HWI 44

Hollywood What If Chapter 44

There was a difference between a person who just became famous and a person who was a superstar and has a billion-worth of movie franchise under his name.

Let's talk about these people.

James Cameron with Terminator and Avatar.

Arnold Schwarzenegger with Terminator as well.

Steven Spielberg with his Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones.

Michael Bay and his Transformers.

Tom Cruise and Mission: Impossible.

And so many more.

Every one of these actors could have a downfall but they could easily return to their superstars position by using these franchises.

The best example was Tom Cruise. After dropping Pat Kingsley, his agent for two decades, Tom Cruise received a strong bash from the media. His scandal about Scientology, his issues with his ex-wife Nicole Kidman, and his divorce.

Tom Cruise hit rock bottom in the early 2000s. The only thing that kept him relevant was his role as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible.

Even James Cameron didn't have a project in almost ten years after Titanic but he was still highly respected after the release of Avatar.

When his next movie was released, which was Avatar: The Way of the Water, James Cameron proved himself again.

'If there's someone who can make a billion-dollar movie, that's definitely the terror director James Cameron.'

His last three films have more than 6 billion dollars combined. These movies were Titanic, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of the Water.

'I heard he is currently building the ship right now...'

James Cameron wanted to shoot a real cruise ship he urged 20th Century Fox and Paramount for investment.

The production cost of Titanic was a whopping $200 million. For the 1990s, this amount was pure insanity.

'All I want is to have a pure franchise that can keep me relevant.'

So he decided to start writing original screenplays. He was thinking of doing something great.

Last week of January.

Unlike the last time when Kazir used a clunky typewriter to write his scripts, he was using a laptop this time. He has the money to buy gadgets.

In fact, he decided to change his apartment. He was now living in a hotel near his company. Of course, he was just renting the apartment for a year.

His last apartment was too dangerous for him.

He earned more than $12 million... Although he knew that taxes would come for him.

More than 30% of that amount would be devoured by the government...

"Salvatore, how was it?"

Kazir heard his phone ringing and he answered.

"Kazir, Paramount wants to cooperate with you. $5 million, but they want to talk to you about the box office share."

"I understand. Make a meeting tomorrow."

"Okay."

He ended the phone call.

"Hm... Taken, John Wick, and Fast and the Furious."

These movies had small investments, each one didn't have more than $50 million production cost.

If the film companies didn't want to support me with starting action movies, then Kazir would...

He shut his mouth.

The next day arrived with no problem. Kazir and his agent,  Salvatore Barlowe, entered the building of Paramount Pictures.

Paramount Pictures has Transformers and Mission: Impossible under their belt. Although Tom Cruise has a share of Mission: Impossible copyright.

In terms of strength, Paramount was the second weakest in the Big Six. Right next to Sony-Columbia.

Everybody knows that Sony-Columbia is the weakest of the Big Six. With only Spiderman as its profitable franchise.

"Kazir Grey. Haha, I can't believe that I will meet someone with the same surname as me!"

The person in front of Kazir was the CEO of Paramount Pictures.

His name is Brad Grey.

"I heard that your father is actually my third cousin, I guess we are related."

"Indeed."

Kazir kept his smile. He didn't know that. He just learned it today. Besides, third cousin was not that impactful.

As for the reason why Brad Grey knew about that, Kazir didn't have the answer. Maybe he studied his family or something.

"So Kazir, I heard that you're fighting for the box office share. You didn't want to cooperate with Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox because they gave you harsh conditions."

"That's right."

There was no reason to lie. Everyone in Hollywood heard that the negotiation between him and the two film companies broke down.

"If I gave you an $8 million salary, will you stop asking about the box office share?"

"I'm sorry Brad, I still prefer the box office share."

"As expected. Are you really that confident in your movie, or you just want to tie your future with the movie?"

"Both."

"..."

Brad Grey stared at the man in front of him. He had two chances to work with this man, but the production management didn't bother.

It was too late when Brad Grey heard that Kazir actually sent his scripts to Paramount.

"We both have the intention of cooperating, so how about we take it slow."

"I'm good with that."

The two had a handshake. The first negotiation was good. At least Paramount Pictures didn't have any adverse reaction to sharing the box office.

Perhaps they were eager to get a copyright with possible sequels.

Brad Grey heard that Kazir was working on the sequel of Napoleon Dynamite as well.

Paramount Pictures only have two heavy-budget films this year. These are Mission: Impossible and Star Trek.

Even though Kazir wanted to get the copyrights of Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise already acquired the copyright years ago.

He wanted to add the movie to his cinematic universe. Unfortunately, some things didn't work his way. He was just a person after all.

"Then, I'll see you again, Kazir. I hope our next meeting will be a positive one."

"I hope so."

They had a handshake and ended the meeting. The two sides learned each other's bottom line, which was a good thing for both parties.