Hollywood: Behind The SpotLight Chapter 66

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 66

Back to the current situation in the buzzing heart of Uni-versus Pictures' casting departnt.

Now that the production of Week On A Cruise Ship had finalized its three lead roles, the next task was to find supporting actors who would complete the cast and bring the entire script to life.

On the second day of auditions, which began bright and early, the production was searching for two actresses to portray key supporting characters.

The first role was that of Cross Pinger's nagging wife, who cheated on him multiple tis while on the cruise ship.

The second was the stripper with a heart of gold, who would eventually beco Cross Pinger's new wife after a chaotic string of events.

The two characters didn't have official nas. For convenience, they were simply referred to as Cheating Wife and Stripper Wife.

Collin had two reasons for returning to Uni-versus Pictures' headquarters on the second day of auditions despite his busy schedule:

First, to negotiate Axel's contract and finalize the terms.

Second, to check on Jennifer, who was set to audition for both supporting roles with everything she had.

To cover all her bases, Jennifer prepared for both roles, even though she didn't know which one the casting team would consider her for. She was aware that she wasn't popular with major studios, so her chances of getting cast were slim at best.

Over the past four months, Axel, Jennifer, and Lawrence had all auditioned for several movies as their nas slowly gained traction in the industry. But rejection followed rejection, except for Lawrence, who landed a lead role after only two rejections.

Jennifer couldn't help but feel jealous that Lawrence scored a leading role as if it were handed to him. It infuriated her and made her grind her teeth in frustration.

Still, she had to admit Lawrence deserved it. After working with him on multiple scenes, she realized that Lawrence could act with natural charisma and a grounded presence. No wonder he got cast while she was still waiting.

But that didn't erase her jealousy. Not one bit.

Because that's how emotions work. People get jealous. It's part of being human.

Collin spotted Jennifer sitting on a chair by the wall, quietly rehearsing her lines. Based on the queue, her turn would co within the next hour or two.

She had arrived early to avoid missing anything. The hallway was even more crowded than it was on the first day of auditions. Every bench and corner was occupied by hopeful actresses, perhaps because it was still early morning, and the eager ones were always the first to arrive.

Collin approached Jennifer casually. She looked up, saw him, and waved with a small smile.

But before he could reach her, a voice called out from the opposite end of the hallway.

"Collin! Long ti no see!"

"Hm?"

Collin turned to his left and saw Madison smiling at him with a confident, slightly flirtatious look. Her expression paused for a mont as she took in Collin's appearance, he looked more polished than before.

There was sothing different about him. It wasn't just the clothes or his posture. Collin had always carried himself with confidence despite being underpaid and struggling. But now, that confidence was real, backed by results. His entire presence had changed, like soone who had finally figured himself out.

Madison's cheeks flushed as unexpected mories surfaced. She rembered that night when she touched herself thinking about this man... Ahem, definitely not the ti to rember that.

"C–Collin, how's your day?" she stamred, making a clumsy mistake. What she ant to ask was, "How's your life these days?"

"My day? I'm doing fine, I guess," Collin replied, slightly widening his eyes at her sudden appearance. He hadn't expected to see Madison here, of all places.

He rembered that she had a regular role on a TV show. Then again, it wasn't unusual for TV actors to audition for film roles if their schedules allowed it.

What he didn't know was that Madison's character had just been killed off in the most dramatic fashion, she got hit by a bus in the latest episode, broadcast just yesterday.

Madison smiled and leaned in a little too close for comfort, her fitted top revealing just enough cleavage to make the move seem intentional.

"We should talk later, maybe grab a coffee or lunch. You know, to catch up like old tis."

"I'm sorry, but I'm not free today. I have things to do and people to handle."

"That's great, my treat—wait, what?"

"I'm busy with real responsibilities now. If you'll excuse , I need to talk to Jennifer about her audition."

Collin's steady gaze made Madison's knees feel weak, as though her legs were about to give out.

"W–wait..."

She stood there, frozen, extending her hand slightly, trying to stop him, but Collin had already turned and walked away without a second glance.

It was now crystal clear to her, the rookie agent she once dismissed was long gone. This Collin was more mature, more capable, and sohow far more attractive... yet far more distant.

Collin, anwhile, knew exactly why Madison wanted to talk to him now. He saw through it imdiately. He had no intention of entertaining the idea. Their professional relationship had ended the mont she left his roster.

He had genuinely been happy for her when she landed that TV role. He wished her well. But that was the end of it. To him, Madison was just a na from the past. A stranger now.

'It's disappointing... Madison used to have the most potential among my early clients. She was younger and had an exotic beauty that casting directors loved. She could've made it big... Jennifer would probably kill if I said Madison was better than her out loud.'

"Heh, that bitch acts like she didn't ditch you for another agency the mont she saw a chance."

Jennifer said it loud on purpose, making sure Madison could hear her. The two had never gotten along. Jennifer was foul-mouthed and blunt, while Madison, demure and passive-aggressive. It was oil and water from day one.

'But between the two... I'll still pick Jennifer. At least she doesn't hide who she is. With her, you always know where you stand.'

Collin sighed, wondering if he was ready for a full day of drama. It felt like this was going to be a long one.

"Jennifer, lower your voice, will you?"

"I don't want to and I won't. That bitch deserves it. Just because her role in My Pure Innocent High School Love ended doesn't an she gets to cling to you like a lifeline. Pathetic. She didn't even know you were sad when she left. She didn't give you a chance to prove yourself."

"Her role ended?" Collin blinked in surprise, finally understanding Madison's sudden reappearance. That explained a lot, including her overly friendly attitude.

Madison overheard every word and bit her lip in frustration, her cheeks burning with both sha and anger.

"Okay, Jennifer, hit the brakes before this turns into a spectacle. Let's talk about you, not her. How are you holding up emotionally and ntally?" Collin asked, redirecting the conversation. The crowd of actresses nearby had started paying attention, and the last thing they needed was a public scene.

"I'm nervous as hell."

"...Alright. That's natural."

"That's it?"

"If you're nervous, it ans you care about the outco. It ans you're taking this seriously."

"Of course I am. Lawrence got a lead role. Axel got a lead role. How the hell am I supposed to stay calm when I'm the only one not improving? Fuck, I hate this feeling. I hate falling behind."

"You don't have to worry. You've got in your corner. As long as I'm your agent, I'll make sure you find your place in Hollywood even if it takes ti," Collin said firmly, with conviction in his voice.

"Wow, Collin... I didn't think you'd say sothing so inspiring. Sounding like the main character now, huh? Guess you're falling in love with . Too bad, I don't like your rough looks. And when you look at seriously like that... my legs go weak, and I hate it."

"As if. I'm not into old hags who cuss like sailors. I'm not into Hagmaxxing."

"What the fuck did you just say, you little shit? Say that again and I'll beat your ass."