While other film companies were scrambling, trying every possible way to contact Kazir, the highly sought-after Director Gray was already calmly seated in front of reporters, giving an interview.
"Director Gray, I heard that when you cast actors, you never give them detailed instructions; you just hand them a script and let them perform as they see fit?"
The female reporter posed the first question.
"That's right," Kazir interjected casually, "When I'm casting, I actually already have a good idea of which actors I want to use. Take Ed Helms and Pedro Pascal, for example; as soon as I saw them, I knew they would be perfect for the roles, so I gave them script excerpts directly, especially the parts with lines that would make the audience laugh."
"So that's why Ed Helms said 'idiot' so many times in the film?" the female reporter asked with a smile.
"Exactly. Audiences who have seen the film know that Napoleon says 'idiot' no less than five times," Kazir responded with a smile.
"That's certainly true; those lines are particularly amusing," the female reporter nodded in agreement.
After napoleon dynamite completely exploded in popularity in the North America market, Fox Searchlight Pictures began to push the film with full force.
According to the agreement signed when the $2.3 million contract was made, they took Kazir and the entire crew all over North America for promotional activities.
The crew members all understood that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they were eager to use this surging popularity to boost their own fame, so they naturally agreed without complaint.
Unfortunately, Reese Witherspoon was busy with her own affairs in Texas at the time, while Kazir was doing promotional activities in New York, so the two hadn't been in much contact recently.
"Thank you for taking the time to interview me, Director Gray," the female reporter said sincerely as the interview drew to a close.
"The pleasure is all mine," Kazir replied with a smile.
The female reporter couldn't help but smile; she came from a small media outlet and had initially worried that a big director like Kazir would put on airs, but she hadn't expected him to be so approachable.
In her opinion, Kazir hadn't yet been corrupted by the complex environment of the fame and fortune world, and this rare simplicity was truly precious.
"Salvatore, do I have any other appointments today?"
After the interview, Kazir asked his agent.
"Everything is taken care of, Kazir, you can rest now! We'll return to Los Angeles next week." As Kazir's biggest client at the moment, Salvatore had his schedule meticulously organized, especially now that so many film companies were eyeing Kazir, he dared not be negligent in the slightest.
"Alright. Keep a close eye on the film companies; if they're interested in my new script, arrange a meeting quickly," Kazir instructed.
"Understood, you can rest assured!" Salvatore nodded in agreement.
"Then I'll be going," Kazir said, preparing to leave.
"Have a safe trip," Salvatore saw him to the door.
Kazir had specifically chosen to do promotional activities in New York because he had been thinking about his brother.
It turned out that Allen was going to propose to his girlfriend the next day and had specifically invited friends to the proposal party; tonight, he had called Kazir to his home early so the brothers could have a good chat.
As of December 22nd, napoleon dynamite's box office revenue had reached $117 million.
Over the several months since its release, the film's popularity had slowly waned over time, earning only $11 million in the past two weeks, but Kazir didn't mind at all.
In his opinion, the film had already captivated audiences with its own charm and no longer needed to prove anything to anyone.
It's worth noting that only a few films that year grossed over $100 million in the North America box office, and napoleon dynamite's ability to join their ranks was already impressive enough.
"They're probably here to discuss distribution rights and a sequel…"
At this moment, Kazir was negotiating with Fox Searchlight Pictures while pondering in his mind.
Fox Searchlight Pictures was clearly very interested in the film's subsequent development; they wanted to secure all overseas distribution rights, video distribution rights, and even the development rights for a sequel.
Generally speaking, films that do well in North America usually perform well in overseas markets too.
Although napoleon dynamite is full of American humor, and some jokes might not be fully understood by foreigners, there are always some universal comedic elements that can resonate with audiences from different cultural backgrounds.
Therefore, Fox Searchlight Pictures' main focus was still on video distribution and sequel development, as the profit margins in these two areas are quite substantial.
"Allen!"
"Kazir!"
The brothers enthusiastically embraced each other as soon as they met, smiling like two innocent children.
"Finally, I see you! Little brother, this move of yours directly doubled my earnings, haha!" Allen said excitedly.
Originally, Allen was the sole investor in napoleon dynamite, and Kazir, to show his support for his brother, agreed to give him fifty percent of the profits.
If word of this contract got out, it would probably shock many people; only someone as loyal and righteous as Kazir would sign it.
Others thought Kazir was foolish, saying he needlessly lost out on a large sum of money, but Kazir felt that the fifty percent profit was his heartfelt gesture, and why shouldn't his own brother get half?
"Brother, I still haven't received my 5% box office share, don't rush to celebrate," Kazir reminded with a smile.
"Haha, you're right, I was too impatient," Allen said, scratching his head with a laugh.
The box office had already reached $117 million, so 5% was $5.85 million, and according to the previous agreement, Allen would get half of that! How could he not be happy?
"Film companies usually don't pay until the film is almost out of theaters," Kazir explained.
"Understood, understood, I get it," Allen nodded in understanding.
The brothers chatted as they walked into the house.
Housing prices in New York have always been expensive; although Allen's house wasn't particularly large, it would still cost a lot in New York.
As the brothers were chatting animatedly, the doorbell suddenly rang.
"You have more guests coming tonight?" Kazir asked, a bit puzzled.
"Actually, Kazir… I want you to meet someone," Allen said, scratching his head, a little awkwardly.
He didn't know when their father, Victor Gray, would reconcile with his younger brother, so he simply arranged this meeting himself, hoping to use this opportunity to bring the father and son back together.
Kazir looked at his brother's uneasy demeanor, and his heart immediately sank, vaguely guessing something.
Just then, the door opened.
"Dad…" Kazir hesitated, looking at the familiar yet strange person before him, and called out softly with a conflicted feeling.
"Kazir?"
Victor Gray was stunned to see his younger son; he hadn't expected to see Kazir here tonight either.
The air instantly solidified; the 'father and son' hadn't seen each other for many years and didn't know what to say for a moment.
Victor sighed, slowly walked over, and gently patted Kazir's shoulder, saying emotionally, "Son, I'm proud of you. Your napoleon dynamite is really good."
He regretted it immensely, regretting that he hadn't supported his son's film career back then.
In his opinion, a father should always stand by his son and support his dreams.
He used to always want Kazir to take over the family business and help his brother Allen, but now he understood that as long as both his sons were happy, that was more important than anything else.
After all, they were both his pride.
In fact, he had wanted to contact Kazir for a long time, but he was afraid of being rejected by his son and being rebuffed.
This opportunity today was truly rare, and he couldn't miss it for anything.
After all, they were family!
"Dad… I'm sorry…"
Hearing this simple acknowledgment from the original body's father, Kazir, with complex emotions, hugged his 'father'.
After all, he had taken over the original body's physical form, so he should fulfill his filial duty on his behalf.
Allen, watching this touching scene from the side, couldn't help but wipe away tears.
The family was finally reunited, and that night, they chatted with exceptional comfort.
Victor talked about his business, while Kazir and Allen shared their respective lives.
The next day, Allen successfully proposed to his girlfriend of many years; everyone was happy for the new couple and drank themselves into a stupor.
After reuniting with his family, Kazir regained his composure and returned to Los Angeles.