Chapter 105: Stirring Forces from All Sides
[Chapter 105: Stirring Forces from All Sides]
The publicity storm stirred up by Corleone Studios gained widespread attention both inside and outside the industry.
It wasn't just Fox that saw some benefits and came forward to show their goodwill.
The efforts of Pierza, Etto, and others also began proceeding more smoothly.
...
At Mafia Distribution Company, Pierza stood confidently in front of a projector, delivering a speech to a team of dozens from Hallmark's business and legal departments. "Gentlemen, Wrong Turn used the Park City murder case for its publicity, achieving extensive promotion at a very low marketing cost.
Previously, theaters planned to offer only 100 screens for limited previews. Now, we've reached an agreement for a full release in over 2,000 theaters across North America in late November.
For an R-rated splatter film, this level of release is a strong testament to the industry's confidence in us!
You have detailed data in your materials. After reviewing, you'll understand that partnering with Corleone Studios is an extremely wise choice!"
Hallmark is a family-owned company based in Missouri.
It's America's oldest and largest greeting card manufacturer.
Today, their business also covers party supplies, gift wrapping, and stationery across various sectors.
Since 1951, they sponsored the Hallmark Hall of Fame television series and have long collaborated with networks like NBC.
They have a deep partnership history with Hollywood's film industry and also hold stakes in some production companies.
Charlie's How to Train Your Dragon novel's illustration team had longstanding contracts with Hallmark.
Under Locke's management, the How to Train Your Dragon illustrations had some minor collaborations with Hallmark subsidiaries under favorable royalty terms.
Before Halloween, amidst Wrong Turn's high popularity, Pierza and his team aimed to secure film element licensing for offline channels.
Hallmark representatives browsed detailed materials while quietly discussing.
In fact, prior to formal negotiations, they already had some understanding of Wrong Turn's situation.
Etto assisted by emphasizing their strengths, "Mr. Hall, Wrong Turn will definitely become a lasting horror splatter cultural icon. We've partnered with several local companies in Park City, Canada.
Our ultimate goal with this film is to promote the establishment of a Horror Theme Park.
We're already more than halfway there. Multiple theater survey reports show potential audiences in the tens of millions across the US.
This proves our promotional efforts have been extremely successful!"
Hallmark's business director Hall nodded slightly and said with a smile, "Indeed, a very clever marketing strategy starting from a real-life sensational case. I've received operational reports from our branches.
Corleone's How to Train Your Dragon illustration greeting cards sales are steadily increasing. Surveys show the cute little dragon is loved by many children.
He's an excellent content creator, and Wrong Turn's prospects also seem very promising. These are completely different styles."
Pierza cheerfully praised his boss several times, then added, "The success of the Wrong Turn series is already foreseeable. The production cost of this film is $15 million, with multiple companies investing in advertising.
Besides stars like Halle Berry, Rachel Weisz, there's also a cameo by George Clooney. He will also assist in the promotional plan soon.
On other distribution channels, our distribution partners Miramax and Disney's Buena Vista have signed licensing contracts with ABC and Pan Am Airlines among others.
We believe this film will be a milestone in horror film history and a landmark cultural icon!"
Mafia Distribution Company team boasted with facts and logic.
Hallmark team members mostly responded with smiles but did not make any concrete decisions.
They kept discussing quietly.
Seconds later, Hall spoke in a firm tone, "Sounds like a good project, but the timeline is tight.
We want to buy exclusive permanent rights to Wrong Turn's greeting cards, stationery, party supplies, and art products elements. The buyout price is $5.6 million!"
Pierza and Etto exchanged glances, visibly excited.
The cooperation was feasible!
$5.6 million was a huge number.
But permanent series licensing was clearly impossible.
Hallmark decided to bet on Wrong Turn's future success.
Corleone Studios also had great confidence in their product. A single film was one thing, but who could predict the series' overall value over time?
Especially if the Horror Theme Park plan really succeeded. The entire series could directly and indirectly create a billion-dollar market.
Pierza immediately clarified, "Licensing limited to the first film, term of 5 years. The method can be buyout, but price needs further negotiation. Additionally, we hope Corleone Studios establishes a long-term cooperation with you. Our future films will cooperate in different ways."
Hall promptly shook his head, "Sorry..."
...
After intense bargaining for a few days, they finally signed a cooperation agreement.
Hallmark bought exclusive one-year license for greeting and commemorative cards for the first Wrong Turn film elements at $4 million.
Future series including greeting cards and stationery would be licensed through revenue-sharing with variable amounts linked to box office performance.
They also signed guarantee and sales audit clauses.
Finally, a preliminary long-term cooperation agreement was signed.
Thus, Mafia Distribution secured a stable distribution channel.
...
As the promotion for Wrong Turn heated up, the involvement of Fox, Miramax, and Buena Vista expanded the movie's popularity.
Positive news kept pouring into Corleone Studios.
...
Meanwhile, Locke happily reported to Charlie, "Our namesake novel's sales have been climbing for the past two weeks. Charlie, you might have another work soon hitting the New York Times bestseller list!"
...
All this momentum exploded on Halloween Friday evening at Century Plaza Hotel's press hall.
Star George Clooney appeared in person along with the crew and cast for the official Wrong Turn grand press conference under media scrutiny.
George kindly appeared in character costume photos.
Kevin and Gore hosted and announced the official release date.
Charlie, meanwhile, watched Fox TV's live broadcast from his new home in Pacific Palisades, smiling, awaiting George and the team, who were to attend his housewarming party later.
*****
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