Chapter 133 Premiere

Santa Monica Square, the commercial center of the west of Los Angeles, and also a favorite venue for many top commercial activities, hosted the premiere of "Death Comes" at the AMG Theater in the Santa Monica Square Cultural Activity Center.

Shortly after noon, a large number of fans began to gather at the main entrance of the theater on the Third Pedestrian Street, including some who came in small groups.

A black business car stopped at the entrance of the pedestrian street, and the door opened from the inside, immediately three middle-aged men got on the car.

"Is everything ready?" Robert asked, wearing oversized black sunglasses.

One bald man spoke first, "Rest assured, everything is ready. We've been in this business for almost five years, with a good reputation. We'll definitely create a lively atmosphere."

Robert had hired a reputable service company in the industry, but he still cautioned, "All of you will go to the premiere site and keep an eye on it. Don't let anything unexpected happen."

Another crew-cut man smiled and said, "We have designated individuals responsible for various tasks, and we have also prepared backup personnel."

Robert nodded in satisfaction. "I have several premieres scheduled for next year. As long as you do well, I can entrust you with the part of creating the atmosphere for the other premieres."

The man with medium-length hair who had not spoken all along was obviously the leader. He smiled and said, "We also hope to establish a long-term partnership with your company."

Large companies invest heavily in film promotion and marketing, and films often feature well-known stars. The audience at premieres is never a problem. For businesses like this, they can only collaborate with smaller companies with limited capabilities.

Of course, activities such as celebrity receptions, airport pickups, meet-and-greets, and promotional events are also part of their business scope.

Hiring people to act as fans has long been a business in the industry.

Outside the AMG Theater, dozens of media reporters gathered punctually, equipped with cameras and microphones.

On both sides of the long red carpet, hundreds of fans held posters and actor nameplates, waiting for the premiere to begin.

As the sun approached the horizon, accompanied by the music from the live DJ, a black Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of the red carpet. Ronan, the producer, stepped out of the car, opened the door, and stepped onto the red carpet, walking towards the entrance of the theater.

There was a bit of a cold reception as Ronan walked the red carpet. No one recognized who he was.

"Who's this handsome guy?"

In the media area, a journalist asked a colleague she knew, "I remember the leading actor doesn't look like this?"

Her colleague said helplessly, "I don't know."

"He has a nice face, just a bit thin." Another female journalist said, "I prefer someone more muscular."

Ronan had a large frame, but due to being extremely busy these past two years, he had lost over ten pounds since arriving in Los Angeles, making him look a bit thin.

While fans and media were discussing who he was, Ronan quickly walked the red carpet and entered the lobby of the theater.

This occasion belonged to the directors and actors.

As Ronan entered the lobby, he saw Robert and said to him, "Good job, there are many fans and journalists here."

Robert replied honestly, "Mainly because the money was well spent."

Ronan smiled, "This is the first time, it'll get better in the future."

Unfortunately, none of the invitations from Embassy Pictures received any responses. Even spending money couldn't attract A-list stars to support the premiere. The cast lineup was relatively unknown, with Catherine Haggel barely qualifying as a third-tier celebrity. The most well-known figure was the director, James Huang, but for certain reasons known in the industry, James Huang's appeal to the media and fans was limited.

To avoid the premiere from being too cold, and to create some buzz, Ronan had to figure something out.

There was a sudden burst of cheers outside the theater, and the fans suddenly became excited, as if they had seen a great superstar.

"Devon Savar!"

"Devon, look over here, sign for me!"

Ronan, walking the red carpet, was initially met with a lukewarm reception, but the atmosphere suddenly became explosive as he glanced through the glass door and saw Devon Savar signing autographs for fans, with a few female fans pulling at his clothes, showing extraordinary enthusiasm.

Like an infectious disease, this enthusiasm quickly spread to the people on both sides of the red carpet.

"These companies are pretty good," Ronan said to Robert. "They've found reliable people."

Dedication to one's profession is essential.

This was a reflection of the integrity of the Hollywood industry chain.

Today's Hollywood has professionals in almost every conceivable profession, from the glamorous stars and directors in the limelight to the unseen service providers behind the scenes.

Even highly specialized "soccer moms" have a complete industry chain.

Another silver Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of the red carpet, and Catherine Haggel, with her long hair pinned up, revealed her exquisitely made-up face, wearing a rented Dior single-shoulder evening gown, got out of the car and onto the red carpet.

"Catherine!"

"I love you! Catherine!"

"Catherine Haggel!"

As soon as Catherine stepped out of the car, she was greeted with cheers and shouts from the crowd, hundreds of fans shouting her name, many of them holding up her posters.

Catherine, trained professionally, immediately struck the most elegant pose, gracefully walking forward while waving to the fans on both sides of the red carpet.

"Catherine!"

"Catherine!"

The shouts grew louder, and the atmosphere at the scene was simply too explosive.

Catherine's face lit up with a smile, but she had to control her expression to avoid smiling too much, which would ruin the photos taken.

"Catherine Haggel, I love you!"

Some fans shouted loudly, and Catherine glanced in their direction, blew a kiss, and the fans became even more excited.

The atmosphere on both sides of the red carpet reached its peak for the evening.

"I'm so popular?" Catherine, naturally confident, didn't see anything wrong with it. On the contrary, she thought it was only natural.

In this moment, Catherine's confidence soared, feeling closer to A-list stars than ever before.

Confidence can make a woman who is already very beautiful even more charming, and Catherine attracted a large number of journalists, with camera flashes never stopping.

"Sign here, Catherine!"

"Sign!"

Catherine went to the area where fans were shouting the loudest on the left. With the help of security personnel, she quickly scanned the nearby fans and took a signing pen and notebook from a Chanel-wearing girl, signing her name briskly.

"Mine..."

"Over here!"

The fans were very enthusiastic.

After signing two names, when Catherine was about to take the third person's notebook, she saw the shabby clothes of the individual and immediately withdrew her hand, skipping over this person and taking a notebook from someone wearing a beautiful bracelet instead.

"Miss Haggel, please return."

Seeing that the atmosphere was too heated, a security guard reminded her.

Catherine handed the signing pen to a well-dressed young man nearby without paying attention to the security guard, turned around, and walked back to the middle of the red carpet, moving slowly as if enjoying the feeling.

The black actor Tony Todd stepped onto the red carpet, and only then did Catherine enter the media interview area.

In the crowd of fans, someone gestured with their hand raised high, prompting some fans who were previously empty-handed to magically produce Tony Todd's posters, although far fewer in number compared to Catherine's.

Watching Catherine being surrounded by media reporters, enthusiastically accepting interviews, and then turning to look at the red carpet, Ronald felt that the atmosphere of the premiere had finally livened up.

The only regret was the absence of A-list celebrities to boost the event's appeal, indicating that his network wasn't broad enough. Ronald resolved to attend more industry parties to expand his connections, understanding the benefits for his future career.

Soon, he had a specific idea in mind.

He had read in the newspaper a few days ago that the Gotham Independent Film Awards had just been presented.

This marked the beginning of the Hollywood awards season, and the presentation of the Gotham Independent Film Awards signaled the official start of a new awards season in Hollywood.

From now until the Oscars ceremony, Los Angeles would be flooded with numerous parties surrounding various awards, filled with producers, agents, stars, directors, public relations experts, and members of the Academy.

This was undoubtedly a great opportunity to meet more people and observe how the Oscars operated, even though he had never been directly involved in the Oscars judging process. Ronald knew very well that the Oscars were not necessarily awarded to the best films, but to the ones with the most successful campaigns.

"Hey, Ronald."

Catherine entered the lobby and saw Ronald, quickly walking over. "What are you doing here?"

Ronald didn't answer immediately but instead took a good look at Catherine and smiled. "Catherine, you look stunning today."

"Thank you." Catherine opened her arms and gave him a light hug, her tone humble. "Thank you for giving me this opportunity."

After they separated, Ronald introduced her. "This is Robert Lee from Embassy Pictures."

Catherine immediately put away her smile, and the humility in her tone disappeared, saying lightly, "Hello, Mr. Lee."

Robert shook her hand. "Hello, Miss Hagel."

Ronald said to Catherine, "You should go to the theater first."

Catherine looked at Ronald, her face instantly filled with smiles. "See you later."

Watching Catherine enter the theater, Ronald touched his nose and said, "This woman changes faces quickly."

Ronald laughed and said, "There are too many actresses like her."

More and more people entered the theater. Ronald chatted briefly with James Huang before entering the screening hall.

Due to limited resources, the premiere was not large in scale and quickly moved into the actual screening phase.

Ronald deliberately checked the theater and found that the media seats in the front rows were almost full.

With media attention, the film could gain more exposure.