HWI 5

Hollywood What If Chapter 5

Kazir Grey. A man who died at the age of 59. Fortunately, because of unknown reasons, he returned to his younger years. Back when he was still an amateur director, where he directed three movies, and all of them flopped. 

Now, Kazir was pondering the difference between him and David Fincher.

Kazir had four decades of experience directing movies but he never got to his breaking point, the moment when he became known. He did his best to finance and created artistic films, but he never got success. 

However, he loved his job and Kazir never plan of changing his job. If he had to die, he wanted to die directing a movie. 

That's why Kazir wanted to understand how David Fincher became successful while Kazir stayed in his position as a mediocre director. 

'I'm not stupid. I lived long enough to understand the difference between us. It's all about luck and opportunities. I never had any of that in my life.'

Kazir's love life was ugly and lonely. His marriage failed and he never married since. He stayed single. He had a few hook-ups but nothing lasted long. 

'Cassandra lost internet in me because I keep working hard... Is it wrong for a man to work hard? It is my duty to provide. Unfortunately, she wanted more, and I can't give it to her.'

To end his mistake early, Kazir didn't hesitate to give his house to Cassandra. He didn't need it anyway. He could sell it but he never wanted the money from the house that housed a cheater, might as well give it fully to Cassandra.

'What I want is to find the 'opportunity and luck' that the great directors have.'

Many talented directors in Hollywood, but only a few proved their worth. 

Kazir's experience was not enough, he needed more. 

"Looks like you two hit it off well." Arnold Kopelson glanced at the two directors. 

"We talked on the phone that David will take over the director position while Kazir will join the screenwriters. I just to repeat it so that everything will be clear."

"No problem Arnold. I will not fight for the position. I believe David will create a great movie." Kazir assured him. 

"That's good to hear." Arnold nodded and looked at David. 

"I believe this movie will bring us success."

"..." Arnold kept his smile and read their proposal. 

"To be honest, the script looks promising, but I need more to convince the company to film this movie. Kazir, how much will you sell the script to us, copyright included?"

Production companies took the importance of copyright. Most of the income came from it, such as selling videotapes and peripherals.  

"How much do you think it's worth, Arnold?"

"We will buy it for 85 thousand dollars."

"I don't have a problem. We can settle the account later."

"It's nice having business with you, Kazir." 

The took shook hands and confirmed the negation. 

Kazir was already satisfied with the money he would get. A writer could get 2-3 percent of the whole movie budget, if not bigger. In his case, he already earned a lot by letting his script become a movie. 

'I'm still not famous in the industry and it's impossible to negotiate a higher price. Furthermore, I don't want to make the process long. The fastest the negotiation end, the earlier we can prepare the movie.'

His real intention was not the money. His purpose was to study David Fincher, money only came second. 

"Arnold, about the film..." David joined the conversation after Kazir and Arnold settled their negotiation. 

"Don't worry David. I will talk to the company, you can join the proposal if you want. However, I can't assure you that your salary will be big. After all, "Alien 3"..."

"You can talk to my agent, I know that we can have a peaceful negotiation."

Considering David's last movie, he knew that he would never get a high salary. 

"No problem. Let's talk tomorrow to make this film successful."

Arnold shook their hands and left. The first negotiation was fruitful and everyone was clear that they wanted to work together. 

"Well, who do you think are the best actors who can play the two protagonists?" 

While walking, David asked Kazir something important. As the writer, David would respect Kazir's opinion. 

"Well... If you're asking me, I think Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman fit the characters well."

"I don't have a problem with Morgan Freeman, his acting in Shawshank Redemption is amazing but Brad Pitt? The one who acted in Interview with the Vampire?"

"Yes, that Brad Pitt."

"Let's me see... He indeed fits the protagonist. Let's invite him to the audition once the filming is approved." 

It seemed that David Fincher didn't have a problem with Brad Pitt. 

"How about Denzel Washington and Al Pacino? I think the roles fit them too."

"I'm fine with them too." Kazir chuckled. 

'David, I'm sure that you will like Brad Pitt's acting. After all, you filmed "Fight Club" and Brad was one of the protagonists. On top of that was the "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", Brad Pitt was the protagonist too."

These two films shook the heart of many people.

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A day later, they received a call that the New Line Cinema wanted to talk to them about the movie-- Se7en. A gritting crime thriller film.