HWI 135

Hollywood What If Chapter 135

"Yes, I understand. I will try to convey your message. Director Grey is busy right now, no, no he can't talk to you. Please relay your message to me. No, he is busy tomorrow too. Me? No, I don't plan on giving my private number to you."

Erica Mendez ended the call with a depressing sigh. She knew that her boss was getting famous and many of them wanted to collaborate with him. Either buying his script or hiring him as a director. 

And honestly, their conditions were not bad. An assurance that his salary was over $10 million plus 10% box office share. They can negotiate and settle a good contract. 

However, Erica Mendez understands her boss' intention. Looking at the man who was massaging his forehead after a sleepless night, she knew that Director Grey didn't have time to spend on other stuff. 

Kazir Grey didn't have a proper sleep last night because he reviewed all of the shots they took... Because of it, Erica, Hector, and Fremont didn't have sleep too. 

Erica was responsible for serving them a ton of coffee while the three men were having conversations about the best footage they could use. 

Kazir intended to let the two manage some scenes on their own. 

Hector was knowledgeable about cameras and lighting but he was ignorant about the director's position. This project might be his first time ordering people around while watching the scenes unfold. 

As for Fremont, the guy was still young. He was still 23 years old and his experience was lacking. Kazir could sense his sincerity and enthusiasm so he was giving him a chance to bloom.

Kazir understood how terrifying the role of a director was. The pressure was suffocating and Kazir suffered insomnia most of the time. There was a time he felt like this would be his last movie. 

If a movie was a disaster, everyone would blame the director as he was the creative mind of the project.

Kazir hoped that these two would have the strength to face that kind of pressure. 

"Okay, let's rest. You guys can eat lunch."

Kazir announced and the people were relieved. Kazir was a fast consistent type of director who didn't like doing nonsensical shots. As if everything was already in his mind and there was no point doing useless things. 

"Fremont, take your team to Waldorf Astoria Hotel and get some background shots."

"Alright."

Fremont seriously nodded. 

Unlike the original version, Waldorf Astoria contacted Grey Pictures and offered their hotel to be the Continental Hotel. The accommodations were free as long as they promote their hotel. Furthermore, Kazir Grey received a VIP card from them. He could use the VIP room with 50% off. 

Kazir was not choosy about the hotel so there was no reason to say no. However, he stated that the Hotel might appear in many sequels and related movies so he signed an agreement with Waldorf Astoria Hotel. 

In the next movie, if Waldorf Astoria Hotel wanted to promote their hotel again, they have to pay the crew $1 million. Of course, Waldorf Astoria Hotel had the right to decline. Although it might be troublesome for sequels. 

The good thing was Waldorf Astoria Hotel was in Los Angeles and Grey Pictures could easily contact the management. Grey Pictures believe that both parties would have a good collaboration. 

For the sake of their business, collaboration was not a problem. 

"Hm? What is it this time, Erica?"

Kazir saw his assistant approaching him. He already had an idea, perhaps it was related to his scripts again. People kept pestering him about it. 

"It's Warner Bros."

"Warner Bros? Are they talking about The Hangover 2 again? I thought they already found a director?"

"No sir. It's different this time... It's about Bourne Identity."

"Tell me more about it."

Hearing an unexpected thing, Kazir became serious. Even though his eyelids were quite droopy, he knew that the topic was important to disregard. 

"They want to buy the movie copyright of Bourne Identity that's in our library."

"..."

Kazir knew that Warner Bros had dibs on Bourne Identity back in the 80s but someone already got the movie copyright. In the end, they stopped their movement when the first adaptation of Bourne Identity was released. Bourne Identity flopped so Warner Bros lost interest. 

'What is the reason they are doing this right now then? Is it because of the Continental Cinematic Universe?'

Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox had an idea about Kazir's huge project. Perhaps Warner Bros felt like it would be dangerous if his plan succeeded. So they decided to prevent his plan little by little. 

Movie adaptations based on novels were quite a hype in this era. The Shawshank Redemption, Silence Of The Lambs, Forest Gump and so many more. They were all based on novels. 

Warner Bros deduced that the copyright of Bourne Identity in Kazir's hand was too dangerous. 

'They are interested in buying the copyright back then, I guess they regained their passion. Furthermore, they want to prevent the addition of Bourne Identity in the Continental Cinematic Universe.' 

Warner Bros realized that Bourne Identity would definitely be part of the Continental Cinematic Universe, considering Kazir's projects. 

"We will not sell the copyright." 

Kazir firmly said. Even if Warner Bros offered a sincere amount of money, he won't budge. He already had an idea of where to put Jason Bourne in the CCU (Continental Cinematic Universe.)

"I understand."

Erica nodded. She knew that her boss would decline the offer. It was a good thing that she ended the call faster.

'Bourne Franchise generated billions of dollars, I'm not insane enough to sell something grand as that.'

Even though his relationship with Warner Bros was good, he had to draw the line. Or else it would be troublesome later.