HWI 160

Hollywood What If Chapter 160

"Haa..."

Kazir yawned after the tiring job yesterday. With the remaining money from the company, Kazir started the Bourne Identity project.

Their initial plan for the movie was $50 million, but they could adjust it depending on the situation. 

Kazir wanted authentic scenes so they have to fly to Italy where Jason Bourne was first found. Making the budget bigger. 

In his opinion, the movie might reach a $60 million budget, if try to hire Matt Damon. 

Matt was already a famous actor and his salary ranged from $5 to 10 million. 

Kazir Grey was ready to hire Matt Damon just to make sure that the movie would be successful.

"Did you sleep well?"

The woman who was laying next to Kazir whispered. Cameron Diaz smiled and kissed his cheek. 

"Good morning, Cam."

"Good morning, Kazir."

She giggled and stood up. She invited Kazir to her place to have some fun and she was not disappointed. 

"I have to attend the training for Charlie's Angels."

"Let's leave together."

Both of them were busy. Still, they have to keep their relationship for promotion sake. Even if John Wick was over, they have another project to think of. 

'Producer Harold Witsend is already contacting Paramount and Cinema Alliance to get our share of the cake.'

40% for Cinema Alliance and 25% for Paramount. 

In the end, Grey Pictures only got $36.08 million. The production cost of John Wick was $30 million... Meaning, their profit was only $6 million. 

The only good news was the fact that the box office internationally was doing well. Perhaps they could profit from about $20 million. 

On top of that were the videotapes. 

'I recalled that John Wick has a strong response in the DVD and online movie renting markets.'

The couple went to the bathroom together and stayed there for about an hour. They were both refreshed after coming out of the bathroom. 

.........

.......

...

Grey Pictures intended to release two movies next year. Which were the Bourne Identity and Taken 2. 

The crew planned on filming the Bourne Identity around January and then releasing it on the summer schedule. 

As for Taken 2, they would release it on September or November schedule. 

"Our agenda for today is about Liam Neeson."

At the long table, the important people in Grey Pictures were having a conversation. 

"I already talked to Liam's agent but they didn't show any response."

Salvatore Barlowe said his story. Their current problem was Liam Neeson's opinion on these changes. It would be devastating if Liam Neeson dropped Taken 2.

"Um, I might be overstepping my boundary but can I say my opinion?"

Harold Witsend joined the conversation. 

"Harold, you are the Producer. You have all the right to speak."

"Then... Why don't we postpone the Taken 2 to 2000? It will be hard for us to convince Liam Neeson that fast. We need time to convince him and his agent."

When Harold said it, everyone looked at Kazir Grey. He was the one who push the plan to release two movies in a year.

"We can't do that. Or else our schedule will be slow."

"How about filming John Wick: Chapter 2 first?"

"That's impossible, the plot should remain the same. Taken 2 needs to be released before John Wick: Chapter 2." Kazir shook his head. 

The room was quiet for a while. Fremont was listening to their conversation. He wanted to say something but he was anxious to open his mouth. 

Suddenly, Kazir told them something. 

"I met Liam Neeson last week. He feels indebted after winning the Best Actor award. He said that he can agree to our conditions but he has to meet the new Director first."

This time, all of the people in the room looked at Fremont Smith. 

"Fremont, you have to convince Liam Neeson. It's one of your job to make this movie successful."

"I understand." 

Fremont nodded strongly even though he was nervous. This was his first project and it was a big movie at the best, he couldn't help but be nervous. Still, he wanted to take the chance. 

"As for the salary negotiation... I guess everyone here understands that Liam Neeson's team will try their best to get more money from us. Keep it within the expected budget."

"Alright, that's my job as the Producer."

It seemed that Harold Witsend already adapted to his life as a Producer. 

The second round of audition for Bourne Identity was already done and the crew were just filtering for the final audition. 

So far, one role was already filled by Cameron Diaz as Marie Kreutz. 

Once the meeting was over, Harold and Salvatore stood up to talk to Kazir about the situation with Matt Damon. 

"Kazir, Matt Damon has enough training since he has just done Saving Private Ryan. I believe it will not be a problem for him to do action stunts. However, he is too thin. Do you expect a man like him to bulk up in 2 to 3 months?"

Salvatore expressed his thoughts. 

"Guys, we both know that there's a way to get buff fast."

Actors in Hollywood might try to hide it but people were not stupid. 

Anabolic steroids... Yes, many action stars use this medicine to make their appearances look better. 

Fake Natties. Those hunk actors who had great physiques definitely use 'medicine' to maintain their appearances. It was a well-known secret in Hollywood. 

"I agree with Salvatore. I think Matt Damon's friend, Ben Affleck, is better suited for the role of Jason Bourne."

"It will be fine. We already contacted Matt Damon even before John Wick was released, which was four months ago. I believe he's trying his best to gain weight within that time. The last time we saw him was four months ago, perhaps he will look better once he attended the final audition."

Seeing that Kazir was adamant about his decision, Harold and Salvatore decided to trust him. They hope that the young thin Matt Damon would have more muscles. 

"As for his salary, keep it below 7 million and make sure that he will sign sequels and cameos."

"Alright."

[I found that Matt Damon's salary for Bourne Identity was a whopping $10 million and $26 million for the second movie. Now I'm thinking if it's worth it to hire Matt Damon. Should I hire him? And if not, do you know some actors who fit the criteria of Jason Bourne? In my opinion, there's no problem with Matt's acting I don't know anyone who can take the role of Jason Bourne except him.]