[Chapter 88: The Blair Witch Project]
After saying goodbye to the enthusiastic Renee Zellweger, Link returned to his desk to continue reviewing documents.
Occasionally, he lifted his head to glance at the sunlit corner of the room, and his mind involuntarily flickered to the elegant curves and fair skin of that woman with golden hair.
Women of this age certainly had their own special beauty.
...
Knock, knock, knock!
"Link, you wanted to see me?"
Daniel DeVito entered the office, dressed in a sharp suit paired with a plaid shirt, sporting thick black glasses. His larger-than-life head and broad Mediterranean brow gave him a distinctive appearance.
"Take a seat!"
Link gestured to the chair across from him and placed the script for The Blair Witch Project in front of Daniel.
"Link, is this your new script?"
"Yes, why don't you take a look first?"
"Link, don't you think making three movies a year is a bit too rapid?"
Daniel adjusted his glasses.
"I won't be directing this one. Take a look at the script before you say anything."
"Alright then!"
Daniel shifted in his seat, leaning over the desk to read the script.
...
The Blair Witch Project follows a film student named Anna from the University of California. After reading an article about the Blair Witch investigation in Illinois, she invites her classmates Mike and George to film a documentary about it.
The three of them drive to Illinois and interview the locals in the small town of Wilton, seeking information about the Blair Witch. The townspeople share eerie tales, warning them that the witch is dangerous and advising them not to venture into the woods.
Unbelieving, the trio disregards the warnings and plunges into the forest, where they experience a series of bizarre occurrences.
In the end, they meet their doom.
A year later, passersby discover their camera in the woods, along with footage documenting their frightening experiences.
This footage becomes the basis of The Blair Witch Project.
...
So, it was a true documentary.
After reading the script, Daniel's brow furrowed, revealing a complex expression as he hesitated to speak.
"Is something wrong?"
Link put down his pen and asked.
"The script..."
Daniel opened his mouth, wanting to question Link about the simplicity of the plot. The entire narrative followed the search for the 'Blair Witch,' lacking standout moments, and the atmosphere of horror couldn't compare to Paranormal Activity.
Would anyone really want to watch such a film?
But before he could voice his concerns, he suddenly felt a wave of familiarity wash over him.
Before filming Paranormal Activity, he had shared the same doubts -- wondering if anyone would show up to watch it or if it would lead the company to declare bankruptcy.
As it turned out, when Paranormal Activity premiered, it was a massive hit, grossing $230 million in North America on a production budget of just $100,000. It outperformed heavyweight titles like Batman Returns and A Few Good Men, dominating the box office for the first three quarters of the year.
Even now, the astounding figures left him in disbelief.
The success of Paranormal Activity made him question his own judgment, and he felt reluctant to directly challenge Link's decisions, afraid of being proven wrong again.
"What's wrong with the script?"
"Uh, the script is... good. Link, what do you mean you won't be directing?"
"You can see, this script is based on true events -- it's a documentary. We must market it as being more real than Paranormal Activity when it's released to draw audiences to theaters."
"False advertising? We've done that once before. The audience might not fall for it again."
"How can you call it a scam? It's a strategy. During filming, we don't need to put Guess Pictures' name on it. Distribution can be handled by major film companies like Columbia Pictures, New Line Cinema, or Miramax. I believe they won't miss out on The Blair Witch Project after passing on Buried and Paranormal Activity."
"But... will anyone really want to see this movie?"
Daniel couldn't help but voice his lingering doubts.
"Of course they will. And if they don't, it's no big deal. The film's budget is around $20,000; we won't be losing much regardless."
"Another budget of $20,000?!"
Daniel gasped at the thought.
Buried at $20,000 -- huge success.
Paranormal Activity reported at $20,000 -- huge success.
Now, The Blair Witch Project at $20,000 -- could it also be a huge success?
The mere mention of $20,000 made him tremble with anxiety.
Link had turned low-budget filmmaking into an art form, reaching a kind of obsessive level where all budgets needed to be under $20,000. It felt uncomfortable to even suggest spending more.
"$20,000 is about right. We can always add more if necessary, but the total investment won't exceed $100,000."
The original Blair Witch Project was filmed in 1998, and with inflation, the cost reached around $60,000. Now, $20,000 or $30,000 would be enough.
"Alright, I'm on board. When do we start filming, and what do you need from the production department?"
Daniel set aside his doubts about the script and began to seriously consider the project.
"First, the production department needs to appoint someone to act as director. Ideally, it should be someone with directing experience."
"That's not a problem. We have three people in the production department who have done related work. Since this movie falls within the realm of new-age horror, it's best to go with a younger director. Ed Merrick is 28 this year; he seems fitting."
"Great. Secondly, the lead role of Anna is already set. Now, you need to find two male actors who resemble the missing people described in the newspaper."
Link pulled out a copy of the American Forum, flipping to the segment about the Blair Witch investigation, which showcased photos of more than ten missing individuals.
Among them were some who were actual missing persons.
Others were simply pictures that had been gathered to create an atmosphere while publicizing supernatural events -- those faces were often blurry and difficult to make out, making them quite unsettling upon closer inspection.
This was all part of his plan to promote The Blair Witch Project in advance.
He intended to choose two male actors who resembled the faces in the photos to ease marketing efforts when the film was released.
As for Renee Zellweger, her appearance didn't matter much; they could change her hair color and adjust her makeup during filming. Anyone not paying close attention wouldn't connect her to her role as a minor character in Paranormal Activity.
Even if someone recognized her, it wouldn't make a difference -- after all, the second female lead from Paranormal Activity was also a college student, sharing the same mysterious horror vibe.
Not a big issue.
"The script includes twelve townsfolk, with three particularly important supporting roles. When casting, aim for those with unique physical features."
"Got it. I'll arrange it right away."
Daniel DeVito left the office with the script in hand.
*****
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