Chapter 443: The Wise Adapt to the Times

Clearly, the situation has veered off course, completely disrupting Sony Columbia's promotional plans. An unseen hand is pushing things forward with full force.

At this point, Adam Scott has no choice.

Stubbornly clinging to meaningless confidence and pride, continuing to go against the grain, would only backfire and cut off their chances of success. Not only do they need to seize the opportunity and ride the momentum, but they also need to quickly capitalize on the growing buzz to launch their promotion.

The wise adapt to the times.

Admitting fault? So what? As long as "Spider-Man" performs well at the box office, everything that's happened so far will be forgotten, and no one will care.

Who would have thought that an interview about a street-performing indie band would turn into a tidal wave of summer blockbuster promotion? Or that a talk show, which initially sparked concerns that Anson might expose his weaknesses, would instead become a turning point?

Things have completely gone off track.

But the key is that the momentum Sony Columbia has been waiting for has finally arrived, and Adam has no reason to miss out.

Not only should they not miss out, but they must also seize the opportunity immediately.

So, Sony Columbia sprang into action, mobilizing all their resources with a determination to succeed. The promotional campaign was launched in full force.

Magazines? Check.

Radio? Check.

Talk shows? Check.

No stone left unturned.

However, this time, Adam and Edgar were on the same page:

Talk shows shouldn't be overdone.

Although "The Tonight Show" has generated a lot of interest in Anson, with people eager to see him on more talk shows, appearing too often could lead to overexposure and quickly turn enthusiasm into annoyance. The novelty that "The Tonight Show" has built up could be quickly exhausted.

So, while talk shows are still a good idea, they need to be selective.

"The Oprah Winfrey Show."

This became the only talk show appearance that Anson and the band members agreed to after the unexpected buzz generated by "The Tonight Show."

First, by choosing a morning talk show, they avoided repetition with late-night shows while targeting a different audience.

Second, when it came to selecting between two top morning shows—NBC's "Today" and the current ratings leader, "The Oprah Winfrey Show"—the latter won out.

Not because of the ratings, but because of the format.

"Today" wanted the band to perform live at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. The problem is, the band only has two songs, not even enough to meet the minimum standard of three songs for a small concert.

Moreover, "Today" focused on the band, wanting to delve into the band itself. But Edgar and Adam wanted the focus to be on Anson, making him the central topic.

"The Oprah Winfrey Show," on the other hand, was willing to give Anson and the band a full episode for an in-depth interview. After discussing the format and content, they settled on appearing on the queen of morning talk shows following their appearance on the king of late-night talk shows.

Precise targeting, with the right balance, and an effective strategy of creating anticipation.

Step by step, the promotion was rolled out in full force.

An all-out, overwhelming assault—

Literally.

What's unbelievable is that it seems the entire Hollywood film industry is helping out—not just Sony Columbia, not just NBC.

It's true that once the summer blockbuster season kicks off, movies will be competing fiercely against each other. But until then, everyone is focused on the bigger picture.

The overall slump in the entertainment industry.

The shadow of last year's 9/11 attacks still hangs over everything, like a dark cloud. No one knows when or how the market's vitality will be revived.

This isn't just about one movie; it's about the survival of the entire industry.

Previously, people watched "Spider-Man" with a certain detachment, even a bit of schadenfreude. If Sony Columbia stumbled, they wouldn't cheer but wouldn't mind either.

But now, a small window of opportunity has appeared, a faint glimmer of hope. The film industry isn't sure if this is the turning point, but since it has appeared, they should set aside their differences and unite to overcome this challenge. This is no longer just about one movie.

If "Spider-Man" can break the ice and revive the market, all movies will benefit.

This is what you call perspective.

The right thing at the right time—

No wonder "Minority Report" was willing to give up the "Variety" cover opportunity to Anson, and even Tom Cruise didn't complain.

No wonder the "Star Wars: Episode II" team didn't object to Anson stealing the spotlight on "The Tonight Show."

No wonder "Variety" and "The Hollywood Reporter," the two titans of the industry, are unusually united.

From top to bottom, everyone is working together.

Even if they don't help, at least they won't be an obstacle.

Like Natalie and Ewan.

Clearly, they didn't enjoy representing their film on "The Tonight Show" only to be overshadowed completely. The subtle jabs and sarcastic remarks were especially hurtful, making it tough for them to enthusiastically support Anson with a smile.

But at least they didn't stand in the way.

The "Star Wars: Episode II" team is also hopeful. If "Spider-Man" can wake up the market and heat things up, maybe this will be their chance to explode into the scene. Perhaps "Spider-Man" will pave the way for them.

After all, "Star Wars" is still the undisputed top franchise in North America.

One good turn deserves another.

That's fine.

So, Hollywood witnesses a rare moment of unity. Newspapers, magazines, radio, and television are all buzzing with discussions. Everyone is spontaneously joining the conversation in their own way, forming a loose but self-disciplined alliance of mutual support.

With all these factors, the buzz around "The Tonight Show" was pushed to a whole new level—

Anson.

Dominating screens everywhere, in every nook and cranny.

Whether or not they watched "The Tonight Show," whether or not they're interested in the band or the movie, they've at least "heard" about it once. This has become a significant turning point before the summer blockbuster season kicks off.

Naturally, the density and intensity of "Spider-Man's" promotional schedule have also increased twofold. Sony Columbia's promotional investment is now in full swing, sparing no expense and pulling out all the stops to ensure top-tier promotion.

Opportunities belong to those who are prepared.

A full upgrade!

Without a doubt, this is the busiest and most exhausting period in Anson's career as an actor. "Spider-Man" already had a packed promotional schedule, but thanks to the viral success of "The Tonight Show," Anson's promotional activities have doubled, leaving him barely any time to rest.

Now, Anson truly feels the weight of being the leading actor.

No wonder the "20 Million Club" isn't easy to enter. Actors who command such high fees must bear the corresponding box office responsibility. If the film doesn't perform well, it proves that the actor's cost-effectiveness is too low, and future film studios may hesitate at the sight of high paychecks.

Actors don't want to see this scenario, so they must give their all during the promotion.

Now, it's Anson's turn.