[Chapter 247: Secret Report]
Nicole Kidman's performance was naturally flawless. She was an incredibly charming and stunning beauty, and also very open-minded and playful... Every time Linton was with her, he enjoyed the ultimate pleasure.
This time was no different; he was so hooked that he didn't want to leave. He originally planned to spend only one night with her, but every time he was about to leave work, Nicole would call him with a teasing phone call. He couldn't help but feel warmth in his heart and ended up spending three wonderful nights in a row at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Of course, during these three nights, with the advantage of her high popularity, Linton's Starlight Spark grew even stronger.
Under Linton's persuasion, Nicole also promised not to take any drastic measures to smear Tom Cruise and was ready to talk things over calmly and try for a peaceful breakup.
However, during their conversation, Nicole also warned Linton that CAA was scheming against The Rock.
"Sweetheart, please be careful when your studio's film The Rock is released. It seems that CAA is planning something against it."
"Baby, what did you hear?"
"Once, Martin Bob and Pat Kingsley from CAA came to see Tom together. They didn't try to hide their conversation around me. It seemed they intended to use Interview With the Vampire to go head-to-head with The Rock. They planned to release the two movies simultaneously to ruin your box office."
"Really? Seems like CAA isn't giving up yet."
"Yes, I heard Tom on the phone talking to them a few days ago, and it seems this was discussed again. Maybe because your movies have been successful, Tom was a bit reluctant to clash directly with you, worried both sides would suffer losses. But CAA seems firm about it."
"What was the outcome? Did Tom Cruise compromise?"
"It seems the other party offered Tom some incentives, and Tom finally agreed."
"Baby, don't worry, it's okay. I believe in the quality of The Rock. Even if both movies release at the same time, it's still uncertain who will come out on top."
"Darling, I just love your confidence and dominance. I gave you such important info, shouldn't you reward me?"
"Okay, what kind of reward do you want?"
"I want you to go all night without sleeping," Nicole's eyes twinkled as she lay on Linton and sweetly made her request.
"What kind of reward is that?"
"Also, you have to stay with me an extra day this time, okay?"
"Since you're being so good, I promise I'll come over again tomorrow night," Linton stroked her and agreed willingly.
"Honey, you're amazing," Nicole turned into a female knight and took the initiative to attack from above.
Sophie Marceau and the other two girls couldn't help but complain that Linton hadn't stayed at the crew hotel for three straight nights. Fortunately, Linton returned on the fourth day. After a high-energy entanglement, everyone's frustration naturally dissolved.
...
Izumi Sakai's single Complicated was quite good. Her unique voice and the song's excellence propelled the single into the Top 50 of Billboard's singles chart during its first week, ranking 46th.
In the second week, it climbed another 15 spots to No. 31 on Billboard.
The sales were also strong, with the single selling a cumulative 370,000 copies in two weeks.
This achievement was impressive for a newcomer. Universal predicted North American sales would reach at least one million copies.
She extended her promotional roadshow by another month, added 15 cities, and planned to push the single into overseas markets.
...
Harvey, Klinsmann, and the distribution department they led grew very fast. Although Happy Death Day was the company's first commercial film release, the publicity and promotion efforts were excellent, matching Universal Pictures' standards.
The publicity roadshow team led by Ryan traveled day and night, and the results were great. Cristiana, Monica, and Noriko Sakai would happily call every night to share how popular the roadshow was.
Additionally, November was generally an off-season for movies, and Happy Death Day faced no strong competition. The theaters offered strong support from day two, increasing the number of venues and screens showing the film, reaching 3,200 theaters and 6,100 screens.
Happy Death Day's box office soared, striking a blow to the quiet film schedule.
After a full week, Happy Death Day grossed $41.39 million, placing first by a large margin.
Universal seized the film's popularity in North America and released Happy Death Day internationally.
During its second weekend, it took in another $20.85 million over three days, continuing its top box office status.
After the full second week, the film grossed an additional $32.74 million in seven days. In two weeks, Happy Death Day earned a total of $74.13 million.
Although horror movie box office tends to peak in the first two weeks and then quickly decline, a $90 million North American total was well within reach, given its remaining six weeks of theatrical run.
Even more gratifying were the sales of movie merchandise, which achieved remarkable success.
After additional orders, $16 million worth of Cristiana's character dolls were prepared. Two weeks in, $12.7 million had been sold.
Monica's character dolls had $10 million worth prepared after reorders; after two weeks, $8.3 million had been sold.
Noriko Sakai's dolls saw $2 million worth prepared after reorders, selling $1.7 million in two weeks.
Ghost face masks, reordered to $3 million in stock, sold $2.6 million in two weeks.
It was clear the merchandise battle was fruitful, and current sales suggested no inventory problems were looming.
...
The publicity roadshow team wrapped up domestic promotion and returned to Los Angeles.
Per Universal Pictures' schedule, everyone had a day off before starting international promotion on the third day. Director Ryan, however, was exempt from overseas promotion.
The four lead actors were assigned to different regions based on nationality and characteristics.
Cristiana covered France, Brazil, and Australia (born in Brazil, raised in France).
Monica focused on Italy and Spain.
Matt Damon handled the UK, Germany, and Mexico.
Noriko Sakai took responsibility for Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Although the promotion tours were energized by strong box office numbers, the work was undeniably exhausting. Everyone returned to Los Angeles worn out.
To comfort Cristiana, Monica, and Noriko Sakai and to replenish their energy before the overseas promotions, Linton secretly returned to his manor at night and enjoyed playing with them heartily.
Two days later, everyone, refreshed and energized, headed to their assigned countries accompanied by Universal Pictures promotional staff.
However, Linton required Monica to return to Los Angeles by November 19 to join The Man from Nowhere crew, as filming would start on the 20th.
*****
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