HWI 29

Hollywood What If Chapter 29

"47 million dollars..."

Tom Rothman put down the newspaper with a bitter smile. 

It was September 29, Friday, seven days after the release of Se7en. 

He recalled that Kazir sent the script of Se7en to 20th Century Fox as well. However, the production management didn't take it seriously. 

"Well, it's a bit complicated. The production management would never agree to invest 35 million dollars in a movie with no good profitability. Furthermore, at that time, Kazir Grey hoped to direct the movie. No sane people in the production management would accept this kind of proposal."

On top of that, the director who took over the project was David Fincher! 

20th Century Fox has the copyright of Alien Franchise!

David Fincher was the director of "Alien 3" and it had a horrible result at the box office. 20th Century Fox made clear that they would never invite David Fincher to their company ever again. 

However, who would have thought that Se7en that David Fincher directed would be successful?

Tom Rothman felt that he let two talented people escape from the grasp of 20th Century Fox. 

He let Se7en be taken by New Line Cinema. Now, this particular movie had 47  earned million in its first week. 

September was a mild schedule. It was completely different from Summer and Christmas schedules where studio companies would fight for each week. 

The month of September didn't have strong profitability. So Se7en earning 47 million was already a good result. At least everyone in Hollywood accepted that fact. 

"The investment is only 35 million, even if we add the publicity, New Line Cinema already recover the cost of the movie."

From now on, the next earnings would be pure profit. Clearly, New Line Cinema hit it well. 

"Now that New Line Cinema has been acquired by Warner Bros., this studio would be under their protection."

Tom Rothman was just new in his position as the CEO of 20th Century Fox. As much as possible, he wanted to see the company thrive under his care. 

After a few minutes of thinking, Tom Rothman grabbed his phone. 

"Bring Nancy Utley to my office." He said to his secretary. 

Since he let the first fish escape, he might as well take over the second fish. Maybe the second fish was much bigger than the first.

"Comedy..."

Unlike Se7en which had a thriller genre, Napoleon Dynamite was a pure popcorn comedy. This caught his interest more. 

Tom Rothman read the script.

'This kind of movie has a strong chance to make many sequels.'

Napoleon Dynamite didn't have any sequel movies in the past. 

But because of Kazir's return, the timeline was already altered. In a way, this timeline was a completely alternate universe. 

The universe where Napoleon Dynamite would have sequels... 

"Sir, you called me?"

A few minutes later, Nancy Utley was one of the Vice presidents of Fox Searchlight Pictures. She has control over production management which didn't have any projects as of now. Well, Fox Searchlight Pictures was just getting started. 

"Nancy, have you heard of Kazir Grey?"

"Sir? Ah, no sir. I have never heard of this man." Nancy was confused and answered honestly. 

Tom Rothman nodded. Kazir Grey was not that known after all. 

"What about Se7en then?" 

"Sir, Se7en is a thriller movie released last week. As of now, the movie has around 40 million." Nancy Utley scrutinized. 

"47 million, Se7en had made 47 million dollars in North America."

"That's..."

For a movie released in September, that was actually big. 

"Nancy, Kazir Grey is the writer of Se7en. Based on what I heard, he just finished shooting his own movie and he is currently editing the movie. I want you to contact him, and ask him if he's interested to collaborate with Fox Searchlight Pictures."

Since this newly established company didn't have any projects, Tom Rothman decided to pass this project to them. 

A $500 thousand investment didn't faze him. 20th Century Fox would never glance at this kind of movie. 

However, there was always a "What If?"

Just like what happened with Se7en. Critics said that this movie would flop. But the exact opposite happened.

Where are the film critics that bashed Se7en? They were currently changing their opinions and praised the movie. 

Tom Rothman cared about the "What If."

"Yes sir, I will do my best to get this project." Nancy Utley realized that this movie caught CEO Tom Rothman's interest. 

"That's good."

After the sexy incident with Reese Witherspoon, Kazir Grey became much more active. He felt invigorated and lively. 

For the whole week, he kept his time inside the editing room. He put his focus on Napoleon Dynamite and made sure that the movie would be better than the one he remembered. 

Napoleon Dynamite was a masterpiece, but it could be a "masterpiece".

As for his relationship with Reese, the woman just invited him last night... Of course, Kazir happily agreed. 

The two had talked about the relationship seriously. In the end, they decide to keep it "no strings attached". 

The two were both ambitious and they wanted to pursue their dreams. 

Kazir just divorced and he didn't want to enter any serious relationship. As for Reese, she wanted a firm foothold in Hollywood and she didn't have time for a relationship. 

What they were doing was nothing but a way to release stress together. Well, their relationship was quite good. 

"Around five days and we can complete the editing of Napoleon Dynamite."

Rector muttered next to him. The movie was getting close to completion. Napoleon Dynamite had its background music and Kazir didn't hesitate to spend money on the movie. 

"Congratulations Kazir."

"Don't congratulate me yet, we still haven't released the movie in the theaters."

"I know, but with the result of Se7en, I bet Hollywood companies are looking for you right now. Besides, this movie of yours is funny and wholesome. Unlike the usual vulgar comedies that used swear words and dirty jokes as punchlines, I think this movie is far better."

Kazir just nodded.