Seven Hundred and One - The Premiere of the Finale of "The Matrix"

Wayne led the core creators of "X-Men" and constantly traveled between major mainstream cities in North America. As the film's screen time increased, the cheers received by the several main actors from fans also increased rapidly. .

Everywhere we go, there will be a large number of movie fans at the airport, cheering around the main actors. There is no doubt that the most popular among them is Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine. The popularity of "X-Men" has made him a hot new star in the eyes of movie fans.

Halle Berry and others have also successfully relied on this film to continuously appear on the pages of major entertainment media, and their fame has skyrocketed in a short period of time.

The reason why all this happened is closely related to the box office performance of "X-Men". Since its first weekend of release, it has grossed more than US$70 million in the North American theater market in three days. When the working day arrived, the performance of "X-Men" was also impressive.

Basically, everyone in the industry knows that the reason why the first weekend box office of "X-Men" was so high is that there are a large number of die-hard Wayne fans and a large number of superhero movie fans. These have been used by Wayne for several years. The group of movie fans cultivated over time has become the first wave of people to go to the theater to watch movies.

What people want to see more is precisely after the first weekend, when Wayne's base is almost exhausted, whether the performance of "X-Men" is still strong.

Because for a commercial film with an investment of over 100 million, relying solely on the financial support of fans is far from being able to recoup the cost, let alone make a profit. If a movie wants to be a big success in the theater market, it must continue to attract enough passerby movie fans to walk into the theater to buy tickets and watch the movie.

The reason is simple. The guarantee that Wayne or other first-tier superstars in the industry can bring to a film company will always be the lower limit of a film. If you want the movie box office to continue to rise, you must allow more people to enter theaters while ensuring the lower limit.

After Monday arrived, the single-day box office of "X-Men", as expected by the outside world, ushered in a plunge that could be described as halving. The box office reported in the North American theater market that day was nearly 50% of last Sunday's 18 .

However, this achievement did not attract cynicism from the media, because everyone knows that the box office revenue of nearly 10 million US dollars on weekdays is enough to prove the popularity of "X-Men". The reason why the drop rate is so high is entirely because the box office on the first weekend was so explosive.

No one can guarantee whether the current "X-Men" can build another successful superhero series in addition to the DC series of superheroes. But just looking at the release performance of a film, we can already say in advance that this is an extremely successful commercial film. It is an undeniable fact that "X-Men" has become the hottest film in the theater market.

This film has attracted too much attention, and all the major film companies in the industry are silently observing. The theater alliance, led by the three major theater companies, is actually also observing the film's box office potential, but they are first-hand Information recipients react much faster.

After Monday passed, major theater companies basically all tacitly increased the film schedule of "X-Men". It also pushed the number of theaters in more than 2,800 theaters when "X-Men" opened to a super-large screening scale of more than 3,000.

For movie fans, the entire first half of August is a happy time. As long as you enter the theater, there will be no shortage of eye-catching blockbusters. Although "X-Men" has the largest screening scale, the strength of other films cannot be underestimated.

Although "X-Men" has occupied almost all mainstream media pages due to the massive promotion of 20th Century Fox, its performance in the theater market ultimately depends on the quality of the film.

There is no doubt that the quality of "X-Men" is superior, but the quality of other films is not bad either. On Monday, "X-Men" took the lead at the box office, followed by "Saving Private Ryan" with $3.54 million, and "Twins" with $3.54 million, followed by "The Last Day" and "The Last Day". Films such as "Ghost Hunting Festival" and "Booming Cannon"...

On Tuesday, a similar situation was still happening, with "X-Men" reporting a box office of $5.25 million, "Saving Private Ryan" $4.07 million, and "Made in Heaven" $4.07 million. It can be said that except for the leader "X-Men", It was followed by a lot of films that did well at the box office.

It's just that "X-Men" has been firmly leading the North American box office trend. In the following working days, it collected US$8.58 million on Wednesday and US$8.23 million on Thursday. When the release time came to a full week, the total box office in North America had reached 1. The entire North American media was shouting wolf.

In essence, this is a commercial blockbuster disguised as a superhero. Whether it is shooting or special effects arrangement, it tends to be on the mark and makes no mistakes.

But it is such a commercial blockbuster that coincides with the current time when movie fans are interested in superhero movies, but it has drawn a rare and beautiful box office trend chart.

With the arrival of a new weekend, "X-Men" finally ushered in a serious competitor, a movie directed by Vincent Ward and starring Robin Williams, Cuba Godin Jr. and others "Dreams Come True".

In fact, no one is really optimistic that this film distributed by Polygram can snipe the already popular "X-Men". The content of "Dreams Come True" is not like the name of the movie. It tells the story of the protagonist Chris, who bravely goes to hell under the guidance of the messenger of hell to rescue his wife after the death of his wife Anne...

With a relatively old-fashioned story, coupled with relatively mediocre plot design and special effects, not to mention compared to "X-Men", even "Saving Private Ryan", which has been released for three weeks, is probably no match at all.

Twentieth Century Fox and Wayne also thought so. The development of things did not surprise everyone. After entering the rest day again, starting from Friday morning, "Dreams Come True" did not cause any trouble to "X-Men".

Although the box office performance of "X-Men" continues to decline, after Friday, it once again ushered in a small rebound. It received 12.55 million U.S. dollars that day and continued to dominate the single-day box office championship. Ranking second at the box office on Friday was "Saving Private Ryan" with $6.53 million in "What Dreams Come True".

After three days of the weekend, "X-Men" has once again topped the weekend box office with a box office record of 3 in North America. At this point, the total North American box office of "X-Men" has reached 1.4 films. It has only been released in North America for ten days.

In the following week, the box office trend of "X-Men" began to decline rapidly, receiving US$4.52 million, US$4.75 million, US$4.21 million, and US$3.95 million in four working days respectively.

However, this is a normal trend in the commercial film market. After the hottest screening time has passed, the subsequent box office will definitely depend on time.

No one would think that the market performance of "X-Men" was unsuccessful. If you look at it from another angle, this film can be said to have completely occupied two weeks in the fiercely competitive summer season. You know, even Steve Steven Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan" has only dominated this schedule for more than a week.

With the arrival of a new weekend, the journey of "X-Men" is destined to end. Because the third part of another science fiction movie "The Matrix" that is worshiped by fans in North America and even the world will be released on a large scale this Friday.

Twentieth Century Fox's attention also began to shift. They knew that it was a rare success for "X-Men" to dominate the North American summer season for two weeks, so on the same weekend, Twentieth Century Fox released "X-Men" "Men" has been sent overseas, and the film will then begin its overseas screening tour.

The producer contract signed between Wayne and 20th Century Fox does not require him to participate in overseas promotion tours. After all, his time is too precious. He can squeeze out more than two weeks to participate in North American promotion tours. Very rare.

On Thursday, August 20th at 7 pm, the premiere of "The Matrix: Revolutions" officially kicked off at the Beverly Kodak Theater. As a key cooperation project between Warner Bros. and Greenberg Studios, the distributor Warner Bros. paid a fee of US$3 million for the premiere.

The red carpet scene is star-studded. This science fiction masterpiece, which is definitely ranked among the top in the entire history of North American movies, will officially come to an end tonight. Therefore, the fans on both sides of the red carpet were very enthusiastic, and the atmosphere at the scene almost got out of control.

Especially when the main actors such as Charlize Theron walked on the red carpet in uniquely cool movie costumes, the security personnel responsible for intercepting the fans immediately became small boats in the sea, facing people who had already fallen into madness. A group of movie fans held hands and struggled to resist the impact of the wave of people.

Fortunately, the organizer, Warner Bros., had anticipated the event and contacted the Los Angeles Police Department early. After a large number of police officers arrived, they gradually controlled the crazy fans.

"F**k, am I not dazzled? There are at least two hundred Neos, shit, and dozens of Trinity in this theater tonight!"

Due to the lack of time, when Wayne returned to Los Angeles International Airport on a flight from Toronto, Canada, the red carpet had already begun, but luckily he arrived before the official screening of the movie.

At this time, the admission of the audience in the screening hall has come to an end, and the crew and creators of "The Matrix" have also taken their seats in the first row.

But when Wayne showed up with Nina and the tall Sergey, he once again became the focus of most people's eyes.

"I thought you wouldn't be able to come back."

Not caring about the gazes of others, Zack Snyder looked overjoyed, opened his arms enthusiastically, and gave Wayne a hug. After hearing his ridicule, he responded with a shrug. “We were also shocked when we saw the costumes of these fans.

Boss, I suggest that the main creators must get more bonuses from Warner Brothers and you, and look at the movie peripherals all over the fans. God only knows how much money Warner Brothers and you have made! "

"Uh-huh, if the ending of "The Matrix" is good, I will give you a holiday travel allowance." Wayne patted Zack Snyder on the shoulder, turned around and nodded with several other creators.

Before sitting down, he still mysteriously whispered to Zadao: "But even if I am willing to pay this bonus, you will not have time to go on vacation. Zach, be prepared for a busy mind."

After speaking, Zack Snyder, who had a happy face on his face, sat directly in the middle of the first row. He turned around and glanced at the thousands of enthusiastic fans behind him again, shook his head, and muttered in disbelief: " Damn, it’s only August in Los Angeles, aren’t they really hot?”

No one can give him an answer, but this undoubtedly illustrates from the side how popular the peripheral sales of "The Matrix" are.

Almost 80% of the movie fans have a pair of big black sunglasses stuck on their faces or chests. There are also some movie fans who are not only wearing a black windbreaker, but also heavy black leather boots on their feet. The temperature in Los Angeles in mid-to-late August makes them sweat all over their foreheads just wearing a T-shirt...

"Wayne."

After the lights in the theater began to gradually go out, Bruce Rosenblum changed positions with Sergey and sat next to him. "The North American box office of "X-Men", as of now, has exceeded 1. You have once again created a great start to the movie series!"

"No, no, no."

Hearing the compliment from the Warner Bros. distribution executive, Wayne smiled and stretched out a hand, patted the other person's arm gently, and joked in a low voice: "Bruce, your tone doesn't sound like you are congratulating me... ....”

That's right, the two compliments the other party just said didn't sound happy at all to him. Instead, they sounded more like a resentful woman who was worried about being abandoned, or a jealous girl. It's a pity that the distribution director of Warner Bros. is over 50 years old, and he is still a middle-aged white man with a fat body. The thought of this made him shiver unconsciously.

"Well, damn Townsend Roseman, he really made a good deal this time."

Who knew that after Bruce Rosenblum was exposed, he simply threw the mask aside and said in an angry tone: "Twentieth Century Fox has made a lot of money this time! I hope it will not become our main competitor in the future."

Wayne agrees with this. The "X-Men" project currently has more than 1 box office in North America and is one of the top ones on the box office list. This is not the most important thing, because "X-Men" is not just a separate movie. The subsequent sequels are the projects that make 20th Century Fox a lot of money.

As far as the box office is concerned, he is actually very surprised at the current performance, because in his vague memory, although the first part of "X-Men" was considered a great success, the box office was definitely not that high. It was undoubtedly special. The timing created the extraordinary performance of "X-Men".

"Don't worry, no matter how smooth the follow-up development of "X-Men" is, there is no way it can be compared with the DC Universe." Without any hesitation, Wayne gave the other party reassurance. When these words came out of his mouth, his persuasiveness was top-notch.

"You've made a bad start that's going to make every studio in Hollywood happy, Wayne."

The movie on the big screen has officially started to show, and everyone is watching it attentively. However, Bruce Rosenblum showed no concern at all. Instead, he pulled Wayne and chatted in a low voice. "The overseas performance of "X-Men" is not bad. Now many companies with superhero copyrights are eyeing you. Look over there..."

While whispering, he raised a hand covertly and pointed at a person sitting in the middle of the third row with the help of the bright light on the big screen.

"Paul? It turns out he hasn't given up yet..."

Following Bruce Rosenblum's hand, Wayne squinted and saw the new CEO of Sony Columbia. The first time he spotted Paul, he sighed in a low voice. "A very persistent big man, isn't he? Bruce."

"Yep." Bruce Rosenblum shrugged, shook his head in the direction behind him, and joked: "Actually, many of us are curious about what conditions Paul has prepared to impress you, a master of superhero movies. .”

There are many film companies in Hollywood that own superhero copyrights, at least more than ordinary people imagine. With the popularity of the opening chapter of "X-Men", there is no doubt that these film companies with copyrights have set their sights on Wayne.

But there is a problem that lies in front of all film companies, that is, what to use to impress him. This has almost become a problem of the century.

"Hey, man, do you think Sony Columbia will offer you a salary contract similar to that of Twentieth Century Fox for that little spider?"

"That's not enough to impress me."

Faced with Bruce Rosenblum's temptation, Wayne curled his lips unceremoniously and said directly: "Anyone who thinks I am short of money is really making the wrong decision."

Nodding thoughtfully, Bruce Rosenblum secretly glanced at the man next to him in the darkness, using the light on the big screen.

There is no dispute that there is no shortage of money. At least in terms of income, Wayne's income from directing a DC superhero film is not even half less than that from directing films from other companies. So why does he have to spend that money? strength? Therefore, a producer contract like that of 20th Century Fox would definitely not be enough to impress him.

Paul or other film company executives were not Townsend-Rossman who personally gave Wayne the opportunity to enter Hollywood. Everyone knows that the reason why he was willing to take over "X-Men" was because he was still twenty years old. The favor from Century Fox was entirely due to Townsend-Rothman's kindness.

In a social system like North America, money will only flow to people like Wayne who are not short of money, and love will only flow to people like him who are not short of love. There is almost no room for debate on this, as long as he is willing , half of the beautiful girls in Hollywood would peel themselves into a big white sheep and queue up in front of him.

On the contrary, suffering will always flow only to those who can endure it. This world is so cruel and realistic. And only having money can change this.

"Unless Sony Columbia gives me what I want, then I might give it some thought, otherwise..."

With a smile on his lips, Wayne shook his head. "Otherwise, even if they use a cash truck to pull money, they still won't be able to knock on the door of Greenberg Manor."

The two of them smiled together. They both knew that the chance of Sony Columbia trying to satisfy Wayne's appetite was infinitely close to zero.

Just like Brother Crow, a master of table cleaning in Wayne's previous life, once said, 'When eating is just to fill your stomach, the rice loses its original taste. And when your stomach is not hungry at all, food loses its meaning’. It just so happened that he wasn't very hungry right now.

In the darkness, Bruce Rosenblum rolled his eyes, turned to look at the man beside him, and asked in a low voice: "By the way, Nina should have reported to you, right? About DC's new CEO. ....."

"I told you."

Wayne nodded and said nonchalantly: "I believe you and Jeff can handle this matter. And, Bruce!"

As he spoke, he turned his head and stared seriously into the eyes of the Warner Bros. distribution director. With a hint of genuine doubt in his tone, he asked:

"When did the CEO of DC Comics show his personality in the executive office of Warner Bros.? Is my memory biased? Isn't the CEO of DC Comics a yes-man? I'm curious, Bruce. If you and Jeff can’t work it out, I can just give Kevin a call.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Bruce Rosenblum's expression changed immediately. This is indeed the case. Including the last DC meritorious CEO Diego Harris, this character is basically a yes man when facing Warner Bros., and he cannot and has no chance to have his own ideas.

Yawen Library

For Wayne to say such a thing, obviously in the eyes of the Warner Bros. distribution director, this is a kind of distrust in himself and Jeff Robinoff, no matter how big or small. If the head of Time Warner needs to take action because of the special ideas of the DC Comics CEO, then Wayne will not be the only one to feel this kind of distrust.

"I will discuss it with Jeff when I get back and settle this matter as soon as possible. Don't worry, Wayne, the DC movie universe will never be affected by Jim Lee!"

"ok."

What people didn't expect was that Wayne's expression changed very quickly. In the next second, he put away all his sharp edges and nodded with a warm smile. "Find some time, we have to talk about DC-related things as soon as possible. Preparations for the film must begin before October."

Bruce Rosenblum secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "No problem, I'll convey your message to Jeff when I get back..."

"Watch the movie, watch the movie, Zach did pretty well, didn't he?"

The Wayne of today is completely different from the Wayne of seven or eight years ago. Just like his attitude towards the CEO of DC, when it makes sense, he will be more reasonable than anyone else, but if someone will affect his work plan, when it doesn't, he will just talk about his strength!

There was silence between the two for a long time. Bruce Rosenblum suddenly patted his thigh, turned around again, with a cold smile on his lips, and whispered to Wayne: "By the way, I've prepared it for you." A small gift."

"What? Gift? What gift?" Wayne asked, turning his head in surprise.

"The cry of a young reporter..."

"Aha?!"