On the afternoon the screening ended, relevant personnel from Universal Pictures gathered in a small conference room to discuss the promotion and distribution of Shark Beach.
Perhaps it was the pleasant surprise the film brought, or perhaps it was because of Spielberg, but Universal Pictures President Akio Tanai and Vice President Lou Wasserman were also present in the conference room.
After the secretary served coffee to everyone, Lou Wasserman, at Akio Tanai's nod, presided over the meeting.
"Mike, share your thoughts. I can tell you really admire this film," Lou Wasserman began, asking selection expert Mike Harris to speak first.
Mike Harris took a sip of coffee, cleared his throat, and then said, "This is a thrilling B-movie horror film. That director, Gilbert, did a remarkable job.
Honestly, at first, I didn't believe he could make a good film.
But after seeing this movie, I'm a bit convinced. The work this young man has done is quite remarkable."
"Levitt, what's your opinion? What strategy do you think we should use to release this film?" Lou Wasserman then asked the head of the distribution department.
Levitt Gore, head of distribution, thought for a moment before answering, "Although the film is of good quality, I still recommend a conservative release strategy.
While this film is excellent, thrilling, and exciting, we can't be sure if the market will embrace it.
Besides the hype of being produced by Director Spielberg, the film also lacks appealing star actors, which makes promotion and distribution extremely difficult.
This means we'll have to invest more resources into promotion..."
None of the executives at a Hollywood major film studio were fools, and what Levitt Gore said was objective fact.
So the executives quickly reached a consensus. Lou Wasserman said to Akio Tanai, "Mr. Tanai, we'll proceed with promotion and distribution as a Class B film.
We'll arrange for film ratings, media screenings, and limited theatrical releases. How does that sound?"
As long as the film advanced to the theatrical release stage, Akio Tanai thought Spielberg should be satisfied, so he nodded in agreement.
"Very good. Film distribution is not my area of expertise. Just follow the plan you've set."
With the president's approval, the distribution strategy for Shark Beach was quickly put into motion. In a few days, critic and media screenings would be held, and limited releases were also put on the agenda.
Meanwhile, after watching the screening, Frank Marshall went back to report to Spielberg.
"The film exceeded my imagination, Steven. You really should see it yourself," Frank Marshall praised the film profusely. "For a film with only a $3.5 million investment, Gilbert did perfectly, excellently."
"Is that so?" Spielberg felt much relieved hearing this, but still asked, "Based on your feeling, what kind of performance do you think the film will achieve?"
"Hard to say," Frank Marshall thought for a moment. "But I think breaking even and even turning a profit won't be an issue. The rest depends on Universal Pictures' promotion and the market feedback."
"In that case, I'll lend a hand!" Spielberg said.
"How do you plan to help?"
"The promotion for Hook is also starting soon. It shouldn't be a problem to help promote Shark Beach when I'm on TV shows and giving newspaper interviews, right?" Spielberg asked.
"I imagine Columbia Pictures won't have any objections," Frank Marshall said.
"Good," Spielberg nodded. "You arrange it. Have the hosts mention it during the shows."
"Okay," Frank Marshall went to make the arrangements.
Hook was a film independently invested in and produced by Amblin Entertainment, but the distributor wasn't Universal Pictures; it was Sony Columbia Pictures.
From this, one could see why Universal Pictures would risk investing in and distributing Shark Beach for Spielberg: Spielberg was highly sought after in Hollywood!
After the internal screening, Gilbert's work wasn't entirely finished.
He still had to edit two trailers according to Universal Pictures' requirements. Beach scenery, sexy ladies, and terrifying sharks were all included.
At this stage, a director's work is largely declared complete.
This wasn't yet the era of developed internet media. Back then, directors mostly worked behind the scenes; the stars shining brightly were the actors.
Later, with the development of internet media and information, directors would also become more involved in public-facing work.
But for now, Gilbert was just a small fry; the media wasn't interested in him.
Even the previous media reports were just due to him piggybacking on Spielberg's name as producer. Otherwise, he would have been ignored by the media, just like Paul Collins.
Even so, he didn't have a good reputation in the media reports. Labels like "foolish," "arrogant," and "overconfident" were slapped on him, giving him a poor public image.
Because Shark Beach was solely invested in and distributed by Universal Pictures, with no third-party companies involved, Universal Pictures didn't have to share profits with other companies.
The crew's accounts had been settled, and after the distribution was confirmed, Gilbert's final directorial fee was also deposited into his account.
One hundred thousand dollars wasn't much. After taxes and paying off his college loans, there wasn't much left.
However, Gilbert still sent five thousand dollars to his aunt, Meryl Klet. His aunt's family lived in San Francisco, and his cousin, Allie Mace, was also in school, so life wasn't easy for them.
As for old Gilbert, the old man would always find a way to manage. At worst, he'd humble himself and get free meals from old flames, which wasn't hard for him.
After sending the money to his aunt Meryl Klet, she quickly called him. "Gilbert, why on earth did you send me money?"
Gilbert explained, "My director's fee was settled. After paying off my college loans, I had some left over, so I sent you a bit."
Meryl Klet refused, "No need. Our family is doing well; you don't need to send us money."
"Auntie, don't be so quick to refuse. Even if you don't need it, Allie does," Gilbert persuaded. "When she goes to college, social activities, making friends—all that costs money.
Do you want her to struggle through college like I did?"
When her daughter was mentioned, Meryl Klet no longer resisted. "Alright then, thank you, Gilbert."
"You're welcome; we're family, after all. Oh, right..." Gilbert remembered something. "My first movie is about to be released. Will you have time to come to Los Angeles for the premiere?"
"That sounds great!" Meryl Klet said happily from the other end of the phone. "I've always said you have extraordinary film talent, but your uncle never believed me.
Now, our whole family will go to Los Angeles, and your uncle can see the movie you made."
"Alright, you're always welcome in Los Angeles," Gilbert chuckled.
After a few more pleasantries, Gilbert hung up the phone and sighed.
Although his soul had no relation to this family, he was very lost when he first arrived, and it was his aunt Meryl's family who helped him through the tough times.
Even without a blood relation, people value showing gratitude, and he was no different.
He wasn't like these foreigners who lacked such tradition. Of course, he had to repay Aunt Meryl's family.
But looking at his blonde, blue-eyed self in the mirror now, who would believe him if he claimed to have a soul?