In the office, Robert kept glancing at the clock, time moving excruciatingly slowly as the hour hand reached twelve. Garcia Rodriguez sat behind his computer, rapidly logging into his email with no new messages, refreshing the page frequently, occasionally glancing at the phone. David Villa couldn't sit still, pacing back and forth, his forehead covered in sweat. He was in charge of the film's marketing, and despite the good news throughout the day, no one could guarantee success until the box office data was in.
Michael Davenport leaned back on the sofa, his face unusually calm, but he, too, felt a bit anxious. Lionsgate had handled the marketing for "The Purge" with limited funds from him, but this time, with "The Blair Witch Project," from purchasing the film to marketing and distribution, the total investment had reached ten million dollars. Such a significant investment, if it did not yield corresponding returns, would bring many problems, even though most of the money was raised through financing.
But what if it succeeded?
Thinking about the enormous success this film had achieved in the past, even Michael felt a bit envious. Success would gradually increase the cash flow, enabling the realization of more plans and goals.
"There's a new email!" Garcia Rodriguez's voice drew everyone's attention. Michael looked over and asked, "Is the data in?"
"Yes!" Garcia quickly replied. "200 theatres, 200 screens, Friday's box office grossed $4.12 million!"
David Villa widened his eyes, astonished, and instinctively asked, "How much?"
Garcia repeated, "4.12 million dollars!"
David Villa leaned forward, his face turning red with excitement, almost shouting, "4.12 million dollars! My God! 4.12 million dollars!"
"An average of $20,000 per theatre..."
After saying this, Garcia could no longer hold back; his breathing became rapid, and he clenched his fist tightly in triumph. This one day's revenue exceeded what Seashore Entertainment used to earn in a year. The future of Seashore Entertainment looked bright!
Michael stood up, exhaling deeply, a happy smile naturally appearing on his face. Investing so much money without feeling any pressure would be a lie. At this moment, the pressure was relieved, and success seemed imminent!
Robert walked over to Michael, saying, "We've done it again."
The look in Robert's eyes was genuine. Since the beginning of last year, how many successes had Michael led them to achieve? From the two financing operations in Abu Dhabi, the massive success of "The Purge," obtaining tax rebates from Germany, acquiring a distribution company, and establishing their own distribution channels... All these things, once unimaginable, had become reality under Michael's leadership.
Footsteps suddenly sounded outside the office, followed by the door being pushed open. Thomas, the Director of Theatrical Distribution, and Terry, the Head of Offline Distribution, hurried in. Although they hadn't been directly involved in the marketing of "The Blair Witch Project" and were preparing to distribute "Final Destination," they had been closely monitoring the developments.
"What's the box office?" Thomas asked urgently.
David Villa walked over and gave Thomas a bear hug without saying a word.
Seeing the usually reserved David Villa suddenly become so enthusiastic, Thomas was a bit taken aback: Could this be the legendary hidden passion?
"4.12 million dollars!" David Villa exclaimed, patting Thomas on the back. "Over $20,000 per theatre!"
Thomas gasped, "Over $20,000 per theatre?"
Terry was also stunned. Despite working in film distribution for ten years, he had never experienced anything like this.
Then, Thomas and Terry turned their gazes to Michael. The almost unbelievable plan he had devised not only succeeded but succeeded spectacularly!
Not paying attention to his subordinates, Garcia looked at Michael with complex emotions. They were primarily executors in the marketing of "The Blair Witch Project," with Michael being the true orchestrator. With his out-of-the-box thinking, this young man had created what might become a textbook example of marketing. Garcia sighed, realizing that sometimes, ability really had nothing to do with age.
An average of $20,000 per theatre on the first day – what would the weekend gross be?
Terry pointed to the door and said, "I'm going to share this news!" He then walked out, and soon, cheers erupted from outside the office.
Michael stood up, his voice filled with excitement. "Let's talk business. David, allocate the remaining marketing funds according to plan. Robert contacted the printing plant and FedEx and prepared 3,000 copies. Garcia, negotiate with the major theatre chains for more screens next week, aiming for over 2,500 theatres."
"Got it!" They responded in unison and got to work.
Michael checked the time; it was almost 1 AM. He opened the door and walked out to the office area.
"Mr. Davenport!"
"Mr. Davenport..."
"Mr. Davenport."
Each person stood up to greet Michael, their eyes filled with excitement and admiration. This young chairman had just led them to an unimaginable success. They were all long-time employees of Seashore Entertainment. Although their benefits had improved since the acquisition, they had always seen Michael as a wealthy young man rather than an actual chairman.
However, after participating in the marketing and distribution of this film and seeing the impressive first-day box office, they realized that being acquired by Michael was actually a stroke of luck for them. Higher revenue and larger scale meant better development for them. Previously, Seashore Entertainment couldn't provide this. Now, Michael Davenport had brought it to them.
Fortunately, they had been acquired!
Michael could see the change in his employees. Success often solved many problems. "Thank you all for your hard work. You've all been working very hard lately," Michael said, showing his care for his employees. "This month, bonuses will be doubled."
"Wow!"
Young employees cheered excitedly.
Michael didn't mind and added, "It's getting late. Everyone should go home and rest."
After the employees gradually left, Michael also prepared to go home. When he got downstairs and just got into his car, he received a call from Jessica Felton.
"What's the box office today?" Jessica asked. "I can't find out here."
Michael didn't answer directly, instead saying, "Aren't you always focused on your technical research? Why are you concerned about the box office now?"
Jessica replied over the phone, "This is a film I personally edited!"
"200 theatres, $4.12 million," Michael said simply. "Over $20,000 per theatre."
Jessica was a bit surprised. "Your marketing tactics succeeded?"
Michael, slightly exasperated, emphasized, "This is a business operation, marketing. How can you call it deceit?"
"Looks like it was a success. I'm quite good after all," Jessica first praised herself, then said, "I'm going to lie down and sleep now. Good night."
Lie down? A particular image flashed in Michael's mind; would it burst?
"Remember to take a bath," Michael reminded. "It's summer now; if you don't, you'll stink by tomorrow."
Hanging up, he started the car and left the company.
Back at his apartment in North Hollywood, Michael received a call from Robert. He had contacted several printing plants and FedEx overnight. Once the deposit was paid in the morning, they would start working overtime.
Just like Hollywood movies, the printing of copies had long since become an assembly line production. FedEx, with sufficient shipping fees, offered delivery services calculated by the hour.
On Saturday morning, Michael first went to Warner Bros. Studios to check on the filming of "Final Destination" and "Kingsman: The Secret Service," handled some documents, and then rushed to Seashore Entertainment.
The remaining 100 copies had been sent out, and several theatres in the Los Angeles area would receive them that day, adding more screens.
Garcia had gone early to negotiate with the Los Angeles branches of several major theatre chains about expanding the release of "The Blair Witch Project" next week.
David Villa was also contacting online and offline personnel to expand the film's influence further.
Encouraged by the massive success of the first day's box office, Seashore Entertainment entered an unprecedented state of high-speed operation.
After spending some time at Seashore Entertainment, Michael drove to check out the situation personally at two independent theatres in Los Angeles showing "The Blair Witch Project." Both theatres were packed with people, all discussing the film and the witch.
However, anyone who had seen the movie had some dissatisfaction with it. Michael could imagine the situation: entering the theatre with high expectations only to see a poorly made video, even though the marketing had said it was DV footage shot by the missing students, would disappoint some people.
This film essentially belonged to the category of hit-and-run movies.
There was no need to worry about disappointing some people. Discussions and controversies would keep the heat alive.
Controversial movies often achieved good box office results.
On the way to another theatre, Michael saw people from Cinema Score conducting a survey. He listened in for a while. Most audience ratings were mediocre, with the highest he heard being a B-, most gave it around a C, and someone even rated it an E.
However, using Cinema Score ratings to predict the box office for this film wouldn't be accurate.
After checking out the scenes at the two theatres, Michael was convinced that the film wouldn't do worse than in the past.
The public's curiosity had been piqued, and even controversies wouldn't stop people from wanting to see it for themselves.
Curiosity isn't easily suppressed.