[Shout out to bomber-harris!]
Hollywood What If Chapter 149
"Tch... I made a big mistake this time."
Cameron Diaz bit her nail in frustration. She could not sleep properly these days. Regret was haunting her.
The third week of There's Something About Mary ended and the result was $60.05 million.
The movie was a success. And Reese Witherspoon was becoming more famous by the day.
The cast of There's Something About Mary was promoting the movie in North America and it was clear that they were doing well.
"Damn it!"
She screamed, smashing the nearest object to her, a painting that cost at least $50,000.
She breathed hard... She tried her best to accept the reality that she didn't get the role. But it was still painful to think about it.
'I should have accepted a $1.5 million salary! No, I'll take it even if it's $1 million.'
It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance her career, and she lost it.
"No... This is not over."
Cameron Diaz looked at the newspaper on the table. The headline was about Kazir and Reese's relationship. Some speculated that the two were hiding the truth, but they were actually dating.
To be honest, Cameron Diaz was attracted to Kazir. The guy was her type. And now she has all the more reason to seduce him.
'Let's see how he can last.'
What is the best way to break someone's heart? By destroying the trust/love they have been building for so many years.
...
...
...
"Director, is it true that you're the one who recommended the script to Reese Witherspoon?"
"How can I put it, I just heard that there was a project that 20th Century Fox was cooking up, so I asked Reese to try and audition. I'm clueless about everything."
Because the movie was selling well, some reporters interested in their relationship knocked on the door of Grey Pictures.
The entrance to the company was blocked by dozens of reporters who wanted to know about director Grey.
Kazir Grey stayed in the editing room for three days before leaving the company. He was stunned to see so many people waiting for him.
In the end, he decided to play with them for a few minutes.
'I am not lying anyway.'
"Director Grey, is it true that you and Reese Witherspoon are dating?"
Kazir glanced at the reporter asking him the question. He recognized the man.
'I think he's from News Corporation. As expected, 20th Century Fox is stubborn.'
He just smiled and got into the car. He had entertained the reporters/paparazzi enough. They tried to block Kazir, but the man was quite strong.
"Phew... This is getting out of hand."
"Sir, it's because you're famous. You are one of the people in Hollywood who has a normal life and people are interested in you."
Erica Mendez said to him during the ride.
"..."
The life of a celebrity was dangerous. He didn't want to shower himself with fake compliments and become a narcissist.
There are so many narcissists in Hollywood. People who live in lies. People who think they are gods and goddesses to be worshipped.
Fortunately, Kazir Grey knew the reality and he would never succumb.
Drugs, sex, vice, pedophilia, abortion, even rape. Hollywood has it all.
"Take me to Paramount."
Today was his meeting with Brad Grey. He gave Hector a day off after three days in that dark room. They both need a break to relax their minds. When it comes to editing, the two of them put their heads together to come up with transitions and cuts that are perfectly in sync with the theme of the movie.
So yes, rest is important.
"It will take 15 minutes."
"Alright."
They arrived at Paramount's headquarters within the expected time.
"Hm?"
Kazir turned around and noticed that some people were following his car.
They are acting normal, but it's obvious that they are paparazzi.
"Don't mind them, sir, they can't get any closer." Erica Mendez knew there were some cars following them.
"Okay..."
Ah yes, the paparazzi who didn't care about privacy. There must be a place in hell for these people.
Kazir shook his head and left them alone. They could not enter the Paramount headquarters anyway.
'Wait all you want.'
"I'm here to meet Brad Grey."
"Let me check the list, sir."
Kazir spoke to the receptionist. The woman contacted Brad Grey's secretary to let him know that Director Grey had arrived.
The two reached the CEO's office.
"Kazir! My nephew!"
'... I don't know about that. You and my father are third cousins, and I believe we have no connection at all. Except as acquaintances or business partners.'
Kazir kept that in mind and accepted Brad Grey's warm hug.
"You can sit down. And you too, Miss Mendez."
The two began to talk about their collaboration. As for Erica, she was just there.
"Kazir, the last round of auditions for Meet The Parents is next week. I hope you can be there."
"Of course."
Kazir nodded. He didn't have a problem with it. He was the executive producer and screenwriter of the movie. He wanted to make sure that his script would do well at the box office.
"Is Ben Stiller the protagonist?"
"Yes, we have already signed a contract. The only roles that are open are Jack Byrnes and Pam Byrnes. We have invited Robert De Niro to audition for the role of Jack Byrnes."
Jack Byrnes was the father-in-law in the movie. He was a retired CIA agent who caused so much trouble to Gaylord Focker (Ben Stiller).
Kazir nodded.
"About Pam Byrnes..."
"I know. Your agent, Salvatore Barlowe, introduced us to Brianna Evans. I can tell you there's no problem with her acting or her salary. However, some actresses have the same advantage as her, like Teri Polo."
"..."
Kazir realized something immediately.
'There must be some politics going on in the crew. People are trying to push their favored actress to get the part. Well, I'm basically doing the same thing. Helping Brianna Evans get the part. Also... Who is Teri Polo? Never heard of her.'
Anyway, it all depends on the results of the last round of auditions for the heroine.
+++++
[IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: I want to say that this is just a fanfiction. Do not take it seriously. Just have fun.]