HWI 91

Hollywood What If Chapter 91

Within three months of preparation, Kazir's crew started doing pre-production jobs. 

The people under the Props team started choosing the casts' appearances. This movie was a bit different from the original Taken. Kazir added some Easter eggs for the next movies. Especially for Enzo Park who was the Ninja in this film. 

Enzo only had one scene in the movie, but his appearance should be remarkable. So that the audience would remember him.

While the Props team was busy creating fashion for the roles, the Camera department focused on their jobs. 

The Camera department, particularly Rector, who was the Cinematographer, had the job of reviewing every possible shot and scene that they would do. Rector even went to France for a week to check the filming locations. 

The crew already got approval from France to direct the film. But they didn't get any tax incentives. In the first place, Grey Pictures was an unknown studio. Furthermore, the movie was about human trafficking in France. It was actually a miracle that the government gave approval. 

'Well, we cast two French actors so the filming industry gave us leeway.'

The so-called art film center of Europe. Paris, France. The country where the first film originated.

The first to present projected moving pictures to a paying audience were the Lumière brothers in December 1895 in Paris, France. They used a device of their own making, the Cinématographe, which was a camera, a projector, and a film printer all in one. (Credits to Google.)

The first film. 

This was the reason why many film directors in France have this arrogant attitude. They believed that they were the center of art film. 

'However, most of their 'art films' are nothing but borderline pornography. The plot is dark and sometimes depressing. They are very long too.'

Combined with these factors, the filming industry in Europe slowly lost its vigor. In the end, Hollywood overtook them. 

'It's not my problem. I'm already satisfied that they let me film the movie in the country.'

He had a plan B in case the government didn't give him approval. He would film the movie in the USA. He would only take shots of relevant scenes from France and add them to the movie.

Many studios did this thing to diminish their expenses. 

However, since they received approval, Grey Pictures decided to shoot most of the relevant scenes in the movie. Such as running on the highway. For this sequence alone, Liam Neeson practiced running without getting tired. 

Three months was short but Liam Neeson was strict to his job. He made sure that his physique fit the role of Bryan Mills. A retired dangerous agent. 

"Director, we already blocked the road." 

Assistant Director Fremont Smith notified Kazir who was sitting on the chair. 

"Good. We only have three hours to film this scene. Make sure that we can take many good shots as possible."

Kazir raised his megaphone and gave the go-signal. This was not the studio and his voice was hard to hear even if he yelled. So carryings a megaphone was the right decision. Besides, Kazir would never use the megaphone for useless stuff. 

There were directors who would use a megaphone every damn time, unreasonably. As if they wanted to show that they were in control.

"Okay, let's start the filming."

His voice resounded. 

There was a rule in the industry. Never filmed a passerby. Or else you would get a lawsuit. Every passerby, every car, and every person that the camera caught was all hired by the production crew. These people signed a contract to appear in the movie, even if they were nothing but extras. 

So yeah, Grey Pictures hired all of the people who would appear on the screen. None of them were true passersby. In fact, even the prank videos on YouTube were mostly staged. So yeah, don't believe in those prank videos. 

In this scene, Liam Neeson had to run a few meters to catch the handsome person who was related to the disappearance of Kim(Bryan Mills'daughter) and her friend. 

"Impressive, Liam Neeson is not out of breath."

Kazir was satisfied. Unlike the original version where Liam Neeson was older, the current Liam had a better physique. 

'I decided to make Bryan Mills stronger and faster in this version since the Continental Cinematic Universe is a replicate of superhero movies.'

The franchise of John Wick and Fast and the Furious were superhero movies. Especially the latter movies of the two. No one could change this opinion, because it was the truth. These movies had the same recipe as superhero movies. 

The first three movies of Fast and the Furious were realistic... But the sequels after that transformed the franchise into a hodgepodge. 

As for John Wick, the first movie already had the formula of being a superhero but a bit mild. The sequels gradually turned into one. 

Anyway, on the screen, Kazir Grey was watching Liam Neeson running like a cheetah. 

He was just sitting in his chair while Fremont Smith ordered the people around. Fremont was responsible for making sure the filming of this certain scene would run smoothly. 

Thankfully, the three hours ended peacefully. Kazir and the filming crew packed their belongings, cleaned the location, and left. They got enough shots. 

"D- Director Grey, a French director invited you to attend his party tomorrow." 

Kazir Grey still couldn't find an assistant so one of the interns temporarily took the job as his personal assistant. The intern was nervous and stuttered. 

"Hm? Who is it?"

Kazir knew some French directors since the filming industry in this country was still strong. He watched many movies by European directors. 

"I- It said here that the director's name is Roman Polanski."

The intern said. 

"..."

Kazir became quiet. Roman Polanski was indeed a famous director. He was the director of The Pianist. The Oscar award-winning movie, The Pianist. 

However, Roman Polanski was famous for another thing too... He was a well-known rapist/pedophile.