HWI 117

Hollywood What If Chapter 117

The news broke in North America, and the coverage of the CIA infiltrating the sex den in Mexico was caught on camera. 

The video was almost on every news channel. This month, the awareness of people regarding sex/human trafficking was on top. 

People rallied. Testimonies from people who went through kidnapping told their stories and they gained sympathy from the citizens. People created a public organization for the people who suffered from human trafficking. 

While this situation was happening all over North America, Paramount used this chance to promote Taken. Even though they could only profit the 25% of the box office, with the current, Paramount believe that they would still profit a huge amount of money.

"I should be happy. But sometimes I can't help but regret my decision."

Brad Grey, the current CEO of Paramount sighed. He had complicated feelings for Taken. 

Obviously, he read the script and he had a chance to cooperate with Kazir. Even if Kazir wanted a 30% investment, it was not a problem as long as he could assure that the movie would be a success. 

However, at that time, Brad Grey felt like letting Kazir invest in the movie was not good for the future development of the movie. Kazir Grey wanted to make sure that he had authority over the project and Paramount felt like he was overstepping the boundary. 

So their negotiation ended. Paramount decided to back out. 

Brad Grey felt like his decision was right because even Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox backed out. 

Yet, right now, Brad Grey wanted to slap his past self. 

'I should have agreed even if Kazir invests in the movie. As long as we have a higher percentage of investment, we can control the project.' 

The problem with letting Kazir invest with Taken was simple. Paramount didn't want him to have a share of the cakes such as videotapes and peripherals.

Kazir knew how Hollywood works and he would fight for a better condition. Once he invested in the movie, he would definitely ask for a share of the videotape and peripherals profit. This was the profit that Paramount never wanted to share, and so did the other film companies. 

"What if here, and what if there? I can't let myself sulk. For now, I have a valid reason to promote Taken... I should have signed a contract with a 30% box office fee at least."

No crying over spilled milk. Furthermore, Taken was going to face Air Force One. Paramount wanted to defeat Sony-Columbia even if the reason was petty.

'Once Taken is done, I have to make sure that Kazir will work hard for Meet The Parents. He should return the favor.'

"CEO Grey, this is me, Shirley Lansing."

"You may come in."

Shirley Lansing entered the office with a document in her hands. She was the head of Promotion Management. 

Her job right now was to promote Taken.

"This is the report for the event yesterday."

Shirley Lansing gave the documents to Brad Grey and the man accepted it. 

He read the papers and slightly frowned. 

"Shirley, are you the one who came up with this plan?"

"No Sir, it's Kazir Grey. I felt like his plan is possible so I decided to take his suggestion."

"I see..."

The context of the documents was about the organization that was recently founded to help people who suffered from human trafficking. 

Kazir Grey suggested that Liam Neeson should be the ambassador of the organization. In fact, Liam Neeson showed up in front of the reporters just to announce that he wanted to help those poor people. 

As for Liam Neeson's sincerity, it was not important. Well, he was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2011. He is probably a good guy. 

Another thing, Grey Pictures announced that they would donate 5% of the North American box office of Taken to the young women who were saved from the Mexican Mafia. 

Because of this, their status became positive and many people supported them. 

"5%? Looks like Grey Pictures is doing goodwill. Not my problem. As long as they don't touch our money, Grey Pictures can donate all they want."

CEO Brad Grey understood that this move was for the purpose of promoting the movie. It was not a bad thing. As long as they could assure the result was worth it. 

.........

......

...

"I'm heartbroken to hear what happened. I hope they can overcome this situation. Let's all pray for them."

Tom Cruise had a sad smile on his face as he faced the reporters. He was interviewed about the young women who suffered hardship. 

He attended the premier night of Taken and showed up on the red carpet. In his left arm was his loving wife, Nicole Kidman. The couple expressed their prayers for them. 

Tom Cruise and Paramount had a close relationship. Mission: Impossible was confirmed to have a sequel. The two sides were negotiating for the contract. While that was happening, Paramount invited Tom Cruise to attend the premiere night of Taken. 

"Director Grey invited me so I decided to watch it. Maybe we can have a cooperation next time."

Hearing his response, the reporters started asking him about his relationship with Kazir Grey. Tom Cruise said that he knew the guy since the filming of Rain Man 9 years ago. 

The reporters became more excited but Tom Cruise decided to end the interview. Another actor would show up on the red carpet and it was time to pass the baton. 

Honestly, Tom Cruise read the script of Taken and he was a little bit interested. Unfortunately, he found that the budget of the movie was not enough to hire him so he decided to stay quiet. 

'I offered an investment for the movie but Kazir obviously didn't agree. If I know that this will be the result, I should have pestered him to agree.'

Tom Cruise entered the theater and found many invited actors just like him. He saw many movie critics and normal audiences in the middle and the back of the theater. 

Naturally, with his status, he had a reserved seat at the front of the theater. 

With his wife, he started greeting his acquaintances in the industry. Nothing bad with having more connections.