Chapter 230: Overseas Distribution

Chapter 230: Chapter 230: Overseas Distribution

After hanging up the phone, she followed the crowd into the screening room.

The atmosphere here was completely different from the warm and lively vibe at the premiere of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

The audience was almost entirely young males. The walls of the theater were bare, save for a few simple promotional posters, exuding a cold sense of neglect from the distributor.

As soon as Irene found a seat and sat down, the lights dimmed, and the movie officially began.

This was her first time watching this work by Nolan. The opening shot featured the polar day snowfields of Alaska, cold and oppressive.

The film tells the story of two detectives who arrive in a small town to investigate the murder of a teenage girl.

The protagonist, played by Al Pacino, accidentally kills his partner while chasing the killer. Tormented by guilt, he suffers from total insomnia, falling into a mental predicament amidst the white light of the polar day, struggling with his conscience while dealing with the killer.

The suspense gripped the heart throughout: Who exactly was the killer? Would the protagonist’s secret be exposed? How much longer could he hold out in his sleep-deprived hallucinations?

The reactions during the screening were starkly divided: several audience members in the front who looked like cinephiles leaned forward the entire time, their eyes shining and their breathing light.

However, many ordinary viewers in the back sat loosely, with some checking their watches and others whispering that the plot was too convoluted and oppressive.

Irene watched the screen quietly, having already formed a judgment in her heart.

At this time, Nolan still possessed the sharpness and stubbornness of a cutting-edge director. His visual language was full of personal style, capturing psychological struggle to the extreme, yet lacking a bit of the commercial smoothness that caters to the public.

Like Memento, this film had edges that were too sharp, destined to be a niche work where ’those who love it love it deeply, while those who hate it find it obscure.’ Its box office probably wouldn’t be particularly outstanding, but it shouldn’t lose money either.

The lights came up, and the applause in the theater was sparse, carrying a hint of polite courtesy.

Viewers who favored the suspenseful style were still discussing the plot in low voices, while ordinary viewers stood up to leave with a hint of bewilderment. Just as Irene expected, this sharply styled film focused on psychological portrayal ultimately failed to win over the general public.

Nolan stood at the exit, watching the somewhat lackluster departure of the crowd, a hint of disappointment hidden in his eyes.

Irene stepped forward and lightly patted his arm: "Don’t mind it, your story is very powerful. This kind of expression that is true to oneself still has a market, but you might just need a little more commercial consideration."

Nolan managed a bitter smile and thanked her sincerely: "Thank you for your understanding. I was actually mentally prepared. It was a pleasure chatting with you, and I look forward to seeing your new work next time."

After a brief farewell, Hilary Swank walked over with her handbag. Irene immediately handed her the physical script that Vera had just delivered: "This is the complete script. Take your time reading it when you get back. The role requires a lot of effort, but I believe you can handle it."

Hilary took the script with both hands, her fingertips lightly brushing the cover, her tone sincere: "I’ll read it tonight and contact you as soon as I have any thoughts. I’m honored to be chosen by you for this role."

At that moment, Al Pacino also walked over and patted both of them on the shoulders: "Don’t worry, I’ll call Robert first thing tomorrow morning. He’ll definitely be interested. Just wait for the good news."

In the night, Irene stood at the cinema entrance, watching Hilary and Al drive away. She took a deep breath and also drove off.

The next morning, the Los Angeles sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting fragmented spots of light on Irene’s desk.

She was buried in organizing the physical training plan for the actors of Million Dollar Baby, repeatedly marking the ’Basic Boxing Special Training’ entry. In her mind, she was also silently keeping track of Hilary Swank’s script feedback and the progress of Al Pacino’s connection with Robert De Niro.

Just then, the phone on her desk suddenly rang. The caller ID showed Tom Hanks.

Irene picked up the phone, her tone carrying a natural familiarity: "Tom, morning."

"Irene, good morning." Tom’s voice was warm and brisk, getting straight to the point. "Are you free today? Fox reached out to us proactively. They want to officially discuss the global overseas distribution for My Big Fat Greek Wedding."

Irene was slightly stunned, not reacting for a moment.

Since entering the industry, she had never had to worry about distribution for her works.

Legally Blonde was fully handled by her father Francis’s American Zoetrope. The Italian Job and Mean Girls were deeply tied to Fox from the project’s inception, with overseas distribution rights already bundled into the initial investment contracts, the process following naturally.

But this low-budget My Big Fat Greek Wedding was an independent film completely independent of major film companies, self-funded by Tom and Irene. Even its promotion was pitifully sparse, relying entirely on word-of-mouth for its counter-attack. Negotiating overseas distribution separately was a brand-new field for her.

After a brief daze, she immediately became interested. This was a perfect opportunity to learn the rules of overseas distribution. After all, when Million Dollar Baby hits North American theaters in the future, she would eventually have to take control of its overseas landing herself.

"I’m free. I can head over anytime," Irene agreed readily, her tone hiding a bit of seriousness for learning.

After finalizing the time, Irene hung up and immediately notified Vera and Shelly to prepare to accompany her.

She certainly wouldn’t be the main force in this negotiation. With an ’old hand’ like Tom Hanks leading the way, her task was to sit in, listen, and learn the logic of overseas distribution profit-sharing, promotional strategies, and regional cooperation models.

Early the next morning, the three of them drove to the Fox Pictures headquarters building.

The building with its full glass curtain wall shone brilliantly in the sun. When the elevator reached the top-floor executive conference room, Tom Hanks was already waiting at the door with his professional team. Legal, distribution consultants, and business negotiators were all present, a complete and orderly lineup.

In contrast, Irene’s side only had Vera and Shelly, appearing exceptionally lean.

Upon meeting, Tom joked with a smile: "I thought you’d bring half a consultant group with you. I didn’t expect just the three of you."

Irene shrugged candidly, not hiding her original intention at all: "I’m here with a student’s mindset to listen to the lecture. I only have a partial understanding of the ins and outs of overseas distribution, so I’m just following along to learn from you and the professionals at Fox."

Her honesty earned her a bit more admiration in Tom’s eyes.

In the conference room, Fox’s distribution executives had been waiting for a long time. On the table lay the global market analysis report for My Big Fat Greek Wedding — the front page was prominently marked with "North American Box Office Counter-Trend Myth" and "Family Warmth Theme High Global Adaptability," which showed how much Fox valued this low-budget dark horse.

After everyone was seated, Jill Leonard, the head of Fox’s overseas distribution department, spoke first in an enthusiastic tone:

"Director Coppola, Mr. Hanks, thank you both for coming. We have all witnessed the word-of-mouth miracle created by My Big Fat Greek Wedding in North America. This invitation is to finalize the distribution rhythm for major overseas markets like Europe, Australia, and Asia, striving to pass this warmth on to the whole world."