American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 23: Slaying the old and destroying the new dynasty

The film *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* is a faithful adaptation of the original novel! Director Chris Columbus has condensed the novel's lengthy narrative into a captivating and often thrilling cinematic adventure!

[Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the most unmissable film of the year, bar none! Director Chris Columbus perfectly captured J.K. Rowling's brilliant ideas on screen! The lifelike magical world is captivating!]

The film *Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* will absolutely not disappoint any book fan who goes to the theater! From the actors' performances to the set design, costumes, makeup, and special effects, everything is just right, sometimes even exceeding expectations!

Even the most cynical moviegoers will be captivated by Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone! The HP movies are a perfect complement to the bestselling books! Everyone is doing their utmost to bring joy to everyone!

【…】

On November 5th, the day after the premiere, a deluge of reports dominated the public's attention.

British media outlets, such as The Guardian, The Times, and The Daily Telegraph, showered the film version of Harry Potter with lavish praise, describing it in glowing terms. American media invited by Warner Bros. to cross the Atlantic for the London premiere, including The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, and Time, went even further, enthusiastically promoting the film version of Harry Potter.

While there are many stories behind the positive reviews, how could the British media possibly say that there are problems with their own project? The American media received invitations and Warner Bros. fees at the same time, so there will only be positive and constructive reports on the market at present.

but……

Does it matter?

Marketing is essential to all cultural and entertainment projects.

Furthermore, as long as your work is good enough to meet most people's expectations, then no amount of marketing will change anything.

Therefore, when Warner Bros., the creative team, even moviegoers and book fans were very satisfied with the quality of "The Philosopher's Stone," the praise from the outside world was truly well-deserved.

However, just as the creative team, having finished the premiere, could quietly wait for the film's release according to the publicity and distribution process, the first victim appeared who was unable to leave the house due to the film's high popularity.

She was a member of the Heywood family, but not Isabella, but Catherine…

"What did you say?"

"Aren't you going to school?"

"Why?"

November 5, 2001, was a Monday.

Because the premiere yesterday didn't end until midnight, Isabella, who had nothing to do, slept in until she naturally woke up today.

Then, she didn't get up until 11 o'clock. As she was getting ready for brunch, she suddenly realized that her older sister, who should have been at school, was sitting in the dining room, still sleepy, waiting for her mother to feed her.

This scene gave her a jolt.

After she asked the question that had been bothering her—

“Because Keisha can’t go to school anymore, everyone in her class is talking about Harry Potter,” Vivian explained while busy in the kitchen. “It’s their school’s decision; their head of academic affairs called me this morning to tell me.”

Although St. Paul's Girls' School is one of the nine prestigious public schools and its students are generally of high caliber, they are still human beings!
Last year, Catherine's classmates rioted after learning that Isabella had won over Hermione, but since it was still a long time before the movie's release, it didn't cause too much chaos. But this year?
The movie is about to be released!
Warner Bros. spent over 100 million on marketing and promotion!
Everyone's talking about HP!
Now, suppose your classmate is Hermione's sister, could you resist asking questions?

No kidding!
Even if I believed pigs could fly, I still wouldn't believe you could shut up!

So……

As soon as summer vacation ended and the new semester began, many people at St. Paul's Girls' School were already asking Catherine about HP.

Yes, it's not just people in the class asking; the whole school is concerned.

After Warner Bros. released the final trailer, even more people asked her about the movie's plot and behind-the-scenes stories.

Isabella actually knew all about these things; Catherine had told her before, but since Catherine said it wasn't a big problem and she would go to school as usual, she didn't pay much attention. But now, Catherine can't go to school.
"Why do I feel like São Paulo is trying to persuade you to drop out of school?"

As Isabella helped her mother set out the simple brunch, she ate her oatmeal and fruit salad while glancing at Catherine.

"Your feeling is correct."

Catherine smiled and said, "Mom said the school suggested I wait until the HP promotion period is over before going back."

"This is actually a disguised way of discouraging people from leaving."

Isabella remained silent.

Because barring any unforeseen circumstances, HP is going to have eight parts.

Furthermore, the filming schedule for all eight parts was very tight.

This means that there may be an HP movie every year in the future, and there will be HP promotional materials on the market.

So if Catherine has to hide from the limelight every time there's a publicity campaign, then what's the point of her going to school?
Right?

However, on the other hand, if she stays at the school, it will really cause management problems for the school.

So what are your thoughts?

Isabella looked at her older sister with a complicated expression.

"So what if I drop out of school? I don't care about that kind of thing."

Catherine said nonchalantly.

She wanted to drop out of school last year.

This response made Isabella look at her mother, Vivian, who had been watching her daughters closely. She smiled and said, "This time I support Keisha because she really shouldn't continue going to school."

"As for what to do after dropping out of school..."

"I still hope she can continue her studies."

“My current idea is to take her to the film set. If Warner Bros. allows her to attend classes on set, then we can just live on set.”

"That way I won't have to run back and forth anymore."

"And I believe Warner Bros. will allow it; it's good for filming, and you can stay on set all the time. Of course, if not, then I'll hire a tutor for her, and... she can keep going back and forth."

Vivian made it sound so easy, but in reality...

“彳亍口八”.

Isabella thought about it and felt that her mother's idea might be the best one at the moment.

When even St. Paul's of the Ninth Academy couldn't handle the media storm, even if they transferred Catherine to another school... the end result would be the same. As long as Catherine was still her sister, Catherine would never have peace.

Isabella's dejection prompted Vivian to reach out and pat her head.

"Baby, please don't do this."

“I know you want Keisha to continue her studies in São Paulo, but as I said before, fame comes at a price.”

“No one can enjoy glory while having privacy. It’s amazing that Keisha was able to continue studying in São Paulo for another year after Dad left us. It’s all thanks to you.”

"Then, I want to say that if you really want Keisha to receive a good education, then letting her join the group to study is actually the best option, because no matter how excellent her grades are, it's not as good as a letter of recommendation from Maggie Smith or David Heyman, is it?"

"..."

Isabella was stunned.

After a two-second pause, she burst out laughing.

Anyone who has lived in the world for 25 years should know that top universities abroad follow a lineage system, so I won't go into detail.

As mentioned earlier, Maggie Smith has Oxford roots, while David Heyman, the producer of HP, attended Harvard.

To be realistic, no matter how well you study, it's not as good as someone making a phone call.

“Okay, Mom, I know you’re just trying to comfort me, but I still think you’re right.”

Isabella shook her head with a sigh, then looked at Catherine.

The other person kept staring at her, looking completely at ease...

Well, Catherine had already embraced family last year.

Isabella admits that she had fantasized about what her life would be like after she became famous. Maybe she would be surrounded by flowers wherever she went? Maybe everyone would greet her warmly?

But she never expected that HP's influence would first affect Catherine.

The movie hasn't even been released yet, and Catherine is already being forced to drop out of school?

I'm a darling!
Is this the British version of Star Wars?

This is outrageous!

Just as Isabella was feeling somewhat helpless about this turn of events, before she had even finished her meal, Vivian's phone rang again.

I picked up the cassette player; it was Rupert calling, looking for Isabella.

"Oh, Isa~ How's everything at your place?"

"I have something to tell you, my younger brother and sister can no longer go to school!"

“My mom took my brother and sister to school this morning, and then, less than an hour later, the school called and asked my mom to pick them up because everyone was asking them about yesterday’s premiere.”

"Everyone wanted to know how the movie was made! Everyone wanted to know if the movie was good or not! Then my brother and sister said, 'You know what?' They said, 'And then, oh my god! The whole school—my mom said the whole school—everyone was on the lawn listening to them tell stories! No one could stop them!"

The Rupert family also suffered greatly.

Isabella was also astonished by her younger siblings' social arrogance.

The whole school was on the lawn listening to them tell stories?

Those in the know understand they're sharing Harry Potter movie content, but those who don't might think the neighbors are calling again!

After a few words of reflection, I hung up the phone.

A little while later, Bonnie called again, this time looking for Isabella.

"Oh, Isa, how are you doing over there?"

“My brother just told me that he’s almost been flooded by his WeChat Moments. He even used more than a dozen 'Boom, Boom, Boom' when he was talking to me, trying to show that his brain has been blown up by the questions.”

"Wow, I really didn't expect this. Harry Potter would make it impossible for my family to live?"

"This is truly...unbelievable!"

Bonnie is in trouble too.

Compared to Isabella's experience, her situation was even more tragic.

It was her brother who encouraged her to play Ginny.

As the mastermind behind Bonnie joining Harry Potter, her brother must have boasted a lot about it. Now... the movie is out...

You have to turn those boasts into reality, right?

Even if you don't take us to the premiere, surely renting out a whole theater and taking us to see a movie shouldn't be a problem?
They exchanged situations and comforted each other.

After Isabella hung up the phone...

Egg Girl, Young Master, and others also called one after another.

Isabella doesn't consider herself a pervert.

But at this moment, she still had to admit that her mood suddenly improved a little after discovering that everyone was in the same situation.

Because everyone is suffering!
Since they share the burden of hardship, what is there for her to feel helpless about?
cough.

This may sound a bit shameless, but it's her true feeling.

After she cheered up, she realized that the adulation from those around her wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

The more people pay attention to HP and the more they want to know what HP is like, the more successful HP will become.

Isabella was right; theoretically, public attention and box office revenue are directly proportional. However, she was also overly optimistic about the world, because the human species also possesses biodiversity.

On the afternoon of the same day Catherine was expelled from school, Isabella directly experienced the public's fervent enthusiasm.

They eat only pre-cleaned vegetables, delivered daily by a food company.

Since the staff turnover rate of companies that provide services to the wealthy is not high, I wouldn't dare open the door if you changed the delivery person every day.

So everyone knew each other. Then, during today's food delivery, the nutritionist auntie and the driver uncle eagerly pulled out copies of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" from behind their backs, and they 'flattered' Vivian, expressing their desire to get an autograph from Isabella.

Because their children all love HP.

Vivian's first reaction was that this behavior was inappropriate.

But how can you refuse someone who's looking right at you?

So, for her own safety, Isabella complied with their demands.

Then, that very night, the nightmare began.

Whether it was someone from the food company who leaked the news or someone else saw Isabella getting autographs from them, in any case, after six o'clock, Isabella and her friends received a lot of phone calls.

A cleaning company that they don't work with regularly called to ask if they needed their home service.
It's the horticulturists from the green plant contracting company who are concerned about whether their ornamental plants need pruning;
It wasn't a former classmate or friend calling to invite me over;

Their family doctor proactively called to say—

The weather in London has been a bit unusual lately, so they should take precautions to keep warm and avoid catching a cold.

It exploded!!!
Although no words related to HP appeared in the above exchanges, this sudden surge of concern was actually a form of harassment. So, when the continuous greetings appeared, the three of them immediately knew that they couldn't take it anymore.

Nobody knows what will happen next.

So that night, they hastily packed some clothes, turned off the water, electricity, and gas in their house, and fled to Leavesden as if they were refugees.

At this point, you really can only rely on capital to survive!
After Chris Columbus, who was stationed at the film crew, heard about their experiences...

"Snapped--"

He clapped his hands with a smile and gestured for us to proceed.

Then, Isabella spotted a group of familiar figures in the crew's dormitory area.

“Damn——”

When did you arrive???

Isabella was stunned~~~
Daniel, Rupert, Bonnie, Young Master, and others are all in the group.

And they all brought their families with them.

"Because I really can't stay at home anymore."

Daniel's mother said with a wry smile, "They're too enthusiastic...they're really too enthusiastic..."

"Isa~ My phone rang non-stop after we talked on the phone~"

Rupert leaned back in his seat with a helpless look on his face. "Can you imagine? The FIA ​​even contacted my dad for information."

"They want to know the movie's release information, when it will be coming to their country, and if we'll be doing a promotional tour, and if not, can they get autographed photos? Because their kids all love Harry—PPPPPotter~~~"

Many mainland Chinese people remember that HP only became a global IP after the movie was released, but in reality, this is a misconception, because when the movie was first conceived, before 2000, HP's global sales had already exceeded 1.1 million copies.

At the time, Rowling only released three books, with each book selling an average of over 3000 million copies.

Last year, when the movie officially started filming, HP's global sales reached 1.3 million copies. While this included the release of "Goblet of Fire," "The Philosopher's Stone" sales continued to rise, and by single-book sales, it had even climbed to sixth place worldwide.

Ranked sixth in total sales.

HP is not the Western version of Star Wars, but rather Journey to the West.

Otherwise, in the future, canned games like "The Legacy of Hogwarts" would never have sold 30 million copies.

When Harry Potter fans are all over the world, they might be able to control their emotions before filming started, because Warner Bros. didn't invest much in promotion. But once the movie is actually going to be released, those who want to peek at more things are likely to pull off all sorts of stunts.

Therefore, all Isabella and the others could do was...

Embrace change.

Sigh, that statement really is a huge boomerang.

Last year, Isabella was telling her older sister to embrace change, but this year she's embracing it herself. This is truly...

Ugh!
However, since everyone's experience is the same, Isabella stopped cosplaying as Jackie Chan and kept saying "bad luck, bad luck, bad luck."

I settled in with the group...

Yes, after filming for "The Philosopher's Stone" wrapped up, "The Secret Chamber" was immediately put into production, but filming didn't officially start yet.

Although Chris Columbus had a conflict with J.K. Rowling, he was a true workaholic when making movies, and he genuinely respected the original works. Compared to him, David Yates was truly a Class A war criminal.

Once the film's creators, overwhelmed by the harassment, retreated to Warner Bros.' headquarters, the outside noise no longer affected them. They could simply shut down all the questions with their 'work'. However, their 'escape' didn't dampen the fans' enthusiasm, since most people still couldn't find them. So, the gossip would continue, wouldn't it? The frenzy would continue...

If we don't go crazy now, we'll be too old!
The day after the premiere, all the media outlets in the UK were talking about HP.

This is the message Warner informed the 'on-site' staff.

On the third day, before the movie was even released, sales of merchandise at cinemas across the UK had already increased by 17%.

It's the sales volume that's increased, not the sales revenue.

The growth rate is even measured in megabytes (M), reaching millions.

That's fucking outrageous.

On the fourth day, Coca-Cola, which had been silent for a long time, followed the trend and launched a cola bottle with an HP logo.

Although this thing is just a reskinned version, it was still restocked within a day of its release.

As the 8th and 9th arrived, HP banners were hung in front of all cinemas across the UK.

Warner Bros. will be holding preview screenings in all cinemas across the UK on the 10th and 11th.

This is considered a tradition in the British entertainment industry.

In the past, whenever a play that had been rehearsed for a long time and had a high investment was about to be performed, the theater would hold a preview performance before the official premiere.

Its purpose is twofold:

First, we identified and addressed any shortcomings through rehearsals, adjusting the content and promotional materials accordingly.

Secondly, they used scarcity marketing to spread the news that a certain play was about to be released.

For example, "This play is really good! It will officially start next week, everyone must go!"

that's it.

This word-of-mouth method was the best propaganda technique during times of limited information. After the advent of film, this effective dramatic technique was inherited by film. Of course, with the advent of television, this method has become outdated.

But people are always nostalgic.

Moreover, this kind of approach was something only big stars like Vivien Leigh were allowed to use in the past.

Because film prints are very expensive, you can't have large-scale previews if you can't afford the box office revenue.

So……

What movie right now is more deserving of this honor than Harry Potter?
On November 10, Philosopher's Stone was previewed on 1137 screens in 491 cinemas across the UK.

Starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 10 p.m., the show grossed £3.6 million in 12 hours.

The greatest film in British film history!

Second place goes to 1999's "The Phantom Menace," SW.

The following day, the 11th, although the preview box office dropped, only £310 million was raised in 12 hours.

However, the £670 million gross in the first two days of previews is still the highest in British film history!

The second place goes to Toy Story 2 from 2000.

Well, British tastes are somewhat complex, and box office records here are not uniform.

But that doesn't matter.

The fact that the old regime was being destroyed and the new regime was being overthrown caused an uproar throughout Britain!

Since the birth of cinema, British theatrical culture has been in decline.

Even though British culture has spread to the world thanks to film, and Shakespeare's novels have been adapted into films by various directors, the most profound influence on the global entertainment industry is actually American fast-food stories.

It's Steven Spielberg's "Jaws", "Indiana Jones", and "Jurassic Park"!
It's George Lucas's Star Wars!
It's James Cameron's Terminator and Titanic!
It's those Disney animated movies!
After losing its global hegemony, Britain's entertainment territory was also taken over by the United States!

When the West End's most popular play changed from Hamlet to The Lion King, they had completely lost face!

And now?

They're all back—

[Harry Potter has brought Britain back to the forefront of popular culture!]

The phenomenal success of *Philosophy's* is a historic victory for British arts and culture!

The BBC wrote extensively about it that very evening.

Although Philosopher's Stone is a British-American co-production, and the production team's behind-the-scenes personnel are from the United States.

But neither Britain nor the United States cares at this moment.

The decline of industry is something Britain itself acknowledges, and it cannot be changed by a movie or a work of literature. Therefore, as long as HP promotes British culture and is performed by an all-British team, it has won a victory in this new confrontation.

The US's thinking is that HP is an American project, and all box office revenue will return to the US for accounting and taxation.

No matter what Britain says, they still make a fortune.

Since one person values ​​face and the other values ​​substance, and they've clarified the matter...

Then the world's two biggest noise producers started howling at the same time!

These two, the British and American, like a pair of inseparable father and son, couldn't wait for everyone to know that they had won!
After a massive global advertising campaign...

Even if you lived on Mars, you'd still know that HP had destroyed SW!

And HP promoted SW?

"MFxxk! Is Harry Potter really that good-looking?"

The adults were all astonished.

"Mom! Dad! I want to see Harry Potter!"

The children uttered the most genuine and heartfelt sounds.

Amidst people's astonishment and amazement, time marched on to November 16, 2001.

On this day, Harry Potter officially premiered in the UK and the US.

Then, in just three days, Philosopher's Stone grossed £960 million at the box office in the British Isles.

Adding the £670 million from the pre-release screenings, the opening weekend box office reached £1630 million.

Approximately US$2330 million.

In North America, on its opening day, "The Sorcerer's Stone" grossed $3230 million in the US and Canada.

The following day, box office revenue defied the trend and rose to $3350 million.

He spent another 2450 million over three days, bringing his total earnings for the first week to 9030 million.

In three days, a total of 1.13 million was collected in the UK and the US.

US dollars!

　Note: ① In the UK, the opening weekend box office does include previews. For any film with previews, the opening weekend box office isn't the traditional three-day opening weekend, but rather includes the five days of previews. Because films with previews have a time advantage in box office calculations, the British will adjust the figures when comparing box office numbers. For example, if film A has previews and film B doesn't, the table will show the adjusted figures for film A. However, on the other hand, in the UK, films without previews are generally not considered worthy of being grouped with those that do, because films with previews might flop, but most films without previews do.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)