As a seasoned and professional public relations expert in Hollywood, Carter Hodgson had an excellent reputation, specializing in high-paying, challenging jobs within the industry. This time in New York, he was entrusted by "The Scorpion King" crew to contact Rex Reed, a columnist and film critic for "The New York Observer."
This professional film critic was not only famous in the film criticism world but also throughout the entire North American film industry, known for his harsh words and shamelessness. In the media, he even had the reputation of being "the ultimate idiot."
In today's society, such people can become famous film critics. Carter Hodgson didn't know what to say. Based on his many years of experience dealing with the media, he could only say that the media industry was an exceptionally bizarre one.
Between a normal person and a lunatic, the latter would certainly find it easier to make a name for themselves in the media industry.
Taking a taxi, Carter Hodgson arrived at a coffee shop near "The New York Observer" and waited patiently.
Just as lunchtime arrived, Rex Reed, with his graying hair and glasses, entered the coffee shop, asked a question to the waiter, and quickly found Carter Hodgson's booth.
"Hello, Rex." Carter Hodgson stood up and greeted him familiarly, clearly knowing Rex Reed. "Please, have a seat."
Rex Reed glanced at him with a somewhat strange look, sat across from him, and asked, "Why are you in New York?"
Carter Hodgson said directly, "I've brought you a big business deal."
"What?" Rex Reed immediately said, "Does someone want to use my column again? Carter, I'm telling you, it won't be as easy as the last few times. My film review column needs to maintain a consistent stance with 'The New York Observer,' otherwise the editor-in-chief will definitely reject my manuscript!"
Carter Hodgson shook his head, "Not your film review column!" Then he added, "This time, the object of the transaction is you!"
Rex Reed said with an air of importance, "I don't sell myself!"
"Just hear me out..." Carter Hodgson didn't take Rex Reed's words seriously at all. "Universal Pictures wants you to participate in an interview program on NBC and criticize their upcoming film, 'The Scorpion King.'"
"Why?" Rex Reed didn't understand. "Universal Pictures attacking a film they produced? Aren't Universal Pictures and NBC part of the same company?"
Anyone who knew a little about Hollywood knew that Universal Pictures and NBC both belonged to the NBCUniversal group.
Carter Hodgson leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, "This is part of Universal Pictures' publicity plan for 'The Scorpion King.'"
His tone became mysterious, and his voice grew softer and softer.
However, Rex Reed listened very carefully, because a deal with Universal Pictures was certainly a big one.
As he listened, he suddenly said, "That's impossible!"
"Why is it impossible?" Carter Hodgson spread his hands and said, "Universal Pictures is offering you $300,000! Think about it, Rex, how many film reviews would you have to write to earn that kind of money?"
He reminded him, "Don't forget, you'll be participating in a very high-rated interview program on NBC. This itself will bring influence, making more people know and recognize you. It's all just hype! In this day and age, without enough hype, without enough eye-catching events, can you really become more famous?"
Rex Reed instantly fell silent.
Carter Hodgson added, "These comments aren't any crazier than what you've said in your past film reviews, even more..." He coughed, "You've done it before."
Rex Reed remained silent, and Carter Hodgson gradually felt more confident, beginning to leverage his expertise as a PR specialist to persuade him.
The publicity campaign for "The Scorpion King" continued relentlessly, and Matthew also became extremely busy, flying between major cities in North America.
He attended various promotional events, often in Seattle today and Phoenix tomorrow. Whenever he appeared at an event, he was usually the focus of media reporters, allowing him to fully experience the treatment enjoyed by a star actor.
Although this constant flying around for promotional events was exhausting, Matthew thoroughly enjoyed the feeling; it was all a novel experience for him.
It wasn't until the Friday of the week before "The Scorpion King" was released that he returned to Los Angeles. After leaving the airport and just dragging his luggage through the door, he received a call from Helen Herman, informing him that the publicity plan agreed upon with the crew some time ago would be launched tonight, reminding him not to forget to watch the interview program.
Matthew knew very well that if this carefully planned hype achieved its intended effect, the reputation of "The Scorpion King" would become even more prominent.
After unpacking his luggage and finishing dinner, Matthew sat on the sofa, turned on the TV, tuned to NBC Channel 2, and waited patiently. It was still early before the program started, so he simply pulled out his phone and called Britney, but no one answered.
He had been busy lately, and Britney had also been busy. One was in North America, the other in the Far East, and they simply couldn't find time to meet. Due to the time difference, the number of phone calls was also decreasing.
Matthew knew there was nothing he could do about it. Sometimes when he called, Britney was at an event, and by the time Britney called back, he was busy promoting "The Scorpion King."
Time quickly reached nine in the evening, and a somewhat famous interview program on NBC Channel 2 began to air. The focus of this program was on the Hollywood film industry. After a short film introducing the current state of Hollywood cinema, the host invited the guests of the program into the live studio.
"This is Rex Reed, a columnist and film critic from 'The New York Observer,' an expert critic who has studied Hollywood films for many years, and is also recognized as one of New York's top ten film critics, always known for his sharp remarks..."
During the initial part of the program, it was all praise for Rex Reed. Matthew could tell that this was a strategy of building up to a criticism.
Rex Reed was indeed sharp-tongued, or more accurately, acerbic. With the host's cooperation, he pointed out flaws in Hollywood films, constantly picking at recognized blockbusters of recent years. Even recognized classic films, he would find some fault with, as if only by doing so could he display his unique professional insight.
Gradually, the topic shifted to this year's films. The movies already released this year were, in Rex Reed's words, utterly worthless, and the upcoming films were equally trash.
Rex Reed focused on the upcoming "The Scorpion King."
"I attended an internal screening at Universal Pictures, and this 'Scorpion King' is really not good. The story is formulaic, and both the male and female leads are brainless idiots. You really have to lower your IQ a notch to even watch this film."
Matthew didn't feel anything particularly special hearing this. Most Hollywood commercial entertainment films could actually be described with such an evaluation.
These types of films were not meant to be watched with deep thought; their purpose was simply to entertain the audience so they would happily open their wallets.
"After watching the screening of 'The Scorpion King,' there's one thing I still can't figure out." Rex Reed continued, "Why would Universal Pictures promote a minor supporting actor to be the male lead of such a big production? That male lead... let me think, I think his name is Matthew Horner. Can he act? is that even acting? Does he think that just showing off his muscular physique counts as acting? A performance by someone like that has no appeal, and audiences definitely won't like it. 'The Scorpion King' had problems from its planning stage; it shouldn't have used an actor with no acting skills like Matthew Horner as the male lead!"
In front of the TV, despite knowing this was part of the crew's plan, Matthew still grimaced. This person's words were a bit too harsh.
This interview program had reached its concluding stage, which usually involved creating a news bombshell.
So, the host deliberately took a stance opposite to Rex Reed, saying, "But the few test screenings for 'The Scorpion King' have all been very well-received, and Matthew Horner, whom you criticized, is also considered the film's biggest highlight. Many audience members who participated in the screenings said that Matthew Horner was very charming and particularly appealing in the film..."
Rex Reed snorted and said disdainfully, "You believe such talk? Matthew Horner will only be a drag on this film. If you don't believe me, we'll see!"
The host then said, "'The Scorpion King' is opening next week, and Universal Pictures expects a first-week North American box office of $15 million..."
"$15 million? Don't joke." Rex Reed suddenly raised his voice, "With a severe flaw like Matthew Horner alone, 'The Scorpion King's' opening weekend box office cannot possibly exceed $10 million!"
He then declared confidently, "If the opening weekend box office of this film he stars in exceeds $10 million, I will kiss a donkey's ass right here on this show!"
"Really?" the host asked, "You're not kidding."
Rex Reed seemed particularly confident, "Of course it's real!"
The program ended there. Matthew scratched his head. If it really exceeded $10 million, would this guy actually kiss a donkey's ass on the show?
In the following days, he pushed that thought aside, because the program, propelled by Universal Pictures, garnered widespread attention across America. Both "The Scorpion King" and Matthew Horner's name gradually became known to more people.
This incident also became a hot news topic, causing the popularity of "The Scorpion King" to skyrocket.
In the comment sections of "The Scorpion King"'s official website and Matthew's personal blog, there were even fans who commented that they would buy tickets to watch "The Scorpion King" in theaters, even if it was just to see Rex Reed kiss a donkey's ass.
Undoubtedly, this unconventional hype completely propelled "The Scorpion King" into the entertainment spotlight.
And so, amidst widespread attention, the premiere of "The Scorpion King" began.