Hollywood What If

Chapter 26

"Good morning, Mr. Semel."

"Good morning."

The receptionist greeted the CEO of Warner Bros. and bowed her head.

CEO Terry Semel was in a good mood, so he returned the greeting with a smile. He was in a good mood because Time Warner had acquired TBS (Turner Broadcasting System).

This acquisition would make Time Warner even stronger. In addition, another piece of good news greeted him today.

Now that Time Warner had acquired Turner Broadcasting System Inc., the company naturally took over New Line Cinema.

Of course, Time Warner would not interfere with New Line Cinema's way of doing business. After all, the company was making money.

Besides, the latest movie released by New Line Cinema was well received. Even though Terry Semel didn't have control over New Line Cinema, he was happy to see the company thriving. At least New Line Cinema would not be a problem for Warner Bros.

Terry Semel walked into his office and asked his secretary to bring him a newspaper. Specifically, the news about the movies being released this month.

[ ... "Se7en" is unique in one detail of its construction. It brings the killer onto the screen half an hour before the end and gives him a speaking role. Instead of simply being the prey in a car chase. He is revealed as a twisted but articulate antagonist who has devised a terrible plan for the conclusion of his sermon. (The actor who plays the killer is not identified by name in the ads or opening credits. So I'll leave his identity as another of his surprises.) "Se7en" is well done in its details. Uncompromising in the way it presents the disturbing details of the crimes. It is certainly not for the young or the sensitive. As good as it is, it misses greatness by not quite finding the right way to end. All the pieces are in place, all the characters are in place, and then - I think the way the story ends is too easy. Satisfying, maybe. But not worthy of what has gone before.] --Roger Ebert. Chicago Sun-Times.

Even a famous movie critic like Roger Ebert had said his opinion about the movie. Roger Ebert gave it two thumbs up.

Of course, Terry Semel knew that this kind of movie review had to do with New Line Cinema's promotion.

'I wonder how much money they gave Roger Ebert this time.'

Terry Semel chuckled and read another article.

[It's not the identity of the killer that gives Se7en its kick - it's the way Fincher raises the mystery to the level of moral provocation. If Pulp Fiction gave us a taste for such a challenge, we have Tarantino to thank, not to blame]. --Peter Travers. Rolling Stone.

When Terry Semel read the critics' review, he nodded in agreement. He had seen the film at its premiere and was impressed. It was said that the early screenings of Se7en had received a mediocre response. But the first-week box office said otherwise.

The midnight premiere box office was $3.6 million.

On Friday, it went up to $4.2 million.

On Saturday, it was $3.1 million.

On Sunday it was $3 million.

The opening week of Se7en grossed $13.9 million. In his opinion, this result already exceeded his expectations for the movie.

Se7en was dark, gritty, and bloody. Obviously, families would never choose it to watch with their children.

Still, it did well in its first week.

"Kazir Grey? Have I ever heard of this person?"

While reading the articles about Se7en, Terry Semel realized that the screenwriter's name was Kazir Grey.

Terry Semel decided to call his secretary instead.

"Emily, do you know anyone named Kazir Grey?"

"No, sir."

"Is that so? How about checking with the other departments? Maybe they know this person."

Everybody knows everybody in Hollywood. This circle is small. So there was a good chance that some people in the other departments would know Kazir Grey.

"Yes, I will ask them, sir."

The secretary named Emily was confused as to why the CEO was asking about this Kazir Grey. She didn't know this person too.

Anyway, it was an order from the CEO, and it was her job to ask the other departments. This kind of thing was not that difficult.

Using the phone on her desk, she started to contact each department.

"Me? CEO Terry Semel's is calling me?"

Enrico Pusi was confused as to why the CEO of Warner Bros. was calling him. Enrico was one of the producers in the production department. His job was... well, to produce movies.

Usually, he would attend the meeting to select scripts with high profitability. Once the script was studied, they would send it to other departments to study the other aspects of the script. Then the higher-ups would attend the meeting to approve the start of the project.

Sometimes he would take over and be the producer of the movie.

Right now, Enrico Pusi was busy promoting their upcoming movie, which was Batman Forever.

"Sir, Enrico is here."

"Let him in."

Enrico entered the office and found Terry Semel reading the paper.

"So Enrico, I heard you met this Kazir Grey?"

"..."

When Enrico Pusi heard what Terry Semel said, he instinctively swallowed. He realized the reason why he had been called.

"Don't worry, I don't blame you. I asked my secretary to give me the Se7en script that was in our script library. My answer is the same as yours, the script does not have strong profitability."

"Yes sir..." Enrico sighed in relief.

"However, I heard that Kazir Grey has a new project. If you have time, maybe you can get in touch with him. If the movie is interesting, you know what to do."

"I'll do my best, sir." Enrico nodded his head. At least he didn't get any nagging.

"That's good. You may leave now." /Puji_maki