Hollywood What If Chapter 162
"You are...?"
"Hello, Director Grey. I'm Camille Green from Universal Pictures."
The woman wearing thick glasses sat down. The office had a good atmosphere, seems clean and tidy, although it was clear that Kazir Grey used the office as his own room. This rumor was basically a fact at this point.
There was another room where he could sleep. A complete set of TV, VHS and sound system in the corner.
'It seems that the rumor is true... Director Grey lives in his own office. I don't how a normal person can do that. Workplace and house are two different things.'
As a career woman, Camille Green took her job seriously, but she never like to sleep in the office. The atmosphere in the company was too stifling for her to fall asleep.
But the man in front of her had the courage to close his eyes in the dreadful place of endless work. Maybe that was the difference between an employee and an employer.
"Universal Pictures is interested in buying a script, no, three scripts from you."
Kazir nodded.
'We are talking about Universal Pictures, one of the Big Six, of course they have ways to get information about my scripts.'
In fact, Universal Pictures was not the first to express an interest in buying his scripts.
But Kazir Grey decided to play the long game. He had the upper hand anyway. And he also didn't like Universal Pictures.
"3 million dollars."
"Excuse me?"
Camille Green tilted her head. She didn't even say which script Universal Pictures wanted to buy.
"$3 million, for each script."
"You've got to be kidding me. Director Grey, that's too much. Is it because of what happened last time?"
"People have changed. I'm more mature now, I don't hate Universal Pictures. But I don't like them either. I hope my feelings towards Universal Pictures will change... You know what I mean, right?"
"I understand. But still..."
Camille probed. 3 million dollars for a script was too much. Unless it was an adaptation of a novel or a comic book, Universal Pictures wasn't going to open their pockets for that amount easily.
An original screenplay is a huge gamble because there is no fan base willing to spend money to see the movie.
Lately, Hollywood has been focusing more on buying the rights to adapt novels and comic books, as this type of genre has a safe profit model.
"Miss Camille. I think you heard that Walt Disney tried to buy Meet The Parents for $3 million."
"That's right, but I heard you sold it to Paramount for half a million."
"I bet you know why I did that."
"..."
'Indeed I do. Because of that transaction, Paramount decided to sign a three-movie distribution deal with Grey Pictures for a 25% share of the box office. In a way, Grey Pictures got more out of that negotiation.'
"I am not petty enough to interfere with Universal Pictures. If they want to buy it, they can buy it. But they can only buy it if the price is right."
"I need to contact my supervisor."
Camille Green was just a producer in production management. Her purchasing limit was $2 million at best, and anything more would require approval from higher-ups.
"I don't have a problem. But you have to be quick, the price goes up by the hour." Kazir smiled.
"Meet The Parents will be released in January. If the movie is a success, the price of my scripts will be more expensive."
"What if it flopped?"
Camille Green asked back.
"Then my price will go down. It depends on Universal Pictures' decision if they want to wait."
Kazir had the advantage. Meet The Parents was a successful movie in his past life, so the chances of it flopping were very small.
'If you want to wait and see the results of Meet The Parents, no problem. But you have to take responsibility for your actions.'
In fact, his opinion of Universal Pictures hasn't changed. He hates the company.
However, Grey Pictures was looking for another distributor because their contract with Paramount was going to expire when The Bourne Identity was released. If Universal Pictures reached out and gave him a good contract, Kazir Grey would be generous and offer them a very low price.
As of now, the Continental Cinematic Universe was more important to him than any other project. If the only way to be in good graces was to sell his non-action scripts cheap, then Kazir Grey would gladly do it.
'First of all, I have no intention of directing these projects. So they are free to buy them.'
"Is there any way to lower the price?" Camille Green crossed her legs.
"Miss, I'm sure you have an idea."
"..."
The two stared at each other before Camille Green stood up.
"I think I really need to talk to my supervisor."
The only way to buy the script cheaply was to sign a distribution deal with Grey Pictures. A deal that would make both parties happy.
"I hope to hear good news."
"Director Grey, first of all. Please reserve Bruce Almighty for Universal Pictures. We are interested in this movie."
"I can't promise anything."
The woman's lips twitched before she left. She was actually wearing a very nice office dress that showed off her cleavage, but Kazir Grey never showed any interest. As expected, he was difficult to talk to.
"Looks like Universal Pictures wants a piece of the cake."
When Camille Green was gone, Kazir Grey leaned back in his chair and sighed. He massaged his forehead, he was getting migraines these days.
"That's why I don't want to be a CEO or anything like that. It's too exhausting. It's not for me, I'm going to die slowly if I keep signing these documents. God, I want to make a movie!"
Maybe he should hire a professional manager. Someone who could take care of Grey Pictures while he was busy making movies.
"Right now, I'm really thinking about selling the company for a billion dollars."
He controlled his urge. At least not until the Continental Cinematic Universe was successful.