HWI 88

Hollywood What If Chapter 88

"Executive producer, sounds like a stand-in."

"Hey, don't say it like that. You should be thankful that 20th Century Fox is ready to hire you." 

Harold muttered next to him. They were going to visit one of the studios in the headquarters of 20th Century Fox. 

"Nah, they just want my creativity."

Being the man who created Napoleon Dynamite, Kazir was invited to join the crew of Napoleon Dynamite as the executive producer. Being hired by one of the big six, Kazir naturally had a correspondent salary. 

'I can get 100 thousand dollars once the movie is produced. 200 thousand dollars if Napoleon Dynamite II generated profits. Honestly, that amount is actually big for an average Joe. Perhaps being an executive producer is not that bad.'

Unfortunately, Kazir Grey already tasted the sweetness of money. Having $200 thousand was not enough for him. He was not interested. 

However, Napoleon Dynamite was his first movie and he wanted to take it seriously even though he was not the director. 

'I'm the scriptwriter and of course I want it to succeed.'

Truthfully, Kazir Grey had no idea about the outcome of this sequel. This was a movie that he never saw in his entire life. He might have written the plot but he knew that plot was not enough to make a successful movie. 

"Kazir, don't give me that face. Your sense of being a serious bastard is showing up. Remember, we have another purpose why we are here."

Producer Harold Witsend reminded him. Now that he became a producer, one of the troublesome jobs went to him. 

"Yeah. I still remember our mission."

Kazir already contacted Sony-Columbia last time. Their negotiation was within the expectations, Sony-Columbia wanted to take 35% of the global box office as the sole distributor of the movie. The company was responsible for the advertisement and promotion of the film. 

However, their budget for promotion was only $5 million initially. If the movie didn't generate any good results within a week, Sony-Columbia had the right to stop its promotion. 

Honestly, the contract was good. However, Grey Pictures was looking for better conditions. Something that would bring them more money. 

As of now, Sony-Columbia was their first choice. Harold Witsend wanted to contact 20th Century Fox to negotiate their project. Perhaps 20th Century Fox was interested in the movie and they wanted to take over the distribution. 

'As long as the conditions are right, then I don't have a problem with 20th Century Fox distributing my movies.'

"I heard that 20th Century Fox is in a bind right now. Their budget for this year is a bit tight because of James Cameron's new movie."

"..."

Kazir just listened. Titanic was still causing trouble to the two film companies, Paramount and 20th Century Fox. Not his problem. 

'... But I have to make sure that Taken will not be released in December. Any movie will lose its strength against the giant ship.'

"We are here."

Harold confirmed the studio number. He opened the door and saw many people preparing for the scene. 

They started dismantling the set to insert the next one. 

"LIGHT! FUCKING ADJUST THE LIGHT! CAN'T YOU SEE THAT IT'S TOO DIM? FUCKING SHIT! EAT SHIT! HOW THE FUCK CAN YOU MAKE THAT MISTAKE!"

Kazir and Harold quietly entered the studio. They heard a strong roar from a certain person. That person had a unit accent. 

Since Kazir backed out from being the director. Naturally, someone had to take the place.

Kazir didn't have any idea about the director that Fox Searchlight Pictures hired. He just knew that the director was from France and he had filmed so many comedy movies. 

The crew of Napoleon Dynamite II was built by another group of production companies. Fox Searchlight Pictures didn't want to spend big on production so they decided to hire cheap jobs from small salary people. 

Kazir found Ed Helms and Pedro Pascal trying to smile as they listen to the director's banter. 

'I guess they will realize the truth behind directors... That most directors will never hesitate to degrade people.'

Based on the expressions of the two, they were definitely not used to this kind of vibe. 

Kazir's filming had a vibe of calm and collected. Most crew members respected each other. They were working together to create a successful movie. Furthermore, Kazir Grey never raised his voice when talking to someone. 

While looking around, Kazir found Reese Witherspoon getting a makeover from a makeup artist. 

Reese saw Kazir in the corner, she waved her hand and smiled. She wanted to approach the man but she was still getting a makeup. 

As for Kazir, he just nodded. 

A few minutes later, Nancy Utley showed up and talked to Kazir. Nancy Utley was the producer of this movie. This was the first time that Fox Searchlight Pictures produced their own movie. So she had to take the position of being the producer. 

"Kazir, I want you to meet Hugo Lameire. He is a director from France who had made so many comedy movies."

"It's nice meeting you, Mister Lameire."

"It's nice meeting you too, Mister Grey."

Hugo's arrogance earlier was long gone as he met Kazir. He was just a hired director and he knew that he didn't have Kazir Grey's footing. So as much as possible, there was no wrong with being humble. 

"I'm interested to see the finished product."

"Don't worry Mister Grey, I'll make sure that the sequel will be successful."

Kazir Grey didn't have control over this project but Hugo Lameire was the same. Hugo didn't even have the editing rights. Everything was under 20th Century Fox's jurisdiction. They were the ones responsible for editing Napoleon Dynamite II. 

The two had a handshake and Hugo proceeded to do his job. The shooting started. Kazir and the others had to be quiet at this moment. 

"Camera! Roll!"

[I know it's repetitive, but I have to say it. I owe you 13 chapters as of now. 4 HWI, 4 RDD, and 5 TOFD. If things went well, maybe the usual updates will return to normal around next Wednesday. If you want, I can post pictures of the finished roof. I don't want you guys to think that I'm scamming you. Goodnight, I'm too tired right now so I want to sleep early.]