Hollywood What If

Chapter 32

The next day came and the intensity of the competition became fierce. 

In the end, Kazir decided to keep the global and videotape distribution copyrights. He could use these chips to negotiate with Hollywood companies later. 

Obviously, they didn't agree with New Line Cinema's offer to buy all the copyrights (global and videotape distribution) of Napoleon Dynamite for such a small amount as $2.3 million. 

"Hello? Salvatore? Someone wants to meet me? I understand."

Kazir received a phone call from Salvatore Barlowe. It seemed that Orion Pictures was also interested in his film. 

"Tell them I'll be right there."

Kazir nodded and accepted the meeting. They would meet at the Orion Pictures building to negotiate. 

......

...

On the other side, Tom Rothman was talking to Nancy Utley about Napoleon Dynamite. 

"So you're saying the movie is funny? And it's not a vulgar comedy. Kids under 13 can watch it?"

"Yes. When the movie is rated by the MPAA, I'm sure it will get a PG-13 rating."

"That's good to hear."

Tom Rothman found that most of the people who attended the screening had good things to say about Napoleon Dynamite. 

At the very least, everyone understood that the movie would do well in theaters. If they did it right, they might have a chance to make money on it. 

"..."

Tom Rothman pinched his chin. Then he decided to read the information about Kazir Grey. 

"Kazir Grey, born September 9, 1968. He recently divorced his wife because she cheated on him... The wife got the house." 

The latter was a bit disturbing since Kazir clearly hadn't fought for his property. But Tom Rothman would never judge a person, at least Kazir had the upper hand in terms of moral standards. 

Anyway, Tom Rothman knew most of Kazir's life during his 7 years in Hollywood. This kind of information could be found if you hire a private  investigator.

Nancy Utley sat across the table. She didn't know why Tom Rothman was silent.  

"Wait a minute..."

Tom Rothman noticed something interesting. He looked at Nancy Utley. 

"Do you have any idea how much the other companies offered Kazir?"

"Sir. I found out that New Line Cinema wants to buy all the copyrights of Napoleon Dynamite for $2.3 million. As for Miramax, it's $1.5 million, but with a 5% cut of the North American box office revenue."

Tom Rothman chuckled when he heard New Line Cinema's offer. It seemed like they were trying to squeeze Kazir to death with an offer like that.

"... Contact Kazir or his agent. Tell him I want to see the movie."

"Yes sir."

For a CEO of a giant movie company, it was a surprise that Tom Rothman was interested in a small-budget movie. 

'Maybe Kazir Grey made a big impression on me after I met him personally.'

In his opinion, Kazir Grey was a starving wolf. He didn't know how to explain it, but he could see that Kazir was hungry for recognition. 

However, Kazir kept his fangs hidden, and he could think better than anyone. At least that was how Tom Rothman saw him.

'If I knew I would be so interested in him, I should have invested in his movie.'

He sighed.

Well, the situation was not that simple last time. Even though Tom Rothman was the CEO, he could not make any important decisions without the acknowledge of the shareholders. Especially when Fox Searchlight Pictures was just getting started. 

One wrong move and the shareholders would berate him. Maybe even the Murdoch family would kick him out of the company. Keep in mind that Rupert Murdoch had the largest share of 20th Century Fox. He basically owned it. 

If his intuition was right, Kazir Grey definitely had a plan to make a sequel. If Napoleon Dynamite was a success, Tom Rothman would have nothing to lose. 

......

...

...

"Mr. Grey, it's nice to meet you." 

Brad Krevoy of Orion Pictures shakes hands with Kazir Grey. Orion Pictures had recently survived another bankruptcy. And they were trying to find another way to get back on their feet. 

'I heard that MGM was going to buy Orion Pictures this year.'

Knowing the future, Kazir Grey knew that MGM would successfully buy Orion Pictures around 1997. As for other information, Kazir was clueless. 

Orion Pictures was known for producing Pulp Fiction, The Silence of the Lambs, Dances With Wolves, and The Adams Family. 

They were a major influence in the 1980s. However, like most movie companies, they went bankrupt. 

Even now, Orion Pictures was still trying to survive. 

When Brad Krevoy was invited by CAA to attend a movie directed by the scriptwriter of Se7en, he knew he had to see it. So he attended the screening.

When he saw the movie, he learned that it would never be easy to acquire. There were so many people who offered millions for the distribution of Napoleon Dynamite. 

But Brad Krevoy didn't lose hope. As of now, it seemed that Kazir was still not selling the copyright to Napoleon Dynamite. This meant that Brad Krevoy still had a chance. 

They began to talk about Napoleon Dynamite. The two knew the purpose of this meeting, so there was no need to dilly-dally. 

"Kazir, I want to buy the North American distribution of Napoleon Dynamite for $2.8 million."

"I'm glad to hear that Orion Pictures is sincere." Kazir nodded and smiled. 

"Then..." 

Brad Krevoy was a little disappointed that Kazir didn't show any excitement. As if he had already expected the offer. 

"Kazir, if you have something to say, I'm free to listen. If it's feasible, I might be able to agree to it." 

Since his first bait was not enough to catch the fish, how about a bigger one? 

"Brad. If possible, I want a share of the box office."

"That..." Brad almost bit his tongue. 

He stared at Kazir. He was confused because he could not see any arrogance in his eyes. 

'He thinks he naturally deserves a share of the box office... What a clueless, arrogant freak.'

Indeed. Such a thing might be possible for superstar directors. But Kazir didn't have that status. 

"I'll think about it."

Brad Krevoy would never show any dislike. He kept his smile and their first meeting ended peacefully. 

However, they both understood that this meeting might be fruitless.

'I guess I will have to find another company...'

Kazir knew that his condition was too much. But he felt that he would regret it if he didn't fight for the best options. 

"Kazir, we received a call from Nancy Utley of Fox Searchlight Pictures. She said CEO Tom Rothman wants to see the movie."

Salvatore whispered next to him after the meeting ended. 

"I see. Tell her we can set up the screening today if they have time."

"Okay." /Puji_maki