Chapter 18

As the film concluded, the two of them exited the cinema and made their way back to the car.

"It seems the publicity has been quite effective," Ryan remarked, nodding in satisfaction, impressed by Twentieth Century Fox, which enjoyed the backing of the News Corporation.

Compared to the craftsmanship of his previous life, even without internet platforms now, Twentieth Century Fox managed to achieve impressive publicity results, truly living up to its stature as one of the seven major Hollywood film companies.

"The impact is indeed significant."

Helen, seemingly lost in thought, expressed a tinge of regret, "It's a shame it was only screened in a hundred cinemas during the first week."

Even Twentieth Century Fox couldn't orchestrate a large-scale premiere directly; after all, the theater chains also bore risks, making limited screenings the most prudent choice.

"A hundred cinemas is already quite commendable. Even if each cinema has just one screen, that still amounts to a hundred screens, which is quite rare."

Ryan expressed his contentment, considering a hundred screens during the first week of release as a rare achievement.

If his memory served him right, in his previous life, the number of cinemas screening this film during the first week was at most half of what it was now.

"I hope the subsequent screenings proceed smoothly," Helen couldn't help but express her concern.

However, her apprehension didn't stem from doubts about the film's box office performance but rather from concerns that the heat generated by the film's release might backfire.

"Helen, you needn't worry."

"I've reviewed the film's release schedule, and the films slated for simultaneous release or those already released don't pose a threat to us." Ryan possessed a clear understanding of the performance of upcoming or already released films.

The overall April schedule presented a mixed outlook for "The Blair Witch."

On the downside, two films, "The Flintstones Park" and "Gambler Mahua Li," released one after another within April, posed inevitable competition to "The Blair Witch."

"The Flintstones Park," directed by Bryan Lewinter and starring John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, and others, was a film distributed by Warner Bros., with an anticipated North American box office of $130 million.

Similarly, "Gambler Mahua Li," was a force to reckon with, boasting a North American box office exceeding $100 million, narrating the tale of a gambler.

However, "The Flintstones Park" was a live-action adaptation of a cartoon, and "Gambler Mahua Li" centered around a gambler—neither catering to the same audience demographic as "The Blair Witch," which was fortuitous.

On the bright side, until the mid-June release of "The Lion King," there were no major commercial films slated for release in North America.

At least compared to the box office disappointments of his previous life, it boded well for the sustained screening of "The Blair Witch."

The only regrettable aspect lay in the challenge of maintaining the film's momentum over an extended period.

"Has Twentieth Century Fox indicated when the lead actors of the film will return?" Ryan inquired.

The timing of the lead actors' return would undoubtedly influence the box office trajectory.

"You can rest assured they won't return until at least the first week of June," Helen assured him calmly.

"That's optimal."

Suddenly intrigued, Ryan queried, "How did you manage to convince them to embark on an African trip together?"

He was genuinely curious about this.

"It's quite simple—they're filming a documentary in Africa, funded by Twentieth Century Fox," Helen divulged with a hint of playfulness.

Ryan couldn't help but roll his eyes at her response. It was indeed a shrewd move, and he suspected Helen played a role in it.

Meanwhile, both Twentieth Century Fox and the theater chains grossly underestimated the fervor generated by the film's release. Almost all hundred cinemas screening "The Blair Witch" in North America were thronged with large crowds.

"I want three tickets for 'The Blair Witch'!"

"Thank you. Two tickets for 'The Blair Witch'!"

"I'd like two tickets as well!"

"'The Blair Witch'..."

Almost every individual in the crowd queued up to watch "The Blair Witch," often purchasing several tickets at once.

Even during the off-season for movies, such a scene was rare, let alone during the summer blockbuster season.

The ticket seller, observing the swelling crowd, felt a headache coming on. It appeared that the cinema had only allocated one screening hall for the film.

As the queue continued to lengthen, with hardly anyone attending alone—most arriving in groups of three to five—the ticket seller reluctantly picked up the phone and reported the situation to the cinema manager, hoping to increase the number of screens for "The Blair Witch" temporarily.

Simultaneously, many cinema managers dialed headquarters one after another, requesting additional copies of "The Blair Witch."

With only a hundred cinemas screening it, there were just a hundred copies of the film, which fell woefully short of demand.

"Twentieth Century Fox? I'm the manager of Emperor Cinemas. I insist you promptly increase the number of copies of 'The Blair Witch' by fifty."

"At least fifty copies, but more is preferable."

"What? Not until next Monday!"

The voice on the other end of the line suddenly escalated, "I don't care how, but I must have fifty copies delivered by tonight."

"Remember, fifty copies—no fewer."

Faced with a film poised to sell well even during the off-season, every theater chain was eager to augment the number of copies of the film.

The rationale was straightforward: it was currently the off-season for movies, with few major commercial films being released, causing theater chain revenues to plummet, sometimes operating at a loss.

Suddenly, a film with promising sales potential emerged, making the more copies available, the better.

From morning to afternoon, and then into the evening, the hundred cinemas screening the film were nearly all inundated with lengthy queues.

Even cinemas in remote locales experienced the same scenario.

One mustn't underestimate the public's curiosity, especially when some organizations joined the fray.

Several university organizations, for instance, directly booked entire screenings.

With the film's release, the public's curiosity was thoroughly piqued.

"What the hell did you say!"

"Do you realize I came all the way from Long Island, only to be told there are no tickets!" A young man glared at the ticket seller with palpable hostility.

Determined to watch "The Blair Witch," he had traversed four or five cinemas before finally locating one, waited in line for over half an hour, only to learn there were no more tickets available!

The ticket seller offered a sympathetic smile, saying, "I apologize, sir. All tickets for 'The Blair Witch' today have sold out, with over half of tomorrow morning's tickets already gone."

"Damn it."

"Fine, give me three tickets for tomorrow afternoon." The young man grumbled, purchasing three tickets for the following afternoon.

Had he known, he would have simply called to reserve tickets, saving himself the futile trip.

The hundred cinemas screening the film consecutively sold out tickets.

In Los Angeles, the Twentieth Century Fox distribution department bustled with activity.

Every receptionist perspired profusely, conversing cordially.

As for copies!

Currently, there were only a hundred, and even if the heavens intervened, it wouldn't suffice.

"Inform the printing company to immediately work overtime and print one thousand copies. For those just printed, dispatch them to the theater chain companies via FedEx."

Fortunately, a few copies had been printed in advance before the release of "The Blair Witch," adequately meeting the needs of cinemas near Los Angeles.

For those situated farther away, however, they'd have to await FedEx delivery.

"Oh, and before midnight, contact every theater chain company and ensure they tabulate the sales at each cinema."

"I want the box office data for today before dawn." Colette Singh bellowed hoarsely.

No objections were raised by others. Faced with a film likely to sell well, everyone's demeanor hinted at jubilation.

After a day's labor, Colette Singh was already drained, yet his spirits remained buoyant, his face reflecting excitement.

Disregarding the need for rest, he picked up the phone once more to personally apprise the company's higher-ups of the situation.