The next day, as the attention drawn by napoleon dynamite in the market continued to heat up, the competition among various companies became increasingly fierce.
Kazir had already made up his mind; he would absolutely not easily give up the global distribution rights and video distribution rights.
In his opinion, these two rights were important bargaining chips for negotiating with the major Hollywood studios in the future, and he absolutely could not easily hand them over.
New Line Cinema wanted to pay 2.3 million to buy out all copyrights and global distribution rights for napoleon dynamite? In Kazir's eyes, this was simply an insult, and he naturally refused without hesitation.
"Hello? Salvatore? Someone wants to see me? Okay, I'll be right there."
Kazir was sitting in his office contemplating his next negotiation strategy when his agent called, saying that Orion Pictures had also shown great interest in his film.
"Tell them I'll be there soon." Kazir agreed without hesitation and arranged to meet at the Orion Pictures building for a detailed discussion.
Meanwhile, Tom Rothman was sitting in his office, enthusiastically discussing napoleon dynamite with Nancy Utley.
"You mean this film is quite funny, not vulgar, and suitable for children under thirteen?" Tom Rothman looked up slightly, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
"Yes, if we send it to the MPAA for rating, it will definitely get a PG-13," Nancy Utley said confidently.
"That's not bad." Tom Rothman felt reassured upon hearing the positive feedback from the test screening—at least for now, the film wouldn't lack an audience after its release.
If handled properly, there was a high probability of making a steady profit.
As he spoke, he subconsciously stroked his chin, then flipped through Kazir's profile.
"Kazier Gray, born September 9, 1968, recently divorced, ex-wife cheated, and the house was given to her."
This piece of information in the profile was a bit striking—Kazir actually didn't contend for property during the divorce.
However, Tom Rothman was not the type to casually judge others; at least morally, Kazir was in the right.
The seven-year Hollywood resume of Kazir he held could actually be found out if he was willing to pay a private detective.
Nancy Utley sat opposite him, and seeing Tom Rothman staring blankly at the material without speaking for a long time, she felt a bit bewildered and couldn't help but frown slightly.
"Wait…" Tom Rothman seemed to have suddenly discovered something interesting, looked up, and asked Nancy Utley, "Do you know how much other companies offered Kazir?"
"Sir, New Line wanted to pay 2.3 million for all copyrights, and Miramax Films offered 1.5 million plus 5% of North America box office revenue," Nancy Utley quickly replied.
Upon hearing New Line's offer, Tom Rothman couldn't help but curl his lips into a sardonic smile—New Line Cinema was clearly trying to drive the price down to the extreme, which was quite unscrupulous.
"Contact Kazir or his agent and tell them I want to see the film."
Tom Rothman said after a moment of contemplation.
"Understood, sir." Nancy Utley nodded in response.
It was indeed quite rare for the CEO of a giant film studio to be interested in a small-budget film; those around them were somewhat surprised.
'Perhaps the impression he left on me last time was too deep,' Tom Rothman mused inwardly.
In his opinion, Kazir was like a hungry wolf, with a strong desire for recognition hidden in his eyes, yet he knew how to conceal his sharpness, calculating more than anyone else, a person not to be underestimated.
'If I had known I thought so highly of him, I should have invested in his film back then.' He couldn't help but sigh, feeling some regret.
But how could it have been so easy back then? Even if he was the CEO, major decisions required shareholder approval, not to mention Fox Searchlight Pictures had just started not long ago, and every step had to be taken with caution.
If he made one wrong move, the shareholders could tear him apart, and the Murdoch family might even sweep him out—after all, Rupert Murdoch was Fox's largest shareholder, and his word was law in the company, his authority unquestionable.
If his intuition was correct, Kazir definitely planned to make a sequel.
As long as napoleon dynamite became a hit, his investment would be a sure profit… "Mr. Gray, it's a pleasure to meet you."
Brad Kervoy of Orion Pictures enthusiastically stepped forward and shook hands with Kazir.
This company had just painstakingly climbed back from the brink of bankruptcy and was eager to find new ways out to escape its current predicament.
'I heard MGM is going to acquire Orion this year,' Kazir knew very well that in his previous life, MGM successfully acquired Orion in 1997, but he wasn't clear about other details.
Orion once enjoyed immense glory; classic films like Pulp Fiction, The Silence of the Lambs, Dances with Wolves, and The Addams Family were all produced by them, becoming immensely popular in the 80s, but unfortunately, they still couldn't escape the fate of bankruptcy and are now struggling to survive in the market's crevices.
Brad Kervoy went to see the test screening through CAA and immediately knew the film was hot—several companies had offered millions to buy the distribution rights.
But he didn't give up easily; as long as Kazir hadn't signed a contract, he felt he still had a chance.
The two didn't beat around the bush and went straight to discussing cooperation.
"Kazir, we want to offer 2.8 million for the North America distribution rights," Brad Kervoy said frankly.
"I see Orion's sincerity." Kazir nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips, a smile that made it difficult to fathom his true thoughts.
Brad Kervoy couldn't help but feel a little disappointed seeing Kazir's calm reaction—this reaction, as if he had long anticipated their offer, made it seem that securing this project wouldn't be so easy.
"Kazir, don't hesitate to speak your mind; as long as it's reasonable, I can consider it." Brad Kervoy thought, if a small bait couldn't catch the fish, then he should invest more, and perhaps there would be a turn for the better.
"Brad, if possible, I'd like a share of the box office revenue," Kazir said earnestly, looking into Brad Kervoy's eyes.
"Then…"
Brad Kervoy almost bit his tongue; he stared intently at Kazir, his eyes full of surprise and confusion.
There was no arrogance in the other person's eyes; instead, it was as if he thought, "This is normal"—why though?
'Is this kid really arrogant, or just incredibly foolish?' Brad Kervoy muttered to himself.
You know, only those big-name directors dared to ask for a share of the box office; Kazir wasn't at that level yet!
"I'll think about it."
Brad Kervoy didn't show any displeasure on his face, still smiling, and this meeting ended peacefully.
But both of them knew that this trip might have been in vain, and reaching a cooperation would probably require more effort.
'It seems I need to talk to other companies…' Kazir knew that his conditions were indeed a bit harsh, but if he didn't fight for it, he feared he would regret it later.
"Kazir, Nancy Utley from Fox Searchlight Pictures called and said their CEO Tom Rothman wants to see the film."
As soon as the meeting ended, Salvatore leaned over to Kazir and whispered.
"Okay, tell her that if she's free today, a screening can be arranged anytime," Kazir said without hesitation.
"Alright." Salvatore nodded in agreement.