HWI 92

Hollywood What If Chapter 92

Roman Polanski. A famous director. He directed many films and his most famous one was The Pianist. 

However, he was wanted in different countries. He was even wanted in the USA. 

Despite that fact, he fled to Paris and continued his profession as a director. 

Roman Polanski had influence in the French film industry and he invited Kazir Grey to his party because of some reasons. 

First, Kazir Grey was a Jew just like him. Kazir's mother was from Poland and her parents experienced the terror of WWII. 

Unlike Kazir's mother, Roman Polanski experienced World War II. It was not a good memory at all. 

The second was that he heard that Kazir Grey was going to film a movie in France. Perhaps he could cooperate about something. 

The third was Kazir's influence in Hollywood. Roman Polanski was wanted in the USA and he could not get in. He had cooperation with the film companies in Hollywood. But he still wanted to hear some information firsthand from Kazir. 

'If you are going to ask me. It's a mystery how the Academy let Roman Polanski and The Pianist won the Oscars...'

Kazir Grey already had an idea why. 

Most of the old members of the Academy were from the Jewish circle. They had this collective understanding that they must help each other. On top of that, the movie The Pianist was about the hardship of Jewish people at the hands of German. 

The old men of the Oscars clearly liked the movie because of it. So much so that they disregard the fact that Roman Polanski had a crime. He was convicted of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor(a 13-year-old girl). 

'Now, I still don't know the whole story and I can't judge a person based on these articles... I have to meet him first before making a decision.'

Perhaps this was the reason why the old men from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences let it slide... Because some of them might be pedophiles too. 

Hollywood had a lot of crimes going on but they were protected by their halo. One of the reasons why Jeffrey Epstein kept his status for a long time. 

The stars were shimmering but they were overpowered by the blinding lights of the city. The hustle and bustle of the city was ongoing despite the late hours. 

Kazir Grey entered the party together with Harold. They were the director and producer so they have to make connections. The French film industry was quite strong and they had the homecourt advantage. 

"Kazir Grey. It's nice to meet you."

"Mister Polanski."

Kazir shook hands with Roman. He was a bit icky but he decided to accept it. 

The Jewish director was 63 years old this year and he looked old. However, he was still active in the industry. 

"Kazir, how about we have to go to a quiet place to talk."

"Okay."

Kazir signaled Harold Witsend to make connections to the locals. Perhaps they could find something interesting that would lower their expenses. They need local companies that could help them.

The two directors went to the garden. Kazir was holding a glass of champagne. He knew that the French liked drinking champagne and cognac. 

"Kazir, I heard that you're a Jew."

"That's right."

As expected, Roman used the race card. Kazir decided to shut his mouth and let Roman talk. 

"I have a new project and I'm trying to find a distribution company. I wonder if you have a company to recommend."

"Well, I have cooperation with Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox. Maybe I can connect you to them."

"I had a cooperation with Warner Bros back in 1988. As for 20th Century Fox, this might be the first time."

He smiled. 

The two started talking about movies and their experience in filming. It seemed that Roman Polanski had a hard time finding a distributor for his next movie. 

While having a conversation with the old director, Kazir realized that Roman was actually not that bad. At least that was what he sensed from him. 

'Maybe he is just showing his good sides. Well, nobody wanted to show their devils.'

It was not his problem to be honest. The only reason why he attended this party was to form a connection with the local film industry. 

"Ah, by the way, I heard that you made an audition for young women?"

"... Mister Polanski, I already cast someone for the role. If you are going to refer me to someone, I have to decline."

"Ahahaha. No, I'm not going to do that. That might be a breach of contract. I just want to introduce you to someone. She is a daughter of a friend. She actually audition for the role of Kim Mills last December but she didn't pass the second round."

"Hm?"

Kazir was a little bit curious. 

"I just asking for a favor. Maybe you can help her. You can refer her to your agent if you want."

"I want to see her first."

"Of course."

A few minutes later, a young woman showed up. She was beautiful but clearly underage. 

Kazir was actually surprised to meet the woman here. 

"Hello director Grey, I'm Eva Green. I went to America last year to audition for Taken. However, they didn't like me because of my accent."

The woman smiled at Kazir. 

'I didn't expect that I will meet the famous Bond Girl of Casino Royal.'

Furthermore, Eva Green was in the Kingdom of Heaven too. 

"I know a company that can help you gather extras and their payment is lower than the average."

Roman Polanski added. 

"... Thank you, Mister Polanski."

A clearheaded person like Kazir Grey understood that this was nothing but business. He didn't have to let his emotions partake in the business.