Chapter 361: Analysis

Chapter 361: Chapter 361: Analysis

"It’s more than that!" Sophia continued. "In terms of distribution, Robert helped us negotiate simultaneous releases in over twenty art-house theaters and secured prime screening slots in core cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago.

You know, these theater chains are usually monopolized by the big studios. Now, many industry insiders are saying that although Future World Pictures hasn’t been established for long, it’s already on par with those established major studios when it comes to the distribution and promotion of independent films."

Francis set down his coffee cup and nodded in agreement. "Robert is truly a rare talent with a keen eye and strong execution. Irene, being able to poach him is your good fortune, and the good fortune of Future World Pictures as well." He paused and looked at Sophia.

"But, aside from promotion and distribution, how is the preparation for your film’s Oscar campaign coming along?"

Mentioning the Oscar, a flash of longing crossed Sophia’s eyes, followed by a hint of hesitation. "Robert has also made a detailed plan for me. To be honest, this film is a work into which I’ve poured a lot of heart and soul, and gaining recognition from the Oscar is every filmmaker’s dream. But I really don’t feel confident about it."

Francis: "Irene took Million Dollar Baby to the Oscar last year and received seven nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. Although your Lost in Translation is slightly inferior in subject matter, this year’s competitive pressure is not as high as last year’s, and Robert has extensive experience in Oscar campaigns, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much about the nomination stage at least."

Irene set down her fork. "That’s right, sis. Given the quality of your film, you don’t need to worry about the nomination stage. And I think there’s actually a technique to campaigning for the Oscar. First of all, the reason Million Dollar Baby was able to win, aside from the film’s solid quality, was the precise public relations strategy.

We set up a dedicated PR team and started laying the groundwork three months before the awards season. We spared no expense in mailing film copies and beautifully crafted brochures to the more than 6,000 Academy voters, organized numerous small screenings, invited voters for face-to-face exchanges with the creators, and formulated different promotional focuses based on the characteristics of the voters for different awards.

For example, for voters in the acting branch, we highlighted the performance details of Hilary Swank, Robert De Niro, and Morgan Freeman. For voters in the director branch, we emphasized the film’s narrative rhythm and lens language. I tried to make every step perfect, but unfortunately, the opponents were just too strong. Still, being able to win a Best Picture in the end wasn’t a waste of time."

Sophia listened very attentively, nodding from time to time. "Robert’s plan has notes on these things too, just not as clearly explained as you put it."

Irene: "I think the most important thing for you at this stage, sis, is to figure out which award you want to win. When I participated last year, I was sort of casting a wide net because I didn’t know what my specific advantages were, but fortunately, the film’s quality was solid enough.

Even so, winning Best Picture was still a bit of a fluke. But your film’s strengths and weaknesses are very clear. You need to figure out the direction from the start. After all, if the direction is wrong, you might end up working hard for nothing."

Sophia suddenly realized. "That makes a lot of sense!" She paused and asked curiously, "Then which categories do you think I should focus on?"

Irene: "During the submission stage, you can submit whatever you want. As I said before, given the quality of your film and the theme of urban loneliness, getting a nomination won’t be difficult.

But to win, you need to plan carefully. I believe Robert should have given you some suggestions. Leaving everything else aside, you’re definitely out of the running for Best Picture. It’s impossible for the Oscar to give Best Picture to the Coppola family two years in a row.

As for other awards, I suggest you focus your PR on Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. Among the films released this year, there aren’t any particularly standout original screenplays, while your script has a tight story, refined dialogue, sincere emotions, and is full of reflections on modern urban life, making it very competitive.

As long as you’re willing to spend the money, you have a 90% chance of winning that award. But Best Director..."

Sophia: "What about Best Director?"

Francis also looked at Irene with an encouraging smile.

Irene took a sip of water. "For Best Director, your biggest rivals are Clint Eastwood and Peter Jackson. It has been 11 years since Director Clint last won an Oscar for Best Director. This time, Mystic River is a stable performance.

The film’s portrayal is realistic, and the heavy story, the reflections it triggers, and its exploration of human nature all offer a unique perspective. Aside from the subject matter not being particularly crowd-pleasing, it has basically no flaws.

And Peter Jackson, honestly, putting aside who wins Best Director for a moment, Best Picture is definitely going to The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. After all, The Lord of the Rings trilogy has demonstrated a high degree of synergy between current film industrialization and artistry across every level, including visual effects, art direction, costume design, editing, and score.

Since The Lord of the Rings was released, it has been at the Oscar every year, but in the previous two years, it could only win some peripheral technical awards. This year is the final Chapter of the trilogy, and the audience’s attention has reached its peak.

Before this, The Return of the King has swept the Golden Globe Awards, the British Academy Film Awards, and other precursors, forming a ’final Chapter coronation’ public opinion trend.

I believe that if The Return of the King doesn’t win a major award this time, the Oscar organizing committee will surely be flooded with complaint letters. So, under such a halo, the winner of Best Director is most likely Peter Jackson."

Why else would Irene have rushed to release Million Dollar Baby early? After all, even with her stepping in, she didn’t have full confidence that she could defeat this historic masterpiece.

She turned to look at Sophia and, noticing her furrowed brows, quickly smiled and encouraged her.

"But you don’t need to be too nervous. As long as you fully display the film’s strengths, no matter the result, it will be a very good experience. Besides, even if you don’t win an Oscar, being able to let more people know and recognize you through this film will be very helpful for your directing career."

"Mm!" Sophia nodded heavily upon hearing her sister’s encouragement, but the disappointment in her eyes couldn’t be hidden. Among those working in Hollywood, how many could remain completely indifferent to the Oscar? Even Irene couldn’t do it herself, so she certainly understood Sophia.

But Lost in Translation was already the closest she had come to an Oscar in her career. Perhaps she could help her sister find some other projects?