From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Surprise!

This, this is a real surprise.

Twenty-four million viewers, so, what does this even mean?

Even though I don't know the current state of the industry, and therefore don't know where this data stands, the directness of the numbers is undeniable. The simplest thing is that 24 million viewers watched Anson's acting debut last night.

Moreover!

The "Los Angeles Times" has already bolded the keywords in the headline, pointing out the second-highest viewership performance of the sixth season, a strong rebound in this season's sprint to the finale, laying the foundation for the upcoming salary negotiations.

Absolutely surprising!

Instantly, thoughts surged in my mind.

On the contrary, Anson didn't feel real. From the time travel to the audition to the performance and then the headlines, everything happened so fast. In an instant, he finally understood how those internet celebrities suddenly became popular.

So, does he now count as an early 21st-century internet celebrity?

"Ah!"

This time, it wasn't Chris, but James.

"Ahhh!"

James took a step forward, putting his arm around Anson's shoulder and jumping up and down. Precisely because he had experienced the slump and struggle of "Freaks and Geeks", he was now able to feel this joy and happiness more deeply.

For reference, the viewership of "Freaks and Geeks" before it was canceled hovered around six million.

This result, placed in the environment of 2023 where viewing habits have completely changed, is not outstanding but not mediocre either, and could easily be renewed; but placed in the environment of 2000 where television was still the main source of daily entertainment, it was indeed disappointing, which led to its premature cancellation.

This is an existence that other dramas need to look up to.

At this moment, James seemed to have lost his mind, frantically and wantonly erupting and roaring. His flushed face looked like it could explode at any moment, and the emotions that had been suppressed and hidden were finally released, venting out in a retaliatory manner, covered in sweat.

Brad, sitting on the stairs, watching the little partners surrounding him performing a Hawaiian hula dance, simply lay down lazily, supporting his body with his left hand, as if lying on a tatami mat, enjoying the performance in front of him.

"Chris."

Brad called out.

"Chris!"

Finally pulling Chris's sanity back to the ground, Brad asked with curiosity.

"Shouldn't the newspaper be on the first floor? How come it's in your room?"

Chris: ???

Brad further explained.

"The newspaper is delivered and left at the door, but you just took it out of the room."

"So, did you specifically run downstairs to wait for the newspaper just to see the ratings, but were worried that the ratings would be bad, so you secretly took the newspaper back to your room to hide it, and then accidentally discovered that the results were particularly good, which is why you exclaimed?"

Bla bla bla — —

The matter, then, became clear.

At this time, Anson and James also came back to their senses and both looked at Chris.

Chris, "I, uh, no, actually, things should be like this..."

Anson shook his head with a sad face, "Chris, I didn't expect you to have so little faith in me, I'm a little disappointed." He looked up at the sky to hide his eyes, which were drier than the Sahara, pretending to be profound.

Chris: ???

James immediately stepped forward and restrained Chris's neck with his elbow, "So are you secretly trying to expose my scars? Are you worried that Anson will follow in my footsteps? Anson said that "Freaks and Geeks" will be vindicated in the future, so, do you not have faith in me?"

Chris didn't make any special movements, he gently pried and had already completed the counter-control, instantly controlling James, but grinning and daring not to use force, worried that if he used a little force, James's small arms might fracture, and then shouting Brad's name trying to clarify the misunderstanding, but obviously Brad was not prepared to respond.

Silently, Brad slowly moved down, preparing to escape into the earth.

But unexpectedly, the noise on the second floor woke up a group of those zombies, one or two of them got up to "forage for food", and the bottom also faintly stirred.

Then, Brad silently lay flat on the spot, neither going upstairs nor giving up going downstairs, quietly hiding his tracks.

This scene couldn't help but make Anson laugh.

But Anson had a doubt — —

Who is the behind-the-scenes pusher?

The "Los Angeles Times"'s attention to the viewership performance of "Friends" is traceable. Everyone knows that they will be starting salary negotiations with the TV station next, and the entire industry is paying attention to the trend of the negotiations.

After all, once "Friends" achieves a breakthrough, the negotiations of other dramas may also benefit, and even change the salary structure of the entire industry.

At this time, it is like in 1995, when Jim Carrey broke the rules of the Hollywood industry with the movie "Ace Ventura", becoming the first actor in history to receive a $20 million salary, and the "$20 Million Club" was born, completely changing the relationship between actors and production companies.

Before our eyes, "Friends" also has such an opportunity.

Reporting is not surprising.

Headlines are also normal.

However, the headline on the entertainment page actually has Anson's name on it?

This is not normal.

In the entertainment industry, there is a professional position, public relations, they are responsible for promotion, marketing, market planning, crisis management, image building, etc., which can be simply understood as a promotional role for a brand image.

Movies, dramas, actors, producers, etc., all have their own public relations. An excellent public relations person can strive for top resources and suppress negative news, and is also the behind-the-scenes pusher of traffic.

Headlines. Exclusive interviews. Reports. Events.

These are all the work of public relations. Seemingly ordinary, simple, and random events, perhaps objectively exist in real life, but are very rare, perhaps only 10%, while the other 90% all originate from public relations.

Before our eyes, it is also the same.

The "Los Angeles Times"'s headline can report on David Crane's contributions, the contributions of the six main actors, the power struggle between the drama and the TV station, but unexpectedly chooses guest star Anson?

This is definitely not out of thin air.

Moreover, they should all seriously read this article — —

"Handsome. Dashing. Sexy. Charming.

Should we focus on those deep and emotional eyes, or should we admire the diverse yet seamless outfits, or should we sigh at the effortless and humorous performance, no..."

Ah.

Gloria loudly recited the entertainment headline of the "Los Angeles Times", and as she read, she couldn't control herself, jumping up and down and screaming.

"Mom!"

"Mom, look, I told you, Anson, this is Anson!"

"Ahhh!"

Mrs. Preston was holding a small spoon, preparing to crack open the boiled egg on the egg cooker, but stopped because of the sonic attack.

Watching her daughter dancing in front of the dining table, Mrs. Preston closed her eyes, patiently waiting for the screams to subside slightly, "I watched TV with you last night too, remember?"

"Yes, he's very charming, I admit that, but I think that's the credit of the character. The writers created a charming character."

Mrs. Preston still maintained some rationality.

Gloria blinked slyly, "Ha, the 'Times' knew you would say that, listen — —"

Eager to try.

Extremely excited.

Those eyes are so bright, not hiding their joy and enthusiasm at all.