Behind The Spotlight Chapter 159
When the movie ended, everyone in the theater clapped their hands, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. This premiere had a bit of a difference from other theaters currently screening The Boss Proposal, the cast was present in the theater, which made it special.
The cast, together with Director Summerbelt, went to the stage, bowed their heads, and thanked the people who helped them create the movie, showing sincere appreciation for the entire production team.
Of course, this premiere had an interview session with the cast of The Boss Proposal, a tradition that fans eagerly looked forward to.
The Q&A.
The workers prepared seats for the cast and the director so they didn't have to stand on the stage. Each one of them was wearing nice, expensive attire, carefully chosen or designed for this significant night.
"My question is for Director Summerbelt. Your debut movie is such a masterpiece that it grossed over $1 billion. Based on your opinion, how high can The Boss Proposal get at the box office?"
"Now that's a tough question, sheesh." The director winced, making the audience laugh.
"I don't want to be arrogant and say that this movie will gross over $1 billion. That would just make me insane. But I also don't want to believe that my movie will not surpass $400 million..."
"So which is it then?"
"Man, you're putting me in a tight spot. Do you see these people in the front row? They are the executives from 20th Centaur. They will get mad at me if I give the wrong answer." He delivered the line in a humorous manner, earning another round of laughter from the audience.
"Over $400 million. That's my estimation."
Considering that The Boss Proposal only had a budget of $55 million, with Lawrence and Summerbelt being the highest earners, grossing $400 million would already be a major success, especially for a romantic comedy.
For a movie to be profitable, it should earn at least 2.5 times its production cost. The Boss Proposal needed to gross at least $140 million to be considered profitable.
The next person took the mic and asked a question, clearing their throat nervously before speaking.
"Miss Bolluck, how is it acting with Lawrence Terrence?"
"It's amazing. He's such a nice guy. On set, he is so humble." Zandra replied briefly, maintaining her elegant smile. She didn't mention anything about Lawrence's tendency to force the production crew to celebrate his birthday three times, though those celebrations were admittedly fun.
Lawrence wasn't super arrogant, but he was eccentric. He did things that were inconvenient for the filming. If not for his outstanding performance, the production team would probably get tired of his behavior.
But then again, he did whatever he wanted because he was talented and his box office appeal was strong, giving him a degree of leverage others didn't have. As long as you have talent to back up your eccentricity, the production team will play along with you, especially when the results are profitable.
Zandra hoped that one day she would reach that point in her career where she could do what she liked without being judged. Her salary for this movie was just over $1 million, while Lawrence's was at least $10 million. She didn't know the exact amount, but she knew it was ten times her pay, which motivated her to work harder. She wanted to be like Jolyne Robs, who could earn $10 million per movie.
This was the privilege of being at a movie premiere, there was an interview after the movie. People called it the Post-Screening Interview, or in short, the Q&A. A moment for fans to connect more deeply with the cast.
Lawrence was a bit uncomfortable the whole time because of his recent issue. He felt like his stalker was everywhere, and he couldn't find peace even in a crowded place. Whenever someone interviewed him, he answered with short sentences while maintaining a smile, trying his best not to look anxious.
While the interview was ongoing, Collin and Smirnoff were standing backstage, scanning their surroundings carefully.
"These past few days, I intercepted many things that were addressed to Mr. Terrence. Most of them are ordinary letters and packages, but some are questionable and disgusting." Smirnoff said with his thick accent.
"One time I received a box that had the head of a chicken. Sometimes I received pictures of Lawrence at venues he recently attended. Sometimes the pictures are soaked in blood. It's the blood of an animal, it's different from human blood." Being a bodyguard, Smirnoff knew how to differentiate human blood.
"Did Lawrence know about all of these?"
"No. I keep it a secret. I only told him that letters didn't stop coming, but I'm never descriptive about the contents."
"I see… Smirnoff, I want you to look at that woman in the middle of the line."
"Are you talking about the woman with short blonde hair and thick glasses?"
The two looked at the people in line while remaining backstage.
"She's wearing a wig."
"How did you know that?"
"Because I was a model, and I know if hair is natural or not."
"I see… But why are you telling me that?"
"You said the stalker sent a long black hair in the letter, right?"
"That's right. But that's not enough justification. Just because she's wearing a blonde wig didn't mean she automatically has long black hair underneath."
"I know, but I want you to be aware of her. I don't feel good about that woman." Collin couldn't explain the instinct clearly, but the feeling was too strong to ignore. He wasn't certain if the woman wearing the wig was the stalker, but she was the only person in the theater giving him danger signals.
"...Alright." Smirnoff took his opinion seriously.
The line slowly moved until the woman with the blonde wig and thick glasses got her turn to ask the cast a question. If not for her unnatural hair and eyeglasses, she had great appearance.
"Lawrence, I just want to say I'm your biggest fan. I've watched all of your movies and even the videos of your stage performances."
"Thank you." Lawrence was grateful.
"I also have a lot of your posters and pictures."
"That's sweet."
"So my question is, when will you marry me?"
"Huh? I don't understand?"
"Why did you leave our house? I thought you bought it for us?"
"I, uhh..." Lawrence became nervous, unsure of what to say.
"Answer me, or else..." She grabbed her Birkin purse and began pulling something out.
Suddenly, Smirnoff tackled her and pinned her down. Her fake hair detached from the impact, revealing the long black hair underneath. The situation escalated rapidly as security rushed forward.
"Let go of me! Don't block our love! Lawrence and I are going to marry each other!" she screamed, struggling and thrashing as Smirnoff restrained her hands, preventing her from reaching the purse. The shocked crowd gasped.