HWI 108

Hollywood What If Chapter 108

Harvey Weinstein was a businessman and he knew how to control his emotions. Since Kazir was looking at him, he might as well greet him. 

Harvey's opinion of Kazir was complicated. The first time he saw him was at the small screening of Napoleon Dynamite two years ago. Miramax was invited by CAA to attend an insignificant screening of an unknown director. Harvey Weinstein intended to send only one of the managers to watch the movie. 

However, when he heard that the director was actually Kazir Grey, the scriptwriter of Se7en, he decided to watch it instead. He didn't expect that the movie was entertaining. He knew that the movie would have a good result at the box office. The question was how much money could be earned. 

He wanted the movie so he gave Kazir a good contract. A 5% revenue cut. But Kazir declined his offer and cooperate with Fox Searchlight Pictures instead. 

Harvey Weinstein was not disappointed, maybe a little bit. But not enough to loathe Kazir. He knew that Kazir chose the best option and that was the right thing to do. 

Perhaps the reason things became complicated was because of William Morris Agency(WMA). WMA was adamant to destroy Kazir. They even go far as announcing that Kazir Grey was a wife-beater.

William Morris Agency promised that they would have preferential treatment for Miramax. Miramax hired actors from WMA for a cheap price. Furthermore, these actors were talented... Especially the actresses that WMA sent to him, they were quite, ahem, tasty. 

The negotiation was good for both of them so Miramax decided to agree with WMA's condition. He used his connection and spread the news that Kazir Grey beat his wife. Simple as that. 

Kazir Grey was working with Warner Bros at that time and the release schedule of The Hangover and Phenomenon was close. There was no reason not to sabotage them. 

Unfortunately, their plan didn't work. Kazir Grey exposed Cassandra's lies and gained momentum. After that, The Hangover grossed more than $500 million! 

In that transaction, Harvey Weinstein gained almost nothing. He was even reprimanded by Chairman Michael Eisner. His position was a bit grave and he was going lay low. Not to attract attention and trouble. 

Harvey Weinstein kept his smile and approached Kazir. 

"Mister Grey, it's nice to see you here!"

"Mister Weinstein." Kazir nodded. 

The women understood that Kazir and Harvey would have a conversation so they dispersed and left them. 

"Kazir, congratulations on The Hangover. It's late, but it's the thought that counts."

'Harvey, you're the bastard who tried to sabotage The Hangover. Yet you have the guts to congratulate me. You are shameless as expected.'

"Thanks, Harvey."

Since Harvey Weinstein used a first-name basis, Kazir followed. 

"I heard that you're producing your movie this time. How about it? You can cooperate with Miramax, I will make sure to promote your movie."

Harvey was just saying this but he was not confident in Kazir's action movie. He might be interested if it was a comedy movie. Still, he wanted to ease their relationship at least a little bit.

"Perhaps. If you lower your box office share to 20% I will sign a contract with you."

"..."

The corner of his lips twitched when Kazir stated his condition. 20% box office share was too low. 

"We can talk about it if you signed a videotape distribution contract with Miramax."

"I'll think about it."

"..."

Harvey realized that Kazir was not interested in working with Miramax.

"Kazir... You know that it's just business. Don't take it to heart. We are both Jews, we should help each other."

"Don't take it to the heart? Harvey, I almost went to jail. My reputation was almost destroyed. And you are telling me that I should just let it slip?"

Kazir's voice became heavier.

"Come on. Defamations and scandals are common ways to defeat your enemies, it's not that bad."

Harvey waved his hand and acted like it was not a problem.

"..."

After that huge scandal that almost destroyed his reputation, Kazir investigate and realized that Harvey Weinstein was one of the responsible for spreading the false allegations. Universal Pictures, Miramax, and WMA. These three were the ones that gang up to beat him. 

'I'm not here to make a conflict but Harvey Weinstein is too unbearable. Defamation? Scandal? Let's see if these "common" ways are going to work for you. The difference is that I'm not doing defamation, I'm telling the truth. Harvey Weinstein, a convicted sex offender.'

His gaze turned cold and Harvey didn't care. His position was higher than Kazir's. He had more foundation than him and it was impossible to break it. One of the Big Six was his backer too. 

"Well, Kazir, see you again. I hope you have fun at this party."

Harvey Weinstein left him. Even though Kazir was a director who had a good prospect, Harvey would never be afraid. His status was higher than a mere director. Only the higher-ups of Disney could affect him.

After spending some time at the party and talking with people, Kazir was invited by someone to enter a private room. 

When Kazir set foot in the room, he found two old men drinking liquor. 

'Michael Eisner and Michael Ovitz. I heard they are friends.'

These two Michaels had a good relationship. So when Michael Eisner invited Michael Ovitz to be the President of Walt Disney, Michael Ovitz decided to venture and start again. 

'Maybe Michael Ovitz is just getting greedy and looking for adventure in his old age. Unfortunately, he was kicked out by Michael Eisner in the end.'

It was surprising that these two were now acting like friends... Well, they were friends. 

'They still have a good relationship. Or perhaps I caused another change in the timeline.'