HWI 47

Hollywood What If Chapter 47

"So I guess this is our line-up."

Producer Enrico Pusi read the actors that passed the audition. He glanced at Director Grey.

To be honest, most of the important roles in the movie were taken by Kazir's acquaintances.

Well, this was how Hollywood works. Directors like to hire actors that they know and have cooperation with.

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.

David Fincher and Brad Pitt.

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Christopher Nolan and Michael Caine.

Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

And so many more.

Let's just say that directors like working with someone they can trust.

It was a known fact.

Of course, Producer Enrico Pusi tried to insert some of his acquaintances into the movie.

The two people understand that this is how Hollywood works. As long as the actors and actresses fit the roles and their acting is good, Kazir would agree to hire them.

"Enrico, I hope the actors can sign the contract as soon as possible. I want to start the filming after a month."

"I understand."

The movie didn't need strong acting ability. The mission of The Hangover was to bring laughter to the audience.

As long as the audience laughed, then the movie is already half successful.

They just need to make this half successful into a profitable one. As long as people watched the movie and bring money, that's all matters.

"That's my job."

Producers were the ones who usually negotiate with the actors regarding salary. To be exact, the producer would talk to the agents. The tag of war would officially start then.

Fortunately, all of the actors were small time. Only Ed Helms was the most difficult one to convince. With the success of Napoleon Dynamite, Ed Helms' agent would definitely ask for more than a million.

"That's good to hear. Now, if you excuse me. I have a party to attend."

Kazir was invited to Tom Cruise's party.

To be honest, he didn't know why he was invited. He only had a few interactions with the famous actor. Heck, he was not even sure if Tom Cruise still remembers him. After all, Kazir was just a helper in the crew at that time.

The audition officially ended and the crew had the list of actors they want to hire. Of course they have replacement actors too.

For example, if Ed Helms didn't agree with the salary and rejected the role instead, Producer Enrico Pusi and Director Kazir Grey can hire their second choice actor instead.

After all, there is irreplaceable in Hollywood.

People say that Robert Downey Jr is the only Iron Man. But everyone knows that the reason he became Iron Man was because Tom Cruise rejected the role. So basically, the first choice of Tony Stark was none other than Tom Cruise.

"No one still calling?"

Black Jack was leaning against the chair, holding a bottle of beer. He just finished his audition and he decided to drink after the exhausting day.

The audition has so many actors. It was a very stressful moment, especially for an unknown actor like him.

"No, there's no call..."

His agent was next to him. Both of them were nervous. This was a once and a lifetime opportunity.

Black Jack was personally invited to audition. So they believe that his chances of getting the role were high.

His role was one of the three protagonists! Of course he was nervous.

That was the reason why they were drinking, to ease their nervousness. Because the stress is killing them right now.

Suddenly, the agent's phone rang.

Both of them jolted in surprise. The agent answered the phone and kept saying "Yes".

Black Jack was listening next to him.

After the call ended, the two paused and looked at each other.

"... You can have the role, but they can offer you 25 thousand dollars."

"Both of us already know the answer."

Fuck the salary.

What they need is opportunity.

Besides, they didn't have the ability to negotiate the salary.

If the agent tried to negotiate, the producer would probably choose another actor with a lower salary. Simple as that.

"Don't worry, I already said that you agree. You can't reject it another."

"As if I will reject it."

"We will go to the Warner Bros tomorrow and sign the contract."

The two started laughing and ordered two more bottles of alcohol.

Just like Black Jack, the other actors who received the roles celebrated as well.

Even Ed Helms sighed in relief. He knew that his position was shaky. One wrong move and he might fall and his career. He received some invitations but he decided to choose to work with Kazir again. As the director who brought him fame, Ed Helms trusts him.

... As for the salary, his agent would be responsible for that. This was Ed Helms's first time acting in a $35 million budget movie.

While dozens of actors were celebrating, Kazir arrived at Tom Cruise's party in Beverly Hills.

Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were still married this year. They were still happily living together.

"Good evening, Kazir Grey."

"Hello, Mr. Cruise. Hello Mrs. Cruise."

As the hosts of this party, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman greeted the attendees.

"I can't believe that the young guy I met on the set of Rain Man will become a successful Director. Congratulations Kazir!"

"... Tom, I can't believe that you remember me."

Kazir felt happy to know that a superstar like Tom Cruise still remembers him.

"To be honest, I still recall your face. We had a conversation back then. You said that you want to be a director. I thought you already give up, but when I heard of Napoleon Dynamite and I saw your face in the newspaper, I suddenly recalled our conversation."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Kazir could see that Tom Cruise was not lying.

Kazir Grey was a helper in the crew of Rain Man. That was his first job after leaving his father's house.

Kazir had a conversation with Tom Cruise at that time. After the success of Top Gun, Tom Cruise became one of the most well-known actors in Hollywood.

Yet Tom Cruise had the patience to listen to him, a delusional.

A young man who believe that he would become a famous director without knowing anything about the industry was delusional. Even Tom Cruise believed that.

But who would have thought that the man he talked to back in 1988 would really achieve his dream?

So Tom Cruise decided to invite Kazir Grey to attend his party. He was interested in the man.