HWI 448

Hollywood What If Chapter 448

Kazir was stunned as Scarlett's car left the building. A few seconds later, he chuckled and shook his head.

It was true that he had forgotten he owed Scarlett regarding the bet in Iceland. He had actually thought Scarlett would use that bet to increase her screen time in the movie.

Oh boy, he was wrong.

He didn't expect that she would use it like this.

"I guess I have to be honest as well."

Kazir was not stupid. He knew what was happening. He had an idea why Scarlett was doing all this. Although he was oblivious when it came to complimenting her, he was simply stating his honest thoughts.

"...Yeah, I should move on now."

Kazir had no reason to mourn a dead relationship. He had to move forward and build his future.

"Since that's what you want..."

He opened his phone and called Erica, his assistant.

"Erica, I want you to cancel my plans on February 14. Hm, yeah, tell Lionsgate to adjust the schedule. I have a date that day."

...

...

...

January and February didn't have much of a lineup of heavy movies. Only Hitch, starring Will Smith, had been released during those two months and made money. Hitch was actually a romance movie despite its title. It was released on February 11, very close to Valentine's Day.

There wasn't much to look at in the box office during these weeks. Even La La Land had lost almost half of its theaters after more than two months of screening.

So far, the movie had grossed $124 million domestically and $67 million internationally. The movie was actually in a great spot despite the slow progression.

Because once February 27 arrived and La La Land won awards at the Academy Awards, the movie would get a second run at the box office.

People would become more interested in La La Land once they found out the movie had won at the Oscars. Cinema Alliance would probably increase its number of theaters since it would never turn down more profits.

Of course, this scenario would only happen if La La Land won awards at the 77th Academy Awards. If not, then they would have to be happy with what they got.

The movie would probably surpass $300 million worldwide, so it was still a successful film.

"I'm really happy to meet you today, Director."

A man was beaming, grinning as he looked at the star-studded director across the table.

"Yeah, me too."

Kazir thought he wouldn't be meeting anyone from Lionsgate this week. He had moved the schedule, rather, Erica had spoken to Lionsgate to move the schedule. But instead of postponing it, Lionsgate decided to advance the meeting instead.

So today, on February 11, Kazir had to meet one of the producers from Lionsgate. The guy responsible for Now You See Me.

Now You See Me was a script that Lionsgate had purchased from Kazir. They knew that to start a big franchise, they needed a script that had a strong chance of winning at the box office.

Everyone in Hollywood knew that only Kazir Grey had that in his arsenal. Kazir never failed to deliver a good product to his customers. That was the reason he was in such high demand.

"Um, before we start the meeting, can I get an autograph, please?"

The producer, Mason Aiden, who would be forgotten a few chapters later since he was not relevant, pulled out a DVD case from his suitcase. The title of the movie was Zombie Pajama Dance Party.

Kazir almost cringed.

'Out of all my movies, he wants me to sign an autograph on this corny horror movie of mine...'

He smiled, or at least tried to. He pulled out a pen and signed his signature... He didn't even know this movie had a DVD version.

He had sold the rights to this movie to a small studio.

Well, the royalties from his horror movies were sent to his bank account, but he never looked at them because they were insignificant compared to the millions he made every year.

After that cringe-worthy signing, the two parties began talking about Now You See Me. Kazir was the executive producer on paper, but he never attended the filming at all. He had been busy.

Yet the fact that Lionsgate still paid him $1 million as his salary was mind-boggling. Lionsgate was probably trying to make a good impression so they could get more scripts from Kazir. This was a bribe.

As for how Now You See Me would perform at the box office, it would probably do well.

"Ah, I almost forgot. Congratulations on La La Land. Thanks for investing in this movie. Please help Fremont and Brianna to win the Academy Awards."

Fremont and Brianna were his friends. He wanted to see them win.

All of them were clients of Salvatore Barlowe. If the three of them won, then Salvatore would have three award-winning clients. Even though this agent was in demand, he never accepted any new clients anymore, because he didn't have to.

Some celebrities would love to become Salvatore's client because of the intensive network he had, but the agent had stopped accepting anyone new.

"You don't have to thank us, Director. If La La Land wins at the Academy Awards, it'll also be a good thing for us. Lionsgate will make more money if La La Land wins at the Academy. Besides, you're the scriptwriter of La La Land. We should be the ones thanking you instead. Thanks for writing La La Land."

Mason Aiden, a nameless producer, shyly replied. He was shy because his idol was asking him for a favor.

[Fifth and the last chapter of the day.]

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