Chapter 64 - Fox Channel
"This is the new business Santa Fia has taken on," Mrs. Leah said, adjusting her glasses after hearing Duke's question. "For the next five years, Santa Fia will be responsible for Victoria's Secret's brand promotion and will take a commission from their additional sales. If things go well, the Rosenberg family may step into the ranks of billionaires."
"Is there a specific plan?" Duke asked, thinking that although the billionaire might just be his mother, he was still the future heir.
"We just got the project," Mrs. Leah replied, her attention back on the documents in front of her.
Having lived through the internet era, Duke, like most young men, had heard of the brand. He had downloaded one of their fashion shows and knew a little about it, although his knowledge was basic. He knew Victoria's Secret truly rose to fame in the late 1990s, that it was a mass-market brand, and about its most famous angels and their iconic runway shows.
"Mom, I have a few ideas," Duke pointed at the TV, where a halftime ad was still playing. "How about hosting an underwear fashion show during the Super Bowl halftime? But instead of stiff, emaciated models, the models could interact with the audience or the camera, more like a red carpet event. We could even sign a specialized lingerie model team—maybe call them 'Angels'?"
"Anything else?" Mrs. Leah finally looked up.
"We could host a yearly lingerie show and sign a broadcast contract with a TV network," Duke continued after thinking for a moment. "And, if possible, maybe stage the show across from the Oscars red carpet or during the Cannes Film Festival. It would certainly make a huge impact."
"Give me a detailed plan," Mrs. Leah responded, adding, "Don't worry, I'll pay you accordingly based on the results."
"Mom..." Duke hesitated, realizing that while it was easy to throw around general ideas, real advertising and marketing were highly specialized fields, much like film production. He wasn't an expert in such things. "I'm not really skilled in this area. Santa Fia has professionals. I believe that with a little guidance, they can come up with a solid plan."
"I've taken note of your suggestions," Mrs. Leah said, clearly understanding Duke and approving of his ideas. "I'll have Santa Fia begin discussions soon."
Duke knew that while his mother was always strict with him, she was also the one who truly cared for him. Repaying his mother and the family was a responsibility everyone should bear.
From the moment he set his sights on Hollywood, it was his mother who had quietly supported and helped him, subtly guiding him to understand the true nature of the business world. Duke knew there wasn't much he could do for her, but within his abilities, he would do whatever he could to assist the family.
In many ways, Duke had indeed been influenced by his mother. Mrs. Leah was also a decisive person, and she immediately went to her study to organize Duke's suggestions.
Sitting alone on the sofa, Duke aimlessly watched the superstar on the screen, tapping his leg to the rhythm of the music. Even after twenty years, this was still considered the greatest halftime show in Super Bowl history. Michael Jackson remained a pop icon like no other, incomparable to anyone else.
Naturally, Duke thought of the recent news stories circulating in the papers. Not just tabloids, but some major newspapers had been stirring up controversy around Michael Jackson's alleged misconduct with young boys. Even though Jackson's family, managers, and the boys themselves had explained the situation, the media chatter wouldn't die down.
The media across America was shockingly united in this regard.
Does the truth matter? Not really. Michael Jackson's race had already sealed his fate. Even if there hadn't been the accusations of misconduct, the media would have found another excuse to attack him. The predominantly white society would never allow a Black man to achieve the kind of unprecedented success Michael Jackson had reached. His fame, combined with his race, meant that this kind of treatment was inevitable, both now and in the future.
The criticisms would continue until the media sealed his legacy in negativity, and this would persist until his death. Not even Jackson himself, or any single group, could save him. If Michael Jackson were to give up some of his vast interests and step away from the public eye, maybe over time, the situation would improve. Otherwise, the tragedy would only continue...
To truly save him would mean going up against the entire white establishment. But who had the power to change all of American society?
The performance at the Super Bowl that day was destined to be remembered, marking the pinnacle of Michael Jackson's fame. But everything was going to change in this very year.
The 1993 Super Bowl was most remembered not only for Michael Jackson's halftime performance but also for a bomb that fell on Alcatraz Island. These two moments garnered more attention and media coverage than the game itself, becoming the true focus of the public and the press.
"This is a new filming technique, perhaps ushering in a new era of film technology."
"Using a bomb as the first-person perspective is purely a show of technique. That terrifying explosion later on—it's as if it's already part of Duke Rosenberg's DNA. We can't wait for 'The Rock' this summer!"
"After destroying half of Santa Monica, Duke Rosenberg's eyes are now set on San Francisco and the infamous Alcatraz Island. Is 'The Rock' just an extension of his destructive urges, or will there be innovations like the bomb perspective? We'll have to wait and see."
Starting the day after the Super Bowl, there were numerous reports about *The Rock* on television, in newspapers, and magazines. Thanks to the buzz around the "bomb perspective," Warner Brothers had made it the focus of their short-term publicity efforts, creating quite a stir.
The Rock Studio in Burbank had become a focal point for entertainment journalists. After the brief stir caused by the earlier fire incident, many had assumed the production had suffered a setback. However, a well-made promotional video quickly proved otherwise.
Though *The Rock*'s cast lacked A-list actors or directors, a director with a billion-dollar box office under his belt and Nicolas Cage were still enough to draw attention. Though Cage's last name was Cage, the media was well aware that he was an important member of the Coppola family and Francis Ford Coppola's nephew.
Yes, there were no limits when it came to movie promotion. Warner didn't hesitate to play up Cage's family connections, drawing plenty of attention.
Warner Brothers soon released the first official trailer. Since the movie was still far from release, the trailer was mainly shown in theaters, not on TV. Nonetheless, the sheer number of action scenes, car chases, and explosions meant Duke had more than enough material to create an enticing preview. If a trailer was supposed to showcase the best parts of a movie, *The Rock* could easily be considered one long, epic trailer.
Soon after, the movie's poster appeared in theaters, showing Nicolas Cage, Ed Harris, and Christopher Lee as a trio of tough, determined men, their strong, masculine energy accentuated by the explosion in the background. The poster made it clear to the vast action movie fanbase that this was a movie for men.
No movie could appeal to every demographic, not even the biggest blockbusters. Every film had to find its niche. *The Rock* was primarily aimed at men between 17 and 45, as well as women who enjoyed action movies.
The movie's promotion was proceeding smoothly according to Warner's plans. Duke's concerns hadn't materialized, but he still instructed Robin Grande and Nancy Josephson to keep an eye on the media and CAA. He didn't trust that rivals had truly backed off after the fire incident, though Warner's heightened vigilance may have made them more cautious. Duke knew competition in the industry never crossed certain lines, so Warner couldn't raise too many objections.
Editing, music composition, dubbing, sound effects, and other post-production tasks were progressing faster than expected. With more experience, Duke found it easier to organize and manage the various aspects of production.
Hans Zimmer had re-arranged the music, and though it differed slightly from Duke's memory, it met his requirements. By the end of March, they had entered the sound editing phase. Meanwhile, Shania had recorded the theme song and headed back to Nashville, leaving their relationship as a one-night stand for now.
By early April, the film's post-production work was finally nearing completion. Warner Brothers was preparing to hold test screenings for fans, theater owners, and critics in mid-April to gauge reactions and finalize the film's editing and marketing plans.
"I'm overworked every day," Sophia complained while sitting in the Rock Studio's lounge, sipping her coffee. "Not everyone has your energy, nor is everyone a workaholic. I demand a raise!"
"Dear," Duke shrugged, "don't forget, you're already drawing two salaries. You're my personal assistant, but you're also getting paid as an assistant director. I believe the studio just paid you one-third of your assistant director's salary. You've already collected two-thirds of the total $40,000. Don't tell me you've spent it all already?"
"See these?" Sophia pointed to her bag and then at her clothes. "Women's expenses are enormous."
"Well then, why don't you sell me off for cash?"
Their conversation wasn't really about salary. Duke and Sophia had long turned their playful bickering into a way to unwind after work.
Suddenly, Duke's phone rang. It was Nancy on the other end, speaking urgently. "Do you have a TV nearby? Switch to the Fox Family Channel!"
The volume on his phone was loud enough for Sophia to hear. She moved to the corner of the lounge and turned on the TV, switching to the Fox Family Channel.
There is a handsome and elegant old man in the picture. There is only one such old man in Hollywood - Sean Connery!
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