Chapter 257: Movie Trailers

In the office of Galaxy Films, Arthur was in the meeting room discussing film marketing strategies with the company's high-level executives, including Mark Tasker, the head of distribution.

"I've seen the edited trailers for Speed and Mrs. Doubtfire, which are our main summer projects this year," Arthur said, shaking his head. "The trailers are too formulaic. Nowadays, movie trailers are all about narrations that explain the plot; flat and lacking exciting scenes. Trailers can actually play a much bigger role in marketing!"

Amy Pascal looked puzzled. "Arthur, do you mean we should increase the marketing budget for the movie trailers?"

Arthur nodded. "Let's have Speed and Mrs. Doubtfire re-edited into a 30-second exciting version. Then secure two 30-second advertising slots to air them during the Super Bowl halftime show on CBS."

"Advertising during the Super Bowl?" Amy Pascal was not the only one surprised; both the head of distribution and the head of marketing were also shocked.

Mark Tasker, the head of distribution, reminded them, "So you mean to remove the narration and directly assemble exciting clips from the movies into a 30-second trailer? This idea is very creative, but it means our trailer budget will increase."

Currently, movie companies do not invest heavily in trailers, primarily focusing on celebrity gossip, newspapers, and posters.

Amy Pascal noted, "Super Bowl halftime ad slots are expensive."

Arthur smiled and looked at Mary Smith, the head of marketing. She explained, "I've already talked to CBS. The upcoming Super Bowl halftime ad slots are priced at $850,000 each. We've bought two slots, so during the Super Bowl halftime show, Speed and Mrs. Doubtfire trailers will be on TV!"

Arthur stood up. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's time to change the way we make movie trailers. We need to move away from the narration style and focus on attracting viewers with exciting clips. Don't be stingy with spending on trailers!

Nowadays, the cost of a 30-second Super Bowl halftime ad is less than $1 million. Just think, in the future, a 30-second ad cost will be $5 million."

And this year's Super Bowl halftime show will be unforgettable. Not only did Galaxy buy ads, but Arthur also had the Ritz-Carlton Hotel advertise during the Super Bowl!

Amy Pascal didn't object. "I'll have them cut a great trailer as soon as possible, ready to air during the Super Bowl."

'Let's make the action-packed blockbuster Speed the start of the trend for movie trailers at the Super Bowl. Otherwise, we might have to wait until the future sci-fi epic Independence Day for this new trailer format to appear during Super Bowl halftime!'

"Just imagine, future Super Bowl TV viewers enjoying the game and during halftime, suddenly seeing Michael Jackson's performance switch to a speeding bus amidst fiery explosions. How captivating is that? No more ads for Coke, cars, or hamburgers!"

This year's Super Bowl will be held on the last day of January in Los Angeles, but Arthur didn't seem interested since he didn't have a favorite team.

In the evening, Arthur went to a club in Hollywood, which Nicole Kidman had arranged.

"Weren't you back in Australia recently? You came back so soon," Arthur said, hugging Nicole Kidman.

"Waiting for you to come over, but you were too busy. First building the new Galaxy Studios, then acquiring the cable TV station. Your business is really expanding," Nicole Kidman said, crossing her legs with a smile.

Arthur sat beside her. "Isn't it good that my business is expanding?"

As he spoke, he reached out and stroked her smooth, white thigh. "This time, you were away for quite a while."

"Yes, I met some Australian filmmakers this time," Nicole Kidman leaned in and kissed Arthur on the cheek.

"I met a New Zealand female director, Jane Campion, who wrote and directed a literary film. Would you like to watch the VHS tonight at my place?

Jane Campion has a good track record. Her debut short film won the Palme d'Or at Cannes' main competition for short films.

Her first feature film was also selected for the main competition at Cannes, and her next film won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival!"

Arthur laughed, "So you're saying her new movie is excellent?"

Nicole sat on Arthur's lap. "It's set in the 19th century and tells the story of a mute woman obsessed with playing the piano, who falls in love with a neighbor through their shared passion for the piano."

"The emotional content is very rich; it's a highly artistic drama!"

"Piano?" Arthur thought for a moment, "What's the movie called?"

"The Piano."

In Nicole's villa in the Hollywood Hills, as the VHS of The Piano finished on TV, Nicole Kidman was gasping and lying weakly in Arthur's arms. "The film was shot in New Zealand, with a modest budget. Although the actors aren't very famous, the movie is full of emotions."

Arthur, holding the fair-skinned Nicole in his arms, stroked her hair. "Jane Campion's film is highly artistic, making it suitable for Galaxy to distribute. I believe in it, don't worry. I'll have someone acquire the North American rights for The Piano tomorrow, and we'll make sure to enter it into this year's Cannes Film Festival."

Jane Campion made The Piano with just $1.4 million, which is quite an achievement.

However, The Piano had a low budget and contained some explicit scenes, which made it hard to find renowned actresses willing to participate.

As a film with a strong female lead, Holly Hunter's portrayal of the "silent bride" was impressive. The director's talent is undeniable.

"Really? You like it too?" Nicole Kidman said excitedly.

"Of course, it's a good film," Arthur said, kissing Nicole softly. "You've done a great job this time; what kind of reward do you want?"

Nicole Kidman smiled, "Just spend more time with me, that's all I need!"

"That's a small request. Let's take a bath first..."

*****

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