In the world of commercial publicity, approaches have always been diverse.
Especially after the internet swept in like a storm, the variety of promotional tactics became endless and dazzling.
However, in the past, when the internet was not so developed, traditional promotional methods were limited to just a few.
Either you racked your brains to latch onto hot topics, trying to ride the coattails of popular discussions to grab attention; or you simply created a big stir to gain exposure, regardless of whether it was good or bad publicity, as long as people remembered you, the goal was achieved.
As for social media interaction?
At that time, it was far from possible; the internet was just starting, and many American families hadn't even installed internet cables yet! Social media was in its infancy and couldn't possibly be the main battleground for promotion.
After weighing his options, Kazir decisively chose the second method.
Since he had already been mercilessly dragged into this scandal, he might as well capitalize on it; perhaps he could turn the situation around.
After all, in the entertainment industry, there are many examples of people rising to fame through scandals.
Kim Kardashian is a prime example; when Paris Hilton's sex tape caused a sensation in North America, Kim Kardashian seized the opportunity and followed suit, and with that scandal, she became incredibly popular, a focal point in the entertainment industry.
"Honestly, men who hit their wives really deserve to be condemned; I also despise domestic violence," Director Gray said righteously.
He had a clear conscience; although he and Cassandra were at loggerheads, he had never laid a hand on Cassandra.
"Are you ready, Kazir?" Salvatore asked, standing beside him, looking a bit nervous.
Kazir nodded firmly, and then, as soon as the two walked out of the Warner Bros. building, they were stunned by the scene before them.
Hundreds of reporters surrounded them like a tide, making it impossible to move, with microphones and cameras all pointed at them.
"Director Gray! Did you really hit your ex-wife?"
A reporter impatiently shouted, his voice particularly grating in the noisy environment.
Kazir took a deep breath, then slowly said, "I can only say, don't easily believe women's words; some women profit by playing the victim."
After speaking, he and Salvatore quickly got into the car.
The reporters were unwilling to let go of this opportunity, chasing after the car, still wanting to ask more questions, but the car quickly drove away, leaving only a trail of exhaust and the shouts of the reporters.
"Will this move of yours really work?"
Salvatore sat in the car, still feeling a bit uncertain, his brows tightly furrowed.
After all, Cassandra's revelations had been out for three days, and the media, like sharks smelling blood, had been reporting extensively, with all sorts of speculations and rumors running rampant.
Even Warner Bros. got involved; of course, Warner Bros. merely repeatedly emphasized "Kazier Gray is the director of the hangover," trying to salvage some image for Kazir and the film amidst the chaos.
However, this unexpectedly had an unintended effect.
As soon as Kazir's name hit the news, the hangover also gained significant exposure; this was equivalent to a free, large-scale promotion, with newspapers and TV stations all helping to publicize it, while Warner Bros. didn't spend a dime.
"Release an announcement in two days, stating that I will hold a press conference to clarify the facts."
Kazir leaned back in his seat, eyes closed, calmly arranging the subsequent plans.
"We have already sued her for defamation; the subpoenas have been delivered to her and her lawyer," Salvatore added, a hint of determination in his eyes.
"I originally didn't want to bother with her, but she's relentless. It would be best if she could be sent in, to make her pay for her actions," Kazir said, still with his eyes closed, his tone carrying a hint of anger and helplessness.
The post-production of the hangover had just been completed; everything was ready, just waiting for the release, and he didn't want Cassandra's unreasonable antics to affect the film's future.
Warner Bros. had already scheduled the film's release for next friday (June 28th), and there were no preview screenings.
After all, with the current buzz, there was no shortage of attention; a preview screening would seem somewhat redundant.
"Her side sent word through someone, saying they would drop the lawsuit for 15 million," Salvatore said disdainfully.
Kazir scoffed upon hearing this, thinking to himself: it's for money, as expected. The divorce case had already been settled; Cassandra just wanted to extort more, and this greedy demeanor filled him with disgust.
"Hello?"
The phone in the car suddenly rang; Kazir picked it up, and it turned out to be his brother calling.
"Hello, bro?" Kazir asked softly.
"Kazir, I saw the news, are you okay?" his brother's concerned voice came from the other end of the line.
"I'm fine, Allen. Dad also called yesterday to ask," Kazir said with a smile, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
"That's good," his brother sighed in relief.
"Aren't you curious if I really hit her?" Kazir asked deliberately, wanting to see his brother's reaction.
"Come on, don't I know you? That woman must not have gotten enough money and went crazy. Besides, even if you did hit her, I'd still be on your side," his brother said with a hearty laugh, his words full of trust and support for his younger brother.
Both of them laughed, chatted a bit more, then hung up the phone.
"This lawsuit, Terrence Downey is probably going to show his true colors," Kazir said confidently.
Cassandra had no evidence; it was purely a false accusation, clearly for money.
Unfortunately, Warner Bros. stood firmly with him, and Cassandra was likely to stumble this time.
"How many men have had their lives ruined by false accusations, divorce, and paternity tests? How many have been wrongfully accused of rape and thrown into jail? Just because society readily believes one side of the story, how many have been driven to suicide…" Kazir grew angrier the more he thought about it.
He believed he had done nothing wrong; all of this was Cassandra's own doing.
"Someone must be instigating her from behind… I probably know who it is."
Kazir's eyes revealed a hint of wisdom and anger; he had thought his grievances with WMA were long settled, but it seemed some people hadn't let go and were still playing dirty tricks behind the scenes.
"She needs to suffer enough from this lawsuit," Kazir said through gritted teeth.
"Don't worry," Salvatore also said through gritted teeth; he had long disliked Cassandra.
She had received so many benefits during the divorce and was still not satisfied, insisting on going for the kill; such a greedy and vicious woman should be punished by the law.
Media outlets like Time Warner also joined in the uproar, at one moment saying he was an honest man who got scammed, and at another cursing him as a lunatic, with all sorts of speculations flying around.
And all of this was due to a woman's tears and lies.
"Now I finally understand John's situation—only when the whole world is against you do you know who your true friends are," Kazir said emotionally, feeling somewhat helpless and lost.
Just then, his phone rang again; it was Reese Witherspoon calling.
"I'd like to invite you to dinner, to relax," Reese Witherspoon's gentle voice came from the other end of the phone.
Kazir agreed; he indeed needed someone to accompany him now.