HWI 139

Hollywood What If Chapter 139

Directors were different beasts who could handle extreme pressure. That should be one of the common traits that Directors should have. They suffer months of nervousness in case their movie didn't work. 

If a movie flopped, the Director should be blamed. The responsibilities they handle were a double edge sword. 

"I know, that's why I decided to let him direct Taken 2 instead of The Bourne Identity. Unlike The Bourne Identity which didn't have strong assurance, Taken 2 is a sequel of Taken that has a successful box office. Even if Taken 2 can't exceed Taken's box office, it has strong capabilities of making a profit."

To be honest, Kazir knew that Taken's achievements were because of the human trafficking that happened last year. His expectation for Taken was only around $250 million at best. If Taken 2 surpassed the $250 million mark, Kazir was already satisfied. 

-- What about the budget?

"We can sign a contract with an Insurance company. Besides, first-time directors are usually conscious of spending money, I believe Fremont Smith can do it."

-- But--

"Salvatore, I know that you're worried about the kid. But you need to let him spread his wings and give him a chance to fly... He is only five years younger than you, he is not a kid."

-- I understand. But what about Liam Neeson?

Salvatore Barlowe had a lot of things to worry about because their plan of speeding up the projects might cause a problem. 

"Yeah, I have to talk to Liam to convince him."

Liam Neeson trusted Kazir Grey but it was a different thing if another person took over the director's position. Liam Neeson might have a problem with that. He could drop the Taken franchise overall and pay damages instead. That would be irreparable damage to Grey Pictures once it happened. 

Kazir Grey could be trusted because he already proved himself. But Fremont Smith was just a newbie. Not only Liam Neeson, but even the other actors might also have a negative opinion of these changes. 

Kazir hoped that Liam Neeson would not be disappointed. 

"Keep this information a secret for now. We can't let others hear it because it might bring us trouble."

-- Okay, I will start looking for talented people. Who's going to lead this new team? 

"I'm going to take half while Fremont takes half."

Fremont Smith would have a better performance if he recognized the people he was working with. 

Kazir let Fremont form a small team for him to take once he started his own project. 

Kazir was confident that he could handle new people.

'To be honest, I thought of giving Renner Hector the chance to direct Taken 2. However, the fire in his heart is still not enough. It needs to be ignited. Unless Renner formed a willingness to make his own movie, I will let him do what he wants.'

It was funny that the experienced one wanted to remain in his position while the newbie one was hungry for recognition and wanted to start his own movie. 

"I have to talk to Liam Neeson before Grey Pictures start the project."

-- I have an idea. How about you attend the Academy Awards?

"Huh? I thought it was already over. Academy Awards always happens in March."

-- Something happened so they adjusted the schedule to April 12. The venue had a small fire so they set another schedule. 

"... I understand."

Kazir felt like this change was because of him but he decided to not think about it.

"I will attend."

--That's good.

"I will call you again." Kazir ended the call. 

Perhaps because he was too busy, he didn't think about the Oscars. He didn't realize that the Academy Awards was late this year. 

'If I'm right, Taken has three nominations. Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Sound Editing.'

Even though they got three nominations, it would be hard for them to win even one of the categories. In the first place, Grey Pictures never invested in PR. Well, except for Liam Neeson. 

In his career, Liam Neeson only got one nomination in the Best Actor category. It was none other than Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List. That was the only time he got it. 

Grey Pictures and Paramount deemed that Taken won't have a chance in the Academy Awards after Titanic flooded the cinemas. So investing in PR was useless for them. 

But it was different for Liam Neeson. He wanted that golden statue. 

Well, everyone in Hollywood was longing for that golden statue. Even Kazir Grey was not an exception. He was hungry to get one. 

However, the chance was not right, Kazir to find the best screenplay to adapt a movie that would entice the members of the Academy. 

'Even though I know that the Academy will slowly become conservative and afraid of changes. They will stick to their old-school ideals and deny others. They will try to accept changes and become so-called "woke" but they are just hiding their extreme prejudice... Still, I can't deny the truth that I want to get the Best Director statue.'

Perhaps Kazir Grey was a hypocrite too. The Academy was not perfect and so does Kazir. 

'I heard that Liam's PR team is contacting the members of the Academy, giving them presents. Even Liam Neeson attended so many parties to form a connection.'

Kazir knew Liam Neeson's disposition. Just like Kazir, Liam Neeson hated parties too. But he disregarded that just to acquire the golden statue. 

'Heck, I will do the same if I'm in his position.'

However, Liam's opponents were not that simple either. 

Matt Damon from Good Will Hunting. 

Robert Duvall starred in The Apostles. 

Jack Nicholson from As Good As It Gets. 

And Dustin Hoffman starring Wag The Dog. 

In Kazir's opinion, Jack Nicholson has the strongest chance of winning this year. 

'Still, I can't deny that Taken is the second-best movie of 1997. Liam Neeson is only behind Jack Nicholson to win the Best Actor.'

[Author's Note: I kept avoiding the Academy Awards because I have some prejudice against it. Perhaps letting Will Smith win the Best Actor Award after he slapped Chris Rock is one of the reasons. But I can't deny that they have a huge contribution to Hollywood. Kazir Grey will face them sooner or later.]