HWI 27

Hollywood What If Chapter 27

"So... Your name is Salvatore Barlowe?"

Kazir Grey studied the person before him. Kazir was busy with post-production when the studio notified him that someone was looking for him.

Kazir thought it was a person from one of the Hollywood companies. However, he didn't expect to see a young man.

"Yes, Mister Grey. I'm here to--"

"How old are you?"

"Me? I'm 28 this year."

"28? You look like 21 or something." Kazir frowned. He could not believe that the person across the table was a year older than him. Yet, he looked much younger.

'Am I really that depressed that my face looks old? Should I shave my beard?'

Kazir had a short dark beard and he looked like a mature man because of it. He was hitting the gym these months and he was confident in his appearance.

'At least I look stronger than him.'

Kazir had biceps and nice abs. He had a perfect body after continuously working out. Unlike Salvatore Barlowe who looked thin and weak... At least that fact consoled him.

'That's right. I'm not that old, I just want to keep my beard.'

The first day he returned to 1994, he had a thick beard and he looked much older back then. Heck, he has a big belly fat as well.

"It's probably because my mother is Korean."

"You're half Korean?... Now that I look at your face, you indeed have facial features like a Korean."

Unlike Western people who easily get old, Korean and Japanese looked young with their supple skin.

Kazir nodded as he learned the truth behind Salvatore's young facial features.

"So you're looking for me because...?"

"Mister Grey, I'm from Creative Artists Agency (CAA). I'm an agent and I hope that you can sign a contract with me."

'As expected, he is an agent.'

Only a few known people would look for Kazir in the current situation. His screenplay earned 14 million in its opening week.

'It's already Tuesday and the box office is 23 million.'

Five days after the premiere, Se7en had 23 million at the box office. This feat was already great in September.

Most movie watchers were usually quiet during this season because of school and there were no strong holidays. Unlike November where there was Halloween, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving.

23 million in five days of September was already good.

Because of this, Kazir knew the Hollywood companies would start contacting him. Yet he didn't expect that his first meeting would be with an agent.

"How long had you been an agent?"

"Four years. I have three actors under me and they have bright futures."

Hearing his answer, Kazir uncontrollably laughed.

"Mister Grey?"

"I'm sorry, haha. I just realized the truth after what you said."

"..."

Salvatore Barlowe bit his lip and he started sweating. Indeed, his intention was quite obvious.

"After the success of Se7en, you believe that I will have a great future, at least enough to gain your attention. You heard that I just finished shooting a movie, right?"

"That's right." Salvatore nodded. There was no reason to lie.

"Mister Grey--"

"Call me Kazir. If you're really serious that I have a good prospect, then you have to show me what you got."

"... Kazir. If you agree, I will definitely make a contract that I will only accept a 3 percent commission."

"Hoh."

Kazir raised his brow. To be honest, he was quite shocked to hear his promise.

The usual commission of an agent was 10 percent. Although agents who had superstars had a lower commission.

'But this kind of contract is actually good for an agent. A Director like Spielberg earned more than 100 million after filming 'Jurrasic Park' last two years. His agent received more than 3 million commission with that project alone.'

A Director that could bring millions of dollars annually, every agent would fight to sign a contract with someone like that.

Right now, Salvatore Barlowe was indirectly saying that Kazir had a good prospect.

'That's what I see...'

To be honest, he was quite happy that someone trusted him even though he still didn't proven himself. At least Salvatore Barlowe was showing his sincerity.

"I accept your proposal."

"T- then!" Salvatore almost jumped from his seat but it seemed that Kazir had more things to say.

"However, I have a condition."

"As long as it's within my reach, I will do it."

"First, I will not accept CAA's movie packaging. I have my own crew and I want to keep them as possible."

"That... Okay, I will write it on the contract."

Movie packaging was the main income of CAA. However, a strong authoritative director would never accept that kind of situation.

In the end, Salvatore decided to accept that condition.

"But I hope that your first choice of actors is within CAA."

An agent like Salvatore wanted his actors to have a project at least annually.

"Of course, as long as they fit the roles, I will hire them."

Kazir didn't have a problem with that. Besides, CAA was the strongest agency in Hollywood. Michael Ovitz founded the agency after being fired by WMA. Since then, CAA started growing until it became the strongest agency.

An agency like CAA would be good for Kazir.

"That's good to hear. CAA is a trusted agency and I believe they will help me with my dreams. Aside from movie packaging, I'm all good. Of course, you have to keep your promise that you're commission is only 3 percent."

"Yes, I promise you that."

Salvatore was elated.

Everyone knows that Directors have a higher position than actors. After all, Directors choose the actors that would join their movies.

If Salvatore had a Director under him, his influence would be stronger.

"Then, I hope we will have a great cooperation." Kazir extended his hand.

"Thank you for trusting me, Kazir."