February 21st.
On Valentine's Day, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" grossed $17.5 million at the box office. The next day (February 15th), thanks to the media power of America Online and Jinshuguang Entertainment Group, the film once again raked in $18.2 million.
It once again claimed the number one spot on the North American box office chart for the day.
However, on the same day, Warner Bros.' film "Message in a Bottle" only grossed $7.1 million, a drop of over 51%.
Just this alone, America Online's power in the emerging media field shocked countless people. At the same time, it also made many realize the infinite possibilities of internet media in the future.
On February 16th, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" grossed $12.37 million in North America.
On February 17th, it continued to gross $10.06 million.
On February 18th, it grossed $8.1 million.
As of the morning of February 21st, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which had been in theaters for a week, had accumulated over $91 million at the North American box office.
With seven consecutive days at number one on the daily box office charts, number one on the opening weekend box office charts, and number one on the full-week box office charts, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" became a sensation across America, adorned with numerous accolades.
Both critical acclaim and box office success soared!
"California Entertainment News" published an article stating: "The Greek customs in the film are vastly different from what is typically seen in mainstream American films. The genuine and warm family atmosphere, lighthearted and humorous dialogue, and clever interpretation of cultural clashes are truly touching."
"Los Angeles Entertainment News" published an article stating: "The film cleverly uses Greek family values to create humor, blending romance, comedy, and an exploration of culture and identity into a rich and meaningful whole that is both deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny."
"California Entertainment News" and "Los Angeles Entertainment News" were the first media outlets to publish articles.
As Page Pictures' most loyal partners, their articles were, to say the least, extremely flattering and full of praise.
Although they were not well-regarded by mainstream media,
and were even despised for their unscrupulous and unprincipled behavior, many moviegoers and casual observers surprisingly enjoyed their sycophantic style.
"They really are shameless~"
"But why do I enjoy reading their praise?"
This was the impression many readers had of "California Entertainment News" and "Los Angeles Entertainment News."
As for being shameless?
Hehe!
The presidents of both media outlets would surely smile slightly, then happily watch their continuously rising performance reports.
"Shameless is shameless, so what? Why not make money when you can? Since cooperating with Page Pictures, the performance of our two media outlets has been continuously climbing. As for the sarcastic remarks from outside, that's entirely due to their jealousy."
What do you think other media outlets should do?
Since audiences enjoyed flattery, for the sake of their own performance, they could only accept money and praise against their better judgment.
The continuously rising box office, high-scoring word-of-mouth, and sustained media coverage kept the popularity of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" at a very high level... In the afternoon.
Kyle met with the two directors of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
Zack Snyder, Joel Zwick..
"Hi, Zack. Because of our publicity, you've been attacked by many media outlets under Warner Bros., and you're embroiled in negative news. I hope it won't cause you any trouble," Kyle said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Zack Snyder waved his hand and laughed, "It's no big deal. Anyway, I got a lot of attention for it."
Kyle nodded.
Just as they had discussed before, Zack's mindset was as steady as an old dog.
"Joel, for 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding,' you served as the second director, but in the operational phase, you were effectively the first director, sacrificing the credit you deserved. I think I owe you an apology."
Kyle suddenly stood up, looking sincerely at Joel Zwick, the bespectacled old man in a black baseball cap.
"Oh, no, no... If Mr. Page hadn't given me this opportunity, I wouldn't have been able to take on such an excellent film."
Director Joel Zwick also quickly got up from the sofa and said repeatedly.
Joel Zwick was an older director, who had directed TV series for many years and rarely ventured into films. Even though he had directed numerous TV series, for various reasons, he was still considered a mid-to-lower-tier director in Hollywood, with little fame.
However, he was extremely good at romantic comedies.
At the same time, he was born in Greece and lived there for over twenty years, making him the most suitable director for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
But!
Although "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" had a production cost of only $5 million, making it a low-budget film, Kyle had high hopes for it. Therefore, he decided that the film's first director would be the more famous Zack Snyder. Of course, Zack was just a nominal director. In reality, the entire film, from its initial preparation to its completion, was handled by Joel Zwick.
Joel Zwick was the de facto director of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."
Now that the film was a success, Zack was enjoying the credit for directing.
Do you think Joel Zwick could be without his own thoughts?
Everyone desires fame and fortune!
"Director Joel Zwick, please accept my apology, otherwise I will definitely not be able to sleep or eat tonight. But, I also ask you to rest assured."
Kyle said earnestly, "The honor that is yours will definitely be yours. I have already arranged it. Starting next Wednesday, the media under my command will vindicate you, proving that you are the de facto director of 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'!"
"Thank you!"
Joel Zwick responded.
At this moment, Director Joel Zwick was somewhat excited.
After all, there were countless directors like him, who were in the mid-to-lower tier of Hollywood and remained obscure despite working hard for half their lives. Now, Kyle had given him a chance to become famous, so how could he not be excited?
"Oh, by the way."
Suddenly, Kyle added, "Director Joel, starting at the end of this month, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' will be released in the UK, France, and Germany. At that time, I'll have to trouble you to lead the team for overseas promotions."
Overseas release?
Trouble me to go?
Immediately, Joel Zwick became even more excited.
How was this trouble!
This was clearly Kyle giving him a chance to become famous; only a fool would refuse.
Director Zack, who was standing nearby, also nodded with extreme satisfaction.
It has to be said that Kyle's control over people's hearts had evolved to an extremely high level... At 8 PM that night.
Kyle received a call from Steve Case, the chairman of America Online.
"Mr. Page, you really must thank me for this matter. Without America Online's participation, your company's new film would never have easily defeated Warner's film," Steve Case said over the phone.
"Thank you, that's enough, isn't it?"
Kyle's lips curved into a slight smile, "You called, it's just to confirm again. Don't worry! My integrity, Kyle Page's integrity, is well-known."
"Then I'm relieved."
Soon, the two ended their conversation.
Why did America Online strongly support Kyle?
In fact, it was a transaction!
America Online strongly supported Kyle, competing with Time Warner in the media field, flexing their muscles and showing the world their power in the media domain.
Secondly, Kyle's persuasion of Steve Case also came at a cost.
And this cost was not small!