HWI 27

[Shout out to Jacob Barna, Magnus Branzén, and Samson Aguino!]

Hollywood What If Chapter 27

"So... your name is Salvatore Barlowe?"

Kazir Grey studied the person in front of him. Kazir was busy with post-production when the studio informed him that someone was looking for him.

Kazir thought it was a person from one of the film companies. But he didn't expect to see a young man. 

"Yes, Mr. Grey. I'm here to..."

"How old are you?"

"Me? I'm 28 this year."

"28? You look like 21 or something."

Kazir frowned. He could not believe that the person across the table was a year older than him. Yet he looked much younger. 

'Am I really so depressed that my face looks old? Should I shave my beard?'

Kazir had a short dark beard, which made him look like a mature man. He had been going to the gym for the past few months and was confident in his appearance. 

'At least I look stronger than him.'

Kazir has firm biceps and nice abs. He has a perfect body after working out constantly. Unlike Salvatore Barlowe, who looked skinny and weak. That fact comforted him. 

'That's right. I'm not that old, I just want to keep my beard.'

The first day he returned to 1994, he had a thick beard and looked much older. He also had a big belly.

"It's probably because my mother is Korean."

"You're half Korean? Looking at your face, you do have Korean features.

Unlike Westerners who grew old easily, Koreans and Japanese looked young with their smooth skin. 

Kazir nodded as he learned the truth behind Salvatore's young features.

"So you're looking for me because...?"

"Mr. Grey, I'm from the Creative Artists Agency (CAA). I'm an agent and I'm hoping you can sign a contract with me."

'As expected, he is an agent.'

Few known people would look for Kazir in the current situation. His script earned 14 million in its opening week. 

'It's already Tuesday and the box office is 23 million.'

Five days after its premiere, Se7en had grossed 23 million. That was already a big achievement in September schedule. 

Most moviegoers are usually stale during this time of year. This month is part of the school year and there are no major holidays. 

Unlike November, which has Halloween, Veterans Day, and Thanksgiving. 

'23 million in five days in September is good. '

So Kazir knew that Hollywood companies would start contacting him. But he didn't expect his first meeting to be with an agent. 

"How long have you been an agent?"

"Four years. I have three actors under me and they have bright futures."

Hearing his answer, Kazir laughed uncontrollably. 

"Mr. Grey?"

"I'm sorry, haha. I just realized the truth after what you said."

"..."

Salvatore Barlowe bit his lip and started to sweat. In fact, his intention was quite obvious. 

"After the success of Se7en, you believe that I have a great future, at least enough to attract your attention. You heard that I finished shooting a movie, right?"

"That's right." Salvatore nodded. There was no need to lie. 

"Mr. Grey-"

"Call me Kazir. If you're really serious about me having a good potential, then you'll have to show me what you've got."

"Kazir. If you agree, I will definitely make a contract that I will only accept a 3 percent commission."

"Hoh."

Kazir raised his eyebrows. To be honest, he was quite shocked to hear his proposal. 

The usual commission for an agent was 10 percent. Although agents who had superstars had a lower commission.

'But this kind of contract is good for an agent who has famous clients. Steven Spielberg earned more than 100 million after making Jurrasic Park two years ago. His agent made more than 3 million in commissions on that project alone.'

A director who could bring in millions of dollars a year. Any agent would fight to sign someone like that.

Right now, Salvatore Barlowe was indirectly saying that Kazir was a good prospect. He had the makings of a superstar director. 

'That's what I see...'

To be honest, he was quite happy that someone trusted him even though he hadn't proven himself yet. At least Salvatore Barlowe showed his sincerity. 

"I accept your proposal."

"T-then!" Salvatore almost jumped out of his seat, but it seemed that Kazir had more to say. 

"But I have one condition."

"As long as it's within my reach, I'll do it."

"First, I will not accept CAA's film packaging. I have my own crew and I want to keep them as much as possible."

"That's... Okay, I will put that in the contract." 

Film packaging was CAA's main source of income. But a strong, authoritative director would never accept that kind of arrangement. 

In the end, Salvatore decided to accept Kazir's condition. 

"But I hope your first choice of actors is within CAA." 

An agent like Salvatore wanted his actors to have a project at least once a year. 

"Of course, as long as they fit the roles, I will hire them."

Kazir had no problem with that. Besides, CAA is the most powerful agency in Hollywood. Michael Ovitz founded the agency after being fired from WMA. Since then, CAA has grown to become the strongest agency. 

An agency like CAA would be good for Kazir. 

"This is good to hear. CAA is a trustworthy agency and I believe they will help me achieve my dreams. Aside from the movie packaging, I'm all good. Of course, you have to keep your promise that your commission is only 3 percent."

"Yes, I promise."

Salvatore was delighted. 

Everyone knows that directors have a higher position than actors. After all, directors choose the actors who will appear in their movies. 

If Salvatore has a director under him, his influence would be stronger. 

"Then I hope we will have a great collaboration." Kazir held out his hand. 

"Thank you for trusting me, Kazir."

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