Chapter 170: Shocking the world once again

Chapter 170: Shocking the world once again

(3rd Person POV)

The release of the first "Harry Potter" trailer sent shockwaves around the world.

Until now, the film industry had relied solely on billboards and posters to market their movies. Once again, Hellfire Studio transformed industry standards. The preview reel generated such intense anticipation that audiences wanted to see the film immediately, even without a release date announced.

Traditional promotional methods suddenly seemed antiquated to those who'd witnessed the trailer. While Hellfire had previously used television for film promotion, those had been simple actor appearances or still images. Most studios still preferred billboards, posters, and newspaper ads for their lower costs compared to television spots.

But Harry Potter's preview reel, with its mysterious narrator and captivating scenes, had changed film marketing forever.

Throughout the day, Hellfire aired the trailer repeatedly. Each showing drew viewers back to their screens, unable to look away.

The next day brought a second trailer, showcasing a lighter tone with Harry selecting his wand. This preview particularly resonated with children, intensifying their eagerness to see the film.

"Why won't they tell us when it's coming out?" viewers demanded, frustrated by the trailers' lack of release dates.

"It's torture not knowing when we can watch this!" a father exclaimed at home, his wife sharing his mix of excitement and impatience.

The third day brought another Harry Potter trailer, this one focusing on Draco Malfoy's sinister presence. It ended with the long-awaited announcement: "June 18, 1273."

After the trailer, Arthur appeared on screen alongside Daniel and Abigail. "What you've just witnessed is what I call a 'movie trailer,'" he explained, introducing the new term to a world unfamiliar with preview reels.

"With me are the young stars of Harry Potter," Arthur continued, gesturing to Daniel and Abigail, who delivered their promotional lines from the teleprompter with natural enthusiasm.

"See you at the cinema!" the young actors waved goodbye.

The presentation accomplished two goals - establishing the term "movie trailer" in public consciousness and heightening anticipation for Daniel and Abigail's performances.

At King's Cross station in Wales, employees gathered to discuss the previews during their break.

"How many times have you watched the Harry Potter trailer?" one asked.

"Lost count," his coworker grinned. "Can't get enough of seeing our station on screen!"

"That train was definitely one of ours," another added proudly.

Their conversation drifted to memories of the filming. "To think Arthur shot right here," one sighed. "I should've taken that chance to be an extra."

"Same here," his friend agreed. "Hellfire was recruiting extras, but I passed. Who knew the film would look this impressive? What a missed opportunity."

While they struggled to understand how Hellfire Studio achieved such seamless editing, the answer lay in something they hadn't considered - Arthur's computer editing programs, a technology that remained his closely guarded secret.

Days after Harry Potter's trailers debuted, prominent film critics began publishing unprecedented reviews based solely on the previews.

Dudu, a respected critic known for her discerning taste and open admiration of Arthur's work, wrote boldly: "The king of entertainment strikes again! Arthur Pendragon has outdone himself with this upcoming film. Based on these groundbreaking 'movie trailers,' I'm staking my professional reputation on this prediction: Harry Potter deserves 5/5 stars!"

She elaborated further in her magazine column: "My rating isn't just about the exceptional trailers. The Harry Potter novel has completely captivated me with its storytelling. Knowing Arthur's directorial prowess, I have complete confidence he'll translate this magic to the screen. This will be a five-star masterpiece!"

Her enthusiastic pre-release review sparked a trend among Hellfire-friendly critics, who began publishing their own anticipatory ratings.

This departure from traditional review practices drew sharp criticism from other film critics, creating an unusual spectacle - critics publicly challenging their peers' professional judgment. Readers found themselves witnessing an unprecedented divide in the typically unified critical community.

At Lava Brothers headquarters in Ferland City, Morningstar Kingdom, chairman Fart Lava called his brother Ray into his office.

"I assume you know why I've summoned you," Fart said, studying his brother's expression.

Ray settled into his chair. "The Hellfire Studio movie trailers?"

Fart nodded gravely. "Our arrogance led us astray. We dismissed Arthur's influence in the film industry and focused solely on our own productions, distancing ourselves from the exiled prince. That decision may prove costly."

"I disagree, elder brother," Ray countered. "We made the rational choice. Arthur's return to filmmaking success wasn't guaranteed. Prioritizing our own studio was the right move."

Fart rose from his chair. "We need to visit Horn Kingdom and meet with Arthur personally."

"What's the point?" Ray challenged. "I hear Hellfire Studio plans to handle distribution in our kingdom themselves. They don't need us."

"But we could negotiate!" Fart insisted. "If this film matches Lord of the Rings in quality, we can't afford to be left out!"

Ray fell silent, and only after further discussion did the brothers agree to seek an audience with Arthur in Horn Kingdom.

Days later, Fart and Ray Lava found themselves among Arthur's former distribution partners in Hellfire's lobby, all seeking to rebuild bridges. Instead of Arthur, they were greeted by an employee named Klein.

The message was clear in Arthur's absence - their presence meant little to him now.

From his office, Arthur deliberately ignored their visit. He'd already secured new distribution networks in key regions and established fresh partnerships where needed. His former allies' sudden interest held no value - let them learn the cost of their doubt.

Arthur turned his attention to more pressing matters, reviewing reports from his team. The Evros Football Association acquisition had been finalized, and more significantly, he'd secured the Anatolia Football Association - Morningstar Kingdom's primary organizer of football leagues and events.

This latest acquisition meant Arthur now controlled football's future in Morningstar, expanding his influence over the sport's development.