[Chapter 87: Movie Premiere, Bragging and Showing Off]
On August 5th, Universal held the premiere of Step Up at the Los Angeles Dome Theater. The film was set to officially hit theaters on August 7th.
According to the promotional plan, starting from August 7th, the cast and crew would embark on a nationwide promotional tour across the United States.
Thousands of fans had already gathered around the red carpet. Amidst thunderous cheers, the main cast including Halle, Tyra, Snoop Dogg, and George walked down the red carpet.
Finally, Linton got out of the car under Danny's escort, leading Naomi by the hand as they walked onto the red carpet together. The crowd erupted in even louder cheers and screams. The two walked slowly like true Hollywood stars, constantly greeting the excited fans who warmly responded.
Along the way, Naomi struck various beautiful poses, showing her best side to the fans and media, allowing photographers to snap pictures. Linton interacted with the fans lining the carpet, greeting many of his followers. Soon, a unified cheer arose that drowned out all other noise: "Linton takes flight, stars follow bright."
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After the red carpet, the host arranged by Universal was already waiting to take photos and interact with Linton and the others.
"This is a premiere I've been looking forward to for a long time. Everyone on our team has worked incredibly hard for six months. We hope the audience will love this film," Linton said as he held the microphone.
Naomi, walking alongside him, was also given a chance to speak. "Being part of this film has been a wonderful journey for me. We've all given our all to create a fantastic movie, and I believe everyone will enjoy it."
When the host asked how they fell in love during the filming of Step Up, Naomi replied, "Who wouldn't fall for a young, handsome, and talented director like Linton, who's also a big star?" Laughter filled the room, and fans shouted, "Linton, I love you too."
...
Universal took the event seriously, inviting many celebrity guests to support the premiere. After the film crew entered, guests like Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise and his wife, and Keanu Reeves followed.
On the red carpet, Spielberg praised, "Linton is an incredible genius. Besides his singing, he has extraordinary film talent. I believe this movie won't disappoint us."
Tom Cruise and his wife also complimented Linton's talent. "He's a true genius. When Nicole and I saw the trailer, we were very excited. We're sure this film will be fantastic."
The media interviews were smooth, with questions arranged by Universal, avoiding any inappropriate ones.
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After easily handling the reporters, Linton went to greet the attending guests.
"Hello, Mr. Spielberg, welcome to the premiere. Please come in!"
"Hello, Mr. Cruise, Mrs. Kidman."
Tom flashed his signature charming smile, "Linton, we're neighbors, yet you never invited me to your housewarming party. We should have hung out earlier."
"That's my fault. I was rushed when moving in, so there was no party. No worries, soon I'll invite you both over to my place," Linton replied.
...
Once the red carpet ceremony ended, Step Up officially started screening. The Universal logo flashed, followed by an image of a whale leaping from the ocean, with Linton Studio's name below.
♫ This is definitely the wickedest thing I've ever heard in my life! ♫ energetic music played.
After 100 minutes, the film ended with prolonged enthusiastic applause.
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Spielberg sat in the front row, and his presence already gave Universal plenty of favour. Though initially skeptical about what newcomers could create, he was quickly won over by the fast-paced plot, cool dance sequences, and the youthful love and inspirational story woven throughout, combined with attractive stars.
All elements that teenagers loved. Cheers from the audience behind him during the viewing reaffirmed his belief that this film could be a big hit.
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Tom Cruise whispered with someone he knew next to him, his attention only partially on the film. He shared Spielberg's thoughts but was captivated once Linton and Tyra appeared on screen. He judged that although it was a modest-budget commercial film, it had strong potential for success.
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The movie ended perfectly amidst thunderous applause, celebrating this wonderful youth musical. Linton led the main creators on stage to take a bow, thanking guests for coming despite their busy schedules.
Afterwards, the creators shared humorous stories from filming, praising Linton as an incredible genius and confessing how tough making the film and dance rehearsals had been.
Especially tough was dealing with the Los Angeles riots during filming, which caused a temporary shutdown. Fortunately, the crew stayed united with a well-organized schedule, completing the shoot successfully.
Next, the guests shared their impressions.
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Spielberg smiled and praised, "This is a very excellent and outstanding film. It completely changes the traditional Hollywood musical style. I wish it great box office success."
Tom Cruise also stood to speak, "It's truly incredible; this movie is fantastic. It's a rare youth musical that young people will surely love. I believe it will surprise the fans."
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After the guest impressions, media and fans asked questions, mostly aimed at Linton; typical ones he'd answered countless times:
"Linton, why did you switch from singing to directing movies?"
"Linton, I heard you financed this movie on your own?"
"Linton, how does it feel to direct your first film?"
"Linton, I heard you wrote the script yourself. Is it related to your personal experiences?"
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Linton answered casually but felt the questions were all repetitive without any surprises. Fortunately, finally one reporter asked a fresh question: "Linton, can you predict Step Up's box office revenue?"
"We're aiming for over $100 million in North America," Linton answered, thinking 'finally someone gave me a chance to show off.'
His bold statement caused a stir. 'You're really daring to dream big -- a $10 million investment movie, starring and directed by newcomers, targeting over $100 million at the North American box office!'
Only six films had crossed that mark so far this year, so if it failed, he'd lose prestige badly.
Reporters were thrilled; tomorrow's headlines were ready.
"New Director Talks Big: Step Up Targets $100 Million North American Box Office!"
"Linton's Brag Breaks the Roof with Debut Film's $100 Million Box Office Goal!"
...
Spielberg, the Cruise couple, and other guests were speechless, as were the other crew members amazed by Linton's audacity.
"Linton, what's the basis for this $100 million North American goal?"
"Of course there's a basis. Step Up features such cool and dazzling dance scenes, great music. I'm handsome, and Naomi, Halle, and Tyra are gorgeous. The love story is beautiful, the story inspiring. Everyone achieves a bright future through hard work. You saw the audience reaction during the screening. Also, in our test screenings, the average rating was A or above. Plus, it's summer blockbuster season; with such a great movie during peak season, why can't the box office hit over $100 million?"
Anyway, he was blowing smoke hard -- boasting was free, and it created promotional buzz.
Many who heard him truly believed the movie might perform very well. But $100 million box office in North America? That was impossible. Just wait and see if he gets proven wrong.
*****
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