It was a new day, and the cinemas were filled with intense competition.
Under the impact of finding nemo, other films trembled, perhaps no one expected to be crushed by a clownfish.
After two consecutive flops with Cinderella and Treasure Planet, Disney seemed to have finally found the right path.
This Mickey Mouse, it's back on its feet!
Entering June, it was already the fourth week for the matrix reloaded, and even the savior couldn't save the box office; it was bound to decline.
Now, the matrix reloaded's single-day box office had dropped to only four to five million US dollars.
However, in just one month, its North American box office had soared to 300 million US dollars, with its opening week grossing 91 million US dollars.
Analysts' final prediction was around 500 million US dollars, originally predicted to be around 800 million US dollars.
But the purge, which no one took seriously, surprisingly emerged as a dark horse, taking in 45 million US dollars in a week, causing the matrix reloaded to lose its third-week box office championship.
However, for a blockbuster of this caliber, overseas box office is the main event.
Currently, the matrix reloaded's overseas box office has reached 600 million US dollars, surpassing North America, with analysts predicting 500 million US dollars, and a global total exceeding 700 million US dollars is not an issue.
700 million is a very critical red line; exceeding 700 million already classifies a film as a rare annual blockbuster.
the purge was also suppressed by Nemo the clownfish, but its single-day box office was slightly higher than the matrix reloaded.
Overseas, several European countries like the UK, Germany, and Italy have already released it, with France, Denmark, Sweden, and Australia to follow next week.
Asia will be the last to release, with Hong Kong and Taiwan in the third batch; Eric decided not to release it in mainland China after consideration.
With MGM's current connections and investments in the mainland, and the backing of Old Han and Director Wang, introducing it would certainly be pressure-free; even an uncut version like titanic back then could be achieved, but it would inevitably require using connections and sweet-talking.
But human relationships only diminish with use, and it's better not to waste them on a minor film like the purge.
Instead, it's better to wait for transformers at the end of the year and let the film bureau give him a green light for an uncut version.
When Michael Bay's transformers 1 was released in mainland China back then, a few minutes of scenes were actually cut.
The reason was always excessive violence. Eric really couldn't understand; robots killing humans might be considered violence, but two metal lumps fighting and losing a few parts, what's violent about that? As if no little boy ever smashed a few toys in his childhood.
The version Eric filmed this time features grander war scenes and more deaths. If he doesn't treat Old Han and the others to a meal, it might be hard to pass the film bureau's review, and over ten minutes of scenes might be cut, which would be detrimental to selling merchandise.
"Rolling in the Deep" has soared to number 31 on the Billboard charts. This time, Michael changed his style to better cater to the tastes of younger listeners.
Coupled with the vigorous promotion from celebrities on Facebook, the song quickly broke into the top 30 in just two days.
Now, Michael's singing can be heard everywhere on the streets and radio. It is expected that after today's CD sales are released, breaking into the top 20 will not be a problem.
In contrast, for Eminem, the more Michael prospered, the greater the backlash for him.
His Billboard ranking was originally 5th, and logically he should have continued to climb, but the reality was that he dropped 3 places, falling to 8th.
Perhaps sensing the crisis, this hooligan has also been frequently appearing on various radio stations and interviews in the past two days to promote his songs.
He's also vigorously calling on friends on Facebook, but ever since this guy debuted, there's hardly been a day he hasn't been cursing someone.
From the President of the United States to his own parents and wife, and even his peers, he's cursed them all.
Ultimately, only a few rappers were willing to speak for him, but at the same time, many other rappers stood with MJ.
Facebook's new users surged by another million, like a raging fire, burning ever brighter.
At this rate, attracting 20 million users in a month is not a dream.
At the set of blue is the warmest color, everyone was clocking in for work one after another.
Chen Xing and production manager Julio were waiting nearby, while Eric sat with his legs crossed, reviewing the project report in his hand.
The preparatory work for the hangover was basically complete, and filming was about to begin.
The director chosen was Todd Phillips, a comedy director in his 30s, young but already accomplished.
He had directed Road Trip and Old School, both well-received comedies.
Old School, released in February this year, grossed nearly 90 million US dollars, earning DreamWorks a sum.
Spielberg recommended him shortly after MGM announced its production plans.
"Boss, Phillips is an excellent genre film director. For the hangover, he turned down a film invitation from Warner Bros., and Warner's investment was even larger."
"Really?" Eric was a little surprised.
Julio nodded confidently: "Apparently, the script for the hangover appealed to him more. I heard that Warner's starsky & hutch had an investment of 60 million US dollars, which is one of the hangover."
"Not bad, he's a discerning person. In the future, he'll know that the hangover will be much better than starsky & hutch."
Looking at the three most important male leads, the handsome teacher Phil Wenneck was given to Little Mercenary.
The chubby Alan Garner was taken by Jack Black. He is better known to Chinese audiences for his roles as Po in Kung Fu Panda, Gulliver in Gulliver's Travels, and others.
He's the kind of actor whose name you can't quite recall, but whose face is instantly recognizable.
For the unlucky dentist Stu Price, a big name was invited, or rather, a future big name, the not-yet-famous Adam Sandler.
This name is familiar to movie fans worldwide, so there's no need for much introduction.
Currently, Adam Sandler already has considerable recognition in the film industry. Although he hasn't completely broken out, he is still a prominent figure in the comedy world.
However, most of his works are romantic comedies. One of the reasons he took on this role was to break through and try some vulgar, potty-humor comedy.
Adam Sandler was searching, searching for the film that would truly make him a sensation.
His salary was also the most expensive in the entire crew, just as comedy actors often cost more than actors in other types of films.
He alone took home 5.5 million US dollars. It was expensive, but for a team without big stars, it was well worth it.
Ryan Reynolds' salary was 700,000 US dollars. The gap was that large. Although sharknado had earned him some fame, his salary wouldn't be high, at least not before transformers was released.
Jack Black's salary was 1 million US dollars, slightly higher than Little Mercenary's.
At this point, the hangover trio was assembled, completely different from the original version, with all three actors replaced, but clearly for the better.
After reading it, Eric nodded in approval: "Good, very good. The actors are well-chosen. I really didn't expect you to find Adam Sandler."
"Looking at it this way, a budget of 30 million US dollars might be a bit low. Let's change it to 35 million US dollars. I don't want the filming effect to be substandard due to budget issues."
Saying that, Eric signed his name on the report. Julio could take it to get the funds approved, and the movie officially began filming.
Dismissing him, Eric turned his attention back to the set.
After last night's 'nourishment', the Olsen Sisters, though not yet fully satisfied, had their resentment dispersed, and their gaze towards Eric was much friendlier.
Filming progressed smoothly, and half a day had passed without them realizing it.
After lunch, there was the usual one-hour break.
Eric left Studio 4 and walked towards Studio 6 nearby. monster had moved in here today and was filming in Studio 6.
Upon entering the studio, he saw Patty Jenkins from afar, holding an Apple, munching on it while staring at the monitor screen.
The two hadn't seen each other for over a month. The last time she asked him for money, Eric was in seclusion, rushing the script for house of cards, and he approved it directly over the phone.
"Hi, Patty, long time no see."
Hearing the familiar voice, Patty Jenkins looked up, opened her arms, and embraced Eric.
"Eric, why are you here?"
"Listen to what you're saying. I'm filming in Studio 4, didn't you know?"
"But isn't transformers finished? Is there something you're not satisfied with, and you're doing reshoots?"
Eric frowned speechlessly: "How can you say we worked together, and I even gave you 8 million US dollars? You're half a member of the MGM family, yet you don't care what's happening at home."
"transformers certainly isn't doing reshoots. I started another project. I originally wanted you to continue as associate director, but now the opportunity has gone to someone else."
Patty Jenkins was a little puzzled: "What about transformers?"
"Only post-production effects and music left."
"What! Is the editing already done?"
However, she quickly reacted: "Oh, I almost got confused. You're not an ordinary director. Your filming is geared towards the final cut, so editing is naturally very fast."
"Yes, it was cut in less than a week." Eric said with a smile, holding up one finger.
Patty Jenkins shook her head: "Working with you, I feel like I've been influenced too, unconsciously adopting your filming style."
"That's the kind where you first build the complete story in your mind, then break down the images into individual shots, and finally shoot it all in one go."
Saying that, she pulled out a thick script: "Look at this, this is my preparation."
Holding the hundreds-of-pages script, Eric flipped through it and found that most of it consisted of storyboards.
He burst out laughing: "It seems you've grasped the essence, Patty! Actually, many directors use this filming technique, like Chris Columbus in America, Zhang Yimou in China, Bong Joon-ho in Korea, etc."
"Hey, what are you two talking about? Can I join in?"
Not far away, the door to the dressing room opened, and a woman with a fierce face and a menacing appearance walked over.
She was shabbily dressed, her voice was coarse, and she even had no eyebrows, emphasizing her intimidating and frightening presence.
But Eric knew very well that this was just the result of makeup artistry. When this makeup was washed off, she would transform into the most beautiful South African diamond.
Even in Hollywood, a place full of beautiful women, she was one of those at the very top of the beauty scale.
Not only today, but even twenty years later, she would still outshine all others.
Charlize Theron, you are Theron the Great!
Mandela called her the one who truly made the name South Africa a place on the map.
Hawking commented on her: Even in an infinite number of parallel universes, there's no way you could ever date Charlize Theron.
"Hello, Theron."
Eric extended his hand first.
Theron, pointing to her face, looked at Eric in surprise: "No way, with this appearance I have now, you can still recognize me?"
"Of course, you are Charlize Theron, the dream of countless men."
"Hahahahaha, Mr. Cooper, you're quite the charmer. Nice to meet you, Charlize Theron!"
Their hands briefly intertwined. Although the makeup made her face look fierce, the skin on her hands remained soft as silk.
"Theron, how do you accept your current face? Don't you have nightmares?"
"Of course, I don't even dare to look in the mirror after putting on makeup. I question myself, where did Charlize Theron go?"
"Then why did you take this role? Seeing you now, this sacrifice is indeed a bit big."
Theron looked at Patty Jenkins: "On one hand, I love challenges, and this role is complex and profound; on the other hand, the director kept harassing me, convincing me that I could handle this role. Perhaps she drugged me, but anyway, I was convinced."
The three burst into laughter.
Eric said: "monster will definitely not make you regret it. I have a hunch that you will win an Oscar with this role."
"Really?" Theron's eyes widened in surprise.
Then she waved her hand: "Impossible. While playing ugly may win the Academy's favor, since my debut, let alone an Oscar, I haven't even received a guild nomination. They don't like me."
"No, believe me, you will definitely win the Oscar Winner. I'm not talking about a nomination, but winning!" Eric said with great certainty.
Seeing his serious demeanor, not like he was joking, both women were a little surprised.
Because everyone knows that to win the major Oscar awards, it's impossible without lobbying. There's more than one good film every year, and many excellent actors.
Overwhelming victories are extremely rare; just getting a nomination signifies considerable talent.
So, when everyone is evenly matched, how do you ensure you win? Naturally, by spending money on lobbying.
It's normal to throw out tens of millions of US dollars to win a major award. Weinstein is most familiar with this.
And once Eric is certain that monster will win, a large sum for lobbying will inevitably be spent, which is real money, even more expensive than the film's production cost.
Theron also said solemnly: "Mr. Cooper, since you said so, it seems I must give it my all."
Patty also chimed in: "Then I must also strive for excellence. Boss, if the 8 million US dollars are used up, can I get more?"
Eric chuckled and, in Patty Jenkins' hopeful gaze, replied: "Dream on!"