HWI 12

Hollywood What If Chapter 12

Kazir wrote the scenes. Thankfully, Napoleon Dynamite has an important part in his heart and he remembered most of the content. 

Furthermore, Kazir Grey was confident his ability to remember movies. As a director, he loves films very much that he would watch a movie at least once a day. 

'It's unfortunate that I don't have VHS in the apartment. I have a VHS in the house but...'

He shook his head when he recalled that he already gave his house to Cassandra. He didn't regret any of it. That would be the last time that Cassandra would get someone from him. 

Kazir spent his whole week writing the script and proposal. He made sure that he didn't forget every important detail. 

The noise of the typewriter soothed his mind as he wrote. The clanking was music to his ears. Although it was frustrating whenever he made a typo. 

Once he made a mistake, he had to rewrite them again. He wasted dozens of papers just to complete his script and proposal. But it was worth it, he was doing what he loved. He didn't feel tired at all. 

"Huu--!"

Kazir stretched his arms up and groaned.

'I don't know why but it feels good stretching your body after long hours of sitting.'

Indeed. 

Kazir stood up and looked out the window. He realized that it was already evening. 

He smiled bitterly, time really passed and he didn't even feel it at all. 

It was already Match 28 and the post-production of Se7en was still ongoing. Kazir decided not to contact David Fincher and focused his attention on his new script. 

He trusted David Fincher and believed that he would make a successful movie. Besides, Kazir's contract firmly stated that he didn't have the rights to join the editing and post-production. 

Even if he have suggestions and opinions, he knew that the producer and director had the final say. 

"I have to wake up early tomorrow and contact Fox Searchlight Pictures. 

Napoleon Dynamite was distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures in North America while Paramount Pictures took the international distribution. 

"Before the film will be released overseas, it has to prove itself domestically first. Fox Searchlight Pictures is the one who took over the film and as much as possible, I want to keep it like that."

Based on what he recalled, Fox Searchlight Pictures was just recently founded in 1994, which was last year. After Disney acquired Miramax, 20th Century Fox decided to follow their trend and created a film studio that would focus on independent films. 

Fox Searchlight Pictures had the copyrights of 'Slumdog Millionaire', 'Black Swan', and of course, 'Napoleon Dynamite'.

'That's from the future, there's a chance that it will change.'

Kazir rest on his bed and closed his eyes. He wanted to take a serious rest so that he would not look haggard in front of Fox Searchlight Pictures. 

.........

......

...

"So, you're Kazir Grey. I heard you're the writer of Se7en which will be released in September, is that right?"

"Yes, Mr. Rothman."

"I see..."

The man across Kazir was Tom Rothman. The man had short hair and eyeglasses, he looked calm and mature. This man was the founder of Fox Searchlight Pictures. 

20th Century Fox brought Tom Rothman to manage this newly founded studio. 

Tom Rothman was seriously reading the script. He learned that Kazir Grey actually sent Se7en's script and proposal hoping that Fox Searchlight Pictures would invest in the film. 

However, at that time, Kazir Grey didn't have enough achievements.

In fact, the only reason why Tom Rothman faced him was because of Se7en which would be released in September. 

If Se7en became successful, then that means that Kazir had a talent. 

"I can see that you want to film this movie by yourself, is that right Mr. Grey?"

"Yes."

Tom Rothman slightly frowned when he heard his answer. To be honest, he was not confident that Kazir Grey would successfully finish the movie. 

'He even wrote his last three films. All of them were small-budget movies and immediately went to videotape. At least he has enough experience, but still...'

"It is stated here that the movie needs 500 thousand dollars, do you think this amount is too big?"

"No, sir. I think half a million dollars is enough to film it."

"I see..." 

Tom Rothman was seriously thinking. He was weighing the pros and cons of the script. 

As the founder of the studio, Tom Rothman wanted to make sure that Fox Searchlight Pictures would be successful. 

'The genre is comedy and it's globally accepted. The answer is if this movie can bring entertainment to the audiences.'

"Mr. Grey, we will contact you later."

"Thanks, Mr. Rothman."

Kazir smiled and shook his head. At least Tom Rothman didn't show any clear dislike. Their first meeting was amiable.