Hollywood: Behind The SpotLight Chapter 64

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 64

"Hey Collin, you're here at the audition too, huh."

"Earnest. I guess we both have excuses for leaving the office without filing a full-day leave."

The two agents laughed after greeting each other, the familiarity in their eyes hinting a friendship. Earnest's client, Cross Pinger, had also passed the second round of auditions and was now waiting for his final chance.

Cross was fourth to the last in line among the hopeful actors in the hallway. They had greeted each other earlier, having worked together on a project last year. However, this ti there was tension between them, obvious tension, because they were now competing for limited roles.

"Man, you really hit the jackpot with Wyatt as your client. I wonder if I should start looking for promising directors before they beco successful." The Black agent chuckled, clearly recognizing the benefits of having a successful director on the roster.

Wyatt's success had elevated Collin's entire client list.

"There are so graduates applying to our agency this year. You could check out their short films, maybe you'll find soone worth signing."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Earnest nodded, then walked back to Cross Pinger, who stood a few ters away, quietly reviewing his lines.

They were friends and coworkers, often sharing industry tips and office gossip. But today, they were competitors. With only three major roles up for grabs, and a sea of actors chasing them, there simply wasn't enough space for everyone to succeed.

"Did Collin agree? Will he talk to Wyatt and try to get a role or at least seriously consider ?" Cross asked in a low voice, making sure no one else could hear. He glanced around anxiously.

Cross was an average actor in almost every sense. He wasn't handso, but not unattractive. Not tall, not short. At 5'8", he was right on the line. He understood his limits and never overestimated his ability. That's why he knew how unlikely it was for him to land a major studio-funded cody role.

He also knew that the only reason he landed the groom's role in The Accidental Wedding Crashers was due to a lucky mix of timing and preparation. He had gotten a copy of the script early and made the most of it, outperforming many who ca unprepared.

But Week On A Cruise Ship was on a different level entirely. It wasn't an indie movie with a flexible casting process. It was backed by a major studio with high expectations. They wouldn't cast soone average, not unless sothing truly special happened.

Honestly, he suspected the only reason he passed the first and second rounds was because Wyatt knew him.

Cross felt the only path to success was through that connection. Otherwise, he'd be forgotten.

Earnest placed a firm hand on his client's shoulder. "You can do this. I believe in you."

He didn't say much else, words wouldn't change the odds. He also knew Collin didn't have direct authority over casting. Wyatt might be able to push for Axel, but asking to cast Cross in one of the lead roles was a bigger task.

Earnest was already grateful that Collin helped secure the opportunity in the last movie which was The Accidental Wedding Crashers.

He decided to place his hopes on Cross's performance. "Don't let your anxiety take over. Believe in yourself. If your performance ets their expectations and resonates with the script, they'll call you back."

Cross nodded reluctantly. He understood that if he wanted to survive in this industry, he needed to earn his place. Relying on others would only lead to disappointnt.

The production team soon announced an hour-long lunch break to eat and review preliminary impressions before resuming auditions.

Collin took the chance to speak with Wyatt and Henry. He wanted to make sure Axel's chances were solid.

"I'll do my best to cast Axel. So far, we're still finalizing the cast, but he has a strong chance. The Accidental Wedding Crashers gave him recognition in the cody genre. I'll also try for Jennifer tomorrow, though her role might not be as big as the male leads."

"That's great to hear. A huge relief too. Thanks, Wyatt."

"I should be the one thanking you."

In Hollywood, connections always mattered.

Collin then turned to Henry.

"Don't ask for biased favors," Henry said bluntly. "You know I always base casting on performance, not friendship. If Axel and Jennifer et our criteria and prove themselves on set, I'm fine with it. Just remind them not to cause trouble. I won't tolerate that."

Henry had past traumas from dealing with difficult people on set.

"Thanks, Henry. That's reassuring enough."

With that, the auditions continued and wrapped up as scheduled by the end of the day. Every actor had the chance to show what they were made of.

That evening, the casting team gathered for a final review: Wyatt, Henry, Anthony (Wyatt's assistant director), Gerald (the casting director who didn't like freelance actors due to reliability issues), along with other production staff and Uni-versus representatives.

Photos were posted on the whiteboard beside written nas. They played back several taped auditions on the mounted TV.

"Let's review Cross Pinger's audition one more ti and evaluate his delivery."

Anthony inserted the tape of Cross's performance earlier that day.

After a few minutes of watching, they began reviewing their top choices.

"We've already secured the role of Skibidi Toilet. Axel Gunner got that one without question. That leaves us with two more roles to fill."

Wyatt had written the role of Skibidi Toilet with Axel in mind. It wasn't surprising he nailed it imdiately. Similarly, the character of Teto Pear was inspired by Lawrence Terrence and his codic timing.

Unfortunately, Lawrence was busy filming in Bora Bora and unavailable for this movie, which Wyatt deeply regretted. He believed Lawrence had a natural codic instinct perfect for the role.

"He's the best choice. Let's cast Cross Pinger as Miku Beam. If he asks for a salary we can't et, we'll consider soone from our backup list," Henry declared.

No one objected. Cross had done well.

Cross Pinger was cast as Miku Beam, the "average guy" in the trio.

For the role of the handso Teto Pear, they selected a well-known actor with mainstream appeal to draw audiences. They needed a proven box office na.

Enter Brody Paige, a famous actor with a history of successful films. Among the three, he commanded the highest salary due to his fa and track record. He had starred in Interview with the Bloodsucker and Seven Deadly Sins, both of which perford well.

The production team understood that quality alone couldn't guarantee box office success. A recognizable star helped assure profits, and Brody Paige was that anchor for them.

Coincidentally, Collin also knew Brody Paige's agent.

Overall, the final cast was considered strong. All selected actors had film experience and had proven they could handle major roles.

"I'll contact their agents and start negotiating the contracts before we announce anything," Henry said, standing with paperwork in hand.

It was late, and he wanted to finish the day's tasks before exhaustion caught up with him. He knew the real chaos would begin once production officially started and rest would be a luxury.

That night, Cross Pinger and Axel Gunner received phone calls from their agents.

After years of rejection and failed auditions, they had finally secured roles in a major studio production.

That night, they were beyond happy, more than words could express.