The filming of Fate Zero had finally concluded.
After presenting a grand gift to the residents of Arkans City and rushing to the vast desert beyond the western borders to shoot the scenes featuring the Noble Phantasm of the King of Conquerors, the first chapter of this epic, groundbreaking feature film was finally complete.
Coincidentally, the timing aligned perfectly with the new student admissions of the Mage Tower, leaving two days for Edward to prepare for the movie's release.
Since only the first chapter of the film was completed, the crew did not disband and instead followed Edward back to Nosrick.
"With the movie set to premiere in two days, I have an idea I'd like to put into action," Edward said, stepping up to the bar counter of the closed tavern.
Facing the gathered members of Edward Film Studio and the Snow Flower Troupe, he announced, "This time, I do not plan to hold a premiere ceremony!"
Hearing this, Baniel was the first to react with surprise. "No premiere? Uh... is that okay?"
While most people didn't fully understand the significance of a premiere, Baniel saw it as a golden opportunity to make money.
Given the current hype surrounding the movie, ticket prices for the premiere could easily reach thousands of gold coins.
Missing out on such easy profits was a disheartening thought for a viscount who had been gradually leaning toward the mindset of a capitalist.
Edward, however, shook his head silently before explaining, "Baniel, I understand your perspective, but you must know that my purpose in creating films has never been wealth. While making money is indeed enjoyable, it would be deeply regrettable if I lost sight of my original intention and ended up prioritizing the wrong goals."
"Then, Director Durin, what is your true goal?"
Although many present had known Edward for a long time—some, like Zat and Helena, were even veterans of Edward Film Studio—none truly understood the purpose behind his filmmaking.
Only Winry, who managed the Durin Family and wasn't currently present, knew his real motivations.
Edward answered calmly, "Change. My goal is simple: to transform this monotonous world. I want to bring joy to those who, after a hard day's work, have no options beyond eating, sleeping, or bantering at a tavern. I want them to enjoy the conveniences of magic and be entertained by interesting stories. That's why I created films and successfully popularized them in the Southern Territory, making cinemas accessible to everyone—whether rich or poor—so they could find happiness in watching a movie."
"It seems that I've partially achieved my goal. What's left is to expand upon this success. But it's not enough! Films, no matter how engaging, still require people to visit cinemas. Some people, no matter how captivating the story, might not take an interest in it. I want to create something that allows people to enjoy these stories from the comfort of their homes or local taverns after work."
In essence, what Edward aspired to create was television.
Only with the advent of television could he truly promote episodic series and introduce the world to the thrill of following a serialized story!
Though Edward would have preferred to develop computers and similar technologies, the lack of foundational knowledge about the internet meant that goal was far beyond reach for now.
Unaware of Edward's broader ambitions, the people present were captivated by his vision.
His words, ahead of their time, inspired awe and wonder in the minds of those confined by the limitations of the current era.
Baniel, now eager to support Edward's grand vision, asked, "Lord Durin, do you already have an idea in mind?"
Everyone turned their attention to Edward, even Latisha, a deathless being, showing a rare hint of excitement.
The prospect of such an era was simply too enchanting.
Edward, however, shook his head. "Not yet. While the technology for real-time video transmission is complete, the critical issue of energy remains unsolved. For now, this technology can only be used in places like the Mage Tower, which is filled with mages. Ordinary people without magical abilities still cannot enjoy these conveniences."
"I see…"
Ordinary people like Zat and Chase expressed regret, while mages like Helena and Viz looked forward with anticipation.
Before more questions could arise, Edward redirected the conversation, "Returning to the main topic, I don't want to use the traditional 'premiere-first-then-release' approach for Fate Zero. Instead, I want to adopt a 'release-first-then-free-promotion' model!"
"Release-first-then-free-promotion?"
Hearing this, Baniel's expression lit up with excitement as if a door to a new world had been opened. Edward quickly elaborated, "Yes, and there's more. Recently, the extensive promotion of movies has driven up the price of Imaging Crystals, which is not a trend I want to see. So, for this movie's release, I plan to use a new technology I obtained from my friends at the Mage Tower to enable simultaneous live streaming in all cinemas across the Empire!"
"Live streaming?"
"I know you're confused, but I'll explain the video transmission technology later," Edward said.
He went on to explain how the technology worked.
The Imaging Crystals functioned like DVDs, capable of recording and playing video.
The newly invented video transmission system acted like a video-capable phone, transmitting recorded video signals via magical transfer arrays to alchemical formations in distant locations, enabling real-time broadcasting.
Even with Edward simplifying his explanation, the technical terms were too complex for most to grasp.
All they could do was nod in stunned silence and instinctively ask how they could help.
Edward smiled and said, "Since this release method will unify screening times, I'm canceling the premiere ceremony. I've ensured the movie is in perfect condition."
He then pulled an Imaging Crystal and a booklet from his pocket, adding, "Also, because the story of Fate Zero is quite complex, I've prepared an extended trailer explaining its setting and worldbuilding. Baniel, take this trailer to towns with cinemas in both the Northern Territory and Southern Territory for screenings. Distribute these viewing guides and the Fate Zero Setting Compendium as flyers."
"Oh, understood…"
While the technical aspects eluded Baniel, his experience promoting two previous films made him confident in handling the marketing.
Confirming the supply of Imaging Crystals was sufficient, he promptly left with the trailer and promotional materials.
As for the remaining crew, idling and chatting among themselves, Edward reopened the tavern to keep them busy.
Meanwhile, the Snow Flower Troupe, exhausted from the intense workload, finally took a well-deserved break, likely staying in bed until the new movie premiered.
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