[Chapter 150: Acquisition Target, The Shallows Opens]
After Michael Bay and Ryan left excitedly, Robert asked somewhat incredulously, "Boss, are you really going to hand over the directing of The Rock and Happy Death Day to them?"
"Don't underestimate those two. After the experience of Speed, they've both gained the capability to be qualified directors. But whether they're really suitable or not will depend on their performance," Linton replied.
"Yes, yes, please personally evaluate them when the time comes."
"No rush. For now, have the screenwriting department polish the scripts."
"Alright, boss. Do you have time now?"
"What's up? Tell me."
"I'd like to report on the distribution channels." Robert handed over a thick dossier.
"Oh, you already have acquisition targets?"
"Currently, there are two companies to consider. The first is Hank Films, located in Burbank, established in 1985. They originally focused on film production and distribution. Later, to avoid risks, they specialized in low-budget and independent film distribution.
Another key business is acquiring inexpensive indie film rights from overseas and distributing them in North America. Their distribution channels are quite well established, but their performance is average, with annual revenue of only about $2 to $3 million, and minimal profits."
"What about the other company?"
"Banana Pictures, based in New York, established in 1983. They rely mainly on East Coast art school resources, producing one or two independent films yearly.
Their main business is distributing indie films, releasing five or six per year. Their channels focus on art house cinemas. Their performance is also average, with annual revenue around $4 to $5 million."
"Banana Pictures in New York, only doing indie films -- not suitable. Hank Films barely meets the criteria, but will they sell?"
"Not sure, we'll know after reaching out. But judging by their current performance, if the price is right, shareholders are likely to sell."
"Alright, put them on the list as potential targets and have someone conduct a detailed investigation."
"Actually, there's another option worth considering."
"What option?"
"Miramax Films. They just announced their shutdown yesterday and are looking for buyers. Although Miramax suffered huge losses from a fire that caused their financial crisis, their distribution channels remain intact -- exactly what we need."
Thinking it over carefully, Miramax really fits. After years of management by the Weinstein brothers, especially benefiting from the three films purchased in '88 that won Oscars in '90, their distribution channels cover almost all mainstream and art house theaters in North America.
Their film rights are valuable too, adding substantial depth to our company's portfolio. Production capacity doesn't matter much; it can be merged into the production department. And the financial disruption isn't a big deal for them.
"Good. Represent us in the acquisition. First, hire a professional agency to understand their true situation, including assets, liabilities, and distribution channels, and to evaluate the purchase price."
"Okay, I'm on it." Robert left happily.
---
Next, Linton spent an afternoon editing two promos for Speed. Thinking of Nicole Kidman, the alluring elf waiting at the hotel, he decided to take two days off to fully relax.
The next two days were wild, with nonstop passion, moans, and thrills filling their hotel room.
For two whole days, they never left the room. Aside from meals, it was pure ecstasy -- truly the pinnacle of experience -- and Linton's Starlight Spark advanced slightly.
Nicole benefited greatly too, appearing significantly younger. Her glowing fair skin looked even more radiant, and her entire presence exuded mesmerizing allure, shining brilliantly.
---
After three days, refreshed and vibrant, Linton returned to the company.
The Shallows was less than ten days from release, with its marketing campaign in full swing.
Following Universal's arrangement, Linton, Zack, and Cameron appeared on MCA Television's talk show to promote The Shallows.
When asked what inspired the story, Linton smiled, "When I was a kid, I was deeply moved by Spielberg's Jaws. Recently, while surfing on vacation, I thought: what if a single woman surfing at the beach is attacked by a shark? That story would be thrilling. Expanding on that idea led to The Shallows."
It was a clever nod to Spielberg and Jaws to grab some buzz.
"I heard you even made a cameo?" the host continued.
"Yes, such a great story, I had to contribute. I play myself in a surfing scene. I think everyone will like it."
The studio's large screen immediately showed Linton surfing, stirring cheers and applause from the audience.
...
At the show's end, Linton performed the song Sold Out live, with its energetic melody and determined spirit perfectly expressed. The performance received enthusiastic cheers, boosting the song's exposure.
Following Daniel's eager anticipation, a week-long chart-promotion campaign for Sold Out began.
Although Sold Out was explosive and high-quality, its Billboard performance lagged behind I Swear and Taste the Feeling.
Despite debuting at number one on Billboard's singles chart, Linton's absence from promotion meant Sold Out only held the top spot for two weeks before Mariah Carey's Dreamlover took over, with Sold Out lingering in second place for the next three weeks.
Still, sales were impressive: 7.2 million in North America and 8.4 million overseas, totaling 15.6 million copies in five weeks.
Due to time constraints, Linton chose to focus on the seven strongest markets, starting in New York, followed by Chicago, San Francisco, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and finally Los Angeles.
The promotion involved visiting the top 3-4 radio stations in each city for interviews and listener interaction, boosting Billboard scores to try reclaiming the number one spot and increase sales.
He also gave interviews to major local media, always ending with a plug for The Shallows and revealing his cameo, gaining extra exposure for the film.
The strategy worked: Sold Out reclaimed number one on this week's Billboard chart, with sales rising -- an impressive feat for a six-week-old single.
---
Since The Shallows' investment was small and star Cameron lacked fame, there was no premiere event. The film opened widely on April 16.
Universal was confident, spending $6 million on marketing, advertising everywhere -- from bus stops and malls to theaters, magazines, and across their global TV networks.
Though lacking big-name stars, Linton's role as screenwriter and co-producer added buzz, and Cameron's dedicated promotion helped create solid momentum.
April was usually a slow month for North American box office, often under $60 million weekly -- less than a third of summer blockbusters. Hit movies generally avoided this period.
Competing films like Indecent Proposal, Fit to Kill, and Dominoes showed no signs of box office success. With theater owners optimistic about The Shallows, Universal secured 2,800 theaters and 5,800 screens for opening, including 2,000 theaters and 4,200 screens for midnight showings.
The soundtrack CD was already on shelves nationwide, with promotional posters displayed prominently.
Universal's merchandise shops stocked shark models, but due to lack of confidence, supply was limited. If sales boomed, restocking would be swift.
Cameron temporarily ended pre-release promotions and settled into Linton's estate.
At midnight screenings, instead of attending theaters, they stayed at the estate awaiting news.
*****
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