Chapter 42: The Gloomy Hollywood

Even though getting cheated by White Films was frustrating, if you think about it, their anger was justified. They tolerated the high revenue-sharing portion, but what really riled them up was the attitude towards this film.

Following their release plan, this might have been a total flop. If they didn't like it, they could have just rejected it outright. Why provoke such a big shot?

Now, the big Hollywood studios ended up looking like fools, and their company took the first prize. The film was still playing, breaking new records daily, while people continued to make fun of them.

Then, there were those damned shareholders who wanted to rip Albert to shreds because the ruckus caused great loss to the company. Their own movies were failing, and without other distribution deals, the company might go under.

They were the unluckiest, but the others weren't much better off. Envy and resentment were bound to happen. What kind of movie can you make with just a few million in budget? Aren't present-day audiences clever enough?

Not to mention those pesky journalists who wanted them to guess William White's next film's box office.

How in the world am I supposed to guess?

With a three million dollar production cost, how should I guess? This level of movie doesn't need his judgment; a project manager's opinion suffices.

...

Seeing these actors, William White was fairly satisfied. The Home Alone crew officially kicked off.

This time it was more formal. Although still a makeshift group, the staffing began to become more professional.

"Boss, it's Jason on the phone." This was Linda, the petite secretary at his film company. While reasonably presentable, she was too skinny, but her coffee was good, so William White let it slide.

Better not to engage in such activities at the company; it's a risky move. If you need personal care, you can find a lifestyle assistant.

The role of an assistant is different; they are usually rigorously selected, without complicated family or social backgrounds. After signing countless unequal treaties, they might be eligible.

Of course, the income for this job is extraordinarily high, and many people are eager for it. William White didn't need one for now, but who knows what the future holds? For now, he could take care of himself.

"Hmm, Linda, patch him through and get me a cup of coffee."

"Sure, boss." The cute girl sashayed out.

"Darn it, Jason, I wanted a German Shepherd, not a Siberian Husky."

"Hmm, how could I have messed that up? My German is quite good!"

"Oh my, do you need to ask a German for a Shepherd?" William White was speechless, looking at the little rascal putting on a cute act.

"Okay, fine, I give up. Did you do this on purpose to mess with me?"

"Boss, what's a Husky?"

"It's a very mischievous animal. From now on, his name is Jason." William White grinned mischievously.

"No way, boss! Return it to me, and I'll raise it on the farm."

"Fine, fine, you win. It'll be called Jerry, and the cat is Jason."

"Don't do that. The cat is a fine breed, a standard American Shorthair, very lively."

"Alright, Tommy it is."

"Boss, do you still want the German Shepherd? I can ask my German friends again."

"Never mind, one Husky is enough trouble. A pack would demolish my villa."

"Is it really like that?"

"This little guy can't be left alone, or it'll destroy everything."

"Haha, really? My friend said it's really obedient."

William White was quite speechless, looking at the Husky rubbing against him, unwilling to let it go.

Pets are tricky like that; if you find it cute, no matter how silly it is, you'll like it.

"Jerry, let's go get clean."

Huskies are genuinely adorable when they're pups, always acting cute and funny. But when they're a bit older, they start tearing the house apart.

If you're home all the time, they destroy things because they're protesting not being brought along; really, they're like little kids. Only their destructive power is greater; even high-end stuff will get chewed up.

The kitten in his arms was well-behaved, even purring. In theory, in a new environment, it should be uncomfortable, taking several days to adjust. But this cat didn't seem to have that problem; it looked very comfortable staying with him.

...

After resting for a few days, William White took the crew to Toronto. The two little guys couldn't come along; they were too tiny for long flights. If he had his own plane, it would be simpler; staying with the owner wouldn't be an issue.

Police Academy had been playing for over a month. Though ticket sales were starting to decline, it was still remarkable, having broken the hundred million mark, similar to Superman's level.

If this movie's final box office exceeded 150 million, it would be a miracle in terms of return on investment.

If you combined the promotional expenses, they still didn't exceed ten million, which meant a 1500% return rate. The international market and all the merchandising would add even more revenue.

Film profits were complicated; theaters typically took 10% to 15% in the first week, linked to attendance rates. Lower attendance meant a higher percentage needed by theaters.

The international box office return rate wasn't as high. Achieving a 30% rate was pretty decent. In many situations, films were sold outright, and whether they made money or not didn't concern the producers.

Big blockbusters were different. Talk of selling outright was just pie-in-the-sky dreaming.

When it came to earning capability, America was certainly number one in the world, with the North American region as the main revenue source.

It was now clear that Police Academy would definitely profit over 100 million bucks. If things went well, 120 million wasn't impossible.

For Hollywood, video rentals were also a big source of income. If you reached the level of Star Wars, the follow-up income could surpass box office earnings.

William White had no ambitions to compete with Star Wars; he'd definitely lose. Nonetheless, he had reason to be proud. After all, there was only one Star Wars, and it might take decades for something similar to emerge.

William White understood that Lucas made a lifelong fortune with that one film. Its level of greatness didn't need explaining. Perhaps only Marvel could rival it.

Hollywood's blues were out of William White's hands. He needed to keep working hard to fill his pockets. Despite inflation, the purchasing power of the dollar remained strong.

*****

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