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A new week, entering September.
"transformers 2" once again achieved excellent box office results, living up to expectations by matching "star wars: episode iii".
It surpassed the latter by a narrow margin of a few million dollars, temporarily claiming the title of this year's box office champion.
The film has been in theaters for a month now, and large-scale screenings in North America are expected to continue for at least another half a month.
Subsequently, the number of screenings will gradually decrease, but it is certain that it will continue for another month.
After all, with such a great momentum, it must aim high. While "transformers" did not break 1 billion USD at the box office, this installment definitely must.
"the meg" also officially landed in over 2,000 cinemas.
The number doesn't seem like much, not even half of the United States, but compared to its genre and production team, it's already a preferential treatment.
Many small to medium-budget films invested by MGM itself receive similar treatment.
But as long as the audience likes it, it will immediately get an upgrade.
Since it's not a big production and doesn't feature big-name stars, there naturally won't be a premiere.
As the saying goes, if the audience likes it, the creators will need to come to the United States for promotions later; everything depends on the subsequent trend.
Therefore, Jason Statham, Xu Jinglei, and others attended the premiere in China, where the promotional momentum was very strong, almost catching up to the "Hero" of yesteryear.
The leaders also attached great importance to it; Old Han and people from the Central Propaganda Department participated, indicating their immense expectations for the film.
As the representative of MGM, Chen Xing also attended the event.
And with the first week's box office results released, it can be said that it was a satisfactory outcome for everyone.
"the meg" raked in 33.4 million USD from 2,330 cinemas, making it the third-highest grossing film of the week.
From audience feedback, it received a passing grade.
While not groundbreaking, it is considered an interesting commercial monster movie, and quite a few moviegoers enjoy this genre.
The champion was taken by "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", with the genius director Tim Burton and Captain Jack Johnny Depp, demonstrating strong box office appeal.
One sentence is enough to summarize: I can't beat transformers, but can't I beat you?
The runner-up was, of course, "transformers 2", with 35.7 million USD, slightly more than "the meg".
After getting this number, Old Han laughed for a full three minutes on the phone, feeling ten years younger.
"Good, good, so good. My heart has finally settled. This big stone has been hanging for a long time."
"What? You sound like you don't trust me." Eric joked.
Old Han was frank: "Actually, there was a bit of that. After all, you, a world-class screenwriter and director, only came out with a shark movie."
"We discussed it behind your back, and couldn't see anything exceptional in the script."
"But now I'm convinced. Not only is the North America box office good, but China's box office is also decent, although the response isn't as strong as in North America."
"However, the main goal of this film is to earn money overseas. 1 USD equals 8 RMB, which converts to nearly 300 million RMB domestically. That's excellent."
"Yesterday during dinner, I was praising you, a great director and screenwriter, whose work is indeed extraordinary."
Eric laughed heartily: "It's because they saw the money and the results, so my position is more secure, right?"
Old Han also laughed happily: "By the way, since the box office is so good, should we expand the scale next week?"
"Yes, I've arranged everything. We'll increase the number of cinemas by a thousand, and also have the lead actors and director prepare to come over for promotions."
"This is an opportunity; whether they can make a name for themselves in Hollywood depends on their own abilities."
"Don't worry, as long as it helps the box office, I'll bring it up even if you don't."
"Also, if you have time, come over and play for a few days. You, the world's richest man, have been making big moves recently."
"After successively acquiring Lucasfilm and Warner Bros., you've been busy for so long, why not relax a bit? And we can also discuss what to film next."
Eric stopped laughing: "I think the last sentence is the real purpose, but old brother, I'll give you a start; the rest of the path needs to be discussed by the specific person in charge."
"I can't always be the one leading. If it really comes down to it, we can just film "the meg 2"."
Old Han naturally understood that it's better to rely on oneself than on others.
What is Eric Cooper's status? Even Spielberg, now universally recognized as the best director in the world, can only bow his head to him. Helping once is already a favor.
"I know you're busy, you don't need to personally operate it. Just review the script and offer your opinions when the time comes."
"No problem."
"Again, find some time to come and play for a few days. You can bring as many girlfriends as you want here; there are no paparazzi."
"Not necessarily, are you sure about this face of mine?"
After hanging up the phone, Eric often found paparazzi annoying.
It was better in Los Angeles, after all, it was his own territory.
He thought it might be better to just buy an island, develop it well, and equip it with all sorts of facilities.
It could then be used exclusively for family and good friends to vacation. They couldn't possibly use electronic satellites just to photograph him, could they?
At the "juno" set, Eric specifically came to visit today.
As a big boss, he had too many company projects; holding a meeting for them counted as a key project.
Things like visiting the set of "sharknado", which he used to do, hadn't happened for a long time.
Of course, the reason for the visit was simple: Elizabeth was the lead, Crystal was the supporting actress, and Andrea was the director.
Either his own women or his old team who had worked with him, their relationships were close.
The male lead was Andrew Garfield, who was more suited for such student roles.
And it served as a warm-up before filming "Spider-Man", gaining fame and recognition would help the box office.
The first to spot him was Chloe Moretz. The little girl had become a well-known child star after playing Rue in "the hunger games".
Rue was personally chosen by Eric, and this supporting role was also personally chosen by Eric, partnering with Little Liu again, which made the little girl very happy.
She ran a few steps to Eric's leg, her small face beaming: "Mr. Cooper, why are you here?"
"I came to see you. How are things in this crew? Are you adapting?"
"Yes, everyone is very good to me. Thank you for letting me play this role."
Eric patted her little head: "Your mom and dad told you to say that, didn't they?"
"Hehe." The little girl smiled shyly.
While the two were talking, everyone noticed Eric's presence.
They had just finished a take, and Andrea called for a halt, and several people gathered around.
"Andrew, you look good, you've gotten stronger."
Garfield quickly nodded: "I've been working out recently, and I read Spider-Man comics whenever I have time."
"Very good, young people should work hard. You'll be famous soon."
"Thank you, director, I'll do as you say."
"Andrea, how do you feel?"
Andrea still had her characteristic kind smile: "Very good. Compared to "mean girls", I still prefer these more emotional films. You know I like subtlety."
"Exactly, that's why I chose you as the assistant director for "blue is the warmest color"."
"I hope you put more effort into "juno". I plan to release it during the Christmas season and try to contend for an Oscar."
After chatting for a while, while others weren't paying attention, Eric and Elizabeth successively went into the lounge.
He looked at Elizabeth, who had a fake belly on, and combined with her small face, she looked exactly like an underage pregnant woman.
"Now you've truly become a globe, baby."
"Yes, but it's also an early experience of pregnant life, preparing for when I really have a baby in the future."
"That will have to wait until you're a bit older, preferably after 20, it's better for your body."
"But I want one after I come of age. Then we won't use protection anymore."
"Darling, if you have one, you won't be able to enjoy life like your peers. You'll have many taboos."
"But I love you. After filming this movie, I really want our baby."
Facing the affectionate girl, the two couldn't help but kiss.
Just then, Little Liu happened to sneak in. Both girls were startled; they didn't know about each other's existence.
However, since Eric dared to do it, he was confident he could handle it.
Among all his women, the most tolerant, easiest to appease, and most brainless was undoubtedly Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Olsen always listened to whatever Eric said, belonging to the Shuang'er type from Wei Xiaobao.
Since Little Liu was introduced to Judy a few days ago, she also realized that she had underestimated Eric's kidney function.
But she had already succumbed to him, and trying to leave was wishful thinking.
Moreover, she was already a latecomer; could she really squeeze out the seniors?
There was no choice but to further lower her bottom line.
In the lounge, the two were quickly brought under Eric's forceful control.
Stripped bare, they had no choice but to become sisters.