HWI 26

Hollywood What If Chapter 26

"Good morning Mr. Semel."

"Good morning."

The receptionist greeted the CEO of Warner Bros. and bowed her head. 

Because CEO Terry Semel was in good mood, he returned the greetings with a smile. He was in a good mood because Time Warner acquired the TBS (Turner Broadcasting System). 

This acquisition would strengthen Time Warner more. Furthermore, another good news greeted him today. 

Now that Time Warner acquired Turner Broadcasting System, the company naturally took over New Line Cinema.

Of course, Time Warner would not disturb the business style of New Line Cinema considering that the company was making money. 

Furthermore, the newest movie that New Line Cinema released had a good reception. Even though Terry Semel didn't have enough control over New Line Cinema, he was happy to see the company thriving. At least New Line Cinema would not bring the problem. 

Terry Semel entered his office and asked his secretary to bring him a newspaper, specifically the news related to the movies released this month. 

[ ... "Seven" is unique in one detail of its construction; it brings the killer onscreen with half an hour to go, and gives him a speaking role. Instead of being simply the quarry in a chase, he is revealed as a twisted but articulate antagonist, who has devised a horrible plan for concluding his sermon. (The actor playing the killer is not identified by name in the ads or opening credits, so I will leave his identity as another of his surprises.) "Seven" is well-made in its details, and uncompromising in the way it presents the disturbing details of the crimes. It is certainly not for the young or the sensitive. Good as it is, it misses greatness by not quite finding the right way to end. All of the pieces are in place, all of the characters are in position, and then - I think the way the story ends is too easy. Satisfying, perhaps. But not worthy of what has gone before.] --Roger Ebert. Chicago Sun Times. 

Even famous a film critic like Roger Ebert had said his opinion on the movie. Of course, Terry Semel knew that this kind of film review was related to New Line Cinema's promotion. 

'I wonder how much money did they give Roger Ebert this time.' 

Terry Semel chuckled and read another article. 

[It’s not the identity of the killer that gives Seven its kick — it’s the way Fincher raises mystery to the level of moral provocation. If Pulp Fiction has given us a taste for such a challenge, then we have Tarantino to thank instead of blame.]-- Peter Travers. Rolling Stone.

Reading the film critics' review, Terry Semel nodded in approval. He watched the movie in the premier and he was impressed. It was said that the early screening of Se7en had a mediocre reaction. However, the first-week box office said the opposite. 

The midnight premier box office was 3.6 million dollars. Then on Friday, it earned 4.2 million. On Saturday it was 3.1 million. On Sunday, it was 3 million. 

The opening week of Se7en had 13.9 million in the box. In his opinion, this result already exceeded his expectations of the movie. Se7en was dark, gritty, and bloody. Obviously, families would never choose it to watch with their children. 

Yet, it received a good performance in its first week. 

"... Kazir Grey? Have I heard of this person before?"

While skimming the articles related to Se7en, Terry Semel realized that the name of the writer was Kazir Grey. 

Terry Semel decided to call his secretary instead. 

"Emily, do you know a person name Kazir Grey?"

"No, sir."

"Is that so? How about you contact the other departments? Perhaps they know this person."

Everyone knows everyone in Hollywood. This circle was small so there was a strong chance that some people in the other departments knew this person. 

"Yes, I will ask them, sir." 

The secretary named Emily was confused why the CEO asked for this Kazir Grey. She didn't know this person as well.

Anyway, it was an order from the CEO and it was her job to ask the other departments. Besides, this kind of thing was not that hard. 

Using the telephone on her table, she started contacting each department. 

Enrico Pusi was confused why the CEO of Warner Bros. called him. Enrico was one of the producers in the production department. His job was... well, produce movies. 

Usually, he would attend the meeting of choosing scripts with high profitability. Once the script had been studied, they would send it to other departments to study the script. Then the higher-ups would attend the meeting to approve the start of the project.

Sometimes he would take over and be the producer of the movie. 

As of right now, Enrico Pusi was busy advertising their upcoming movie which was Batman Forever. 

"Sir, Enrico is here."

"Let him in."

Enrico entered the office and found Terry Semel reading the newspaper. 

"So Enrico, I heard that you met this Kazir Grey?"

"..."

When Enrico heard what he said, he instinctively gulped. He realized the reason why he was called. 

"Don't worry, I'm not blaming you. I asked my secretary to give me the script of Se7en that was in our script library. My answer will be the same as you, the script didn't have strong profitability."

"Yes sir..." Enrico sighed in relief. 

"However, I heard that Kazir Grey had a new project. If you have time, maybe you can contact him. If the movie is interesting, you know what to do."

"I will do my best, sir." Enrico kept nodding his head. At least he didn't receive nagging. 

"That's good. You may leave now."