HWI 109

Hollywood What If Chapter 109

The two old men laughed after having a few conversations, then they realized that someone was actually standing at the door. 

"Ah, Kazir Grey, it's nice to meet you. I believe this is our first time meeting."

Michael Ovitz was the first one to stand up and greeted Kazir. Michael Ovitz was the founder of CAA. Perhaps that was the reason why he had a good opinion of Kazir. Even though he was already out of the CAA after selling all of his shares, Michael Ovitz felt like it was still its child. 

Then Michael Eisner stood up too and shook Kazir's hands. There was a reason why he invited the director, because of the success he achieved in the past three years. For someone like Michael Eisner, he knew that Kazir's talent was still blossoming. 

He wanted to grab a piece of cake(talent) before Kazir reached expiration. Michael Eisner watched Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox's movement. Napoleon Dynamite and The Hangover had planned sequels. 

Napoleon Dynamite II was a box office hit and The Hangover 2 was going to be released next year. The cash they earned from these two franchises was huge. 

Michael Eisner wanted to get at least one or two of Kazir's scripts. 

'It's not bad if Walt Disney can have a comedy franchise too.'

"Kazir, congratulations on Napoleon Dynamite II. Even though you're not the director, I believe that your presence is the reason why the movie became a success."

"Thank you, Chairman Eisner."

Kazir could not discern if Michael Eisner was lying or not. However, Kazir could feel the meaning of his words. 

'As expected, he is interested in my projects.'

"Let's sit."

The three sat down and started talking. Unlike Michael Eisner who was serious, Michael Ovitz had an amicable expression. 

Well, Michael Ovitz was a famous agent and his face was thicker than a concrete wall. He would not hesitate to praise a literal shit just to earn money. 

He could keep his smiling face without any problem as long as the money was on the table. 

"Kazir, I heard that you're currently looking for a company to distribute your film. How about Walt Disney? I can assure you that you will not lose if you cooperate with us."

"Thank you, Chairman Eisner, but I have to decline."

"Why is that?"

Michael Eisner raised his brow. A bit curious and offended.

"The filming of Taken is still not over and I can't sign a contract with an incomplete movie."

"That's a very good answer. Well then, I believe we will have another meeting once Taken is completed."

"That's right. I will contact Walt Disney again, I hope Chairman Eisner can watch at that time."

"Very well. Since I can see that you are sincere, I have to be sincere as well. I can promise you that Walt Disney will never exceed 40% box office share as a fee. If you want, we can sign a contract right now."

"Thank you, Chairman Eisner, but I believe that someone as great as you will keep his promise."

Michael Eisner's condition might look simple but Kazir felt his sincerity. 

'There are film companies that will ask 60% box office share for a fee.'

To be fair, more film companies would downright buy the complete copyrights of a movie before screening it in the cinemas. 

Kazir's position in the past was too feeble so he signed a contract with Fox Searchlight Pictures and got a small box office share. But now that he was a strong reputation, he could negotiate for a better condition. 

So a 40% box office share was not bad, but not good either. 

'If Walt Disney took 40%, then the cinema alliance will take another 40% share. Grey Pictures will only have a 20% box office share. It's not bad, but not good either. At least Michael Eisner promised that the contract will not exceed 40%. That means that there are rooms to make it lower. The conditions are...'

"Kazir, I heard that you registered dozens of scripts in the Writers Guild. I wonder if you are interested in selling some of them."

As expected, it was all about scripts. 

It was understandable since 20th Century Fox got another movie franchise because of Kazir. 

In fact, not only Walt Disney, even Paramount and Sony-Columbia were eager to buy his script. As for Universal Pictures... Kazir didn't bother hearing their conditions. 

"I want to know what scripts are you interested in, Chairman Eisner."

Browsing the general plot and titles of scripts was not illegal. Writers Guild could show that much. 

Some writers visited Writers Guild to make sure that the scripts they were writing didn't have a strong resemblance to any of the registered scripts. Or else a lawsuit would happen. 

"I want to buy the script of Meet The Parents."

"..."

Kazir was speechless. He realized that Michael Eisner had the eyes in choosing movies. As expected, Michael Eisner became the chairman of Walt Disney for obvious reasons. He knew how to pick movies. 

It was known that Michael Eisner preferred live-action movies compared to animated movies. He felt like hand-drawn animation was slowly losing its vigor. 

'Meet The Parents is actually a movie that has two sequels. They are Meet The Fockers and Little Fockers.'

If Michael Eisner intended to find a movie that could produce sequels, then Meet The Parents was the best choice. 

"Walt Disney will buy the script for $3 million. I believe that amount is very sincere."

"Indeed."

Kazir nodded. He could not deny it. 

While the two were talking, Michael Ovitz was keeping his mouth shut. He knew that his friend didn't like getting interfered in negotiations. 

"What do you think? I can send the money to you right away, cash or cheque."

"I'm touched that someone like you are interested in my script. However, Chairman Eisner, I have to decline."

"... Kazir Grey, do you understand what you're saying?"

Michael Eisner kept his expression but he was clearly mad.

Kazir shook his head.

"You misunderstand, I'm not saying that I'm going to decline your offer. I'm saying that your offer is too high for me."