HWI 62

Hollywood What If Chapter 62

"Kazir, when do you want to start the sequel of Napoleon Dynamite?"

"Tom, you have to chill. We still have to polish the script."

Kazir Grey and Tom Rothman were having a meeting about the sequel of Napoleon Dynamite. 

The 5% box office share was already settled and Kazir received the confirmation from the bank. 

Out of respect to Tom Rothman, Kazir decided to be honest.

"Tom, I'm going to be honest with you... I don't want to direct the movie."

"I fucking knew it!"

Tom Rothman sighed and leaned against the chair. He knew so many directors who didn't like sequels. 

Steven Spielberg didn't film Jaws 2 and other Jaws sequels. Wes Craven didn't do the sequels of Nightmare on Elms Street. In fact, Wes Craven hated the sequels. He felt like it diluted the essence of the movie. 

The entirety of Nightmare on Elms Street almost became a comedy because of endless sequels. 

However, Napoleon Dynamite was different.

"Kazir. You have to understand, Napoleon Dynamite needs you. Fox Searchlight will never hesitate to give you conditions. $7 million salary and 10% North American box office share. What do you think?"

Tom Rothman believed that Kazir would be enticed. This offer was already a great deal. 

"... Tom, I want to say no but I have to say no. I'm still thinking of directing another movie."

"Are you talking about the script that is going anywhere? Kazir, that Teady Bear script doesn't have any assurance. You have to think about it seriously."

"..."

Kazir just smiled. 

To be honest, he was having trouble regarding his next project. 

He was interested in filming Ted, but he was eager to start his huge Cinematic Universe too. 

He wanted to be the first one to start a successful Cinematic Universe. 

"I hope you will give me a positive response after you're done with The Hangover."

"Thanks, Tom."

The two had a handshake and parted. Kazir left the building of 20th Century Fox.

After he met Tom Rothman, Kazir directly went to the headquarters of Warner Bros. 

He went to the editing room. 

"Good morning, Kazir."

"It's nice to meet you, Mister Hamilton."

"Just call me Brody. You don't have to be so formal."

The man in front of Kazir was Brody Hamilton. He was currently 36 years old. He was one of the editors working at Warner Bros. 

Warner Bros gave Kazir full creative authority over The Hangover. However, Warner Bros would have to use their own editors. They would never let any outsiders touch the post-production of their movies. 

Even though Kazir had a good relationship with his last editor, Rector, he knew that this was how business works. 

Kazir was already satisfied that Warner Bros gave him complete editing rights on The Hangover. 

"Let's start our job."

There was no proper introduction, the two just entered the editing room to start the post-production. 

Post-production was a very important part of the process. The shots that Kazir filmed were more than 800 minutes. He had to cut the NGs and find the best shot for each scene. Then, he would put them together to make a proper story. Then, he had to squeeze it into 100 minutes. 

Sounds simple? Post-production usually lasts for more than a month. Sometimes more than half a year, especially movies that had CGI/special effects. 

.........

......

...

"Are you sure he's going to show up here?"

Cassandra asked her informant. 

"That's what we heard. Anyway, my job is done here. You're on your own."

"..."

The informant left after leading Cassandra to the meeting place. 

Cassandra heard that Kazir would buy a new suit because he would attend the premier night of Twister. 

Cassandra looked at herself in the mirror and fixed her appearance. Particularly her cleavage, she wanted to emphasize how ample they were. 

"Good morning."

She was greeted by the saleslady when she entered the store. Because of her appearance, she was not kicked out. 

Cassandra looked at the dress and she realized that they didn't have a price tag. The clothes in the store didn't have a price tag... 

But based on the clothes that they were selling, each dress might cost more than 10 thousand dollars. For a woman who was currently having debt after maxing her credit card, Cassandra sweated as she looked at them.

The saleslady looked at Cassandra's expression and clicked her tongue after realizing that Cassandra was not a rich person. 

"Ma'am, I think you need to leave."

"N- No, I'm waiting for someone. He's going to show--"

"Good morning, Sir. Good morning, Ma'am."

A couple entered the store and they were greeted by another saleslady. 

Kazir and went to the store together with Reese. The woman was hugging his arm. She flirting with Kazir. 

"Let's go find something for you first."

"Thanks, Kazir."

Reese giggled and kissed his cheek. 

"..."

Cassandra was dumbfounded when she witnessed the scene. She couldn't believe that Kazir had a woman next to him! Furthermore, she was beautiful. 

To make the matter worst, Cassandra could not avert her gaze from Kazir. The man in front of her was hot and sexy. His beard was kept and maintained. He was handsome as fuck. He didn't have his fat belly as well! He was fit and hunk!

Cassandra recalled the reason why she married Kazir... Because she loved his appearance and confidence. 

The man in front of her was that very person. Kazir was handsome, confident, and successful. The perfect man. 

Cassandra gulped hard for unknown reasons. Her face reddened and she didn't know why. 

She took a deep breath and smiled. She waved her hand at Kazir.

"Husband--"

Yet before she could speak, Kazir and Reese passed by without glancing at her. 

Kazir never looked at her. As if she was nothing but a stranger. 

"Ma'am, I think you need to leave."

The saleslady woke Cassandra from her shock. Out of everything, she didn't expect that Kazir never looked at her. Her heart felt heavy and sour as she left the store. As if she lost something precious.