Chapter 80: Business Cooperation
Monday morning, the start of a new work week, was supposed to be a lively time. This was especially true for a film studio; if the previous week's release had been a hit, the entire company would be filled with laughter and cheer. Right now, however, at the weekly meeting in the Fox Building, every face bore a heavy, oppressive expression.
Without the bloodsuckers from CAA and the creative team behind Interview with the Vampire present, the executives of Twentieth Century Fox—the film's primary investor—made no effort to hide their disappointment.
"AMG and Regal Entertainment rejected our request to expand the theater count for Interview with the Vampire and reduce screens for The Rock."
Tim Fisher, who had just taken over as head of the film distribution department, broke the silence in the conference room. "Without impressive box office numbers to back us up, we don't have the leverage to fight for it."
He glanced at Thomas Rothman, flipped open the latest statistical report in front of him, and read to the room. "Interview with the Vampire took in $6.21 million on Sunday, bringing its three-day opening weekend in North America to a total of $28.3 million."
Under normal circumstances, this result would practically guarantee the top spot on the weekly box office charts, but today it was clearly impossible.
"The Rock grossed $11.13 million on Sunday!" Tim Fisher continued, completely ignoring everyone else's expressions. "Its three-day opening weekend reached a staggering $36.79 million!"
As if wanting to remind the numerous executives present, Tim Fisher raised his voice slightly. "Gentlemen, this isn't just about the number one spot on the weekly box office charts. It means Interview with the Vampire will have to screen in its shadow!"
"Maybe it will suffer a massive drop in its second week."