Hollywood What If Chapter 138
"Frankly, their terms are quite tempting. They agree to give me a 5% share of the worldwide box office and a 5% cut of the peripherals sales such as videotapes and merchandise related to Jason Bourne."
"..."
'That's a good offer, no, it's already a great offer. I can't believe that Walt Disney is willing to bleed just to get the copyrights to Jason Bourne, unless...'
"But I don't want to work with them. I'm old and I have experience with this kind of thing. They just want me to bother you as much as possible. As for their promise, they will probably break it when everything is done."
Kazir nodded and agreed with Robert Ludlum's opinion.
"Besides, the contract we signed is already a good one."
As the creator of the Jason Bourne series, Robert Ludlum is entitled to a share of the profits. Robert Ludlum signed a 3% share of revenues for the global box office, videotape profits and other peripherals. Although it was smaller than Walt Disney's, it was a signed legal contract.
Robert Ludlum realized that Kazir Grey was more honest than Walt Disney.
He also felt that Kazir Grey would make a good Jason Bourne. The success of Taken reassured him.
"However, if you want to adjust the distribution deal, perhaps..."
"Mr. Robert Ludlum, we already talked about that."
"Haha, of course. I'm just joking with you."
The old man laughed, but Kazir knew that he would try his best to get more money if Kazir showed any hesitation.
He had to be firm when dealing with a tricky old man like Robert Ludlum.
'The only reason he stuck with me was because of the contract we signed--if Grey Pictures failed to produce The Bourne Identity before the year 2000, all copyrights would revert to its creator, Robert Ludlum. On top of that, Grey Pictures has to pay $3 million if they can't produce the movie.'
It was a dangerous deal for Grey Pictures. But it was the best way to convince Robert Ludlum at the time.
'I think we have to increase our production capacity.'
It was already in his head, and Robert Ludlum's appearance cemented it.
"Kazir, I'm old. I don't know how much longer I can live."
"Come on, Robert, don't be like that. You have to stay positive."
"All I want in this life is to see Jason Bourne on the big screen."
Alan Shayne Production produced a movie of the Bourne Identity, but it was only shown on television. It was a TV movie. And it didn't do well.
Robert Ludlum was so disappointed after he sold the copyrights to them. He felt that his movie could be better in the cinema. Unfortunately, the copyrights of The Bourne Identity would last ten years before he could get it back.
Everything changed when Kazir Grey contacted him and said that he had acquired the copyright to the film version of Bourne Identity.
He was happy, to be honest.
He was a successful author, and the royalties from his books were enough to give him a good life. He was happy with his success. However, he could not help but dream of seeing his book made into a movie.
The best author of his time was Stephen King. But the reason why his career had a successful run was because of the movie adaptations of his books. This was the stepping stone that made him famous all over the world.
The Shining
The Shawshank Redemption
Carrie
The Green Mile
IT
These are just a few of the films based on Stephen King's books.
Robert Ludlum would be lying if he said he was not jealous. He wanted the same success.
The money? Robert Ludlum already had a successful career. Besides, he was past the age of 70 to be thinking about materialistic things. The money was for his family, not for him.
Robert Ludlum lived a life.
"Kazir, keep your promise. I didn't like Walt Disney's offer, but we can negotiate if I want to."
The old man stood up.
"But you have to buy back the copyrights from Grey Pictures." Kazir replied and shook his hand.
"Of course, I bet Walt Disney can help me with that. They will not let another movie company flourish. I hear they are trying to sabotage DreamWorks these days."
Robert Ludlum smiled and headed for the door.
"Before you go, Robert, if Warner Brothers contacted you, please let me know."
"Very well."
"Next year, I promise you, you will see Jason Bourne on the big screen. Stay healthy, Robert."
Kazir escorted him out of the company. Robert Ludlum, assisted by his son, got into the car.
Robert personally went to Grey Pictures to talk to Kazir. Because he could not wait to start the Bourne Identity project.
Kazir waved as the car slowly disappeared from the street. Then he opened his phone and called his agent, Salvatore Barlowe.
"Salvatore, hire another production team. I'm going to start The Bourne Identity after I finish John Wick."
-- Are you serious? Kazir, you haven't taken a vacation in the last three years! Are you sure your body can take it?
Kazir chuckled and replied.
"I'm sure my body is healthier than yours. I exercise three times a week, and my diet is mostly vegetables."
-- How about your sleep?
"That's another story."
-- Sigh, okay, fine. CAA can easily find a crew for your problem. But what about Taken? It was also supposed to come out next year.
Salvatore knew the projects that Grey Pictures would be shooting over the next three years. However, he had only read the scripts for The Bourne Identity and Taken 2. The other projects were still a mystery to him.
"By the way, I'm thinking of letting Fremont Smith take over as director. Do you think your client is ready?"
Kazir joked.
-- ... Kazir, if you ask me, I'm still not convinced that Fremont can handle a big project. The pressure could break him.
Kazir and Salvatore watched Fremont gain experience. They had no problem with his work ethic, but he was still young and might not be able to handle the pressure.