Kazir's script was expensive. Yet despite being expensive, many production companies would happily buy his scripts with open hands.
For film companies, Kazir scripts were equivalent to profit.
A few years ago, The Hangover and Napoleon Dynamite ended their trilogies respectively. It was estimated that both movies had a valuation of more than $1 billion, based on their box offices, videotape/DVD sales, and broadcasting rights.
Even now, TV networks all over the globe are paying Warner Brothers and 20th Century Fox top dollars just to get the chance to broadcast The Hangover and Napoleon Dynamite. It was a constant source of income.
Just the idea of having a $1 billion worth movie franchise was so fragrant. Surely the Big Six and other studios won't be cheap to pay Kazir the money he was worth.
Last time, Lionsgate contacted Kazir to buy Now You See Me and The Expendables. The two sides had a business deal.
Lionsgate successfully bought Now You See Me. As for The Expendables, this franchise could easily fit into the Continental Cinematic Universe, no explanation needed. Kazir didn't want to sell The Expendables. He was just waiting for the time to hire Silvester Stallone and the other action stars with a lower salary. In short, he was waiting for the old action stars to get washed.
Back in the 80s and early 90s, Silvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger could get a salary of more than $20 million per movie... Kazir was not insane enough to hire them with that amount of money.
In fact, an old actor contacted him a few months ago. Harrison Ford expressed his interest in being a part of CCU... Harrison Ford was actually one of the actors who auditioned for the role of John Wick but Kazir chose Viggo Mortensen instead.
Anyway, Kazir wanted to use his scripts to make a truce with 20th Century Fox.
"I'm glad we settled our differences that quickly." Kazir shook hands with Tom Rothman.
The two just signed the contract.
"Come on, Kazir. I will never hate you. You are my friend, haha! By the way, Carl from Blue Sky Studio wants to meet you. He wants to talk about Kung Fu Panda."
"Of course."
The business deal didn't last that long. Both parties wanted to close the contract as soon as possible.
Tom Rothman understood that once the other studios heard that Kazir was selling some scripts, they would start acting up and compete to buy the scripts.
Kazir sold the script for Now You See Me to Lionsgate for $11 million.
But for 20th Century Fox, Kazir only sold the three scripts for $5 million each. Meaning, 20th Century Fox paid him $15 million.
20th Century Fox didn't think twice, they immediately bought them since they knew the market price of these scripts. They understood that this was Kazir's goodwill. They gladly accept his goodwill.
With no further ado, the contract was formed.
"Kazir, what do you think we should film first? I think Paranormal Activity seems kinda interesting... Hmm, 300 is also not bad but I'm not sure about your idea of making it a complete 3D background." Tom said his opinion.
20th Century Fox couldn't start filming three projects at once. They have to study the profitability first before giving the go-signal.
"I think Final Destination is a good start."
"I'll take note of that. You said that Tobey Maguire fits the male lead, we'll invite him once the project starts. As for the director..."
"Tom, don't give me that look. You know I'm busy."
"Haha, of course, of course. We will look for the director instead."
Tom laughed out loud but his expression turned serious again.
"Kazir, you signed a contract with Warner Brothers to direct a trilogy. When will you do it for us?"
"..."
Kazir knew that this conversation would arrive. 20th Century Fox was only the distributor of Grey Pictures movies, they never acquired any copyrights. Even the upcoming MCU was not owned by 20th Century Fox.
So this time, they wanted Kazir to also direct a trilogy for them and it should be fully owned by 20th Century Fox. Of course, salary was not a problem. Kazir was worth hiring after all.
"Once I'm free, I'll work for you."
"Oh God, when will that happen? Your schedule is packed for five freaking years."
...
...
...
March just passed by and Kazir was getting close to completing the post-production of Spider-Man 2.
At the same time, the advertisement for 2 Fast 2 Furious intensified. The movie trailer aired on TV channels, billboards, and movie posters all over the place.
The cast of the movie also attended many TV shows and interviews. It was hectic and the premiere day arrived.
At the TCL Chinese Theater, a red carpet was laid out. Celebrities showed up one by one and the fans were so enthusiastic. Most of the fans were wearing tuxedos, this became the standard uniform of the CCU fans, derived from the uniform of Grey Fans