HWI 79

[Shout out to Cisse!]

[Author's note: I created a poll on Patreon and let my patrons choose which movie they want Kazir to make. There were three choices:

1. Ted-- I like this movie, so I decided to add it. 

2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding--I want Kazir to try his hand at rom-com. 

3. Taken-- If they choose this movie, then the Continental Cinematic Universe will officially begin.

In the end, my patrons chose Taken, which brings us to the current plot].

Hollywood What If Chapter 79

Calix and the others arrived at the 20th Century Fox headquarters. They entered the elevator, walked a few feet, and entered the CEO's office. 

As they expected, Tom Rothman was already there. 

"Kazir, congratulations on The Hangover."

"Thanks, Tom."

The two shook hands.

Tom Rothman and Kazir faced each other. They were the stars of this meeting. 

"Kazir, I have read the script of Taken. All I can say is that it's mediocre at best. The action sequences that you specifically wrote were a bit interesting, but it's not enough to impress me. There are even some parts that are confusing.

Based on Tom Rothman's opinion, Kazir already had an idea where this meeting would end. 

"Tom, if you're interested, how about reading my other script?"

"Let me see it."

Kazir handed him the script and gave Tom Rothman a few minutes to skim the context of the script. 

Tom Rothman frowned and put the script down on the table. 

"Kazir, are you sure about this? You want to make these two movies connected?"

"Not two. I have many scripts that are set in one universe."

"Are you joking?" Tom Rothman raised his eyebrows. 

"No. I think I'm serious and sober.

"I think I found the reason why you're so adamant about the 30% investment and approval rights. Tell me, are you really afraid that the film companies will kick you out of your own project?"

"I know that the Big Six won't hesitate to destroy someone's career as long as they can make a profit."

Hollywood has buried so many people. It was never a paradise. Racism, pedophilia, drugs, sexual assault, and so many sins. Hollywood probably has them all. 

"Kazir, don't make this difficult. I can increase your share of the box office, but don't invest in the project. $25 million is an amount that 20th Century Fox can handle. If you invest even 10% in the project, we will be in a lot of trouble."

Once that happened, Grey Pictures would have a huge profit from several methods. North American distribution, international distribution, videotape distribution, and even national television copyrights. Grey Pictures even had the right to the copyrights once that happened. Unless the contract was clear. 

But Tom Rothman understood that the person in front of him was tough. If he agreed to his terms, he would lose money. 

"You have to understand that's not possible. This is an important project and I don't want to leave it to a company, I need at least 30% investment and approval rights".

"..."

As Tom Rothman had expected, Kazir Grey was very stubborn. 

"I can only agree to these conditions, but you must sell 40% of your studio company, Grey Pictures, to 20th Century Fox. Kazir, you have to understand, 30% is a big deal, and I can't let you have it. Unless you agree to sell your studio."

"..."

Kazir grinned and realized his intentions. 

"Tom, are you interested in the copyrights we acquired?"

"That's right. I'm still skeptical about Hulk and Iron Man. Those kinds of movies are hard to make. But Jason Bourne Series has good profitability. I even heard that you are trying to acquire the copyrights to Lord of the Rings and A Song of Ice and Fire.

To be honest, Tom Rothman had no idea what A Song of Ice and Fire was. He just knew it was a book inspired by Lord of the Rings. 

'The Jason Bourne and Lord of the Rings are famous novels in America. I think they can be profitable.'

Tom Rothman thought. He was a businessman and he had to look at it from a business point of view. 

"..."

Kazir didn't expect Tom Rothman to want his studio. 

"I'm interested in working with you again. What do you think, Kazir? How about becoming part of the 20th Century Fox family?"

"Tom, let me think about it."

"I hope I hear good news next time."

Kazir left the building. He sighed. He really thought 20th Century Fox would agree to his terms. But Tom Rothman asked for something unexpected. 

"I'm sorry Terrence, you attended this fruitless meeting."

"Yeah, you need to give me a movie free ticket to make it up to me."

Terrence was not offended. He joked instead. 

"Haha, I promise."

The lawyer left first. Then Rafael felt that he was still not trusted, so he decided to leave... He was disappointed that he didn't get a commission this time. Despite sharing a small percentage, Kazir's project had a huge budget. His share was enough to cover his annual salary. 

"Kazir, what is your plan? We already talked to the four big companies. Do you want me to go to Disney and Universal?"

"No. I made it clear. I don't want anything to do with them."

"I understand."

Kazir and Salvatore stopped at the bar they usually visited. This bar had a relaxing atmosphere and they liked to drink in this place. 

"Actually, I was hoping to work with 20th Century Fox because I like their movies. I have my preferences. But I didn't expect Tom Rothman to want to buy my studio company. When I heard that, I backed out. The copyrights that the studio acquired will help us in the future."

"What is your plan then?" Salvatore Barlowe sipped a glass of bourbon.

"... Looks like I have no choice, I'm going to make the movie with my own money."

"Fu- Kazir, are you crazy? That's the most outrageous thing I've heard today! You know it's dangerous for you and the studio if your movie flops. Then how can you distribute it? Your studio is just a production company. You don't have any distribution channels."

Salvatore was right. Kazir's intention was dangerous. His future could be over if he did it. 

"Kazir, I have to stop you. We can agree to Warner Bros or Paramount's terms instead."

"I'm sorry Salvatore, but I've changed my mind. I don't want to sell the copyrights to my movies. I want full control of the entire Continental Cinematic Universe."

"..."

Salvatore Barlowe could see that Kazir meant it.