HWI 42

Hollywood What If Chapter 42

The conditions of 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros were unfavorable for Calix. 

In such a situation, the best option was to contact the other movie studios. 

"Salvatore, contact Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures. I'm sure they'd be interested in working with us. Oh, contact Touchstone and Miramax as well."

"I understand." 

Touchstone and Miramax were film companies under Walt Disney. 

Walt Disney in the 90s was very much run by Michael Eisner. The Disney family gradually lost its authority over the company. Michael Eisner held the throne of the company as the chairman.

With his helm, he leads Walt Disney to focus on live-action movies. Michael Eisner felt that 2D animated movies would slowly lose their freshness once the new century arrived. He was right, to be honest. 

That is why he kicked Jeffrey Katzenberg out of Walt Disney. 

Jeffrey Katzenberg was the head of 2D animation at that time. When he was kicked out, he joined Steven Spielberg's plan to start another company. They founded DreamWorks. 

Well, part of this story may be unclear. But Hollywood was known for faking its appearance to the outside world. 

So at the time, Walt Disney preferred live-action films than 2D animations, which took a year to complete. 

'Well, their position will change once they acquire Pixar from Steve Jobs.'

Pixar was the leader in the computer animation industry. 

"I will send them the scripts and contact their managers or producers."

"Make sure this news gets out."

"Okay."

The two nodded to each other.

January, 1996. Napoleon Dynamite and Se7en became part of the movies that earned more than $100 million at the box office. 

Napoleon Dynamite was released internationally in December after Kazir sold the copyrights. So far, the film has grossed $59 million overseas.

Combined with $132 million in North America, Napoleon Dynamite has grossed $191 million worldwide. The casinos in Las Vegas believe that the movie would gross over $250 million once it is taken out of theaters. 

For a production cost of $500 thousand to 250 million dollars. Many movie companies were drooling over these numbers. 

In fact, many companies tried to contact Kazir in these days. But he maintained his solitude. Because he wanted to wait for the offers from Warner Bros and 20th Century Fox. 

He has great respect for these companies after meeting their CEOs. 

'Unfortunately, they didn't show enough sincerity.'

"Well, if they change their terms, maybe I can think about it."

Kazir has the upper hand in this situation. Suddenly, his phone rang and he chuckled when he saw the caller's name.

"Reese? Oh, so you guys are coming back tomorrow? Got any souvenirs from Australia?"

The cast of Napoleon Dynamite signed a contract to promote the movie in various countries. 

Reese and the other actors went to different countries, they were tired but excited.

"Okay, I'll meet you at the airport tomorrow."

He smiled. 

After meeting Salvatore, Kazir went to the theater to watch a movie. 

As a director, it was not bad to learn more shooting styles.

As for his choice, he decided on Jumanji. 

"A great movie. Although the cost is quite high."

The budget of Jumanji was 65 million dollars. He took a step into the theater and spent almost two hours of his day watching the movie.

......

...

...

Ed Helms was still an unknown actor. He was 21 years old and didn't have much in life. He wanted to be an actor.

But with his looks, he knew it would be hard to become a superstar. 

"Napoleon! Napoleon!"

When he walked into a TV show, the audience was chanting his name. It was amazing, he felt he had made it. 

But he knew that this 'break' would be useless if he didn't star in another movie.

Kazir cast him as Napoleon Dynamite. And Kazir wanted to invite him to do another movie. 

Obviously, Ed Helms took it seriously. As the director who made him famous, Ed Helms wanted to work with Kazir again. 

Not only Ed, but also Pedro Pascal thought the same. As an Chilean-American actor, he wanted to prove himself in Hollywood. He was given his first step, he might as well follow Kazir to his next movie. 

To be honest, these two actors were nervous that Kazir's next movie would be a big flop. The Hangover was different from Napoleon Dynamite. It was too vulgar. 

But because they read the script and laughed out loud, they knew that Kazir's next movie had potential. 

So these two actors decided to get their roles. They began to study the script.

"Ed, I recommend that you also read these scripts. The directors have invited you to audition."

John Harris, Ed Helms' agent, put the scripts on the table. They were currently staying in a hotel suite in Australia. 

The crew would return to the US after this promotion. It was a tiring job, to be honest. 

"I understand. However, if it conflicts with the filming of 'The Hangover', I will have to pass."

"Don't worry, I made sure that would never happen."

John Harris was actually the person who spoke to Carl Morin the last time. They were colleagues, working under the William Morris Agency. 

'I can't believe Carl dropped a talented director like Kazir Grey. If I were him, I would keep the director.'

He sighed. All he could say was that Carl Morin had made the wrong decision in kicking Kazir Grey out of WMA. 

"Okay. I need to eat more."

Because his character in 'The Hangover' was a dentist of average weight, Ed Helms ate more these days. 

His role as Napoleon Dynamite was a skinny guy, so he had to gain more weight. 

He took his job seriously. 

"Ed, you need to make sure you're doing it right. I'll find a nutritionist when we get to the States."

John Harris secretly sighed. He knew there would be a sequel to Napoleon Dynamite. Ed Helms' weight would probably change drastically in the next two years. 

"Hm."

Ed Helms nodded and stuffed another sandwich into his mouth. 

[Author's note: Thanks to the readers who have reached this chapter. I appreciate your patience in reading my imperfect nonsense novel].