HWI 150

Hollywood What If Chapter 150

The Truman Show was released last month and its performance was strong. Especially Jim Carrey was the protagonist. 

The 90s was Jim Carrey's era after all. 

"Of course, I understand where you're coming from. I watched Brianna Evans' audition and she is a talented actress. Still, we should give others some chance to get the role."

Brad Grey smiled.

The Truman Show was owned by none other than Paramount and the profit from the movie was promising. Although he could not deny that the movie was mostly carried by Jim Carrey. 

As of July 31, The Truman Show grossed more than $122 million. 

"Haha, people are saying that you have a good eye for choosing movies. Two of the projects you recommend are successful."

"You know that I'm just lucky."

"Perhaps, but do tell us about your opinion. Heck, we can send you the scripts just to hear your opinion if it's a pop or flop."

"..."

Kazir maintained his calm expression. 

'Lately, people are contacting me about so many projects. They want to hear my opinions.'

Jack Black, Pedro Pascal, and even Salvatore Barlowe pestered him these days.

Kazir didn't give them pointers and let them decide on their own. He decided to let fate roll the wheel. 

'... Or perhaps I'm just being biased.'

He helped Reese Witherspoon because of their relationship. 

He helped Brianna Evans because he was amazed at her talent. He felt like it was a waste to let a talented woman rot in the theater acting. 

As for Viggo Mortensen, he just gave him a push to accept the role that was meant for him. Kazir Grey liked the Lord Of The Rings and he only recognized one person as Aragorn, and that was Viggo Mortensen. 

As for the other actors, he knew that most of them would have a successful career and there was no use helping them. They will become superstars sooner or later. 

"It explains a lot since you are a good director as well. You can tell if the movie is going to be good or bad. Ah, now that I remember, can you spend a few minutes reading this."

Brad Grey pulled a script under his table and passed it to Kazir. 

"It's a movie that we are going to release in 1999 or early 2000. It's already approved by the higher-ups. It's our main project for next year. Gary Marshall is the director of the movie. He is the one who introduced us to this project."

Kazir opened the script and he narrowed his eyes when he read the Title. 

"Runaway Bride?"

"That's right."

Brad Grey nodded. 

'Damn, they are really serious about this.'

Of course Kazir recognized this movie. And of course he knew who Gary Marshall was. 

'Gary Marshall is the director of Pretty Woman, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere.'

To make it more interesting, the leading roles in Runaway Bride were Julia Roberts and Richard Gere as well. 

'The three veteran artists cooperate for the second time and the result is expected. Runaway Bride is part of the top 10 box office movies of 1999.'

The fact that CEO Brad Grey let Kazir read this script was truly amazing. He could not believe that he reached the point where he could read heavily invested movies like Runaway Bride. 

"Hm... It looks promising. If Brianna Evans can't pass the audition for Meet The Parents, how about you can give her this role instead?"

Honestly, he wanted Reese Witherspoon to take the role but she was too young for the role. She would definitely get rejected. 

"Haha, Kazir, you are being greedy."

"I know."

There was no reason to hide it. 

"How about this, I let Brianna Evans directly enter the last round of audition."

"That's already good."

Now that Kazir gave the script a good review, Brad Grey felt like the movie had a good chance at the box office. He even wants Brianna Evans to participate in the movie. 

'If I'm not wrong, the production cost of Runaway Bride became $70 million because of the Richard Gere and Julia Roberts salaries.'

Both of them were superstars who had many fans all over the world. It was understandable why their salaries were huge. 

'Anyway, let's all put it on a different perspective. Brianna can keep up using her talent.'

He saw the woman last time, she was bubbly and lovable. Almost different from what he saw when filming Taken. 

'She can mold into different roles. Like a chameleon.'

"Now... Let's talk about the real purpose of this meeting."

The atmosphere became serious. 

"Paramount doesn't have any schedule for September. John Wick will be released in that month."

"I understand." Kazir nodded. 

September was not a good schedule compared to Summer, Halloween, and Christmas. 

Still, Paramount was not stupid enough to put important resources into a movie that was not theirs. Especially when the profit they could get was only 25% of the box office. 

"September is already good. I don't have a problem with it."

"That's good to hear. Don't worry, we will do what is written in the contract. We will invest $3 million in the initial promotion. We will adjust the promotion budget based on the performance of John Wick."

Both of them knew that John Wick was different from Taken. Taken was a miracle that ride the trend and earned buckets in the process. But John Wick was a pure popcorn action movie. 

Heck, the movie was Rated R which was not good for the business. Even Brad Grey believes that the performance of John Wick was average at best. Perhaps it was already a miracle if the movie surpassed $200 million worldwide. 

'Unless another unexpected event happened.' 

The two Greys shook hands after this meeting. Both of them were using each other and there was nothing wrong with it. It was a win-win situation anyway.