Hollywood Zenith

Chapter 681: Film reception-1

While Samuel was preparing for the Christmas, the world was busy digesting his latest movie. After positive propaganda by the movie studio, the public perception was finally beginning to shift in their favour.

Those that were long time fan of the movies were much impacted by what the leads did in their private lives. Even if Samuel was being criticized, he had became synonymous to the Harry Potter character. With his superb acting prowess, he had breathed life into the magical world along with his talented cast members.

They might hate him but that wouldn't stop them from diving further into the wizarding world especially when the series was entering it's final chapter. The book readers already knew how everything ends still they couldn't deny the rich and vibrant imagination of studio, it became something that they even can't ignore.

There was a minor hiccup at the movie premier press conference but Samuel did make his stance clear. He did look taken aback by absurd accusations but in the end, he did came out on top. He even announced French government as collateral in any journalist had further question in his case.

Movie stars wouldn't take risky route of angering any country's government by dragging them through the mud but he was unwavered by it. If he truly was guilty he wouldn't dare to proclaim himself innocent on such a large venue which was attended by reporters from all the major media outlets.

Nonetheless, people flocked to see the movie. The theaters were jammed packed with pre booking for an entire week. With only few seats available at odd hours. Studio was a little relieved to see such an outcome.

" Sir, these are the preliminary reports."

" It's looking good. I expected lower numbers than last year but it seems we surpassed that my a large margin." Stephen, the chairman of the studio was going over the documents.

He knew that Rothschild family actively helped with public image but they were at the end of a financial crisis so he expected lower numbers but instead of diminishing, it instead grew which showed how popular the franchise was.

Every studio was keenly aware of the power of a franchise for decades at this point but they also knew how hard it was to sustain it. Books were the ideal medium to adapt especially the best sellers that already had a preexisting fans.

That too was the case for Lord of the Rings which had became a cultural phenomenon on par or even more famous than Harry Potter. Stephen had never anticipated that the main lead would be the same person that wrote the series.

What's unbelievable was that he wrote it when he was just a child! He found it baffling but nonetheless, Samuel's company did have the rights for it. If somehow he could get a stake at that franchise, it would elevate the Warner bros to a higher level. Having two behemoth franchises under their belt would be a testament of their giant status in the entertainment business!

" I have to convince him somehow. Even a minor share would be good for the company's image." He mumbled and began to think of a way to achieve it.

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Somewhere in London, the streets were buzzing with excitement especially the ones around the movie theater. The hardcore fans had already finished watching the movie during first screening it was crowded then but there were many casual fans that were unable to watch it due to their work. They booked the evening show set to enjoy it with their families and friends.

One such theater had a bright idea to hold a wizard themed movie night. It wasn't mandatory but they stated that those that wanted to could wear costumes if they liked. The organizers even put up a small stand where they were selling merchandise and attires which were selling like hotcakes!

The idea was absurd when they higher up heard it but seeing the warm reception, they gave it a green light to hold the theme for a week. They wouldn't make much with the licensing fee while selling it but seeing the ticket sales, they could take small profit to later catch the big fish!