[Shout out to Marcelo V!]

Hollywood What If Chapter 139

Directors were different animals who could handle extreme pressure. This should be one of the common traits that directors should have. They suffer months of nervousness in case their movie doesn't work out.

If a movie flopped, the director was usually blamed. The responsibility they had was a double-edged sword.

"I know, that's why I decided to let him direct Taken 2 instead of The Bourne Identity. Unlike The Bourne Identity, which didn't have a strong guarantee, Taken 2 is a sequel to Taken, which has a successful box office. Even if Taken 2 can't surpass the box office of Taken, it has a strong ability to make a profit."

To be honest, Kazir knew that Taken's success was due to the human trafficking that happened last year. His expectation for Taken was only around $250 million at best. If Taken 2 surpassed the $250 million mark, Kazir would be satisfied.

-- What about the budget?

"We can sign a contract with an insurance company. Besides, first-time directors are usually conscious of spending money; I think Fremont Smith can handle it."

-- But--

"Salvatore, I know you're worried about the boy. But you have to let him spread his wings and give him a chance to fly... He is only five years younger than you, he is not a child."

One of the reasons why Kazir hired Fremont was because he was looking for someone he could trust to take care of Continental Cinematic Universe along side him. So far, Fremont was doing well.

-- I understand. But what about Liam Neeson?

Salvatore Barlowe had a lot to worry about because their plan to speed up the projects might cause a problem.

"Yeah, I need to talk to Liam to convince him."

Liam Neeson trusted Kazir Grey, but it was another thing if another person took over the director's position. Liam Neeson might have a problem with that.

He could drop the Taken franchise altogether and pay damages instead. That would be irreparable damage to Grey Pictures once it happened.

Kazir Grey could be trusted because he had already proven himself. But Fremont Smith was just a rookie. Not only Liam Neeson, but also the other actors might have a negative opinion about these changes.

Kazir hoped that Liam Neeson would not be disappointed.

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"Keep this information private for now. We can't let others hear it because it could cause us trouble."

-- Okay, I will start looking for talented people. Who will lead this new team?

"I will take half, and Fremont will take half."

Fremont Smith would perform better if he recognized the people he was working with.

Kazir had Fremont build a small team for him to take over when he started his own project.

Kazir was confident he could handle new people.

'To be honest, I thought about giving Renner Hector the chance to direct Taken 2, but the fire in his heart is still not enough. It needs to be ignited. As long as Renner is not ready to make his own movie, I will let him do what he wants.'

It was funny that the veteran wanted to stay in his position while the rookie was hungry for recognition and wanted to start his own movie.

"I need to talk to Liam Neeson before Grey Pictures starts the project."

-- I have an idea. How about you go to the Academy Awards?

"Huh? I thought that was over. The Oscars are always in March."

-- Something happened so they changed the date to April 12th. There was a small fire at the venue, so they changed the schedule.

"I understand."

Kazir felt that this change was because of him, but he decided not to think about it.

"I will attend."

--That's good.

"I will call you again." Kazir ended the call.

Maybe because he was too busy, he didn't think about the Oscars. He hadn't noticed that the Oscars were late this year.

'If I'm right, Taken has three nominations. Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay and Best Sound Editing.'

Even though they got three nominations, it would be hard for them to win even one of the categories. First of all, Grey Pictures never invested in PR(Public Relations). Well, except for Liam Neeson.

In his career, Liam Neeson has only received one nomination in the Best Actor category. It was none other than Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List. That was the only time he got it.

Grey Pictures and Paramount felt that Taken didn't have a chance at the Oscars after Titanic flooded theaters. So it was pointless for them to invest in PR.

But for Liam Neeson it was different. He wanted that golden statue.

Well, everybody in Hollywood wanted that golden statue. Even Kazir Grey was no exception. He was hungry to get one.

However, there was no chance for Kazir to find the best script to make a movie that would attract the members of the Academy.

'Although I know that the Academy will slowly become conservative and afraid of change. They will stick to their old school ideals and reject others. They will try to accept changes and become so called "woke", but they are just hiding their extreme prejudice... Still, I can't deny the truth that I want to get the Best Director statue.'

Maybe Kazir Grey was a hypocrite, too. The Academy was not perfect and neither was Kazir.

'I heard that Liam's PR team is contacting members of the Academy and giving them gifts. Even Liam Neeson attended so many parties to build connections.'

Kazir knew Liam Neeson's temperament. Like Kazir, Liam Neeson hated parties. But he ignored that just to get the golden statue.

'Hell, I'd do the same if I were in his position.'

But Liam's opponents were not so easy.

Matt Damon from Good Will Hunting.

Robert Duvall from The Apostles.

Jack Nicholson from As Good As It Gets.

And Dustin Hoffman in Wag The Dog.

In Kazir's opinion, Jack Nicholson has the best chance of winning this year.

'Still, I can't deny that Taken is the second best movie of 1997. Liam Neeson is only behind Jack Nicholson for Best Actor.'

+++++

[Author's note: I have always avoided the Academy Awards because I have some prejudices against them. Maybe letting Will Smith win Best Actor Award after he slapped Chris Rock is one of the reasons. But I can't deny that they make a huge contribution to Hollywood. Kazir Grey will have to face them sooner or later].