HWI 52

Hollywood What If Chapter 52

There are many reasons why film companies like PG-13 movies. 

Movies can sell more tickets if they are rated PG-13 and lower. Families prefer to watch a movie that their children can enjoy as well. 

It was one of the reasons why Disney became the strongest film company after the next three decades. They used this advantage to take over their competitors. 

Some shareholders in Warner Bros hope that The Hangover would be rated PG-13 because the movie would be more profitable.

Of course, Rated-R can be profitable too. Se7en who was just dropped out of the cinemas in North America earned more than $400 million globally. That was huge a profit for a thriller suspense movie. 

But The Hangover was not a thriller suspense, it was a comedy. So they hope to convince Kazir Grey to adjust the script.

However, Kazir Grey was firm with his decision. It was written in the contract that he had full authority over the creation of The Hangover. Even the editing right was exclusive to him. 

So they decided to shut their mouths and let Kazir do his job. 

"John, are you really sure about this?"

Ed Helms had a complicated expression as he looked at his agent. 

"Ed, WMA wants the best for you. Can't you see it? Once they agree with $3 million, that will be your salary."

John and Enrico negotiated the salary down to 3 million dollars but Enrico was still not satisfied. He felt like hiring Ed Helms at that amount was not worth it. 

"..."

Ed Helms felt like 3 million dollars was a good amount. However, he knew damn well that he was not worth that amount. At least not know. 

As for his agent, John Harris, the agent wanted to fight for a bigger salary. After all, 10% of that amount would be his commission. 

"... I understand. But I can agree with 1.5 million, you don't have to fight for more. I don't want to affect the shooting schedule of the movie."

Two weeks remained before the shooting officially started. 

Except for Ed Helms, all of the actors already signed a contract. 

"Alright."

To be honest, John Harris didn't know why WMA was asking him to cause trouble for the project. 

Still, it was an order from the higher-ups. He had to execute it. 

'Of course I want Ed to join the cast too. But I'm striving for more money. That's my duty as an agent.'

He was not wrong... Agents are known as bloodsuckers in the industry. They will ask for a bigger salary, causing the production cost to increase as well. 

In fact, the reason why the production cost increased was mainly due to the actors' salaries. 

While Agent John Harris and Producer Enrico Pusi were having a tug of war, Salvatore Barlowe went to Kazir's office. 

Because Kazir started a studio company, which currently had a shooting project for The Hangover, Kazir stayed most of the time in the office. 

This week, he didn't even return to his apartment. He slept and ate in his office. Almost as if his office was his own bedroom.

When Salvatore entered the office, he was surprised because he found so much trash on the floor. 

Dozens of sketches and many cup noddles... This is a terrifying scene. 

'I know that creative people are usually like this, but it's still a sight to behold.'

Salvatore thought. 

He found Kazir typing on his keyboard. 

"How was it?"

"I got it."

"Phew, that's good to hear. I thought it was going to take a while."

"Well, Alan Shayne Productions wanted to sell at 3 million dollars so I didn't hesitate."

Salvatore Barlowe put the documents on his table. 

Kazir only read a few words

Bourne Identity. 

After realizing that Tom Cruise acquired the movie adaptation of Mission: Impossible, Kazir decided to buy the movie adaptation of the Bourne series before it was too late.

'No one will think that this movie will become a huge success.'

"Kazir, I just can't think of a reason why you want to buy the movie adaptation rights of this novel. Do you want to shoot an action movie?"

Alan Shayne Productions acquired the movie adaptation rights of Bourne Identity in the 80s. They even created a television movie but it didn't end well. 

Since then, the movie adaptation rights of Bourne Identity stayed in their film libraries for many years. 

Bourne Identity is actually a famous novel from the 80s. It's one of the founders of spy novels. 

But because novels and comics are losing their strength after digitalization, many people already forgot about the Bourne Identity.

"That's right. If things went well, maybe I can film an action movie next year. I've been dreaming of shooting an action movie in my entire life."

"... Are you really sure you can do it?"

Salvatore was skeptical. As his agent, Salvatore hoped that Kazir would stay in his comfort zone. 

Filming a comedy movie and action is completely different. An action movie is much more complicated. 

"Don't worry Salvatore, I will never start Bourne Identity within the next three years. I have something that I can experiment on."

Out of all the scripts he had written, one of them had a very small budget. He was confident that he could make it using his own money...

"I just hope that you know what you're doing."

From the moment that he talked to Kazir for the first time, Salvatore knew that it was impossible to control Kazir. 

Well, not that he was complaining. 

3% of the 2.5 million dollars that Kazir received went to his pocket. 

It might look small but this was just the beginning. He knew that he would get more from Kazir. 

In fact, because of his connection with Director Grey, Salvatore successfully gave his client a role. 

This was the very reason why agents like to have a director under them because their actors would always have a job.