-Files,' sounds promising." Bran Milner spoke half-truthfully. "Mostly, it's because Michael Davenport is a nice young man, enthusiastic and sincere. I couldn't refuse his invitation."
He suddenly asked, "What about you, Chris?"
Chris recalled his meetings with Michael, "Young men like Davenport are rare, very genuine." After a moment, he added, "To be honest, I came not because of the budget or the director but because Davenport impressed me."
At the theatre entrance, as the parking area filled with cars, later arrivals had to park farther away.
Gray Enrick from Lionsgate left his car and walked toward the theatre, encountering an acquaintance halfway. The person greeted him, "Good afternoon, Gray."
"Good afternoon, DeLong." Gray Enrick recognized the New Line Cinema colleague and pointed towards the theatre. "Is New Line interested in 'The Purge'?"
DeLong shrugged. "I don't have any other work right now, so I'm just trying my luck."
Gray Enrick caught the underlying message. "You don't think much of this film?"
DeLong replied as they walked, "Michael Davenport's last film was a disaster. He didn't understand how theatrical distribution works. Now, so soon after, he's produced another film. I think..."
He didn't finish but shook his head. "If I were busy, I wouldn't have come."
Gray Enrick could see that DeLong seemed to feel this way.
It wasn't hard to understand. New Line Cinema distributed Seashore Entertainment's previous film and made no profit.
For distribution companies, not making money meant a loss.
The two entered the theatre and greeted Michael in turn. Gray Enrick noticed that DeLong seemed to look down on the young man, his demeanour tinged with arrogance.
Michael Davenport had left a good impression on Gray, especially during their discussion about horror films. Davenport's insights didn't seem like those of an amateur.
Just starting, Lionsgate had set its primary goal of producing low-budget horror films.
From his perspective, a film invested in and produced by someone like Michael Davenport should be reliable, at least not far-fetched.
"If this fails again," DeLong remarked, "Michael's father's hard-built company will be ruined in his hands."
Gray Enrick smiled but didn't respond.
They both entered the second-floor box, where many colleagues were already seated.
Gray Enrick greeted everyone and took a seat, just in time to hear a faint "pop" sound.
DeLong also heard it and looked around. Someone in the front row of the main floor seating had opened a can of soda, which had apparently been shaken, causing foam to spew out.
"I hate people who make noise during movies," DeLong muttered.
Gray Enrick saw it too and agreed, "Me too."
On the main floor, Mario took the tissue Paul handed him, wiping off the soda foam. Then, he passed the opened soda to Paul and grabbed another can.
"Drink up!" Paul said, tilting his head back to take a sip.
Mario didn't hesitate, downing his drink in one go.
Then, they each grabbed another can of soda.