Chapter 16: Bandai

The preview screening of "Fate/Stay Night" was held in a movie theater not far from Tsuburaya Studios.

This theater had been around for quite some time, and its equipment was relatively old, making the conditions less than ideal.

However, Shinji wasn't overly concerned. Film screening equipment in this world was generally similar anyway.

Although various special movie screening modes like Dolby sound, 3D, 4D, IMAX, and more had been invented, they were either confined to labs or used in museums. Their commercialization was far from imminent.

Whenever he thought about this, Shinji felt a sense of historical mission. He believed he had a responsibility to bring the ultimate movie-watching experience to the audiences of this world.

However, one step at a time. For now, Shinji was more concerned about the distribution of FSN in Japan. Only if this movie achieved remarkable results could it drive the development of commercial blockbuster films in this world.

On the morning of the screening, Shinji, along with his uncle, Matou Kariya, arrived at the entrance of the movie theater to welcome the participants from Toho Film Company.

However, Shinji's presence wasn't enough to draw the attention of the Toho Company members in the Japanese film industry. Even when he shook hands with them, they only treated him as a formality.

Shinji wasn't surprised, though. Without his uncle's introduction, these people probably wouldn't have attended the screening.

Although the Holy Grail War in Fuyuki City had come to an end without a winner, the Matou family had undergone significant changes. Nonetheless, Kariya had left Fuyuki City due to heartbreak.

However, in this world, Kariya was leading a much more prosperous life than his counterparts in other parallel worlds. With Zouken's assistance, he entered the entertainment industry as a tokusatsu actor.

After starring in Tsuburaya's tokusatsu series "Ultraman Dyna," Kariya's acting career began to soar, making him a well-known figure in the industry.

By the way, Shinji could never forget the shock he felt when he opened the television and saw his own uncle playing the role of Shin Asuka. He had even accidentally sprayed water all over Sakura's face.

As a result, Shinji had to spend three months' worth of pocket money to earn Sakura's forgiveness.

"Long time no see, Kariya."

The leader of Toho Company's team shook hands with Kariya. Based on his uncle's interactions, Shinji learned that the man was called Hata Keigo, the head of Toho Company's Distribution Department Group 2, and the highest-ranking member of the Toho team for this event.

Standing beside Keigo was a man in his fifties named Kawachi Ippei, a well-known film critic in the industry.

The opinions of these two individuals would determine the treatment that FSN would receive from Toho.

The size of the viewing team indicated that Toho Company didn't attach much importance to FSN.

Shinji wasn't surprised by this. His uncle had at most a middling status within the industry, and it wasn't enough to gain the full attention of Toho's higher-ups.

After a few casual greetings with the Toho members, everyone took their seats in the small screening room, waiting for the movie to begin.

Shinji intentionally sat in the back corner, allowing him to observe the reactions of the Toho employees during the screening. This would give him an advantage during negotiations after the movie.

Sitting in the front row beside Kariya, Keigo was conversing half-heartedly with him. He felt some disdain for the upcoming film.

When Kariya's film company had vigorously recommended this film a few days ago, Keigo had sensed something unusual about it.

He had conducted a brief investigation and found out that the film's director was Kariya's nephew.

The situation became clear: this young man named Shinji wanted to climb the ladder using connections and enter the entertainment industry through his uncle's influence.

Such occurrences weren't uncommon in the film industry, especially in Japan where family traditions played a significant role. However, Keigo believed that Shinji didn't hold much value.

The reason was simple: Shinji wanted to be a director, not just an actor like his uncle. The role of a director was unique within the industry and couldn't be achieved without being immersed in the family environment or through specialized education.

Keigo actually thought that Shinji's handsome appearance should lead him to become an actor first, just like his uncle did. Once he accumulated popularity and status, he could then transition to directing.

'Unfortunately, this young man doesn't know the right way to go with this. Luckily, he is born in a well family and has a good actor uncle.'

With such thoughts, Keigo's gaze was fixed on the screen.

And as the opening scene reached its climax, when the female lead Arturia appeared under the moonlight, the audience's excitement reached its peak.

"So beautiful..."

"Where is this actress from? Do you have her information?"

"Is she from Europe or America?"

"I've never heard of her before."

...

Listening to the discussions from behind, Keigo completely understood their sentiments. Even he, when he first saw Arturia on screen, was amazed by the stunning presence of the blonde girl.

Taking advantage of the screen's brightness, Keigo glanced at his watch.

Less than twenty minutes had passed since the start, yet he had completely changed his perspective on FSN. The film far exceeded his highest expectations...

"What the hell is this? You call this a movie? It's all noise, there's no substance at all."

Amidst the praise, a discordant note was struck.

Upon hearing this, Keigo quickly turned his head and saw that the speaker was the film critic, Ippei.

Shinji in the back row also heard Ippeis comment and saw his displeased expression.

'What a pain in the ass, this might be a bit challenging.'

In the darkness, Shinji's eyes flickered.

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Even though Shinji had anticipated that Ippeis negative attitude toward FSN might affect Toho's decision regarding the film, he hadn't expected the impact to be so significant.

"A noise lacking in substance, a childish and dull film."

After the screening, Ippei sternly criticized Shinji.

"Kawachi-san..."

Shinji intended to engage in a discussion with him, but was immediately cut off.

"From beginning to end, it's either explosions or fights. The scenes with dialogue are brief and the actors lack skill. This is nothing more than a farce. Director Matou, didn't your teachers teach you the basics of making a film?!"

Listening to the film critic criticize the movie in front of him, Shinji found it increasingly difficult to maintain his forced smile.

"Well– Hata-san, what are your thoughts?"

Having exchanged ideas with the stubborn magi of the Clock Tower, Shinji was well aware that communication was impossible with such individuals. So, he shifted his focus to someone else.

When asked, Keigo seemed somewhat intrigued. After experiencing a perfect viewing experience, he held a favorable impression of FSN.

"Director Matou, about this film..."

Ippei grabbed Keigo's arm. "What, are you considering signing this film? Let me tell you, I won't give it my endorsement! Associating my name with such a film is an insult to my reputation!"

Keigo was left speechless by his words.

He was just a small group leader, whereas Ippei was a well-known film critic. The opinions of both of them would undoubtedly sway the company toward the latter.

Furthermore, Keigo couldn't be certain whether FSN would be successful or not.

While he personally had a positive view of the film, Ippeis experienced grasp of the market was more accurate. What if he persisted and proposed the film's distribution to the company, only for the box office results to be unsatisfactory?

In that case, he would bear the blame.

Film distribution was like buying a lottery ticket; it was difficult to predict the success of a movie before the final results were out.

Being settled with a family and career, Keigo couldn't afford to gamble his professional life on a single movie.

However, giving up on FSN was such a pity. Keigo was deeply conflicted.

Under Ippeis strong opposition, Keigo, with limited authority, couldn't argue against his decision. All he could do was include his own views on the movie in the report and submit it, while trying his best to advocate for it.

"Director Matou, I apologize. I will submit an application to the department head to see if we can organize a second preview screening for this remarkable film."

"I appreciate your efforts, Hata-san."

Shinji exchanged a few polite words.

In fact, whether it was Keigo or Shinji, they could both see that the possibility of holding another preview screening was slim. Keigo had done his best under the circumstances.

As they walked out of the movie theater, Keigo turned around with reluctance. He had a vague feeling that he and the company might have missed out on a very important opportunity.

"Shinji, what should we do now?"

Seeing the lack of hope from Toho's side, Kariya was growing increasingly anxious.

"Uncle, give me a moment of peace. Your pacing is making me dizzy."

Shinji, unable to bear the situation, tapped Kariya's shoulder.

Kariya stopped in his tracks and turned to his nephew. "Hey, Shinji. Aren't you worried at all?"

"What's the use of worrying? Do you think we can drag people back and force them to sign a contract?" Shinji sighed helplessly. "I miscalculated. I didn't expect the influence of the film critic to be much stronger than I thought."

In reality, when Ippei lost his temper earlier, Shinji had considered using suggestive magecraft to forcefully change his opinion.

In the end, however, he had given up on the idea.

Convincing just one film critic wouldn't be enough. Given Shinji's distribution plans for FSN, he might have to use suggestive magecraft on the entire upper management of Toho and related film critics.

If he had that kind of ability, Shinji would probably have become a mage by now.

"Now what?" Kariya anxiously pressed, "Should we approach Toei instead?"

Compared to Toho, Kariya's relationship with Toei wasn't that strong. Despite his background as a tokusatsu actor, he hadn't appeared in any tokusatsu shows for several years.

Shinji held his chin, contemplating. "Well... maybe we could release it in Europe or America first? Perhaps Waver has already found a way."

"Excuse me. Are you the director of FSN?"

A young man in a white shirt approached Shinji, who was lost in thought.

"Who are you?"

Shinji recognized this person. He had been sitting in the middle of the same row as Shinji during the preview screening.

"I'm an employee of Bandai Visual." The man smiled shyly. "May I ask if Director Matou is considering finding another film distributor?"

Hearing his words, Shinji blurted out unintentionally, "Bandai?"

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