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Chapter 163: Feeling Proud
🕑 Added 2025-01-12 20:06:15 +0000 UTC20 times the return?
What does that mean?
It's a return ratio that can make any production company go crazy—a number that could be written into the annals of film history.
Although it's still speculative, the data presented in the report was extremely rigorous.
Moreover, this newspaper has long specialized in estimating box office returns and employs the industry's most professional analysts.
So, upon seeing this report, the majority of people immediately believed it.
The report stated that the entire film's production cost was only $2.92 million. Since no well-known actors were used and CAA's package pricing was economical, most of the budget was spent on set design and equipment rentals.
Additionally, while the marketing budget wasn't disclosed, it didn't stop analysts from estimating based on billboards and digital advertising.
They ultimately arrived at a figure even the analysts found hard to believe: $2.5 million.
Compared to the large-scale promotional campaigns of other films, Saw's marketing budget seemed pitifully small. Yet its effectiveness was several times that of competing films.
This was hard to fathom, leading the newspaper to dig deeper. They eventually uncovered details about the "Jigsaw" urban legend and the public panic in New York caused by the "Puzzle Killer."
The investigation eventually linked these phenomena to a company: Supreme Creative.
"Half of Saw's box office success can be attributed to Supreme Creative, an up-and-coming top-tier advertising agency based in New York. While they had never handled movie promotion before, their low-budget promotional strategy for Saw was remarkably effective.
"Though it borrowed from The Blair Witch Project's marketing playbook, it primarily leveraged online forums as a medium, which kept costs low.
"Even now, weeks after the movie's release, there are still die-hard fans online who refuse to believe the Jigsaw legend was just a promotional tactic. These fans, however, regard the movie positively, believing Jigsaw needs the film to spread his legend.
"This indicates that future films may need to place greater emphasis on online marketing, as today's young audiences prefer sharing their experiences and interests on forums."
The report concluded, "Based on the current box office performance, we estimate that the total box office will reach approximately $100 million. With a $5 million production budget, the overall return ratio is 20 times, yielding a net profit of $60 million for the producers and distributors—a more than 12-fold return on investment."
Shortly after this report was published, Saw's theater count increased to 4,200 screens, propelling its box office past $50 million.
In the following week, Saw's box office grew to $87 million.
In stark contrast, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre barely surpassed $40 million.
Meanwhile, Scary Movie 3 entered the Halloween market, rapidly scooping up a large share of the box office. Its opening day brought in $19 million, with a first-week total of $41 million, marking the closing chapter of the Halloween season.
"Cheers!"
In an upscale restaurant, Ethan, Jimmy, Carl, James Wan, writer Leigh, and Greta were celebrating at a success party.
By now, it had been over three weeks since Saw's release, and its box office earnings had surpassed $100 million. By the time its theatrical run ended, Ethan estimated it would rake in another $10 million or so.
Meanwhile, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre had stalled at $50 million, more than $10 million lower than in Ethan's previous life.
Clearly, Saw's unexpected success had siphoned off much of the potential audience for Chainsaw.
Looking ahead to its international release, Ethan predicted Saw's global box office would hit $170 million, several tens of millions higher than in his past life.
This validated Ethan's belief: as long as production and marketing didn't falter, Saw's potential far exceeded $100 million.
"Ethan."
While deep in thought, someone raised a glass to him.
"James, what is it?" Ethan clinked glasses with him.
James Wan smiled warmly. "Thank you for investing in us and for directing the film. Leigh and I never imagined this movie would achieve such success."
"It's nothing—it's a win-win," Ethan said after taking a sip. "But the next step is up to you."
"What?" Both Leigh Whannell and James Wan looked confused.
"The next movie will be directed by you, James, with Leigh as the writer," Ethan announced his decision in front of everyone.
"Really?" James Wan was shocked. Although Ethan had mentioned this possibility before, now that Saw had grossed over $100 million, James found it hard to believe Ethan would still entrust him with such a cash cow.
But to his surprise, Ethan was sticking to his word. It was unbelievable.
"You heard me. I think you can bring a fresh perspective to Saw. But I'll still be the producer. If your work doesn't meet the mark, I won't approve it," Ethan said with a chuckle, raising his glass for another sip.
James Wan and Leigh Whannell immediately drained their glasses in gratitude.
With the Saw discussion settled, Ethan turned to Greta. "How's the new film coming along?"
"We're casting now. The marketing slogan is already out: Directed by the creator of Saw, produced by an Oscar-winning cinematographer. How does that sound?" Greta asked with a satisfied smirk.
Though she usually appeared soft-spoken, she was surprisingly meticulous when it came to films. She refused to compromise on casting, insisting on finding the perfect actors.
Ethan, however, didn't mind the slow progress. The film's script rights were in his hands, so the timeline wouldn't affect its success.
"And there's more good news, Ethan!" Jimmy raised his glass. "I've secured a publishing deal. They're very interested in your manuscript. Ethan Li Norton, the founder of Norton's Eye, is about to become a bestselling author!"
"No, no. I won't use my name," Ethan interjected.
"What do you mean?" Jimmy frowned, puzzled.
"The author is Carmella. My name isn't necessary."
As it turned out, Ethan had recently discovered that his mother, Carmella, had been a literary magazine editor in her youth. When she saw Ethan's draft of Fifty Shades of Grey, she volunteered to help polish it.
The results were impressive—better than anything a professional editor could have achieved.
Ethan decided to credit her as the author. The reason? Simple—he didn't want to be known as the writer of a female-centric SM romance.
"Fair enough. What about licensing?" Jimmy asked.
"One dollar. This manuscript will be licensed to Norton's Eye for $1 to adapt into a film," Ethan replied with a smile.
"Deal."
"Alright, let's put work aside for now," Ethan said, steering the conversation away from business. Carl seized the moment to share some Hollywood gossip, filling the room with laughter.
After the party, Ethan returned to his penthouse. As he entered, he heard the sound of running water from the bathroom.
Looking down, he noticed a red plaid shirt, a black leather skirt, and fishnet stockings scattered haphazardly on the floor.
Whistling cheerfully, he grabbed an orange from the fruit bowl and patiently began peeling it.
Moments later, the bathroom door opened, and Avril stepped out, barefoot and wrapped in a white towel.
"Ethan, why didn't you tell me you were back?" Avril asked, startled.
"How's the new album coming along?" Ethan asked with a smirk, popping a segment of orange into his mouth.
"Great!" Avril's mood shifted instantly. She jumped onto the couch and sprawled across Ethan's lap.
"Ethan, you know what? I met this total b**** at an event recently. She even mocked me and slapped her assistant backstage."
"Who's this diva?" Ethan asked.
"Naomi Campbell," Avril replied indignantly. "That b**** insulted my figure! F**k her!"
"And I'm guessing you didn't hold back," Ethan chuckled, knowing Avril's fiery personality.
"Of course not!" Avril said proudly. "I stomped on her high heels, and she made a fool of herself on stage. But backstage, she went and hit her assistant."
"Sounds barbaric," Ethan said, ruffling her hair as she purred contentedly.
"Ethan, I want to see Saw tonight."
"Sure, I've got the DVD here."
"No, I want to watch it in a theater," Avril insisted.
"Whatever you want," Ethan said.
"You're the best," Avril said, giving him a kiss.
After some teasing, they got dressed and headed out to a local theater.
In the dimly lit cinema, Avril sat beside Ethan in the back row, gripping his hand tightly throughout the film.
When the lights came up, Avril turned to him with a serious expression.
"Ethan, you did a fantastic job."
"What's wrong?" Ethan asked, sensing a shift in her mood.
"Nothing." She smiled warmly. "I'm just really proud of you."
