Five Hundred and Forty-Seven - a Result that No One Can Beat in the Next 10 Years

The results of "The Dark Knight" after its release, except for the more than 10 million U.S. dollars in early screenings, were actually expected by Wayne and Warner Brothers. It would break a series of box office records later on, and even win a box office in the first weekend. To more than 200 million US dollars, these are far beyond their expectations.

Originally, in Warner Bros.'s plan, if the movie could take advantage of the huge popularity and attention, as well as various favorable factors, and the box office exceeded 100 million in the first week, it would definitely be considered a great success. Now that the movie is already making history, they Of course, I won’t be stingy with publicity and distribution resources, and I want to continue this incredible box office trend.

Even in a few days, they will face a very powerful opponent. Even if it has already entered the working day, they have not relaxed at all in terms of publicity and marketing. Various newspaper soft articles, film critic recommendations, TV programs, The online platform even used Wayne and George Lucas as a stunt to release Batman Jr.'s single album early on Monday.

As Warner Bros. spared no expense to build publicity for the film, all of North America seemed to be bombarded with information. Any channel through which people could receive information was filled with discussions about Batman.

This is enough to show the strength of Warner Bros. in publicity and distribution. Universal Pictures also invested a huge amount of publicity and marketing funds and resources in "Jurassic Park 2", but still in this regard, it is still stubbornly ignored. Warner Bros. is under pressure.

Obviously, Warner Bros.'s crazy marketing has reaped the sweet fruits they wanted. "The Dark Knight" had a three-day opening weekend. After frantically increasing the number of screening screens, the number of screenings, and other means, it still achieved very impressive box office results even after the working day arrived.

After starting in the morning on Monday, the number of people in the cinema has indeed dropped significantly compared to last weekend. However, the attendance rate of "The Dark Knight" still remains above 50%, which is very good for a working day. , is already a jaw-dropping result.

After lunch time, starting from the afternoon, all the 3,700 theaters showing "The Dark Knight" in North America saw an increase in foot traffic almost at the same time. Although this process is slightly slow, it is real. It happened, and this process reached the peak of the flow of people again until after dinner time.

Many media reporters who interviewed in the cinema almost all discovered the difference in the changes in the crowd. Most of the movie fans who walked into the cinema from morning to afternoon were teenagers and young people, and most of these people were holding a movie in their hands. Music album, Warner Bros.'s marketing strategy is obviously very correct.

In the evening, the cinemas were full again. Even in some cinemas located in better locations in the city, just like last weekend, it was hard to get a ticket. The primary reason for this situation was the audience. The movie crowd is differentiated because most of the movie fans who walk into the theater at night are family movie fans, and many of them have children.

Due to its strong film scheduling, movie theaters still maintain an ultra-high film scheduling rate of over 70% on average. Basically, except for "The Dark Knight", other low-cost films of the same period in the theater market are all in Under his strong and domineering performance, there is no shadow.

The one-sided phenomenon in the theater market has once again made many Hollywood production companies sigh a sigh of relief, especially the executives of these companies. They had voluntarily given up on the five prime-time movies before the summer season even started. At the beginning of the month, they all chose to release their own films at least one month after the release of "The Dark Knight." This obviously proves that their strategy is extremely correct.

As early as when "The Dark Knight" was just announced, there were some similar rumors in the industry. According to a few words from some executives of a certain production company led by this book, some of them included "I We would rather go to June and July and squeeze into the same weekend with those big productions with hundreds of millions of dollars of investment than let the film we worked so hard to produce become the victim of that dark madman, no way."

And with the fiery results of "The Dark Knight" still stabilizing even after the working day arrives, Wayne's mind inevitably begins to shift to the next work. Although it is now the most important promotional time for "The Dark Knight", he is also constantly on the phone, starting to communicate with Los Angeles about work.

Especially for "The Matrix 2: Reloaded," which is about to premiere, discussions between him and Warner Bros. and Zack Snyder happen every day. He owns 50% of the proceeds from this series of films. Share, many plans in the future are all big money eaters, so of course he has to be more concerned.

Wayne's senior, Luke Simmons, and his hand-picked director, Joseph McGinty-Nitcher, are also frequently preparing for "Charlie's Angels" and have begun conference calls.

According to Warner Bros.'s plan, "The Dark Knight" will inevitably appear in most overseas markets a full week after it is released in North America. By then, dozens of countries and regions will be released one after another, and Wayne will inevitably not He will follow the team overseas to carry out long-term promotional activities. His plan is to accompany the crew through major European cities and then return to Los Angeles immediately to handle the next work.

"The King of Darkness has kicked off the summer season, and sure enough, it continues to dominate the theater market! Wayne Greenberg is indeed Wayne Greenberg!"

In the small town of Liwu City near Kansas, in the third-floor office of AMC's headquarters, CEO Adam Allen sat behind a large desk, staring at the data summary from his theaters, and sighed with a smile on his face. "His "The Dark Knight" is going to be a star. Others may not be clear yet, but in terms of box office, it is very hopeful that it can surpass "Joker" in 1993." Two executives sitting across from the office , both had relaxed expressions on their faces. After they looked at each other, one of them said: "On the first working day, the North American box office revenue was US$24.493 million. Compared with the previous day off, the box office dropped by only 100 US dollars. More than 40 points, such an explosive and steady market trend is really surprising! This is a working day! "

When Monday's box office results and various statistical data were sent to the executives at the theater headquarters, basically everyone was shocked. With "The Dark Knight" having a super explosive first weekend box office For movies, the normal market rule is that most movie fans have exhausted their enthusiasm, and coupled with the pace of work starting a new week, the box office will inevitably fall sharply.

Especially in recent years, with Wayne's growing influence and the changing format of Hollywood, the significance of first-week box office for major commercial productions has become increasingly different.

The major Hollywood production companies have basically become subsidiaries of major North American media groups. The only one that truly exists completely independently is Walt Disney. However, Walt Disney has since acquired and integrated ABC and other TV stations Later, he was actually considered a member of the media group.

This has resulted in the current production company's power in publicity and marketing far exceeding that of the period when it existed independently. The media groups behind the six giants have a huge advantage in film publicity and marketing.

As a result, the big-budget films released in the past two years have increasingly attracted overwhelming publicity, driving most potential moviegoers into the theater within two weeks of release, and even attracted big audiences through intensive publicity and marketing. Most moviegoers went to theaters during the opening weekend.

This situation is becoming more and more obvious and common, which means that the first weekend box office plays an increasingly important role in a major commercial production. Some films are even more successful in the first weekend due to the marketing of production companies that are more eager for quick success and quick profit. The weekend box office can account for half of the film's total box office.

"Wayne Greenberg's opening weekend box office has always been very good." Adam Allen relaxed on his office chair, recalled for a moment, and said: "Except for the horror film " "You've Got a Clown" and his other films usually have a lot of staying power."

"Adam, I need to remind you."

Another executive who had remained silent, seeing the relaxed mood on the CEO's face, suddenly said: "We are a theater company, although Wayne Greenberg's films do bring us huge success every time. interests, but we still have to be conservative.”

Thinking of the phone call he received this morning, his voice paused slightly before continuing: "I personally recommend preparing for the box office explosion of "Jurassic Park 2" as soon as possible. We all know that the positioning of this film is The first choice for family viewing, whether it is director Steven Spielberg or the huge popularity accumulated by the film’s previous films, it is destined that the box office of this film will not be low in the first week.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Adam Allen, who was leaning on the office chair, stopped smiling and frowned slightly. These situations all exist objectively, and the other party's reminders were correct. "Jurassic" "Park 2" is indeed worth investing in more screening screens, screening theaters and screenings. The principle of not putting eggs in one basket will always be the first strategy of theater companies.

What's more, in a few days, "The Dark Knight" will enter its second week. On the other hand, the much-anticipated "Jurassic Park 2" will be a more popular first weekend release, and the attributes of movie fans are there. No one dares to say that Wayne Greenberg's movie can beat Steven Spielberg next weekend.

"so."

Adam Allen raised his hand, snapped his fingers, attracted the attention of the two executives opposite, and said: "Before this Friday, inform our theaters that all of our theaters will maintain the "Batman: The Dark Knight" We will try our best to squeeze out the potential of this film based on the scale and number of screenings. When next weekend arrives, we will decide whether to adjust the scheduling rate and number of theater screens for the two films based on the first-day results of "Jurassic Park 2". "

The two executives nodded, stood up and left the CEO's office together. This is indeed the most conservative strategy, but it is also the safest business strategy for theater companies.

If the box office of "Jurassic Park 2" explodes and can completely overwhelm the release of "The Dark Knight" next weekend, then the screening resources of "The Dark Knight" will inevitably be reduced and more resources will be allocated. Multi-screen, devote yourself to "Jurassic Park 2".

Everything is based on market response, so even Warner Bros., which is now extremely powerful, cannot find any reason to object.

If the box office of "The Dark Knight" can still continue to be as strong as it is now, then it is not impossible to maintain the same screening scale and completely send this film to the altar, but in the end everything will Let the market performance speak for itself.

In fact, not only AMC, the world's largest theater chain, but also other theater chain companies in North America adopt this strategy. This is the hottest time of the year in North America, and it is also the most important revenue period for theater chain companies in the year. At this point in time, no theater company is willing to make a desperate mistake and miss out on the revenue it should have earned.

With the strong support of theater companies and the desperate promotion and marketing of Warner Bros., "The Dark Knight" still showed box office results that stunned insiders even on weekdays.

After the same-day box office revenue of US$24.493 million was reported on Monday, the media's surprised reports had not yet been fermented. On Tuesday, it once again achieved an outstanding result. Since Tuesday is a traditional discount day for North American theaters, the number of moviegoers was significantly higher than the previous one. There was an increase on Monday, with "The Dark Knight" once again taking in $24.45 million at the box office that day. On Wednesday, the movie's attendance rate finally dropped significantly, with a box office revenue of 18.37 million US dollars. Fans' enthusiasm for watching the movie began to subside. This is a normal market trend. In fact, in the past few days since the movie was released, Inside, too many movie fans have already seen the movie.

After Thursday arrived, the box office continued to maintain a slow downward trend, with a revenue of 16.46 million US dollars that day. So far, "The Dark Knight" has been released in North America for a full week, earning US$200.81 million in the first three days of the weekend, and US$24.49 million, US$24.45 million, and US$18.37 million from Monday to Thursday on weekdays. , US$16.46 million.

It was released in North America for a full week, and the total box office has reached 284.54 million US dollars. At the beginning of the summer season, it directly sat at the top of the North American annual box office rankings in 1997. It only took seven days a week to temporarily It exceeded the US$100 million of the second-placed "Big Talker". This result made countless media exclaim that the wolf is coming.

Putting aside for the moment the premiere of "Jurassic Park 2" on Thursday night, if we just look at the box office of "The Dark Knight" in its first week, countless media are making extensive reports, and some even Countless film industry experts have come forward and asserted in various media outlets that no one can beat this first-week box office performance for at least the next ten years.

"I'm not surprised at all that The Dark Knight is doing as well as it did after learning that Wayne's first weekend grossed over $200 million."

In the media interview area in front of the red carpet of the Los Angeles Temple Theater, when Steven Spielberg was asked by reporters what he thought of the unprecedented first-week box office of "The Dark Knight", he waved to stop the staff who wanted to skip this question. Tips on topics, talking to reporters without any scruples.

"As we all know, Wayne and I are very good friends in private." The good old Jewish man's face did not change, and he still remained calm and confident. "I still remember that a few years ago, George Lucas commented at a gathering that Wayne was the most likely young man in the industry to catch up with me in a short time. However, a few years ago, our group No one in the old guy expected that his steps would be so fast.

So, I'm just happy for "The Dark Knight" to be so dominant in the theatrical market, and you know, if my movie wasn't coming out this weekend, maybe I would still be attending the screening. Celebration reception for the movie. "

Having said this, Steven Spielberg shrugged at the camera, then smiled and spread his hands, causing a burst of good-natured laughter from dozens of reporters present.

"Director Spielberg, now that you have become the most direct competitor, what do you want to say about the opening weekend of Jurassic Park 2?"

After a burst of laughter, the reporters saw that the good Jewish man was about to leave the interview area. A reporter from Premiere magazine couldn't wait to ask again.

"Uh..." Steven Spielberg paused, then smiled and shook his head, raising his eyebrows at all the reporters and live cameras. "What do I want to say? Okay. Wayne, you've had a good week, and it's time to end The Dark Knight's theatrical dominance. It's unfair, but it's time to end it. Come down and let T-Rex and Batman collide head-on."

Everyone knows that what he said is somewhat unfair, because "The Dark Knight" was released the following weekend, and the fans' enthusiasm for watching the movie must have subsided a lot, while "Jurassic Park 2" was released in the first week, which itself is Occupying a considerable advantageous position.

After speaking, Steven Spielberg ignored the media reporters who were never satisfied, and walked towards the Temple Theater with his wife who was always smiling.

It can be said that Universal Pictures invested a considerable amount of capital in this premiere ceremony. The fans at the scene kept cheering. The celebrities who came to the stage also dazzled countless people. In order to increase the popularity of the movie, Universal Pictures almost invited All celebrities who can attend.

Listening to another eardrum-piercing scream coming from behind, Steven Spielberg shook his head. Obviously, with the strong opponent that "Jurassic Park 2" will face now, everything can be done. Universal Pictures is using every means to increase the chances of a film winning.

"Ha, George."

Just ten minutes had passed, and when the red carpet cheered again, George Lucas went directly to the VIP lounge area on the second floor of the theater after a brief interview. The two old guys hugged each other, and Steven -Spielberg joked with a smile:

"Well, I thought that apart from being busy with the preparations for Nova War, you would devote the rest of your time to singing. I didn't expect you to come over and cheer me up."

"Hey, hey, hey." The father of Star Wars directly spread his hands and said without showing any signs of weakness: "It's impossible to say, maybe I will be invited to attend the Grammy Awards next year. "

After a few simple jokes, the good old Jewish man took his old friend and greeted the guests who came to help with the platform. The two of them found a deserted corner and sat down.

George Lucas carefully looked at the other person's face, picked up the coffee and took a few sips slowly. After the waiter left, he stopped his joking tone and said seriously: "Steven, Wayne This movie has almost reached the attention of both men, women and children in the theater market. I believe you must have seen this movie. In terms of art and business, "The Dark Knight" can be said to have achieved a perfect balance.

do you know? When I heard the news that the box office exceeded 200 million US dollars in the first weekend, I was not as surprised as the media. After the premiere night, I had a premonition that he would break various box office records. The only thing I didn't expect was that this The trend of this movie is still so strong even on working days! Man, if nothing else, you're in big trouble this time. After saying that, the two people looked at each other, reached out and touched their beards almost at the same time, and laughed inexplicably. George Lucas couldn't help laughing and continued: "I seem to have seen those media reports, ah, The hand of the scepter for the leading Jewish director in Hollywood! Steven Spielberg lost to his own back in a head-on battle... Hahaha"

"Actually, I'm not surprised, George."

Straightening his face, Steven Spielberg whispered: "But the higher the box office of "The Dark Knight" is, the more excited I am. In fact, I am also very much looking forward to working with Wei. En competition, such an opportunity is destined to be impossible to see often. When the figure of 200 million US dollars came out, both Catherine and Kate persuaded me to pressure Universal Pictures to change the schedule. Without exception, I rejected them. George, Such pressure and feeling will only make me more excited.”

George Lucas stretched out a hand, patted the old man on the shoulder, shrugged, and stopped teasing him.

He himself has also thought about it in the past two days. If he and Steven Spielberg were to switch places, even if he holds the world's number one IP "Star Wars" in his hands, facing this unreasonable "Batman" At that time, it may be difficult to be 100% sure of defeating the other party in the theater market.

I’m afraid no one would have thought that a few years ago, the film maker relied on large-scale lenses to attract attention. He was good at playing with human nature and exposing social problems in his works. He always used sin, greed, and deception as themes, and his films never lacked death. The director will one day use his unique and alternative dark style of movies to create great achievements that will be worshiped by movie fans around the world.

"I'll go to the cinema and wait for the movie to start. You go and do your work."

After hugging the old friend again, the father of Star Wars left the rest area in a low-key manner. Under the guidance of the staff, he sat down in the screening room early and waited for the official start of the movie.