novellhall Chapter 261 Chen Xun's Waterloo? [5000]
Chapter 261 Chen Xun's Waterloo? [5000]
Chapter 260 Chen Xun's Waterloo? [5000]
The promotional campaign for "Collapse" reached a fever pitch in its fourth week.
It's burning through money at an alarming rate.
Dwayne Johnson's Twitter account used to post two or three times a week.
Now I get at least five a day!
The morning video is a workout video.
In his private gym, The Rock is lifting an exaggeratedly heavy barbell, his muscles bulging and sweat pouring down his face.
Noon is the "Tough Guy Classroom".
How to use a fire extinguisher correctly, where to hide during an earthquake, and what supplies to prepare in a family emergency kit.
In the evenings, I either film behind-the-scenes footage or share tough-guy challenge videos from fans.
Warner's marketing budget continues to increase.
YouTube homepage featured placement, Twitter trending purchases, and targeted Google Ads on Facebook.
Numerous short video clips of "Collapse" have appeared online, accompanied by tense music and labels such as "Apocalypse Survival Guide".
The most ingenious part is that Warner Bros. collaborated with several well-known doomsday preparation bloggers.
These people often share how to stockpile canned goods, build shelters, and cope with various disasters.
They created a series of professional yet terrifying videos: "If the earthquake from 'Collapse' happened in your city, could you survive?"
"Are the rescue techniques demonstrated by Johnson really useful in real life?"
This content precisely targets a specific audience.
Those who have a sense of crisis about the world and like to plan ahead often discuss these kinds of topics. The comment section has become a large-scale exchange of survival skills: "I have enough canned food and water stored in my basement to last for three months, but after watching the movie, I think I need to add a generator."
"I specifically went to a car repair shop to learn Johnson's technique of using a car jack to prop up a collapsed floor."
"So this movie is actually a large-scale charity film? Teaching people how to survive a disaster?"
This trend quickly spread from the film industry to everyday life, safety, and even conspiracy theory circles.
Some extremely conservative radio programs have begun to discuss: "Hollywood has finally made a movie with real-world relevance, instead of those fairy tales with magic."
Under the all-encompassing bombardment, the online buzz index of "The Collapse of the Apocalypse" is approaching that of "The Ancient One" at a visible speed.
On Wednesday morning of the fifth week, the two curves almost overlapped for the first time on Marvel's marketing department's data monitoring screen.
The relaxed and pleasant atmosphere in the meeting room vanished instantly.
Jessica stared at the screen, her face grim.
She held a printed report in her hand, which contained audience feedback from yesterday's offline screenings of "San Andreas" in fifteen cities.
Rating A—!
Good reputation!
In interviews with the audience, over 70% said they would definitely recommend it to their friends.
"So true!"
"Seeing that made me quickly check my emergency kit at home."
"They found a vertical market that we hadn't explored at all."
The data analyst pointed to the screen: "Disaster preparedness, survival skills, and real-world safety—these topics have extremely high audience loyalty and a strong willingness to share."
"Our magic, philosophy, and culture—seem somewhat out of touch with reality in the face of these things."
"Out of touch with reality?"
Chen Xun sat at the other end of the conference table, repeating the same phrase: "We filmed on location in Qinghai, boosting local tourism and employment. The hand gestures and breathing techniques we taught can genuinely help people relieve anxiety. Is that what you call being out of touch with reality?"
"That's how it is for the average viewer."
The data analyst explained with a forced smile: "The ability to relieve anxiety through handprints requires personal experience to feel, while the knowledge of how to take shelter during an earthquake is something everyone feels they might need. In terms of dissemination efficiency, their content is easier to understand and share."
Kevin Feige was also present.
-
He looked at Chen Xun: "Chen, your long-term content strategy was very successful, but now the other side has found our blind spot. Do you have any new ideas?"
Everyone looked at Chen Xun.
Chen Xun leaned back in his chair, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cypress beaded bracelet on his left wrist.
In my past life memories, this marketing combination of real-world survival skills and disaster blockbusters has indeed been consistently effective.
Because it touched upon humanity's deepest fears.
Fear of unknown disasters.
The desire to survive.
In comparison, the concept of magic in "The Ancient One" does indeed feel somewhat fantastical and hollow.
The fact that we've reached this point is thanks to Chen Xun's hard work; otherwise, the hype would have died down long ago!
Everyone expects Chen Xun to come up with amazing marketing plans like before.
Kevin Feige leaned forward slightly, his fingers interlaced on the table.
Jessica gripped the edge of the report paper; the paper was all crumpled.
The data analyst dared not speak again, and lowered his head, pretending to organize the charts.
Chen Xun leaned back in his chair.
Warner's move was indeed ruthless!
They elevate film marketing to the level of real-life survival education, using humanity's most primal fears and survival instincts as their subject matter.
"List?"
Kevin called out softly again.
Chen Xun snapped out of his reverie, shook his head, and said in a lower voice than usual, "I need some time to think about it."
Several young marketing assistants exchanged glances, their eyes filled with surprise, but even more so with disappointment.
"understand!"
Kevin nodded, his expression unchanged, but Chen Xun caught a fleeting hint of helplessness in his eyes.
The head of Marvel is also under a lot of pressure.
The Ancient One is a key step for Marvel in expanding its magical storyline.
We can't afford to lose!
"Then let's proceed as planned, while closely monitoring the other side's movements. Meeting adjourned."
The sound of chairs being dragged out rang out, and people gradually got up.
No one looked at Chen Xun anymore.
They spoke in hushed tones.
Chen Xun was the last to stand up and walk out of the conference room.
In the hallway, several employees from other departments were gathered together drinking coffee. When they saw him come out, they lowered their voices, but fragmented words still drifted over: "Really out of ideas?"
"Who would have thought Warner would pull this stunt?!"
"They hyped him up too much before, as if he could solve everything."
"Shh, keep your voice down————"
Chen Xun walked past without changing his expression, as if he hadn't heard anything.
These are the kinds of jobs that should have been done by these people in the first place.
Previously, they had made their work easier thanks to Chen Xun's novel ideas.
Now that Chen Xun has failed to help these people solve their problems, he has immediately become their enemy.
Human relationships and social dynamics are on full display in this circle.
[Ancient One: Shadow of Vishanti Project Review]
[Current Public Opinion: Overtaken by "Collapse"]
[Public expectations fluctuate: -5%]
[Competitive win rate assessment: -6%]
The panel showed a drop for the first time.
Chen Xun watched as his progress in leading the trend slowed down by 1%!
He turned off the panel, went home, and tossed his phone aside.
I leaned back on the sofa and closed my eyes.
I don't know how much time has passed.
My phone started vibrating incessantly.
He opened his eyes and saw a call from Rob on the screen, along with more than a dozen unread messages.
Rob answered the call, his voice exploding like a firecracker: "Bro! Have you seen Twitter? Fuck, some bastard leaked what happened in the meeting room! It's all over the internet now!"
Chen Xun opened Twitter.
The third trending topic: #ChenXunSilence#.
"Exclusive news: The internal meeting of 'The Ancient One' met with a cold reception. Lead actor Chen Xun was at a loss in the face of Warner Bros.' new marketing strategy and remained silent throughout. He was previously hailed as a marketing genius, but this time he seems to have really met his nemesis."
The accompanying image contained no photos of the meeting, only a blurry picture that appeared to be of some office area and whose meaning was unclear.
But words are enough!
The comment section was flooded with trolls: "Hilarious! They were hyping it up so much before, and now they've fallen silent?"
"Marketing genius? His persona has collapsed. Warner's survival skills marketing is indeed brilliant, hitting the nail on the head."
"So, the Ancient One is just a bunch of flashy magic that's not practical?"
"I told you long ago, the people need real tough guys like Johnson who save the world."
"Chen Xun's miracle didn't work this time."
Later, some fans countered: "Does not speaking at one meeting mean we're helpless? There's a limit to taking things out of context!"
"The cultural depth and visual innovation of 'The Ancient One' are genuine, far more sophisticated than simply selling anxiety!"
"Waiting to be proven wrong!"
But the dissenting voices were quickly drowned out by even more ridicule.
Several film critics who are usually at odds with Marvel also chimed in, sarcastically remarking: "It seems that some stars who rely on Eastern mysticism for image building have shown their weaknesses in the face of a real marketing war."
plate."
Warner responded extremely quickly.
At 4 PM, just as the topic of "Chen Xun's silence" climbed to second place on the trending searches, Warner Music's official account posted a new tweet.
It's a short video recorded by Dwayne Johnson.
Dwayne Johnson, dressed in a simple gray T-shirt, sat on a gym mat with various equipment visible in the background. He faced the camera, his smile as powerful as ever: "Hey friends! I've seen some online discussions about film competition. Movies are meant to entertain and inspire, not to attack each other."
"What 'Collapse' wants to convey is a spirit, a hope that doesn't give up in adversity. We should focus on doing our own thing, and everyone should focus on their own lives, be prepared, and stay positive!"
The video is short, but it contains a wealth of information.
He brought up the discussion of competition on his own initiative, which showed his magnanimity.
At the same time, it emphasized the film's realistic significance, called for focusing on one's own affairs, and subtly criticized the other party for not being focused enough.
The entire posture is that of a senior encouraging a junior from a superior position.
Chen Xun saw the message immediately.
One has to admire Warner for really finding the right marketing rhythm this time.
It's obvious that a lot of money was spent!
This tweet was retweeted over 50,000 times in ten minutes.
The comments below were unanimously positive: "Such vision!"
"That's true superstar style!"
"Johnson is right, focus on delivering valuable content!"
"Support films that have real-world relevance!"
Warner headquarters.
As Michael watched the data soar on his computer screen, he finally showed his first genuine smile in a month.
He picked up his coffee and said to Sarah beside him, "See? This is the turning point. Chen Xun's omnipotent aura has cracked, and the audience is starting to lose their illusions."
Sarah nodded, but she wasn't really at ease.
She always felt that something was off about Chen Xun's silence.
That wasn't a silence born of being stumped; it was more like someone was building up something.
But she didn't say it.
"Keep the efforts intensified!"
Michael put down his cup: "Contact all our media partners and KOLs to push the topic of Johnson's response to the issue to the forefront, and at the same time release two behind-the-scenes clips of Johnson instructing stunt performers on safety precautions to reinforce his professional and pragmatic image."
"We must firmly establish in the public's mind the concept that Chen Xun's magic is illusory, while Johnson's rescue is real!"
"clear!"
Rob's office.
Chen Xun sat in Robert's seat.
Robert paced back and forth in his office, furious.
The decor here has remained unchanged.
What keeps changing are the stills of Chen Xun.
This time, the entrance is decorated with Chen Xun and Gu Yi costumes!
"It must have been leaked by someone inside Marvel! Jessica's bunch of kids, they can't keep their mouths shut! Or maybe it was one of those data analysts who felt you hadn't come up with a solution and then started gossiping with others!"
Rob's face flushed red: "These greedy bastards! When you were leading the project's data to skyrocket, they all treated you like a god!"
"Now that things have taken a turn for the worse, you're starting to stab me in the back?"
"They've forgotten we're on the same side. What good will a poor box office performance of 'The Ancient One' do them? Foolish!"
Chen Xun looked out the window and didn't reply.
He knew the reason.
It's nothing more than some racists who just don't like him.
Even though we're on the same side, I still look down on him because he's Chinese!
They enjoy the benefits he brings while simultaneously cursing him!
If "Ancient One" fails at the box office, the consequences will be severe.
It's not just a failure of this one movie.
It will become a stain on his career.
This proves that he cannot independently support a completely new, high-concept IP.
Those opportunities that came with the success of Guardians of the Galaxy, such as the producer invitation for Doctor Strange and the expectations of Disney executives for his magical universe, will be re-evaluated or even withdrawn!
Those who are jealous and resentful will swarm around.
"See? He was just lucky to run into Guardians of the Galaxy."
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"Chinese actors still can't carry big-budget productions."
"His previous success was all thanks to Marvel; without the Marvel system, he is nothing."
His phone vibrated again.
It was a message from Kevin Feige: "Ignore the noise online, do what you're supposed to do, and I trust your judgment."
""
Chen Xun felt a little warm inside when he saw the message.
At least the top leaders haven't lost their way.
But then another message popped up. It was from a producer he'd worked with before, who seemed concerned: "Chen, I saw the news. Are you alright? Warner is really making waves this time. Do you need me to introduce you to some great PR people?"
He was all too familiar with this kind of probing.
He simply replied, "Thank you, not for now," and closed the chat window.
Rob was still angry: "No, I have to find Jessica. This has to be investigated! Internal information leaks are a serious matter!"
"Never mind, Rob."
Chen Xun spoke, his voice surprisingly calm: "So what if we find out? Firing one person won't change the current situation. The most important thing now is what to do next."
"So you've come up with a solution?"
Robert turned around abruptly, hope rekindling in his eyes.
Chen Xun fell silent again.
He looked at the script of "Ancient One" spread out on the table and turned to the page where Ancient One and Karuru had their final showdown in the Mirror Space.
When Chen Xun threw himself onto the sofa in his Beverly Hills home, he felt exhausted to the bone.
It's that kind of exhaustion that comes over you when you suddenly relax after being tense for too long.
The living room lights were off; only the city lights streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long, blurry streaks of light on the floor.
He lay there for about ten minutes without moving.
Then he picked up the phone that was lying next to him, and the light from the screen made him squint.
99+ unread messages.
-
He couldn't be bothered to look.
My finger unconsciously swiped across the screen and I opened Facebook.
He rarely uses this; it's mainly managed by his team.
The feed is filled with various photos of guys, friends on vacation, and increasingly frequent promotional posts for "Collapse".
Just as he was about to close the window, a message popped up from someone tagging him.
The poster's name is Pete Fratzs.
The profile picture is of a young man wearing a baseball uniform with a bright smile.
The post reads: "I've been tagged in the #IceBucketChallenge#! I accept the challenge and will donate $100 to the ALS Association. Now I'd like to tag the following friends ————"
Below is a list of names, with Chen Xun's name sandwiched in the middle.
Chen Xun scrolled down and saw Pete's profile introduction:
The former captain of the Boston College baseball team, 29, was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, two years ago.
His homepage contains many photos of him before he got sick.
Running on the court, celebrating victories with teammates, wearing a graduation cap at the graduation ceremony —
There are also records of illnesses.
He was in a wheelchair and needed a ventilator, but his eyes remained bright.
"This disease has cost me a lot, but it hasn't taken away my hope."
"The Ice Bucket Challenge is a fantastic idea; it raises funds and raises awareness about this rare disease. Thank you to my friend who tagged me!"
Chen Xun stared at that post for a long time.
He clicked on the Ice Bucket Challenge hashtag and discovered that the event had actually been around for a while, but had never really taken off.
The rules are simple: the person whose name is mentioned must either pour a bucket of ice water over their head or donate 100 yuan within 24 hours.
Dollars were given to the ALS Association.
Of course, many people both poured ice water and donated money.
After completing the challenge, you can nominate three more people.
Pitt brought over a dozen people, who all seemed to be friends he knew, former teammates, and a few minor celebrities.
But judging from the comments, almost no one responded.
Chen Xun then looked at the number of likes and comments on Pete's homepage.
rare!
In this online world filled with survival tips from "Collapse" and debates about magic from "The Ancient One," the voice of this young man with ALS is so faint as to be almost inaudible.
He sat up.
I went into the kitchen, opened the freezer, took out the ice maker, and poured all the ice into an unused plastic storage box.
Then I turned on the tap and filled half a case with cold water.
The ice cubes floated and sank in the water, making a soft cracking sound as they collided.
He set up his phone and switched it to video recording mode.
I didn't change my clothes; I was just wearing the old gray T-shirt and sweatpants I wear at home.
He moved the box of ice water into the yard.
The temperature in Los Angeles at night wasn't low, but the chill rising from the ice water was clearly visible under the lights.
Press the record button.
"Hey, I'm Chen Xun."
He spoke casually to the camera, as if chatting with a friend: "I just got tagged by Pete Fratzs for the #IceBucketChallenge#. Pete, I checked your page, you're so strong, I accept your challenge!"
He bent down, grabbed the two sides of the storage box with both hands, and took a deep breath.
"ALS Association, I'm donating $100,000!"
Then, he suddenly lifted the box and poured the entire box of ice water over his head.
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