HWI 280 (Patreon)

Hollywood What If Chapter 280

The time with the cast of The Bourne Supremacy was awkward for Kazir. The cast was professional and they followed the standard procedure, which was reading the script... 

However, Kazir could sense that Cameron Diaz gave him flirty gazes once in a while. Even Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass sensed it but they decided to keep quiet. As long as the job was not affected, they would keep their silence. 

Besides, Cameron and Kazir were dating and they have a history together. 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 of things to do 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 these two projects like that. 

He put importance on the Continental Cinematic Universe, a successful Cinematic Universe that he started from scratch. Of course he didn't want to see it fail. 

It was true that he stepped out of the CCU for a while to expand his filmography but he would never leave the project to someone else. Grey Pictures could hire directors now but his presence was important as well. 

'I have to meet someone from 20th Century Fox to finalize the distribution contract.'

It was a worldwide distribution contract with a 25% box office fee. However, this time, Grey Pictures would be the one responsible for advertising. Meaning, they have to come up with money for promotion to pay 20th Century Fox. 

Hollywood makes around 500-600 movies per year but most of them never had the chance to be released worldwide. Only around 100 movies had the chance to be released in foreign countries and they were mostly distributed by the Big Six, because of obvious reasons. 

Big Six and MGM were the only ones that could currently distribute movies worldwide. Although MGM would lose its international distribution in a few years because of bankruptcy. 

In the near future, new studios such as Lionsgate, EntertainmentOne, A24, Focus Features, and Netflix would establish their own distribution but that would be 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 it could promote their movies well. The contract was already good and there was no reason to hesitate. 

"It's nice to work with you again, Director."

"Me too."

The person across the table was James N. Gianopulos. This guy was not that simple at all. He was the President of 20th Century Fox International. There was a rumor that he would become the Chairman/CEO of 20th Century Fox once Tom Rothman's term ended. 

The two shook hands. 

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

"I understand."

'... From the looks of it, 20th Century Fox will start moving this year. Probably because Tom Rothman's term will end and they need another good news to calm the shareholders.'

Well, 20th Century Fox was one of the best studios out there. Creating hundreds of blockbusters in the history of cinema. This company has been in the industry since 1935, it has a long history and strong foundation. 

Kazir had no problem selling shares of his company. He was not fit for the role of being a businessman. It would only bring him stress. However, he wanted to sell the shares to someone he could trust. 

He knew that unlike Disney who would corrupt the franchise, 20th Century Fox would be a better option... Warner Bros, Paramount, and Sony-Columbia were all good as well. As long as not Walt Disney. Disney would have its peak but once 2020s arrived, people would grow tired of all their shit. 

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

Even though the money that Grey Pictures got was only $350 million and minus the expenses, the company was still left with $120 million profit.  Furthermore, the DVDs were selling a lot. People already lost interest in VHS and loved using DVD players instead. 

Only that, the rentals were profitable as well, they made $62 million from the Blockbusters, Walmart, and movie stores' rentals. 

Anyway, Kazir intended to sell at best 40% of shares to one of the Big Six as a way of protection and sure distribution. 

So far, 20th Century Fox was the most sincere. 

'I'm interested in filming Deadpool so why not?' 

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

'... I love the first trilogy of X-Men but the latter are meh. But Deadpool is a different topic, it's a masterpiece. Have you seen a character who kept breaking the fourth wall?'

Perhaps... If the author of this novel wanted to. He could easily destroy the fourth wall, just like now. 

Negotiation regarding a company worth billions would take at least a year to end. So far, 20th Century Fox was just doing the initial stage. 

"If 20th Century Fox is indeed interested in Grey Pictures, I hope to see sincerity." 

Kazir muttered and rose from his seat. 

"Yes... Wait what?"

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

Kazir Grey never showed any interest in selling shares of Grey Pictures, not until now. 

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

++++

[I have no clear picture regarding profits of rentals but I'm sure they are definitely millions yearly. So I just ballpark the numbers.]

[I still have two chapters to go. Anyway, Happy New Year guys. I'll try to write since I'm going to stay awake late.]