HWI 138

Hollywood What If Chapter 138

"Honestly, their conditions are quite enticing. They agree to give me a 5% global box office share and a 5% revenue cut in peripherals such as videotapes and merchandise related to Jason Bourne."

"..." 

'That's a good proposal, no, it's already a great one. I can't believe that Walt Disney is ready to bleed just to get the copyrights of Jason Bourne, unless...'

"But I don't feel like working with them. I'm old and I have experience with this kind of stuff. They just want me to disturb you as much as possible. As for their promise, they are probably going to break it once everything is done."

Kazir nodded and agreed with Robert Ludlum's opinion. 

"Besides, the contract we signed is already a good one."

As the creator of the Jason Bourne series, Robert Ludlum has the right to get a share of the profit. Grey Pictures signed a 3% revenue share with global box, videotape profit, and other peripherals. Even though it was smaller than Walt Disney, it was a signed legal contract. 

Robert Ludlum discerned that Kazir Grey was more sincere than Walt Disney. 

Furthermore, he believed that Kazir Grey would make a good Jason Bourne. The success of Taken made him relieved. 

"However, if you want to adjust the sharing contract maybe..."

"Mister Robert Ludlum, we already talked about it."

"Haha, of course. I'm just joking with you." 

The old man laughed but Kazir knew that he would try his best to get more money in case Kazir showed hesitation.

He had to be firm when facing an old man like Robert Ludlum. 

'The only reason why he stuck with me is because of the contract we signed-- If Grey Pictures failed to produce The Bourne Identity before 2000, all the copyrights will return to its creator which is Robert Ludlum. On top of that, Grey Pictures has to pay $3 million if they can't produce the movie.'

It was a dangerous contract for Grey Pictures. However, it was the best way to convince Robert Ludlum at that time. 

'I guess we need to step up our production capacity.' 

It was already in his mind and Robert Ludlum's appearance cemented it. 

"Kazir, I'm already old. I don't know how longer I can live."

"Come on, Robert don't be like that. You have to stay positive."

"All I want in this life is to see Jason Bourne on the theater screen."

Alan Shayne Production produced a movie of Bourne Identity but it was only shown it television. It was a television movie. It didn't have a good result. 

Robert Ludlum was so disappointed after he sold the copyrights to them. He felt like his movie could be better in the cinema. Unfortunately, the copyrights of Bourne Identity would last ten years before he could get it back. 

It all changed when Kazir Grey contacted him and said that he acquired the copyright of the movie adaptation of Bourne Identity. 

He was happy, to be honest. 

He was a successful author and the royalties from his books were enough to give him a good life. He was already happy with his accomplishment. However, he could not help but dream to see his book adapted into a movie. 

The best author in his era was Stephen King. But the reason why his career had a successful run was because of the movie adaptations of his books. That was the springboard that made him known throughout the world. 

The Shining

The Shawshank Redemption 

Carrie

The Green Mile

IT

These were just some of the movie adaptations based on Stephen King's books. 

Robert Ludlum would be lying if he said that he was not jealous. He wanted the same achievement. 

Money? Robert Ludlum already had a successful career. Besides, he was passed 70 years old to think about materialistic stuff. The money was for his family, not for him. 

Robert Ludlum lived a life.

"Kazir, keep your promise. I didn't like Walt Disney's proposal but we can negotiate if I want to."

The old man stood up. 

"Although you have to buy back the copyrights from Grey Pictures." Kazir rebutted and shook his hand. 

"Of course, I bet Walt Disney can help me with that. They will not let another film company blossom. I heard they are trying to sabotage DreamWorks these days."

Robert Ludlum smiled and walked to the door. 

"Before you leave, Robert, if Warner Bros contacted you, please inform me."

"Very well."

"Next year, I promise you that you will see Jason Bourne on the screen. Stay healthy, Robert." 

Kazir led him out of the company. Robert Ludlum was assisted by his son and entered the car. 

Robert personally went to Grey Pictures to talk to Kazir. Because he could not wait to start the Bourne Identity project. 

Kazir waved his hand as the car gradually disappeared from the street. Then, he opened his phone and contacted his agent, Salvatore Barlowe. 

"Salvatore, hire another production crew. I'm going to start The Bourne Identity after I'm done with John Wick."

-- Are you serious about this? Kazir, you didn't have any vacation these past three years! Are you sure your body can keep up?

Kazir chuckled and replied. 

"I'm sure my body is healthier than yours. I exercise three times a week, my diet consists of mostly vegetables."

-- How about your sleep then?

"... That's a different story."

-- Sigh, okay fine. CAA can easily find a crew for your problem. But what about Taken? It should be released next year too.

Salvatore knew the projects that Grey Pictures would film these next three years. However, he only read the scripts of The Bourne Identity and Taken 2 as of now. The other projects were still mysteries to him.

"About that, I'm thinking of letting Fremont Smith take over the director position. Do you think your client is ready?"

Kazir joked. 

-- ... Kazir, if you're going to ask me, I'm still not confident that Fremont can handle a big project. The pressure might break him. 

Kazir and Salvatore watched how Fremont gained experience. They didn't have a problem with his work ethic but he was still young and he might be unable to handle the pressure.