In the movie, Pearl Harbor was an air raid.

So the crew's aviation department dominated, and the crew had 14 planes in the air at the same time, some of which were 60 years old, and the filming would undoubtedly push them to the limit.

Fortunately, the pilots invited by the crew were so experienced that when filming the tower scene, the plane had to approach the 16-story tower at 200 miles per hour. Then he turned around and flew around the tower, which was only 10 feet away from the plane at the time, and the pilots used great skill to ensure the safety of the entire shoot.

In the promotional interval of "Pearl Harbor", there are actually some "persistent pursuits" of the film in grand scenes.

For example, in order to create the most spectacular and thrilling air raid scene in the film, special effects coordinator John Fraser decided to detonate six warships with 700 stick explosives, 2,000 feet of detonation cord, and 4,000 gallons of gasoline.

Director Michael Bay meticulously placed 12 widescreen cameras, one of which he personally directed, and a set was built by 30 stuntmen, 90 extras, nine planes, a camera ship and countless special effects technicians.

At the same time, the computer special effects of "Pearl Harbor" are also mainly done by Industrial Light and Magic, and the special effects artists removed all modern buildings in the picture except for the distant mountains, and then added computer-generated warships, attacks and explosions.

There are hundreds of CGI aircraft in the film, and there are more than 10 CG ships. In addition to filling the entire Pearl Harbor, the ship was also computer-generated with sailors with different movements.

But when it comes to this, not only Sid's "Harry Potter", but even Peter Jackson's Middle-earth epic "The Lord of the Rings", which is in post-production, is far behind.

But what's interesting is that as we all know, "Pearl Harbor" is one of the most expensive films to invest in production in recent years, but - in order to reduce the film's shooting budget, chief producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Michael Bay voluntarily gave up $4 million in box office dividends, and several leading actors were willing to reduce their salaries.

It's just that Sid doesn't know that Kate Beckinsale, the heroine who participated in the A-grade blockbuster for the first time, only received a salary of $50,000, was she paid, or was she "squeezed" by the production company?

After saying that, it's time to get down to business.

On Friday, June 1, when the two world premieres in London and Pearl Harbor in Hawaii were in full swing, theaters across North America officially ushered in the first wave of this year's summer season!

Because of Fire Lion's calm and sensible publicity strategy, although many adult audiences flocked to the cinema to see "Pearl Harbor" in real terms.

But on the other hand, a large number of teenagers, college students, and younger children and their parents also go to the cinema to buy tickets for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone".

Even for AMC Cinemas, a strategic ally of Fire Lion, the popularity of the two sides was equal for a while.

Among them, "Pearl Harbor" was released in 3,200 theaters across the United States on its opening weekend, while "Harry Potter" even had the upper hand with 3,600 theaters thanks to the concerted efforts of both Fire Lion and Sony.

On the evening of June 1, or at 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning, the data released by Exhibitor-Relations, the North American theater alliance, was immediately transmitted to the executives of major film companies.

"Ding Ding Ding Ding ——!" A rapid ringing of the phone broke the rather dull low pressure in the Fire Lion conference room, and all the executives immediately turned their attention to the telephone on the conference table.

CEO Jon Philheimer glanced up at everyone, and all the executives today took the initiative to stay and wait for today's box office report, and then he immediately pressed the hands-free answer button, "How's it going? Tom." ”

Although Jon Philheimer wanted to be relaxed, his voice still involuntarily showed a little nervousness. But none of the Fire Lion Executives in the conference room laughed at him, because they were not much lighter than Fairheimer's.

After all, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" is the first A-level blockbuster of Fire Lion Pictures with an investment of more than 100 million, and there are too many expectations and pressures behind it.

If "Pearl Harbor" was at best a huge move by Disney, then "Harry Potter" was a dangerous attempt by Fire Lion Pictures to jump the dragon gate.

As the saying goes, the greater the reward, the greater the risk.

Since the collapse of Howard Hughes's Thunder War, countless nascent studios have wanted to go to the Big Six. Oh no, it was still the Big Seven before.

wants to charge the seven major studios, but so far there has not been a successful example. Under the accumulation of white bones, the world can't help but tremble.

And how can the executives of Fire Lion Pictures who are in it calm down?

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" grossed $20.33 million on its first day in the United States. An unfazed voice came.

Seems to be a bit low.

Everyone was "chuckling" in their hearts, and CEO Jon Fillheimer held back the uneasiness in his heart, and then asked, "What about Pearl Harbor?"

There was silence on the other side of the phone, could it be that the other party surpassed us? Even Philheimer's heart couldn't help but rise up at once.

"$18.69 million. The liaison of the North American Cinema Alliance seemed to reply after looking through the information.

"Shredded coconut!" everyone cheered in low voices.

At the box office on the first day, "Harry Potter" surpassed "Pearl Harbor"!?

This "unexpected" result made everyone excited, although the difference between the two is not much, less than $2 million. However, it is indeed a shot in the arm for everyone.

"OK, Thank-You, Tom. Jon Philheimer excitedly turned off the phone.

As soon as they turned around, everyone was already secretly clapping their hands in celebration.

"Guys, we're not here to celebrate. Philheimer said with a smile, pulling everyone's spirit back.

"Yes!" "No problem. "Of course, Jon. ”

Everyone also knows that a big battle has just begun, and although they have a slight advantage in the outpost battle, the next Saturday and Sunday are the real key!

More office workers, students and families who have begun to take a break will flock to the cinema in large numbers.

At this moment, a hearty voice burst into the conference room from outside, "I look at the explosion shell pill this time." ”

As soon as everyone turned around, it turned out to be Henry, the manager of the production department, and saw him walk in with an uncontrollable smile, and when he walked in, Sean, the manager of the distribution department, couldn't help but ask, "How is the situation?" ”

"Pearl Harbor is a hole of the century!" Henry's words immediately surprised everyone.