Public opinion was surging, with many angry voices from those who felt deceived. Michael Davenport needed someone to take the blame, and the best candidates were the film crew he had sent on a safari to the African savannah.
Michael decided to bring the prominent crew members, led by Daniel Myrick, back to Los Angeles from Africa.
As soon as they arrived in Los Angeles, Michael planned to meet them.
"How was their time in Africa?"
In the car to the hotel, Michael asked Robert, who had personally gone to Africa, "Why were they reluctant to come back?"
When contacting them by phone, Daniel Myrick had refused to return immediately, claiming he had important work to finish, which made Michael almost think he was planning to marry a local woman and settle in the savannah.
After a week of delays, Robert had to fly to Africa personally.
"Daniel Myrick was shooting a documentary about the African savannah," Robert explained after investigating the situation on-site. "They just finished filming a few days ago."
Michael nodded, "Do they know much about the situation here?"
Robert chuckled, "News travels slowly on the savannah. They've only caught up a bit since returning, and the film's success has them too excited to think straight. I believe we need to get them in front of the media and audience as soon as possible. If they start thinking things through, we might have trouble."
Michael had already made arrangements. "Garcia has scheduled a talk show for them tomorrow on NBC, where he used to work. Word has already spread among the fans. As long as they take the first wave of heat, it will be much easier for us afterward."
He noticed Robert's puzzled look and explained, "News and audience anger are temporary but need an outlet. The first ones to show up will bear the brunt. Once the public has vented enough, even if we come out, the impact will be minimal."
The first to appear are often the most unfortunate.
Michael wouldn't consider the future career impact on Daniel Myrick and the others. He had no plans for a second collaboration with them.
If he remembered correctly, none of these people had made a name for themselves in the industry. On the other hand, Artisan Entertainment, which distributed the film, had developed very successfully, eventually being acquired by Lionsgate at a high price.
"The Blair Witch Project" was like using a credit card without repayment, using the crew's credit while Michael reaped the benefits. Why not?
In a hotel meeting room, Michael met the recently returned director, Daniel Myrick and his team.
These people smelled of alcohol, and their demeanour suggested they were overly excited.
Michael greeted them warmly, offering encouragement and praise like an officer bidding farewell to a squad of daredevils. When he reached Daniel Myrick, he spoke directly to him as the team leader.
"The film's success makes everyone very happy," Daniel Myrick explained with a hint of alcohol on his breath. "So we celebrated with a few drinks."
Michael waved it off, "No problem, you are the true heroes behind this film."
Daniel Myrick, not even considered an edge player in Hollywood, couldn't help but smile at the praise, suppressing his excitement. "I never thought this film could gross tens of millions of dollars."
"North American box office will definitely surpass 100 million," Michael emphasized.
"Yes! Yes!" Daniel Myrick seemed at a loss for words. "I... I... I can't believe I'm now a hundred-million-dollar director. It's... it's unbelievable."
His hands trembled as he spoke, "Mr. Davenport, what you have done is... outstanding, incredible."
Having just returned from Africa, Daniel Myrick was still in a state of excitement and joy without much deeper thought. "You are truly amazing!"
Michael smiled humbly, "In fact, the biggest contribution to this film comes from you. Director Myrick, remember the website you transferred to us? It was your website that inspired us to develop a targeted marketing plan. The witchcraft information you collected also helped us a lot. What you did in the early stages was key to our success."
"It's nothing, really," Daniel Myrick modestly replied.
Michael said earnestly, "You are the source of this plan. Without you, 'The Blair Witch Project' wouldn't have succeeded. Director Myrick, you and your team are essential, and you deserve the honour of not remaining in obscurity."
Deserved honor? Daniel Myrick was immediately captivated by the words.
With a warm smile, Michael continued, "You are the heroes behind the scenes, and people must know that."
Actually, without Michael's prompting, Daniel Myrick also believed that now that "The Blair Witch Project" was a hit, with future box office projections over 100 million dollars, it would be too sad if no one knew about him as the director.
Being unknown meant he remained a fringe, underfunded director.
Observing Daniel Myrick, Michael added, "We also have a contract. Relativity needs to arrange media activities for the crew, and I'm ready to fulfill that promise."
Daniel Myrick couldn't suppress his excitement and curiosity, "Mr. Davenport, can I ask what kind of media activities?"
There's a big difference between a few third-tier tabloids and a top-tier media event.
Michael smiled, "It's NBC's 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.'"
Daniel Myrick was speechless. This was one of the top talk shows on one of America's four major networks, and just appearing on it would make his name known nationwide.
This was the path to the pinnacle of life!
A single film grossing over 100 million in North America, a top-tier show on a major network – more than 90% of Hollywood directors would envy such an achievement.
Michael gestured, and Robert handed Daniel Myrick a document. After glancing through it, he said, "We've coordinated with the show's team. This is the general flow and content. There might be some live changes, but not much. Please familiarize yourself with it."
Feeling the sincerity, Daniel Myrick was surprised by the generous gift Michael had given upon his return from Africa.
It's hard to stay unknown now.
"The program's content..." Daniel Myrick politely said, "Seems to highlight the crew too much. This success wouldn't be possible without you."
Michael waved it off, "You're too modest, Director Myrick. In reality, all the ideas originated from you. The handheld DV filming, the website you established, the information you gathered – it was all your team's work. We merely did some minor promotion."
Daniel Myrick didn't speak. The unprecedented success, coupled with these flattering words, made him feel lightheaded as if he could float away at any moment.
"This show is my way of repaying the crew and producers," Michael said sincerely. "You are the key to the film's success. Director Myrick, don't worry about me or the distribution company."
Daniel Myrick was merely being polite. With such a great opportunity, it would be foolish not to promote himself and emphasize the importance of the production team.
Michael showed genuine intent, "Honestly, opportunities like this are plenty for me and the company. Missing one doesn't matter. But for you and your team, this is a rare chance. I'm grateful you sold me the film, so this platform rightfully belongs to you."
"Thank you," Daniel Myrick said gratefully. "Mr. Davenport, thank you very much."
At that moment, he made a final decision. Collaborating with someone reliable like Michael Davenport felt secure. "Mr. Davenport, I shot another film in Africa. Could you take a look at it? If possible, I'd like you to distribute it."
Michael nodded, "Let me take a look first."
Daniel Myrick handed over a copy of the tape. "This is a copy of the footage."
"I'll watch it carefully," Michael said, accepting the tape solemnly.
They chatted about various other matters, and Michael promised to send a car for them to the NBC studio the next day. Then he and Robert took their leave.
Just as they left the meeting room, they heard cheers of excitement inside.
Michael glanced back before striding toward the elevator, instructing Robert, "Garcia will personally bring them tomorrow. Make sure the car is ready."
Then he handed the tape to Robert, "Take this back and have the distribution department review it. If it's valuable, write a detailed report. If not, return it to Daniel Myrick."