There's a world of difference between a newcomer just starting to make a name for himself in the film industry and tasting the first flush of fame, and a big shot who commands billion-dollar franchises and wields immense power in Hollywood.
They're not even in the same league.
"Let's not set the bar too high just yet.
First, I'll create a series IP that can keep me popular for a long time," Kazir secretly resolved.
So, he decided to write an original screenplay, planning to make a big splash and carve out his own niche in Hollywood.
The last week of January.
Unlike last time, when he was still clacking away on a clumsy typewriter, this time Kazir used a laptop directly.
He had money now, and it was time to get some new equipment to boost his work efficiency.
He also changed his residence, renting a hotel apartment near his Gray Pictures studio, signing a one-year contract upfront.
The previous place he lived was too rundown to stay in, and now with better conditions, he could create and work with greater peace of mind.
This year he earned over 12 million, though most of it would go to taxes; the government's cut took at least thirty percent, which pained him immensely, but it was unavoidable.
"Salvatore, how did the talks go?" the phone suddenly rang, and Kazir answered, asking.
"Kazir, Paramount wants to collaborate with you.
They're offering a 5 million directing fee, but regarding the box office split, they want to discuss it with you in person," his agent Salvatore's voice came from the other end of the line.
"Alright, schedule a meeting for tomorrow," Kazir said decisively.
"Okay."
After hanging up, Kazir fell into contemplation: "taken, john wick, the fast and the furious... these films don't have high budgets, at most 50 million.
If the producers aren't willing to support me in making action films, then I'll..."
He swallowed the words at the tip of his tongue, not continuing.
The next day, everything progressed quite smoothly.
Kazir and his agent Salvatore Barlo walked into Paramount's headquarters together.
Paramount held two prominent franchises, Transformers and Mission: Impossible, but the rights to Mission: Impossible had long been held tightly by Tom Cruise.
In terms of strength, Paramount ranked second to last among The Big Six of Hollywood, only slightly stronger than Sony Columbia, which relied on Spider-Man.
"Kazier Gray, haha, I didn't expect to meet a relative!" Brad Grey, CEO of Paramount, walked towards him, his face full of smiles, greeting him warmly.
"I heard your father is my father's distant cousin, so by that reckoning, we're still relatives!"
"Is that so? That's quite a coincidence."
Kazir responded with a smile—he had just learned of this connection himself, secretly muttering to himself that the relationship was too distant, practically unrelated.
But how did Brad Grey know?
Could it be that he had nothing better to do than research genealogies?
"Kazir, I heard you insisted on a box office split and broke off talks with Warner Bros. and Fox because their terms were too harsh?" Brad Grey got straight to the point, asking.
"Yes."
Kazir didn't need to hide anything; after all, Hollywood was only so big, and news traveled fast, so these matters had already spread.
"I'll give you an 8 million base salary; how about you don't ask for a split?" Brad Grey asked tentatively.
"Sorry, Brad, I still want a split," Kazir's attitude was firm, without the slightest hesitation.
"Indeed.
Are you too confident in your film, or do you want to tie your entire future to it?" Brad Grey stared at Kazir, trying to discern something from his expression.
"Both," Kazir answered honestly.
Brad Grey stared at him.
Actually, Paramount had two opportunities to sign Kazir, but unfortunately, the production department didn't take it seriously, and by the time he found out, Kazir's script had already been submitted and rejected.
He couldn't help but feel some regret.
"Since both sides are interested in collaborating, why don't we take it slow?" Brad Grey suggested.
"Okay."
Kazir also felt this was a more prudent approach.
The two shook hands; the initial negotiation went smoothly, at least Paramount didn't immediately reject the demand for a split.
"Maybe they also want a film that can have sequels."
Brad Grey must have heard that Kazir was working on a sequel to napoleon dynamite, hence his speculation.
Paramount only had two major productions this year: Mission: Impossible and Star Trek.
Kazir actually really wanted the rights to Mission: Impossible.
He had a grand plan in mind, intending to incorporate this series into his cinematic universe, but unfortunately, things didn't go as planned—people always have things they can't achieve, and he could only reluctantly accept this reality.
"Then I'll see you next time, Kazir.
I hope we can reach an agreement then," Brad Grey said with a smile.
"I hope so too," Kazir responded with anticipation.
The two shook hands again, concluding the meeting.
At least both sides had ascertained each other's bottom lines, which was undoubtedly a good sign, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation.