Several days later.
A filming base under Universal Pictures.
The famous "Spider-Man" officially began filming here. The press conference for the launch ceremony attracted as many as 78 media outlets from various states across the United States, eager to get the latest news firsthand.
"Boss, the number of media outlets that came is 78, which is double what we expected," Kevin Feige exclaimed.
Kyle looked at the hundreds of people in the venue and immediately nodded, "A while ago, AOL and Warner were making such a fuss, and our Page Pictures certainly got some exposure. It's not surprising that so many people came today."
"Boss, I estimate that when 'Spider-Man 2' holds its launch ceremony, the number of media outlets that will come will definitely be much more than today," Kevin Feige said with conviction.
"You're right."
Kyle completely agreed with Kevin Feige's words.
In the original timeline, "Spider-Man 1" achieved a global box office of over 800 million US dollars. Such a large IP naturally has unprecedented appeal.
"By the way, are director Sam and the actors all here?" Kyle asked again.
Upon hearing this, Kevin Feige immediately said confidently, "Of course they're all here, and they arrived early. After all, this is a Class A major commercial production from our Page Pictures, so they wouldn't dare to be negligent."
Indeed.
When Kyle walked from the venue into the backstage area, he saw the film's director Sam Raimi, the lead actor Tobey Maguire, the lead actress Kirsten Dunst, as well as Willem Dafoe who played Green Goblin, James Franco who played New Goblin, and other main actors.
"Boss!"
"Mr. Page!"
"Welcome, Mr. Page!"
As Kyle and Kevin Feige entered the backstage area, everyone there, including the director and the lead actors, immediately stood up and greeted Kyle.
After all,
They were holding the rice bowl Kyle had given them.
"Sit down, everyone, sit down, let's talk sitting down," Kyle actively played the role of a down-to-earth person.
Sigh~
This feeling of being high above, detached from the lives of the common people, was really... so satisfying!
"Director Sam, although I am the first producer of the 'Spider-Man' movie, my daily work is quite busy, and I may not be able to stay on set all the time. I hope you don't mind," Kyle said with a smile.
"I understand, I understand!"
With the words spoken to this extent, how could director Sam not understand?
In fact, Kyle was indeed very busy. For a movie like "Spider-Man," which he had seen more than once in his previous life, Kyle only needed to grasp the general direction.
After all, Kevin Feige, as the second producer, was also the logistics manager of the crew and was not to be underestimated.
"Mr. Page, hello. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to play the male lead, Peter Parker."
The first-generation Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire, expressed his gratitude to Kyle.
Kyle smiled and said, "Work hard, I believe no one is more suitable for the role of Peter Parker than you. Go for it!"
"Yes!" Tobey Maguire said loudly.
Kyle smiled and said nothing.
Thanks?
What's it worth?!
In the original timeline, Tobey Maguire's salary for "Spider-Man 1" was 4 million US dollars, and even with bonuses, it was only 8 million US dollars in total;
For "Spider-Man 2," his salary climbed to 17 million US dollars, not including box office bonuses;
However... by the time of "Spider-Man 3," he brazenly demanded a salary of 45 million US dollars from the production company!
As for thanking the production company for choosing him as Spider-Man, forget about it!
In the face of money, all thanks are superficial.
"I'm not a generous person. If I don't give it to you, you can't fleece me."
Kyle thought with a smile.
Page Pictures signed a salary contract with Tobey Maguire, with only 1.5 million US dollars for the first film, and no bonuses; for the second and third films, even if the salary increased, it would not skyrocket to 45 million US dollars.
The contract is signed, do you want to back out?
Hehe!
Even if "Spider-Man 1" becomes a hit, and you negotiate to amend the contract and increase the salary, Page Pictures will definitely maintain the upper hand.
For a three-film contract, you can choose not to sign, but then the male lead will no longer be you.
Kyle was just that cunning.
Similarly, for the main actors in the series, such as the female lead and New Goblin, Page Pictures signed multi-film contracts.
"You can forget about trying to extort me!" Kyle vowed.
Not long after... the press conference for "Spider-Man 1" began!
….
Several days later.
March 1, 1999.
Kyle stayed in his office at Golden Dawn Entertainment Group, constantly reviewing the recent reports from various subsidiaries, a slight smile playing on his lips.
It was clear that Kyle was in a good mood.
"Boss, are you happy today?" Chief Assistant Alexander asked with a smile.
"Of course."
Kyle said without hesitation, "I just read this morning's news, tsk tsk tsk~, with the launch of Microsoft's MSN chat software, ICQ hasn't been doing well recently. Look, their stock fell by more than 5.6% yesterday."
Alexander immediately took the newspaper and, after reading it, also let out a laugh.
Others might not know, but he knew about the messy affairs between his boss and ICQ!
"When I hadn't left ICQ, I told Visage not to expand blindly, but to move steadily. Now the retribution has come. Facing Microsoft's aggressive attack and market grab, the consequences of ICQ's blind expansion have appeared, which is a serious lack of liquidity. They are issuing new shares, and the market's recognition has dropped quite a bit."
Kyle happily bounced his leg.
"Oh? So you're saying ICQ is doomed to lose?" Alexander asked.
Kyle shook his head, "Not necessarily, but it's highly likely they're doomed. Of course, if my prediction is correct, ICQ might be acquired by other large capital companies soon."
Blind expansion, insufficient liquidity, coupled with Microsoft's strong sniping, ICQ would inevitably need external financial assistance to win this battle.
Who is Microsoft?
That's the famous company that "forces you to install software" at the drop of a hat. Who the hell can withstand such rogue tactics?!
"Oh, let's not talk about that. Let's talk about our 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' How much box office has it achieved so far?"
While mocking Visage, Kyle also felt a bit wistful.
After all, Kyle was once one of ICQ's major shareholders!
"Boss, as of yesterday, 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding' has accumulated 119 million US dollars in North American box office. According to the marketing department's calculations, our film will break 150 million US dollars in North American box office by mid-month, and after a long run, the final box office will likely land between 220 and 260 million US dollars," Alexander reported.
Kyle nodded, "What about overseas?"
"Currently, the film is being released overseas, mainly in the UK, France, and Germany. In the 8 days since its release, it has accumulated 19.2 million US dollars in box office."
"At the same time, our Page Pictures has also confirmed release arrangements with as many as 12 other overseas countries, including Italy, Finland, Sweden, Austria, and Spain."
Alexander reported in great detail.
Overseas distribution was currently the top priority for Page Pictures.
Kyle nodded, "Alexander, tell Mr.Bill and Victor again that in order to expand the overseas market in the early stage, we can yield a bit more of the revenue share to local overseas distributors."
"Yes, boss."
Kyle had put a lot of effort into overseas distribution channels.
If he didn't yield, why would others let his movies be released?
They were all people who wouldn't let go of the hawk until they saw the rabbit!
Generally speaking, depending on the film markets of various countries, the box office revenue ratio for the Hollywood Big Six in major European countries is 29% to 41%, generally reaching a 33% box office share.
However, Page Pictures was not as strong as the Big Six, so the box office revenue ratio for "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" overseas was 23% to 32%, which was much lower than that of the Big Six.
"The road is long and arduous!" Kyle sighed.
A few days later... Kyle, along with Page Pictures President Bill McNichols, and a working group of 15 people, arrived in London, England, by flight.
The casting for "Harry Potter" had begun!