HWI 79

Hollywood What If Chapter 79

Calix and the others reached the headquarters of 20th Century Fox. They stepped into the elevator, walked a few meters, and entered the office of the CEO. 

Just like they expected, Tom Rothman was already there. 

"Kazir, congratulations on The Hangover."

"Thanks, Tom."

The two had a handshake.

Tom Rothman and Kazir faced each other. They were the main characters of this meeting. 

"Kazir, I read the script of Taken. All I can say is it's mediocre at best. The action sequences that you specifically wrote were a bit interesting but it's not enough to make me impress. There are even some parts that are confusing."

Based on Tom Rothman's opinion, Kazir already had an idea of where this meeting would end. 

"Tom, if you are interested, how about you read my other script."

"Let me see."

Kazir passed him the script and gave Tom Rothman a few minutes to skim the context of the script. 

Tom Rothman frowned and put down the script on the table. 

"Kazir, are you really sure about this? You want to make these two movies connected?"

"Not two. I have many scripts that are connected."

"Are you joking right now?" Tom Rothman raised his brow. 

"No. I believe I'm serious and sober.

"... I guess I found the reason why you're so adamant about the 30% investment and approval rights. Tell me, are you really afraid that film companies will kick you out of your own project?"

"I know that the big six will not hesitate to destroy someone's career as long as it can bring the profit."

Hollywood buried so many people in the grave. This place was never a paradise. Racism, Pedophilia, Drugs, Sexual Assaults, and so many sins. Hollywood probably has all of them. 

"Kazir, don't make this hard. I can increase your box office share but don't invest in the project. $25 million is an amount that 20th Century Fox can handle. If you invest even 10% in the project, we will have a lot of trouble."

Once that happened, Grey Pictures would have a huge profit from different methods. North American distribution, International distribution, Videotape distribution, and even National Television copyrights. Grey Pictures even had the right to the copyrights once that happened. Unless the contract was clear. 

However, Tom Rothman understood that the person in front of him was a tough one. If he agreed to his conditions, he would lose money. 

"You have to understand that it's not possible. This a huge project and I don't want to leave it to a company, I need at least 30% investment and approval rights."

"..."

Just as Tom Rothman expected, Kazir Grey was very stubborn. 

"I can only agree to that conditions, but you have to sell 40% of your studio company to 20th Century Fox. Kazir, you have to understand, 30% is a big thing and I can't let you have it. Unless you agree to sell your studio."

"..."

Kazir grinned. 

"Tom, are you interested in the copyrights that we acquired?"

"That's right. I'm still skeptical about Hulk and Iron Man. These kinds of movies are hard to produce. But Bourne Identity has good profitability. I even heard that you are trying to acquire the copyrights of Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire."

To be honest, Tom Rothman didn't have any idea what A Song of Ice and Fire was. He just knew that it was a book inspired by Lord of the Rings. 

'Bourne Identity and Lord of the Rings are famous novels in America. I believe they can be profitable.'

Tom Rothman thought. He was a businessman and he had to look at it from a business standpoint. 

"..."

Kazir didn't expect that Tom Rothman wanted his studio. 

"I'm interested in working with you again. What do you think Kazir? How about becoming a part of 20th Century Fox's family?"

"Tom, let me think about it."

"I hope I will hear good news next time."

Kazir left the building. He sighed. He actually thought that 20th Century Fox would agree to his conditions. Yet Tom Rothman asked for something unexpected. 

"I'm sorry Terrence, you attended this fruitless meeting."

"Yeah, you have to give me a free ticket to make it up."

Terrence was not offended. He joked instead. 

"Haha, I promise."

The lawyer left first. Then, Rafael felt that he was still not being trusted so he decided to take a leave... He was disappointed that he didn't get a commission this time. Despite sharing a small percentage, Kazir's project had a huge budget. His percentage was enough to fill his annual salary. 

"Kazir, what is your plan? We already talked to the four big companies... Do you want me to contact Disney and Universal?"

"No. I made it clear. I don't want anything related to them."

"I understand."

Kazir and Salvatore stopped at the bar that they usually visited. This bar had a relaxing ambiance and they like drinking in this place. 

"Actually, I was hoping to cooperate with 20th Century Fox because I like their movies. I have my preference. However, I didn't expect Tom Rothman wanted to buy a portion of my studio company. I backed out after hearing that. The copyrights that the studio acquired will help us in the future."

"What is your plan then?" Salvatore Barlowe drank a glass of bourbon.

"... Looks like I don't have a choice, I will make the movie using my own money."

"Fu-- Kazir, are you insane!? That's the most outrageous thing I heard today! You know that it's dangerous for you and the studio once your movie flopped. And how can you distribute it then? Your studio is nothing but a production company. You don't have distribution channels."

Salvatore was right. Kazir's intention was dangerous. His future might end once he did it. 

"Kazir, I have to stop you with this. We can agree to Warner Bros or Paramount's conditions instead."

"I'm sorry Salvatore, but I changed my mind. I don't want to sell the copyrights of my movies. I want full control over all of the Spy+Hitman Cinematic Universe."

"..."

Salvatore Barlowe could see that Kazir was serious. 

[I can only write two chapters today. The RDD and TOFD will be posted around 2 to 3 pm Philippine time.]