Hollywood What If Chapter 173
Kazir knew that Tom Rothman was interested in his screenplays. Four of the scripts he sold were blockbusters. That was enough to prove that Kazir had what it took to be the best screenwriter in Hollywood.
Se7en, the first screenplay he sold. More than $300 million at the worldwide box office.
Meet The Parents, the last script he sold. The box office was already over $200 million.
In that era, before the 2000s, $200 million was an amazing feat.
But it seemed that Kazir's movie could do it easily. None of his movies had a box office of less than $200 million.
Perhaps it would be better to call him Kazir Grey, the 'More Than $200 Million Guy'.
That is, when Tom Rothman successfully buys a script from him and turns it into a movie. The chances of the movie making more than $200 million were high.
This result was enough for Tom Rothman to lower the distribution fee.
He believed that the money they could get from The Bourne Identity was minuscule, but it would be too bad too pass on the other scripts.
'At best, we can get 20-30 million dollars, but we have to subtract the publicity and the prints. So the profit we can get is only 10-20 million dollars. Not bad, because Kazir's movie will never go below $200 million.'
Of course, The Bourne Identity could flop and 20th Century Fox may never recoup its investment. But Tom Rothman was willing to gamble just to get the three scripts from Kazir.
'I know Kazir will make a good movie. He knows the formula for making a good movie.'
As long as nothing unexpected happened, The Bourne Identity would definitely be well received. Maybe that was why Matt Damon was interested in the role.
"Nancy already told you that 20th Century Fox is ready to distribute your movie and the distribution fee is 23% of the box office. Well, I decided to make it 22%. How about it, Kazir? Are you interested?"
After talking nonsense for a few minutes, Tom Rothman decided to talk to Kazir about his decision.
"It's a good contract. But, Tom, I need to know how many movies 20th Century Fox plans to distribute."
"Two to three films. That's the best we can do."
Anything more would be too much for 20th Century Fox.
"I understand." Kazir nodded.
He could sense Tom Rothman's sincerity... Unfortunately, his sincerity was not enough to convince him.
"Tom, there are still two days before I can make a decision. I hope you understand. I need to give this some serious thought."
"Okay. I just hope you choose 20th Century Fox. Kazir, we have a good working relationship and the first company to distribute your movie is none other than 20th Century Fox."
"Yes, and I'm grateful for that."
After visiting the studio and talking to Tom Rothman, Kazir Grey returned to Grey Pictures.
Tomorrow they have a script reading to familiarize themselves with their roles.
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...
"We've met for the second time, Director Grey."
Sony-Columbia CEO Frank Price shook hands with Kazir.
After three days of negotiations, Kazir chose the best option.
Many film companies contacted him, hoping to work with him. Unfortunately, only Sony-Columbia satisfied him.
For 20% of the box office, Sony-Columbia would distribute his four films. In return, Sony-Columbia paid Kazir $3.5 million to buy his three screenplays. Of course, if Kazir was interested in writing the sequels to these films, Sony-Columbia would pay him more than $1 million per sequel.
In addition, Kazir Grey agreed to write a screenplay for 21 Jump Street. But the best he could do would be next year. He was going to be busy this year, he could feel it.
Sony-Columbia didn't have a problem with that because they couldn't release that many movies at once.
In fact, the higher-ups would decide which script to adapt first. They have to read the three scripts and make a decision.
"Kazir, since you are the writer, I wonder which movie you want to make first?"
"Hm, I think Bruce Almighty is not bad. But it depends on Jim Carrey's decision." He shrugged.
"When I wrote the script, I imagined Jim Carrey as the protagonist. Although we have to keep this fact a secret because we don't want Jim Carrey to ask for an extravagant salary."
Frank Price agreed. If Jim Carrey's agent found out that the script was written in Jim Carrey's image, the agent might ask for a whopping amount of dollars.
"I see. So you want Jim Carrey to be the male lead? Honestly, considering the role of Bruce Nolan and his hilarious antics, I think Jim Carrey really fits the part."
As for how Sony-Columbia convinced Jim Carrey to take the role, Kazir Grey has no idea.
'Well, they'll probably use the power of money to convince a superstar like Jim Carrey.'
Finally, Kazir's problem with the distribution of The Bourne Identity was over. His next three films also found a company to distribute them.
As for Paramount's grumbling, Kazir didn't care. Once Taken 2 came out, their relationship would be over.
'Damn it, I'm like an orphan living in different places every night. I have no place to call home.'
He sighed. For two years he didn't have to think about this problem, but this year he had to find another distributor. All he could do was produce movies that could bring him profit and fame so that the distributors would look for him instead.
"Well... How about I go to the Sundance Film Festival?"
He remembered a certain movie that was released this year...