February 21st.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding was unstoppable!
After making $17.5 million on Valentine's Day, it didn't slow down. The very next day, thanks to all the help from AOL and Zane's TV networks, it made another$18.2 million!
It was the Number 1 movie in America again!
On that same day, the Warner Bros. movie, Message in a Bottle, only made $7.1 million. That was a huge drop. It showed everyone just how powerful the new internet media (AOL) really was. The future had arrived!
Zane's movie kept winning all week:
February 16th: $12.37 million
February 17th: $10.06 million
February 18th: $8.1 million
By the morning of February 21st, the movie had been out for one week. In just that short time, it had made over $91 million!
It was the champion for seven days in a row. Everyone in America was talking about it.
The newspapers loved it, too.
California Entertainment wrote: "This movie is so fresh! The family feels real and warm, and the jokes are funny. It really touches your heart."
Los Angeles Entertainment News wrote: "It mixes love and comedy perfectly. It's a touching story full of laughter!"
Now, everyone knew these newspapers were Zane's biggest fans. Some people even teased them for being too nice to Zane.
"They have no shame," some people laughed. "They just praise whatever Zane does!"
But the newspaper bosses didn't care. They were making lots of money because everyone wanted to read about the hit movie. And other newspapers, seeing how popular the movie was, started writing nice things, too.
The movie was super popular, the reviews were great, and the ticket sales were skyrocketing.
That Afternoon...
Zane held a meeting with the two directors involved with the movie: Zack Snyder and Joel Zwick.
"Zack," Zane said with a kind smile, "because of our war with Warner Bros., the media said some mean things about you. I hope it didn't cause you too much trouble."
Zack waved his hand. "It's not a problem at all, Zane. Actually, it just made me more famous!"
Zane nodded. He knew Zack was tough.
Then, Zane turned to the other man, Joel Zwick. He was a man with glasses and a black baseball cap.
"Joel," Zane said, standing up to look him in the eye. "I need to apologize to you."
Joel looked surprised. "Oh, no, please don't!"
Here was the secret: Joel Zwick was the real director of the movie. He was a veteran TV director who had lived in Greece, so he was perfect for the job.
But, because the movie budget was small, Zane had needed a "famous name" to help sell tickets. So, they had put Zack Snyder's name as the lead director, even though Joel did the work.
It was a business decision, but Zane knew it was hard for Joel to see someone else get the credit.
"Director Zwick," Zane said sincerely, "I feel bad that you sacrificed the credit you deserved. If I don't apologize, I won't sleep well tonight."
"But don't worry," Zane added, his voice warm and promising. "The honor that belongs to you will be yours. I've already made a plan. Next Wednesday, all my newspapers will tell the true story. Everyone will know you were the real director!"
"Thank you!" Joel said. He looked very moved. He had worked in Hollywood for a long time without getting famous. Now, Zane was giving him his big break.
"Oh, one more thing," Zane said with a grin. "Director Zwick, starting at the end of the month, the movie is going to be released in England, France, and Germany. I need you to lead the team for the overseas tour."
An overseas tour? Needing him?
Joel was thrilled! This wasn't a chore; it was a victory lap! It was another chance for him to be recognized.
"I'll do it!" Joel said happily.
Zack Snyder nodded, too. He was happy for his colleague. Zane really knew how to treat people right.
At 8:00 PM that evening...
Zane got a phone call. It was Steve Case, the big boss of AOL.
"Mr. Blackwood," Steve Case said, "you really have to thank me. Without AOL helping you, your movie never would have beaten Warner Bros. so easily."
"Thank you, of course," Zane replied with a polite smile. "You're calling to confirm our deal, aren't you? Don't worry. You know I always keep my promises."
"That puts my mind at ease," Steve said.
Why did AOL help Zane? It was a trade.
AOL wanted to show off its power and beat its rival, Time Warner.
Zane had promised to pay a "significant price" for their help.
Zane was a man of his word. He knew that keeping promises was the key to good business.
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