American Life

Chapter 228 is released as scheduled, popular fried chicken
Of course, Charlie would send him the script, and the director of the Incredible Hulk, plus two actors who had just played well in "Zombieland", formed the initial team of "You See Now".

The film relied on exaggerated magic visuals and wonderful twists to eventually earn $5000 million at the global box office.

Although it pales in comparison to the billion-dollar box office of Iron Man 3, Charlie will naturally not give up this opportunity.

Just after 0 o'clock, outside the 3155 theaters across the United States, people lined up to enter the theater.

"Two bosses, based on pre-sales data and the latest premiere attendance rate, we estimate that the first-day box office should be around US$4000 million." Kevin Feige said to Charlie.

"4000 million? Oh, this number sounds really pleasant." Next to Charlie, a man with two gray mustaches smiled.

He is currently the marketing director of Universal Pictures, named Eddie Egan. He worked in Columbia in his early years and later joined 20th Century Fox. He made the decision on the "Ice Age" project and was also responsible for the marketing of animations such as "The Simpsons".You must know that 3D animation is now Disney's strength, and he is also a rare creative talent in advanced animation outside of Disney.

As for why he appears here, it is naturally because Universal is the main producer of "The Fantastic Hulk" and invested approximately 6% of the film's budget, with the remaining % going to Marvel Studios.

Edward Norton was the protagonist requested by the other party. This project was promoted before Charlie acquired Marvel. It was considered an attempt by Marvel before independent production.

Similar attempts include the "X-Men" series that previously cooperated with 20th Century Fox. Marvel Pictures is also one of the co-producers, but the authority and scope of work are not as many as in "The Incredible Hulk".

"Calculating, we might be able to squeeze into the top fifteen, or even the top ten, of the global annual box office rankings." Eddie Egan speculated.

"I don't think I'm that optimistic. You have to know that The Dark Knight will be released in a few days." Charlie has never underestimated this opponent.

This time, Charlie wanted to raise the film's schedule to protect the box office of the next film, Iron Man 2. Universal also knew that the current situation was quite unfavorable, so it readily agreed to Charlie's request.

"There is also a Superman movie. In the half month since its release, the daily box office figures have even increased occasionally. It has now accumulated to 7000 million US dollars. Judging from this trend, it may become a dark horse in the summer season. ." Kevin Feige revealed another bad news.

"The competitors all seem to be quite strong." Charlie shook his head. Although he had prepared himself, he could only experience the brutality of the summer vacation after entering the game.

This hand-to-hand battle between the five major studios is staged every summer.

Looking at it, this year's battle is not even intense, and it is far less than next year.

"Avatar", "Harry Potter", "X-Men", "Transformers 2", "Up", "2012"... Each of these films is a box office monster, let alone another one A destructive existence.

"I have to hurry up with these cards in my hand, and there are a few dark horses for next year, so I have to make arrangements in advance." Charlie thought in his mind.

Although "The Amazing Hulk" had obstacles before and after, at least the situation on the premiere day was pretty good, and the atmosphere after the premiere was relatively harmonious.

Coming out of the employee activity area behind Universal Studios, Charlie bid farewell to several senior Universal managers headed by Eddie Egan, and turned around to see Liv Tyler standing on the side of the road.

"I'm leaving first." Kevin Feige immediately looked for an opportunity to run away.

Not long after, a limited-edition Bentley stopped in front of Liv Tyler, and the rear glass slowly lowered, revealing Charlie's face.

"Do you need me to take you back?"

"Uh, of course. I asked a friend to pick me up. She seemed to have missed the time." Liv Tyler looked a little embarrassed.

As she got into the car, the car started slowly.

"I will make you famous. You will be a sign, a symbol, proving that my agency has the same ability to operate for Hollywood movie stars." Charlie looked at her and said.

Megan Fox first rose to prominence with "Transformers," which was not Charlie's single-handed success. As for Jeta, who went on to do so, due to her own conditions, she did not make much of a splash in Hollywood.Margot Robbie has not yet become a star, and Katerina's exposure is all in traditional media and has nothing to do with movies.

And Liv Tyler once shined and had a certain reputation in Hollywood, which was completely different from the previous ones.

"I will work hard, and I will keep my salary lower." Liv Tyler said quickly.

"It's not necessary. It's whatever it is. I don't want your net worth to be lowered, and you won't just make movies under my banner."

After signing the contract, even if the transaction is normal, part of it will still fall into Charlie's pocket.

And it's not just the 10% share of the brokerage company, the lowest level is 15%, and if the remuneration is more than 500 million US dollars, the share is 20%, and if it exceeds 1000 million, it is 30%.

This is a tiered manager contract.

However, under normal circumstances, managers are not allowed to seek work for actors. If exposed, not only will the contract be terminated immediately, but all earnings will also be fined.

But in Hollywood at this time, some managers have already crossed this line. Typical representatives are DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese. The two even quit the agency and turned to the arms of managers.

In order to get more jobs, the actors will naturally not speak out.

This is a tacit rule in Hollywood that no one will say out loud, and there are too many such rules. For example, the investment account of "The Fantastic Hulk" is claimed to be 5000 million, but in Charlie's view, , the real situation may not even be one third.What's even more outrageous is "Tomb Raider". The actual investment was only one-tenth of what was advertised, and even the actors' salaries were paid by German taxpayers.

Of course, various other forms of transactions are also included.

"How are you doing? Is your daughter okay?"

"She will go to elementary school soon. I have bought a house closer to the school and am renovating it. I will be able to move in this fall." Liv Tyler is relying on the Hulk's salary, and the situation is gradually improving.

"Is your ex-husband still pestering you?"

"He doesn't have the guts. He's afraid of you."

"Afraid of me?" Charlie was a little surprised.

Liv Tyler nodded: "It's all gossip from the crew, talking about the new 'Charlie Girl'."

Charlie has heard of this nickname. In fact, this nickname has appeared in many gossip tabloids. It initially referred to the popular women under Charlie, and later evolved into the title of partner. Currently, all the famous artists under Charlie have been given the nickname. This hat even includes actresses like Margot Robbie and Eva Green who have never met Charlie a few times.

In a blink of an eye, we have reached our destination.

"You should get out of the car."

"Thank you for sending me back. Do you want to go up and have a few drinks? My daughter should have fallen asleep by this time." Liv Tyler suddenly asked before opening the car door.

Charlie shook his head: "You have to go to Dallas for promotion tomorrow, so take a rest early."

Watching the vehicle leave, Liv tightened her shawl slightly and turned to leave.

What commercial value can an old, fat, has-been star have?She understood that an entertainment boss of Charlie's level would never have said that if he hadn't been greedy for her, and even if he had said it, he might not have fulfilled it.

This is the price of taking shortcuts.Liv also understood this very well, even if it was other people, she would react the same way.

But when Charlie responded, she suddenly realized that he was completely different from what she expected.

Really just sending myself home...

Liv Tyler smiled bitterly and shook her head, feeling that this new boss was getting more and more interesting.

·
On Friday, three days after the release of "The Fantastic Hulk," Batman Begins: The Dark Knight was officially released globally. More than 2 theaters across the United States participated in the premiere, and the box office on the first day exceeded $4000 million.

It can be said that "The Fantastic Hulk" did not have any impact on Batman at all.

Some tabloids around Hollywood even included a picture on their cover showing a black-clad Batman knocking the mighty Hulk to the ground with one punch.

"Boring news media." Kevin Fitch cursed in a low voice, and put the newspaper on the table.

"I went to see Batman last night, it was so cool! This is the real superhero." Megan Fox, wearing a soft nightgown, walked to the kitchen table and sat down, pouring breakfast cereal into the milk Here, she had obviously just woken up.

After so many days, she was slightly plumper and more lady-like than at the beginning, which made her look even more charming, and her movements became more and more charming.

"It wasn't photographed by the media, was it?" Kevin asked cautiously.

If word got out that the lead actor of Iron Man went to kill his competitor, it would be a huge public relations crisis and the entire crew would become a laughing stock.

"How is that possible? I even wore a hood on purpose. I look like an 80-year-old woman." Meghan stirred in the bowl with an iron spoon and held her chin with her other hand.

"That's good, and I have to remind you, don't let Charlie know about this, maybe he will be unhappy?"

"Why?" Megan muttered: "He took me to see this movie yesterday."

As he was talking, Charlie came to the kitchen, kissed Megan, and sat opposite Kevin Feige.

"Yes, I took her to see it. Batman Episode 2 is really good." Charlie said casually.

I didn't have the opportunity to watch this movie in the theater in my previous life, so this time I can make up for it.

"You drink mine, I'll get another one." Megan pushed the bowl in front of Charlie.

"You can't say this in front of the media. No matter how good the movie is, it is still our enemy." Kevin Feige warned.

"Of course, all in all, this is a respectable opponent. Be prepared for Iron Man 2 to be less than expected at the box office." Charlie ate his cereal.

Although The Fantastic Hulk did not have an impact on Batman, at least its box office has increased, and Iron Man 2 Charlie has prepared for the worst.

"Now I can only pray to God." Kevin Feige shook his head.

A week later, the premiere of Iron Man 2 was held as scheduled. At two o'clock in the afternoon, the place was crowded with movie fans, most of whom were fans of Megan Fox. Some people even put up slogans of "American Goddess" at the scene. .

With Megan Fox's appearance on the red carpet, the atmosphere reached its peak. People screamed and shouted Megan Fox's name, and some fans who got her autograph even fainted on the spot.

"She's quite popular now?" Charlie, who was behind the scenes, looked at Meghan who was signing autographs for fans along the way and couldn't help but say.

"A popular star in the absolute sense. If there are continuous good resources, I might become the second Marilyn Monroe." Kevin thought for a while and gave his own evaluation.

"People are increasingly concerned about the status of people of color, and she does have the potential to become a representative of American culture in the new era."

Marilyn Monroe was not just a movie star, but a "cultural symbol."

It is extremely difficult to reach this level. Even if you have all the top resources, you may not be able to reach this level. Considering the situation of American culture ten years later, Charlie can be sure that this is simply impossible.

However, there is still a very good chance to become the most valuable actress in Hollywood.

Throughout the premiere, Megan Fox even overshadowed Robert Downey Jr., and some people even shouted for Megan to have an extra role.

Originally, the role of Pepper was just a foil for Tony Stark, but now it is a bit anti-customer.

"In the third part, let Pepper put on the suit, not only to save the hero, but also to play a role in the final battle." Charlie made arrangements immediately.

Robert Downey Jr.'s salary was getting higher and higher each episode, and it was almost million after filming. Even Disney, which has a lot of money, had to reluctantly let Iron Man retire.

Now Charlie has a new choice.

Tony retired at a certain point, and Pepper inherited the spirit of Iron Man and continued to shine in the Marvel Universe. No matter how high Megan's salary was, it was still left to Charlie.

So, at the premiere press conference, Charlie announced the news in front of everyone.

Against the backdrop of the cheering crowd, Robert Downey Jr.'s face looked a little ugly. As his wife and one of the film's co-producers, Susan Downey whispered a few words to her husband. The look on Robert Downey Jr.'s face Only then was he full of smiles again.

I don’t know whether it’s due to Megan Fox’s popularity or the gradual development of the Marvel MCU. Iron Man 2, an excellent commercial popcorn, achieved a box office of 5100 million on its premiere day. Within a week of its release, the box office has reached It raised nearly US$2 million, which was enough to cover the cost.

With the release of Iron Man 2, the single-day box office of Batman 2 plummeted, and Charlie's strategy began to work.

转眼间查理的两部电影先后上映了一个月，蝙蝠侠前传2在北美的首月票房达4亿2千万美元，钢铁侠2的北美首月票房则达到了3亿5千万美元，两者之间仍有20%的差距。

Charlie knows that the sniper tactics have taken effect. If I remember correctly, the box office of Batman Prequel 2 has reached 5 million U.S. dollars in the first month, and the first month of Iron Man 2 is only 2 million U.S. dollars. The difference is enough to prove that some Potential viewers chose to watch Iron Man.

But Charlie thinks this is not enough. For the relatively developed North American film market, the show time of a film is completely up to the theater itself. In March, there were still 2 theaters arranging films.

As long as it makes money, theaters will keep showing it.

There are only two factors that affect theater selection: the box office in the first month and the reputation of the film itself.

Now that Iron Man's performance has not been outperformed by competitors, theaters will naturally continue to schedule films.

Still have to chase!

(End of this chapter)