Hollywood What If

[Shout out to dmf!]

Hollywood What If Chapter 90

The influence of the MCU was so great that many film companies tried to copy it. Even foreign countries tried to dab their hands and copy the MCU and filmed their own Avengers. 

The MCU movies made billions of dollars. The franchise may have been the reason why movie theaters were still thriving under the strong rapid rise of the Internet. Well, there were definitely many factors like the 3D, IMAX and increase of movie tickets. 

But it didn't change the fact that MCU was the most successful movie franchise. 

Now, Kazir understood that his Cinematic Universe could not have been as good as the MCU. Considering that his movies were original scripts and not based on comics. His Cinematic Universe didn't have a steady stream of fans. 

"This is my starting point. We will take 40% of the North American box office. 20th Century Fox will only invest $2.5 million in promotion. These terms may change depending on how the movie does. However, I can't assure you that 20th Century Fox will give it the best schedule release. We have so many film projects this year and we have to prioritize them."

"I understand."

That was the main reason Kazir preferred Sony-Columbia. Sony-Columbia releases only a few movies a year, unlike the other Big Five. Kazir was confident that Sony-Columbia would give him a good release schedule. 

"Also, I have to see the movie first. If it doesn't meet my criteria, I'm sorry, but 20th Century Fox will have to pass."

To be honest, Tom Rothman was not confident in the movie. He felt it would flop. The only reason he met with Kazir Grey this time was for the sequel to Napoleon Dynamite. After all, Kazir Grey was the brains behind the movie. He knew the Napoleon Dynamite story better than anyone. 

'I'm sure Warner Bros feels the same way. Kazir is definitely a talented comedy director, but I don't know about action movies.'

"We will talk about international distribution once your "Taken" has proven itself in the North American market."

The Big Six would never distribute an uncertain film... Unless the movie was heavily invested. There were many movies that the Big Six distributed overseas in the hope that they could make a profit. 

Warcraft was a movie based on a popular game. The movie only made $47 million at the North American box office. However, it made $391 million in the rest of the world. 

Perhaps the game was one of the factors that made Warcraft(movie) successful, but it was still true that the movie made more money overseas. 

Unfortunately, the usual situation was the opposite. If the movie horribly flopped in North America, it would flop in the rest of the world. 

So Kazir understood why Tom Rothman couldn't promise international distribution for Taken. After all, they have to invest money just to distribute thousands of film copies around the world. Added that they also have to promote them. 

'Well, that's good for me. At least I can negotiate with them again if Taken is good. Maybe I can get a better deal then.'

Sony-Columbia has already promised a 35% share of the worldwide box office. This offer was either good or bad for Grey Pictures. 

But in Kazir's opinion, the deal was already good. As long as the movie made more money, everything would be better for both parties. 

'I guess this meeting is fruitless again. It seems that Tom Rothman didn't want to repeat what happened last time. Maybe he thinks it was a mistake to give me a share of the box office for Napoleon Dynamite. Well, I'm still grateful for what he did for me.'

Fox Searchlight Pictures was his first partner. He had no problem working with them again as long as the conditions were met. 

The truth was that the meeting was not fruitful. At least Grey Pictures knew the average terms of the two film companies. Besides, it was not wrong to ask for more. Especially if Grey Pictures was going to be the sole investor in Taken. 

They have the right to agree or disagree with the film companies.

'... I actually have another company to ask from, but I'm not sure if they have the ability to promote my movie properly.'

Anyway, this thing could not be solved right away. First of all, the movie was still not made. No film company wanted to sign with Grey Pictures. Everything was just a 'promise' from now on. Nothing was certain. 

"Well, thank you for accepting this meeting, Mr. Rothman."

"That's fine. By the way, if you have another comedy script you want to direct, feel free to contact 20th Century Fox. We will make sure to invest in your movie. Haha!"

As expected, Tom Rothman's prejudice against his talent was obvious. Besides, what Tom Rothman said was only a promise. No one knows if 20th Century Fox would really cooperate with Grey Pictures if Taken was a massive flop. 

Everything depended on the outcome of Taken. 

.........

......

...

"Make sure you eat healthy."

"I will."

"Huh! I know you always forget to eat when you are working on your movie. Don't try to fool me."

"I will try to eat healthy food."

"Good. Take care. Call me when you land."

Kazir Grey said goodbye to Reese Witherspoon. He wanted to take a flight to France with the crew.  

March came and the preparations for the film were finished. Liam Neeson and the stunt men had already mastered their roles. In fact, Liam Neeson's body was impeccable at the moment. He got abs and toned biceps. 

'I recommended him the gym I worked out in, and the result is satisfying.'

Apart from Liam, Kazir Grey's figure was also perfect. If not for his job as a director, he might be hired as an actor instead.