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Chapter 19: Finalizing the Release
🕑 Added 2024-09-03 11:21:18 +0000 UTCIn the afternoon after the screening, Universal Pictures' team gathered in a small conference room to discuss the release and promotion of *The Shallows*.
Perhaps because the film was a big surprise or because of Spielberg's involvement, Universal Pictures President Akio Tani and Vice President Lew Wasserman were also present in the meeting room.
After the secretary served coffee to everyone, Lew Wasserman, at Tani's signal, began to lead the meeting.
"Mike, share your thoughts. I can see that you appreciate this film," Lew Wasserman first turned to film selection expert Mike Harris.
Mike Harris took a sip of coffee, cleared his throat, and said, "This is an exciting B-grade thriller. The director, Gilbert, did an outstanding job.
Honestly, I didn't believe he could make a good film at first.
But after seeing this film, I'm beginning to believe that this young man has done a remarkable job."
"Levitt, what's your opinion? What strategy do you think we should use for the film's release?" Lew Wasserman then asked the distribution department head.
Levitt Gold, the head of distribution, thought for a moment before responding, "Although the film is of good quality, I suggest we adopt a conservative release strategy.
While the film is exciting and thrilling, we can't be sure if the market will respond well.
Apart from Spielberg's name as producer, the film lacks star power, which is a disadvantage for its promotion.
This means we will need to allocate more resources for marketing…"
None of the top executives at Hollywood studios are fools, and Levitt Gold's comments were objective.
Thus, the executives quickly reached a consensus. Lou Wassel and Akio Inoue said, "Mr. Tani, we will proceed with a B-movie marketing strategy.
We'll arrange for the film's rating, media screenings, and test screenings. What do you think?"
Tani, thinking that getting the film to the theatrical release stage would satisfy Spielberg, nodded in agreement.
"Sounds good. I'm not familiar with film distribution, so I'll leave it to your plan."
With the president's approval, the distribution strategy for *The Shallows* was soon arranged. In a few days, critic and media screenings would be held, and test screenings were also scheduled.
Meanwhile, Frank Marshall, after attending the screening, reported back to Spielberg.
"The film exceeded my expectations, Steven. You really should see it yourself," Frank Marshall praised the film. "For a film with only a $3.5 million budget, Gilbert has done an excellent job."
"Really?" Spielberg felt reassured but still asked, "Based on your intuition, how do you think the film will perform?"
"It's hard to say," Frank Marshall thought for a moment before replying, "But I believe covering costs and even making a profit shouldn't be a problem. The rest depends on Universal's promotion and market response."
"In that case, I'll lend a hand!" Spielberg said.
"How would you like to help?"
"With the promotion of *Hook* starting up, it should be fine to help promote *The Shallows* during TV appearances and newspaper interviews," Spielberg suggested.
"I don't think Columbia Pictures will have any objections," Frank Marshall said.
"That's good," Spielberg nodded. "Please make arrangements. Have the hosts mention it when you're on the shows."
"Sure," Frank Marshall agreed and went off to make arrangements.
*Hook* was a film produced by Amblin Entertainment, but the distributor was not Universal Pictures, but Sony Columbia Pictures.
This also illustrates why Universal Pictures took the risk to invest in and distribute *The Shallows* for Spielberg—Spielberg was highly sought after in Hollywood!
After the internal screening, Gilbert still had work to do.
He edited two trailers for Universal Pictures. They included beach scenes, sexy women, and terrifying sharks.
At this stage, the director's job was largely done.
Back then, before the rise of internet media, directors mostly worked behind the scenes while stars shone in front of the camera.
Later, with the development of internet media and communications, directors began to take on more front-line roles.
But for now, Gilbert was a small fish, and the media had little interest in him.
Previous media coverage was due to the buzz from Spielberg's involvement; otherwise, he would have been ignored by the media, just like Paul Collins.
Even so, media coverage labeled him as foolish, arrogant, and inexperienced, giving him a poor public image.
Since *The Shallows* was entirely financed and distributed by Universal Pictures without third-party involvement, Universal didn't have to share the revenue.
The production's accounts were settled, and Gilbert's final payment as director was deposited into his account.
The $100,000 wasn't much; after taxes and paying off his student loans, it was barely enough.
However, Gilbert still sent $5,000 to his aunt, Meryl Clare, who lived in San Francisco. His cousin, Ellie Mace, was also in school, and life was tough for them.
As for his father, Gilbert figured he would find a way. It wouldn't be too difficult for his father to beg a former lover for a meal.
After sending the money to his aunt, Meryl Clare quickly called: "Gilbert, why did you send me money out of the blue?"
Gilbert explained, "I received my director's fee, and after paying off my student loans, there was some left. I wanted to send you a bit."
Meryl Clare refused, "No need. We're doing well and don't need the money."
"Aunt, don't rush to refuse. Even if you don't need it, Ellie does," Gilbert persuaded. "She'll need money for college, social activities, and making friends.
Do you want her to struggle through college like I did?"
Mentioning her daughter, Meryl Clare gave in. "Alright, thank you, Gilbert."
"Don't mention it. We're family. By the way…" Gilbert remembered something. "My first film is about to be released. Will you be able to come to Los Angeles for the premiere?"
"Sure," Meryl Clare was delighted on the other end. "I always said you had exceptional filmmaking talent. Your uncle didn't believe me.
Now our whole family will come to Los Angeles to see your film and show your uncle what you've accomplished."
"Great, you're always welcome in Los Angeles," Gilbert smiled.
After a few more pleasantries, Gilbert hung up and sighed.
Though he had no blood relation to this family, his aunt Meryl's family had helped him through tough times when he first arrived.
Even without a blood connection, he valued the principle of gratitude; he certainly wanted to repay his aunt Meryl's .
