Behind The Spotlight Chapter 85
May arrived, and the promotion for Week On A Cruise Ship intensified to a whole new level. Wyatt had just recently completed post-production after working long hours to perfect the final cut. Now, he could rest for a week before joining the promotional campaign.
The trailers for the movie had been released on TV networks and radio stations during prime-time hours, reaching a massive nationwide audience. Posters were everywhere, from bus stops to towering billboards.
The small screening had received amazing feedback from critics and select audiences alike. As a result, Uni-versus Pictures decided to go with Wyatt Bray's director's cut as the official theatrical release.
Noah Nash and Berry Cruz were having a conversation at the top floor of Uni-versus Pictures, inside the executive lounge. A space where only a select few had access.
"Wyatt is talented. No doubt about it. I remember when you invited me to attend his business pitch last year. At first, I was confused why you wanted me to watch his pitch when he wasn't even a big name yet. But I understood your intention once I read the script."
Noah had been the Chairman of Uni-versus Pictures for years and understood how the industry worked. However, he admitted that Berry Cruz had more experience than him in certain key areas.
Berry had been in the industry his entire career, starting in the 1950s. He began as a props maker, then became a movie producer, later the head of the production department, and eventually the CEO of 20th Centaur during the aggressive studio expansion of the '80s.
20th Centaur was one of Hollywood's major studios, and Berry Cruz had led it in the '80s with strong leadership. He helped it become a major studio that consistently produced blockbuster hits.
When his contract ended, he was hired as the CEO of Uni-versus Pictures. As an older, seasoned executive, his experience became a valuable asset to the company.
At first, Noah thought Berry might become an obstacle to managing the studio. But he was wrong in the best possible way. Berry became one of his most trusted personnel and closest advisors.
"Wyatt was introduced to me by Lila, the CEO of ANT," Berry recalled.
"Hm, I've heard of her," Noah nodded, crossing his arms.
"She told me she had a new talented director and asked if I was interested in working with Wyatt. I thought it was a joke, but I attended the screening anyway... I guess she was right."
Uni-versus Pictures decided to promote the movie with all their strength.
"So, I think we made the right decision."
"Yeah. Uni-versus Pictures should acquire the rights to The Accidental Wedding Crashers. If Wyatt is interested, we'll take care of the franchise."
Both men saw the franchise potential in The Accidental Wedding Crashers.
"Although I heard that the rights are owned by three people."
"Then we'll negotiate with them seriously. I'm sure I can convince them to sign the contract. Upfront money is better than waiting for years and hoping for uncertain revenue. They can't maximize this franchise's potential without our resources," Berry assured Noah.
"Well, if that doesn't work, I have other ways to get what we need," Noah said, a glint in his eyes.
"Noah, haha, don't joke around. I heard one of the three is the son of Elijah Edward, the billionaire from Silicon Valley."
"Never mind then. We can't afford to mess with that level of wealth and influence."
The two continued discussing business for another hour.
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Collin, Axel, Wyatt, and Jennifer were at a press junket promoting Week On A Cruise Ship in a luxurious hotel suite filled with lights and cameras.
The movie's cast was also present, as this interview was part of the studio's aggressive marketing strategy. Promoting the movie was essential to ensuring a strong opening weekend.
Now, what exactly is a press junket for those unfamiliar with the industry?
A press junket is a media event where the cast and crew of a movie are interviewed by multiple journalists, one after another, in a controlled setting. Usually, it includes:
-Movie posters or branded backgrounds.
-The cast seated in director-style chairs.
-Journalists interviewing the cast in scheduled slots, usually lasting ten to fifteen minutes.
These interviews are often used for promotional purposes just before a film's release and are typically featured in entertainment news as exclusive content.
Collin attended the press junket because three of his clients were in the movie's main promotional team. He also had a short cameo in the film.
His role was small. He played a casino dealer in a sharp suit during a scene where the three male leads tried to earn money playing poker. It was a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance with no dialogue, but technically, he was still part of the cast.
The journalists began conducting interviews, particularly focusing on the three male leads: Axel Gunner, Cross Pinger, and Brody Paige. Out of the three, Brody was interviewed the most since his filmography was the longest, having spent more years in the industry.
"Brody, perhaps you've been asked this question countless times, but... what's in the box?"
"I'm tired of hearing that question, not going to lie."
Aside from the actors, the journalists also interviewed Wyatt Bray. As the director of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, the box-office hit of 1995, he had quickly gained attention as a rising filmmaker.
Behind the Week On A Cruise Ship posters, Wyatt sat nervously, smiling as he prepared for the interview.
"Director, if this movie of yours becomes a box office hit, will that be enough for you to consider yourself a successful director?"
"Y-Yeah, I hope so. I really hope audiences enjoy it."
Collin shook his head. Wyatt clearly needed more practice with interviews so he wouldn't come across as awkward. Thankfully, this part could be edited or cut entirely.
'This is one of the reasons why I'm here as both an agent and a safety net. In case my clients say something bad, I can immediately fix it before the media twists it into a scandal.'
He glanced at Jennifer, who had a foul mouth and a tendency to be blunt.
If Wyatt's weakness was awkwardness and lack of experience, Jennifer posed an entirely different risk.
Collin feared she might say something offensive. But to his complete surprise, Jennifer behaved like a model student.
"My experience with the cast was amazing. I had fun and learned so many things. I appreciate everyone who helped me grow more as a person," Jennifer said with a gentle smile.
Collin, Axel, and Wyatt were speechless, momentarily frozen. Even the other cast members were stunned by her complete shift in demeanor.
Who the fuck is this woman and what did she do to Jennifer Randon?
This wasn't the Jennifer Randon they knew, the one who casually dropped f-bombs like punctuation.
At least in front of the cameras today, Jennifer presented herself as a prim and proper actress. The journalists loved her responses and even asked for follow-up questions.
Then came a surprise segment at the press junket. Each cast member had to interview another for an exclusive behind-the-scenes feature. This was probably new content for marketing.
The cast interviewed the other cast.
Collin watched the cast interact with good spirits and friendly laughter. Thankfully, based on what he observed, Wyatt and the actress he had a fling with had nothing going on. No lingering eye contact, no subtle exchanges. Wyatt had probably realized the risks and backed off before anything jeopardized his rising career.
"Huh, wait what? What is going on here?!" Collin muttered to himself, his face struck with disbelief. The others turned to him in confusion, not understanding the reason behind his outburst.