America's Road to Wealth

The top executives of Smith Media had a meeting to discuss the box office of "Spider-Man".

《蜘蛛侠》2002年1月1日上映，到今天2002年1月14日，满两周只差12小时。

The 13-day and 12-hour box office has already come out.

This movie, which Smith Media has placed high hopes on, has lived up to what Smith Media has paid for it.

The North American box office of Abel's version of "Spider-Man" was about 5300 million U.S. dollars on the first day of its release.

This figure is more than $1 million more than last year's North American box office champion "Harry Potter (Episode 5050: With the Philosopher's Stone)" of $250 million.

Since the film was released, the North American box office has exceeded 4.56 million U.S. dollars, and the global box office has reached 7.9 million U.S. dollars.

There is no doubt that this is a very good result.

It has far surpassed the performance of this movie at the same time.

There are two reasons, one is that it was released earlier.

It was released on January 1, less than three months after September 1 last year.

Americans' fear in this regard has not been fully released, and many people yearn for superheroes to save themselves.

Here comes Spider-Man.

Another reason is that MGM's version of "Spider-Man" is more valued, and the shooting cost is close to 2 million US dollars.

All aspects, especially computer special effects, are better than the original version.

Its box office can sell better than the original version, which is normal.

Like last year's box office champion Harry Potter, the box office just broke $6 million after its release for two weeks.

According to the current trend of "Spider-Man", most of the entertainment media believe that its global box office will definitely exceed 10 billion US dollars.

Because of its release cycle, it has only gone through 1/4 at most until now.

Hollywood's big-budget films are released in a first-class theater for about a month.

It will not disappear immediately after a month, but will be transferred to the second-class theaters to continue screening.

Of course, even if it is a big production, if it is too bad and the box office is too bad, it can only end in two or three weeks.

Blockbusters like last year's "Harry Potter I" were shown in first-class theaters for almost four months.

It's just that later, the film schedule and attendance rate are getting lower and lower, and the proportion of the producer's income is getting lower and lower.

The most powerful is Titanic, which was released in North American cinemas for more than a year in the year it was released.

These are the treatment that blockbuster movies can only have.

If it is a low-budget film, such as an independent film, it is often difficult to even enter the mainstream theaters.

If you enter, the general cycle is also very short.

This also leads to independent films that can be produced, generally of very good quality.

"...Spider-Man is clearly not over yet."

MGM Tower, in the meeting room.

Abel spoke eloquently to the crowd:

"Publicity can't stop. Ads in newspapers and subways, contracts go on. Guys, both MGM and Smith Media need a big start right now. We'll even make a little less money for it, you know me mean?"

The high-level executives of MGM Films, headed by Robert Iger, nodded.

It has been more than a year since Abel acquired MGM Film Group.

In September 2000, he successfully started the MGM movie.

For such a long time, MGM has released many movies.

But those are all MGM Film Group, and the previous accumulations are mainly small and medium-sized investment films.

"Spider-Man" is since Abel accepted MGM.

The first complete, big-budget film independently produced and distributed by MGM.

What's more, the IP and copyright of this movie was snatched from Sony by Abel.

If this fails, it will probably become a joke among the upper class in Hollywood...

Fortunately, so far, Abel's robbery has been very successful.

Just the current results, "Spider-Man" has allowed Abel to recover all the costs.

Then it's all about profit.

That's not to say Spider-Man's performance is terrific.

For this reason alone, "Spider-Man" will definitely be taken seriously.

Now coupled with its excellent box office performance, it is the first time that MGM has made a lot of money since it came into the hands of Abel.

Of course they will pay attention to Robert Iger.

As for the publicity and marketing practice system of movies, there is already a set of standards in the industry.

In North America, regardless of the past or the future, the main emphasis is on TV advertising and traditional print media.

This is the main propaganda position on the US side.

In these two places, how much money is generally invested and how much effect is produced.

The boss now says that he can make a little less money, so he has to make a better start.

The method of MGM movies is also very simple.

It is nothing more than increasing publicity funds, and at the same time giving a little profit to the theaters, allowing them to increase the proportion of "Spider-Man" in the film schedule and gain higher exposure opportunities.

Spider-Man was a staple of the brief session.

The meeting lasted only [-] minutes in total, and soon most of the executives of the film group dispersed.

Only Robert Iger, the rotating CEO of Smith Media, and the CEO of MGM Film Group are left.

"Spider-Man Part 2 and Part 3, work already started?"

"It's ready. Shooting is expected to start on February 2." Robert Iger replied:
"Because it is two continuous shootings, the cycle this time will be longer. The shooting cycle will exceed 6 months, and the second part will wait for post-production to be completed in half a year, and it will be released early next year."

Abel nodded, and asked again: "In addition to the second and third parts of "Spider-Man", other movies in the superhero universe series should also start preparations. Dark Horse Comics has many good IPs."

Robert Iger nodded respectfully, "It has already started. The company will shoot 4 films with an investment of more than 1 million US dollars this year. Dark Horse Comics' "SWAT 2", "Alien vs. Predator", and "Hellboy" have already started projects. "

"correct."

Abel suddenly remembered something, "I remember the comic copyright of "The Mask" is also owned by Dark Horse Comics?"

"Yes."

"Is there a possibility to call Jim Carrey back and shoot a new version of "Grandmaid in disguise"?"

Robert Iger frowned and thought for a moment, "It's difficult. But if you want, I will try."

In 1994, a "Grandmaid in disguise" made the unknown fourth- and fifth-tier starlet Jim Carrey become one of the kings of comedy in the United States.

But then "Transformers 2" did not appear, only a poor imitation "Modern Devils" appeared.

The reason is that after "Transformers," the Jim Carrey film schedule is very full.

At the same time, because of the sequel of "Aero Detective II", Jim Carrey also began to get tired of filming the sequel.

Filming the new line movie of "Grandmaid in disguise" and not being able to handle Jim Carrey, in the end it can only be done.

In front of Robert Iger, if MGM Film Group wants to shoot "Mask in Disguise 2".

The first is the copyright issue - this is the best solution, because even if it is adapted beyond recognition, the comic copyright of "Ghost in Masquerade" is still in the hands of Dark Horse Comics.

Just make some compromises and fight a lawsuit.

Getting the copyright back is not difficult.

The real difficulty is to get Jim Carrey back. Most people know that the success of this movie is only because of two people-the director and the actor.

It was the director who adapted the ketchup-filled original into this absurd comedy.

It is Jim Carrey's special acting ability that completes this movie so well.

It is very easy to solve the director's words, determine a good style, and it is easy to find a director.

If it doesn't work, just bring back the original director Russell.

Even Jim Carrey himself said that if he were to remake "The Mask," he would only be working with the original star Russell.

The key lies in the guy starring Jim Carrey.

Fortunately, MGM Film Group is not a little guy like New Line.

Jim Carrey's box office has not been very good for several consecutive years, and it is not as brilliant as it was in the mid-90s.

Robert Iger felt that he was at least [-] to [-]% sure that he would find Jim Carrey.

Abe left the MGM Tower around 10 a.m.

At the gate of the MGM Tower, a large number of screened reporters gathered.

As soon as Abel came out, under the arrangement of the rock security staff.

Reporters swarmed.

"...Mr. Smith, I don't know what you think about Mr. Hupes' press conference not long ago?"

"Shopes said that you disregarded the interests of California Pacific Electric. You haven't stood up and said a word for the company. Is he questioning you?"

"Mr. Smith. What do you think of what happened to Cal Pacific Electric?"

"Mr. Smith, there are media reports..."

"..."

In the face of many reporters, they kept asking questions one after another.

Abel remained indifferent until he reached the door of the Cadillac monster before stopping.

His handsome face was expressionless, and he said to the nearest microphone: "My response is, wait and see."

After he finished speaking, he didn't wait for the reporters to ask questions, and got into the car directly.

The Cadillac monster, escorted by the convoy, also slowly started to leave the MGM Tower.

in the carriage.

On the co-pilot.

David said softly, "Everything is going on, sir."

Abel nodded with a smile and was about to speak.

On David's side, a cell phone rang on his body.

"It's David Stern, sir," said David Jones.

The phone that rang was Abel's number 2.

That is, a business phone.

It's generally either on David or Edward.

Abel has always carried only his personal mobile phone.

Apart from his wife and family members, the only ones who can get through to his private cell phone are his close friends.

Such as Buffett, Bloomberg and others.

David Stern, the president of the NBA, is obviously not at this level.

"Answer it." Abel said directly.

He remembered that at the end of last year, he called a vote of stars.

Originally planned to go to Madison Square Garden to watch NBA games.

Applauding his own Rockets can also be regarded as giving David Stern a face.

If you want to blame, you can blame those idiots over there in Han country for making such a thing happen.

Let him have to express his sense of existence in the past, and give Li Fuzhen a strong boost.

So much so that he didn't see the Rockets game against the Knicks at that time.

It also caused a group of superstars in the American entertainment industry who rushed to the stadium excitedly to find out that he didn't show up at all, and they were very disappointed.

Even more disappointed, it is estimated that there are also the top executives of the NBA league.

"Hello, Mr. Stern."

Abel heard David answer the phone.

"Oh, I see what you mean. I'll tell Mr. Smith. But it's up to him whether he can go or not."

"You're welcome. Good-bye, then, Mr. Stern."

David quickly hung up the phone, turned to look at Abel and said, "Boss, David Stern hopes that you can attend this year's NBA All-Star Game."

Abel raised his eyebrows, but was not angry at David Stern's request.

The main reason is that in the last time in New York, it was Abel who took the initiative to release the pigeons.

That game, because I heard that Abel was going.

It is said that David Stern, that is, the NBA side, even spent more than 200 million US dollars in advertising expenses that day.

He publicized the fact that Abel was going to watch the game, and expanded his popularity.

At the same time, in terms of the security work of the stadium, it is also very cooperative with the rock security.

It also cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

It can be said that he gave Abel a lot of face.

But in the end... Abe didn't go, he let David Stern and the NBA dove.

Of course David Stern didn't dare to say anything, but in the end it was Abel himself who made the mistake.

And David Jones once said that Dayao and the Rockets, who are not very well-known now, enjoy star whistle treatment in the current NBA...

After thinking about it, Abel said, "Let's forget about the All-Star Game. What games are the Rockets playing recently? Are there any games in Los Angeles?"

David is worthy of being the steward of panacea oil, and he knows such "little things".

"Currently there are none."

Abel then said: "Then you can ask David Stern, can the Rockets come to Los Angeles for a game recently. Then I will go and see."

David Jones thought to himself, isn't this the hard way?

In the NBA and other commercial sports leagues, the game schedule has always been listed in advance.

Temporary revisions are very, very minimal.

It is too obvious to modify it now.

I don't know the NBA league, so I am reluctant to make changes.

But David didn't care if David Stern's job was hard or not.

He is only in charge of everything for the boss.

A few hours later, around 4pm.

"Are you all right? Let's go, let's go swimming—"

Manhattan Beach, in a villa.

Abel heard Anne's voice behind him, turned his head to look, and saw Anne bathed in the sun, wearing a black lace-up Abiakiani, showing off her long tui, showing off her proud figure. With one hand, he built a pergola over his slightly squinted beautiful eyes to cover the sun, and walked over quickly with a DV in the other.

"Okay, it's all over."

Abel closed the phone and handed the business phone to Donnie next to him

He smiled and stretched out his arms to wrap around her white slender waist, caressing her up and down, and exchanged some saliva with Annie, who gave her the red spring.

After the warmth and intimacy, the two walked down the boardwalk hand in hand and walked towards the private beach.