I am Hollywood

[Chapter 1092: Marketing Experiment]

Eric personally attended the screening, which immediately elevated the media attention on Run Lola Run, surpassing all other films at the Sundance Film Festival that year.

Initially, distributors valued the North American distribution rights for Run Lola Run at around $5 million, but by the end of the afternoon, reports indicated that Hollywood studios were close to offering $10 million. Before this, no film at Sundance had ever fetched over $10 million, and it was clear that Run Lola Run was poised to become the highest-priced film in Sundance history.

As news of Eric's presence at the Sundance Film Festival spread, more media and filmmakers began flocking to Park City, turning the small town in the Utah mountains into a bustling hotspot.

Although Julia casually tossed aside a promotional flyer for The Blair Witch Project, which contained the creators' contact details, Eric knew it would be relatively easy to secure the film, provided he remembered the names.

While most Hollywood distributors were focused on bidding for Run Lola Run and other film screenings that Eric Williams might attend, New Line Cinema's acquisition team quietly approached two young filmmakers who were promoting their work around Park City.

...

"Mr. Williams, here's a copy of The Blair Witch Project. I had a DVD made for your viewing convenience," said Morey Brandow, the head of New Line's acquisition department.

The next afternoon, Morey personally delivered what Eric needed. After watching the sample clip of The Blair Witch Project, Morey's first impression could be summed up in two words -- garbage. Nevertheless, he diligently fulfilled the task assigned by Eric and did his homework. After all, anyone with a hint of workplace ambition knew how to seize such opportunities when asked to assist the big boss.

Gratefully accepting the coffee handed to him by Julia, Morey sat back down after thanking her. Watching Eric flipping through the background information of The Blair Witch Project, he continued, "I've looked at both directors' project plans; they've crafted a very convincing background for this documentary-style film. I think if we treat it as promotional material, then develop a horror film based on this setting, the box office should do quite well."

Eric simply smiled and nodded, gesturing toward the DVD on the coffee table. Julia picked it up and walked over to the television in the living room, inserted the disc into the player, and then returned, nonchalantly sitting next to Eric with a curious gaze locked on the screen.

...

As the film started playing, Morey turned his attention to the screen as well.

After a similar introductory subtitle to what appeared on the flyer, the crude DV-style footage came into view.

Upon closer inspection, the film's documentary-like progression seemed to build in stages. The three adventurers first presented the legend of the Blair Witch with a detailed background, laying out an entire chain of evidence. This was followed by "interviews" with the residents of Burkittsville. Once they had fully immersed the audience in this legend, the trio embarked on their adventure.

Once in the forest, a series of strange events began to unfold -- unexplained arguments, a lost map, stone piles around their tents, totems hanging from the trees... Ultimately, one team member mysteriously vanished, escalating the tension of the storyline.

...

Someone who was entirely unaware of the backstory would undoubtedly find the film bewildering.

Julia fit this description perfectly.

As credits rolled on the screen, the young woman leaned closer to Eric, wrapping her arms around his, and playfully remarked, "Eric, we might be losing this one."

Morey Brandow had paid $80,000 for this film. Hearing Julia's comment, he speculated but didn't dare inquire further, turning back to Eric, waiting for the big boss to speak.

Perhaps he would just toss this piece of garbage aside, Morey thought to himself. The only way he could see to utilize this story was precisely as he suggested: conceptualizing a horror film based on the narrative. As for the copies and materials laid out on the coffee table, they appeared to hold no value.

After all, if the Blair Witch legend actually existed in Maryland, similar to other old tales like those of vampires, a little promotion might pique the audience's curiosity and engagement, potentially yielding some revenue for the film.

In reality, however, the Blair Witch tale had been completely fabricated by the two directors; there was no existing fan base. The studio was unlikely to promote a false story for a low-budget DV film, as that would be a waste of time and resources, likely leading to significant losses.

Once the screening ended, Eric sat quietly in thought for a moment before addressing Morey Brandow, who was waiting for instructions. "Morey, I'll give you three days to get a complete contract signed with the film's creators, investors, and all the actors involved to clear up any potential legal issues this project may face. Also, arrange for those two directors, Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, to come to Los Angeles. I'll meet with them next Wednesday. By the way, pull a small team from the distribution department for them -- not too formal; interns will be fine. Set up an office for them at Firefly Studios. That's all for now; you can head back."

Although completely bewildered by the boss's intentions, Morey nodded seriously, taking notes, before getting up to leave.

...

This year's Sundance Film Festival took place from January 21 to January 31. However, as more media and filmmakers gathered in the small town, Eric found himself "bumping into" people while taking morning walks with Julia in the enclosed resort. With little else to do, he decided to leave early on Sunday and return to Los Angeles.

...

At Firefly Studios, things were busy, and Wednesday arrived in the blink of an eye.

It was a last-minute decision to release Underworld as a 3D conversion film in early next year, filling the gap between The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and Sleepy Hollow. Despite needing to adjust their established distribution plans, Kenneth Horne had no objections to Eric's choice.

Eric had a chance to discuss the 3D post-production details for Underworld over lunch with the creators and the digital 3D conversion team. Kenneth arrived for this meeting as Eric invited him, and John Woo, who he hadn't seen for a long time, to have lunch at the large ship's restaurant.

Having placed their lunch order, Kenneth passed the menu to a round-faced waitress who was said to be named Amy Adams. As he glanced over at Natasha Henstridge, who sat obediently beside Eric, he couldn't help but envy his boss's luck with attractive women. "Eric, Morey said you bought a DV documentary in Park City?"

Eric nodded, smiling at Natasha pouring her bottled water into a crystal glass. "I'm planning a marketing experiment. Have you prepared everyone I need?"

"Of course. After lunch, we can have Miss Wilson take you over. Speaking of which, I don't have much work this afternoon. Would it be alright if I tagged along? I'm quite curious."

"You can skip that," Eric replied, shaking his head jokingly. "But are you reminding me to give you more work by saying you have nothing to do in front of your boss?"

"Did I say anything?" Kenneth feigned innocence as he laughed. "I don't think I mentioned anything!"

Everyone chuckled, and Eric didn't neglect to engage John Woo, asking, "John, what have you been busy with lately?"

"I'm currently negotiating a new film with Columbia, starring a talented actor from Hong Kong. It's temporarily titled The Replacement Killers, and we're still looking for a director," John Woo replied. "Eric, that actor is undoubtedly as respected in Hong Kong as Jackie Chan, so the box office should perform well."

Eric couldn't help but laugh. Recently, he had run into Mira Sorvino and was wondering why there had been no news about her project with Chow Yun-Fat, only to find out it was popping up so soon.

Since he hadn't seen the film submission from Columbia yet, it seemed the project wasn't finalized yet, and he had no intention of interfering. He simply said, "John, you can't only be a producer; directing is your real job, right?"

"Absolutely," John Woo affirmed. "My agent recommended a war film script to me recently. I thought it was good, and I want to give it a shot. I just need to finish my current obligations first."

Hearing about the war film script, Eric couldn't help but flinch. 'I hope it's not that film that almost drove MGM bankrupt, Windtalkers, right?'

He instinctively shook his head, "John, I don't think you're suited for a war film. I believe you're best at action movies."

John Woo was taken aback by Eric's sudden critique, but he quickly collected himself and nodded, "I'll think it over."

Due to the success of several blockbuster films, John Woo had already climbed to the ranks of A-list directors in Hollywood as an Asian director. Even if he left the Firefly system, he had the ability to collaborate with other studios.

Eric could see that he was not ready to give up this project easily, and he refrained from further persuasion. After all, everyone chose their own paths, and they had to face the consequences.

...

After lunch, John Woo excused himself, and after a few kind words, Eric also sent Natasha Henstridge on her way, turning to Kenneth Horne to say, "Please inform everyone that we won't be participating in John Woo's war film, and make sure it's not botched up. It's best to pass it along to other studios."

Kenneth Horne raised an eyebrow, puzzled. "Eric, the box office for Face/Off a few years back was fantastic, and Woo's directing ability is solid. Why not give it a try?"

"Every director has their own strengths," Eric shook his head. "I don't believe John Woo can pull off a war film. It's just my personal feeling, so we won't get involved with that project."

Kenneth Horne nodded reluctantly but suddenly said, "Speaking of which, Eric, you seem to excel in all types of films. That's pretty rare."

Eric shrugged and smiled, "That's why I'm the boss."

"Alright then."

Recalling experiences from Sundance, Eric asked, "What's the situation with Run Lola Run? If we can secure that, it would neatly fill the void left by Underworld."

"Bill called us a few times; Columbia wants that film. Their offer is $11 million, and we collectively decided not to compete with them," Kenneth said. "However, if the other three offers exceed that price, Columbia will also back out."

"That works too," Eric replied. "After all, it's just an independent film, and the North American distribution rights alone make it too risky if the bid is too high."

...

The two continued their conversation as they walked toward the administration section, where Caroline and Merissa held a file each, waiting at the downstairs of Eric's office. Kenneth Horne then said his farewells and returned to his office.

When Eric approached the two women, he asked a few questions before all three headed to another office building.

As he pushed open the office door, several nervous young men and women immediately stood up, looking toward the young executive at the entrance.

Eric had originally heard that the two directors of The Blair Witch Project were still students, expecting them to be quite young. However, both Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez turned out to be older than he was; Daniel Myrick, who wore frameless glasses, was already 35, while Eduardo Sanchez was over 30.

Although Eric initially instructed Morey Brandow to find some interns, it was evident the staff in the room were not typical interns for the company. Morey Brandow appeared in the office to introduce Eric to the small team personally.

Eric didn't mind Morey's arrangements; since they wanted to take responsibility, he didn't chase them away after introductions -- it was tacit approval. He couldn't monitor everything himself, and having someone dedicated to this task was beneficial.

Caroline and Merissa distributed the pre-printed materials to everyone in the office. The team gathered around a large conference table. Eric walked over to the prepared whiteboard and said, "I have limited time, so I'll give you an overview; all the detailed information is in the files in front of you. If you still don't understand afterward, discuss it amongst yourselves -- don't come to me.

This time, regarding The Blair Witch Project, I'm planning to conduct a marketing experiment on an internet platform. Given some characteristics of this marketing model, I've decided to give it a name."

As he spoke, Eric picked up a marker and wrote two words on the board: Viral Marketing.

*****

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