HWI 40

Hollywood What If Chapter 40

[I realized that we are close to reaching our goal. Just like I promised, I will add three more chapters for tier 5$. As for tier 10$, I will write 4 chapters every day (not sure) instead so that you guys can read more. So it's going to be 9 chapters of TOFD, HWI, and RDD every week. Of course, I can't promise that I can write 4 chapters every day, but I'll try to do my best.]

The day after Christmas.

Kazir returned to Los Angeles intending to sell the copyrights of Napoleon Dynamite.

Unlike the actors who would promote the movie Overseas, Kazir wanted to stay in America to start his new project.

Of course, he already talked about Ed Helms and Pedro Pascal if they want to join his next movie. Although they still have to audition. But unlike the other actors, they have more time to prepare. Kazir already gave the scripts to them and signed them non-disclosure agreement.

"Kazir, I'm happy to meet you again."

"Enrico."

Kazir nodded at the man in front of him. Right after he left the airport, producer Enrico Pusi from Warner Bros immediately contacted him to negotiate.

"Enrico, I just want to make things clear first. Fox Searchlight Pictures and I had signed a contract that Fox Searchlight Pictures has the priority regarding Napoleon Dynamite's copyrights."

"I understand. But if the negotiation with Fox Searchlight Pictures failed, you can think of Warner Bros. As long as the conditions are right, we are happy to work with you."

Kazir agreed. This was how it usually works in Hollywood.

In his opinion, Fox Searchlight Pictures would try to negotiate with him as much as possible. Napoleon Dynamite was a healthy cow that they wanted to milk.

"I guess you have another reason why you want to talk to me."

"Indeed, Kazir. I read your new script. I just want to say that Warner Bros will accept your proposal but we have some conditions."

Salvatore Barlowe gave the scripts to 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros first. These two film companies left a good impression on Kazir.

Perhaps he felt their sincerity after the two CEOs attended his small screening.

In a way, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros have the lead regarding Kazir's next movie.

When Warner Bros received the script, they studied it very well. They believe that this movie would be successful just like Napoleon Dynamite. Terry Semel gave it a go-signal.

Kazir had just started his career and his creativity was still blooming. A director like him might have three or four movies that would be successful consecutively.

His next project had a budget of $35 million. It might be big compared to Napoleon Dynamite but it was an expected budget. Warner Bros could invest in a movie with that amount.

"Go on Enrico, you can tell me Warner Bros' conditions."

"We want to sign an insurance company to observe the shooting. You know that $35 million is a large amount of money."

"I understand." Kazir already expected this kind of condition.

"Second, we hope that you can lower your box office share. Kazir, if I'm being honest, it should be impossible for someone like you to have box office share. But we still decided to give you a chance. $100 million at the North American box office and you will get 3%. $150 million, 5%. $200 million and you'll get 7%. $250 million and you'll get 10%."

Producer Enrico Pusi was gritting his teeth as he stated these conditions. In his opinion, this kind of thing was outrageous.

Kazir is not Spielberg or Cameron.

However, compared to the benefits they would get, this kind of contract was acceptable.

In fact, Kazir's conditions were much worst than these.

"Enrico, regarding these conditions, you have to talk to my agent." Kazir grinned.

"..."

Enrico's eyes were twitching.

'Fucking greedy!'

Still, he maintained his smile. Their first negotiation was good and the two sides had the clear intention of cooperating.

However, Kazir had to leave the negotiation to Salvatore Barlowe. This was an agent's job.

His first hour in Los Angeles started with negotiation. Yet it seemed that the next hours were negotiation as well.

At the entrance of 20th Century Fox, Kazir met Salvatore Barlowe and his lawyer Terrence Downey. If his intuition was right, the first negotiation of Napoleon Dynamite's copyrights would be the last as well.

It was surprising that the negotiation place was the building of 20th Century Fox instead of Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Perhaps Tom Rothman wanted to join the negotiation.

Just as he expected, Tom Rothman was present in the room as well.

"Tom."

"Kazir."

The two had a firm handshake. Their first cooperation was successful.

But this was business and they have to take it seriously. Everyone was fighting for money.

"As of December 26, 1995. Napoleon Dynamite has made $120 million at the North American box office. I'm going to be honest, it exceeded my expectations. I didn't regret cooperating with you, but I hate that I didn't buy all of the copyrights. Heck, I even gave you a box office cut... Kazir, state your conditions. As long as they are not reasonable, Fox Searchlight Pictures will give it to you."

Tom Rothman was the head of this negotiation.

"$30 million for the complete copyrights of Napoleon Dynamite."

"$20 million, and you will add the sequel."

"29 million."

"21 million."

The two started bantering over the copyrights.

In the end, the price went down to $27 million.

"$27 million, but Fox Searchlight Pictures will get sequels and your new project."

"Exclude the new project and we will have a deal," Kazir replied.

"Deal, but you have to direct the sequels as well."

"Tom, if I'm being honest, I can't promise that I will direct Napoleon Dynamite again." Kazir was serious.

"... Tch, are you one of those directors who doesn't like directing sequels as well?"

"That's right."

"$25 million then." Tom tapped his fingers on the table.

"..."

Kazir was defeated and accepted 25 million dollars. This amount was not that bad actually. In just a year, Kazir was now a certified millionaire.

Kazir sold the Overseas distribution, videotape distribution, and sequels of Napoleon Dynamite.