@Variety • 11:15 AM - Jul 23, 2023
Owen Ashford surprises audiences with a new vlog on his channel. Far removed from his usual short films, trailers, or vlogs from prestigious film festivals, this footage offers a simple and intimate journey to the #Oppenheimer premiere in New York alongside Jenna Ortega. Breaking viewership records in record time, it becomes yet another gem on a channel that, despite having fewer than fifteen videos in total, has already amassed a massive audience and hundreds of millions of views. 📈💥 #Barbenheimer
Read the full analysis on how this video is rewriting film promotion here: variety.com/2023/digital/o...
💬 Comments:
@matthignk7:
It's incredible what Owen manages to do. A channel with fewer than 15 videos, and every single one pulls numbers that would make television networks and established brands cry. The guy shows up whenever he wants, uploads whatever he wants, and destroys the algorithm.
@pixEdtis1:
The vlog nobody asked for but everyone needed! The chemistry of the first Hollywood couple I actually believe in!
@thethumgfinger:
[Attached image: A cropped screenshot taken from a mobile phone, tightly focused on the YouTube video's statistics bar, where it clearly read: 50,321,583 views]
Over fifty million views in a single weekend 💀💀
@thailB_NC:
It's pretty incredible, and honestly a little funny, to see major media outlets dedicating entire articles and analyses to a simple twelve-minute casual vlog.
@LBSGh:
Everything Owen does is a success. Can't wait for Black Mirror!
@maryTHS:
I'm sure this video helped boost Oppenheimer's box office. At least a little, which probably still means a few extra million dollars.
@Rex1669 (replying to @maryTHS):
I agree. Watching their reactions to the movie probably convinced a lot of Gen Z teenagers to buy tickets for a historical film.
...
@PopCrave • 1:05 PM - Jul 23, 2023
The internet is obsessed with this moment from Owen Ashford's new vlog. From the laughter and undeniable chemistry with Jenna Ortega in the backseat of the car, to the moment they step onto the red carpet and walk over to sign autographs for fans behind the barricades. A perspective we've never seen before through the eyes of a star. 🖤🥹 #Oppenheimer
🎬 CLIP:
The shot showed Owen filming himself with his phone. Dressed in an immaculate formal suit, he was sitting in the backseat of a car.
Owen: We're less than five minutes away from the theater.
He smoothly turns the camera toward his side, framing Jenna. She's wearing an elegant dress and shifts closer to him.
Owen: Nervous? We're about to run into some pretty recognizable names like Cillian Murphy, Florence Pugh, Matt Damon...
Jenna (glancing at the camera with a restrained smile): Yeah, a little. Though I'm mentally preparing myself for all the photographers' flashes.
Owen (turning the lens back toward himself with a slight grin): Yeah, that part always lasts way too long.
He looks directly into the camera as if sharing a secret with the audience.
Owen: You guys usually only see the finished photos or a few-second clips from red carpets, but it actually takes quite a while. Long minutes where dozens of photographers are all shouting at you at the same time, telling you to look their way, smile, or turn ten degrees, while you're being blinded by a constant barrage of flashes. But hey, this isn't our premiere today, so hopefully we'll fly under the radar a little more...
Jenna (letting out a light laugh): Hopefully. What about you? Aren't you nervous?
Owen (shaking his head, keeping a completely unbothered expression): I ran into Scorsese face-to-face in a bathroom at Cannes. After that, I can handle anything.
Jenna (off-camera): I remember that very well. Especially when you said "metacinematic discussion" to Scorsese.
Owen makes a slight grimace at Jenna's teasing tone as she recalls the moment.
Owen: Are you still on that? It's been months since Cannes. It stopped being funny a long time ago.
Jenna (laughing): Not for me. It's rare to see you nervous, so I'm going to keep using it. Who knows? If we run into Nolan, maybe you'll come up with another comment like that.
Owen decides to ignore her and points the camera toward the window.
Owen: You can't really see much through the tinted glass, but there are already a lot of people waiting behind the barricades.
The car slows more and more as it approaches. Through the tinted windows, a large crowd could be seen, and the noise from outside began filtering into the vehicle.
Owen (pointing the camera at Jenna): Do you think anyone will recognize us?
Jenna (shaking her head): I don't think so. I mean, they came here expecting to see the Oppenheimer cast, not us.
Owen (nodding): Fair point.
Jenna (with a small smile): Disappointed?
Owen (with obvious sarcasm): Yeah. My ego is never going to recover from this.
Jenna laughs, and the car finally comes to a stop in front of the theater. The recording continues.
Owen opens the car door and, with a gentlemanly gesture, extends his free hand toward Jenna to help her out.
To both of their surprise, the moment their feet touch the ground, a large portion of the crowd behind the barricades starts shouting their names.
The clip continues, showing them making their way toward the fans. The line of people is packed with signs, markers ready for autographs, and phones ready for photos.
Owen records the entire scene on his own phone while naturally interacting with people. With a playful and genuinely curious tone, he takes the opportunity to ask fans why they wanted his autograph so badly, joking about how nobody had known they would be attending and that, technically speaking, the crowd was there primarily to welcome the cast of Oppenheimer.
Meanwhile, Jenna signs items quickly and with a smile, clearly not expecting such a warm reception at this premiere.
Finally, the clip cuts off just before the official red carpet begins.
💬 Comments:
@jenna_updates:
"Do you think anyone will recognize us?" OWEN, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. You are literally the two biggest young stars in Hollywood right now. Your movie is getting closer and closer to $300 million!
@ortegabf:
The way Jenna relentlessly teases him, and you can tell Owen's pride is still wounded over it 😂. They're so real. I genuinely love them.
@popculture_hub:
Jenna's dress??? My God, she looks stunning. And Owen opening the door for her... well, I just fell in love with both of them
@nicoleSjar:
The POV from Owen's phone makes everything feel so much more intimate. We've never seen a red carpet arrival through the eyes of the star themselves before. It's amazing to see how approachable he is with fans.
@Stan_nff:
I show up at 1:03! I went there for Cillian Murphy and RDJ and ended up chatting with Owen and taking a selfie with him. Genuinely a great guy. Totally worth it.
@Aimy99:
Can we officially declare Jenna and Owen the new ultimate Hollywood IT Couple already, or do Tom Holland and Zendaya still hold the crown?
@foxa-t5 (replying to @Aimy99):
I'd say yes. Owen's vlogs have ten times the impact. They don't feel like that typical overly managed Hollywood couple controlled by managers and PR departments.
@megantuv32 (replying to @foxa-t5):
Tom and Zendaya have been together for years, they're solid. Let's see if Owen and Jenna last... But I have to admit, Jenna and Owen (or Owenna?) feel much easier to connect with because of Owen's vlogs.
@ortegabf (replying to @megantuv32):
Totally agree, but can everyone please settle on the ship name already? Is it Jowen or Owenna?
...
@FilmUpdates • 3:12 PM - Jul 23, 2023
The context everyone was waiting for. Owen Ashford's new vlog reveals how his encounter with Robert Downey Jr. in the lobby of the #Oppenheimer premiere led to the iconic photo they posted a few days ago, which has already accumulated millions of likes.
🎬 CLIP:
At the start of the video, Owen appeared inside an elegant private lounge.
Owen (gesturing with his hands while explaining): For those who don't know, after the red carpet you don't immediately head into the theater to watch the movie. There's a... let's call it a pre-show, a socializing period that usually lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes.
Owen quickly explained, almost the same way Matt explains movie-related things, that the lobby featured a welcome cocktail reception, open bars, and gourmet food.
Owen: So, in theory, we should be networking right now, but instead we're sitting in a corner like two antisocial weirdos. Mostly because I have to be careful filming. We don't want to accidentally leak a conversation and get sued or something.
Owen turned his head as if he was about to say something else, but then looked back at the camera.
Owen: You're shaking. Keep that camera steady, Jen.
Jenna (letting out a mildly offended huff from behind the camera): Don't be so picky. It looks fine.
Owen (playfully): You became skilled in fencing, cello, and archery for Wednesday, and you're telling me you can't hold an iPhone camera steady? Impressive.
Jenna didn't answer. Instead, she took a few steps forward, still holding the camera, seemingly intending to kick him.
Owen (laughing quietly while moving out of range): Hey, easy there. We don't want you falling over in those heels.
Right in the middle of their exchange, a voice suddenly came from nearby.
Unknown Voice: Hi. Am I interrupting something?
Jenna turned, dragging the camera with her. The image shifted toward the source of the voice while Owen, still inside the frame, also turned his head.
And then Robert Downey Jr. appeared.
He was wearing an elegant dark navy-blue suit. As usual, he sported a pair of black-framed glasses.
A faint amused smile rested on his lips, as though he had just stumbled upon a far more entertaining scene than expected.
For a moment, he observed both of them with curious interest.
Robert: Because if I just walked into the middle of an argument, I can come back in a few minutes. I don't want to become an involved third party.
Jenna didn't respond. She continued holding the camera, clearly caught off guard and unsure how to react.
Instead, Owen smiled calmly.
Owen: No, no. Not at all.
Owen stepped forward and extended his hand.
Owen: It's a pleasure to meet you. Congratulations on the movie. Though I'm reserving my final verdict until I've seen it myself.
Robert (accepting the handshake and chuckling softly): Thank you, although that last part worries me.
His tone was clearly joking, but there was a slight hint of sincerity behind the words.
After all, Owen wasn't just another actor attending the premiere.
He was the screenwriter of Good Will Hunting, a film that had left Cannes with two major awards, as well as the creator of Paperman, the short film that had gone on to win the Academy Award. His opinion on a movie carried significant weight.
Owen: Considering the cast and the fact that it's a Nolan film, I doubt I'll be disappointed.
Robert smiled slightly, and then his attention shifted toward Jenna. He noticed the phone pointed at both of them.
One eyebrow immediately arched upward.
Jenna was about to lower the camera, but Owen spoke first.
Owen: We're filming a vlog for my channel. Do you mind? We can cut this part of the conversation if you'd prefer.
Far from shaking his head, Robert broke into a wide smile.
Robert (with genuine enthusiasm): A vlog for Second Take Films? Not at all, man. If anything, now I'm getting nervous knowing that millions of people will probably see this.
The response caught Owen completely off guard. It showed on his face. He glanced at the camera, then back at Robert.
Owen: You know my channel?
Robert looked at him as if he had just asked the most ridiculous question imaginable.
Robert: Know it? Of course I do! I don't live under a rock. I watched the entire Cannes vlog. My favorite part was when you were in the bathroom with your friends and then Scorsese suddenly showed up.
Owen couldn't help but laugh.
By that point, the clip had become extremely popular. Not only on his main social media accounts, but also through countless reposts, compilations, and film-focused pages that had shared it over and over again.
Owen: It was great and surreal.
Robert: It was absolute cinema.
Owen: Yeah. If you want, you can say something to the audience.
Robert adjusted his jacket slightly and turned toward the camera with the ease of someone who had spent decades in front of them.
Robert: Hello to all of Owen Ashford's subscribers. It's an honor to appear on this channel. And please, go watch Oppenheimer. I promise it won't disappoint you.
He finished his improvised message and looked back at Owen, as if awaiting a formal evaluation.
Owen studied him for a second before nodding with a faint smile.
Owen: Reserved, professional, and taking the opportunity to advertise to millions of people. Well done.
But the clip, and Robert's appearance, didn't end there.
Robert remembered Owen's review of Iron Man 3, which had caused quite a stir at the time.
Owen's review had taken place during the promotional tour for The Spectacular Now.
It hadn't been a gratuitous attack. He had presented fairly reasonable arguments about the screenplay, the third act, and certain narrative decisions.
That, however, hadn't stopped a considerable portion of the Marvel fandom from reacting as if he had declared war on the franchise.
Twitter had been especially entertaining during those days.
So entertaining, in fact, that Owen had decided to send Matt, Eric, and Tyler to argue with half the internet on his behalf while he stayed busy elsewhere.
In that same review, Owen had also pointed out that Jenna had appeared in the film as a child and yet her name hadn't even been properly listed in the credits.
Robert remembered that part and apologized to her right then and there.
Owen was slightly surprised. He wasn't sure whether Robert was doing it to improve his public image because a camera was recording, but the apology sounded sincere.
Then again, he was a great actor. Still, he didn't try to justify anything, just a straightforward apology and nothing more.
After that, the discussion continued.
It was friendly and civil, but intense.
Robert turned out to be exactly the kind of person many fans imagined him to be.
He wasn't simply an actor who had played Tony Stark for years.
He genuinely liked the genre and his character. He knew his stuff.
Maybe not a complete expert like some hardcore geeks, but certainly not the type of actor who plays a superhero while knowing absolutely nothing about the source material.
Much of that conversation appeared in the vlog sped up to 2x speed and accompanied by music.
Every now and then, Jenna would even turn the camera on herself with an incredulous expression, as though she wanted to ask the audience:
"Are they seriously having this argument here?"
💬 Comments:
@markvenz:
Robert Downey Jr.: appears out of nowhere.
Owen: "I'm still reserving my verdict."
This man's confidence needs to be studied.
@gimmicks:
Owen and Jenna at Hollywood events:
❌ Socializing
❌ Networking
✅ Annoying each other for twenty minutes until one of the premiere's stars shows up and starts networking on his own initiative.
@Tysom111:
"You know my channel?"
Brother, you have millions of subscribers.
@Sammael_morn:
1. Owen explaining how premieres work.
2. Jenna's shaky camerawork.
3. Owen criticizing her ability to hold a phone.
4. Jenna trying to kick him.
5. Robert Downey Jr. appearing out of nowhere.
What kind of sequence is that?
@Aimuks:
I need more premiere vlogs!
@alex12O (replying to @Aimuks):
Absolutely! Imagine if Matt, Tyler, and the rest of the guys had gone too, it would've been even more entertaining!
@bruceesit:
I love that Owen doesn't change at all when he realizes he's talking to Robert Downey Jr.
@Ghmarvel_666:
I want the entire Iron Man 3 discussion without the music and without the 2x speed!
@LiamnestLS:
I need to know who won the argument xD
@PatrickMS:
Christopher Nolan bringing together some of the most important people in modern cinema at one of the biggest premieres in recent memory.
Meanwhile, Owen and Robert are standing in a corner debating Iron Man 3 lmao
...
The vlog ended up becoming an even bigger success than Owen had anticipated.
With the release of Oppenheimer, numerous articles and publications began analyzing the phenomenon. More than a few pointed out that Owen's viral video had helped boost the film's box office performance even further.
The explanation wasn't particularly complicated.
Oppenheimer's core audience didn't necessarily overlap with a large portion of Owen's fanbase.
Owen had many young followers, especially among Generation Z, many of whom probably wouldn't have been particularly interested in a biographical film about the father of the atomic bomb.
And in the vlog, after watching the movie, Owen gave it a very positive review.
He described it as absolute cinema, praised the cast and direction, and even went as far as saying it would be one of the major contenders during the upcoming awards season.
What made it amusing was that, indirectly, he was promoting one of Good Will Hunting's main competitors at the Oscars.
But Owen wasn't the type to be jealous, and he knew how to recognize a great film when he saw one.
Naturally, all that exposure ended up benefiting him as well.
Beyond the money the vlog would generate once YouTube processed the following month's ad revenue, the growth across his social media platforms was enormous.
In just two and a half days, his numbers skyrocketed.
On YouTube, Second Take Films gained more than 1.4 million new subscribers.
The surge allowed the channel to break through the ten-million-subscriber milestone and move closer to eleven and a half million.
Instagram was even more explosive.
Between the travel photos, the premiere pictures, the posts with Jenna, the viral clips featuring Robert Downey Jr., and the massive media coverage, the account gained more than two million followers in a matter of days.
It was now approaching twenty million.
Twitter wasn't far behind.
The platform that was usually dominated by film discussions, controversial opinions, and the occasional feud with particularly sensitive fandoms jumped from 7.2 million followers to more than 8 million.
And this was after only two and a half days.
The growth would undoubtedly continue, even if not at the same explosive pace as those first days. Even so, the momentum remained substantial.
Without question, the vlog had been a resounding success and further cemented Owen's brand.
-------------------------------------------------
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Link: https://[email protected]/Nathe07