HWI 90

Hollywood What If Chapter 90

The influence of the MCU was tremendous that many film companies tried to copy them. Even foreign countries tried to dab their hands on MCU and filmed their own Avengers. 

The movies of MCU generated billions of profits. The Franchise might have been the reason why the cinemas were still thriving under the strong rapid rise of the internet. Well, there were definitely many factors such as the increase of movie tickets. 

But it didn't change the fact that MCU was the most successful movie franchise. 

Now, Kazir understood that his Cinematic Universe might have been equal to MCU. Considering that his movies were original screenplays and not based on comics. His Cinematic Universe didn't have a steady stream of fans. 

"This is my initial condition. We will take 40% of the box office of North American cinemas. 20th Century Fox will only invest $2.5 million for the promotion. These conditions can change depending on how the movie will fare. However, I can't assure you that 20th Century Fox will give it the best scheduled release. We have so many movie projects this year and we have to prioritize them."

"I understand."

This was the main reason why Kazir preferred Sony-Columbia. Sony-Columbia only releases a few movies per year, completely different from the other big five. Kazir was confident that Sony-Columbia would give him a good schedule release. 

"Furthermore, I have to watch the movie first. If it didn't meet my criteria, I'm sorry but 20th Century Fox will have to decline."

To be honest, Tom Rothman was not confident in the movie. He felt like it would flop. The only reason why he met Kazir Grey this time was for the purpose of Napoleon Dynamite's sequel. Kazir Grey was the brain of this movie, after all. He knew the story of Napoleon Dynamite more than anyone. 

'I'm sure that Warner Bros is thinking the same. Kazir is definitely a talented comedy director, I don't know about action though.'

"We will talk about international distribution once your "Taken" proved itself in the North American market."

The big six would never distribute an unsure movie... Unless that movie was heavily invested. There were many movies that the big six distributed to foreign countries hoping that they could profit. 

Warcraft was a movie based on a popular game. The movie only generated $47 million at the North American box office. However, it grossed $391 million in the rest of the world. 

Perhaps the game was one of the factors why Warcraft became successful, but it was still true that the movie made more money overseas. 

Unfortunately, the usual situation was the opposite. If the movie flopped in North America, then it would flop in the rest of the world. 

So Kazir understood why Tom Rothman couldn't promise the international distribution of Taken. After all, they have to invest money just to distribute thousands of films all over the world. Added that they have to promote it too. 

'Well, it's a good thing for me. At least I can negotiate with them again if Taken is successful. Maybe I can get a better condition then.'

However, Sony-Columbia already promised a 35% global box office share. This proposal is good or bad for Grey Pictures. 

But in Kazir's opinion, this condition was already good. As long as the movie made more money, then everything would be better for both parties. 

'I guess this meeting is fruitless again. It seems that Tom Rothman didn't like to repeat what happened last time. Maybe he thinks that giving me a box office share for Napoleon Dynamite is a mistake. Well, I'm still thankful for the things he did for me.'

Fox Searchlight Pictures was his first partner. He didn't have a problem working with them again as long as the conditions were met. 

The truth was this meeting was not fruitful. At least Grey Pictures knew the average conditions of the two film companies. Furthermore, there was no wrong with asking for more. Especially when Grey Pictures was going to be the sole investor of Taken. 

They have all the right to agree and disagree with the film companies.

'... I actually have another company to choose but I'm not sure if they have the ability to promote my movie correctly.'

Anyway, this thing could not be solved right away. First of all, the movie was still not being filmed. No film companies would sign with Grey Pictures. Everything was only a 'promise' as of now. Nothing was sure. 

"Then, thank you for accepting this meeting, Mister Rothman."

"It's fine. By the way, if you have another comedy script that you want to direct, feel free to consult 20th Century Fox. We will make sure to invest in your movie. Haha!"

As expected, Tom Rothman's prejudice against his talent was obvious. Besides, what Tom Rothman said was just a sentence. No one knows if 20th Century Fox would really cooperate with Grey Pictures if Taken had a massive flop. 

Everything was on the result of Taken. 

.........

......

...

"Make sure to eat healthy food."

"I will."

"Humph! I know that you always forget to eat whenever you are working on your movie. Don't try to fool me."

"... I will try to eat healthy food."

"Fine. Take care. Call me once you landed."

Kazir Grey bid farewell to Reese Witherspoon. He was going to take a flight to France together with the crew.  

March arrived and the preparation for the movie was finished. Liam Neeson and the stunt members already mastered their roles. In fact, Liam Neeson's body right now was impeccable. 

'I recommended the gym that I worked on, and the result is satisfying.'

Just Liam, Kazir Grey's figure was perfect as well. If not because of his job as a director, he might get hired as an actor instead.