Chapter 434: 434 Happy New Year (Request for Recommendation Tickets)

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“Maybe it’s much too early in the game, Ooh, but I thought I’d ask you just the same. What are you doing New Year’s, New Year’s Eve?…”

Under the night sky, a tapestry of bright stars heralded the arrival of the New Year, and all across North America, there was an air of joyous festivity with strains of New Year’s songs wafting everywhere—”What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”, “Happy New Year”, “Auld Lang Syne”…

“Hoo-hoo!” Vibrant celebrations and countdown events were being held in cities everywhere, with fireworks poised to bloom in beautiful bursts. Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas hosted a concert; Times Square in New York was a sea of humanity, with joy and laughter merging into a boisterous ocean, all waiting for the traditional giant crystal ball drop. Television programs like NBC’s “New Year’s Eve with Carson Daly” and CNN’s “New Year’s Eve Live” broadcast the bustling scenes of Times Square, with countless viewers cozy and happy watching at home with their families.

“Ahhh—Happy New Year!!” On the TV screen, NBC’s channel showed a large crowd at the square, their faces beaming with smiles as they waved elongated balloons at the live camera; CNN then switched over to the Katrina Hurricane disaster zone in New Orleans, where regional host Susan Leskin rang in the New Year with survivors rebuilding their homes; ABC’s channel with “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest” attracted a huge audience with its pop music performances…

However, some channels broadcast on a delay to match the local time zones for the countdown, which didn’t dampen the fun for those enjoying family time at home; while those out and about attended New Year’s parties, celebrations, and movie theaters which were also a popular destination—what were you doing on New Year’s Eve?

As time ticked down minute by minute, the New Year’s bells for 2006 drew closer. When the film industry media and moviegoers looked back on the past year, it was a year of big events, big events, big events!

For most of 2005, the movie industry’s state could be described as bleak. Lackluster performance in the first half of the year left movie companies, theater chains, and the entire industry anxious, yearning for a superhero-like movie that could rescue the market. Then, it really happened, with the now number one highest-grossing film of all time—Firefly. During the two most important periods of the year, the summer and Christmas seasons, Wang Yang and Flames Films twice stepped in to save the market, reviving movie theaters and becoming favorites of theater chains and IMAX corporations.

This year, a total of 137 movie companies released films, down 17 from last year. However, 557 films were released, slightly up from the 551 last year. Among these 137 movie companies, there were those who rejoiced and those who lamented, those who made money and those who lost, some went bankrupt, others were acquired, and still, others developed further…

Source: novgo.co

Fabrication Films held the 137th spot for the time being, with just a few minutes away from the New Year, nothing would change. They released the horror movie “Dark Hour” on October 13th, which played in one theater for two weeks and took in 423 US dollars. Considering the average ticket price in 2005 was 6.45 US dollars, this means 65.58 people watched this film on the big screen. In 50th place, Empire Pictures released five movies that earned a cumulative box office of one million dollars, with “Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress” from 2002 still being shown and currently earning 650,000 dollars at the box office.

Similarly abbreviated as “FF,” Flames Films had a rather different fate this year, releasing 9 movies/7 new films and ranking 13th among mainstream companies with over a billion dollars in box office distribution.

Sony/Columbia topped the charts this year with 27/24 films released, first in both rankings; followed by Warner Brothers with 25/19, Universal with 24/19, Buena Vista (Disney) with 23/17, 20th Century Fox with 21/18, Lionsgate with 20/18, Miramax Films with 17/14, Paramount with 17/12, New Line with 13/10, Fox Searchlight with 11/6, DreamWorks with 10/9, MGM/United Artists with 10/9, Flames with 9/7, Focus Features with 7/6, Warner Independent with 7/6, and Empire Pictures with 7/6.

Compared to 2004, there were no significant changes in the size of operations for the established giants, except for MGM, which saw its number of releases nearly halved (from last year’s 19/15), as the company’s debt issues grew increasingly severe. Empire Pictures and Warner Independent made the list thanks to the former releasing the hit movie “Sin City” this year, and the latter having “March of the Penguins” and “Good Night, and Good Luck.”

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These 16 companies accounted for over 97% of the market share in 2005, splitting over 9.5 billion US dollars in North American box office revenue, with only three companies surpassing 1 billion in box office revenue: Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, and Firefly Films.

Last year, Firefly Films ranked fourth in North America’s annual box office and first among independent film companies; this year, it created an even greater miracle, an unprecedented miracle! A miracle that shocked the world… A major event! With just minutes left before the New Year, could there be a change? It’s unlikely, especially with their significant lead.

Meanwhile, Newmarket, constantly pursued by Firefly Films, has vanished without a trace. This year, without the same stroke of luck as “The Passion of the Christ,” it ranked 26th in annual box office with a 6/5 film distribution ratio. Its best-performing new release was the original production “Downfall” featuring the YouTube sensation “Hitler.” It had a limited release beginning in February through June, garnering a total of 5.5 million in North American box office revenue.

Since releasing the comedy “I Did It My Way” in 28 North American Cinemas on August 5th, which ended its run after two weeks with a box office of $52,597, Newmarket’s logo has not appeared on North American big screens, and they have no screening plans for the next year.

This year’s mediocre performance taught Newmarket’s founders, William Tyrer and Chris Ball, a tough lesson about how times are hard! They were acutely aware that with the impact of the internet and other new technologies, the traditional film industry is facing increasingly difficult times each year. It’s definitely not every year that one can easily cheer and celebrate, particularly when they had the foresight to invest in films like “Memento” and “Death Illusion,” only to sell them to Firefly Films… Perhaps it could be termed a close collaboration or acquisition?

Why not? Observing the drastically different states of both companies, the two ultimately chose to nod in agreement wisely, though they had no interest in an all-cash acquisition and hoped to enter Firefly Films through a combination of cash purchase and stock exchange.

Since both parties are private companies, there’s not much red tape. Negotiations between the two companies are nearing completion.

Firefly Group will acquire the entire Newmarket Capital Group, and following the merger, Newmarket (Newmarket) will no longer exist. Firefly will gain ownership of all rights to its more than 200 films, including the entire future production library, all business related to video rights, DVD distribution, and theatrical distribution. Additionally, Firefly will receive shares from profits of co-invested and co-produced films (such as “The Mexican” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”)… everything.

Beyond the expansion and integration of various business channels, Firefly’s massive film library has swallowed up many desirable assets. The over 200 film rights include some with major investment in production and total distribution rights, and some with only North American distribution rights, which feature films like “Whale Rider,” “Monster,” and “The Passion of the Christ”…

Furthermore, following the acquisition, there will be significant layoffs on the Newmarket side, but the inclusion of senior management and elite talent, especially William Tyrer and Chris Ball, will bolster Firefly Group’s film production and distribution strength. Their network resources will also bring more support.

The two will become minority shareholders of Firefly Films, a subsidiary of Firefly Group, although without a voice on the board, they essentially receive some valuable shares. However, the opportunity to join Firefly and latch onto Wang Yang’s substantial leg is something the ambition-faded Tyrer and Ball are very happy about. Just look at FF’s box office results; the annual dividends are enough to make anyone envious! Plus, Firefly’s business philosophy and production traditions are in line with their preferences, and Wang Yang’s long-standing entreaties made them feel highly respected: “We need you.” They found it hard to refuse.

This is the most significant acquisition of an independent film company by Firefly Films to date, following the purchase of Artisan Entertainment. However, as both parties keep a low profile and have not yet completed the signing of the contract, there has been little reaction in the media market.

This year’s upheavals in the film industry had already been plentiful, with a high-level reorganization at Paramount, a seismic event at Miramax Films as Weinstein Company was established, the emergence of IMAX technology, and the acquisition of DreamWorks by Paramount…

“4, 3, 2, 1 —— Happy New Year!!”

On television screens in millions of households, Times Square in New York was as bright as daylight, the crowd had turned into a sea of people in a frenzy, the giant crystal ball had descended to the base of a skyscraper, numerous streamers and confetti were dancing in the air, people were cheering and kissing, bands on stages were performing energetically to hype up the carnival! The exuberant crowd stretched from Broadway all the way to Central Park; it was impossible to count just how many were celebrating the new year.

“Ahh ahh oh-oh—,” her ears nearly deafened, Natalie placed her hands to her mouth and let out a trumpet-like cheer, scanning the packed throng before her, she reached out to grab a drifting streamer, another year! She looked up at the night sky studded with stars and continued to shout, “Oh oh oh oh oh—”

In the Brooklyn area, many communities had their yards and houses decorated with dazzling colorful lights, and despite it being midnight, there were still plenty of adults and children joyously participating in community celebration activities. Heath Ledger and Michelle Williams were walking along and chatting with a smile when he suddenly said, “How about we pick a date to get married?” Michelle came to a halt, caught off guard, and with surprise on her face, “You want to get married?” Heath Ledger didn’t hesitate any longer and nodded firmly, “Yes! I want to see you in a wedding dress.”

At the same time, Michael Pitt and Jamie Bochert were walking among the throngs on Broadway, surrounded by the festive atmosphere, Michael couldn’t contain the love bubbling inside him. Thinking of how Wang Yang already had a daughter, he couldn’t help saying, “Jamie, marry me!” Jamie covered her mouth in surprise and then her expression turned dejected, “Is this how you propose? Where’s the ring?” Michael Pitt’s heart immediately started beating erratically, oh my! How did he propose without asking Yang’s opinion in advance! What to do now!!

“Wait a minute!” Remembering that it wasn’t yet New Year’s in Los Angeles, Michael quickly pulled out his phone to make an emergency call for help and with Jamie watching, he shouted, “Yang, I’ve got a problem…”

Pop tab ring! After putting down his phone, he grabbed his girlfriend’s hand and moved forward, silently reciting the proposal lines taught by Wang Yang, “I used to be so poor, so poor that I slept in parks and stole bread. Now, I have the money to buy a diamond ring, but to me, the feelings you’ve given me are like the journey we’ve taken together. Will you first accept this pop tab ring and then stay with me until I can give you a diamond ring?” The diamond ring still needs to be replaced…n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“3, 2, 1 —— Happy New Year!!” 2006 had arrived! Boom! — The deafening countdown was followed by an instant illumination as the dark sky of Las Vegas was lit up by exploding fireworks, with colorful fireworks dazzling in the night, Boom! —

In the bustling crowd, Joshua and Alexis were holding hands and looking up at the beautiful display in the sky; he turned to look at her, so cute and so charming… “Nothing is predestined,” be proactive! Suddenly consumed by an impulse to propose, he said, “Ali!” Ali turned to look at him and smiled, “What?” Joshua laughed, “…Haha, you’re so beautiful!” His words had changed as they reached his lips, because he suddenly remembered that Las Vegas was the place of his heartache…It would be better to ask for Yang’s advice first, that guy was an expert in love.

“Let’s get married!” Similar voices were ringing out across North America, after all, New Year’s itself is a popular time to propose, and the significant increase compared to the previous year was undoubtedly due to the influence of “500 Days of Summer.”

In the 3401 movie theaters showing “500 Days,” as audiences were celebrating the new year, they were greeted by a non-Hollywood ending, leaving many feeling sentimental and depressed, deciding to go home and smash it with rotten tomatoes; but there were also quite a few who thought, “In light of ‘Firefly,’ let it pass this time! It’s indeed a good movie.”

From then on, anyone discussing the film history or social phenomena of 2005 could not ignore “Firefly,” the biggest bomb since “Titanic,” the biggest science-fiction sensation since “Alien E.T.” As it collected one award after another during the award seasons, the words dedicated to it in the annals of film history were destined to grow more numerous. January 1, 2006, had already arrived, and everything was settled: the distributor market shares of 2005, the box-office rankings…

Everything was settled, drawing magical symbols onto the world, big events!!

“Hoo-hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo-hoo—”

In the spacious living room festively decorated, they saw the massive crystal ball at Times Square fall jubilantly through the delayed television broadcast, Wang Yang and Jessica cheered on the sofa and soon kissed each other on the lips, laughing, “Happy New Year!” Holding Keke, who had just finished her milk, her mother watched as the baby also smiled, seemingly celebrating the New Year. While tickling her little cheeks, Wang Yang smiled at Jessica and said, “I have to say thank you.” Realizing something, Jessica cocked her lips, “Why?”

Wang Yang tenderly wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling both his wife and daughter into his embrace, and expressed his deepest feelings, “If someone asked me what the biggest gain of the past year was, it would of course be this little angel! You brought her into our lives. Thank you for your sacrifice, for everything.” Jessica leaned against his shoulder, looking at their daughter’s adorable smiling face, overwhelmed with happiness, scarcely able to speak. Suddenly remembering the call for help from Michael Pitt earlier, she chuckled softly, “You really know how to sweet-talk.” Wang Yang kissed her brown hair, making a sizzling noise, laughing, “Do you like it, then?” Jessica smiled with a twinkle in her eye, “It’s not that bad.”

The couple whispered sweet nothings for a while, then took many New Year’s photos, like a family portrait with each kissing Keke on her right and left cheek. With the click of the digital camera, they captured those beautiful moments.

They didn’t go out to play on New Year’s Eve, naturally because they had to take care of Keke. Currently, she needed to be fed every three hours, played with after eating, and then coaxed to sleep, so they couldn’t leave for long. The couple had no immediate plans to hire a nanny, didn’t want to disturb their parents’ lives too much, and were reluctant to have assistants take care of her. They felt the responsibility of parenthood should be taken on personally.

“Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight.”

In the freshly styled baby room, Keke lay in her crib while Wang Yang and Jessica sat on the nearby wicker chairs. He gently strummed his guitar in a relaxed rhythm, singing “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” After completing a verse, Jessica continued softly, “When it’s exactly twelve o’clock that night.” With smiles and gazes meeting, Wang Yang went on merrily, “Welcoming in the New Year.” Jessica added her voice with laughter, “New Year’s eve.”

“Maybe I’m crazy to suppose, I’d ever be the one you chose…”

“Out of a thousand invitations, You received…”

Amidst the tender singing and the clear guitar sounds, Keke gradually closed her eyes and sweetly drifted off to sleep. (

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