Chapter 157: Annual Fashion Show
"Why should we fear competition? What successful Summer Season film hasn't won out through fierce competition?"
Mel Gibson stood at the conference table and leaned forward, bracing both hands on the surface as if using his posture to drive the point home. "Are you saying that just because Saving Private Ryan claimed that date, we have to change ours? We'd become the biggest joke in Hollywood!"
"No one ever said we were changing it."
Sherry Lansing, the CEO of Paramount Pictures, rubbed her forehead. "But we have to be cautious! Duke Rosenberg has earned the right to make any competitor tread carefully!"
Paramount Pictures' entire promotional and distribution strategy—for North America and overseas alike—was built around the Memorial Day weekend. Changing the release date would be the most foolish move they could make.
"There's really no need to be so worried."
Martin Bob wore the most relaxed expression in the room. "I have reliable intel. Duke Rosenberg isn't shooting the purely explosive war film we all assumed he was. Word is he wants to gradually transition his style. You can see it in the current promotional spots, too—the film lacks his usual exaggerated, popcorn-style plots."
He chuckled. "Think about it, everyone. Why are Duke Rosenberg's films so popular during the Summer Season?"
Not waiting for a response, Martin Bob answered his own question. "Dazzling moving camera work, razor-sharp editing, and explosive special effects!"