Since the return of the three lead actors, the hoax of “The Blair Witch” has been fully exposed.
However, in its fourth week of release, “The Blair Witch” still achieved impressive box office results.
Over four weeks of screening, the film had grossed $105.9 million in North America, and it was only a matter of time before it reached $100 million overseas as well.
Breaking the $100 million mark in North America confirmed the film’s commercial success.
According to internal reports from 20th Century Fox, the VHS distribution rights alone sold for $7.3 million for just a twenty-year period.
The first broadcast rights for television were sold to Fox Television for $3.6 million. Although the television adaptation rights weren’t sold, 20th Century Fox planned to produce a low-budget soap opera.
The film adaptation rights were acquired by a film company in Fernando Valley, and the game rights were bought by a European gaming company.
Even though “The Blair Witch” was still in theaters, 20th Century Fox had already recouped its entire investment and made a substantial profit.
The box office revenue shares yet to be paid by theater chains would be pure profit.
These figures illustrate the diverse revenue streams available to Hollywood distribution companies. Box office receipts are just one part of the equation.
The only regret was that 1994 saw a slew of blockbuster films, with several surpassing the $100 million mark in North America. Otherwise, with its current earnings, “The Blair Witch” would easily rank among the top ten in the North American box office for the year.
If nothing unexpected happens, this year’s North American box office champion will likely be “Forrest Gump,” starring Tom Hanks, with over $300 million in revenue.
“The Lion King” ranks second, slightly behind, also exceeding $300 million in North America and leading globally.
“True Lies” is third, with $140 million in North American box office earnings.
“The Mask,” famous for Jim Carrey’s performance, is eighth with $119 million.
“Pulp Fiction” is tenth, with $107 million.
Given its current box office performance, “The Blair Witch” will need continued success to break into the top ten.
In the early 1990s, there were still relatively few films surpassing $100 million at the box office. Ryan had managed to join this elite club effortlessly.
Otherwise, even with Sofia Coppola’s family background, she wouldn’t have considered working for a newly established studio to find a job.
While the film’s massive success was commendable, it also had its drawbacks. In another scenario, “The Blair Witch” could have turned its stars into popular figures, but the three lead actors had become notorious and might have to leave Hollywood altogether.
Jessica Chastain, at this point, wished she had never been part of the film.
“Helen, I need an explanation!”
Looking at Helen’s calm face, Jessica Chastain suppressed her anger. If it weren’t for the confidentiality agreement, she would have gone to the media to expose the truth immediately.
Thinking of the hefty penalties, she had no choice but to hold back.
“This matter is already out in the open, and there’s nothing more to explain,” Helen said calmly, seemingly unfazed by Jessica Chastain’s arrival.
“But I can give you some advice. Leave Hollywood temporarily, maybe enroll in a good university.”
“Once the media and public forget about this, you can return with a new identity.”
“Being a woman, you’ll find it easier to gain sympathy and forgiveness from the media and public.”
Leaving Hollywood temporarily!
Jessica Chastain’s breath quickened. It took a while before she calmed down and said, “I can accept your advice.”
“But I need a job and a salary sufficient to cover university expenses.”
She knew well that no matter how much she resented Helen, it wouldn’t change anything.
If she chose to endure it and leave Hollywood for now, she could return as a college graduate once the North American media and public had forgotten about this.
The only difficulty was that tuition at prestigious universities wasn’t cheap, and getting accepted wouldn’t be easy.
“A smart choice.”
Helen smiled and took an envelope and a check from her handbag, placing them in front of Jessica Chastain.
“This is a recommendation letter from a famous USC alumnus. It will help you pass the interview easily.”
“And this check is a bonus from 20th Century Fox, enough to cover your initial tuition fees.”
Almost every Hollywood film company distributed bonuses to crew members after a successful box office run.
In this regard, 20th Century Fox was no exception.
A recommendation letter from a famous USC alumnus!
And a bonus check from 20th Century Fox!
Jessica Chastain’s emotions became complicated, and she found it difficult to speak.
“Thank you, Helen.”
“I will attend the celebration party hosted by 20th Century Fox tonight.”
As the film’s distributor and rights holder, 20th Century Fox was hosting a significant celebration party. The three lead actors, including Helen, were on the invitation list.
Ryan, as the sole investor, producer, director, and screenwriter, was also invited.
However, he hadn’t received any notification from Helen, indicating she didn’t want him to attend.
With Jessica Chastain’s departure, Helen breathed a sigh of relief. She hadn’t wanted to fall out with the three leads, especially Jessica Chastain, who had great potential.
If Jessica returned to Hollywood, her female advantage would make it easy to gain sympathy and forgiveness. She wouldn’t be a newcomer anymore, becoming a valuable signed actor for Starry Sky Agency, suitable for supporting roles in low-budget films.
Helen picked up the phone and dialed Ryan’s number.
The call connected shortly.
“I want to discuss the role of the little girl in the ‘Saw’ script with you.”
“I recently signed a very promising young actress who can perfectly fit the role.”
Helen suddenly felt frustrated.
Before Ryan had an assistant, she could decide on such matters without consulting him. Unless it was a crucial role, Ryan rarely refused.
But since Sofia Coppola arrived, things had become more complicated.
Even though Sofia was Helen’s introduction and they were long-time friends, Sofia had to consider things from Ryan’s perspective in many aspects of the production.
Helen knew this was inevitable. She was only Ryan’s agent; the investor was Ryan, not her.
Regarding casting decisions, only Ryan had the final say, and Sofia Coppola had no more authority than Helen.
With no other option, Helen had to personally call Ryan to discuss this matter.