Chapter 254: Maybe It's Time to Do Something

[Chapter 254: Maybe It's Time to Do Something]

"What is your name and which newspaper do you represent?"

"My name is George Nor... Lind. I'm a reporter for Hollywood Online," George Norse quickly fabricated a false identity.

Eric didn't realize George was lying. He nodded and asked, "You just said that scheduling The Others for November 1st was a foolish choice. What's your reasoning?"

George answered confidently, "It's simple. Even though November 1st is Halloween and many horror films are released around that time, it isn't really a prime release period. The box office totals for these few weeks are comparable to the off-season. Since Disney and Firefly Films have high hopes for this movie, releasing it on November 1st is foolish. Alternatively, are you actually lacking confidence in The Others, which is why you are tossing it into a dead period like this?"

After hearing George's words, Eric couldn't help but take another look at him. This middle-aged man dressed like a tabloid reporter was far better than those who only chased after celebrity gossip. "If you can speak so articulately, then you should know that every year, a few films make it into the top ten at the box office despite their release dates not being during the summer or Christmas. They still break into the rankings thanks to their quality."

"Mr. Williams, I understand what you're saying. It's like the film Look Who's Talking, which just premiered a few weeks ago. TriStar Pictures had little faith in it, releasing it in the quiet month of October. But now, with a mere few million in expenses, the film is close to raking in sixty million at the box office. It could even become a competitor to The Others. But, Mr. Williams, you didn't answer my question -- those sleeper hits were released during off-seasons because they weren't expected to perform well beforehand. But The Others is clearly a film that Disney and Firefly Films have high hopes for, awarded the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival."

Eric smiled slightly and confidently replied, "I already answered your question. As long as the film's quality is solid, sometimes it can ignore release dates."

Ignore release dates?! George was stunned, his eyes widening, and some of the more professional journalists in the crowd shared in his shock.

It was a bold statement for anyone in Hollywood to make. No director or producer had so confidently stated such a thing. Most people fought tooth and nail to land their films in summer or holiday slots, knowing that quality release periods meant higher box office returns. Yet here was Eric, not only acting contrary but also declaring that his films could "ignore release dates."

Several paparazzi quickly sensed the explosive nature of his claim, instinctively pushing forward with their recorders stretched out towards Eric.

George knew this would be a controversial topic. He even had a rough draft in mind and believed that tomorrow many would see Eric Williams's hubris. If The Others didn't perform unexpectedly well, Eric would face a huge blow to his reputation, not to mention it could affect his other films' box office during the holiday season.

However, despite these thoughts, George still innocently brought his recorder closer to Eric, asking, "Mr. Williams, are you really suggesting that The Others can completely ignore the constraints of the release date and achieve high box office returns?"

Eric shrugged and nodded. "Since I've scheduled the movie for November 1st, I clearly have that confidence."

The crowd of reporters erupted into hushed murmurs again.

After saying this, Eric ignored everyone and led Virginia into the theater.

"Hey, Mr. Williams, can you explain further?"

"Mr. Williams, why do you have such confidence in this film?"

"Mr. Williams..."

Despite the reporters' frantic shouts behind them, Eric and Virginia ascended the theater staircase without looking back.

...

The premiere was set to start at seven o'clock, so the two didn't head straight to the screening room but were guided by staff to a prepared lounge where celebrity guests were waiting.

As they walked through the VIP corridor, Virginia quietly asked, "Eric, do you think what you just said was a bit inappropriate?"

"Do you lack faith in me too?" Eric smiled, asking.

Virginia quickly shook her head. "No, I definitely have faith in you. But anything can go wrong, and if it does... you'll be the one they ridicule."

Eric gently squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry, nothing will go wrong."

Virginia opened her mouth, wanting to say more, but Eric pulled her into the lounge.

After greeting many of the celebrities present, about ten minutes passed before Disney's CEO, Michael Eisner, arrived on the scene.

"Eric, I heard what you said on the red carpet just now." Upon meeting, Michael Eisner said to Eric.

Eric raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Eisner, do you think what I said was inappropriate?"

Michael shook his head. "I just think it's a risky statement. Even I'm curious as to why you insisted on the November 1st release. Now that I've followed through with your suggestion, you should at least tell me the reason."

"Let's talk over there," Eric said, pointing to a sofa against the wall.

Michael nodded and followed Eric over. Although everyone in the lounge wanted to strike up conversations with him and Michael, they respected their discussion and kept their distance.

"Actually, I had this idea even before Running Out of Time was released," Eric said, glancing at Michael. "Back then, I thought that since there were five films related to me coming out by the end of the year, why not create a beautiful grand slam during this period?"

"Grand slam? Miracle?" Michael repeated those two key phrases from Eric's words, but he couldn't quite understand how "grand slam" related to filmmaking; it wasn't a sports event.

Eric didn't tease him and quickly explained, "Mr. Eisner, The Others is set for November 1st, and after our strong promotional efforts, achieving two weeks of box office dominance should be no problem. Following that, Home Alone 2 will release on November 17th, and last year's film had ten consecutive weeks at the top.

I've seen the films releasing around the same time, and only Lethal Weapon 2 and Back to the Future 2 stand a chance of competing with Home Alone 2. But those films simply won't draw in the audience Home Alone 2 will. Even if the sequel has a drop in box office, it's guaranteed to dominate for five weeks.

Lastly, this Christmas, Sleepless in Seattle will continue the box office champion title. After reviewing the slate, I noticed there won't be any major blockbusters this Christmas, so I should still maintain that title unless a strong competitor emerges. Perhaps I could sustain that momentum into February. Plus, once we market this angle, the films in this 'relay race' will attract more attention, which will in turn boost their box office numbers."

Michael Eisner was utterly amazed by Eric's plan. This young man was clearly aiming to monopolize the entire holiday season! A film that claimed the top spot could secure at least 30% of the following week's ticket sales, plus the earnings from all other films that didn't make the top. This number would easily rise to 40%. Estimating a total year-end box office of six hundred million, these films would together earn approximately 240 million. At first glance, that didn't seem like much -- less than the first Home Alone's total box office -- but one had to remember that these films would also have an additional one to three months of box office collection post-New Year, meaning the final total would likely exceed 240 million significantly.

On average, that meant each of the five films would make at least 100 million at the box office.

If that happened, Firefly would claim at least five positions in the top ten for the year, which would be disgraceful for the other major studios.

Even though Disney would be the beneficiary in this scenario, Michael Eisner felt no excitement about it as he thought about it.

Perhaps it was time to consider doing something.

Michael Eisner suddenly had that thought in his mind while watching the determined young man beside him. He bit his lip, patted Eric's shoulder encouragingly, and then stood up and left.

Eric remained seated on the sofa for a moment. It felt like he'd caught a glimpse of something unusual in Michael Eisner's eyes, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was. After sharing his ambitious plan with him, Eric felt quite thrilled himself and didn't analyze too deeply into the fleeting expression on Eisner's face.

*****

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