With her golden ponytail tied back, revealing a pair of expressive eyes, Amanda Seyfried walked briskly into the office, holding a paper bag. She glanced at the company nameplate, ensuring she had the right place.
"May I help you?" someone asked.
Amanda Seyfried flashed a cute smile, "I'm here to see Michael. My mom just contacted him. He's still in the office, right?"
Such an adorable girl was impossible to refuse, so the person quickly replied, "Yes, he is in the office."
Just then, Mary came in from outside and looked at Amanda Seyfried, feeling a bit of familiarity.
"Are you here to see Michael?" she asked.
Amanda also found Mary familiar, probably from the film set, and quickly said, "Yes." She lifted the paper bag as a gesture, "I'm here to deliver something to him."
Mary looked at the paper bag and said, "Come with me."
She knocked at the office door. After hearing a voice inviting them in, she led Amanda Seyfried inside.
"Hello, Amanda." Michael greeted the blonde girl, "Have a seat."
Amanda Seyfried placed the paper bag on the desk before sitting on a chair.
Mary turned to leave, but Michael coughed and pointed to the office door. Mary nodded and left without closing the door.
Amanda Seyfried pushed the paper bag towards Michael and said, "Your favourite cupcakes."
Michael didn't refuse, opened the bag, and smiled, "Thank you."
He set the bag aside and opened a drawer, looking for an appropriate return gift.
Amanda Seyfried added, "No need to thank me. We agreed on this during the shoot. I tried contacting you several times, but you were always busy. I had to eat those cupcakes myself."
Michael found something suitable, "I've been a bit busy lately."
It was a box of chocolates, which he used for energy during work, and he handed it to Amanda Seyfried, "I always eat your cupcakes without giving anything in return. These are chocolates I bought in Germany. Try them."
Amanda Seyfried took the box immediately, "Thanks, I won't be polite then." She examined the box, "German chocolates. I haven't tried them before."
"They're pretty good, a bit too sweet for me," Michael didn't much care for Western sweets. "If you like them, I can have some sent from Germany."
Amanda Seyfried hugged the box and said, "That's a deal then."
Michael nodded and asked, "How did you get here? Where's your mom?"
Amanda Seyfried replied, "Mom's at the supermarket. She'll pick me up soon."
Just then, her phone rang in her small backpack.
After a brief conversation, Amanda Seyfried told Michael, "Mom's here. I need to go." She stood up and waved, "Goodbye, Michael."
Michael smiled and nodded, "Goodbye, Amanda."
The blonde girl's figure soon disappeared from the office entrance.
Michael took out the paper bag, left the office, and handed it to Mary, "Share this with everyone. It's a treat."
Mrs. Seyfried was indeed a thoughtful person.
It wasn't hard to guess her intentions. With the success of "The Purge," Seashore Entertainment would indeed produce more films in the future, and there might be roles suitable for Amanda Seyfried. Familiarity and goodwill could be decisive factors then.
Even now, if there were a role in which Amanda Seyfried performed equally well as other young actors in an audition, she would definitely be chosen.
If Amanda Seyfried continued to succeed, Mrs. Seyfried's influence would be crucial.
The next day, Michael went to Embassy Pictures to discuss the release strategy for "Final Destination."
"If we're releasing in December, we can't be too close to Christmas."
In the meeting room, Garcia thought aloud, "The competition during Christmas is too fierce. Our production scale and genre don't have the advantage. We could get lost in the market chaos."
He paused and then added, "Early December is the best choice."
Michael nodded slowly, "Makes sense."
Robert also shared his thoughts, "The first weekend?"
Michael asked, "Which major films are currently scheduled for the first weekend in December?"
"None so far," said Thomas, head of theatre distribution. "If we release it, then 'Final Destination' will have the highest budget."
Michael sought professional input, "First weekend then?"
Garcia nodded, "First weekend in December."
Michael continued, "We must start working on the distribution channels now. My requirements are simple. Ensure 'Final Destination' opens in over 2,000 theatres, with as many screens and showtimes as possible."
Thomas from the theatre distribution department replied, "I'll draft a plan."
"For VHS and DVD," Michael couldn't know the distribution details but understood the general approach. Having studied Hollywood's distribution model before and reviewing related cases, he appeared knowledgeable: "Coordinate with manufacturers to produce VHS and DVDs simultaneously with the film's release, completing distribution before 2000."
He looked at Garcia, "We have agreements with Blockbuster and Walmart, right?"
"Yes," Garcia confirmed. "These two companies are our main VHS and DVD sales channels."
Michael reminded, "Separate new media rights. If we can't sell them at a good price, hold onto them for better future returns."
This time, they were self-distributing, without the constraints faced with "The Purge." Now, selling the film's internet rights in long-term deals wouldn't be as profitable.
Terry, in charge of peripheral channels, asked, "What about other rights?"
Garcia didn't speak, more observing and listening. He could tell Michael Davenport wasn't a novice in film distribution.
Michael thought for a moment, "We'll have two strategies for TV rights. If the film is highly successful, split the TV rights into cable and free-to-air, negotiate the first broadcast rights separately, and charge per view for future broadcasts. If it fails, sell the rights outright."
Garcia nodded silently, ensuring maximum profit if the film succeeded.
"For merchandise..." Michael added, "We'll have the crew design some special props, produce a limited batch initially, and expand if they are well received."
The horror film merchandise market was generally small, mostly peaking around Halloween.
After setting the general direction, they discussed the implementation in more detail.
"What about marketing?" Garcia asked.
Michael had considered this, "No rush. Our funds are limited. We'll start major promotions after filming is complete."
The meeting lasted over an hour, mostly discussing distribution.
Distribution seemed simple. Most theatres were owned by six or seven major chains. Distributors just had to call regular clients, coordinate, showcase the product, and advertise.
Indeed, distribution involved just a few tasks, but without entering the circle and paving the channels, even getting into theatre companies was impossible.
Anyone who has worked in distribution would deeply understand this.
After the meeting, Michael and Robert left the room first, followed by the others.
With no one around, Garcia lowered his voice and asked, "Thomas, what do you think?"
The theatre distribution manager replied, "Not an outsider. What he said was logical and targeted."
Garcia nodded lightly, "I feel like Michael Davenport's acquisition is all about the distribution channels."
Thomas smiled, "That's also a good thing. He has more ambition than the previous owners. We get a pay raise and can distribute real blockbusters."
"You're right." Garcia seemed confident, "After all these years, we need a breakout film to prove our abilities."