Chapter 30: Early Planning for Marvel Comics

There were also scheduling issues to consider.

However, the reaction of the black screening staff gave them a basic impression that this film had the potential to be a big hit.

As a film with an investment of three million dollars, as long as the box office reached ten million, they would break even. Of course, if they included the costs of marketing and promotion, a box office of twenty million would ensure they didn't lose money.

There would also be revenue from subsequent DVD sales and other licensing avenues.

Based on their own perception of the film's quality, as long as they secure a decent release date and a sufficient number of screens, there is a hundred percent chance of not incurring losses.

Jeff Robinov approached Kevin with a smile. "Congratulations on successfully producing another excellent film."

Shaye also leaned in and said, "Kevin, the final box office numbers for Saw have come in. It's a good opportunity to settle the accounts today, right?"

The quality of Kevin's new film had been recognized during their internal review, and as a result, Kevin, who could consistently produce high-quality films, held a different position in their eyes.

Normally, the box office revenue sharing of a film could be settled within a year after its release, indicating that the film company had no intention of shortchanging them.

But with Kevin, only three months had passed since the film's release, and New Line Cinema was actively initiating the revenue sharing with him.

It must be said that this represented New Line Cinema's appreciation for him.

It also represented their importance and attention to their collaboration with him.

Faced with New Line's goodwill, Kevin naturally wouldn't refuse.

Three months after its release in North America also meant that the global box office numbers were available. Saw had achieved a total global box office of 166 million dollars.

A 5% share of the box office meant a revenue share of around 8 million dollars, which was no small amount. Of course, this amount was far from enough to cause a falling out between Kevin and New Line Cinema.

With Kevin's ability, continuing to collaborate would only help them earn countless millions.

Therefore, not only did they not tamper with anything, but the payment also arrived promptly.

Otherwise, if this amount were to remain pending for a year or two, there would also be a considerable amount of interest.

After New Line Cinema received their share of the revenue, Kevin's days were still busy. With his insistence, the release date for his next film was set for May 1st.

Through investigation, it was found that there were no major releases during that time.

Or rather, there were, but they were already nearing their end, and theater chains were gradually reducing the number of screenings for those films.

In all of North America, there were fewer than two thousand movie theaters and over twenty thousand screens.

When Saw was initially released, it secured screening in 800 theaters, which was already quite substantial.

Subsequent screenings were adjusted by the theaters themselves based on the performance of Saw.

Being able to secure such a large number of screenings was naturally because at that time, the major investments and sequel films had already been released.

In the absence of a tiger in the mountains, the Saw franchise itself became the king.

Of course, this was also thanks to New Line Cinema's distribution channels in North America.

Not every film company could achieve such a widespread release. Having such channels meant that the company was at least a medium to large-scale one in Hollywood.

As for the Big Five in Hollywood, the biggest difference between them and other film companies lay in overseas distribution. Of course, their own theater chains were also their advantage.

The Big Five possessed complete distribution capabilities overseas. If a film wanted to make a profit overseas after becoming a hit in North America, they had to collaborate with the Big Five.

Otherwise, at most, they could only earn money from the North American market.

This was the reason why they were called the Big Five.

...

Three days later, Warner Bros. headquarters.

A group of middle-aged men, dressed in formal attire that clearly marked them as elite individuals, walked into the building.

These people were renowned film critics in the entire United States, each of whom had a certain influence on moviegoers' film choices.

There were about forty to fifty film critics in total, requiring a PR budget of millions of dollars.

The investment alone was enough to demonstrate Warner Bros.' confidence in Get Out. Of course, the publicity expenses were shared between Kevin and New Line Cinema.

In addition to film critics, some journalists from the media were also invited.

The normal film screening process typically begins with a preview, an internal screening where the film is evaluated for its quality.

If the film meets the necessary quality standards, the next step is a screening, where professionals who can help with the film's promotion are invited.

The purpose of the screening is to generate initial positive word-of-mouth for the film.

After the screening, the premiere and official release follow.

Kevin did not need to attend the screening. While the film critics were participating in the screening, he received a revenue share of $8.02 million from New Line Cinema.

Kevin arrived at the headquarters of a comic book publisher.

...

Upon hearing that a renowned director had come to visit, Marvel's CEO, Perelman, agreed with a curious demeanor.

Inside the office of Marvel Comics' CEO.

With his Mediterranean hairstyle, wearing a standard suit, and smoking a cigar, Kevin's first impression of the person in front of him was that he was a very successful billionaire.

And that was the truth.

Ronald Perelman, with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, would be ranked 83rd on the "Hurun Global Rich List" of entrepreneurs with a fortune of 100 billion RMB on April 6, 2020.

Undoubtedly, a billionaire of his caliber is not limited to a single industry.

Marvel Comics was acquired by him only two years ago, and after two years of operation under his leadership, the company finally achieved a successful IPO.