With the start of a new week, the promotional efforts for "The Purge" have significantly intensified. The main cast and crew members have also appeared in various media outlets, drawing more attention to the film.
Several vital actors have conducted interviews with different media outlets, gradually gaining recognition both within and outside the industry.
These efforts help maintain a certain level of interest in the film.
Additionally, starting Monday, the number of screenings and the screening rate for "The Purge" have been steadily increasing, which is crucial for generating box office revenue.
Thanks to the increase in the number of screens, the film's first-weekday box office dropped by only 55% compared to Sunday, grossing $1.87 million on Monday.
In the following days, supported by an intensified promotional campaign and an increasing number of theatres, "The Purge" maintained steady daily box office figures, grossing $1.80 million, $1.65 million, and $1.52 million, respectively.
The total box office for the four weekdays reached $6.84 million.
"The Purge" has easily surpassed the $20 million mark in North American box office earnings.
"Mom! Mom!"
In a modest apartment, Amanda Seyfried ran into the living room with a newspaper, excitedly shouting, "Look! Look! Michael mentioned me in an interview!"
Even though she participated in two media promotions this week, her exposure was limited compared to that of the adult actors.
Mrs. Seyfried put down her cookbook and asked, "What did Michael Davenport say?"
"Oh, he praised me! I did so well!" Amanda was initially a bit proud, then mimicked a man's voice, reading from the newspaper, "Miss Amanda Seyfried is one of the most talented young actresses I've seen. Her performance, her understanding, and portrayal of her character are remarkable. I find her qualities captivating, and they greatly contributed to her portrayal on set, as she was able to get into character quickly and deliver performances that satisfied the director."
Mrs. Seyfried nodded, "Well said, those cakes were worth it."
Amanda sat beside her mother and said, "I really did well, and Michael is a nice person."
"Yes, he is a nice young man," Mrs. Seyfried agreed.
Although she had yet to meet many film producers, she had heard many rumours. Apart from being stingy during negotiations, Michael Davenport was diligent and upright.
Humble, hardworking, and honest.
Such young people are scarce, not only in the entertainment industry but also in society.
Moreover, this young man is creating tremendous success.
"The North American box office has exceeded $20 million already," Mrs. Seyfried whispered, "and it's just the start of the second weekend."
"Mom," Amanda, limited by her age and experience, didn't fully understand the significance of box office numbers, "Is $20 million a lot?"
Mrs. Seyfried shook her head, "My silly girl, you need to understand something. In Hollywood, producers and production companies invest in films for commercial reasons, aiming to make a profit."
Amanda understood this part, "To make money?"
"Yes, only profitable films are considered good films in Hollywood," Mrs. Seyfried had done her research, "Only profitable producers can continue to succeed and bring more opportunities."
She looked at Amanda, "Do you understand?"
She hoped her daughter would grow up quickly; it's a complicated industry, especially for someone as pretty and cute as Amanda.
Making big money while protecting her daughter from exploitation is not easy.
Mrs. Seyfried picked up her cookbook again, "$20 million is just the beginning for 'The Purge.' It's only been out for a week. Even though horror films have a short shelf life, it still has two to three more weeks. What will the final box office be?"
Amanda opened her mouth but didn't know how to answer.
Mrs. Seyfried gently stroked her daughter's golden hair, "Only successful people can continue to succeed. I heard on set that Michael Davenport and James Wong are already planning a new film."
"I heard that too," Amanda nodded.
"You have Michael Davenport's contact information, don't you?" Mrs. Seyfried advised, "Reach out to him and see when he's free, and bring him some more cakes."
Apart from negotiations, Michael Davenport left an excellent impression on her.
Amanda nodded, "I'll text him now."
...
Michael received Amanda's text while he was writing a script outline. When he saw that the little girl wanted to bring him cakes, he told her he was busy.
Having found a suitable idea, he didn't want to be disturbed.
"Final Destination" couldn't be delayed for too long. James Wong and Glenn Morgan were working on the script and storyboards, and Michael wanted to push the project forward as quickly as possible.
After working on "The Purge," Michael knew that "Final Destination" would require a budget in the millions, possibly over ten million dollars, to achieve the desired effect.
Luckily, he had his "Arab brothers."
However, having dealt with Abu Dhabi, Michael knew those people were rich but not foolish.
Especially for a project like "Final Destination," offering just profits as an incentive wouldn't easily persuade the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
He had considered bundling two projects for financing, one being a genuine Arab film.
With "The Purge" as a foundation, securing further investment seemed possible.
If that didn't work, he had a backup plan: raising funds for "Final Destination" from Abu Dhabi's private sector and another Arab project from the Investment Authority.
Getting one project approved by the Investment Authority would likely make private fundraising for the other project easier.
First, he would deliver partial profits to the Abu Dhabi businessmen who invested in "The Purge," then raise funds for new projects...
Unfortunately, Abu Dhabi's wealthiest entities are still governmental.
Private sector fundraising would be smaller in scale and more challenging than dealing with the Investment Authority.
But bundling two films could allow for some maneuvering.
With a clear plan, preparing the script would be more targeted.
Michael planned to tailor the script for the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, making it a popular action film about a powerful Abu Dhabi spy who uncovers a terrorist plot and saves the world.
The plot borrows elements from "Kingsman," but the British gentleman persona doesn't suit Arabs, so character designs must be changed.
This project would be called "The King's Man."
A hero dismantles a conspiracy and saves the world.
It's a clichéd but successful formula.
With the supporting roles from "The Purge," this time, the Arab character would be the protagonist.
If the film were a big hit, could it launch an Arab James Bond... no, Ethan Hunt series?
Michael shook his head, staying realistic. He didn't expect such a film to be profitable in North America or globally.
After this project, collaborating with Arabs might need a pause. Milking one cow too much could lead to problems.
After reviewing the plan once more, Michael began writing the script outline, focusing on the main character's traits: a fit physique, handsome appearance, excellent skills, and a devout faith since he's an Arab.
As for the terrorists? Portraying them as Jews would be asking for trouble; white people would do.
In the film, white people could be the antagonists without causing a stir in the American mainstream media.
White people are often the ones getting trashed in movies anyway.
Just like "The Purge," many media outlets and critics found various real-world social issues in it, but no one complained about black and Arab characters killing white people.
Political correctness will have an increasingly profound impact, possibly even retroactively judging past events.
Some things require caution.
While Michael was working on his next plan in Seashore Entertainment's office, "The Purge" started its second weekend in North American theatres.
On the first day of the weekend, "The Purge" expanded to nearly 2,500 theatres, ranking second only to "Halloween 7" in both theatre count and showtimes.
On Friday, "The Purge" achieved a comeback, earning $3.21 million, surpassing "Halloween 7," which earned $3.01 million, and taking the top spot for the first time since its release.
Throughout the weekend, "The Purge" continued to outperform "Halloween 7."