Chapter 88

Chapter 88

"Executive producer, sounds like a stand-in."

"Hey, don't say it like that. You should be grateful that 20th Century Fox is willing to hire you."

Harold muttered beside Kazir. They were about to visit one of the studios at 20th Century Fox headquarters.

"No, they just want my creativity."

As the man who created Napoleon Dynamite, Kazir was invited to join the Napoleon Dynamite crew as an executive producer. Of course, being hired by one of the big six, Kazir had a salary to match.

'I can get $100,000 if the movie is produced. $200,000 if Napoleon Dynamite II makes a profit. Frankly, that is a lot of money for an average person. Maybe being an executive producer is not so bad.'

Unfortunately, Kazir Grey had already tasted the sweetness of money. Having $200,000 was not enough for him. He was not interested.

But Napoleon Dynamite was his first movie and he wanted to take it seriously, even though he was not the director.

'I am the screenwriter and of course I want it to succeed.'

Truthfully, Kazir Grey had no idea about the outcome of this sequel. It was a movie he had never seen in his life. He may have written the plot, but he knew that plot was not enough to make a successful movie.

"Kazir, don't give me that face. Your sense of being a serious bastard is coming out. Remember, we have another purpose for being here."

Producer Harold Witsend reminded him. Now that he was a producer, one of the tedious jobs fell to him.

"Yes. I still remember our mission."

Kazir had already contacted Sony-Columbia last time. Sony-Columbia wanted to take 35% of the worldwide box office as the sole distributor of the film. The company was responsible for advertising and promoting the movie.

However, their initial advertising budget was only $5 million. If the movie didn't do well within a week, Sony-Columbia had the right to stop the promotion.

To be honest, the deal was good. But Grey Pictures wanted better terms. Something that would bring them more money.

From now on, Sony-Columbia was their first choice. Harold Witsend wanted to contact 20th Century Fox to negotiate their project. Maybe 20th Century Fox was interested in the film and wanted to distribute it.

Kazir's filming had a calm and collected atmosphere. Most of the crew respected each other. They were working together to make a successful film. Also, Kazir Grey never raised his voice when talking to anyone.

Looking around, Kazir spotted Reese Witherspoon getting a makeover from a makeup artist.

When Reese saw Kazir in the corner, she waved and smiled. She wanted to approach the man, but she was still getting makeup.

As for Kazir, he just nodded.

A few minutes later, Nancy Utley appeared and talked to Kazir. Nancy Utley was the producer of the film. This was the first time that Fox Searchlight Pictures was producing its own movie. So she had to take the position of being the producer.

"Kazir, I want you to meet Hugo Lameire. He is a director from France who has made so many comedy films."

'Probably small budget films...' Kazir thought.

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. Lameire."

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Grey."

Hugo's earlier arrogance was long gone when he met Kazir. He was just a hired director and he knew he didn't have Kazir Grey's status. So as much as possible, there was nothing wrong with being humble.

"I'm interested in seeing the finished product."

"Don't worry, Mr. Grey, I'll make sure the sequel is successful."

Kazir Grey didn't have control over this project, but Hugo Lameire did.

'However, Hugo didn't even have the editing rights. Everything was under the jurisdiction of 20th Century Fox. They were the ones in charge of editing Napoleon Dynamite II.'

The two of them shook hands and Hugo did his job. Shooting began. Kazir and the others had to be quiet at that moment.

"Camera! Roll!"