NOVPUBFrom the perspective of cinematic art, independent film companies and large-scale film companies that cater to the market are in opposition; independent films aim to preserve the artistry of cinema and do not pursue market trends, resisting the 'formulaic' films produced by big movie companies.
Lionsgate Films was originally more associated with 'independent film' characteristics, but now it pays more attention to box office performance, nearly indistinguishable from the Big Six Studios.
Thus, it has become the 'Evil Dragon' that David Bordwell speaks of.
Apart from criticizing Lionsgate's movies, some industry professionals also accuse Lionsgate Films of marketing strategies that disrupt the film market pricing.
For example, Lionsgate Films implemented the 'Tuesday Discount Program' in cooperation with AMC and other cinema chains at the beginning of the year, offering movie tickets at 40% off every Tuesday, with tickets for Lionsgate movies priced only between 5 to 7 US dollars.
There was also the 'Free Movie Program', where watching six Lionsgate films would earn you a free movie ticket.
Although the Big Six Studios are also employing similar strategies, none offer discounts as significant as Lionsgate.
And some small to medium-sized production companies, due to limited financial resources and a small number of films released each year, simply cannot afford to do the same.
This is also one of the weapons that allow the 'New Big Seven' to monopolize the film market.
Lionsgate Films suffered the same losses at the hands of the Big Six when it was weaker, now that it's stronger, it naturally joins their ranks as otherwise, it would be left behind by the Big Six.
This is one of the reasons why Lionsgate Films is considered an 'Evil Dragon'.
Additionally, some have pointed out Lionsgate Films' preference for actors from Palm Bay Talent Agency when making movies, such as Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Melissa McCarthy, Matthew McConaughey and others who belong to Palm Bay Talent Agency and often appear in Lionsgate movies.
According to industry regulations in Hollywood, talent agencies, production companies, and cinema chains must adhere to the principle of separation of three lines.
Lionsgate Films' actions are suspected of being a monopoly.
And so on.
Regarding the above criticisms and accusations, some are nonsensical while others have merit.
Regardless of the type of criticism, the public relations department of Lionsgate quickly holds press conferences to provide reasonable explanations and maintain Lionsgate's prestigious reputation.
For libel and defamation, the legal department of Lionsgate would not hesitate to send out cease and desist letters.
After more than a week of confrontation, with the joint efforts of the publicity department and the legal department, negative news about Lionsgate in the media gradually subsided.
The public opinion attack also sputtered out without coming to a conclusion.
"Is this the tact of the Big Six Studios? Quite average in terms of attack power."
In the Lionsgate office, Link flipped through a magazine and remarked.
"Boss, it's not that our competitors have weak attack power, but rather that the quality of our company's movies is very high, generally reaping both box office success and critical acclaim. They struggle to find a good opening to criticize our movies, so it ends up like this. However, we mustn't underestimate the Big Six; this may have been just a probing attack. The moment our company's movies show the slightest problem, they will swarm like sharks smelling blood; MGM went bankrupt exactly in this manner."
Goldsmith, the Vice President in charge of publicity, said.
Link nodded. Having been in Hollywood for so many years, he could feel how intense the competition within the industry was, and it had become even more fierce after Lionsgate rose.
It often gave a sense of undercurrents flowing.
This feeling was dangerous.
The main reasons why Lionsgate hasn't been overwhelmed by its peers to date are threefold.
Firstly, since he took over Lionsgate, the quality of its movies has been good, with annual successes at the Academy Awards, making it impossible for peers to attack Lionsgate on the quality front.
The second reason is that after Lionsgate went through several acquisitions, its system for promotion, distribution, production, and others has become more comprehensive, reducing its dependence on the Big Six, making it harder for them to target Lionsgate.
The third reason is that the Big Six Studios are six separate entities without a unified leadership; they cannot act uniformly against Lionsgate.
These are the advantages of Lionsgate Films.
But Link never underestimated the Big Six; as Goldsmith said, the Big Six are deep-sea sharks, ready to pounce on any weakness shown by Lionsgate.
Therefore, having reached this point, Link and the senior executives at Lionsgate tread on thin ice with each movie, each project, cautiously ensuring not to give competitors a chance to strike.
"This 'Dallas Buyers Club' is impressive, and Matthew McConaughey's performance is good too. But be moderate in the promotions, don't always talk about the Oscars. Promote the hardships Matthew McConaughey faced during filming, such as losing more than thirty pounds, interacting with AIDS patients, and connecting with the LGBTQ community. The Oscar jury likes to see actors sacrificing something for a role; we should showcase these efforts to them, and that's what will get their votes, not just praising the acting."
Link said while reading a magazine.
"Understood, boss!"
Goldsmith dutifully took out his notebook to jot down his words.
Link gave a slight smile, about to add something more when his phone rang in his pocket; it was a call from Leonardo.
"What's up? Not going to play cards."
"I'm no gambling addict; how could I be playing cards every day? I'm calling about 'The Wolf of Wall Street'; I heard the movie is set to release in December."
Leonardo said hesitantly.
"Is there a problem?"
"I was wondering if we could postpone the release of the movie until next year."
"Why?"
"Do you think I stand a chance to win the Best Actor award at the Oscars next year with this movie?"
"No chance, at best a nominee."
"Yes, I know. I just watched 'Dallas Buyers Club.' Matthew's performance was great, and the movie's theme also has an edge. I feel like there's a much smaller chance of winning an award compared to him. So, if the release is postponed until next year, is there a chance?"
Leonardo asked.
"Still no chance. To avoid internal conflicts, the distribution department has already decided to delay 'American Hustle' until next year. This film is also a major contender for the Oscars. If 'The Wolf of Wall Street' is also pushed back, next year you'll still be facing 'Rubber Man' Christian Bale, so chances are still slim."
Link laughed.
"Shit! I heard Lionsgate Films is monopolizing the Best Actress category, and now they want to monopolize Best Actor too? Might as well rename the Academy Awards to the Lionsgate Awards."
"Don't talk nonsense. Be careful, or I'll sue you for slander. Our company's films win Oscars purely because of their high quality, in line with the jury's tastes, with no other reasons."
Link said.
"Hmph, you're the boss, I can't argue with you. Are you going to this year's Victoria's Secret show? I can introduce you to some beauties."
Leonardo smirked.
"No, I have a wife and kids. What am I doing at such an indecent show? Only single men like that kind of exhibition. Besides, isn't the lingerie show in December? 'The Wolf of Wall Street' releases in December too; do you have time to watch lingerie models while you need to be promoting with the cast? With that work attitude, you think you can win an Oscar? I have a better chance of winning than you."
"Shit! Link, I bet my life you'll never get an Oscar."
An annoyed voice came through the phone.
Link laughed nonchalantly and remembered something.
"Have you read 'The Revenant'? The company is preparing to adapt it into a movie; I think you're very suitable for the lead role. You could try it out, and if you do well, there's a great chance of winning Best Actor at the Oscars."
"Really? I don't believe it. If there's such a great role, you would definitely take it yourself."
"The lead is an ugly, fat man in his forties or fifties, not quite suitable for me."
"An ugly and fat role? You think it suits me?"
Leonardo asked, displeased.
"I've seen that photo of you with a water gun; it was very sensual."
"Shit! Shit! Damn it, the angle of that photo is wrong; I'm definitely not as fat as in that photo."
"Heh heh!"
Link hung up the phone, not listening to his excuses.
"Boss, there's another thing."
After he finished his call, Goldsmith brought up the PR for the Oscars for 'Rust and Bone,' stating that the PR department believes Link's performance in the film was good and, with increased PR efforts, there's a chance to be nominated for Best Actor.
"Is there a chance?"
Link thought for a moment and told them to proceed with normal PR efforts, without pushing too hard.
One, his mindset had changed; he was no longer as interested in winning an Oscar as before.
Two, he was now too famous, too young and handsome, and very wealthy. Out of envy, jealousy, or other reasons, the Oscar jury would almost never vote for him. Increasing PR efforts would be a wasteful expense. It's better to concentrate resources on other awards.
After leaving the office, Link strolled over to the screenwriting department to check out their new scripts, and suggested a couple of novels he had recently read.
"The Martian," by author Andy Weir, who started posting chapters on his website for free reading in 2009.
Upon strong demand from readers, he published the book on Amazon for 99 cents a copy, and surprisingly, the number of paid readers exceeded that of free readers. In June, Random House bought the publishing rights for $850,000 US Dollars.
The physical book was released last week, selling 137,000 copies in its first week and ranking 15th on the New York Times bestseller list, receiving a very positive response.
Link asked the screenwriting department to contact the author for the film rights to the novel.
The second novel was "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio, also a new novel released this year, about a young boy with a facial deformity who, encouraged by his parents, joins a regular school and regains confidence and a positive attitude towards life.
An inspirational movie.
He remembered that film starred Julia Roberts and was a box office success. It might be a good idea to secure the film rights to the novel to enrich Lionsgate's script inventory.
He also looked at the scripts submitted by the screenwriting department—over ten in all, fairly decent quality, with several familiar movie titles, but box office success wasn't guaranteed. He didn't interfere but handed them over to the production department for discussion, letting them decide.
After looking at the projects and production budgets, Link concluded that if the costs were not high, he would not interfere; if costs were too high, he would discuss with the producers to minimize losses for the company's projects.
While visiting the production department, Mike De Luca, one of the top three producers at Lionsgate, approached Link, hoping he would reconsider starring in "Fifty Shades of Grey."
"This year, your performance in 'Rust and Bone,' an art film, earned a global box office of $320 million US Dollars. 'Fifty Shades of Grey' is a worldwide bestseller with a huge fan base. If you, a world superstar, take on the role, the box office will undoubtedly be explosive."
Link looked helplessly at him, wondering if it was appropriate for a world superstar and billionaire to take on such a film.
Mike De Luca thought it was appropriate, assuring Link that his exposure in the film would not be more extensive than in 'Rust and Bone.'
Link shook his head. Next year he would be in two films, 'American Sniper' and 'The Expendables 3'; he wouldn't have time for another movie. He asked Mike to first produce a good script, and if the script was satisfactory and he found time, he might consider it.
Producer Mike quickly nodded, assuring him that they would deliver a refined script.
Link checked the time and returned to the upstairs office to pick up Ivanka after work.
