HWI 173

Hollywood What If Chapter 173

Kazir knew that Tom Rothman was interested in his scripts. Four of the scripts he sold were blockbusters. It was enough to prove that Kazir had what it takes to be the best scriptwriter in Hollywood. 

Se7en, the first script he sold. More than $300 million at the worldwide box office.

Meet The Parents, the last script he sold, currently. The box office was already more than $200 million. 

In this era, before the 2000s, generating $200 million was already an amazing feat. 

Yet it seemed that Kazir's movie could do it with no problem. None of his movies had a box office of lower than $200 million. 

Perhaps it was better to call him Kazir Grey, the 'More Than $200 Million Guy.'

Meaning, if Tom Rothman successfully bought a script from him and turned it into a movie. The chances of the movie getting more than $200 million were high. 

That result was enough for Tom Rothman to lower the distribution fee. 

Besides, he believed that the money they could get from The Bourne Identity was minuscule. 

'At best, we can get 20-30 million dollars, but we have to minus the publicity and film copies. So the profit we can get can only range from 10-20 million dollars. Not bad, since Kazir's movie will never go lower than $200 million.'

Of course, The Bourne Identity might flop and 20th Century Fox might never recover their investment. However, Tom Rothman is ready to gamble just to get the three scripts from Kazir. 

'I know that Kazir will make a good movie. He knew the formula on how to make a good movie.'

As long as nothing unexpected happened, The Bourne Identity would definitely have a good reception. Perhaps that was the reason why Matt Damon was interested in the role. 

"Nancy already told you that 20th Century Fox is ready to distribute your movie, and the distribution fee is 23% box office share. Well, I decided to make it 22%. How about it, Kazir? Are you interested?"

After talking nonsense for a few minutes, Tom Rothman decided to talk to Kazir about his decision. 

"It's a good contract. However, Tom, I have to know how many movies 20th Century Fox intends to distribute."

"Two to three movies. That's the best we can do."

Anything more than that would be an overkill to 20th Century Fox. 

"I understand." Kazir nodded. 

He could feel the sincerity from Tom Rothman... Unfortunately, his sincerity was not enough to convince him. 

"Tom, there's still two days remaining before I can make a decision. I hope you understand. I need to think about it seriously."

"Okay. I just hope that you will choose 20th Century Fox. Kazir, we have good cooperation and the first company that distributes your movie is none other than 20th Century Fox."

"Yes, and I'm thankful for that."

After visiting the studio and talking to Tom Rothman, Kazir Grey returned to Grey Pictures. 

Tomorrow, they have script reading to familiarize themselves with their roles. 

.........

......

...

"We met for the second time, Director Grey."

CEO Frank Price of Sony-Columbia shook hands with Kazir. 

After three days of negotiation, Kazir chose the best option. 

Many film companies contacted him hoping to get a cooperation with him. Unfortunately, only Sony-Columbia satisfied him. 

For 20% box office share, Sony-Columbia would distribute his four movies. In exchange, Sony-Columbia paid Kazir $3.5 million to buy his three scripts. Of course, if Kazir was interested in writing the sequels of these movies, Sony-Columbia would pay him more than $1 million per sequel. 

On top of that, Kazir Grey agreed to write a script for 21 Jump Street. However, he could only write next year at best. He was going to be busy this year, he could feel it. 

Sony-Columbia didn't have a problem with that since they could not release so many movies all at once. 

In fact, the higher-ups would decide what script should they adapt first. They have to read the three scripts and make a decision. 

"Kazir, since you are the writer, I wonder which movie you intend to film first?"

"Hm, I think Bruce Almighty is not bad. Although it depends on Jim Carrey's decision." He shrugged. 

"When I was writing the script, I imagined Jim Carrey as the protagonist. Although we have to keep it secret since I don't want Jim Carrey to ask for an extravagant salary."

Frank Price agreed. If Jim Carrey's agent realized that the script was written in Jim Carrey's image, the agent might ask for a whopping amount of dollars. 

"I see. So you want Jim Carrey to be the male lead? Honestly, considering the role of Bruce Nolan and his funny antics, I believe Jim Carrey really fits the role."

As for how Sony-Columbia convinced Jim Carrey to take the role, Kazir Grey has no idea. 

'Well, they probably gonna use the power of money to convince a superstar like Jim Carrey.'

At last, Kazir's problem about the distribution of The Bourne Identity ended. Even his next three movies found a company to distribute them. 

As for Paramount's grumbling, Kazir didn't care. Once Taken 2 was released, their cooperation would end. 

'Damn, I'm like an orphan who's living in different places every night. I don't have a place to call home.'

He sighed. He didn't have to think about this problem for two years. All he could do was produce movies that could bring him profit and fame. 

"Now... How about I visit the Sundance Film Festival?" 

He recalled a certain movie which was released this year...

[What I mean about The Blair Witch Project is about him buying it and earning money. However, I can use it to kick Harvey Weinstein in the balls too. Harvey will buy the movie then Kazir will expose the truth about the viral marketing of the Blair Witch Project, rendering Harvey's hard work to nothing.]