Chapter 123: Beat the Bad Guys to Death
Warner and Fox weren't just film studios; they controlled vast media networks capable of easily broadcasting their message across America. Moreover, Independence Day boasted a total investment of over $100 million, and its stellar midnight screening performance proved its blockbuster potential. With such massive profits on the line, they would pour ample resources into the project without anyone needing to prompt them.
Using ordinary moviegoers to influence other ordinary moviegoers was highly effective. While traditional media was nowhere near as convenient as the internet, it still vastly outperformed professional film critics, who forever sat on their high horses looking down on the general public with utter disdain.
Driven by Duke, this was bound to escalate into a public war of words between Independence Day and the critics. Although openly antagonizing the critics right now had many drawbacks, with this much profit on the line, Duke couldn't care less.
He was even ready to take the field personally when the time was right, clashing head-on with the critics just as Explosion Bay had in the past, all to draw more eyeballs and squeeze every possible dollar into the box office.
Similarly, as long as there was enough profit serving as bait, Warner and Fox would definitely stand on his side for now.
By that evening, the Fox Television Family Channel had already used theater live-links on an interactive broadcast to interview the throngs of ordinary moviegoers pouring out of the auditoriums.
High on soaring adrenaline, these fans made no secret of their love for Independence Day in front of the cameras.
"Independence Day is incredible! Absolutely thrilling!"
"Duke Rosenberg's movies are always this cool! It was a total rush!"