Chapter 11: Robert Downey Jr.

Dean, who was standing nearby, also had a look of surprise on his face. It was his decision to invest in this film, and although the investment wasn't significant, he would still be responsible if there were any losses.

And now, the screening staff was giving feedback that could potentially make this film a classic in the history of cinema. Based on this assessment, it seemed highly unlikely that there would be any losses with the investment of $1.3 million.

Dean glanced at Shay, knowing that it was up to him as the boss and president to decide on the specific marketing plan.

However, with the positive feedback from the screening staff, he was certain that the promotional efforts would be substantial.

Shay contemplated his own thoughts on the movie they had just watched and combined them with the opinions of the screening staff present. In an instant, he made up his mind.

Saw had the potential for a major breakthrough and deserved a significant investment in marketing.

Of course, this large sum of money would be allocated specifically for promoting Saw.

"Dean, contact the marketing department immediately. I will authorize a funding of $3 million to cover extensive promotion in cinemas near American universities."

"Also, reach out to print media and various film critics."

"I want to hold a preview screening to generate buzz for the film. We'll do our best to make Saw a classic."

Shay's tone was resolute.

Clearly, he also saw the potential for Saw to become a classic based on the feedback from these individuals and his own viewing experience.

For a film company, the revenue lifespan of a classic movie is significantly longer.

Box office earnings often account for only 20% to 30% of the total revenue.

The remaining revenue from DVDs and other sources can continue for decades, steadily flowing and rivaling box office earnings.

However, all of this is built upon the foundation of box office success.

A classic film with poor box office performance would not be recognized by the masses.

Turning his head, Shay's Jewish features displayed an expression of wanting to make a fortune. Coincidentally, Kevin shared the same sentiment, even if it was just a 5% share of the box office.

But if the film truly became a blockbuster, it would still be a substantial amount.

However, this share was not enough to strain the relationship between New Line Cinema and the talented director.

Everything was part of his plan.

Facing Shay's gaze, Kevin smiled as well.

Shay, with a smile on his face, affectionately said, "Kevin, for the preview screening attended by film critics and traditional media, I need your cooperation. Do you have any scheduling conflicts?"

Kevin nodded.

"Don't worry, I will fully cooperate. If you have any questions, feel free to talk to me directly or contact my agent, Dawson."

Kevin's response satisfied Shay. Talented directors often have quirks or are rebellious, but Kevin didn't display any of those traits.

At the same time, his grasp of the film's budget was spot on, even leaving a surplus. Given this situation, he had no objections to using the remaining funds for a party.

If every director could be like Kevin, it would be wonderful.

The release of Saw was still pending, but in Shay's mind, the opportunity for a second collaboration with Kevin had already been secured.

...

Everything was mostly taken care of, and as a director, he didn't have much to do apart from the upcoming preview screening.

The school vacation hadn't ended yet, or rather, for a graduating director like him, his coursework on campus was already completed.

Even without Saw, he would still be able to graduate smoothly.

Mitt and the others had their own things to attend to. Reflecting on the memories in his mind, Kevin unconsciously found himself in the midst of Broadway.

As an orphan, he grew up in a welfare institution, but being smart, he didn't fall into the same pitfalls as others. Instead, he knew that education was the only opportunity to change his destiny.

Therefore, he worked hard in his studies all the way, coupled with his intelligence, which allowed him to get into the University of Southern California under such unfavorable conditions.

And his friend, or rather the person who guided him on the path to becoming a director, was someone from within this Broadway theater.

Kevin continued to contemplate as memories merged further with the passage of time. Sometimes, he couldn't distinguish whether he was Chen Daoxuan or Kevin.

Or perhaps, they were always the same person, just with a connection between their past and present lives.

"Creak!"

The sound of a iron door being pushed open reached his ears, and a handsome young man with a square face walked out.

"Kevin!"

"Come on, let's go for a drink!"

Robert Downey Jr. linked arms with Kevin, leading him towards a nearby bar as if escorting a prisoner.

Yes, the person who appeared before Kevin as his guide was none other than Robert Downey Jr.

Their acquaintance happened in a coincidental circumstance, meeting in the library.

As a dropout youth aspiring to go further in his acting career, studying was indispensable.

Everyone praised Downey as a genius, but only Kevin knew that geniuses also had to work hard.

They met in the library, with Kevin striving for his future and Downey striving for his acting career.

In Downey's eyes, Kevin was just an immature kid, just like his younger brother.

For this reason, Downey didn't hesitate to help him, such as treating him to meals, sponsoring some books, and assisting Kevin in understanding what directors needed and the ins and outs of Hollywood. As for direct monetary support, that was something Kevin couldn't accept.

Chen Daoxuan, as a time traveler, also accepted this and inherited the emotional connection between the two.

As for why Downey wasn't cast as Jigsaw, it was actually due to image issues.

Coulson... I mean, Greg, naturally possessed a special affable quality. In his presence, you never had to worry about being in danger.

When this kind of aura was placed in the hands of a devout murderer, it created a stark contrast.

The killer himself didn't perceive his actions as crimes, but rather saw himself as helping God rid the world of these worthless scum. This made it even more chilling.

From Kevin's perspective behind the camera, Greg's performance was far superior to Tobin Bell, who had always played killers, criminals, and serial killers.

This intriguing contrast didn't diminish the allure of Jigsaw at all; instead, it added a halo of a servant of God to the character.

Under Downey's guidance, the two soon arrived at a bar.

As the sky gradually darkened, the bar lit up with colorful lights, and the atmosphere inside became chaotic.

Through the dim lighting, Kevin could already see couples hiding in the corners, their silhouettes intertwining and merging into one.

One word: chaos!

Kevin didn't particularly like this kind of place, whether in his past life or present life. He disliked such environments.

On the other hand, Downey seemed to be completely at home in the bar, moving around effortlessly and appearing to be very happy. After a while, Downey finally remembered Kevin, his younger brother who was three years his junior.