Although the relevant contract was signed with Heath Ledger a long time ago, the emergence of this accident had to make Warner Bros. cautious. They contacted Heath Ledger’s parents and family because there was a contract. , And reached a licensing agreement with the old Ledgers without expending much effort.
In mid-April, the sound editing of "The Dark Knight" was completed, Duke announced that the post-production was completed and the second trailer was released. Warner Bros., ahead of the film screening and all other characters, took the lead in launching the Joker commemorative toy figure , The doll is divided into two versions for $9.99 and $10.99.
Due to the death of Heath Ledger, in the last two months, it has been hyped by Warner Bros. as a hot event in the United States. The dolls were sold out of stock as soon as they were launched.
"what happened?"
In a spacious apartment, Kyle was so angry that he wanted to smash the mouse, staring at the display screen and saying, "I didn't grab it again."
His sister Ella came over, stood behind and took a look, and asked curiously, "Is a doll of a dead actor so popular?"
"You don't understand." Kyle waved his hand and said, "All his accidents were for the role of the clown."
"Do you believe in this kind of propaganda?"
Because ∞⊥, because she was engaged in a media-related industry, Ella couldn't help but curl her lips, "Warner Bros. and Duke Rosenberg want the dead Heath Ledger to be who he is, and who he is. "
"You still don't understand." Kyle pointed to the monitor screen and said, "A clown figure on the Internet soared to $30, but it was robbed all at once, and now it is out of stock on the Internet."
He explained again, "Heath Ledger has passed away. His doll is not only commemorative, but may continue to increase in price in the future, and may even become a rare value-added souvenir."
Ella shrugged and said, "I'm not interested in these. You should help me book a few more tickets for the show on the Internet. I remember the booking will start in a week."
"Don't worry." Kyle turned his head and said to his sister, "I'm already prepared."
Under the propaganda and hype of Warner Bros., "The Dark Knight" made a sensation before it was shown. The Joker successfully surpassed Batman and became the main character in posters, trailers and various publicity. The commemorative version of the Joker doll that Warner Bros. launched for him was sold out. Goods are hard to find in specialty stores and online.
It is not difficult for some sober people to see the intentions of Warner Bros., but the influence of public opinion on the public is huge. Many people are also blind.
And Warner Bros.’s propaganda strategy is far from praising Heath Ledger. Anyone working in the media knows one thing, that is, controversy will attract attention.
Although the Heath Ledger among the Duke population is not perfect like a Hollywood actor, other media supported by Warner Bros. are also constantly breaking out negative news.
The New York Post has continuously reported that after the unexpected death of Heath Ledger, the current girlfriend Michelle Williams was worried that his daughter would "get nothing," even though Heath Ledger's father, Kim Rae Jie said publicly. Matilda Ledger would be regarded as the beneficiary of the estate, but Michelle Williams expressed doubts about Kim Ledger's ability to execute. The report also increased the hype-the relationship between Michelle Williams and Heath Ledger's family is quite tense. She even threatened to'boycott' the premiere of "The Dark Knight".
This news was fermented for a long time. After it caused enough heat, Mara Buxman, a spokesman for Michelle Williams, held a press conference and issued a statement saying-the report said The'internal message' is wrong. Michelle Williams has confirmed that she will participate in the premiere of "The Dark Knight" and it is absurd to say that she'resisted attending because of her discord with Ledger's family.
Subsequently, Warner Bros. confirmed. Heath Ledger’s family has confirmed that they will fly to Chicago from their hometown, Perth, Western Australia, to attend the North American premiere of "The Dark Knight" on May 4.
This is just one aspect. Warner Bros. has done more than expected. Although Heath Ledger was portrayed as an outstanding actor who gave everything for the role, he secretly made a lot of his death. effort.
For example, many media outlets. The cause of Heath Ledger’s death has always been a mystery. Towards the end of April, many media and websites revealed that Heath Ledger’s death was related to drugs, and it was reported that Heath Ledger was in " The filming of The Dark Knight showed bad emotions, severe insomnia, confusion all day long, and getting along with other staff and actors and so on.
Then, someone stood up to refute the rumors and let this report form a dispute.
When Nicholas Cage, who played Harvey Dante, participated in a TV interview, he emphatically refuted the news in this regard.
"Heath Ledger always maintained a very high-pitched state when filming, and he was very conscious."
Nicholas Cage’s words are completely consistent with the crew’s point of view, “Maybe he suddenly passed away, and people have fabricated many untruths out of suspicion.”
He also revealed in the show that between filming, Heath Ledger likes to sit on the side of the set, smoke leisurely, and chat and laugh with others, especially when it comes to his two-year-old daughter Mattida. His face is radiant and looks like a very cute and good father.
"I have a good personal relationship with him. He likes to show us his daughter's photos in his spare time while filming, and then talks about all kinds of funny things between him and her daughter. He looks very happy."
This is purely for publicity. As long as anyone who knows Nicholas Cage knows that he is completely talking about it, "Ledger is also very careful in shaping the role of the clown, and he is not as unfocused as the rumors.
But what does it matter?
There is no doubt that "The Dark Knight" has become the hottest movie this summer.
"Can't you let him leave quietly?"
On the private beach of Malibu’s own estate, Scarlett’s eyes moved away from the newspaper report about Heath Ledger and turned to Duke’s side, "This is consuming Heath Ledger."
Pulling open a can of beer, Duke took a sip, put it on the round table under the umbrella, and said, "Honey, this is Hollywood."
I want Warner Bros. to give up using Heath Ledger for publicity. Is this possible?
The answer is obvious.
Scarlett Johansson sighed, closed the newspaper and set it aside, sat up from the beach chair, grabbed the can of beer and took a sip, then turned to the sea.
Although from the standpoint of an actor, she doesn't like this approach very much, but she is not a newcomer to Hollywood. She has been in this circle for more than ten years and she doesn't understand what Hollywood will do.
This place has never been a mere circle. Like all business circles, it is full of struggles and entanglements. It even magnifies these struggles for fame and fortune by countless times.
Heath Ledger will not be the first, and will not be the last.
Scarlett believes this.
"It's just..." She walked to Duke and gently took his arm. "I always feel a little uncomfortable in my heart."
Duke shook his head, "Heath Ledger's family has reached an agreement with Warner Bros., let's not think about it."
Even Heath Ledger's family did not object, and there was no need for outsiders to worry.
Sitting back on the beach chair, Duke sighed slightly. He rarely had the intention of saving someone, and he also made some practical actions, but ended in failure.
For a person of Duke's character, he will not feel guilty or sad, and Heath Ledger is not his friend after all.
And the people who consume Heath Ledger are not just "Dark Knight" and Warner Bros. Many people in this circle are like this. For example, his current girlfriend Michelle Williams recently claimed that he would consider cooperating with a suitable company. , Shooting a movie about Heath Ledger as a sincere commemoration, in order to bring some memories to their two-year-old daughter Matilda.
Hollywood is such a circle. Those who are pure-hearted and only think that they can make their mark in Hollywood with their blood, passion, talent and hard work will only be assimilated or swallowed ruthlessly by this circle.
Having said that, even if Michelle Williams himself did not intend to take advantage of this incident, her public relations and agents would not let go of the opportunity and would inevitably persuade her.
And people will always be affected by the environment, even for a determined person like Duke.
The sun gradually turned towards the sea. Duke picked up the watch on the round table and looked at it, reminding Scarlett, "We should go back, and we will change our clothes soon."
Scarlett put on her clothes and muttered, "I still want to go swimming in the sea."
Duke helped her simply tidy up her things, and the two of them stepped on the soft sand and walked towards the elevator leading to the villa.
"Actually, there is a more interesting event." Duke said as he walked, "If you are interested, you can participate."
"What activity?" Scarlett asked curiously.
"How about dressing up as Catwoman and saving the world with Batman?"
Hearing Duke's words, Scarlett raised an eyebrow, "I will appear in the entire Marvel series. It is not appropriate to play a role in a dc comics movie."
Entering the elevator, Duke shook his head, "It is not rescued in the movie, but rescued in the real world."
"Save in the real world?" Scarlett didn't understand.
Take the elevator back to the villa and change clothes. Duke explained to Scarlett, “Warner and I have prepared another publicity show. Now the candidates are basically determined. What we will see in a while is to work with you. Batman."
Since the beginning of this year, Duke has been searching for suitable candidates. After months of inquiries, he has found a small Batman fan. (To be continued...)