HWI 15

Hollywood What If Chapter 15

Kazir Grey had worked with three crews when he filmed three movies. Most of his crew was made of people who were semi-professionals in the industry. 

They had knowledge of how shooting works. However, they were not qualified to enter a proper filming crew because of their weak resume. After all, Hollywood followed strong human relations. 

It was hard to join if crew with simple inquiries unless they were ready to pay less or none at all. 

In a way, Kazir Grey was just like them. He started as a helper too. In fact, Kazir was part of the camera crew before he started his own movie. 

"Hey Kazir, are you really sure you want to do this?"

"Renner. We both know that this is our chance. We can't let ourselves rot while doing nothing. That's right, I intend to film a comedy movie instead of a horror movie."

Renner Hector. He was a cameraman who had a vast knowledge of cameras and filming. He hoped to become a real cinematographer in a real production crew. 

As a person who loves shooting, he understood that his best occupation was by becoming a Director of Photography/ Cinematographer. 

Renner and Kazir met in a filming crew seven years ago. Renner just graduated from college at that time while Kazir just left his home. They were both pursuing their dreams but they realized that it was not that easy. They encountered a lot of obstacles, the three movies they created were quickly sent to the videotape market instead of having a theatrical release. 

In fact, both of them dreamed of seeing their movie in the cinema. 

"Trust me, Renner. This time, it will be different."

"Well, our last three movies are B-Grade horror movies and none of them are successful."

They sold the copyrights of the three films for a few million. To be honest, it was a great feat to sell it at that price. 

"I have a question first."

"Go on."

"Where did you get the investment? We are talking about half a million here. You know that that last film we made only cost 100 thousand." Renner narrowed his eyes and stared at Kazir. 

"Well... I asked my older brother to invest in my film." Kazir rubbed his nose. 

"Really? But I thought you had a fight?"

"No, my brother and I have a good relationship. You're talking about my father. My Dad doesn't want me to enter Hollywood."

"Is that so? What's your plan then? I'm in. I'm getting bored inside the store. All I see is endless films."

Renner Hector's Uncle owned a camera rental business. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why Renner fell in love with shooting. 

However, Renner understood himself. He didn't want to direct a film, all he wanted was to capture scenes on camera. So he didn't have a problem with Kazir being Director. They both know each other for seven years and they trust each other. 

"What about the others, Jane and Harold?" Kazir asked. The two people he said were important members of his crew. 

"They agreed. They are both working in a restaurant as waiters just to survive the day. They are just waiting for you to start."

"That's fine then." He grinned.

He had 15 members in his last crew and as much as he could, he wanted to hire all of them. The answer was very simple, he had experience working with them and the crew respected him. 

Authority was important for a Director. If the crew didn't respect the Director and didn't follow his order, then Director's creative ideas would never be applied in the movie. His position would be nothing but a clown or puppet. 

Of course, respect and authority had to be earned. Kazir wanted to prove himself to the world. 

"Contact them first, I have something to do. I will go to Idaho."

"That's far, are we going to shoot there?"

"Yeah, I already have a location in mind." He nodded. 

The filming of Napoleon Dynamite was done at Preston High School, and in different areas in Franklin County, Idaho. It was said that some part of the plot of Napoleon Dynamite was 'loosely' based on Director Jared Hess when he was in Highschool. But the time was different, it was still 1997, not 2004. Jared Hess was still 15 years old. 

Kazir Grey was confident that nothing bad would happen. Particularly, he registered the script in Writer's Guild last year together with some original screenplay that he wanted to film. 

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"No, it's fine. I'm just doing research. I will return after a few days and officially start the project."

Kazir wanted to contact Preston High School and asked them for the filming to be allowed in their school. 

'I'm sure there will be no problem. I'm not going to film horror or anything that will smear their reputation, Napoleon Dynamite is a comedy movie. Besides, it will be free publicity for them.'

Kazir contacted the school that he wanted to film a movie on their campus. At first the school thought that it was a prank call but Kazir explained his intention well.

Just as he expected, the principal wanted to meet him.

While Renner and the others started the preparation, Kazir flew to Idaho to find the principal. There was nothing much, Kazir proved his identity to them. He even gave 2/3 of the script to them to show the movie he wanted to make. 

The school agreed and let him shoot the movie on their campus with the premise that they would not cause a problem for the students. 

"Don't worry principal, we will shoot the film in July. It's summer vacation."

"Then that will be good."

They shook hands. The school didn't ask for payment but they asked Kazir to promote their school instead. 

"This place is nice."

He used his fingers and make a camera gesture, picturing the scenes in his mind as he looked at the entrance hall of the school.