One Hundred and Ninety-Two-The Name Wayne Means Success.
Now Nikki Marvin can only think this way. The quality of the film "The Shawshank Redemption" is absolutely no problem. If it can explode with professional and public reputation after its release, the influence of the film's black material may not be ignored.
In the Sony Columbia conference room, distribution director Paul Turner shook his head. No one knew that opponent better than himself. "Frank, you are only thinking about the best outcome. Although Warner Bros. has not released the trailer for "The Return of the Clown" yet, I can guess that this will definitely be a Wayne Greenberg-style horror thriller. .
If this young man does not discuss other aspects, his grasp of his own style has reached the stage of a master. And once his films break out, they cannot be treated as genre films, and they usually take all the box office hits. but……"
As soon as the Columbia Distribution Director's words came out, several people in the room frowned. Now everyone is doubting that this person will not be scared by one of Wayne Greenberg's movies, right?
"However, it's not like we don't have a chance..."
Paul Turner showed a smile and continued: "I have news that Wayne Greenberg has been promoting "Batman" and will officially sign a contract with Warner Bros. in the near future. There is a high probability that "The Return of the Clown" will be just An excessive work of the other party.
As long as they sign the contract, Wayne Greenberg's focus will definitely turn to the preparations for "Batman". The investment in this DC comic film should not be less than 100 million. "
People's energy is limited, and as a director of a film, compared with this kind of project with an investment of hundreds of millions, the other party's focus will inevitably shift.
How much is the investment in "The Return of the Clown"? If this is a transitional work, it will definitely not be as difficult as "Joker".
"One hundred million..."
The investment scale of hundreds of millions immediately attracted everyone's attention. Especially Frank Darabont, as a director, he dreams of directing such a big production.
"Why do we have to release it a week after 'The Return of the Clown'? Can't we move it later?"
At this time, Peter Simpson, another executive from the Columbia Publishing Department sitting in the corner, said. "Since we all know the director's appeal, why don't we avoid his films and pin our hopes on these unexpected situations?"
"It's too late!"
Nikki Marvin said helplessly: "Castle Rock Pictures will never agree to change the schedule. It's not that I haven't communicated with it. And if it is changed now, where can it be changed? I have carefully looked at this year's summer schedule.
Starting from the first weekend of the summer season in May, major productions will be released every weekend. A film like "The Shawshank Redemption" has no advantage at all when it comes to those big popcorn productions. September originally had no strong competitors and was the most suitable schedule for us, but..."
The woman pointed to the newspaper on the table, her meaning very obvious, and she continued:
“What we know for sure now is that the audiences for ‘The Return of the Clown’ and ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ are completely different, and Wayne Greenberg will definitely be diverted from his focus by ‘Batman’.
Even if the box office of that horror film explodes again, our film should be able to occupy a certain audience base. Don't forget, although they are all Stephen King's works, our film fan base is much stronger. "
These are all facts and exist objectively. There is no element of Nikki Marvin deliberately trying to comfort everyone.
But Paul Turner always had an uncomfortable feeling. He felt that the best outcome of "The Shawshank Redemption" is nothing more than to be able to attract some movie fans to watch it by relying on its good reputation like "The Last Stand" .
He thought for a while and said: "Let's hold another media preview as soon as possible and invite more film critics. We need the film to gain word-of-mouth support before it is released to attract more fans into the theater."
Paul Turner has already watched this film, and just as the producer and director said, there is absolutely no problem with the quality, and the film's professional reputation cannot be bad.
If you put aside some worries and prejudices, "The Shawshank Redemption" can be said to be the most heart-warming and favorite movie he has seen in more than ten years.
"If you invite famous film critics such as Roger Ebert, David Denbigh, Todd McCarthy, and Kenneth Turan, Columbia will pay a public relations fee." Paul Turner breathed a sigh of relief .
"I want them to highly recommend this film in their newspaper columns before and after it is released!"
Several people in the conference room nodded, Paul Turner's plan was absolutely fine. Everyone knows that these famous film critics have a profound influence on some senior movie fans.
Behind every well-known film critic, there is a group of fans who can indeed influence a part of the market. If these people can be allowed to recommend movies together, the market prospects will definitely be much better than they are now.
Producer Nikki Marvin nodded and said: "I will arrange a test screening as soon as possible. I hope the film can get a good reputation before it is released."
Throughout September, except for the big-budget film "The Shawshank Redemption," there was no film that could worry Wayne. The one I'm most worried about is "Forrest Gump," but this film was released by Paramount in July.
There was a gap of two months, and no matter how great the influence of "Gan" was, it probably would not have lasted until September.
This film, White Moonlight, in the hearts of most white people in North America, has indeed had a great social impact. This film has also left countless touching scenes for movie fans, and some people will still talk about it more than 20 years later.
People from other places may not be able to understand it, but Wayne, who has lived here for more than 20 years, can figure out many of the doubts he had before watching this movie. If he were asked to summarize the core of this movie, it would be :
‘Conservatism has always represented the development needs of North American productivity, has always represented the direction of North America’s advanced culture, and has always represented the fundamental interests of most people in North America! ’
That's why Wayne deliberately avoided this movie, which is the White Moonlight in the hearts of most people in North America.
As for "The Shawshank Redemption," he really didn't take it to heart. Perhaps as time goes by, this film will gain a higher reputation among the public, but even if it is re-screened 10,000 times in the theater market, it is unlikely to achieve very good results.
Sony Columbia has done this before after the Oscars, relying on people's sympathy, but just like when it was first released, the results are still very unsatisfactory.
This is the kind of film that is destined to rely on video tapes and peripherals and slowly make money over time.
"Wayne, when will the first trailer for "Return of the Clown" be released?" Warner Bros. distribution director Thomas Mendes asked: "We have already released the release date, and the follow-up promotion plan will start soon. .”
Several people were sitting in the conference room of the Warner Building, waiting for the "Batman" signing conference to begin. Wayne said directly without any hesitation: "Zac and I will cut it out as soon as possible, and it will be handed over to the distribution department within three days. .”
Seeing reporters lining up to enter the conference room, Thomas Mendes nodded and did not continue the topic.
As the conference room slowly filled up, Wayne stood up and signed the contract on the spot with new Warner Bros. CEO Jeff Robinoff, and also raised it up for reporters to take photos.
He has gone through this process many times, and it is basically the same every time. After the reporters have taken photos, the new project press conference will officially begin.
"Mr. Tim Burton!" No one expected that a female reporter's first question was not directed at Wayne, but instead pointed her gun at the producer.
"We all know that you were the first director to adapt Batman into a film and TV show. Can you tell us why you are the producer this time?"
The gothic director smiled and said into the microphone: "Wayne brought me here! I originally intended to make another "Batman", but Wayne also wanted to direct Bruce Wayne himself. Maybe You can tell their fate from their names!”
Having said this, he specifically turned to look at Wayne, and there was a burst of good-natured laughter in the conference room. He waited until he saw the young director spreading his hands towards him before continuing:
"Since both Bruce-Wayne and Wayne-Greenburg are named Wayne, it means that Director Greenburg is ready to put himself on the screen. I believe he will do a better job than me! His production style is naturally suitable for "Batman" "Xiao Xia", and I was relatively experienced in this role, so he pulled me over."
Everyone gave Tim Burton a round of applause, and then a reporter continued to ask: "Tim, you still have "Ed Wood" to make, and Wayne is still making "The Return of the Clown." Will it affect the progress of the "Batman" project? When will the filming of this project start?"
This is also the issue that everyone is most concerned about. These two alternative directors have already proven themselves in Hollywood. No matter their shooting style or market performance, they will not be an obstacle to new projects.
But after all, both of them still have jobs. When will "Batman" be launched, and will it be affected by their current jobs?
"Preparations for the film will begin soon. "Ed Wood" in my hands has basically been completed. Wayne will also complete the work at hand as soon as possible, and then prepare this superhero together!" Tim Burton said happily.
"Director Greenberg, there is news that the production cost of the new version of "Batman" is as high as hundreds of millions of dollars. As it is your first time to take on such a huge production, are you worried about the film's box office performance?"
This time the reporter brought the topic to Wayne. After all, he had never photographed such an investment project.
"I can answer this question for Director Greenberg." Tim Burton said directly into the microphone before Wayne could think of an answer: "I think this is everyone's best choice in terms of the movie's box office and profitability. Nothing to worry about! The name Wayne Greenberg means success."