Hollywood Zenith

They might hate him but that wouldn't stop them from diving further into the wizarding world especially when the series was entering it's final chapter. The book readers already knew how everything ends still they couldn't deny the rich and vibrant imagination of studio, it became something that they even can't ignore.

There was a minor hiccup at the movie premier press conference but Samuel did make his stance clear. He did look taken aback by absurd accusations but in the end, he did came out on top. He even announced French government as collateral in any journalist had further question in his case.

Movie stars wouldn't take risky route of angering any country's government by dragging them through the mud but he was unwavered by it. If he truly was guilty he wouldn't dare to proclaim himself innocent on such a large venue which was attended by reporters from all the major media outlets.

Nonetheless, people flocked to see the movie. The theaters were jammed packed with pre booking for an entire week. With only few seats available at odd hours. Studio was a little relieved to see such an outcome.

" Sir, these are the preliminary reports."

" It's looking good. I expected lower numbers than last year but it seems we surpassed that my a large margin." Stephen, the chairman of the studio was going over the documents.

He knew that Rothschild family actively helped with public image but they were at the end of a financial crisis so he expected lower numbers but instead of diminishing, it instead grew which showed how popular the franchise was.

" What about the critics?" He asked.

" They will soon release the articles. There were few new media that interviewed the people exiting the first screening in several places, if we go by their standard the movie would be a smash hit."

" Don't be complacent with small victories. We have exhausted substantial amount of capital with marketing this time so we would need a lot to break even." Stephen dampen the excited mood of his subordinate. It was a cost that every investor bore which roughly amounted to ten percent of their initial investment.

Stephen had to regularly quail their dissatisfaction over these past few weeks just for them not to protest. These bloodsucking investors were only keen on their profit target disregarding the monumental intellectual property that they built over the years.

He didn't want to keep working with them. There were many people waiting in line to put their money into the franchise that included the Rothschild family. For now, only Samuel's production company which invested around ten percent of the production cost was the 'outside' investor.

Every other entity either worked with the studio for decades or got in through rigorous screening along with a letter of introduction. He wanted to change this old practice, he couldn't do anything about Samuel because they already signed the contract when he was first casted.

As a businessman he knew how much the movies had pulled over the years. Ten percent share was a lot even by studio standards who had around thirty percent shares. As a sole investor Samuel's company could be said to benefitted the most.

" I will keep that in mind!"

" Good, keep monitoring and tell me when something urgent comes up." Stephen dismissed him and pulled out a paper from his drawer.

What he was looking at the secret announcement about the adaptation of a new franchise. It was something that he regularly asked Samuel about and each time the other party would dismissed it saying it was a future project that he wasn't even thinking about.

Every studio was keenly aware of the power of a franchise for decades at this point but they also knew how hard it was to sustain it. Books were the ideal medium to adapt especially the best sellers that already had a preexisting fans.

That too was the case for Lord of the Rings which had became a cultural phenomenon on par or even more famous than Harry Potter. Stephen had never anticipated that the main lead would be the same person that wrote the series.

What's unbelievable was that he wrote it when he was just a child! He found it baffling but nonetheless, Samuel's company did have the rights for it. If somehow he could get a stake at that franchise, it would elevate the Warner bros to a higher level. Having two behemoth franchises under their belt would be a testament of their giant status in the entertainment business!

" I have to convince him somehow. Even a minor share would be good for the company's image." He mumbled and began to think of a way to achieve it.

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Somewhere in London, the streets were buzzing with excitement especially the ones around the movie theater. The hardcore fans had already finished watching the movie during first screening it was crowded then but there were many casual fans that were unable to watch it due to their work. They booked the evening show set to enjoy it with their families and friends.

One such theater had a bright idea to hold a wizard themed movie night. It wasn't mandatory but they stated that those that wanted to could wear costumes if they liked. The organizers even put up a small stand where they were selling merchandise and attires which were selling like hotcakes!

The idea was absurd when they higher up heard it but seeing the warm reception, they gave it a green light to hold the theme for a week. They wouldn't make much with the licensing fee while selling it but seeing the ticket sales, they could take small profit to later catch the big fish!