HWI 117

[Shout out to Dashawn W, bomber-harris, and Wrobe06117]

Hollywood What If Chapter 117

The news broke in North America and the coverage of the CIA infiltrating the sex den in Mexico was caught on camera.

The video was shown on almost every news channel. That month, people's awareness of sex/human trafficking was at an all-time high.

People rallied. Testimonies of people who had been kidnapped told their stories and gained the sympathy of citizens. People created a public organization for people who suffered from human trafficking.

While this situation was happening all over North America, Paramount used this opportunity to promote Taken. Even though they could only profit the 25% of the box office, with the current situation, Paramount believed that they would still profit a huge amount of money.

"I should be happy. But sometimes I can't help but regret my decision."

Brad Grey, Paramount's current CEO, sighed. He had complicated feelings about Taken.

Of course, he had read the script and had a chance to work with Kazir. Even if Kazir wanted a 30% investment, it was no problem as long as he could guarantee that the movie would be a success.

However, at that time, Brad Grey felt that letting Kazir invest in the movie was not good for the future development of the movie. Kazir Grey wanted to make sure that he had authority over the project and Paramount felt that he was overstepping the line.

So their negotiations ended. Paramount decided to walk away.

Brad Grey felt that his decision was right because even Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox backed out.

But right now, Brad Grey wanted to slap his past self.

'I should have said yes even if Kazir invested in the movie. As long as we have a higher percentage of the investment, we can control the project.'

The problem with letting Kazir invest in Taken was simple. Paramount didn't want him to have a piece of the pie, such as videotapes and peripherals profits.

Kazir knew how Hollywood worked and he would fight for a better deal. Once he invested in the movie, he would definitely ask for a share of the profit from the videotapes and peripherals. This was the profit that Paramount never wanted to share, and neither did the other film companies.

"What if here, and what if there? I can't let myself sulk. Right now I have a good reason to promote Taken... I should have signed a contract with at least 30% of the box office."

No crying over spilled milk. Besides, Taken was going up against Air Force One. Paramount wanted to beat Sony-Columbia, even if it was for petty reasons.

'Once Taken is finished, I need to make sure Kazir works hard on Meet The Parents. He should return the favor.'

"CEO Grey, this is me, Shirley Lansing."

"You may come in."

Shirley Lansing walked into the office with a document in her hand. She was the head of Marketing Management.

Her job right now was to promote Taken.

"This is the report for yesterday's event."

Shirley Lansing handed the documents to Brad Grey and the man took them.

He read the papers and frowned slightly.

"Shirley, are you the one who came up with this plan?"

"No sir, it's Kazir Grey. I felt that his plan was possible, so I decided to accept his suggestion."

"I see..."

The context of the documents was about the organization that was recently founded to help people who suffered from human trafficking.

Kazir Grey suggested that Liam Neeson should be the organization's ambassador. In fact, Liam Neeson appeared in front of the reporters just to announce that he wanted to help these poor people.

As for Liam Neeson's sincerity, it was not important. Well, he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2011. He is probably a good guy.

Another thing, Grey Pictures announced that they would donate 5% of the North American box office of Taken to the young women who were rescued from the Mexican Mafia.

Because of this, their status became positive and many people supported them.

"5%? Looks like Grey Pictures is doing some goodwill. Not my problem. As long as they don't touch our money, Grey Pictures can donate all they want.

CEO Brad Grey understood that the move was to promote the film. It was not a bad thing. As long as they could make sure the result was worth it.

...

...

...

"I am heartbroken to hear what happened. I hope they can overcome this situation. Let's all pray for them."

Tom Cruise had a sad smile on his face as he faced the reporters. He was interviewed about the young women who were in distress.

He attended the premiere of Taken and appeared on the red carpet. On his left arm was his loving wife, Nicole Kidman. The couple offered their prayers for the broken underaged girls.

Tom Cruise and Paramount had a strong relationship. Mission: Impossible was confirmed to have a sequel. The two sides negotiated the contract. While that was going on, Paramount invited Tom Cruise to the premiere of Taken.

"Director Grey invited me, so I decided to go see it. Maybe next time we can work together."

Upon hearing his answer, reporters began to ask him about his relationship with Kazir Grey. Tom Cruise said that he knew the guy since the shooting of Rain Man 9 years ago.

The reporters got more and more excited, but Tom Cruise decided to end the interview. Another actor would show up on the red carpet and it was time to pass the baton.

Honestly, Tom Cruise read the script of Taken and he was a little interested. Unfortunately, he found out that the budget of the movie was not enough to hire him, so he decided to keep quiet.

'I offered to invest in the movie, but Kazir obviously didn't agree. If I knew this would be the result, I should have pushed him to agree.'

Tom Cruise entered the theater and found many invited actors like himself. He saw many movie critics and regular audiences in the middle and back of the theater.

Of course, with his status, he had a reserved seat at the front of the theater.

With his wife, he began to greet his acquaintances in the industry. Nothing wrong with having more connections.