Hollywood: Behind The SpotLight Chapter 44

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 44

The movie ended, and the group ca out of the theater with lively chatter and wide smiles. As they exited, another round of moviegoers entered eagerly, clutching snacks and drinks.

Even though it was Monday, the theater screening The Accidental Wedding Crashers was 50% to 70% full during almost every showing. That kind of turnout usually only happened on weekends when people had more free ti to see movies with friends or family.

Bob, Dylan, and their friends began talking about the movie again, chuckling and giggling as they walked away from the theater.

"Oh my God, I didn't expect it to be that fun and outright hilarious."

"I told you so. You were skeptical at first. If I didn't convince you, you might've skipped it and totally missed out."

"You can't bla for being hesitant. I didn't recognize anyone in the cast. There's no famous actor, not even in the background."

"Yeah, you're right about that. I was also unsure when I saw the posters. I think the cast isn't famous, maybe this movie is their first big break in Hollywood."

"Probably their debut film or close to it."

As they talked and quoted their favorite lines from the film, an employee from the Cinema-rating organization, wearing a na tag, approached them.

"Um, excuse . Would you mind participating in a survey about The Accidental Wedding Crashers?"

The group exchanged amused glances and grinned, honored to be asked.

"Of course!"

"From A to F, how would you rate this movie? A is the highest, F is the lowest. Please be honest."

"A !"

Everyone in the group shouted without hesitation. The Cinema-rating employee nodded in satisfaction, he wasn't surprised, given the crowd's reaction. More than 75% of those they interviewed had rated the movie A . They'd been collecting data since yesterday across multiple theater branches.

Honestly, they were surprised an unknown movie was receiving such consistently high marks from audiences. They had assud it would be a generic cody with a predictable plot. Even the first 24-hour box office numbers were disappointing and below projections.

But everything changed when the second and third days arrived like a sudden tide shift. For so reason, the movie's reputation began to soar faster than expected. More people bought tickets after hearing glowing reviews from friends and coworkers. This pattern repeated itself in many cinemas across the country and was even picked up by local entertainnt news.

As a result, Cinema-rating initiated a broader survey and they were stunned when an overwhelming number of viewers gave the film A ratings with enthusiastic word-of-mouth praise.

"Would you consider recomnding this movie to your friends?" the employee asked, flipping to the next page on his clipboard.

"Absolutely!"

"Haha, I'm calling my brother to watch it right after dinner!"

"My friend's heartbroken because she got rejected by a coworker at a pizza shop. I bet she'll forget the whole thing after watching this. It's like a laughter reset button."

"I'll invite my crush and pretend it's just for the story."

"I'll ask my parents if they'd be up for a cody night. This movie's too good not to share, even with older people."

The employee smiled and jotted down their answers with quick, practiced strokes.

After the short survey, he called his coworkers to update them about the film's reception.

"Yeah, the ratings are still solid, A across the board. Almost everyone gave it an A . You can go ahead and finalize the docunts and send them to the higher-ups. I heard Uni-versus Pictures is eager to hear the audience scores. Yes, I'll finish my shift here. Wait, you want to watch the movie? The company will reimburse ? Then I've got no reason to say no. Free ticket and a break? I'm in. It's exhausting to stand around doing surveys all day. I'll share my thoughts after the credits roll."

Without hesitation, the employee bought a ticket and it turned out to be the best decision he made all day. At least he wouldn't be too upset that the reimbursent didn't go through.

...

...

...

"...Collin, you're not lying, right? This is really the place we're going to live in from now on?"

Aida looked at the towering group of buildings with awe and disbelief. Her neck nearly snapped from craning it so far upward, the buildings were that tall.

"Do I look like I'm lying? Yes, I rented an apartnt for a year and signed all the paperwork myself. You don't have to worry anymore. I'll take care of you and Mom—Ouch! Why'd you pinch ?"

"To make sure I'm not dreaming or hallucinating."

"Then why not pinch yourself?"

"My skin's sensitive and bruises easily," Aida replied, still stunned that their new apartnt was in such a luxurious high-rise. It looked like sothing straight out of a lifestyle magazine.

Aida and Collin had the sa deep green eyes, an inheritance from their father. But while Collin had black hair that glead in sunlight, Aida had brunette hair from their mother.

"This place looks expensive, like celebrity-expensive. You should've rented sowhere more affordable. You didn't have to go this far for us."

Evelyn looked at her son with motherly concern. She knew Collin had earned good money and paid off all their debts like a responsible man, but she still worried. What if nothing was left for him if he kept spending too much?

"You should save money for yourself and plan ahead."

"It's fine, Mom. Money's ant to be spent on the right things. Besides, this complex is one of the safest in Hollywood, 24/7 security, top facilities. So celebrities even live here. You might run into them in the elevator or lobby."

"Really? Will I et Tommy Yatch in this building?"

Aida's green eyes sparkled like stars.

"I'm not sure. From what I heard, Tommy Yatch lives in Beverly Hills, away from all the noise."

"Aww..."

Aida let out a dramatic sigh of disappointnt.

Collin chuckled and tousled her hair teasingly, earning a furious glare.

"Don't ss up my hair! I spent 30 minutes on it!"

"Okay, okay. I surrender."

Collin didn't bother explaining that he had once worked for Tommy Yatch as a physical trainer. That job didn't last long, Tommy had fired him for a petty reason. Apparently, the actor didn't like the fact that Collin was taller than him.

Tommy had confidence in his face and charm. He was considered one of the most handso actors in Hollywood by magazines, but his height was his weakness. At only 5'7", he wasn't exactly short, but he wasn't tall by industry standards either.

Standing next to Collin made Tommy uncomfortable, so he replaced him with a shorter, more agreeable trainer.

"Co on, let's go in and check the apartnt. I picked a spacious unit with a great view. It's way bigger than our old place, four bedrooms, so each of us gets our own room and privacy," Collin explained. He had inspected the apartnt thoroughly before signing the lease, checking every corner like a ticulous inspector. He was confident in his decision.

"That's great!"

Aida could hardly contain her excitent.