HWI 114

Hollywood What If Chapter 114

Action-packed, blood-boiling, and intense. The guests watched the movie with that emotions. 

Most of the people in the audience were males. To be precise, they were fathers. 

They had a pretty good idea of the plot so they knew that the daughter would be kidnapped. However, it was still satisfying to see human traffickers getting beaten up. 

Fathers would do everything to protect their children, they might even kill a person if they have to. Bryan Mills's mission was to find his daughter and bring her back. 

The audience cheered for him. Some of them even yelled as Bryan Mills found the group responsible for the crime. 

There were many unforgivable crimes and human trafficking was one of them. For Bryan Mills to beat those criminals was something that gave them satisfaction. 

When the movie ended and the lights turn on, the people started talking about the movie. 

'It's good. It entertains me. However, I'm not sure if the movie can give us profit. Unless we bought the complete copyrights, this movie might be a loss for us.'

Michael Ovitz thought. He had a good impression of Kazir but it was different when it comes to business. 

'I heard that this movie has a budget of $25 million, maybe I negotiate and buy it for $50 million. Grey Pictures didn't have a loss if they agree on that. Their investment doubled.'

Signing a distribution contract for Taken was a gamble. They might suffer a loss of money. Unless Grey Pictures pay them for distribution. However, Grey Pictures didn't have that amount of money. 

'In the end, it all comes from the choice of Kazir Grey.'

Michael Ovitz looked around. He saw Terry Semel and Tom Rothman talking. When the three big shots looked at each other, they realized one conclusion. 

The movie was great and entertaining... But they would never sign a losing contract. If Grey Pictures wanted this movie to be released in the cinemas, they have to play the game with them. 

The three nodded at each other. 

'We will not lower the conditions.'

That was clear.

Kazir Grey watched everyone's reaction. Just as he expected, most of them had a mediocre reaction to Taken. 

The movie had its pros and cons. The theme of the movie was dark. Some scenes were confusing. People didn't understand the easter eggs. 

Kazir gambled, but he made sure not to show too many easter eggs. Just enough for people to be curious. 

Now, it all lies in the decision of the film companies. It depends on them if they were interested in distributing the movie. 

'One of them will give us a satisfying contract. They can't get over the what if.'

Sony-Columbia wanted 35% of the North American box office share. 

Walt Disney settled for 40% North American box office share. It was funny because Walt Disney never lowered their contract. At least they kept their promise of keeping it under 40%... 

'Although Touchstone contacted me, they want to buy the movie for $50 million. Walt Disney knew how to do things right.'

Warner Bros didn't have a positive response so the contract was 40% too. Perhaps Terry Semel was disappointed that Kazir didn't agree on being the director of The Hangover 2. 

As for Universal Pictures... They didn't bother to attend the screening. Their relationship with Grey Pictures was nonexistent. Especially after the scandal. 

If there was something that surprised Kazir, it was about the contract that 20th Century Fox gave. He thought Tom Rothman would never agree. Perhaps the result of Napoleon Dynamite II causes a change. 

20th Century Fox agrees on a 30% box office share. The lowest... As of now. 

.........

......

...

"Sir..."

"What is it?"

Terry Semel was currently checking documents when his secretary showed up. It was already three days after the screening of Taken. Warner Bros already let go of their intention of signing a distribution contract. 

In his opinion, Taken was not worth it. Besides, they could not give the movie a good schedule. The summer schedule was always packed. 

"It's about Taken. Grey Pictures found a distributor."

"As expected, they chose 20th Century Fox, right? Tom Rothman gave them a good contract."

Terry Semel dropped the pen and listened. 

"No sir. It's not 20th Century Fox. Grey Pictures had an agreement with Paramount. It says that Paramount will distribute Grey Pictures' three movies including Taken."

"What?"

Terry Semel didn't expect it. Kazir had a good relationship with 20th Century Fox. He thought Grey Pictures would choose them. 

There was only one conclusion.

"What's Paramount's offer?"

"Paramount signed a 25% box office deal with Grey Pictures."

"..."

Terry Semel was confused. 

"What is wrong with Brad Grey? Did he agree Kazir because they both have the same surname?"

Terry Semel muttered. A 25% box office share was not too good from a business standpoint. That amount might not be enough to cover the expenses once the movie flopped. 

.........

......

...

While Terry Semel was having a confusion, Kazir Grey and Brad Grey officially signed a contract. 

"To be honest, I felt like it was not worth it but the conditions you gave to me are tempting."

Brad Grey had a handshake with Kazir. 

"Selling Meet The Parents for half a million is not that bad, especially when you promise that you will be the scriptwriter and executive producer."

"I will try my best to give Paramount a good franchise."

Kazir's plan kept changing, but he didn't have a choice but to adjust. The trilogy of Meet The Parents was smaller compared to the entity of Continental Cinematic Universe. He was ready to sell it as long as he could get a better deal. 

"Glad to hear that."

Before Marvel was bought by Disney, their movies were distributed by Paramount. In a way, Kazir was just following the footsteps of MCU. 

[Author's Note: Most of you wanted Paramount so I chose it.]