Hollywood What If

Hollywood What If Chapter 5

Kazir Grey. A man who died at the age of 59. Fortunately, for unknown reasons, he returned to his younger years. Back when he was still an amateur director, where he directed three movies, and all of them flopped. 

Now Kazir thought about the difference between him and David Fincher.

Kazir had four decades of experience as a director. But he never had his moment of success, his moment of fame. He did his best to finance and create artistic and horror films, but he never got success. 

However, he loved his job and Kazir never planned to change his career. If he had to die, he wanted to die directing a movie. 

That was the reason why Kazir wanted to understand how David Fincher became successful, unlike him, who remained in his position as a mediocre director. 

'I'm not stupid. I have lived long enough to understand the difference between the two of us. It's about luck and opportunity. I never had any of that in my life.'

Kazir's love life was ugly and lonely. His marriage failed and he never married again. He remained single. He had a few relationships, but none lasted long. 

'Cassandra lost internet in me because I keep working hard... Is it wrong for a man to work hard? I have to provide. Unfortunately, she wanted more and I can't give it to her.'

To end his mistake early, Kazir didn't hesitate to give his house to Cassandra. He didn't need it anyway. He could sell it. However, he never wanted the money from the house that sheltered a cheater, might as well give it all to Cassandra.

'What I want is to find the 'opportunity and luck' that great directors have.'

There were many talented directors in Hollywood, but only a few proved their worth. 

Kazir's experience was not enough, he needed more. 

"Looks like you two hit it off," Arnold Kopelson looked at the two directors. 

"We spoke on the phone. David will be directing, while Kazir will join the screenwriters. I just want to repeat it so that everything is clear."

"No problem, Arnold. I will not fight for the position. I think David will make a great movie." Kazir assured him. 

"That's good to hear." Arnold nodded and looked at David. 

"I believe this movie will bring us success."

"..." Arnold kept his smile and read their proposal. 

"To be honest, the script looks promising, but I need more to convince the company to make this movie. Kazir, how much will you sell us the script for, including the copyright?"

Production companies understood the importance of copyright. Most of their income came from it, such as the sale of videotapes and related merchandise.  

"How much do you think it's worth, Arnold?"

"We'll buy it for $85,000."

"Make it $95,000. I don't have a problem with that. We can settle up later."

"Nice doing business with you, Kazir." 

"I will call my lawyer to read the contract, then I will sign it."

They shook hands and confirmed the transaction. Kazir didn't have an agent because he was dropped by his last one. There was a conflict and now Kazir was on his own. 

Kazir was already happy with the money he would get. A writer could get 2-3 percent of the total film budget, if not, more. In his case, he had already earned a lot by turning his script into a movie. 

'I'm still not famous in the industry and it's impossible to negotiate a higher price. Besides, I don't want to prolong the process. The sooner the negotiations end, the sooner we can prepare the movie.'

His real intention was not the money. His purpose was to study David Fincher, the money came second. 

"Arnold, about the movie..." David joined the conversation after Kazir and Arnold finished their negotiations. 

"Don't worry David. I will talk to the company, you can join the proposal if you want. But I can't assure you that your salary will be high. After all, "Alien 3"..." Arnold Kopelson was hesitant to continue the sentence. 

"You can talk to my agent, I know we can have a peaceful negotiation."

Considering David's last movie, he knew that he would never get a high salary. 

"No problem. Let's talk tomorrow to make this movie successful."

Arnold shook their hands and walked away. The first negotiation was fruitful and everyone was positive that they wanted to work together. 

"Well, who do you think are the best actors to play the two protagonists?" 

As they walked, David asked Kazir something important. As the writer, David would respect Kazir's opinion. 

"Well... If you're asking me, I think Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman fit the characters well."

"I have no problem with Morgan Freeman, his acting in Shawshank Redemption is amazing, but Brad Pitt? The one who was in "Interview with the Vampire"?"

"Yes, that Brad Pitt."

"Let me see... He really fits the protagonist. Let's invite him to audition as soon as the filming is approved." 

It seemed that David Fincher had no problem with Brad Pitt. 

"What about Denzel Washington and Al Pacino? I think the roles fit them too."

"I'm fine with them too." Kazir chuckled. 

'David, I'm sure you'll like Brad Pitt's acting. After all, you did ''Fight Club'' and Brad was one of the protagonists. Then you filmed "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and Brad Pitt was also the protagonist.'

These two movies touched the hearts of many people.

A day later they received a call that New Line Cinema wanted to talk to them about the movie - Se7en. A gritting crime thriller.