Tuesday, July 11, 2000.
Los Angeles Grand Theater.
Today, 20th Century Fox, one of Hollywood's Big Six studios, will hold a grand premiere here for the film "X-Men," an adaptation of the well-known comic book series.
Red carpets, media reporters, comic book fans, and a grand screening—these are, of course, standard for a film premiere.
Moreover, 20th Century Fox spared no expense for the "X-Men" premiere, and it's no exaggeration to say it's poised for instant success.
"Fox really knows how to spend money!"
"Isn't that the truth? Just the venue fees, event organization, costumes, and so on, add up to no less than $1.5 million they're spending today."
"What's that?"
"Exactly! The production cost for 'X-Men' alone is as high as $75 million, and according to sources, Rupert Murdoch personally ordered a promotional budget of no less than $40 million for 'X-Men.'"
"Undoubtedly, 'X-Men' is one of the biggest investments in Hollywood comic book adaptations in recent years."
The media reporters on both sides of the red carpet were already discussing animatedly before the stars, directors, producers, and invited guests had even arrived.
After all, this was what they were there for.
"Haha, I say, guys, did you forget about Page Pictures''Spider-Man'?"
Suddenly, a reporter's words exploded among the crowd.
Page Pictures' "Spider-Man"?
Immediately, many media reporters slapped their foreheads, exclaiming that they had forgotten to mention it.
"X-Men" has a production cost of $75 million and a promotional budget of no less than $40 million.
But what about "Spider-Man"?
The production cost for "Spider-Man" is as high as $150 million, nearly $10 million more than the original timeline's version.
The promotional budget even exceeds $60 million. And if needed, Kyle is prepared to add more promotional funds.
In fact, it was understandable why the media reporters present had suddenly forgotten about "Spider-Man."
"Page Pictures has a lot of nerve."
A young reporter said, "In May and June, the promotion for Spider-Man, across television, radio, and stage plays, was massive and created a huge buzz. However... since early July, they have consciously reduced the weight of their promotions, allowing 'X-Men' to catch up."
No sooner had he finished speaking.
"Idiot!"
A middle-aged reporter next to the young reporter sneered, "You must be new to the industry. What do you know?"
"Huh?" The young reporter was stunned.
Another older reporter nearby chuckled, "Young man, it's just because you're still wearing an intern reporter badge. Look around, does anyone else think Page Pictures is wrong?"
Immediately, many reporters around them couldn't help but laugh.
Industry tacit understanding!
"X-Men" is being released more than half a month earlier than "Spider-Man." The two must stagger their promotions by a certain amount of time. This is an industry understanding among major companies.
For films not released at the same time, the film companies behind them highly value industry understanding; otherwise, it's considered a provocation, or even a declaration of war.
Both parties who break the industry's tacit understanding are bound to harm themselves while trying to harm the enemy.
"Page Pictures isn't stupid. Both 'X-Men' and'Spider-Man' are comic book adaptations from Marvel Comics. 'X-Men' being released half a month earlier means that as long as 'X-Men' achieves great success, it will be the best promotion for'Spider-Man'!" a female reporter explained with a smile.
"Uh... I see, thank you!"
The young, newly-joined intern reporter quickly thanked the female reporter for her explanation...
At the same time.
The groups of movie fans lingering near the red carpet were also bustling with excitement.
"This is great!"
"The Mutant series comics are my absolute favorite, and now they're finally coming to the big screen."
"That's right, first 'Blade' made a splash, now it's 'X-Men,' and soon'Spider-Man' will be released. Ho ho ho... just thinking about seeing those superheroes on the big screen makes me so excited."
Although Marvel Comics has shown signs of decline in recent years, you have to admit that the comics produced by Marvel have been a part of many American citizens' childhoods. To see their favorite comic characters appear one by one on the big screen is indeed a nostalgic and eagerly anticipated event for them.
The premiere of "X-Men" was held in Los Angeles on the West Coast, but there were still many people from distant states like Florida, Virginia, and Maine who traveled specifically to witness it
... "Welcome, Director Spielberg!"
..."Welcome, Director James Cameron!"
..."Welcome, Mr. Tom Hanks!"
Hollywood's various stars, directors, producers, film company owners, and other figures walked the red carpet one after another.
Kyle, as a rising media mogul and entertainment magnate in Hollywood, was naturally among the invited guests.
Kevin Feige, Vice President of Page Pictures;
Sam Raimi, director of "Spider-Man";
The two of them walked the red carpet with Kyle.
"Kevin, you must be very familiar with Lauren Shuler, the producer of 'X-Men,' right?" Kyle asked with a smile.
"Yes!"
Kevin Feige nodded, "Before I even graduated from college, I worked as Ms. Shuler's assistant for over four years. If you hadn't entrusted a headhunting firm to bring me to Page Pictures, I probably would either be at Marvel now or still working with Ms. Shuler."
Lauren Shuler, also known as Lauren Shuler Donner, is one of the leading female producers in Hollywood.
The "X-Men" series, "Wolverine" series, and "Deadpool" series were all planned and created by Lauren Shuler.
In fact, her presence can be seen in all 12 mutant series films produced by 20th Century Fox up until 2020.
She, Lauren Shuler, is absolutely one of the biggest driving forces behind the widespread success and global popularity of Marvel's superhero films.
"She's amazing!" Kyle exclaimed.
"She is amazing; she's one of the most powerful female producers," Kevin Feige said.
At this moment, director Sam Raimi, who was beside them, interjected, "Mr. Page, have you never thought about poaching her for your company?"
Poaching her?
Kyle shook his head.
It's not that he hadn't thought about it.
In fact, Kyle had even tried, but she resolutely refused, and multiple times at that.