HWI 280

Hollywood What If Chapter 280

Kazir's time with the cast of The Bourne Supremacy was uncomfortable. The actors were professional and they followed the standard procedure of reading the script...

However, Kazir could feel Cameron Diaz giving him flirtatious looks from time to time. Even Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass sensed it, but decided to keep quiet. As long as it did not interfere with their work, they would keep quiet.

Besides, Cameron and Kazir were dating once and they had a history. There would be an awkward atmosphere between them, that was for sure.

Kazir decided to leave the script reading earlier than the others. It was obvious to everyone else that Cameron was disappointed when Kazir left the set.

In Kazir's defense, he was busy, which was true. He had a lot on his plate even in the first month of the year. The production of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and The Bourne Supremacy were important and he couldn't just leave those two projects.

He was committed to the Continental Cinematic Universe, a successful cinematic universe that he was building from the ground up. Obviously he didn't want to see it fail.

It was true that he stepped away from the CCU for a while to expand his filmography, but he would never leave the project to anyone else. Grey Pictures could hire directors now, but his presence was also important.

"I have to meet with someone at 20th Century Fox to finalize the distribution deal."

It was a worldwide distribution deal with a 25% box office cut. This time, however, Grey Pictures would be responsible for advertising. That means they have to come up with money for promotion to pay 20th Century Fox.

Hollywood makes about 500-600 movies a year, but most of them never had a chance to be released worldwide. Only about 100 movies had a chance to be released abroad and most of them were distributed by the Big Six for obvious reasons.

The Big Six and MGM were the only ones currently able to distribute films worldwide. Although MGM would lose its international distribution in a few years due to bankruptcy.

In the near future, new studios like Lionsgate, EntertainmentOne, A24, Focus Features and Netflix would set up their own distribution, but that was another story.

Grey Pictures knew that the Big Six already tolerated them enough, and the company couldn't do business with them without bleeding.

News Corporation was a media giant and could promote their films well. The deal was already good and there was no reason to hesitate.

"Nice to work with you again, director."

"Me too."

The person on the other side of the table was James N. Gianopulos. This guy was not that simple. He was the President of 20th Century Fox International. It was rumored that he would become Chairman/CEO of 20th Century Fox when Tom Rothman's term ended. Unless Tom Rothman decided to keep his position by achieving something great that shareholders would want him to stay.

The two shook hands.

"I hope this will not be the last time we work together. 20th Century Fox is serious about Grey Pictures."

"I understand."

'... By the looks of it, 20th Century Fox is going to start moving this year. Probably because Tom Rothman's term is ending and they need some good news to reassure the shareholders.'

Well, 20th Century Fox was one of the best studios around. They made hundreds of blockbusters in the history of cinema. This company has been in the business since 1935, it has a long history and a strong foundation.

Kazir had no problem selling shares in his company. He was not suited for the role of a businessman. It would only cause him stress. But he wanted to sell the shares to someone he could trust.

He knew that unlike Disney, which would corrupt the franchise, 20th Century Fox would be a better option... Warner Brothers, Paramount and Sony-Columbia were all good too. Just not Walt Disney. Disney would have its heyday, but by the 2020s, people would be tired of all their shit.

So Kazir's had no reason to disagree, but the price should be worth it. The biggest weapon of Grey Pictures was the CCU movies and so far all the movies have been box office hits. Last year, two CCU films grossed $1 billion worldwide combined.

Even though the money that Grey Pictures got was only $350 million and after expenses, the company still had a profit of $120 million. Also, the DVDs sold a lot. People were already losing interest in VHS and loved using DVD players instead.

Also, the rentals were profitable as well, they made $62 million from the rentals of Blockbusters, Walmart and movie stores.

Anyway, Kazir wanted to sell at best 40% of the stock to one of the Big Six for protection and distribution security.

So far, 20th Century Fox has been the most honest.

'I'm interested in making Deadpool, so why not?' Kazir thought.

If Grey Pictures was indeed acquired by 20th Century Fox, and Kazir was working for 20th Century Fox, surely management would let him film one of the goofiest characters in X-Men.

'... I love the first trilogy of X-Men, but the later ones are meh. But Deadpool is another story, it's a masterpiece. Have you ever seen a character break the fourth wall?'

Maybe... If the writer of that novel wanted to. He could easily break the fourth wall, like I just did.

Negotiations for a multi-billion dollar company would take at least a year to complete. So far, 20th Century Fox was just in the beginning stages.

"If 20th Century Fox is really interested in Grey Pictures, I hope they are sincere."

Kazir muttered and rose from his seat.

"Yes. Wait, what?"

James replied casually, until he realized that Kazir had actually dropped a bomb.

Kazir Grey had never shown any interest in selling his shares in Grey Pictures, not until now.

His statement clearly showed that Kazir was not against it. He just needed something to entice him.

++++

[I don't have a clear picture of the profits from rentals, but I'm sure they're definitely in the millions annually. So I am just guessing the numbers].