Chapter 16

In March of 1994, across the streets and alleys of several major cities in North America, missing person notices suddenly appeared.

Shortly thereafter, several newspapers and magazines under the News Corporation initiated a search for three missing college students, stating that their families were deeply concerned.

Simultaneously, Fox Television received an anonymous package containing a videotape and a notebook.

The notebook meticulously detailed alarming content: three film students had vanished in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland, USA. Despite days of searching, only some of their belongings and a damaged camera were recovered.

Unfortunately, the camera itself was damaged, and only a few video clips could be salvaged and sent over, in hopes that Fox Television could aid in locating the missing persons.

It was rumored that they had been searching for a witch said to reside in the area before their sudden disappearance.

The contents of the videotape, coupled with the missing person notices in various newspapers and magazines, gave Fox Television staff an uneasy feeling; it all seemed too coincidental.

However, Fox Television executives unanimously believed that the videotape held significant broadcast value and promptly commissioned a program dedicated to it for airing.

The swift response from the executives elicited surprise from some employees.

Yet the television station favored reports, whether true or false; only through captivating topics could popularity be achieved.

Moreover, the footage on the videotape was highly valuable.

The rumor of the witch had spread throughout the Western world, particularly in towns in the eastern United States where various witch-related rumors circulated to varying degrees.

To summarize, the market for witch-related content in North America was vast.

The truthfulness of the content on the videotape wasn't even considered, as it had been approved by the executives.

Concerning potential issues with broadcasting it, a moment's reflection revealed that the three college students in the footage appeared to have encountered difficulties. Given the relationship between the television station and 20th Century Fox, drawing a conclusion wasn't difficult.

The following evening, Fox Television aired footage from the videotape on one of its popular programs.

"We've recently uncovered an incredible videotape, seemingly depicting three missing college students and their abandoned belongings. After thorough investigation by our team, we've pieced together the sequence of events."

"It's reported that these three college students ventured into the woods in search of the legendary Blair Witch during their break, only to vanish, leaving behind their belongings."

"Regrettably, the camera recovered among their belongings was severely damaged. We've managed to salvage only a brief segment of the footage for now, with the rest still undergoing urgent repairs."

With that said, the scene on the television screen transitioned, and some exceedingly shaky footage began to play.

"In October 1993, three film students disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland, USA. At the time, they were filming a documentary about the local ancient legend, 'the Blair Witch.'"

"Several months later, their backpacks were found, containing audio tapes, Hi-8 cameras, and 16mm cameras, which documented the final journey of the three."

Though the footage on the videotape was brief, lasting only about four or five minutes, it vividly depicted the three college students searching for the Blair Witch.

"I'd like to pose a question: why has the search effort been dormant for six months since the disappearance of the three college students?"

"Are they incompetent? Or merely indifferent?"

The host's tone suddenly grew impassioned.

Subsequently, while discussing the ineffectiveness of governmental departments, the host implored viewers to provide valuable clues.

Viewers at home engaged in fervent discussions.

"Oh my God, does this mean witches truly exist in the world?"

"I sincerely hope they're safe."

"Damn the search team, they're practically committing a crime."

"We must take action and not allow the three college students to disappear without reason."

"Yes, everyone should approach relevant departments and protest."

Following Fox Television's report, combined with coverage from media outlets like newspapers and magazines under the News Corporation, a large-scale sensation ensued.

Within days, whether in major mainstream newspapers or less reputable tabloids, all competed to report on the three missing college students and the Blair Witch, making it the hottest topic in North America.

For this publicity blitz, 20th Century Fox had invested considerable effort. News Corporation media outlets were all engaged in the propaganda campaign. North America buzzed with this topic, and even some charitable organizations began spontaneously posting missing person notices.

The investment solely in the publicity budget amounted to several million dollars.

Thankfully, the next steps were relatively straightforward for 20th Century Fox's distribution department. They only needed to offer guidance and occasionally release some true or false news. The rest would naturally be picked up by countless media outlets.

Within the Fox Building, in the distribution department of 20th Century Fox, Colette Singh looked at the data in her hand with a disbelieving expression.

"It seems our publicity plan has been incredibly successful, almost unbelievably so."

"Next, we can't afford to relax at all. Every member of the distribution department must spring into action. Every gathering place in North America must be plastered with missing person notices."

"By the way, can Fox Television repeat the broadcast a few more times?"

A distribution staff member responded, "Fox Television has already aired the program four times, attracting at least five million viewers each time. Without new footage, gaining more viewers through continued reruns will be challenging."

"In that case, let's splice together another small segment of footage," Colette Singh asserted.

Perhaps with the success of the film's release, she would have the opportunity to ascend from department head to head of the distribution department.

"Very well, I'll attend to it immediately." With that, the staff member promptly rose and hurriedly left the meeting room.

In any country, television stations held considerable credibility.

"Thus far, many individuals believe in this matter, including my son's circle of friends."

"Numerous college students have spontaneously organized search efforts, demonstrating that the disappearance of the three college students and the Blair Witch has become the most talked-about topic in North America."

"However, once the truth is unveiled, the fallout will be equally significant."

Colette Singh harbored no concerns about this. She remarked quite casually, "I've already arranged with Helen, the agent for several key actors in the film. Everyone involved in the film is currently vacationing in a Central African country."

"When the film premieres and everything is revealed, we can promptly bring back the main actors from their vacation to bask in the adoration of the media and fans."

Every time she broached this subject, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of bitterness. 20th Century Fox footed the bill for the entire Central African vacation, and Helen didn't have to spend a single cent.

And yet she had no choice but to agree.

"Additionally, we should endeavor to downplay the involvement of the director and the lead actress in the film."

Downplaying the roles of the director and lead actress!

Everyone nodded thoughtfully, recognizing it as a shrewd decision.

"And concerning the film's release, it must hit theaters before April 1st. We must negotiate with major theater chains to secure at least 1,200 screens."

Colette Singh understood keenly that the hype surrounding the film wouldn't last indefinitely, so it had to be released as soon as possible, with more screens equating to better exposure.

"This may pose some difficulty. The theater chains prefer to start with a small-scale preview," the individual

 responsible for negotiating with theaters admitted somewhat ruefully.

"In that case, expedite the preview. If the preview's box office results are satisfactory, immediately reach out to theater chains in all English-speaking countries to secure a simultaneous release."

"Simultaneously, maintain the momentum of our publicity efforts. Apart from Fox Television, reach out to other national television stations and exploit every possible avenue for publicity."

"Before the film's release, confidentiality must be a priority. All relevant personnel must sign non-disclosure agreements."

Colette Singh consistently emphasized the importance of confidentiality, with even some high-ranking executives at 20th Century Fox unaware of this endeavor.

The closer they got to the film's release, the more crucial confidentiality became. Only then could the public's curiosity be effectively capitalized upon.

Naturally, this couldn't remain a secret forever; sooner or later, the truth of the matter would come to light as a publicity stunt.

Yet the early box office results would be sufficient to astonish, obviating the need to consider long-term screenings.

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