Chapter 10: Robert's Speech
Robert felt a wave of nervousness wash over him as he prepared to speak in front of so many prominent figures in the industry. He reminded himself of his teacher's advice on overcoming stage fright: "Imagine your audience as a bunch of large carrots." It sounded silly, but it helped to ease his nerves.
After clearing his throat, he noticed a few in the audience exchanging curious glances, and some women were covering their smiles with their hands. Robert's unique choice of a cute bow tie stood out amidst the sea of conventional ties in the room. But he had always relied on his unique charm to connect with people, believing that adults listen with their minds while children look with their eyes.
As silence settled over Bowen Hall, every eye and ear was tuned in to hear his speech. In an unusual twist, Robert's introduction was laced with humor and irony, making a subtle jab at his host, Mr. Gino Cromwell, by saying, "Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to be here as a special guest, and all thanks to 'Soldier: 76.' Without that movie, Mr. Cromwell's invitation might have never come my way."
Cromwell's reaction was subtle but visible to those paying attention—a slight twitch at the corner of his eye. He knew well that Robert was expressing some dissatisfaction, as if calling out Cromwell's previous reluctance to welcome him.
Taking a pause, Robert then broke the tension by inviting questions from the audience. "Let's make this interactive," he said, switching from a formal speech to a Q&A format. "Please, raise your hands, and I'll do my best to answer your questions."
He pointed to a lady in the front row, who looked delighted to be chosen. She eagerly asked, "Mr. Robert, what's the secret to your success?"
Robert thought for a moment before responding. "Success isn't based on a single factor; it's a combination of many. If I had to summarize it, I'd say it's about having a keen sense of market demand. First, you need to find the right positioning. We don't aim solely at niche groups with high cultural literacy; instead, we target the general public. Niche films often fail to reach wide audiences, so it's crucial to create what people want to see."
He continued, "People's lives are filled with pressures and daily routines that can be draining. In their free time, they're looking for entertainment that provides emotional release and escapism. They don't want something overly complicated or dull. They want visual impact, emotional depth, and an experience that allows them to unwind. That's why 'Soldier: 76' was such a success—it meets these needs perfectly."
The filmmakers in the audience, from the novices to the veterans, took notes intently. Robert's insights resonated with them, offering valuable advice that they could carry into their own work.
The woman thanked him warmly for his answer, clearly satisfied. Next, Robert chose a gentleman who looked both eager and intrigued.
The man asked, "Did you plan the entire Overwatch series from the beginning, or are you developing it film by film? Do you already know how many heroes will join Overwatch and what their abilities are?"
Robert beamed. "Great question!" he said. "Overwatch is a superhero organization I spent five years conceptualizing. In a futuristic world, this team exists to combat evil and promote peace. Right now, the organization has 28 superheroes. Each one brings unique abilities and backstories."
At the mention of 28 heroes, there was a stir in the audience—some were visibly shocked, while others looked skeptical, thinking perhaps he was exaggerating. Robert anticipated this reaction and decided to elaborate.
"So far, we've introduced Soldier: 76, and soon, we'll unveil Winston. But let me give you a sneak peek to satisfy your curiosity." He paused for effect, then listed out the heroes, making sure he didn't miss a single name. "There's Reinhardt, Reaper, Bastion, Doomfist, Genji, Hanzo, Junkrat, McCree, Tracer, D.Va, Widowmaker, Ana, Symmetra, Thor, Mercy, Roadhog, Lucio, Moira, Zenyatta, Brigitte, Pharah, Sombra, Mei, Orisa, Zarya, and Wrecking Ball." He twirled his fingers, mentally checking off each name.
"Wow!" The audience broke into applause, which quickly grew louder. Even those who had been skeptical of his talent were now captivated. Robert had named each hero smoothly and confidently, proving that he was deeply familiar with his creation.
The big names on stage looked at him with newfound respect. No one had expected that he had this many characters and storylines prepared from the beginning. The potential for the Overwatch series was now undeniable—it could spark a national phenomenon.
Robert invited more questions, each one adding to the enthusiasm in the hall. Eventually, he returned to his seat, feeling a deep satisfaction from sharing his vision and knowledge. For a brief moment, he'd felt like a teacher to these ambitious filmmakers, showing them the way forward in their craft.
Several other notable speakers took the stage after Robert, but the room's energy had clearly waned. No one managed to ignite the same level of excitement as Robert. Realizing this, Cromwell kept his closing speech short and to the point, and the International Film Summit came to an end.
As people began filing out, Robert couldn't help but notice the sheer number of attendees. From famous directors to young screenwriters, the hall was packed, with some people standing in the aisles. It was clear to him that his presence had been the main draw.
But just as he was about to leave, a sharp alarm blared throughout the hall, and his heart skipped a beat. The security team rushed in, guns drawn, shouting for everyone to take cover. Before anyone could react, a missile tore through the entrance, exploding and sending a shockwave across the hall. The blast obliterated the guards near the door and injured many of the guests closest to the explosion.
Robert, who was still near the stage, avoided the worst of the blast but couldn't contain his shock. "Of all places, here?" he muttered, bewildered by the sudden violence. "Who did I possibly provoke?"