Hollywood What If

Chapter 54

"We already talked to the city of Las Vegas and they agreed to let us shoot in the streets. However, we have to make sure that we never disturb the public."

"That's good to hear. We will shoot the street scenes as quickly as possible so that we do not cause any traffic."

As they walked to their next destination, Kazir and Salvatore had a conversation about the Las Vegas shooting. 

"As long as we don't make a movie that makes Las Vegas look bad, we'll be fine."

They reached the room where there was a small television and a VHS player.

"Director Grey."

A young black man greeted them. He had an Afro haircut. A very eye-catching hairstyle. 

"Fremont Smith? So you're the one Salvatore was talking about?" 

Kazir remembered Fremont Smith because of his hair. The Afro definitely rocks. 

Unfortunately, Kazir didn't have the hair strength to try the style. Instead, most of his hair grew around his mouth. His beard usually grew quickly. Sometimes he didn't have time to trim it because he was busy. 

"That's right. I sent my experimental film to Salvatore and he gave me a contract."

"I see."

Kazir didn't have a problem. He had heard that Fremont Smith got good grades in college. He was one of the top graduates. 

Many students graduated from the UCLA film school. But only a very small percentage made it. The only director Kazir remembered graduating from UCLA was Francis Ford Coppola. He is the director of The Godfather.

Kazir witnessed Fremont's work on the crew during the filming of Napoleon Dynamite. He was good at his job. He was one of the people who adjusted lighting and camera angles with Renner. 

He clearly knows what he's doing.

"How long is your experimental film?"

"45 minutes, Director Grey."

"Since there's a TV and a VHS player here, I assume you came prepared."

"That's right."

Fremont nodded enthusiastically. He knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Joining a major production crew after graduation was important for his resume. Especially if his position would be as an assistant director. 

To be a successful director, Fremont Smith needed experience. The best place to get experience was on big budget movies like The Hangover. 

"Let's see it."

"Thanks."

Salvatore sighed with relief after seeing Kazir's reaction. 

They sat down and watched the movie. 

Based on the color palette of the movie, the tone of the movie was dark and bloody.

Just as Kazir expected, the movie was about a person who kills people... 

The plot was simple, the shots were simple, and even the dialog was too monotonous. 

One thing was for sure. It was too bloody. Red blood here, red blood there, red blood everywhere. 

But he respected the fact that Fremont successfully finished a movie. As long as the movie was completed, it was a good movie. 

He knew so many movie projects that were stopped before they were finished. 

"It's good." 

"This is our school project before we graduate. All the actors are my classmates."

"That explains their acting."

"So what do you think?" Salvatore joined in.

"I have no problem hiring him as my assistant director, but I have one last question."

Kazir looked at Fremont Smith. 

"Director Grey, I will answer your question as best I can."

Fremont nodded.

"Fremont, how do you feel about action movies?"

"Action movies? I think action movies are man's romance."

"You're hired."

"T- Thank you, Director Grey!"

Kazir held out his hand and Fremont shook it. 

"Salvatore, contact producer Enrico Pusi later. Tell him to sign a contract with Fremont as my assistant director."

"I understand... But I'm just wondering, why did you ask Fremont about action movies?"

Kazir just chuckled. 

"I want to know Fremont's opinion about action movies. Simple as that."

"And you like his answer?"

"That's right."

Kazir wanted to know if Fremont was interested in making action movies. 

Kazir was already preparing his plan to make an action movie if all went well. 

If his Continental Cinematic Universe became successful, Kazir would need a partner to help him make the franchise.

If things went well, Kazir would make Fremont Smith his partner to create the action universe. 

'It is impossible for me to make two or three movies a year. I need someone to take over some of the projects.'

Just like Marvel Studio did when their movies became popular. 

Marvel Studio hired many directors to make dozens of movies and TV shows every year. 

The next day came and Fremont officially became Kazir's assistant director. 

"Today is the script reading and all the actors are here."

 

Fremont told Kazir before entering the room. 

"Okay."

Script reading is an important part of pre-production. To make sure the actors know their parts. To make sure they have an idea of what they're going to do.

'You can see whether an actor has read the script or not by attending the script reading.'

To be honest, Kazir didn't like actors who would casually act without even reading the script.

'Maybe people call this method acting, adlib, or improvisational acting. Some people may call it explosive acting... But please have the goddamn professionalism to read the script.'

Kazir had no problem with adlib acting... As long as they knew what they were doing. 

Especially actors who forgot their dialog. They were annoying. There are so many actors who have trouble saying their lines. 

"Good morning, Director Grey."

Ed Helms was the first to get up and greet Kazir. Then the actors began to greet him one by one.

The script reading began.

The cast were:

Phil: Bradley Cooper

Stu: Ed Helms

Alan: Jack Black

Doug: Pedro Pascal

Mr. Chow: Enzo Park

Jade: Reese Witherspoon

Of course, Kazir would never forget to include Reese Witherspoon in the cast. As long as the role was appropriate, he would try to squeeze Reese into it. 

That's how Hollywood works.  /Puji_maki