Chapter 27: Supernatural phenomenon

The first week's box office score of "Smart and Ghost Record" was finally fixed at the number of 1.0567 million. In the last few days, the three theaters participating in the screening were full, even if it was from 2 to 4 in the middle of the night. As high as 90 +%, there are countless young people who come to stay up late to watch movies.
The 1.0567 million weekly box office results also made "Smart-Ghost Record" ranked 16th in the North American weekly box office rankings (July 31-August 6); ranked first, yes Steven Spielberg's World War II masterpiece "Salvation Ryan", this is the second week of its release, with a weekly box office of 36.612 million; and ranked 15th is still in the release of "Titanic" "No.", this week is the 33rd week since its release, but it can still receive 2.022 million weekly box office, and its total box office in North America has reached 596.3 million.
Ranked behind the 33-week "Titanic", not shameful, look at the number of theaters released by "Titanic" there are 769; look at "Smart and Ghost Record", 25 theaters.
The position of the 16th place is not surprising, but the number of "25 screening theaters" and a score of 1.0567 million, really terrified all the film companies. God, where did Liongate find this dark horse? !
Lion Gate Company can't help but laugh from the top and bottom now. The first week's box office made them not only recover the cost, but also make a small profit. The most important thing is that the super potential shown in "Smart and Ghost Record" is definitely a big sale movie. Therefore, the release of the movie in the second week has also changed from limited to large-scale, and the number of theaters has increased to 750.
Despite being labelled "Dark Horse" in "Smart and Ghost Record", its performance in the second week (August 7th to 13th) still made everyone stunned. This dark horse is really It's too dark ... 37,571,600! "Smart-Ghost Record" ranked first in the North American weekly box office rankings! The "Saving Soldier Ryan", with a weekly box office score of 26.504 million, can only be ranked second.
Is like thunder! Film companies and entertainment media throughout North America were shaken. Film critics and fans were also shaken. They were speechless when they looked at the rankings. Many people do n’t even know, what kind of movie is
Paranormal-Activity
(translated as supernatural phenomenon, and
Smart-Ghost
is a free translation)? Science fiction? horrifying? Is it a comedy?
750 theaters were actually defeated by 2592 theaters "Save the Soldier Ryan", that is the work of the big director Steven Spielberg! What a joke!
Faced with this achievement, the management of Lion Gate Company only has one sentence, plus! So in the third week, the number of theaters of "Smart and Ghost Record" came to 2,142. In the end, the box office of the third week (August 14-20) did not disappoint the Lion Gate Company. This horror film continued to hold down a single week of "Save the Soldier Ryan" with 19,278,100, and won the box office for 48.693 million. The winner of the North American weekly box office ranking, the total box office also reached 87.334 million!
In addition to Wang Yang's expectations, this result scared Rachel, Jessica and others, and Joshua even sighed like "My DV machine is valuable."
For this "supernatural phenomenon", the media chasing the news cannot be ignored. In fact, as soon as the weekly box office rankings were released in the first week, some media began to pay attention to this movie, and there were also reports to mark the movie on the film. The title of "Dark Horse"; and with the second week of "Ghost Record" winning the weekly box office championship and the third consecutive championship, this movie also detonated the United States.
"We are now at the entrance of the ticket office of a New York movie theater. Although it is already early in the morning, it is like a party. It is very lively." NBC channel news program, a middle-aged white female reporter held on the TV screen The microphone told the camera: "These young people gathered here to wait to watch the next" Spirit-Ghost Record "because the tickets for the first game have been snatched away."
As soon as the screen shot turned around, I saw young people in the ticket office, reading books, playing cards, chatting, and even people dancing hip-hop.
The female reporter walked a few steps, shouted at a white boy who had just grown up, pointed the microphone at him, and asked with a smile: "Hi, hello, do you come to see" Ghost Shadow Record "?" The boy said excitedly to the camera, "Yes, yes," and the female reporter asked again: "Why are you so anxious to watch this movie and would rather wait here late at night?"
The boy thought for a while and then shrugged, "I don't know. But the friends around me have already watched, and they let me see. If I didn't watch, they wouldn't even talk to me." He looked at the camera again. Waving and laughing: "Hey baby, are you watching? I love you!"
The program director cut the picture back to the live broadcast room, and the host smiled and said: "Let us listen to the opinions of parents and the police again."
As soon as the picture changed, I cut a video of an interview with a middle-aged white woman. The woman was angry and helpless and said: "My child is like a person. He never returned before nine o'clock. Home, but now, he actually spent the night outside, just to watch that movie! Oh my God, he is still an underage high school student, and he did n’t return home at night! I ’m really afraid he ’s broken.

The lens turned to an interview with a black male police officer. He said seriously: "Too many children have gathered near the cinema late at night. This is the first time I have seen this situation. But we will strengthen the security around the cinema and try our best to protect the children. Yes, they wo n’t have any accidents when they come to the cinema, watch the movie, and go home. "
Naturally, NBC is not advertising Ghost Records, but reports on a social problem that has occurred throughout the United States in the past two weeks. This is the famous "" Ghost Records "causing a large number of young people to stay up all night. Home Event ".
Concerned about people's livelihood of society, saw the young people's side of the house; and those who paid attention to the film, saw more. No matter the media or the fans, the biggest question is, what is going on with this movie? Where did this black horse come from?
The "ghost craze" on the Internet continues, and the media knows it, but they all smile and shake their heads, possessing evil spirits to kill? Real DV video tape adapted into a movie? Only simple students will believe it. The media immediately raised strong questions about these rumors. First of all, if there are really DV tapes with clues of murder, they will all be important police evidence. They should stay in the police station instead of the film company. In addition, if this is a real murder documentary, how can it pass the MPAA review? And is it PG-13 level?
Therefore, the media are refuting the rumors on the Internet: "Real movie? This is a very ridiculous statement, only the" animal world "is true."
The media will naturally not stop here, they have started to investigate the truth behind this "supernatural" movie. When they are determined to investigate, it is easy to get the truth. There are no impenetrable walls in the world, not to mention that so many film companies have reviewed Ghost Records?
So, the Los Angeles Times immediately got the truth, and the manager of the film purchasing department of the Demon Film Company said: "This is just a movie, it is a film made with DV, not a real video clip. Kevin, Meier is played by an actor, and the director of this movie is a very young Chinese man. You see, it is the producer who played them last, it is him, Young-Wang, maybe 22 years old? Maybe 20 years old ? "
And another film company that did n’t want to disclose its name, a salesperson in the distribution department said,
Oh, I ’ve seen this movie, not in a movie theater, but in the company ’s screening room. We just nodded at the time. It will belong to us, but you know, we eventually rejected the young man. Seriously, we regret it now, our manager was suspended because of this, maybe the next one is me. "
Then the reporter went to the actor union and found the information of the film actor Zacari Levi, the actor of "Kevin", which proves that "Kevin" is still alive in this world. The reporter also interviewed Mark Slant, who was in charge of the interview of the actors of "Smart and Ghost Record" that day, he said: "Oh, this is of course a movie. I also extracted" Kevin "and" Meer ". The commission for signing the contract. The young director was very picky. From morning to night, he interviewed hundreds of actors before he selected the final person. "
The evidence is conclusive. As soon as this report from the Los Angeles Times came out, the rumors on the Internet were not self-defeating.
For this, the Lions Gate Company and Wang Yang had already prepared, and the propaganda method of pretending to be a ghost, had originally only hoped that it would have an effect in the early stage of the movie release, because the incident would make the truth clear. As long as the first audience is attracted into the movie theater, and get a huge sensation, "pretending to be a ghost" can succeed. When things develop to the present situation, even if the audience knows that this is just a film, they will walk into the cinema.
Because people are more curious, DV movies with a production cost of 10,000 US dollars have already received more than 80 million box office! ? It's still making a lot of noise. Almost everyone is discussing this matter. How can I miss it? Young people are reluctant to fall behind, as long as "Looking at" Spirit-Ghost Record "" becomes a trend, there is no worry that no one will watch it.
Therefore, the focus of the propaganda of "Smart and Ghost Record" has already shifted to the technique of "Dare you dare to watch?" The Lions Gate Company adopted Wang Yang ’s suggestion and engaged in an event on the official website of the movie
Who is the most frightened?
The way to participate in the event is very simple, using a camera and DV machine to watch the startle reaction of family and friends Take it and upload it to the official website to participate in the selection of pictures and videos. Then the netizens voted for the top ten, and the winners will receive prizes such as a week-long tour of Santa Monica, a home theater, and a DV camera.
This is viral marketing that extends into reality.
So as soon as the "Los Angeles Times" report came out, Lions Gate Company clarified the facts generously. The release manager, Jon Fildimer, admitted to the media that "Spirit-Ghost Record" is a Actor's movie. They didn't put this information on the movie's official website before, they just wanted to create a real atmosphere, and the purpose of shooting those trailers was the same.
When the Lions Gate Company uploaded the information of directors Wang Yang, "Kevin" Zachary-Levy, and "Meier" Rachel-Macadams to the official website, everyone suddenly "stunned"! Oh my god, no, director and producer who is 18 years and 6 months old? ! Looking at Wang Yang's heroic young face, everyone felt incredible. It was this kid who made a movie with a box office of more than 80 million US dollars for 10,000 US dollars! ?
Oh, God! What is the record of Guinness's "Youngest Director in Hollywood"? Stephen Paul, 20 years old; and now Wang Yang, 18 years and 6 months old, has undisputedly broken the record. Besides, Stephen-Paul's "Love Again" does not have more than 80 million box office.
The prestigious film critic Roger Ebert of the United States described this as "a miracle that is happening" and "supernatural phenomenon"; and he praised the unrivalled "Smart and Ghost Record", which is an innovation of the film language, It created a pseudo-documentary mode, and pointed the way for DV movies; and the movie's psychological horror tricks have also reached the limit, without the rookie director's jerky.
"This movie can scare you to a sudden cardiac arrest, if you don't just like the 'Ketchup' movie. Also, I don't recommend children to watch this movie, even if accompanied by their parents, they will leave a childhood shadow. . Well, I need to go to the sun, which will drive away the fear in my heart. "
This influence is so powerful that it can influence the film company's decision on whether to buy a movie, or whether the audience decides whether to watch a movie or buy a DVD. It is said that Wang Yang is "Magic-Young" and praises him for his promising future, but To maintain the sharpness of young people, do not lose yourself.
Finally, Roger-Ebert gave his own exclusive, "Two-Thumbs-Up (with two thumbs up)!"
For this comment, Wang Yang joked with Rachel on the phone: "Hey, Rachel, look at me as a magic, have you seen it? My hand is sticking out of your phone, grabbing your hair What about it. "Rachel was amused by him and smiled:" Wow, is this the content of your next horror movie? "
Wang Yang said with a serious tone: "No, I won't make a movie anymore. This time I can share a lot of money. I retired early and retired at the age of 18, isn't it cool?" Rachel laughed ridiculously: "Oh , It ’s just like the drunkard saying he ’s going to quit drinking, so I do n’t believe it. "
"Don't you give drunkards a chance to reinvent themselves?" Wang Yang said with a hurt tone. Rachel seemed to think about it, and said with a smile: "Well, I will give it to others; but you, no way." Wang Yang laughed hahaly and said "OK" a few times before he was serious: "Seriously , I should n’t be making horror movies anymore. This time the girl scared me, I do n’t want to scare anyone.

Of course, not everyone thinks that "Ghost Record" can scare people, and there are many media that splash cold water. They accused the film of being a scam throughout the whole process. It was a carefully planned by Lions Gate. It can get such a high box office. By vile means. What everyone needs is to ignore it and it will disappear.
"Los Angeles Times" film critic Kevin Thomas (who later praised "Promise") said "This is a boring movie, like a child playing the game of" director, actor "." This and "Ghost The film actor has the same name as the guy with the same name. He seems to be very angry with the movie. His tone is very poisonous: "The performance of the movie actor and actress is very bad. Seeing them on the screen is like a disaster. The most Young director? Oh, that's a good luck little guy, but that's it. In another ten years, people may remember "Smart and Ghost Record", but they won't remember Wang Yang. "
Despite the fact that some critics are swearing against each other, and although most people on the Internet know that the "Kevin Murder Case" is false news, the box office of "Ghost Record" has not cooled significantly, but it is a normal phenomenon of slowing down. Halfway through the fourth week, more than 15 million box offices have been received. It seems that it is not a problem to approach 30 million in a week; and in the total box office, it has already broken 100 million. It seems that the use of "miracles" to describe all of this has something to say.
Tom Oldenberg, the manager of the film purchasing department at Lions Gate, finally knows why when he signed a contract with Wang Yang, he felt uneasy in his heart. It was n’t that he bought the wrong movie, but that the paper-sharing contract was for Lions. For the door company, it is really a loss! If you insisted on a one-time buyout at that time, 500,000 and 1 million were good, then now ...
Of course, this is just a moment of greedy thoughts. Most of the time, including all the Lions Club seniors including Tom Oldenburg, have been satisfied. This time, they not only made a fortune, but also greatly opened the famous gate of the Lion Gate. They accepted some media interviews, and through the film promotion of "Smart and Ghost Record", they carried their company to promote North American Fans know that there is a film company called "Lion Gate" in Santa Monica.
And now, they have got another piece of good news.
Jon-Filtimer has been full of breeze recently, because he contributed to the issue of "Spirit-Ghost Record", and he was praised by the board of directors. He has the opportunity to be promoted to the company's next CEO or even become a partner. Now he and Wang Yang met at a coffee shop. He came to Los Angeles to work and told Wang Yang a good news by the way.
"Hey, Jon, what is the news?" Wang Yang looked at the mysterious face of Jon, took a sip of coffee, and grinned angrily: "Please, let's talk! I hope this news will not waste me Fare. "
The movie is usually divided into accounts with the distribution company one month after the screening, and then the distribution company Lions Gate divides with Wang Yang. So, although "Ghost Story" now has a box office of more than 100 million, it has nothing to do with Wang Yang for the time being, and his wallet is still dry. Of course, he doesn't have to cut back on food and clothing because he can swipe his credit card first.
Jon-Filtimer laughed: "Okay, Jan, then I have revealed." He coughed and pretended to be solemn: "Man, we received the invitation to the Oprah talk show!"
"Oprah talk show? Oh, my God! Really?" Wang Yang stared at his eyes in surprise. Oprah's talk show is the most famous and highest-rated talk show in the United States. It is simply a symbol of American culture. He grew up watching this show since childhood, and he loves Oprah Winfrey, the "Queen of Talk Show" who had a bad childhood but succeeded through hard work. Now he is going to do interviews as a guest! ?
Jon picked up his coffee cup, nodded with a smile, and said: "Of course it is true. The program is recorded next week, the theme is" discussing the way young people succeed ". You know, probably let you talk about the journey, and then It ’s the Oprah set that discusses the significance.
He took a sip of coffee and smiled again:
They invited the film ’s creators, you, Zachary and Rachel, and my unique vision. Fellow; we and Zachary flew to Chicago together this Sunday; Rachel passed in Toronto. "
Going to Chicago to record the Oprah talk show ... Wang Yang is very excited, but at the same time feels a little anxious. There is one thing that always sticks in his throat like a fish bone, there is no way to avoid it, especially him Now it is getting more and more attention from the media, and this matter will be exposed sooner or later. It can be said that that matter has not been exposed yet, it is really a "miracle".
He frowned and thought for a while, looking at Jon across from him, and said seriously: "Jon, there is something, I think it's time to say it."
"What?" Jon heard Wang Yang's serious expression as if he was joking, and immediately frowned.
Wang Yang said quietly: "A few months ago, I was a freshman in the University of South Carolina, majoring in film and television production." Jon was dumbfounded, and then heard Wang Yang said: "Then I was fired, Because of racial discrimination. "Jon couldn't help crying out:" What !? God! What are you kidding ?! "Wang Yang pressed his hand to calm him down and said," Don't worry, listen to me explain "At the moment, he made the cause and effect clear.
After listening to his story, Jon was silent, he frowned and drank his coffee, and after a long sigh, he blamed and said: "Yang, you should tell us earlier."
If I tell you earlier, Lion Gate will release "Ghost Record"? Wang Yang shrugged and said nothing.
"This is a time bomb, and there is not much time left, the bomb will explode soon." Jon scratched his hair disregarding manners, the good mood just now disappeared.
Racial discrimination is a very sensitive thing, and Wang Yang will lose his reputation if he fails to do so, but if this is the case, he will regret it at most; the problem is that the Lions Gate Company is now being dragged into the water, and he is even being dragged into the water. If the matter is not handled properly, Lions Gate ’s reputation will definitely be severely damaged. Not only is it so simple to buy racially discriminatory movies, the biggest problem is that the previous
Kevin Murder Case
incident will also be pulled out and attacked by fans We will also change our attitude and think that Liongate is a scammer, cheating consumers, etc.
If all this happened, he would not have to think about being promoted to CEO, let alone become a partner. Jon was thinking hard about the solution, thinking for a while, and asked, "Yang, are you sure no one was present?"
Wang Yang once again thought about the situation at that time, but it was no different, and he still couldn't get a clue. He shook his head: "I can't be sure, because all my attention was focused on Terence Ben, he shoved me, and then I beat him. When the teacher came, there were no other people around." He spread his hands helplessly and said: "I ran through the whole college afterwards and asked all the classmates. No one said that he was there."
Jon nodded in silence, and asked again: "It seems that you are in school, the relationship is not very good?"
"Am I like that kind of person?" Wang Yang rolled his eyes. He was not an introverted autistic person, nor a cheap mouthpiece. His connection was always good. He remembered the happy life in high school and smiled and said: "In fact, when I was in high school, I had many good friends, not only Chinese, but also white and black people." After a pause, he continued: "But not University, you know, I usually take classes when I have classes, and I do part-time jobs when I do n’t have classes, so I have n’t had time to make friends. "
He smiled. The money he made as a part-time job was intended to be used to buy a DV machine; in the end, the money was used to make movies.
"Oh! This is good news. UU Reading www.uukannshu.com" Jon's face eased a little, and he also smiled bitterly: "You have a black friend in high school. It's easy to deal with this. If this matter is exposed, we It will help you. Just interview your former high school, teacher, or classmates, and you can almost prove who you are. "He smiled again:" Don't worry too much, we will immediately invite people to investigate in Nanda, See if there are other people present. "
"Nanca should have done the same, but they didn't, and they expelled me rashly." Wang Yang shook his head slightly, or he was out of luck, or ... he was in the school director's office at that time. Without being mature now, under anger, he collided irrationally with the manager.
Jon smiled and said with a coffee, "Then we would like to thank Nanda, they don't fire you, you can't make this movie, do you?"
Wang Yang was stunned, and then he laughed in his heart. It seems that it is indeed such a logic. Not only can he not make this movie, but he will not experience so many things, and he will not have the current state of mind. Wang Yang, who is "very brave and cruel". Does frustration make people grow? Could it be said that the unrelenting expulsion of Nanda University has succeeded him?
While Wang Yang was thinking about these things, Jon stood up, patted his shoulder, half complained and half jokingly said: "I have to go. Young man, you really bring me too many 'surprise' "Wang Yang smiled and replied to him:" Oh, then should you thank me? "Jon smiled:" Come on, Yang, you are a cunning guy. "
However, to the surprise of both of them, this time bomb suddenly exploded. As night fell, Yahoo's entertainment section suddenly published a news "Chinese director Xinxing was expelled from the university for racial discrimination"!