Hollywood What If Chapter 108
Harvey Weinstein was a businessman and he knew how to control his emotions. Since Kazir was looking at him, he might as well say hello.
Harvey's opinion of Kazir was complicated. The first time he saw him was at a small screening of Napoleon Dynamite two years ago. Miramax had been invited by CAA to a minor screening of an unknown director. Harvey Weinstein intended to send just one of his executives to see the film.
But when he heard that the director was actually Kazir Grey, the screenwriter of Se7en, he decided to see it instead. He didn't expect the movie to be entertaining. He knew it would do well at the box office. The question was how much money could be made.
He wanted the movie, so he gave Kazir a good contract. A 5% cut of the profits. But Kazir turned down his offer and signed with Fox Searchlight Pictures instead.
Harvey Weinstein was not disappointed, maybe a little. But not enough to hate Kazir. He knew that Kazir had chosen the best option, and that was the right thing to do.
Perhaps the reason things got complicated was because of the William Morris Agency (WMA). WMA was determined to destroy Kazir. They even went so far as to announce that Kazir Grey was a wife beater.
William Morris Agency promised to give Miramax preferential treatment. Miramax hired actors from WMA at a low price. Moreover, these actors were talented... Especially the actresses that WMA sent him were quite, um, tasty.
The negotiation was good for both of them, so Miramax decided to agree to WMA's terms. He used his connections and spread the word that Kazir Grey was beating his wife. It was as simple as that.
Kazir Grey was working with Warner Bros at the time and the release dates of The Hangover and Phenomenon were close. There was no reason not to sabotage them.
Unfortunately, their plan didn't work. Kazir Grey exposed Cassandra's lies and gained momentum. As a result, The Hangover grossed over $500 million!
Harvey Weinstein gained almost nothing from this transaction. He was even reprimanded by chairman Michael Eisner. His position was a bit serious and he wanted to keep a low profile. Not to attract attention and trouble.
Harvey Weinstein maintained his smile and approached Kazir.
"Mr. Grey, good to see you here!"
"Mr. Weinstein." Kazir nodded.
The women understood that Kazir and Harvey were going to have a conversation, so they dispersed and left them.
"Kazir, congratulations on The Hangover. It's late, but it's the thought that counts."
'Harvey, you're the bastard who tried to sabotage The Hangover. Yet you have the nerve to congratulate me. You are shameless, as expected.'
"Thank you, Harvey."
Since Harvey Weinstein used a first-name basis, Kazir followed.
"I hear you're producing your movie this time. What about it? You can work with Miramax, I will make sure to promote your movie."
Harvey just said that, but he was not sure about Kazir's action movie. He might be interested if it was a comedy. Still, he wanted to ease their relationship at least a little.
"Maybe. If you lower your box office share to 20%, I will sign a contract with you."
"..."
The corner of his lips twitched when Kazir mentioned his condition. 20% was too low.
"We can talk about it when you sign a distribution contract with Miramax."
"I'll think about it."
"..."
Harvey realized that Kazir had no interest in working with Miramax.
"Kazir... You know it's just business. Don't take it to heart. We are both Jews, we should help each other."
"Don't take it to heart? Harvey, I almost went to jail. My reputation was almost destroyed. And you're telling me I should just let it go?"
Kazir's voice grew heavier.
"Come on. Slander and scandal are common ways to defeat your enemies, it's not that bad."
Harvey waved his hand and pretended it was no problem.
"..."
After this huge scandal that nearly destroyed his reputation, Kazir investigated and found that Harvey Weinstein was one of those responsible for spreading the false allegations. Universal Pictures, Miramax and WMA. These three were the ones who teamed up to beat him.
'I'm not here to create a conflict, but Harvey Weinstein is too unbearable. Defamation? Scandal? Let's see if these "normal" methods work for you. The difference is that I'm not defaming, I'm telling the truth. Harvey Weinstein, a convicted sexual predator.'
His gaze turned cold, and Harvey didn't care. His position was higher than Kazir's. He had more foundation than him and it was impossible to break it. One of the Big Six was also his backer.
"Well, Kazir, see you again. I hope you have a good time at the party."
Harvey Weinstein left him. Even though Kazir was a director with good prospects, Harvey would never be afraid. His status was higher than that of a mere director. Only the higher-ups at Disney could influence him.
After spending some time at the party and talking to people, Kazir was invited by someone to enter a private room.
When Kazir entered the room, he found two old men drinking.
'Michael Eisner and Michael Ovitz. I hear they are friends.'
These two Michaels were on good terms. So when Michael Eisner invited Michael Ovitz to be president of Walt Disney, Michael Ovitz decided to take a chance and start over.
Maybe Michael Ovitz is just getting greedy and looking for adventure in his old age. Unfortunately, he was eventually pushed out by Michael Eisner.
It was surprising that these two were now acting like friends... Well, they were friends.
'They still have a good relationship. Or maybe I caused another change in the timeline.'