Mid-September.
Paramount Pictures Base.
"I announce that the filming of lara croft: tomb raider is complete! Today, we wrap!" Kyle announced loudly to everyone on the set.
Immediately, the entire scene erupted in a burst of thunderous applause and cheers.
At this moment, both director Simon West and the film's absolute leading lady, Angelina Jolie, were incredibly excited.
lara croft: tomb raider had been officially initiated in October 1999;
In December 1999, Kyle reached a cooperation agreement with Paramount and took on the role of producer, beginning the comprehensive planning and preparation for lara croft: tomb raider;
In February 2000, directors and actors were selected, and various work groups for the crew were established;
In May 2000, filming for lara croft: tomb raider officially began;
As of now, mid-September 2000, after nearly a year of preparation and filming, the movie has finally wrapped, completing all filming stages.
"The filming phase is over, but the post-production work like special effects, soundtrack, dubbing, and editing will still take some time and effort," Kyle said with a smile.
Hearing this, the several heads in charge on-site all nodded.
The second producer, Tom Harris, said, "At that time, we'll still need you to put in some extra effort, Mr. Page. With an excellent film producer like you overseeing things, we feel confident. I firmly believe that under Mr. Page's leadership, our lara croft: tomb raider will surely achieve an outstanding box office performance. After all, Mr. Page is a famous movie genius!"
Just listen to that~
Tom Harris is just too good at talking; no wonder he can navigate Hollywood so well.
This person is both capable and well-spoken; if he doesn't succeed, who will?
"You're too kind, too kind!" Kyle waved his hands repeatedly.
During the entire filming of lara croft: tomb raider, Kyle had a very pleasant time. Whether it was with the director, the second producer, or even the various actors, Kyle found their interactions quite comfortable. Well, even though Kyle was often absent from the set.
"Kyle,"
"You have to accompany me for a few more drinks at the cocktail party later," Angelina Jolie said with a smile.
"Certainly," Kyle replied with a smile.
Director Simon West followed up, saying, "I also want to have a few drinks with Mr. Page. After all, if it weren't for you, Mr. Page, I could never have become the director of lara croft: tomb raider."
Upon hearing this, Kyle immediately laughed and said, "You're being too modest, my friend. Your talent is beyond doubt. Even without the lara croft: tomb raider movie, you would surely have become an excellent director. Anyway, I won't say too much more, but after lara croft: tomb raider is fully completed, perhaps we can collaborate again."
Collaborate again?
Director Simon West's eyes immediately lit up.
Befriending Kyle was, in his view, definitely a great thing!
Classmate Kyle was one of the movie tycoons in Hollywood and the boss of Page Pictures, which was full of attraction for any director.
Tap, tap, tap~
Just then, the sound of footsteps approached.
Kyle's chief assistant Alexander walked over: "Boss, Mr. Antioco from Blockbuster Video wants to see you?"
"He's here?" Kyle's brow quirked.
Blockbuster Video is the largest offline DVD and videotape distributor and rental service provider in the U.S. and even the World. It has over 9,000 stores and more than 60,000 employees worldwide, with a market value as high as $40 billion.
At the same time, Blockbuster Video and Paramount Pictures are both subsidiaries under the Viacom Group.
"Boss, should I turn him away for you?" Alexander asked.
Hearing this, Kyle shook his head: "Logically, if Blockbuster has any business cooperation, they should look for Victor, Mr. Bill, or Kevin Feige. It's not appropriate for him to seek me out. But after all, we are on Paramount's turf. Forget it, let him come over."
"Yes, Boss," Alexander replied and left immediately.
Director Simon West, Jolie, and the others, seeing that Kyle had business to discuss, tactfully took their leave.
In a word, they were sensible!
Before long, Antioco from Blockbuster Video arrived before Kyle.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Page!" The visitor was very enthusiastic.
Kyle shook hands with him: "I know of you; you are a talent."
Antioco was one of the senior executives at Blockbuster Video, primarily responsible for negotiating DVD and videotape copyright business.
As of now, many within Blockbuster Video held higher status and power than Antioco, but in the future, he would definitely be one of the top decision-makers—a man who almost turned the tide.
In 2003, Netflix Company rose to prominence.
With its online DVD rentals, Netflix Company crushed Blockbuster Video, its business soaring and gaining over 4 million users.
Blockbuster Video was like a setting sun, nearing its end!
At this critical moment, Antioco stepped forward. Once he took office, he launched Blockbuster Video's online service, and within just one year, he had Netflix Company gasping for breath.
But!
In 2007, just as Antioco was about to completely defeat the future streaming giant Netflix Company, Blockbuster Video made a series of blunders. The board of directors was unwilling to pay a $7.6 million bonus, only offering $5.6 million, and even chose to fire their greatest contributor, Antioco, because of it!
Sigh~
By 2020, Netflix Company had become one of the World's largest streaming giants, with a market value exceeding $240 billion.
On the other hand, what about the former giant Blockbuster Video?
It's gone!
Completely gone!
No, to be precise, only one store remains for tourists to take photos and reminisce about Blockbuster Video's former glory.
"Mr. Page, my purpose today is to finalize the offline DVD and videotape distribution and rental business for your company's Spider-Man," Antioco said solemnly.
"Hmm!"
Kyle nodded and said, "I will consider your suggestion."
To be honest, Kyle didn't want to talk much with Antioco because finalizing the offline DVD and videotape distribution and rental business for Spider-Man so early would cause Kyle to lose out on a lot of money.
As a transmigrator, Kyle knew just how popular Spider-Man would be in the offline DVD market.
Within one week of its release, the Spider-Man DVD created sales of millions of copies, with sales revenue reaching $110 million, breaking the Hollywood record for offline DVD sales.
At that time, Blockbuster Video, as the distributor, made a killing!
However, Sony Columbia, the production company of the Spider-Man movie, actually earned less from the DVDs than Blockbuster Video did, which was a laughingstock.
Kyle didn't want to be a laughingstock or a sucker.
In short, the rights could be sold to Blockbuster Video, but not this early!
The next day.
Kyle learned another piece of news from his assistant Alexander.
Reed Hastings, the founder and CEO of the future streaming giant Netflix, was desperate to meet Kyle.