HWI 163

Hollywood What If Chapter 163

Just like what Kazir expected, Universal Pictures became quiet after contacting him. 

Perhaps Universal Pictures was waiting for the results of Meet The Parents in January before taking another step. 

'Or perhaps they intended to sign a distribution contract with Grey Pictures to get the script.'

Bruce Almighty was a great movie starring Jim Carrey. If Kazir remembered it right, the movie had a sequel which was Evan Almighty.

'Although I can't remember the box office results of the next movie, not that it matters. I'm getting busy and I don't know if can write the sequel.'

Kazir Grey had a good stretch in the morning and started his day. His office had a complete fixtures and furnitures to live in. 

Erica Mendez showed up in the office at 8 am sharp, only seeing that Kazir was already starting his job. 

"Erica, have you found a professional manager to take over some of the work."

"Sir, you just announced it yesterday."

"Haha."

He sipped his bitter coffee, quite disappointed. Grey Pictures was getting more successful and it was slowly making him exhausted. 

.........

...... 

...

Harold Witsend was reading the newspaper and nodded. Sometimes, he was amazed by Kazir's creativity and imagination.

He knew Kazir for almost a decade now. He realized that Kazir was getting better day by day. He witnessed how he improved until people started respecting him. 

The script of The Hangover 2 was not magical. It was very cliche and simple. Yet combining all of the best elements gave it terrifying results. 

After two weeks, the box office of The Hangover 2 was $185 million. Everyone already deemed that the movie was a success. 

Because of that, people started congratulating Harold even though he was not related to the production of The Hangover 2. Enrico Pusi was the producer of the movie, not him. 

"Indeed, Kazir is a talented guy."

He knew that Kazir was a hardworking person. Now that his talent was blossoming, Harold expected that in the next five years, Kazir's filmography would be amazing. 

'If there's one thing I'm confused about... I don't know why he is confident that Matt Damon will ask for $7 million. Matt Damon is still a newbie in the industry. He only has two leading roles. The Rainmaker and Good Will Hunting.'

In a way, Matt Damon was not qualified to ask for $7 million. 

Saving Private Ryan and Ocean's 11 were still not released so Matt Damon's salary should be within $4 million at the best. Well, it seemed that Kazir Grey made a mistake. He is a human after all. 

"Hello, Producer Witsend."

"Oh, hello! Agent Wilson Marrera!"

Harold realized that the person he was waiting for had arrived. However, he was confused when he saw that Agent Wilson had a companion. 

"I'm sorry but this is...?"

He looked at Agent Wilson and asked. 

"I guess you never met him close, this is Matt Damon."

"It's nice to meet you, Harold."

Matt Damon extended his hand for a handshake. 

"It's nice to meet you..."

Harold kept his composure but he was actually shocked deep inside. 

'Excuse me? Matt Damon? Nah, bruh, you're not Matt Damon. Matt Damon is thin as fuck!'

The man in front of him gained dozens of pounds. The innocence was gone and he looked mature and strong. Indeed, Matt Damon was serious about the role of Jason Bourne!

To be honest, Harold didn't expect that Matt Damon would show up. He didn't expect the great changes either. 

'This is my second meeting with Agent Wilson and we already have a baseline to discuss.'

"By the way, Harold. Congratulations on The Hangover 2! It's a great movie!"

"... Thanks."

Harold's lips twitched. This was the fourth time that this thing happened today. 

'Enrico Pusi might strangle me if he found out about this.'

After the introduction, Matt Damon left their table. The presence of the actor would affect the negotiation. Besides, his agent would not settle for less. Agent Wilson will fight for a better salary and conditions. 

After a few conversations here and there, Wilson and Harold started to talk about the important thing. 

"$4 million! I believe my client has enough credibility to get that amount."

Agent Wilson dropped the first number. 

Yet Harold Witsend smirked instead. 

'Kazir, you are damn wrong. Who said that they will ask for $7 million? $4 million! They are only asking a $4 million salary!'

Harold was happy that Kazir was wrong. Still, Harold Witsend won't let things happen according to Agent Wilson's plan. 

"Wilson, your client only has two lead roles this past few years. He doesn't have strong box office appeal. He is still young, not a veteran actor. Even Good Will Hunting, his best movie, didn't win at the Oscars."

"... Who's the reason why he didn't win?"

Liam Neeson and Kazir Grey...

Wilson gritted his teeth and muttered. Matt Damon lost the Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay awards at the last Oscars. Perhaps his age was one of the factors. 

"Hehe, let's not talk about that. $2 million! That's the best I can do."

"$3 million!"

"$2.1 million!"

The agent who was responsible for his client and the producer who was responsible for the project started bickering. 

Both sides had a good impression of each other but business is business. 

Their second meeting ended with $2.8 million as their baseline. 

When Harold exit the building, he decided to call Kazir Grey. 

"Kazir? Yeah, that's right. I already talked to him. Anyway, that's not the reason why I want to call you. Perhaps you need to meet Matt Damon before we decide to cast him. What? No, he just gain weight. Well, if you're going to ask me, I think he looks more rough now."