[Chapter 95: Link's Explanation]
"No! That's a narrow-minded take."
"Oh?"
Hearing Link's response, everyone perked up with curiosity, wondering how he would spin this.
"I admit that before Paranormal Activity premiered, we released a number of recent supernatural incident stories through the media to pique public interest in such events. Our PR team published over thirty press releases in preparation, and the plan was to promote for two weeks. However, during the promotion, the media found that the public was deeply intrigued by these reports, leading to a significant increase in sales for those outlets covering them.
As a result, after we launched our campaign, many outlets jumped on the bandwagon and began publishing similar stories, the volume of which was hundreds, even thousands, of times what we'd shared. This was why supernatural news inundated the media during that time. To clarify, we weren't the ones pushing these supernatural stories; rather, the public eagerly sought out such coverage. Seeing the interest, we felt emboldened to invest heavily in marketing the film."
...
"Is Link telling the truth? Did your publication report these supernatural events because you received favors from Guess Pictures, or were you just following along?"
In the Edison Bar, Al Simmons, a reporter for the Los Angeles Times, turned to a few of his colleagues.
"It did start as PR, but then many tabloids realized that reporting on supernatural events could boost their sales, so they followed suit with similar news. It became hard to open a paper without seeing ghost stories. Such promotional force couldn't have come solely from PR efforts," Thomas Miller from the Forum explained.
"Sounds like Link was just lucky," Michael Ferguson from USA Today remarked.
"Even if this wasn't Guess Pictures' doing, the other two definitely had something to do with it. Let's see how this guy denies using the 'Murrieta Case' to market Paranormal Activity."
...
On television, Link continued to address the second point. After admitting that promoting supernatural incidents was indeed Guess Pictures' strategy, Link denied that he was using the 'Murrieta Case' as a marketing tool for Paranormal Activity.
...
"Hmph--"
Many viewers in front of the TV expressed their disbelief, booing at the claim.
Even in the studio, audience members shouted their skepticism.
...
"Ha ha, Link, since no one believes you, how do you plan to convince them?" Billy Crystal joked.
"This is the truth; I intend to take a year to convince everyone of this," Link said confidently, raising his index finger.
"Oh?"
"First, here's why it's true: I completed the first draft of Paranormal Activity in March and started filming in April, while the unfortunate Murrieta case occurred in May. It's impossible for me to have borrowed anything from that incident. Moreover, over a month after Paranormal Activity premiered, Ms. Tina Worthington made a statement claiming her personal experiences were similar to the film.
We know now that what happened in Paranormal Activity did share some similarities with what took place in Tina Worthington's home. Having watched the film, she may have suddenly remembered events from that night, identifying with the character Katie, and perhaps placing her husband into the role of Micah, leading her to mistakenly believe that Paranormal Activity was a depiction of her home life.
I heard that Ms. Worthington's mental state deteriorated following her traumatic experiences, amplifying her feelings after seeing the film, which is why she initiated a lawsuit. We consulted with psychological experts who indicated that based on Ms. Worthington's mental condition, the likelihood of such feelings being acute was higher than average. That's also why, after being defamed, I decided not to sue Ms. Worthington. I genuinely wish her a swift recovery."
A round of applause erupted in the studio.
Billy Crystal clapped. "Link, what do you mean by taking a year to prove your point?"
"Billy, just wait and let me explain my third point."
Link waved dismissively. "Recently, there was an unfortunate incident in Fowler County, New York, where an audience member passed away unexpectedly while watching Paranormal Activity. According to the court investigation, it was due to a sudden heart attack. Upon hearing the news, I was shocked and saddened for the individual involved.
Immediately following the incident, I reached out to several theater chains, urging them to enhance safety measures for audiences. Better to sell fewer tickets than to let negligence result in another tragedy. While I implemented these precautions, I also anticipated that Paranormal Activity's box office would inevitably be affected.
Director Quentin Tarantino called me after seeing the news, telling me that the good fortune of Paranormal Activity had come to an end, and no one would watch the film anymore."
...
"Quentin, is that true?"
Lawrence Band queried from in front of the television.
"False. You shouldn't believe a word Link says on TV," Quentin scoffed.
...
On the screen, Link continued, "I assured Quentin it was all right. As long as no more unfortunate incidents occurred, I could accept a halt to ticket sales growth. Not only Quentin Tarantino thought that way; many media outlets jokingly claimed that my luck had run out and that Paranormal Activity was finally going to stop devouring box office totals, providing other films a chance to breathe. Billy, did you see such news last week?"
Link paused, glancing at Billy Crystal, who hadn't spoken up for a while.
"Yes, I not only heard about it, but I also discussed it on my show. I said that while this was a tragedy for Dr. Holt and his family, it was also a misfortune for Paranormal Activity, but a stroke of luck for the competing films; without Paranormal Activity in the way, everyone could reclaim some box office," Billy said, shrugging. "But I never expected that in light of such circumstances, Paranormal Activity would defy the odds and keep increasing at the box office, reaching record-breaking numbers in its tenth week. That truly surprised everyone."
"Yes. Initially, I assumed that the audience would be too frightened to watch Paranormal Activity, fearing heart issues might arise. But unexpectedly, fans displayed more courage than I had imagined. Some deliberately went to see Paranormal Activity when theaters were less crowded to enjoy the ultimate viewing experience. Others started the 'Coward Challenge,' seeing who could withstand watching Paranormal Activity without getting scared, among other challenges.
With overwhelming support from fans, Paranormal Activity defied expectations and saw increasing box office figures. This wasn't just surprising to you; it baffled me and everyone else, including the media. Because of the movie's box office surge, various unharmonious voices began to emerge in the media, suggesting that Guess Pictures was exploiting the misfortune of others for profit.
I couldn't deny that the growth in the box office did mean more money for me."
Link raised his hands, displaying an expression of helplessness.
"So this couldn't have just been media hype."
Billy Crystal suggested.
"Exactly, Paranormal Activity currently holds a box office of $280 million, a film made for $20,000 racking in this much revenue -- what's there to complain about? Besides, promoting a film during its later release would not be a smart move. If revenues dipped below costs, no one would do something that foolish."
Link's expression turned serious.
...
"Is it true what Link said? That these sensational stories about 'movie-related deaths' have no connection to him?"
Bob Weinstein from Miramax asked.
"False. No one would have paid such high attention without a push from someone," a producer chimed in.
Bob Weinstein turned to his brother Harvey.
Harvey took a puff from his cigar and exhaled smoke, "Regardless of the truth, Link made his money; if he gets his share of criticism, he should accept that."
"I heard this guy made over $200 million from Paranormal Activity; turning $20,000 into $200 million is quite a windfall," Bob Weinstein said through gritted teeth, enviously.
"No need to envy. Hollywood is the domain of entertainment capital. For an average guy to aim for $200 million alone isn't easy; soon enough, someone will come knocking at his door for a slice. He won't be able to stay afloat in Hollywood if he refuses," Harvey sneered at the handsome young man on the television.
*****
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