Chapter 195: Self-Rescue

Chapter 195: Chapter 195: Self-Rescue

"But looking at the negative reviews still fermenting, even though the announcement of Beard’s departure has been sent out, public opinion hasn’t improved much..." the assistant said somewhat anxiously.

"I know, but we can’t rush," Adelaide waved her hand. "The most stable approach right now isn’t to rush into superficial gestures, but to stabilize the internal situation first and do well with the projects we have on hand.

Pirates of the Caribbean is the priority. Nothing can go wrong on Irene’s end. There’s also the new film Irene is pushing, My Big Fat Greek Wedding. If it passes the evaluation, we can use this warm theme to convey positive energy, which is more persuasive than a simple donation."

She thought for a moment and picked up the internal phone. "Notify all department heads to meet in Conference Room One at 2:00 PM. The agenda is: recent project advancement adjustments and the company’s image restoration plan."

At 2:00 PM, the conference room was packed. The heads of marketing, distribution, production, and other departments arrived one after another, their faces filled with a certain solemnity. Everyone knew the company was currently at the center of a storm, and any slight misstep could make things even worse.

Adelaide walked into the conference room and got straight to the point. "I’ve called everyone here today for two reasons: first, to synchronize on recent project adjustments, and second, to discuss how to respond to the current public opinion environment.

First, regarding the projects: because the holiday has been extended, the restart time for filming Pirates of the Caribbean is tentatively set for a month from now. The Production Department must maintain close communication with Irene’s team to ensure smooth progress after the restart.

The Marketing Department will release the evaluation report for My Big Fat Greek Wedding today. The style of this film fits the current market demand very well, so everyone should pay close attention to it."

Just as she finished speaking, the Marketing Department head raised his hand. "President Adelaide, regarding image restoration, our team has discussed it. Many people suggest a donation, but we’re afraid it might be interpreted as marketing. Also, about Mrs. Beard’s situation, should we issue an official statement to completely distance ourselves from her?"

"A statement can be issued, but it must be concise. Just say ’personal words and actions are unrelated to the company.’ No need for excessive explanation. The more you explain, the easier it is to be scrutinized,"

Adelaide stated clearly. "As for the donation, I’m just worried that other competing companies will take the opportunity to over-interpret our actions, and we’ll end up spending money without gaining any goodwill."

The Distribution Department head said, "We can collaborate with theaters for some public welfare screenings. For example, donating a portion of the screening revenue from some old films to the families of the victims. This way, it won’t seem forced and can still convey goodwill."

"That’s a good idea," Adelaide nodded in approval. "You take the lead in implementing this. Coordinate with the major theater chains. Choose films that are positive and have a wide audience, avoiding heavy themes."

Lena, the head of the PR Department, suddenly raised her hand. "Adelaide, I have something to add. Regarding image restoration, besides public welfare screenings and conveying positive energy through works, we can do two more things.

First, collaborate with multicultural organizations within the industry to launch a ’Stand Together’ themed event. Second, release public service short films featuring our artists."

"Tell me more," Adelaide raised an eyebrow and signaled for her to continue.

"Currently, the Black community has the deepest negative impression of the company. We can proactively contact the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to sponsor their post-disaster psychological counseling projects. At the same time, we can invite our Black artists to participate in public service lectures, visiting communities and schools to convey the concept of ’racial equality and fighting disasters together.’" Lena flipped through her notebook.

"This way, we can directly respond to the racial discrimination controversy sparked by Mrs. Beard while showcasing the company’s social responsibility, which is more targeted than a simple donation."

Mark, the Distribution Department head, immediately agreed. "That’s a great idea! And we can combine public welfare activities with the promotion of new films. For example, having the lead actors of Pirates of the Caribbean record public service short films, calling for everyone to unite.

This won’t delay the film’s warm-up and will also convey a positive image. After all, actors like Depp and Henry have high national popularity, and their voices are more persuasive."

"The content of the short films must be restrained. There can’t be excessive marketing," Adelaide reminded.

"The focus is on conveying warmth and strength. For instance, have the actors share their understanding of ’unity’ or express condolences to the families of the victims, avoiding any blatant promotional elements for the films."

"Understood," Lena nodded. "Additionally, we can set up a ’Post-Disaster Mutual Aid Column’ on the company’s official website and social media to organize rescue information and psychological counseling resources. We can even link with offline institutions to provide help to employees and the public in need. This will make the public feel that Fox is not just a profit-oriented company, but a socially responsible enterprise."

Tom, the Production Department head, added, "I think we can also adjust some project plans. For example, we have a war-themed film originally scheduled to start filming next year. It’s definitely not appropriate in this current atmosphere. It’s better to set it aside for now and replace it with a heartwarming film that will spotlight family reunions.

Also, future casting can focus more on diversity. Beyond films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding that showcase cultural differences, we can prepare another positive story with a minority protagonist to further turn around the company’s racial image."

"This adjustment is very necessary," Adelaide praised. "The market needs solace and hope right now. We should avoid heavy themes for the time being. Tom, you take the lead in reviewing the current project list and give me an adjustment plan tomorrow.

Also, regarding My Big Fat Greek Wedding, if it passes evaluation, we can start warming up early by releasing some ’family warmth’ themed clips to fit the current market demand."

With everyone chiming in, the ideas in the conference room became clearer and clearer. From targeted PR for the racial controversy to public welfare marketing combined with films, and then to the proactive adjustment of project plans, a series of measures progressed step by step. This not only addressed the current public opinion pain points but also took the company’s long-term development into account.

Adelaide looked at the team before her, and her heart gradually felt at ease. She summarized:

"To sum up, we will focus on five things next: first, issue a concise statement to distance ourselves from Mrs. Beard’s personal words and actions; second, collaborate with the NAACP to launch multicultural public welfare activities and invite artists to record public service short films; third, adjust project plans to focus on heartwarming and positive themes; fourth, set up an online mutual aid column to strengthen our social responsibility image."

She paused, her tone firm. "This is a critical period for the company, and everyone must perform their duties and cooperate closely.

The PR Department will lead the image restoration, the Marketing Department will be responsible for implementing public welfare activities, the Production Department will push forward project adjustments, and the Distribution Department will coordinate with theaters and industry partners.

What I want is not superficial gestures, but for the public to truly see our sincerity, so that Fox can emerge from this public opinion storm as soon as possible."

"Understood!" the department heads responded in unison. The solemnity on their faces had vanished, replaced by a surge of motivation.