[Shout out to Avinash B, Wai Yan B, and haze2343!]
Hollywood What If Chapter 44
There is a difference between a person who has just become famous and a superstar who has a billion-dollar movie franchise under his name.
Let's talk about those people.
James Cameron with The Terminator and Avatar.
Arnold Schwarzenegger with Terminator as well.
Steven Spielberg with Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones.
Michael Bay with his Transformers.
Tom Cruise and Mission: Impossible.
And so many more.
Any of these actors could have a fall from grace. However, they could easily return to their superstar status by using these franchises.
The best example is Tom Cruise. After dropping Pat Kingsley (his agent for two decades), Tom Cruise received a strong backlash from the media.
His Scientology scandal. His problems with his ex-wife Nicole Kidman and his divorce.
Tom Cruise hit rock bottom. The only thing that kept him relevant was his role as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible.
Even James Cameron didn't have a project for almost ten years after Titanic. But he was still highly respected after the release of Avatar.
When Cameron's next movie came out, which was Avatar: The Way of the Water, James Cameron proved himself again.
'If there's anyone who can make a billion-dollar movie. It's definitely the tyrant director James Cameron.'
His last three movies together have grossed more than $6 billion. Those movies were Titanic, Avatar, and Avatar: The Way of the Water.
'I heard that he is building the ship right now...'
James Cameron wanted to film on a real cruise ship. He pushed 20th Century Fox and Paramount for more investment.
Titanic cost a whopping $200 million to make. For the 1990s, that amount of money was insane.
'All I want is a franchise that will keep me relevant.'
So he decided to start writing original screenplays. He wanted to do something big.
The last week of January.
Unlike the last time, when Kazir used a clunky typewriter to write his scripts, this time he used a laptop. He has the money to buy gadgets.
In fact, he decided to change his apartment. He now lived in a hotel near his studio company(Grey Pictures). Of course, he was only renting the apartment for a year.
His last apartment was too dangerous for him.
He earned more than 12 million dollars this year. Although he knew that taxes would come for him.
More than 30% of that amount would be eaten up by the government...
"Salvatore, how was it?"
Kazir heard his phone ring and answered it.
"Kazir, Paramount wants to work with you. $5 million salary, but they want to talk to you about the box office share."
"I understand. Set up a meeting tomorrow."
"Okay."
He ended the call.
"Hm... Taken, John Wick, and Fast and the Furious."
Those movies had small investments. Each one cost no more than $50 million to make.
"If the movie companies didn't want to support me in starting action movies, then I would..."
He closed his mouth.
......
...
...
The next day came without a problem. Kazir and his agent, Salvatore Barlowe, walked into the Paramount Pictures' headquarters.
Paramount Pictures had Transformers and Mission: Impossible franchises. Although Tom Cruise had authority over the copyright of the Mission: Impossible.
In terms of strength, Paramount was the second weakest of the Big Six. Right next to Sony-Columbia.
Everyone knows that Sony-Columbia is the weakest of the Big Six. With only Spiderman as a profitable franchise.
"Kazir Grey. Haha, I can't believe I'm going to meet someone with the same last name as me!"
The person in front of Kazir was the CEO of Paramount Pictures.
His name is Brad Grey.
"I heard that your father is actually my third cousin, I guess we are related."
"Indeed."
Kazir kept his smile... He didn't know that. He just found out today. Besides, the relationship of being a third cousin was not that relevant at all.
As for why Brad Grey knew about it, Kazir didn't have an answer. Maybe he was researching his family tree or something.
"So, Kazir, I heard that you're fighting for a share of the box office. You didn't want to work with Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox. Because they gave you hard terms."
"That's right."
There was no need to lie. Everyone in Hollywood had heard that negotiations between Kazir Grey and the two film companies had broken down.
"If I give you an $8 million salary, will you stop asking about the box office share?"
"Sorry Brad, I still prefer the box office share."
"As expected. Are you that confident in your movie, or do you just want to tie your future to the movie?"
"Both."
"..."
Brad Grey stared at the man before him. He had two chances to work with this man, but the production management didn't bother notifying him.
It was too late when Brad Grey heard that Kazir had actually sent his scripts to Paramount.
"We both want to work together, so how about we take it slow?"
"I'm fine with that."
The two shook hands. The first negotiation went well. At least Paramount Pictures didn't have any negative reaction to sharing the box office.
'Maybe they wanted to get a movie with possible sequels.'
Brad Grey heard that Kazir was also working on a sequel to Napoleon Dynamite.
Paramount Pictures has only two big-budget films this year. They are Mission: Impossible and Star Trek.
Although Kazir wanted the copyrights to Mission: Impossible, Tom Cruise acquired the copyrights years ago.
He wanted to include it in his cinematic universe. Unfortunately, some things didn't go his way. He was only human after all.
"Then I'll see you again, Kazir. I hope our next meeting will be positive."
"I hope so."
They shook hands and ended the meeting. Both sides got to know the other's point of view, which was a good thing for both parties.
[Author's note: Some readers may be disappointed, but yes, there is a smut scene next (Chapter 44.1). Though it's only available on Patreon. I just have to say it].