Chapter 126: Opening in 2,600 Screens
[Chapter 126: Opening in 2,600 Screens]
Several college students showed remarkable courage and a rigorous, professional academic attitude. They managed to get their hands on professional GPS systems, walkie-talkies, compasses, and other specialized outdoor survival and exploration gear.
The only problem was that after breaking through the local police line, they had intense debates on the method of exploration.
In stark contrast to their professional equipment, some people behaved recklessly and impulsively. When faced with difficulties and dangers, some completely lost their cool and screamed in terror, while others relied solely on brute force.
During their exploration, they discovered some valuable research objects like strange buried pits and eerie, dilapidated school buildings and dormitories, but many of them turned a blind eye.
Near the film's climax, suddenly appearing policemen and George Clooney, disguised as a scholar, amplified the suspense.
Five or six of the students suffered severe casualties.
Under the protection of two diligent policemen and through a strict, careful plan, the remaining few broke through numerous traps and ultimately captured the mastermind, George.
Meanwhile, the cowboy figure and other humanoid creatures all hid themselves.
The story ended pointing to a new company, implying that Americans in Park City were conducting some strange research.
...
After the film ended, film critic Steven Ellison wrote in his notebook: "Overall rating: B-, a decent commercial film. Apart from the slasher elements, it also carries mystery, murder, and crime elements. Towards the end, there is even some sci-fi. Though the director handled it well, and the deaths of irritating characters allowed the audience to vent emotions, there was an overall feeling of incompleteness."
...
In the front row, Jason shook his head with a wry smile, whispering, "Charlie, you really dared to make this one. In the underlying storyline, you threw shade on both Canada and the USA."
"Hollywood films often like to criticize our government; otherwise, how could it work? The young rebellious audience also enjoys this. What, you think a little mention of Canadian Indigenous rumors would cause trouble?" Charlie chuckled.
Jason's expression briefly turned peculiar, "I suggest you make some cuts. Those relate to the Church."
Could this guy actually know something? Charlie thought secretly.
Honestly, this wasn't Charlie's intention to stir controversy. The writing team added these background elements for story authenticity and emotional impact. The film did not delve into these topics deeply. After all, this was a popcorn horror movie, not a scholarly documentary.
In post-production, Charlie had already changed the school's background to a school in Park City previously donated to by a chemical factory.
He thought the audience would not notice, except for a few words about Indigenous people in the police investigation scenes, which only people like Jason with suspicious minds might overemphasize.
...
Elsewhere, Roy and Stanley were discussing the film more professionally. Roy spoke very articulately: "Overall, the production was solid. No obvious glitches or mistakes in the footage.
The pacing was very interesting. The opening used flashbacks to quickly pull the audience into the story, sparking curiosity and questions.
The middle parts with exploration, killing, and fleeing rhythms were well-paced. The graphic blood splatters paired with sound effects gave the audience an immersive experience.
The sudden appearance of the killer at the end and the hint of a larger conspiracy left a lingering question. A decent popcorn movie.
The director certainly didn't seem like a newcomer!"
Stanley nodded, "Yes, but there wasn't much that was groundbreaking. Aside from the fresh killing style and bizarre mutated creatures, it felt more like an adventure movie such as Raiders of the Lost Ark. On the bright side, Corleone's approach clearly supports the horror theme park project!"
As he spoke, the theater lights brightened again.
Some members of the viewing company politely applauded.
Except for the critics who looked somewhat disappointed, the theater and company representatives seemed quite satisfied.
...
Etto and Kevin, along with the main creators, went to handle the critics.
Charlie and Pierza returned with company reps to an upstairs conference room to have a lively discussion.
"It's a competent film, but it's not very horror-heavy."
"More like a crime mystery?"
"Mr. Corleone, did you scale back the slasher aspects because of the horror theme park project? The more intense gore and sensory violence?"
"Yes, after watching it, it does feel somewhat incomplete. From a cult horror fan's perspective, there aren't enough deaths, cannibal scenes, or brutal dismemberments to satisfy. But from a mystery crime perspective, the puzzle isn't fully solved."
These professional cinema buyers had sharp commercial instincts; they accurately pointed out the movie's strengths and weaknesses.
Charlie replied in one sentence, "Gentlemen, I know it feels incomplete because this is just the first chapter of a series. Don't forget, it ties into real cases and the horror theme park project. I want it to keep attracting audience attention, shifting focus to the park and the subsequent series. With Disney's horror theme park plan rolling out, the viewing experience during the film's run will surely increase!"
Roy spoke, smiling as he scanned the group, "Yes. Corleone Entertainment has big ambitions. I agree with Charlie. We plan to use real cases and films, one after another, to expand the influence and ultimately establish the horror theme park. This is a long-term plan. The horror theme park culture element combined with the films themselves will create bigger market success. Actually, purely from a film perspective, despite some flaws, it's still quite good. Those novel elements and killing style edits give the audience enough freshness."
"Alright, you make some good points."
Stanley also helped lobby the theater side, "This month, Wrong Turn is already a rare quality film. Besides the totally different Star Trek, you don't have better screening options."
"So why not increase the number of theaters?" Roy asked.
...
2,600 screens!
After a long day of negotiations, finally the theater distributors agreed to 2,600 screens for the opening.
Even in the unpopular year-end period, this was a huge encouragement!
The news quickly spread among the Wrong Turn crew, Corleone Entertainment, Mafia Distribution Company partners, and others in the industry.
Some were happy, some mocked.
But the Corleone Studios and Mafia Distribution Company team were already excitedly working overtime, making final screening preparations, coordinating FedEx for film delivery, arranging actors' TV and newspaper interviews, contacting theaters to send updated posters, and so forth.
On November 22, Wrong Turn officially premiered in North America!
*****
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