Behind The Spotlight

[Pujimaki]

Collin East is a talent agent barely scraping by in the tough world of Hollywood. He's average, has average clients, average luck, and an average career that has no clear direction.

Until one morning, everything changes.

Collin wakes up with a bizarre and unbelievable power. He can see floating words above people's heads. Words that reveal true and innate talents. "Romance Box Office Hit Actor," "Master Director Of Comedy," "Talk Show King," "Olympic Gold Sprinter." Suddenly, the nobodies around him shine with potential only he can see.

Armed with this supernatural insight, Collin sets out to transform the entertainment industry from the inside out.

He discovered an aspiring actor flipping pizzas, an unknown director with a vision that could make everyone laugh, a singer on a subway platform who could top the Billboard 100.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 1


"Looks like everything here is done."

"Yeah, thanks for that. You always know how to find the right people."

Collin East gave a weak smile when he received the praise. He knew it was just a simple compliment that didn't mean much. Compliments were hollow in this industry, an industry where people lied all the time. This was the entertainment industry, after all.

He had been working in showbiz for almost three years now. Yes, he could find the "right" people, people with mediocre talent and even more mediocre salaries.

Being a talent agent was not that simple. So far, he only had three real clients he was truly responsible for. As for the "right" people, they were just freelancers hoping to hit it big in the industry. They were drifters and dreamers in Hollywood.

Collin found them while driving and walking around Los Angeles. He sometimes found them in restaurants, sometimes in night bars, and even in alleyways.

The makeup artist he found was just a hairstylist who had been fired from a salon.

The props master he discovered was a geek who was into dolls... adult dolls.

Even the costume designer he brought in was an anime nerd who was deep into cosplay or some other weird obsession.

The year was 1995, and Collin didn't know how his life would turn out. However, he didn't have a choice but to take a step forward, or else he would be left behind. He didn't want that to happen again.

For someone like him, who had been left behind, not taking a step was the most painful thing. Because it meant he remained stagnant.

Collin East had been a model three years ago. He had been the center of the camera lens once. He experienced photoshoots, modeled for clothes and colognes, but he wasn't that well known. Just like the "right" people he found, Collin was also mediocre. His earnings weren't even stable.

After experiencing heartbreak and a harsh wake-up call, Collin realized that modeling wasn't for him.

"Collin, you have talent."

That was what the producer, Henry Greyson, had told him. Henry had been Collin's partner whenever he needed manpower for a movie project.

Henry was a producer, so of course, it was his job to manage the production crew. Whenever there were missing positions to fill, Henry would contact Collin to find someone. So far, Collin hadn't disappointed him.

Even though Collin's people were socially awkward, they got the job done, and they never made trouble. In fact, the "right" people Henry referred to were those who didn't cause problems. These "right" people worked at a lower pay grade, which made them perfect for production crews looking to cut corners and save money.

Hollywood could be considered the City of Sin, even though Las Vegas already had that title. Technically, Hollywood wasn't even a city, it was just a part of Los Angeles.

But symbolically, Hollywood represented both the dreams and the dirtiness of the entertainment industry.

Many people in the business used drugs. Some were sex addicts. Others had disturbing fetishes.

So, hiring socially awkward workers instead of drug addicts was a much better choice in any situation.

In Henry's last project, one of the casting directors recommended to him had almost raped a small-time actress.

That incident nearly cost them the entire production. Thankfully, the actress didn't press charges and settled for money instead. It was a nightmare Henry didn't want to relive.

It was fortunate that one of the talent agents he knew, Collin East, was someone he could trust. The two had been working together for three years, and Collin had never failed to provide the "right" people.

At the very least, the people Colin recommended had never caused any problems for Henry. For this particular deal, Collin earned around three thousand dollars. Not bad for a small-time agent like him.

"By the way, thanks for hiring my client."

"You shouldn't thank me. Wyatt has a promising future, so Director Esteban hired him."

One of Collin's clients was Wyatt Bray. He was a new graduate, fresh from UCLA's Department of Film, Television, and Digital Media.

Wyatt had been assigned to Collin after the new graduates signed contracts with his agency.

For this project, Wyatt was hired as Esteban's assistant director. That position was hard to come by for a fresh graduate like him.

The assistant director was responsible for scheduling and planning, coordinating the crew, managing the set, and handling many more tasks. It was a heavy responsibility, but also a promising one.

It meant that Wyatt would experience firsthand what it was like to manage a production crew. Wyatt's dream was to direct his own movie, so becoming an assistant director was a blessing for him.

This was also a good thing for Collin. That was why he felt thankful to Henry. At last, Collin had a promising client, a prospect worth cultivating.

His two other clients, a struggling actor and actress, had failed their auditions for Director Esteban's project. They were currently working part-time as a waiter and waitress just to get by.

"Please take care of Wyatt."

Collin bid farewell after introducing the workers to Henry. He wasn't needed anymore. His responsibility was only to find people to fill the jobs.

He left the studio and hailed a taxi. He didn't have a car, he had sold it because he needed money.

The taxi brought him to the apartment complex where he lived with his sister and mother. It was a small apartment with a single bedroom. He slept on the couch while his sister and mother shared the room.

He paid the driver and thanked him.

As he walked into the complex, he suddenly realized his surroundings had turned golden. No, his vision turned golden. It was a unique sensation, but a terrible one.

"Huh... What is happening?"

A wave of nausea hit him hard. He felt dizzy, and his stomach churned violently. The golden vision became more intense. It was blinding. His eyes began to throb with pain.

He instinctively touched his nose and found that it was bleeding. Blood was gushing out.

"...Ugh."

After that, Collin East lost consciousness and collapsed.

Fortunately, a few people witnessed what had happened.

The people who saw him faint and fall to the ground immediately called for help and requested an ambulance.

The golden vision dimmed, until everything went black.


++++++++++++


[Author's Note:]

-- This is an experimental novel. I plan to write at least 100 chapters before deciding if I'll continue it or not.

-- This is a serious mockumentary and parody of the entertainment industry. That means I'll show some dark side of Hollywood, not all the time though.

-- I like using funny names or pun names. That's one of the rare times I can have fun writing.

-- Just to be clear, this is not a harem or smut. I'm tired of writing harem and smut…

-- I use AI to edit the grammar and improve the sentence structure.

-- Please support this novel if you want me to keep writing it.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 2


Collin East weakly opened his eyes and groaned. He felt like his head was going to pop. The pain had lessened, but it was still uncomfortable. The white lights stirred his vision, it didn't help his situation at all.

"Ugh."

"Doctor, my son is awake!"

A female voice frantically raised her tone. It was someone Collin recognized. He heard his mother's voice, full of worry about his condition.

"Mom…" A single word escaped from Collin's mouth. His lips were dry and cracked.

"Son, thank God you're alive. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you too," she cried as tears streamed down her face. She cupped Collin's cheeks as her emotions unraveled.

Then, Collin fell asleep again. His body was still weak and needed more rest. His vision returned to darkness. His mother's voice slowly faded as he lost consciousness.

.........
......
...

When Collin woke up for the second time, the first thing he saw was the white ceiling. He blinked slowly. A familiar scent lingered in the air. It was the sterile and pungent scent of medicine.

He weakly raised his head and found his mother sitting next to his hospital bed, sleeping in an uncomfortable position. Her head had fallen to the side, her arms across her chest.

"This is the second time you woke up. Hopefully, you won't fall asleep again."

Collin turned to his right and found his younger sister glaring at him. Even though she wore makeup, it was obvious from her swollen eyes that she had cried a lot.

Collin gave a weak laugh and apologized. His throat was dry and sore.

"Yeah, sorry about that, Aida."

"Dummy, you don't have to apologize. Just… just take care of yourself."

She sighed with emotion, a mixture of relief and worry that her brother was awake and alive. She knew how much Collin had been working these past few months. They were in debt after their father died.

Their father had cancer, and the family made sure that he received treatment. Unfortunately, after years of battling the illness, going through treatments and surgeries, Tony East, their father, still died. It had been a heavy blow to the family.

In the process, they lost their money, their father's saving, insurance, and their house. But the most painful loss was their father. That was the hardest part.

They were already in debt when Tony died.

Being the man in the family, Collin stepped up and worked hard to provide for them. He was the eldest, and he knew he had to do something for the family. If they gave up on life, their father would be sad in the afterlife.

Collin made sure that his sister would get into college no matter what. He also made sure that his aging mother would never work again. He took all the responsibility on his shoulders.

"The doctor said you overworked yourself. You need to stay in the hospital for three days."

"Three days, huh? That's great to hear. I thought I'd have to stay longer in this place… You know how expensive hospital bills are."

He bitterly laughed. They all knew how hospitals worked.

The medical industry in the United States of America was a complete scam. Sometimes, it felt like people would rather die than face their medical bills, because everyone knew how costly treatment could be.

"Don't worry, your medical insurance covered most of the expenses."

"Ah, thank God."

Collin sighed in relief. He was genuinely happy when he heard that.

"Don't scare us like that again… Bro."

Aida, Collin's younger sister, sniffled and couldn't control her emotions. She tried hard not to cry, but she failed. She choked as she wiped her tears. For a moment, she thought she was going to lose her brother too.

"Don't worry. I'll never do it again."

"You better be."

She sniffled, trying to stop her tears, and walked out of the room. She wiped her face as she approached the nurse's station. The nurses were giggling and talking about a patient.

"Excuse me, um, the guy in room 69 is now awake."

"We will examine him later," the nurse replied.

"Thank you."

The doctor and nurse entered the room and checked Collin's condition. His mother woke up and was overwhelmed with joy when she saw her son awake and responsive.

It took a minute for Aida and Collin to calm their mother down. It had been very hard for their family since losing Tony last year. It would've been devastating if they lost Collin too.

The examination ended with a positive result, Collin could leave the hospital in three days. He was suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. He just needed to rest and stay hydrated. Everyone was relieved to hear it.

Their mother, Evelyn East, decided to stay at the hospital to take care of Collin. Aida had to go to school, so she could only visit during her free time.

The siblings tried to convince Evelyn not to push herself too hard, but their mother was adamant. Most likely, it was because she was extremely worried about her son.

In the end, the siblings gave in and agreed.

Just like that, two days passed, and Collin was on his last day in the hospital when one of his clients came to visit. Collin had already regained most of his strength, and he could move around without much trouble. Although his mother was still adamant about him resting.

The visitor was Wyatt Bray. The young, chubby assistant director wanted to see if his agent was doing alright after hearing about Collin fainting.

Wyatt was sincerely thankful to Collin, who had helped him land a big opportunity, his first real job in the film industry. Yes, his current role on Director Esteban's movie was still as a freelance assistant director. There was no official confirmation that the job was permanent. He was more or less in an internship.

"Wyatt, how's your day?"

The agent joyfully greeted his client, the one who had the most potential to make it big in the industry. Collin didn't forget to wear his usual bright smile, the most used expression in his entire career.

"Good morning, Collin. I brought some fruits for you."

Wyatt still wasn't used to seeing his agent in person. He was honestly confused as to why someone as handsome as Collin East had chosen to become an agent instead of an actor. Collin definitely had the face for the big screen.

In fact, Wyatt had overheard a group of nurses outside talking about how incredibly handsome and hot Collin was.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 3


Wyatt sat down. Evelyn gave her seat to the Assistant Director. There was only one chair in the room for some reason. Probably because the room they were in was the cheapest one in the hospital. The kind that barely met the minimum standard.

Wyatt thanked her with a polite nod and a grateful smile. He then passed the fruits he brought to Evelyn.

"I'll cut fruits for you guys," she said and picked up the fruits.

Wyatt and Collin started talking, mainly about Director Esteban's project. Wyatt said that the filming only needed another month to complete before the post-production.

After that, Wyatt was not sure if he would keep his position or be let go the moment the project was done.

Collin and Wyatt were both silent after that. Collin knew how hard it was to find jobs in Hollywood, especially a position strongly related to movie direction. Collin was not sure if he could find another directorial job for Wyatt.

As for Wyatt, he was stressed because his future was still unknown. He worked hard as an Assistant Director, but he knew that it was still an internship.

"Thanks for helping me find a job, Collin. I know that I'm still a newbie in Hollywood and I don't know how this place works with all its politics and unspoken rules."

"It's fine, really."

Collin couldn't say that he worked hard just so Wyatt would secure the position in Director Esteban's project. A role that dozens of other hungry dreamers would have killed for.

He contacted his friends, the producer, and even Director Esteban himself. It was fortunate that Collin was their go-to agent whenever they needed people for missing jobs or someone they could call last-minute.

Wyatt Bray was the most promising client that Collin had. A true gem in a sea of mediocre and half-hearted resumes. He wanted to make sure that Wyatt would get a great start in the industry.

Collin was actually happy when the young aspiring director applied to their agency. He had enough credentials, and he also showed the agency his college movie project that he filmed together with his classmates to pass their subjects. A short horror movie.

At that time, Collin only had two remaining clients, both were small-time actor and actress who were barely scraping by with background roles.

They rarely got roles with lines. They were more like extras in the movies. Faces that filled out the scenes.

Well, Collin was still new in this career, so he never had a solid foundation or enough experience.

Thankfully, he had this unique talent that could discern if someone fit the job or not. An odd instinct, but surprisingly accurate.

It was hard to explain, but Collin could predict if someone would do well in their career just by watching them talk for a few minutes.

Unfortunately, he couldn't predict his own career as an agent. A cruel irony.

So when the agency introduced Wyatt to him, Collin decided to work hard and give him a smooth path, one with more opportunities.

After all, directors were the best clients that an agent could have. There were a lot of factors as to why that was.

Directors were the ones who made the movies from start to finish, with the vision that steered the entire ship.

Directors were always above the actors and actresses when it came to control and decision-making. It was a hard fact that no one could deny.

Actors and actresses might be the faces of the movies, the ones on posters and in headlines. But directors were the ones who created, planned, filmed, and sometimes edited the movies from scratch, shaping every frame and every scene.

Directors were the ones who gave life to movies and made them watchable.

Because thousands of pieces of footage without a clear plot and concise editing, dubbing, and sound were garbage. They were fragments with no meaning.

For Collin to have his first aspiring director was already heaven-sent. A hope in his struggling career.

Because honestly, he didn't have any power or connection to make directors interested in signing with him. He was just a nobody.

So when Wyatt and Collin signed the contract of five years, both of them knew that this was a real endeavor that they had to work out together. A real partnership.

'Let's all hope this time I'll make it.'

Collin weakly smiled as he stared at the pale white ceiling of the hospital room, lost in thought.

Despite being handsome, his career in modeling never really shined. It didn't make it better that the last magazine he modeled for tried to force him to have sex with their male photographer...

Yes, Hollywood, not surprising at all. A place where beauty often meant a price.

"I promised you that I'd send you the script that I wrote. I'm wondering if you can help me register for the Writer's Guild."

Wyatt passed a document to Collin, and he started reading it. He flipped through the pages and gradually understood the plot.

"The Accidental Wedding Crashers? If I remembered correctly, the movie you filmed in college was a horror movie, right?"

Collin asked while skimming through the script with a mixture of curiosity. Honestly, he thought the script Wyatt wrote was a horror movie, but this one seemed to be a comedy.

He had watched his experimental film. It was average, but Wyatt had the filming style that veteran directors had, steady and focused. He had a clear goal for the movie.

Basically, Wyatt recognized the introduction, trigger, development of conflict, climax, aftermath, and conclusion of a story. The structure of good storytelling.

This might look simple, but new directors often had a hard time finding direction in their movies. They sometimes made confusing plots and messy shots.

Wyatt had already grown from that stage. It was clear from his experimental film.

"That's right. Don't get me wrong, I still prefer horror movies. I just feel like this script that I wrote can be sold to some studios... Maybe, maybe we can sell it for millions."

He was hesitant about the latter. The idea of selling a script for a million dollars was out of his league.

However, he understood that he needed money, so he tried writing a script with comedy genre.

"Although, if possible, I want to direct it myself." Wyatt smiled.

He wasn't sure if he would even have the chance to do so. It seemed like being a director would be hard. Especially without the right connection or budget to back him up.

Collin nodded and looked at Wyatt.

Suddenly, a golden light glinted in his pupils, and he groaned, feeling a bit of a headache shake up his skull.

"Ugh!"

"Son, I think you need to lie down."

"It's okay, Mom. I'm fine, really."

Collin immediately stopped his mother from forcing him to lie down. Instead, he looked at Wyatt.

He was shocked to the core. He realized that there were golden letters above Wyatt's head! They were floating, surreal, and shining like the stars in the night sky.

Wyatt Bray:

-- Comedy Scriptwriter Genius.

-- Master Director Of Comedy.

Collin was dumbfounded and had no idea what was going on. How could there be words floating above a person's head?

"Collin, are you okay?"

"Huh?"

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 4


Evelyn handed the paper plates filled with cut fruits to Wyatt and Collin with a gentle smile on her face. The young assistant director thanked the mature woman with a polite nod before turning to talk to Collin.

For some reason, Collin was staring at him intently, as if he had seen a ghost or something otherworldly. To be precise, he was staring above his head, as though something hovered there that defied logic and reality.

"Is there something wrong, Collin?" Wyatt asked curiously.

"N-No, I'm just thinking about some work-related stuff that suddenly came to mind," he stammered awkwardly.

Collin couldn't say that golden words were floating above Wyatt's head. That would be weird, beyond weird, it would be absurd.

He rubbed his eyes gently. He thought he was just hallucinating. But the words were still there, as vivid and surreal as before.

'What does this mean?' He asked himself in silent panic.

Wyatt Bray:

-- Comedy Scriptwriter Genius.

-- Master Director of Comedy.

The golden words expressed that Wyatt's forte was comedy movies, not horror, despite what his earlier project might have suggested.

When Collin was first introduced to Wyatt, he had watched his experimental film in a dimly lit screening room at the agency and concluded that Wyatt could become a director.

It depends on luck, opportunity, and connections whether Wyatt becomes famous.

But being a talent agent, it was Collin's job to create work opportunities and social connections for Wyatt, even when the odds were against them.

In the end, the biggest factor was luck. In this industry, although luck was a concept easy to understand yet hard to come by, it was considered heaven-sent and often the deciding factor between success and obscurity.

But what about talented people?

'There are endless amounts of talented people who remain unknown despite working hard for years sometimes decades,' Collin thought.

He knew some actors who were hardworking but failed to become famous personalities, no matter how many auditions they went to.

'But why... why is it golden? Why are the words floating above Wyatt's head golden...? No, the first thing I should ask is why am I seeing golden words above Wyatt's head in the first place? Oh God, am I really crazy? Did I lose my sanity because of overworking and constant pressure?'

Collin decided to throw away these thoughts like crumpled paper in a trash can... or else he might overthink until he lost himself, or worse.

"Wyatt, you said that you're not confident if Director Esteban will make you a permanent assistant or not... then, are you interested in making your first film under your name and your vision?"

"My debut movie?" Wyatt was confused by the sudden turn in conversation.

"That's right. We can turn your script into a movie and let the world see what you're capable of."

"But Collin... isn't it expensive to film a movie, even a small one?"

"It depends. In my opinion, we can make this movie with a budget of $100,000 if we manage the costs carefully. But we have to be conscious of our expenses. I've been in Hollywood for three years now. I have an idea of how much budget we need for a project like this."

For this project, they would have to hire unknown actors and actresses so they wouldn't spend a lot of money on casting fees. Many unknown actors and actresses were eager for exposure and grateful for any kind of break. They would happily perform even if they didn't have a salary, or only received meals and credits in return.

As for the crew members... Collin believed that 10 to 20 people were enough to keep the filming running smoothly, as long as everyone did their job.

"..."

Wyatt was speechless and slightly overwhelmed. He was just here to show a script that he wrote over the span of a week, hoping they could register it with the Writer's Guild and perhaps make money.

He didn't expect that Collin would offer him a different job, one so bold and life-changing.

"I'm not sure... I'm still a new graduate. I don't know if I can handle it without failing midway."

"This is your second movie and your debut film in Hollywood, which is a big step no matter how you look at it. Everyone starts somewhere. Don't think too much about it... I'm sure we can handle it together."

"What about the money? In the first place, I don't know if $100,000 is enough to make the film without cutting too many corners."

"... I'll contact someone to provide investment." Collin decided to see if this golden vision was fake or not.

"What about the production crew? Where can we find them in such a short time?"

"Pftt—haha, Wyatt, it seems that you don't understand my forte as an agent and networker. I'm good at finding the right people," Collin laughed.

"..."

Wyatt was hesitant. He knew that this was an opportunity that might be hard to come by again, especially this early in his career.

"Wyatt, I leave the decision to you. I'm your agent, and my job is to make sure that you will become a successful director. I'll respect your decision no matter what you choose."

Wyatt swallowed hard, the weight of responsibility settling in his chest.

"Do you have a reason why you want me to start directing a movie?" he asked curiously, his eyes narrowing.

"Well, let's just say I have a hunch that you're great at making comedy movies, a really strong hunch."

"Collin, you're a strange person, but strangely convincing."

Collin laughed out loud that filled the room for a moment.

"What do you think?"

"We will start the project once my job in Director Esteban's movie is done and I'm officially free of that contract."

He couldn't just leave his job because he had signed a contract with a binding clause that would cost him dearly if broken. He couldn't afford to break the contract not with his current finances.

"That's great to hear, Wyatt."

Collin smiled genuinely, feeling the start of something exciting. The two shook hands firmly, a silent agreement between them.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 5



Collin stretched his arms and groaned in pleasure, feeling the tension melt from his shoulders as he welcomed the start of a new day. He stood up and looked at the mirror. Even though he had toned down going to the gym, his body was still looking great. He combed through his black hair as his deep green eyes adjusted to the light.

He bid farewell to his mother, who kept telling him to rest for one more day. Evelyn was still worried about her son.

But Collin had been resting for two days after leaving the hospital. He had been lying around the house and catching up on sleep, old TV shows, and his mother's endless advice.

He had to return to work, or else he might get fired for slacking off too long or worse, be forgotten and his cubicle occupied... He was on sick leave, so probably not, but the fear still lingered in his gut.

Anyway, he had talked to the management and said that he would return to work today. He made it clear that he was ready to jump back in and handle his work.

He had to. There was no other choice if he wanted to move forward. He had to start the preparation for Wyatt's upcoming project. An unexpected project that had been decided after Collin saw the golden words above Wyatt's head.

Collin couldn't explain it, not in words that made logical sense. But he felt like this was an opportunity that he had to take. To grab with both hands, no matter what. Even if it meant putting his career at risk.

Wyatt was not the only one who was taking a bet here, Collin was also doing the same.

It was because of the floating words above Wyatt's head that explained the young aspiring director had a talent for making comedy movies. Not just average ones, but the kind that left people rolling in laughter.

He had talent in writing a comedy script, and it seemed that he also had talent in filming one. Instincts that couldn't be taught in school.

When their conversation was over, Collin read the script thoroughly and started laughing out loud at every scenario.

That was the moment he decided to believe that the words floating above Wyatt's head were real, not a hallucination or a side effect of his condition. He decided to bet on these vivid words.

He had fun reading the script. It was an unfiltered mature comedy that didn't hesitate to make fun of anything. He confirmed that the script had the potential to become a movie. If they did it right, the movie would perform well at the box office.

Collin was confident that he could find a studio that would be interested in buying the script because production studios were always looking for fresh material.

However, Collin understood that they couldn't maximize the gains they would receive if they sold the script to a production studio and let them direct the movie. It would be giving up control too soon, hurting Collin and Wyatt in the long run.

First, since Wyatt was just a nobody, a newcomer without connections or credits, the studio wouldn't hire him as a director, no matter how promising his vision might be.

Although he would be credited as the scriptwriter of the movie, which was a great start for his career, sadly it still wouldn't be enough to launch his career as a filmmaker.

Second, the best they could get if they sold the script was around $100,000, a solid amount. That was already generous, considering how studios often underpaid newcomers. But Collin believed that the script had more potential than $100,000.

Third, the script might not become a movie and would sit in the studio's script library for years instead, gathering dust while newer, trendier scripts took priority.

Fourth, the box office results of the movie might be disappointing if another director filmed it, someone who didn't understand Wyatt's comedic tone, pacing, and vision.

The fourth was a scenario, a possible one, but not guaranteed. Collin wasn't sure because the box office appeal of the script seemed good.

Collin stepped out of the taxi and looked at the 10-storey building, craning his neck slightly as he took in the familiar sight. The building might not be tall compared to the skyscrapers in Los Angeles, towering giants that loomed in the background, but this building was known to represent many celebrities, actors, musicians, and even directors who walked its hallways daily.

Apex Network Talent. His workplace.

In short, A.N.T.

A name that sounded almost laughable when abbreviated.

The abbreviation made it look small, like an insect instead of a powerhouse, but it was the opposite of that. ANT was a titan in the world of talent representation.

Apex Network Talent was one of the three well-known talent agencies in Hollywood. It was an elite company and had a strong influence.

This whole 10-storey building was owned by ANT, filled from top to bottom with talent agents and such.

Collin applied to the company after he decided to change his career, taking the path of working behind the spotlight.

He had an idea of how the job worked because he was a model and had been handled by an agent once.

He was hired and started working as an agent, slowly building his client list and reputation brick by brick.

His three years in the company were quite smooth, considering that he was the go-to person whenever projects were in dire need of capable people.

Last month, the company's CEO retired, and a new person took over the position, bringing in a fresh wave of speculation and rumors.

Collin never saw the new CEO because he was busy. He was constantly hustling and looking for jobs for his clients and contacts to earn commission.

He heard that the new CEO was a young woman, someone rumored to be sharp and ambitious.

He stepped into the company and clocked in. He immediately adapted to his usual rhythm while his mind wandered to Wyatt's script.

.........

......

...

"Oh, you're free this month? Are you looking for a job? I know a place where you can work, but I'm not sure if they will hire you on the spot. I'll give you the address... You don't have to thank me. We must help each other, especially in this industry where everyone needs a hand once in a while. By the way, a month from now I might ask you for a favor. What, of course not? We will pay you, don't worry. I'm not running a charity here. What do you think of me? Nice, I'll remember that, you're a good friend. Thanks."

Collin ended the call and leaned against his chair, letting out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

He looked around the place, eyes drifting from cubicle to cubicle with mild amusement. Six agents shared this tiny office room, a chaotic jungle of ringing phones, conversation, and energy drinks. Having a cubicle for each agent, separated only by thin panels that barely blocked sound, the room was their battlefield.

It was noisy. Almost headache-inducing at times, and people were either talking to their clients or talking to themselves.

Collin hoped that one day he would have his own office on the higher floors. A space with real walls, a door, and maybe even a view of the city.

For now, since he didn't have any famous clients, he had to share a room with other small-time agents like him. All of them were trying to climb the same ladder.

He stood up and left the room for a smoke break, an old habit triggered by stress and long hours.

But he then stopped when he recalled that the doctor forbade him from smoking, even though it was not related to his sickness and technically wouldn't affect his recovery.

His mother agreed and told the doctor that she would nag Collin if she saw him smoking. Knowing her, she would carry out that promise with relentless determination.

Collin bitterly smiled and decided to talk to his friend instead. He was hoping a good conversation would take the attention off his bad habits.

[Collin East's illustration.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 6


Collin went to the elevator to reach the 8th floor and tapped the button as the elevator slowly made its rise. His friend's office was on this floor, indicating that he had a higher status in the company. A position that came with more power, better clients, and a bigger paycheck.

In ANT, the higher the floor you worked on, the higher your status. People often joked that promotions could be measured in floors. Obviously, the CEO of ANT was staying on the 10th floor, the highest floor in the building. A place where most employees rarely had the chance to step on.

Collin and his friend had known each other since high school, their friendship forged through conversations, dumb pranks, and cafeteria meals.

Although his friend was two years older than him, he never acted like a senior.

In fact, his friend helped him get a job in the company, a huge favor that changed Collin's life trajectory.

'He was also the one who taught me how to be a professional agent. Showing me the ropes,' Collin thought.

Collin could describe his friend in one word, thick-face. Unapologetically bold and unafraid to do anything as long as there was profit.

He was probably the most shameless person Collin had ever met, but that shamelessness had helped him close some big deals.

He walked to the hallway, the click of his shoes echoing in the corridor. But before he could even reach his destination, he found his friend talking to a woman. His posture relaxed, but his eyes flickering with seriousness.

"I want a $10 million contract, the bare minimum. If they are interested in hiring someone as gorgeous and talented as me, they need to offer at least that amount or they're not worth my time."

The woman scoffed, unimpressed with the studio's offer.

"You don't have to worry. I'll take care of it. You just have to listen to me. Don't answer their calls, don't even look at their messages. The negotiations should happen between me and them, that's how it works. All you have to do is relax, enjoy your free time. Maybe you can take some time and party around. A little vacation never hurt anyone. I will settle it, and your salary will be $10 million, no, $15 million, because you're worth every penny."

"You better be. Don't mess this up," she muttered with narrowed eyes.

The woman scoffed and walked away, her heels clicking confidently against the floor. The way she strutted was attention-grabbing, turning heads like a model on the runway. Her hips swayed in a seducing manner that demanded attention.

Collin recognized the woman immediately, even before she passed by him. She was Jolyne Robs, a walking headline. She was an A-list actress who starred in many romance movies, blockbusters that made audiences cry and critics applause.

She was famous all over the world, with fan clubs on every continent and luxury brand deals stacked under her name. Light red hair, brown eyes, and seductive pouty lips.

Jolyne walked towards the elevator and found Collin standing there. Collin greeted her with a polite smile and a nod. Jolyne paused for a second, as if debating whether to acknowledge him.

Her eyes scanned him up and down, assessing, like a casting director, before walking without a word.

'That guy is handsome, unfairly and roughly handsome. Is he an actor? Wait, did I meet him somewhere? Meh, probably a nobody who auditioned for some of the movies I starred in.'

She was very wrong, not even close to the truth. The reason why she remembered Collin was because he helped the actress find a personal assistant for her, someone who ended up being her most loyal staff member to date.

Jolyne mistook him for an actor because most handsome men in the industry were striving to become actors instead of talent agents. Someone as handsome as Collin rarely stayed behind the scenes/spotlight.

"Arnold."

Collin called his friend, who was two years older than him. A man who had always carried himself like a big brother and a hustler rolled into one.

Arnold Johnson, a name well known in their industry. He was a talent agent who managed three celebrities, a modest number, but each one had their own strength. To be precise, he managed one A-list actress, Jolyne Robs, and two B-list celebrities, an actor and a horror movie director, both with growing reputations and steady work.

The difference between A-list celebrities and B-list celebrities was quite obvious, a wide gap in terms of fame and paycheck.

A-list celebrities were global superstars. They graced magazine covers, hosted Saturday Night, and had sponsor deals waiting. Famous all over the world, they were treated like royalty.

B-list celebrities were well-known personalities. They had fans and steady gigs but lacked that international pull, one level lower than a superstar.

Most people knew Jackson Mike, who was the King of Pop, a living legend with timeless hits.

But only die-hard fans of Rock N Roll knew Colt Kurtvain, who was the vocalist of the band Enlightenment, a cult icon in his own right.

The difference between A-list and B-list.

Arnold kept his smiling face, his trademark grin plastered on like armor. But it was obvious that he was stressed, his jaw clenched just slightly.

Jolyne was a famous actress and recognized as a Hollywood goddess, admired from afar by millions. But she clearly had flaws. Flaws that made managing her both a blessing and a curse.

In Arnold's opinion, Jolyne was too arrogant. Too used to being praised without question, yet she was easy to convince. Like a balloon that could be pushed in any direction with the right strength of wind.

One time, while negotiating for a movie, Arnold was striving for a $10 million deal. He was confident, aggressive, and ready to close the deal. But because the producer convinced Jolyne to sign the contract for a lower salary, using manipulative language that played on her pride, Arnold's job became nothing, like dust in the wind.

At that time, the producer kept saying Jolyne couldn't perform the female lead's role because she didn't know how to act. Insulting her talent and pushing her buttons.

Jolyne was so offended that she immediately agreed to the contract, a reaction driven by pride. And thus, she received only a $1 million salary, a tenth of what they originally aimed for.

The movie was a box office hit, a success with international praise. But Jolyne didn't make much money out of it, which left a bitter taste in everyone's mouth.

Since then, Jolyne had become serious about salary, turning into a hawk when it came to contract terms.

And since then, Arnold made sure that the actress would stay away from negotiations. Shielding her from any deal until the terms were written on paper.

She was not allowed to contact the production crew unless the contract had been signed, a hard rule Arnold enforced religiously.

"Looks like you have a tough day as usual," Collin commented.

"Don't even talk about it, my brain is melting," Arnold sighed.

"How about you? You came out of the hospital?"

"Yeah. I started working again today, first day back in the warzone."

"Your mom told me it's because of being overworked. You should really learn how to take care of yourself. You should take your time and rest longer. There's no glory in collapsing at your desk."

Arnold was too busy to visit Collin in person, always caught up in meetings or chasing deals. But he called Evelyn last time and even delivered a box of fruits for Collin, a gesture that said more than any visit.

"I don't have time to rest. I have too many things to do."

"Kid, listen to your elders. Once you've reached my status, higher floor, fancy clients, and all, you will realize that having a vacation is a miracle. A rare and beautiful thing."

"You're just two years older than me, barely older. Why do you keep calling me kid?" Collin blurted out.

"It doesn't matter. Respect your seniors," Arnold said, not missing a beat.

"I'm also taller than you and you know it."

"...It doesn't matter. Height doesn't mean anything in the real world," Arnold was firm in his opinion.

"And? What's the reason you want to talk to me? I thought your client was hired as an assistant director. You should be celebrating."

"About that... We have a slight change of plans. Can you lend me $200,000?"

"Fuu--!"

Arnold started coughing when Collin asked for money, nearly choking on air as his eyes widened in disbelief.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 7


"I know you're in debt, but I didn't know that you were having a hard time. I have a tip for you. Don't borrow money because you will become more indebted, and the cycle will just keep dragging you deeper. Just pay your debt slowly and steadily. I'm sure the bank is not asking for that amount in a short time unless it's a predatory lender, which I doubt it is."

$200 thousand was a huge amount by any standard, even for someone in the entertainment industry. Arnold was shocked that Collin was asking for that amount so bluntly, without hesitation.

He knew that Collin was not in a good situation financially after what happened to his father. But he didn't expect that the bank would ask his friend for $200 thousand from the get-go like it was some loan shark. That was fucked up on so many levels.

"No, it's not about my debt. Well, the bank is asking me for payment, but it's not that deep, I can take care of it. Anyway, my client and I are thinking of making a film together, and we're currently laying out the groundwork."

Collin started explaining the situation to Arnold, and his old friend listened with his unreadable poker face. Arnold's expression didn't change much, despite how serious the topic was.

Whenever it was job-related, Arnold was the serious type, a complete transformation from his normally shameless self.

"You've been in the industry for many years, albeit you spent more time in the modeling industry than on films or television. But I know that you have an idea of how tough it is to make a movie. Collin, you understand the risks better than most rookies ever could."

Collin nodded firmly, showing he didn't take the matter lightly.

Making a movie was very hard. It was a grueling process filled with uncertainty. The financial risk alone was something that Collin didn't want to shoulder if possible.

Movies often experience budget overruns because no matter how detailed the planning is, unforeseen expenses always come up. Collin wasn't sure that $200 thousand was even enough to make one from start to finish without cutting corners.

Return on Investment (ROI) was another factor to take seriously. Not all movies made money, and many didn't even break even. Most of the time, movies flopped at the box office without warning, even with big names attached.

Another important risk was the market and distribution risks, which many first-time producers underestimated. Comedy was a popular genre, but not all comedy movies would be appreciated by audiences or critics. As for distribution, they had to sign a contract with big studios, and most of the time, the contract was bad for them. Restrictive, one-sided, and borderline exploitative.

These were just some of the risks of making movies, and they were enough to scare off most beginners.

"Directors never fund their own movies unless they're desperate or independently wealthy. You're an agent, you shouldn't shoulder the responsibility. It's not your job to take the risks."

Arnold Johnson pulled out his phone with a sigh, his fingers already typing before Collin could say anything else.

"Based on your expression, you are serious about this project of yours. Serious enough to ask and beg me, and I respect that. I have no intention of lending you money, you probably know that already from past experience."

Collin weakly smiled in resignation, not surprise. He expected it. Arnold had another character trait, he was a cheap bastard through and through.

Arnold was one of the top talent agents in ANT, but he was cheap as hell and proud of it like it was a virtue. Well, Collin was also a cheap bastard because he was poor.

"I know someone who can help you with connections far better than mine."

Collin's pupils slightly trembled as he saw Arnold typing on his phone.

"I'm going to call the CEO right now, no warning, no appointment."

"You mean the new CEO?"

Collin didn't know much about the CEO. He just knew that the CEO was a young woman, apparently.

"That's right. You're in the hospital, so you didn't meet her when she introduced herself to the employees a few weeks ago. She's… different."

"... Are you sure you're going to be all right? We don't know the CEO's behavior. Maybe she won't like it if you call her without notice or business reason."

"Nah, it's fine." Arnold chuckled with reckless confidence.

"Besides, she's the one who said that if an agent had new ideas, she wanted to hear them. Her exact words, not mine."

"Bro, I'm asking for a production budget, not a business idea."

"It doesn't matter, she will hear it."

The call connected without delay, and Arnold's posture straightened slightly.

"Hello, Ma'am? Yes, that's right. It's me, Arnold. Hehe, of course, I'm working hard. I'm the best agent in your company, after all, just ask around!"

Collin cringed as he listened to their conversation, as if the words themselves were physically painful to hear. He didn't hear what the CEO was saying, but Arnold was too shameless to raise his voice like he was trying to impress her through sheer enthusiasm.

Besides, Arnold was not the best agent in the company by any metric that mattered. At least there were five or six agents who performed better than him in terms of revenue, talent deals, and reputation.

As Arnold and the CEO talked, Collin realized that something was happening above Arnold's head, something strange and utterly surreal.

Words started materializing above his head as if written by invisible ink turning visible in midair. They were floating and becoming clear until Collin recognized them.

Arnold Johnson:

-- A Shameless Person

Collin was stunned as his eyes widened, and he unconsciously took a step back.

'What the hell? A shameless person? So being shameless is also a talent worthy of being labeled by the golden vision?'

Based on his understanding, the words that float above people's heads indicate their talents or skills.

'Hm? But why are the words colored white instead of gold like Wyatt's were? What does that even mean?'

Collin had only witnessed two scenarios of words floating above people's heads since this mysterious phenomenon began. His understanding was incomplete and filled with questions he had no answers for.

Unlike Wyatt Bray, who had golden words above his head, Arnold's words were pale white, dull, like chalk dust or faded paper.

Collin described it as bleak and underwhelming, different from Wyatt's shiny gold, which invoked strong admiration from Collin and carried an aura of destiny.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 8


Arnold's conversation with the CEO ended, and he put his phone back in his pocket with a self-satisfied grin that screamed "mission accomplished."

Unlike the typical phones with thick bodies, Arnold's device was smooth and slim, clearly chosen for both style and function. His phone was one of the latest models released by Mokia, designed to slip into his pocket without creating an awkward bulge.

As an agent, Arnold had to project an image. His status wasn't something he could afford to downplay. In this industry, appearances mattered, and even a phone was a part of the image.

Despite earning seven digits a year, he actually felt guilty about spending a couple thousand on a brand-new phone.

"The CEO agreed. She wants to meet you. You've got a copy of the script and proposal ready on your desk, I assume?"

Collin was genuinely surprised that Arnold had managed to convince the new CEO to meet with him on such short notice, and with such confidence. Collin's palms had already started to sweat. They were talking about the CEO here.

"Yeah, it's on my table. I've been keeping it ready, just in case an opportunity popped up."

"Take it to the top floor and present it to the CEO personally. Don't mess this up."

"Thanks, Arnold. I mean it, really."

"Most of the time, producers are the ones responsible for pitching business proposals to investors. It's literally their job to handle financing and logistics. But you guys don't have a producer yet. You're an agent, so this isn't exactly your field, but I think you've got guts."

"Yeah, I have to do it anyway, even if I'm nervous as hell."

"That's the spirit, kid. Go fight for your dream."

Arnold gave Collin a solid tap on the shoulder before walking off toward his office with his usual confident, uncaring attitude.

"I have to talk to the producer to negotiate Jolyne's salary. I can't help you convince the CEO this time around."

Collin was already grateful that Arnold had arranged a meeting with the CEO. That alone was a miracle, considering Arnold's stingy reputation. He knew it was almost impossible to find someone willing to invest in a project without expecting something tangible in return. $200,000 wasn't easy to secure unless one had serious connections or valuable collateral.

Furthermore, the director was essentially a nobody. No filmography, no festival awards, no name recognition. No sane person would hand over $200,000 without a proven track record.

They could apply for a bank loan, but that required collateral or, at the very least, a good credit score. Collin's score was low since he was in debt and had missed multiple payments over the past year... Such a sad life.

He returned to his desk and picked up the documents with trembling hands, trying not to show how nervous he felt. It was a copy of the script and a detailed business plan he and Wyatt had spent considerable time preparing, editing, and refining.

Based on their calculations, they believed that $200,000 would be enough to create the film on an indie level, if everything was managed tightly and without waste.

Collin stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the 10th floor, inhaling deeply as his heart pounded in his chest. This was his first time going to the top floor since joining the company. That level was usually reserved for high-level business meetings and was the personal workspace of the CEO, who operated in near-isolation from the rest of the staff.

Only ten minutes had passed since Arnold had instructed him to head upstairs, so thankfully, Collin believed he wasn't late. Any delay might have broken his nerves entirely.

At the top floor, he found the CEO's executive assistant, another new face in the company. Young, polished, and clearly trained to handle high-level corporate interactions.

"Excuse me, I'm here to meet the CEO about a project proposal."

"Are you Sir Collin East, perhaps?" the female assistant asked, glancing at her monitor to confirm his identity.

"That's right, I'm Collin East."

"I'll take you to the office. Please follow me."

"Thanks for your help."

The woman opened the door with a professional smile, stepping aside to let him through. Collin took a deep breath as he entered the office like he was stepping onto a stage for the first time. He had walked countless runways in near-nude outfits, but this was different.

He deliberately avoided looking around, worried that he'd seem like a rookie overwhelmed by wealth. Instead, he fixed his gaze on the woman seated at the desk. The woman was poised, composed, and radiating quiet authority.

She had short, black wolf-cut hair and deep blue eyes, a rare combination. Her gaze felt sharp and observant. She wore a neatly pressed white blouse, elegant and professional without being showy.

Collin couldn't tell whether she wore pants or a skirt from where he stood, but he didn't dwell on it. He was far too nervous to care about anything beyond the upcoming conversation.

"Mister East. It's nice to meet you. I'm the new CEO of Apex Network Talent, Lila Seraphina."

The woman stood and extended her hand. Her grip was firm, but not intimidating. For the record, she was wearing a black pencil skirt, tailored perfectly to complement her blouse.

"Hello, Ma'am. I-" Collin stammered, caught off guard by the CEO's commanding presence. She was stunning, far beyond what he had expected from someone in a corporate role. The old CEO had been overweight, in his sixties, and barely showed up unless there was a crisis.

'Seraphina? A unique surname, perhaps a Latina?"

But that wasn't why Collin stuttered like a fool. When he looked at her, he had a strange sensation. As though he had met her somewhere before. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't remember where or when.

"Okay, let's start our meeting. Arnold said you have a business proposal you'd like to discuss. Something about a new film project?"

"...Excuse me, but have we met before?" Collin blurted the question before he could stop himself and immediately regretted it.

Lila chuckled softly, the kind of laugh that sounded genuinely amused.

"Collin, I don't think that kind of pick-up line is going to work on me. You'll need something better than that."

"I'm sorry. I just thought I'd seen you before… maybe at an event or something."

"Maybe or maybe not. I don't recall meeting you, though. Sorry to disappoint."

Snapping out of his awkward daze, Collin pulled himself together. He couldn't afford to screw this up with nervousness. This meeting might be their only shot at getting the project launched.

He was eager to launch Wyatt's project to test his theory about the strange phenomenon he'd been experiencing. He was increasingly convinced the hallucinations weren't random or stress-induced. The words floating above people's heads seemed to signify their talents. A kind of supernatural marker or divine label.

The best way to prove it was to see if Wyatt, whose golden label glowed, could actually create a box office hit. To confirm that his "talent" was real.

+++++

[I'll post another chapter later.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 9


Lila's expression turned professional, and she gestured to a chair.

"Please, sit. Let's focus on your proposal. I'm eager to hear what you've prepared."

Collin took a seat, gripping his documents with slightly sweaty palms.

"Yes, of course. Sorry again for the awkward start."

Lila smiled, her deep blue eyes sparkling under the soft office lighting.

"No need to apologize. I'm interested in your project. Arnold speaks highly of you, more than once, actually."

Collin's nerves eased slightly, though he knew Arnold had probably exaggerated to hype him up.

"Thank you, Ma'am."

"Please, call me Lila. We're not formal here unless it's a board meeting, and this clearly isn't one." She leaned forward, her wolf-cut hair moving with subtle grace.

"Tell me, what's this project that made Arnold barge into my schedule?"

Collin launched into his pitch, outlining Wyatt's film concept, target audience, and marketing strategy with the kind of energy only desperation and hope could fuel.

His nervousness vanished as if it had never existed. He'd practiced this pitch since his hospital stay, rewriting it in his mind again and again. He couldn't afford to let go of the opportunity now sitting across from him.

Lila listened intently, her expression unreadable. A corporate mask revealing nothing.

As he spoke, Collin couldn't shake the feeling that he had seen Lila before, long before her rise to CEO. He stole glances now and then, but the memory stayed elusive.

When he finished, Lila leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers rhythmically against the polished wood of her desk.

"Impressive. You've clearly put thought into this. What makes you believe this film can succeed in today's saturated market?"

By now, Collin's nerves had fully given way to clarity and focus. If he'd learned anything from Arnold, it was to never appear nervous in business meetings, especially not when seeking investment.

"I believe in the director's vision wholeheartedly. I've seen his creations and picked up on indicators suggesting the film will emotionally and cinematically resonate with audiences."

He wasn't technically lying, though he wasn't revealing the full truth either. It amazed him how smoothly the half-truth rolled off his tongue.

Lila's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a flicker of curiosity or suspicion.

"Indicators? What kind of indicators are we talking about?"

Collin's heart pounded in his chest. Should he tell her about the strange words he saw floating above people's heads?

"Just a gut feeling, Ma'am, I mean, Lila. A really strong one, if that helps."

He wanted to slap himself right then. He knew that reply cost him credibility. Gut feelings rarely convinced investors, especially ones who probably experienced a dozen business pitches each week.

Lila's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she nodded, her expression still unreadable.

"I'll consider your proposal. Tell me more about your director, Wyatt. What's his background?"

"He's a recent graduate from UCLA's Department of Film and Television. He just finished his degree last year. I watched his first film, it was a horror movie, and I saw real potential in his technical skill and creative vision."

Collin was prepared for this question and handed over a sleek folder with Wyatt's credentials neatly compiled.

He wasn't just Wyatt's manager in this case, he was part mentor, part big brother, part damage control.

He knew the young director would probably panic if he had to talk to investors alone and unprepared.

"Let's see…" Lila murmured, scanning the pages with focused eyes.

Collin watched closely but still couldn't read her expression. She was like a poker champion. She was calm, controlled, and unreadable.

"It was nice meeting you, Collin. I'll be in touch. Someone will contact you once I've reviewed everything."

"Okay. Thank you for your time, Lila."

Deep inside, Collin was screaming with hope, fear, and a rush of adrenaline. Based on Lila's tone, the chances of getting investment were far better than he dared to dream when he walked into the building that morning.

He excused himself after thanking her again, closing the door softly behind him and resisting the urge to jump for joy.

Once Collin was gone, Lila looked at the folder again, a faint glint of amusement in her eyes.

"…I'll give you a chance, this once," she muttered to herself with a small, thoughtful smile. Then, she picked up her private line and made a call.

"Hello? You said you were looking for an investment, right? Do I look like I'd scam you just for fun? Yeah, yeah, just contact them yourself if you're interested. I'll fax you the script and their contact number within the hour. Don't share the script with anyone, or you know what'll happen. I don't make empty threats. Huh? I'm not scared at all. Your so-called connections mean nothing."

…......

…...

…

Collin exhaled inside the elevator. He'd signed clients to movies before, some of them not even that bad. He had also convinced Director Esteban to bring Wyatt on as an assistant director, which was a massive win that nearly didn't happen.

But none of that ever made him as nervous as the CEO did. It was not even close.

"Maybe it's because she's so beautiful that I'm afraid of doing something dumb that'll give her the ick and ruin my chances before they even start… Collin, I thought we were past the stage of simping for pretty girls."

Collin was handsome and fully aware of it, he didn't need a mirror to confirm. He wouldn't have made it in the modeling industry otherwise, where good looks were the bare minimum. He did things subconsciously that enhanced his charm such as a tilt of the head, a casual lean, and a half-smirk. All of it rehearsed and yet effortless.

He returned to his desk, still replaying the conversation in his head. The place was noisy as usual. Agents on phones, fast-paced negotiations echoing through the office.

As for him, he wasn't that busy. He had only a few clients and a handful of projects, which was both a blessing and a curse in this industry. Besides, he'd just recovered from an illness and didn't want to push himself too hard. He couldn't bear to worry his family again after the fainting that landed him in the hospital.

He was reviewing potential film roles for his clients, most were low-budget indie productions or student projects, when the phone on his desk rang. It immediately caught his attention.

He answered, surprised to hear Wyatt on the line. His tone equal parts excited and confused.

"Collin, someone just called me a few minutes ago. He said he wanted to talk about the script and that he got it directly from someone at ANT."

"Huh? That fast?!" Collin's jaw nearly dropped.

He was stunned. He had just finished speaking with the CEO half an hour ago and now someone was already interested in their project? It felt like things were finally beginning to align.

++++++

[Second and last chapter of the day.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 10


"That's what I thought!" Wyatt exclaimed.

"You just got out of the hospital yesterday, and now someone's already talking about the script? That's unexpected. Did you meet someone today?"

Collin combed his black hair in a casual motion, a smile spreading across his face. He was surprised but also happy that someone had taken interest in their project.

"Not much. I talked to someone, just a short meeting."

Wyatt's excitement was obvious, even through the phone. He was probably smiling just like Collin.

"Dude, this is it! We did it!"

Collin chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Let's not celebrate yet, we might jinx it. We still have a long way to go before anything's guaranteed. I'm not sure if this deal will really happen or if it might fall through. For now, focus on your job with Esteban."

"Y-Yeah, I will. I won't screw this up."

Wyatt's tone turned serious immediately.

He knew he couldn't afford to waste the chance Collin had created for him. An opportunity this big doesn't come around twice. Working with Director Esteban was the opportunity of a lifetime, one many film school graduates could only dream of.

If they didn't get funding, failed to make the movie, or if their movie flopped at the box office, Wyatt still had a chance to work with Director Esteban again, if he played his cards right... As long as he left a great impression and proved his worth on set.

So, working hard was the best way to show he was worth hiring again, or maybe even promoting to permanent.

"I think the person I talked to might've had a hand in it, maybe pulled a few strings. But we'll know soon enough."

Collin hesitated, unsure how much to reveal about his earlier meeting.

He didn't want to say he had spoken to the CEO of ANT. Lila might not be comfortable with that information being shared.

As they discussed the potential investor, Collin's decision to make the film grew stronger. A resolve was building inside him, stronger than any of his doubts. This was a chance for him to make a name for himself as an agent in Hollywood.

A sudden thud from the phone snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Collin, I have to go. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Sounds good, Wyatt. Take care. We'll talk later."

Collin hung up, his eyes fixed on the stack of documents on his desk. They looked like a mountain waiting to be conquered.

He couldn't shake the feeling that something big was coming. Perhaps something positive for his career.

He just hoped his intuition wasn't scamming him.

Suddenly, his office phone rang again before he could even stretch his back.

"Collin East speaking, how may I help you?"

"Hello, Collin. This is Rachel, executive assistant to CEO Seraphina of Apex Network Talent. The CEO would like to schedule a meeting with you and Wyatt to discuss your project further and possibly explore investment terms."

Collin's heart skipped a beat.

"That's great news! When and where would you like us to meet?"

"Tomorrow, here at Apex Network Talent. Please arrive at 2 PM sharp."

The executive assistant probably didn't know that Kazir also worked in the same building.

"We'll be there without a doubt."

Collin understood how difficult it was to secure film investments, especially for first-time directors.

Most of the time, production studios were the ones providing funding because they had the resources and infrastructure. Once a contract was signed, the copyright to the movie would also belong to them.

In a sense, production studios hired directors like employees, just to fulfill a creative order.

Sometimes, the director would pitch the movie to the studio in hopes of getting funding and support, trying to retain at least some creative control.

Of course, once a studio invested in the film, the copyright would be transferred to them. At the end of the day, it all came down to negotiation and who had better leverage.

That's where agents came in, to protect their client's best interests.

An agent would work to secure the right amount that satisfied their client, while also ensuring the deal was appealing to the studio.

.........
......
...

The next day, Collin and Wyatt dressed in formal attire. Wyatt wore a black suit, buttoned shirt, and a suffocating necktie. Collin wore a similar outfit, it was his standard office uniform.

Wyatt wore the suit mainly to look presentable and to give off a professional vibe.

They took the elevator to the 10th floor. Collin approached the receptionist and explained they had a scheduled meeting with the CEO.

The receptionist looked slightly confused as she flipped through her notes. She recalled one of the men worked at the company, he was hot, so she remembered him.

She did remember hearing about the meeting from the CEO's executive assistant and suddenly remembered something important.

"The CEO mentioned it, but she said she can't attend due to a last-minute emergency or schedule conflict. Instead, she wants to introduce you to the investor who's interested in your project."

The receptionist relayed the message left by the CEO in a polite tone. She was clearly trying to impress Collin.

"Is that so? Well, that's unexpected."

Collin and Wyatt exchanged a look, they were a bit confused.

"Please lead the way. We're ready."

The two were led through a hallway to another room.

A spacious reception area awaited them, one that looked stunning.

Located on the highest floor, the reception room exuded refined elegance and wealth. It stood in stark contrast to the first-floor reception, which felt more corporate and generic.

Warm lighting illuminated the polished tiled floors. Comfortable seating areas and tasteful artwork lined the walls like a gallery. It was all set against a breathtaking view of the city stretching far beyond the horizon.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm William Edward," the man said with a forced confident grin.

The man was already seated in the room, casually browsing something on his phone. He stood up and greeted Collin with a handshake.

'He looks young, probably in his late teens or maybe early twenties,' Collin thought.

He was wearing a T-shirt and baggy pants, like he had just come from a skatepark.

Collin felt like he was being scammed, or worse, pranked by some hidden camera show. The man in front of him didn't look professional at all. Certainly not someone who handled six-figure investments.

"I'm Collin East, and this is my client, Director Wyatt Bray," he said, keeping a calm expression.

Collin suppressed his thoughts with practiced discipline. What they needed was an investor, and this young man, William, might fit the criteria, even if he didn't look like one.

As long as he had money, who gave a fuck about appearance?

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 11

The three took their seats after a brief exchange of greetings and some small talk.

William looked at Wyatt with clear interest, his youthful face trying to appear composed. However, it couldn't hide the fact that the young guy was new to this.

It was normal for an investor to be interested in the director of a movie, as the director's vision would ultimately shape the film's direction and quality.

After all, the director was usually the key factor in determining whether the movie would be successful, both creatively and commercially.

"We talked yesterday on the phone, remember?"

"I'm thankful that you gave me a chance," Wyatt replied, his voice full of genuine gratitude.

Actually, Wyatt was surprised, because he hadn't expected that the person he spoke with yesterday was still in his late teens, someone who looked like he had just graduated from high school.

The voice on the phone had been deeper, so Wyatt had assumed the person was an adult in his late twenties, at least.

But now that he saw William in person, Wyatt was speechless and a bit stunned by the difference between the voice and the face.

Why? Because a teenager who could provide hundreds of thousands of dollars was no ordinary person. He had to come from serious money, influence, family, inheritance, or whatever it was.

"Lila talked about it and said your script is interesting and has commercial potential. She said I could double my money, hehe, so I'm going for it. I trust her decision."

"..."

Collin realized that the young guy probably had no idea about the complex clauses involved in movie investments, the kind that could trap investors in complicated revenue splits... He briefly entertained the idea of scamming the young guy but quickly shook the thought from his mind.

"Wyatt is a promising director, and he'll make an amazing movie that will bring you a lot of profit once it hits the theaters."

Honestly, Collin was just spewing nonsense at this point. He knew it, but he kept going. All he had was the golden words above Wyatt's head. That was the only assurance he could hold onto, like a gambler clutching a lucky charm. But it wasn't even an assurance at all.

In the past few days, he'd seen some people with white and yellow talent above their heads, but it wasn't enough to confirm his theories. So far, only Wyatt had the golden talent.

Does golden talent guarantee immediate success? Collin was still trying to find the answer.

Collin was gambling with everything he had, his credibility and his reputation were on the line.

"I see, I see. Then let's sign the contract!"

William nodded enthusiastically, like a child buying a toy. As though he didn't care about the six-figure investment.

"..."

Collin glanced at Wyatt... The young director was simply happy that someone was willing to trust him. He didn't see anything strange.

'First of all, this guy didn't try to negotiate at all! He's just upfront and rushing things like it's pocket change. We're talking about $200,000, not some fucking high school allowance,' Collin thought, his disbelief growing.

Most of the time, investors would negotiate for a better deal with complex terms and demands.

They'd fight for a higher profit share and copyright ownership. It was like a tug-of-war for authority.

But this kid was different, in the most generous way.

'... He's clueless about how movies make money or just doesn't care enough to ask.'

Well, William was still just a kid, after all. A kid with an enormous amount of money.

This was their first meeting, and Collin hadn't expected the investor to agree so easily without hesitation. Not even reviewing the proposal in detail... Collin should have called his lawyer to get things wrapped up quickly.

"I'll call my lawyer." William stood up casually, pulling out his phone as if he were about to order a pizza.

"Oh, by the way, how about I increase my investment to $300,000? I don't want the budget to be tight, so I'll increase it to make sure everything runs smoothly."

He smiled with the innocence of someone who didn't understand what $100,000 meant to most people.

"Absolutely. We're happy to hear that and we truly appreciate your support."

Collin also stood up and went to the receptionist to call his lawyer immediately... Yes, Collin didn't have a cellphone. He had to ask the receptionist on the 10th floor for a favor.

He didn't want to let go of this opportunity, no matter how unusual it felt. Besides, a higher budget meant more security for filming and better props, which would elevate the production quality.

As for Wyatt, he was still daydreaming with happiness in his eyes and disbelief on his face. The young aspiring director was still shocked that he'd secured an investment in just a few days.

Wyatt glanced at Collin, who was sweating a little while walking out the reception room. Wyatt realized that he had an amazing agent! It was tough to find an investor, but Collin had done that in such a short amount of time, he was clearly good at this!

Moreover, Wyatt was taken aback when he realized that Collin could casually walk to the highest floor and look for the CEO as if he belonged there!

His status was not simple. Maybe Collin had more power in the industry than Wyatt had originally assumed.

Being new to the industry, Wyatt decided that he needed to stay close to his agent and never take that connection for granted. An agent with strong ties to management could help him find jobs and open up opportunities.

Half an hour later, two lawyers finalized the contract after reviewing the terms. William shook Collin and Wyatt's hands with a satisfied grin on his face, clearly pleased with the deal.

"Lila said I could make money if I invest in your project. Hehe, $300,000 is just a portion of my monthly allowance, so I hope you won't feel pressured because of my investment. Just do your best." William rubbed his nose, a bit shy.

"..."

Collin was speechless.

'Damn, some rich kid,' he thought.

Now, Collin understood. This negotiation meant nothing to the young guy! It was just a game for him, a casual gamble, not a serious business move at all!

Collin finally understood why William hadn't fought for more benefits or profit share.

Just like that, they received $300,000 from William with almost zero resistance.

The contract was simple. William would invest $300,000 in exchange for 30% of the movie's profit. In essence, he owned 30% of the movie, including the copyrights.

Collin and Wyatt were required to return the $300,000 initial investment to William, plus the 30% profit after the movie's release and revenue collection...

It was, in fact, an incredible deal for them, almost unheard of. William didn't demand the complete copyrights, and his profit share was only 30%. It was an amazing scenario for small-time filmmakers like them.

As an agent, Collin knew this was a feast served on a silver platter. No, it was a golden platter!

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 12


The deal ended in just one meeting, something that rarely happened in the film industry. Collin and Wyatt didn't expect a situation like this at all. They were prepared for negotiations, rejections, or at the very least, a counteroffer. They thought the investor would ask for more benefits and perhaps even demand creative control.

Collin had even prepared a document presentation and a persuasive pitch to convince William. He was ready to lie if that was what it took to seal the deal. He knew how difficult it was for newcomers like them to secure funding, especially without any major hits to their names. So he was determined to use any means necessary, no matter how shameless it might be.

Yet the young guy agreed so easily, as if it were the most casual business deal in the world. He didn't even ask for detailed breakdowns of the budget or a production timeline. It was as if William didn't take it seriously and just threw money at it like it was nothing.

Collin and Wyatt left the building to find a place where they could talk and clear their heads. The two of them were still speechless, stunned by what had just happened in that meeting.

They eventually found a quiet park near the building, where benches lined the path beneath shady trees. Wyatt broke the silence with an explosive outburst.

"Fuck yeah!" he shouted, his voice echoing with joy and relief.

Collin smiled for the first time that day, his usual stress temporarily replaced with genuine happiness.

Both of them had been under intense pressure ever since they scheduled the meeting with the investor. The anticipation had nearly crushed their nerves. They had run through countless scenarios in their heads, from awkward silence to flat-out rejection.

Now, the hardest part was behind them, and everything had gone unbelievably smoothly. It felt like a miracle.

Wyatt and Collin laughed so loudly that passersby gave them weird glances and steered their kids away.

"Phew, I thought I was going to lose my shit," Wyatt said, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Collin didn't mind the language. He nodded in agreement, a grin still on his face.

"Collin, I didn't know you had connections with the CEO of ANT. You even set up the meeting on the top floor."

"Nah, it's not that deep. I'm just a normal agent in the company, nothing special."

Wyatt didn't believe him for a second. He figured Collin was just being modest, trying to downplay his abilities. What he'd witnessed earlier confirmed that he'd signed with a capable agent, someone who could actually help him survive and thrive in this cutthroat industry.

A few months ago, when he applied to ANT with only his school credentials and a short horror film, Wyatt had no confidence that the agency would take him seriously, let alone offer any real opportunities.

At first, he thought Collin was just another rookie agent with only three years of experience, probably still learning the ropes.

But Wyatt's opinion of Collin began to change when the agent pulled off a bold move and got him an internship as Assistant Director of Director Esteban. Wyatt had been ecstatic at the time.

Now, after watching Collin seal a $300,000 investment deal in just a few days, something that started with a casual conversation in a hospital, Wyatt believed that Collin was a rising star at the agency. Maybe even a hidden ace.

His agent had just proven himself in the best possible way, and Wyatt knew this was his moment to step up and prove himself as both a director and an artist.

"I thought it would take us months to find an investor. We were planning to start the project next month if things went well. But now that we have the budget, I think I'll resign from my Assistant Director position and focus completely on this project."

Wyatt spoke with conviction. He knew this decision would shape the course of his career.

"You don't have to worry about breach of contract or any legal hassle, I'll talk to Henry and Director Esteban myself and explain everything," Collin assured him.

To be fair, resigning from a job wasn't necessarily a breach of contract under normal circumstances. But Wyatt's situation was a little more complicated. His position came with certain obligations. There was a clause in his contract stating he had to complete the current project or risk damaging his professional record.

Director Esteban relied on him to help manage the tight filming schedule and coordinate scenes.

Fortunately, Esteban's film was expected to wrap in three to four weeks, which made things a bit easier to manage.

If Wyatt handled his resignation properly, it wouldn't cause major issues with the production.

However, leaving the project midway would still be noted in his work history and could affect his chances of joining other production crews in the future.

This decision showed that Wyatt had no backup plan. If the movie failed, he would be in serious trouble. He was going all in.

But that kind of risk served as fuel for his motivation. It ignited a creative fire. Wyatt had no intention of failing, not even a little. Ever since he talked to Collin about making a comedy film, he had been renting successful comedy movies and studying what made them work at the box office.

While the two were talking in the park, Collin suddenly remembered something about William's surname. It had sounded familiar.

"William Edward... If I remember correctly, the owner of Database Giant has the same last name, doesn't he?"

Database Giant was a tech company that provided database management systems across nearly every major industry. It had become the foundation for storing and managing large volumes of business data around the world.

The company specialized in database systems, enterprise software, cloud computing, and Java development, making it a global leader in the tech industry.

(Note: I have no fucking idea what I'm writing. I just searched about Larry Ellison and Oracle.)

The company was worth billions of dollars and had branches in more than 30 countries. It was owned by Elijah Edward, a pioneering tech mogul. The Edward family had begun expanding from technology into other industries like media, entertainment, and finance.

"Maybe they're related. His son, perhaps?" Wyatt replied, scratching his head.

"I guess that explains why $300,000 is nothing to William. Just pocket money for the heir of a tech empire."

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 13

While Collin and Wyatt were talking in the park, Lila Seraphina secured a deal with CBA Network after several days of intense negotiation. CBA was one of the major television networks in the United States, with nationwide coverage.

Talent agencies had various ways of generating income depending on their clients and areas of specialization. However, their most profitable model was known as the Package Deal. A method that allowed agencies to earn a substantial share of the revenue.

ANT, as one of the largest talent agencies in Hollywood with a roster of A-list celebrities, writers, and behind-the-scenes experts, profited by signing contracts with production studios and television networks, offering to manage an entire project from start to finish.

This meant that for a single project (whether a movie or a TV series), the entire cast, directors, producers, and production crew came from the same agency. Each was carefully selected to execute the production. This model was common in Hollywood, especially for agencies aiming to dominate both the creative and financial aspects of a project. The studio or network only had to pay a lump sum and the agency handled the rest.

Agencies could negotiate terms that heavily favored them, often maximizing profits by hiring lesser-known talents and managing tighter production budgets.

However, lesser-known didn't mean untalented. In fact, many of these individuals were hidden gems, waiting for the right opportunity to shine.

Hollywood was full of gifted people who had yet to find their big break, sometimes due to poor timing, bad luck, or simply a lack of connections.

In this setup, the studio just paid the agency, and the agency delivered a complete production, ready to roll.

This method had its pros and cons.

The advantages were that casting became far less time-consuming, as the agency already had a roster of talent ready to go. The studio also didn't need to hire additional crew, since everything from screenwriters to costume designers was already provided by the agency. It was quick, easy, and ideal for studios wanting to save time.

The cons? They were monopolizing the business which would prevent small-time employees to get jobs.

Now, Lila had successfully closed a deal for a new TV series with a mid-tier budget and a promising script. All they needed was the investment, and pre-production could begin immediately with no hassle.

ANT had the writers, directors, producers, and actors ready to fill every role. The advantages of a package deal were on full display.

After leaving the TV network building, Lila received a call from William.

The woman offered a faint smile as she answered. Her tone was, as always, serious.

"You signed the contract? That's amazing. I didn't expect them to agree that quickly, very impressive. You're lucky they gave you a chance."

As the CEO of a talent agency in an industry driven by power, influence, image, and language, Lila Seraphina was, unsurprisingly, skilled at lying. She had no shortage of charm.

She knew full well that a rich kid from Silicon Valley like William had no clue how the entertainment industry worked.

William was the eighth son of Ellijah Edward, a tech mogul and founder of one of the most powerful software companies in the world. William had 16 siblings, 15 of whom were half-siblings from different mothers, each with their own ambitions.

Ellijah Edward was a genius and a billionaire, but he was also a notorious playboy. He fathered so many children that tabloids once joked he was founding a nation. Publicly, he declared that only one of his children would inherit Database Giant, his most valuable asset. The heir would be the one who proved themselves without his help.

As a result, the Edward children had entered into a fierce competition. Many succeeded in launching their own businesses and breaking into industries beyond Silicon Valley in order to stand out.

William, one of the youngest, was determined to prove himself, even if he didn't fully understand how business worked.

Unfortunately, he lacked basic business acumen.

Still in high school, William was easily distracted and lacked the maturity and skills his older siblings had already cultivated. Worse, his siblings did everything in their power to sabotage his chances of success.

William's monthly allowance was $1 million. A modest sum compared to his siblings, who enjoyed private jets and unlimited corporate credit cards.

This time, Lila had "helped" the kid by convincing him to invest in Wyatt's project with smooth lies and a persuasive smile.

She claimed Wyatt was a sought-after director with multiple studios eager to sign him. That his movies were guaranteed to make millions at the box office. That he might even be the next big thing.

She also said Wyatt was eccentric and disliked investors who tried to interfere or push for additional benefits.

William might have been wealthy, but he was still young and naive. He lacked the resources and network to verify Lila's claims or investigate Wyatt's background.

It was 1995. You couldn't just Google someone's name. Investigating a person's background meant hiring a private detective, and that took time.

So William chose to believe Lila and quickly invested in Wyatt's film without much thought. During the meeting, he did his best to act tough and mature. He even bragged that $300,000 was just his allowance. That part, at least, was true.

William probably thought he made a smart move. And in a few months, he actually would have.

Lila chuckled softly after ending the call, amused at how easy it had been to manipulate the boy. Today had been entertaining.

.........
......
...

"Don't get too excited. You don't want to end up disappointed again like last year, when your scene didn't make the final cut."

"Shut your bitch ass up. You don't know it, but I've got three lines in this movie! Three real lines, with emotion and screen time! Of course I'm excited, this is a big break for me. Finally."

Jennifer Randon snapped at Collin, who was her agent. She'd been with his client for three years, ever since leaving her previous agency.

She'd been in Hollywood for a decade. Now 28, she was beginning to feel the pressure of the industry's shelf-life on actresses her age.

"You and your foul mouth," Collin muttered. "Of course I know. How could I not? You've been reminding me for months since you landed the role. Besides, I'm the one who got you into this movie. Don't forget that part."

He replied with a smirk, though there was clear pride in his voice. He did his best for his clients.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 14

Jennifer and Collin bought tickets and found their seats after waiting in a short line. They began watching the movie, surrounded by the low chatter of other moviegoers finding their seats.

The film was a romance movie.

Its glossy poster featured two leads holding hands in the rain. The title: Love at First Sight.

Collin was guilty of falling in love at first sight once, but that was another story.

The film had a mid-budget, with a production cost of $10 million. A solid investment for a genre that often leaned more on the chemistry and acting of its leads than flashy effects.

Collin had a friend in the production crew who, after some relentless convincing and a few drinks, agreed to insert Jennifer into the film as a favor.

Her role? A homeless woman offering a sexual favor for $20. Not exactly a glamorous role, but it was a speaking role, and that mattered in her career.

Her scene appeared early in the film, right after the opening credits.

"My scene's coming up. I know it."

Collin watched the screen with mild anticipation, silently hoping nothing had gone wrong in post-production.

The male lead walked down the street. A woman holding a bottle of alcohol whistled at him...
And that was it.

A fleeting moment. No lines. Not even a second longer. The male lead kept walking, unfazed.

"What? What the fuck!? Where's my line!? Do you know how many days I practiced those three lines!? Fuck!"

Jennifer's voice echoed with frustration. She couldn't believe it.

And she wasn't exaggerating, she did have three lines. They were:

"Hey, I'll suck your cock for twenty dollars."

"Don't be shy, big boy."

"Look, I also offer other services."

In the original take, after that last line, she drunkenly whistled at the male lead. He gave her a brief glance before walking away.

Yet in the official release, she didn't utter a single word, not even a "hey" or "big boy."

She merely whistled and vanished from the screen like a background extra... which, to clarify, she technically was.

It was understandable why she felt crushed. No lines. No credit. None of her effort survived the final cut.

"Damn it!" she hissed, loud enough to turn a few heads. She muttered curses under her breath.

"Hey, hey, Jennifer, keep your voice down. Don't curse, there might be kids around. You're making a scene, and people are starting to look at us like we're the entertainment."

Collin knew his client well, her quirks and her temper. Jennifer had a sailor's mouth and a loud voice.

Despite being a gorgeous woman with flowing golden-blonde hair, deep brown eyes, and a distinctive mole beneath her left eye, Jennifer was anything but mindful or demure. In truth, she was the complete opposite. Her mouth might've been the dirtiest part of her entire body.

"Let's leave."

"No," Jennifer bit her lip and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I'm watching this to the end. I wasted ten dollars on two tickets, I will sit through this, even if it kills me."

'That's why I said I'd pay for my own ticket,' Collin thought, sighing deeply.

'But you got so excited and insisted on treating me because this was the best day of your life... And now here we are.'

Still, he stayed. He had his own reason for meeting Jennifer today, and he wouldn't let a bad edit change that plan.

It was a coincidence that the movie premiered today. He hadn't even intended to watch it. But Jennifer's excitement made it impossible to say no.

She'd told him she wanted someone to talk to about her performance, and he agreed, assuming at least one of her lines had made the cut.

As the movie dragged on, with its romance unfolding slowly and painfully, both of them quietly agreed it was mediocre at best.

"The romance between the leads feels forced and unbelievable," Jennifer muttered.

"Even their lines are so cheesy, I physically cringed."

Collin responded with a quiet nod, barely watching the screen anymore.

In a project like this, they were small players, basically nobodies. They didn't have the clout to get a full copy of the script or even understand the general plot.

They were discovering the story along with the audience, with no clue about what would happen next.

"I heard there was a dispute between the director and the production studio during post-production," Collin said softly.

"The director wanted it to be R-rated, but the studio pushed for PG-13 to reach a wider audience and boost box office numbers. Judging by what we're watching, the studio probably won. That explains why your lines were cut, they were too much for PG-13."

He tried to explain as gently as possible, but Jennifer wasn't in the mood to be consoled. Her eyes burned with quiet disappointment.

She felt like her hard work had been dismissed and discarded like garbage.

When the movie finally ended, they left the cinema full of disappointment. Outside, it was already 2 p.m., and the sunlight felt harsh. As if the sun itself was mocking them for wasting their afternoon.

Jennifer stayed quiet, still sulking as they walked down the street.

"So, what's the reason you wanted to talk to me?" she asked bitterly.

"Did I land another role as a background character? One where I don't even get a whistle this time?"

"No, this one's different. I swear."

Collin spotted a run-down restaurant nearby and suggested they eat, hoping food would cheer her up after the bad experience.

Despite the weathered exterior, peeling paint, and faded signage, the place was lively, bustling with customers.

"You bought the movie tickets earlier. Pick whatever you want to eat, it's my treat this time."

"…This is a miracle. You actually have money?"

Collin shrugged and casually waved his hand.

He had recently earned a 10% commission for successfully securing an investment for Wyatt's film. The deal totaled $300,000.

Of course, ANT took 30% of that commission because he'd used company resources to seal the deal.

After everything was settled, Collin walked away with $21,000. Half of it went toward paying off portion of his debts. The other half sat safely in his account for emergencies.

So no, he wasn't exactly rich, but he also wasn't desperate anymore.

While they browsed the menu, Collin kept the conversation going.

"This time it's different. Your role is a named side character, not 'Drunk Woman #1'. You've got dozens of lines. And yes, they'll definitely survive the final cut. Your character is important."

"…Collin, whose cock do I have to suck?" Jennifer asked flatly.

"What, what the hell, Jennifer!?"

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 15


"What the hell, Jennifer? What are you even thinking? Why do you think you have to suck a cock? Are you affected by your last movie role, or did something else happen that I don't know about?"

Collin gulped his water and nearly choked in shock and disbelief when Jennifer said something so stupid and completely unexpected.

After working in this industry for years, Collin had an idea of what Jennifer was talking about, even if he didn't want to admit it out loud.

Casting Couch.

The unspoken shadow that loomed over every hopeful actress and actor struggling to break through.

Collin had been a model before switching career paths and diving into the world of talent representation. He knew that some models had to sleep with higher-ups just to get the jobs they desperately needed to pay rent or make a name for themselves.

In fact, someone had once offered Collin a casting couch deal in exchange for getting onto a Paris fashion runway, one of the biggest shows in the fashion industry. But Collin had a girlfriend at the time, and he had no intention of selling his soul for fame or compromising his values for a temporary spotlight.

Just like his principles, he never forced his clients to participate in that kind of thing, even when the pressure was real and the temptation was everywhere. Unless his clients insisted, and even then, he tried to talk them out of it. If he failed, at that point, Collin couldn't stop them. They were all consenting adults, after all. They were responsible for their own choices and consequences.

In this case, Collin had no intention of making Jennifer have sex with someone just to land a role. It was against his principles, and it always would be.

"Collin, I've been in Hollywood for years now, chasing auditions and memorizing lines for roles that barely have names. I know that the only way for a nobody like me to get a big role is by offering my body. That's just the harsh reality of this place. There are thousands of gorgeous actresses in Hollywood, and I'm not special. I'm getting old."

Jennifer chuckled with a mix of bitterness and amusement. She found it amusing that her agent was acting like someone innocent and naive to the real game. Well, Jennifer was four years older than Collin, so...

Yes, Jennifer was 29 years old, and she could feel the invisible countdown clock ticking with each passing audition. Once she turned 30, her acting career would only get tougher, as the industry often tossed aside women past their "prime" unless they were already famous. Actresses had a short career run in Hollywood unless they were either lucky or extraordinary.

"Jennifer, I'm not that kind of person and I never will be. You know that."

"Yeah, I know you're not. So, what's the plan?"

Jennifer was still unconvinced that Collin had a major role lined up for her. Even landing a supporting character was difficult in this industry filled with fierce competition.

"You know I signed a contract with a rookie director five months ago, right? We decided to start a project, and we need actors who are willing to work with us. I also want to talk to Axel later if he's interested. This could be good for all three of you."

"Of course, Axel will agree in a heartbeat. This is an opportunity for us to be famous."

Axel Gunner was the third client Collin managed. Collin East officially handled three clients: Wyatt Bray, Jennifer Randon, and Axel Gunner. These three was his entire small roster.

Actually, Collin had two more clients once, but they decided to change agencies, leaving Collin feeling disheartened.

It was understandable why they left. Collin was just a small agent with limited connections and no strong backing.

"I thought your client was working on Director Esteban's movie? Why do you guys want to start a project immediately? Your client needs experience, a lot of it."

"I know he's still green, but we've already secured an investment, so there's no turning back now. It's now or never. Are you in?"

"Fuck yeah!" Jennifer laughed with genuine excitement for the first time that day.

At last, she could get a better role with real substance and screen time. Unlike the many times she had taken on background extras with no lines and no hope of getting noticed.

At first, she had thought Collin wanted her to sell her body for a nameless role, but it seemed her agent was still keeping his promise. She respected him for that.

"By the way, aren't you afraid that Director Esteban will be mad? I heard that the director has eccentric behavior. He likes shouting at assistants and flipping over tables. That's why his last assistant director left. Is that rumor real?"

"About that..." Collin replied with a bitter smile and a sigh.

.........
......
...

"Get out of my set and never come back again unless you're planning to beg and kneel down."

An old man with a huge belly tossed his cigarette in front of Wyatt. The cigarette landed dangerously close to Wyatt's feet, still burning.

The old man, known for yelling at people, glared at him.

"I gave you a chance to gain experience by working with me, a rare opportunity for most people. I didn't expect you to disregard my goodwill like that. Do I look like disposable trash to you? I swear, kids these days are too arrogant, thinking making movies is as simple as creampie-ing a woman. Don't ever return. If it weren't for Henry, I might've asked you to pay damages and blacklisted you from all my projects."

Henry Greyson, the producer of this movie, was a friend of Collin. He was the only reason Wyatt had gotten on set in the first place.

Wyatt had his reasons for returning to the set despite knowing Esteban wouldn't be pleased.

First, he wanted to retrieve his belongings from the locker.

Second, he wanted to personally bid farewell to Director Esteban out of respect.

Third, he wanted to thank the director for teaching him during their brief time together, to show his gratitude before walking away.

"Thanks for teaching me. I'll make sure to never forget it, no matter what happens."

"Kid, what did I just say? Get the fuck off my set. Sigh... you're still not listening. I taught you because I wanted you to learn how to direct a movie the right way. I wanted to hire you as my permanent assistant director. But you betrayed me by walking away like it was nothing. Now leave. I don't want to see you again. You need more experience before taking on a project of your own. It's not yelling 'Action' that makes directing hard. Anyone can do that. It's the pressure, that's the hardest part. The fear that your movie will fail. That fear eats at you day by day until you can't breathe."

"...Thank you, director. I'll work hard and prove to you that I didn't make the wrong choice."

It was obvious that the old man was furious. But even so, Wyatt expressed his gratitude before leaving.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 16


Making a movie was not simple in any way, shape, or form. Preparing for a movie was also far from easy, as every detail had to be meticulously planned and accounted for.

Before a movie could even begin production, it needed a solid concept, an idea that could evolve into a compelling story. In short, it needed a script, which served as the backbone of the entire production.

Most of the time, a production studio would hire a team of writers, led by a head scriptwriter, to create a plot through multiple layers of revisions and feedbacks. But because Wyatt was the only person handling the script, they didn't have anyone to polish or edit it, which made the process slower but also more personal. They were keeping their expenses minimal to ensure they had enough for filming and wouldn't overspend before they even started rolling the cameras.

They hadn't hired any writers simply because paying even one, let alone an entire team, was far beyond their budget.

Aside from the script, a storyboard was also essential to visually map out how each scene would unfold. A storyboard provided a visual representation of the scenes and served as a guide for the entire crew. Think of it like a comic strip or series of illustrations, but with the specific purpose of filmmaking, where each frame represented a shot or scene setup. It had to follow the sequence of the plot to make it easy to understand and translate into actual footage on set.

Wyatt had graduated from film school, so he knew how to make a story flow naturally with strong visuals and pacing. Directors typically participated in storyboard creation since they were the ones who envisioned the film and had to guide the camera in bringing that vision to life.

As for Wyatt's storyboard… His drawing skills were average at best, but his drawings clearly demonstrated an understanding of what needed to be filmed. That made them passable enough to structure each scene. Wyatt actually spent most of his days polishing the drawings to ensure they were concise with the vision he had for the movie and coherent enough for the crew to follow without confusion.

Once the script and storyboard were completed, they needed funding to move the project from paper to screen. Wyatt and Collin had already tackled that part.

This was usually the toughest step, as money wasn't easy to come by, especially for small-time players like them.

With those two foundations in place, pre-production could begin, the true groundwork before filming started. This stage included scheduling, casting, hiring crew, location scouting, set and background design, as well as costume and prop creation. All of it had to be done before production could begin.

At the moment, Wyatt was right in the thick of this stage.

Thanks to his reputation as someone who could fill jobs quickly and reliably, Collin had already found crew members for Wyatt. In just a week, they managed to fill all the essential filmmaking roles despite the limited time and tight budget.

Assistant Director

Director of Photography

Camera Operator

Head of the Lighting Department

Props Master

Costume Designer

Set/Background Decorator

All of the key positions were filled, albeit with people hired on modest salaries. These crew members were capable in their roles, but they simply hadn't found opportunities in Hollywood due to bad luck and insufficient connections.

Collin told Wyatt that he should take care of these people, as they could become his regular team in the future if he wanted to direct with a consistent, reliable crew who understood his work ethic.

As for hiring a Producer and Executive Producer, that part was significantly harder. The reason was simple, no one wanted to take on a project directed by a recent graduate.

Although Collin knew several Producers and Executive Producers, none of them expressed interest in handling the project despite his persistent follow-ups and best efforts.

With no other choice, Collin decided to take on the role himself, even though his experience was limited to talent management.

He would later come to realize that hiring workers and managing them were two entirely different challenges. One looked easy on paper, the other tested his patience daily.

In addition to hiring crew members, they also had another crucial task during pre-production.

Casting.

They needed a cast that could embody the characters and carry the emotional weight of the film. A group of actors and actresses who would become the face of the project.

Kazir had already secured two roles for his clients before pre-production officially began. He discussed it with Wyatt, who didn't mind, as it made casting more convenient.

In a way, Wyatt understood that by casting Collin's clients, he was helping not only them but also Collin. After all, Wyatt was also one of Collin's clients, so supporting each other felt fair and natural. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement.

However, before officially casting the two actors, Wyatt had to test their acting skills to ensure they were truly fit for the roles. If they failed, he'd simply have to say sorry and look elsewhere.

"They've been in Hollywood long before I became an agent, they know how to act," Collin said to Wyatt, expressing his firm belief in his clients' abilities.

They were inside a small room that could comfortably accommodate ten people, though it wasn't exactly spacious.

Besides Wyatt and Collin, Gerald, the Casting Director, and Anthony, the Assistant Director, were also present.

This small space that Collin rented for the week would serve as their audition room. They had to improvise and make it work despite their limited resources.

The door opened, and the first person to audition was Axel Gunner. He was auditioning for the role of Sam, one of the two lead characters in The Accidental Wedding Crashers.

"Hello, I'm Axel Gunner. I'm going to audition for the role of Sam."

Wyatt had never met Collin's two clients before. This was his first time meeting Axel in person and the man certainly left an impression.

Wyatt's first impression? The guy was huge.

Collin, who was already 6'2", looked short next to Axel, who stood around 6'7". He was incredibly tall.

Beyond his height, Axel had a commanding presence. His muscular build, confident stance, and overall look radiated raw masculinity. He was like a walking action figure.

Axel had dark brown eyes, an army-cut hairstyle, and the posture of someone who had either served in the military or undergone intense physical training.

However, the moment the audition started, Wyatt was surprised at how completely Axel transformed his demeanor.

The scene he performed was the part where Sam gave a wedding speech while slightly drunk. To make matters worse, Sam wasn't even a friend of the groom, he was just a wedding crasher. A total stranger at the wedding.

"When we were kids, me and the groom talked about our dreams. He said he wanted to be a novelist. He shared his novel with me, it was titled 'Reincarnated as a Filipino'. When I read the story, I told him straight up to never cook again. His story is trash."

Axel delivered the lines with the perfect mix of slurred speech, awkward charm, and tipsy confusion. Like someone who had just taken a few tequila shots and was trying their best not to fall over.

Wyatt looked over at Collin and gave him a nod, signaling that Axel had passed the audition. There was no need to search further, Axel embodied Sam in exactly the way they had envisioned.

With one lead role secured, they now needed to find the actor who would play Jess, the other half of the chaotic and hilarious duo that would carry the film.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 17

"It says here there's an audition going on in this building..."

Lawrence Terrence muttered under his breath while staring up at the five-story structure in front of him. The building looked like it had been abandoned for years. He held a note with the address, building name, and room number where the audition was supposed to take place.

Lawrence frowned as he scanned the exterior once more. The place looked old and unkempt, as if no one had maintained it in decades. Ivy crept along the cracked walls, broken windows were scattered across the upper floors, and graffiti of a silly cartoon character defaced the front.

This was the last place he expected to be holding an audition, especially in Los Angeles, where beauty and presentation often took center stage. Still, despite the building's strange atmosphere, Lawrence decided to go inside.

He had found the casting notice on the bulletin board at the Actors Guild. It mentioned that a project was seeking actors, but gave very few details. No genre, no character descriptions, just that it was for a comedy film. Even the title was missing, making it all feel sketchy.

It could very well be a scam, a bait for desperate actors. But Lawrence chose to take the risk. He had auditioned for countless projects and failed time after time. A former theater actor in high school, he had come to Hollywood chasing a dream, one that now felt farther away than ever.

After nearly a year in the city, Lawrence had yet to land a single role that could launch his career. Agencies ignored his applications, and some never even responded. These days, he made ends meet by working in a pizza shop, far from the glamorous life he had once envisioned.

"This building doesn't even have an elevator..." he grumbled, beginning the long walk upstairs.

By the time he reached the fourth floor, where the audition was being held, Lawrence was sweating as though he'd just run a marathon. He spotted a broken mirror hanging on the hallway wall and took a moment to examine himself, eyes full of anxious hope.

He wiped his face with his palms, careful not to ruin the best T-shirt he owned, the one he saved for occasions like this.

As he walked down the hall, he noticed a few people sitting or standing near the audition room. Men and women, all waiting to be called in.

Seeing a dozen others waiting gave Lawrence a small wave of relief.

"So, this audition is real and not a scam after all."

Judging by the situation, this was likely a small-budget comedy film, probably made by an indie director or crew. Hollywood produced thousands of films each year, and low-budget productions accounted for nearly 80% of them.

Even so, small-budget didn't mean small opportunity. The presence of so many hopefuls actors proved just how seriously even modest roles were taken, especially by those trying to break into the industry.

For aspiring actors, just having their face appear on a screen was a win. It meant exposure, something to add to their resumes that might one day catch a casting director's eye.

Lawrence shared this mindset. Though part of him still hoped for a miracle, he understood how the system worked. Major roles were often pre-cast before any public announcement. Directors, producers, and agents had their circles, they already knew who they wanted.

Realistically, Lawrence hoped to land a minor role, a background character with a line or two. A robber, a waiter, a guy on the street, it didn't matter. As long as he had at least one spoken line, it would be enough. It would be something.

He also knew that films like these rarely paid more than minimum wage. But money wasn't the goal right now.

What mattered was being part of a movie. Any movie. That would add credibility to his profile and increase his chances of landing something bigger next time.

"I don't even have a copy of the script," he muttered, looking around.

Only a few people had scripts printed out and clutched in their hands. They were likely from ANT, Apex Network Talent. Lucky for them, the director of this project was also from ANT and probably favored his fellow agency members.

The director had shared part of the script with them in advance, allowing them time to prepare.

"Maybe I should apply to ANT after this audition ends," Lawrence thought, realizing he hadn't tried that agency yet.

The line moved forward slowly, until finally, Lawrence was next to be called. His hands trembled slightly with nerves.

A tall, tough-looking man walked out of the room, someone who looked like he'd be cast as a soldier or bodyguard. He glanced at Lawrence and said.

"I'm done with my audition. The directors are calling the next one."

"Okay."

Lawrence stood, feeling a mix of tension and hope stirring up in his chest.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and hoped that this project might be the break he had been searching for.


[I'll post another chapter later.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 18


Lawrence entered the room and found four people sitting behind a long table, silently assessing him. He was so nervous that he began sweating profusely. His T-shirt was damp around the neckline, down his back, and under his arms.

He glanced at the four individuals before him and noticed that one of them was already shaking his head in disappointment. Lawrence swallowed hard and introduced himself.

"I'm Lawrence Terrence... I'm here for the male lead role mentioned on the notice board at the Actors Guild."

He had seen the poster stating that the project was seeking an actor for a lead role in a comedy film, though the details had been vague.

Unfortunately, he had no idea what the role was supposed to be. He didn't have a copy of the script or any clear idea of the story.

He had shown up with almost no preparation and no knowledge of the role they were going to test him for, no wonder he was so nervous.

"Give us your resume."

"Here you go."

He handed them the four copies he had printed the night before. Typically, someone would collect the resumes outside the audition room and distribute them to the director, casting directors, producer, or anyone involved in the casting process, allowing the audition to flow smoothly.

But it seemed this project had a limited crew and lacked even the basic personnel to manage that task.

A slightly chubby man with a friendly face handed him a copy of the script.

"Turn to page 3, scene 15. We'll give you ten minutes to prepare before we begin the audition."

"Thank you so much."

Lawrence appreciated the chance, even though he lacked credentials and preparation. He began reading the script, doing his best to memorize the lines quickly, scanning each word with urgency.

While he was focused on the script, the four people silently reviewed his resume. The man who had shaken his head earlier clicked his tongue in disapproval as he scanned Lawrence's credentials.

Aside from high school theater experience, Lawrence's resume was practically blank. No professional background, no prior work even as an extra in a film or commercial.

He was clearly a complete newcomer, untested and unknown. Casting someone like that was a risky move for any director hoping for a reliable outcome.

The man who clicked his tongue was Gerald, the casting director.

Ten minutes passed far too quickly for Lawrence. Then, the audition began.

"I'll be your partner for this audition," said the chubby man who was Wyatt Bray.

"Thanks a lot."

Lawrence's nervousness faded the moment he slipped into character. He sat on the chair, adopting the casual posture of a groomsman at a wedding. Next to him sat Sam, an imaginary character.

"Man, I hate those people who say 'quarter to 3 PM' instead of just saying '2:75 PM.' Like, it doesn't even make sense when you think about it. Are they implying they're smarter just by saying 'quarter to 3 PM'?"

"... You just sat down. What the hell are you talking about?" Wyatt read Sam's line with a deadpan tone.

"Nothing. On a different note, why does pizza come in a square box, is made round, but eaten in a triangular shape? I don't understand," Lawrence (as Jess) exclaimed.

"Dude, what are you on?"

"Paracetamol."

"Okay, cut!"

When the chubby guy called "cut," Lawrence realized that he was the director of the project. Only directors tended to say that phrase with such confidence.

Lawrence stood up and faced the panel with a hopeful expression. But their serious faces gave nothing away. Deep down, he understood his shortcomings. He lacked experience, he had no connections, and he didn't even know the role he was auditioning for.

"I have a question for you, Mr. Terrence."

The man seated to the right of the director raised his hand politely. He was handsome, but Lawrence could tell he wasn't part of the cast.

"You didn't list an agency on your resume. Does that mean you're a freelancer?"

"Yes, that's right, sir."

As soon as the question was asked, Lawrence felt a chill. He knew the audition was already over. In Hollywood, freelancers had little influence. Freelancers had weak power in Hollywood because they didn't have backers to protect them or vouch for their reliability.

The casting director, Gerald, shook his head again, as if confirming a judgment he had already made.

Wyatt glanced at Collin, curious about why he brought up the freelance status.

The panel then shifted to lighter questions, asking Lawrence about his inspirations, hobbies, and favorite films. He answered as confidently and sincerely as he could, hoping to leave a positive impression.

The final question was about salary.

"We're going to be honest with you," Wyatt said, his tone turning serious.

"This is a small-budget movie. If we cast you in the lead role, are you okay with earning minimum wage for the entire duration of the shoot?"

"Sir, what I'm looking for is an opportunity to become famous, or at least a known actor. If this movie can give me that chance, I don't mind earning the minimum."

Exposure, an overused term among aspiring actors. But it came with both consequences and potential rewards.

Lawrence was certain most of the people who auditioned were also chasing exposure, just like him.

Small-budget films rarely succeeded at the box office or received widespread acclaim. Still, the exposure they could provide was valuable to lesser-known actors.

Wyatt nodded thoughtfully, considering his answer.

"We'll call you if you get the role."

"... Yes, sir. Thank you for the opportunity."

Lawrence offered a bitter smile, his chest tightening with disappointment.

He already knew he had failed the audition, no matter how politely they phrased it. That one line "We'll call you if you get the role" was the most overused form of rejection in the industry. A way to say no without saying it directly.

+++++

[Author's Note: I slightly edited Axel's audition in Chapter 16. Also, I realized I sometimes mistakenly refer to Collin as Kazir. For those who don't know, Kazir is the main character of my last novel. The title of that novel is Hollywood What If. It's a fanfiction story about the Hollywood industry.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 19


"What do you think of Lawrence?" Wyatt glanced at the man's resume to see his full name printed on the upper-left corner. "What do you think of Lawrence Terrence's performance?"

Wyatt was the director of this movie, but he couldn't deny that the three people in the room had more experience than him in filmmaking, casting, and production management.

Even Collin, who had worked as a model for years, had some knowledge of how movie production worked. He had seen both front and behind the camera.

"He's not bad... Well, his performance is great compared to what I expected. His delivery and expression almost made me laugh... But I held it back because I didn't want the guy to think he'd get the role just because of a chuckle." Gerald, the casting director, gave his opinion without holding back.

"My only problem is that he doesn't have credentials I can rely on, or any portfolio that gives me confidence. If we hire someone like him, how can we be sure he won't cause problems on set? He doesn't know how movies are made. He's just a theater actor with zero on-set experience."

Listening to Gerald's opinion, Wyatt nodded slowly while glancing back at the resume.

Honestly, Lawrence's lack of work experience wasn't a problem for Wyatt, either personally or professionally. After all, Wyatt also lacked experience in this field, as this was his directorial debut. Everyone deserved a start line.

Wyatt then looked at his assistant director, a man who was a decade older and clearly had more years in the industry.

Wyatt had no idea where Collin found these people so quickly, but he was grateful that his team had come together without hassle or miscommunication. More importantly, Wyatt could see they were trustworthy.

"The last time I gave my honest opinion, the producer kicked me out of the project without a second thought, so I don't feel comfortable giving my opinions in meetings like this."

Anthony, the assistant director, dropped this piece of his lore so casually that it made Wyatt blink. It seemed this was the reason why an experienced man like him was now working on a small-budget movie instead of staying with larger productions.

He lost his job and needed another job to pay the bills, so he accepted Collin's invitation despite the small size of the project.

"You don't have to be conscious of that, Anthony. We need to hear your opinion. It could determine how we move forward and shape the direction of our casting choices," Collin told him.

"If you say so. Lawrence has a handsome face that would look great on posters, though it's a bit on the baby-face side. But despite having only ten minutes to prepare, he managed to give us a surprising performance. His audition stood out noticeably above the rest we saw today."

Wyatt and Collin nodded in agreement without hesitation, while Gerald just shrugged. It seemed Gerald didn't like working with newbies, especially those without any background, which was understandable.

"Anthony, your opinion is valid and appreciated. But now I'm curious, why exactly did the producer kick you out?"

"Well, I told the producer that his son couldn't act. Yeah, he cast his own son as the male lead, and it was terrible. A complete waste of time and money. Everyone knew it but kept quiet like it was some open secret. I said it straight to the producer's face and he was livid."

"..."

Collin and the others realized then that Anthony was the kind of guy who couldn't keep quiet, even if it meant risking his career.

"As for you, Collin, you asked Lawrence if he had an agent. Why did you ask that question specifically?" Wyatt asked, still curious.

"If I told you that I want to sign him, would you believe me or think I'm joking?"

"You're being serious about signing a complete unknown actor?" Wyatt was surprised by how sincere Collin sounded.

"Why? Did you see potential in him?"

"Pretty much. More than you think. I can tell if a person is good or not and Lawrence doesn't strike me as a bad guy." Collin grinned while staring at Lawrence's resume, as if he saw something beyond the words on paper.

Collin had been out of the hospital for two weeks now. As he restarted his work as an agent, he realized something strange. Every now and then, he would see glowing words floating above people's heads.

Collin could discern people's talents because of this unexplained but useful ability. The trigger seemed to be when someone did something related to their talent, then the floating words would appear.

So far, Collin had seen over thirty people with these glowing labels above their heads, actors, models, singers, even directors. Wyatt and Arnold were included in that small group of talents.

However, among all of them, the only person who had a golden talent was Wyatt. Most people only had white or yellow ratings, which were decent but not exceptional.

But that changed today.

When Lawrence began acting, Collin saw the glowing golden words clearly floating above his head, illuminated like a spotlight only he could see.

Lawrence Terrence

-- A Comedy Actor (Yellow)
-- A Romance Box Office Hit Actor (Gold)

Just like Wyatt, Lawrence had two talents related to showbiz, a rare thing in itself.

'However, unlike Wyatt, Lawrence's Comedy Actor talent was only yellow. Not bad, but not outstanding. What caught my interest is his Romance Box Office Hit Actor trait... I'm not even sure if that's a real industry term, but the glowing words don't lie. I trust what I saw.'

Only the Romance Box Office Hit Actor trait was golden, shining the brightest. Despite Lawrence being a complete newbie, Collin was serious about signing him. He felt like he had just discovered gold in a river, guided only by a supernatural metal detector.

"I want to sign him."

He smiled at Wyatt, confident in his decision. Wyatt paused for a second, processing what he just heard, then nodded in acceptance.

Collin was a talent agent. If he saw potential in Lawrence, it made sense why he'd want to sign him despite the lack of experience.

And it was Collin's decision alone, Wyatt didn't have the power to stop his agent from signing whoever he wanted.

"Let's see... If he signs with you, I'll cast him as Jess. Think of it as my way of helping your clients get steady work and build momentum. Let's hope this project leads to more steady jobs," Wyatt added.

"I believe this project will be successful," Collin replied.

"I'll do my best to make that happen."

Wyatt understood why Collin was putting in so much effort. If Wyatt succeeded as a director, Collin would have a reliable way to find work for his clients and build sustainable careers.

It was a win-win situation, and Wyatt had no problem with it. He was grateful that his agent believed in him and was willing to invest in his success.

"Lawrence left his contact number. I'll call him later tonight or first thing tomorrow," Collin announced.

As for Anthony and Gerald, they chose not to veto the decision despite their initial hesitation. They admitted that Lawrence had given the best performance for the role of Jess among all the dozens who auditioned.

With that, the audition resumed, and the next name was called.

++++

[If I can maintain this pace, I can probably post up to 13 chapters per week. It depends on how many chapters I can write.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 20


"Here's your change. Here's your pizza."

"T-Thank you... Ahh~"

Esmeralda forced a smile as the fat man in front of her leaned forward and inhaled the change she gave him like it was some kind of holy relic.

She had been working at this pizzeria for two years now, ever since she first set foot in Los Angeles. She was an aspiring actress who had left her hometown filled with dreams and hope, thinking she'd become the next big star. Hoping to find success in Hollywood.

The outcome of that brave decision? She was now a cashier at this pizzeria, serving greasy pizza and dealing with freaks instead of walking red carpets.

The fat guy, who was now deeply inhaling the scent of the pennies, stared at her with a lewd, lustful gaze that made her skin crawl and her stomach churn.

Esmeralda felt disgusted but held herself back from vomiting right then and there on the counter. She had met her fair share of creeps in her two years here, but people who inhaled pennies like they were drugs belonged in a special place.

The man finally left after grabbing a box of pizza, without even thanking her, leaving behind a trail of stench. There was a stain on his crotch for some reason, and she prayed to every deity she knew that she'd never have to find out why.

"Phew, that guy's been visiting our shop for days now like some cursed spirit. God, why do you give me these hard battles? I feel like I'm going to be assaulted a few days from now... Please don't let that be foreshadowing."

While muttering to herself, the phone rang abruptly, jolting her out of her spiraling thoughts. Esmeralda answered the call.

"Domihoes Pizzeria, the best pizza in Hollywood according to our drunk customers. Hello, can I take your order? What, you're not calling to order? You're from ANT? Isn't that a huge talent agency? Yes, yes, I'll call Lawrence right now!"

Being an "actress," Esmeralda of course knew about ANT. How could she not? It was practically every struggling actor's dream to be represented by ANT.

Apex Network Talent was one of the biggest talent agencies in Hollywood. She had applied there last month using a heavily exaggerated resume, and she still hadn't heard back.

So when she heard that the caller was an agent from ANT, her heart skipped a beat, even if the call wasn't for her.

"Lawrence! Someone from ANT is looking for you!"

Esmeralda yelled more loudly than she intended, drawing curious glances from the other staff. Even though the call wasn't for her, she was still thrilled.

Lawrence, with flour dust on his shoulders, came rushing out of the kitchen. He didn't have a phone of his own, so he used the shop's landline as his only contact. He had been waiting anxiously since yesterday, the longest 24 hours of his life.

He'd barely slept, tossing and turning all night, praying for a miracle he wasn't sure would come.

Even though the project he'd auditioned for was a small-budget one, it meant everything to him. It could determine his future and whether he would finally escape this current life.

Lawrence grabbed the phone with trembling, excited fingers.

"Hello, yes, that's me. You want to meet me? Of course, of course! I'm off work around 3 p.m. I'll head to your agency as fast as I can. Thank you, thank you so much!"

The person who had called him was Collin East, one of the panel judges from the audition who had shown interest in him.

Lawrence had no idea why a talent agent wanted to meet him in person, but he knew it had to be good news. Bad news didn't usually come with polite scheduling.

Most of the time, Lawrence just received a cold call saying he didn't pass, or worse, no call at all, the cruelest rejection.

But this was different. And his gut told him that meant something good was coming. Maybe he really did have a shot.

Grinning from ear to ear, Lawrence returned to the kitchen.

"Wait, Lawrence. That call was about your audition yesterday, right?" Esmeralda asked, eyes wide and cheeks slightly flushed.

"That's right," Lawrence replied proudly, with a nod. No point in hiding it.

"Then..." Esmeralda looked down shyly, twirling her hair. "Are you single?"

.........

......

...

At exactly 3:45 p.m., Lawrence arrived at the ANT building after taking two buses and walking five blocks. His hands still smelled faintly of pepperoni and dish soap, a scent that stubbornly clung despite three washes. He adjusted his secondhand jacket.

Nerves twitching, he stepped into the sleek, tiled lobby.

He approached the receptionist, who verified his identity and directed him to the reception area on the ground floor.

The lounge had several tables and chairs, and sunlight streamed gently through the windows. The place was lively, with agents talking to stunning men and women, perhaps trying to sign them.

Lawrence scanned the room and quickly spotted Collin, already seated at a table, flipping through a magazine. He recognized the man immediately from the audition.

Collin had shown great interest in him, especially in the fact that he was a freelance actor. Still, Lawrence hadn't expected him to be a talent agent.

With that chiseled face, black hair, sharp green eyes, and model-like posture, Collin looked like someone who should be in the magazines, not flipping through them.

"Sir," Lawrence managed to say as he approached.

"Lawrence, sit down."

Collin smiled with a calm confidence that made Lawrence even more nervous.

Subconsciously, Collin glanced above Lawrence's head, but there were no floating words glowing like yesterday.

That meant Lawrence wasn't currently using his talent. He was just in "normal" mode.

Collin nodded as Lawrence sat down carefully.

"According to your resume, you're a theater actor."

"That's right. I was in the theater club back in high school and even directed a play during my senior year," Lawrence explained, pride and nervousness mixing in his voice.

"I see, I see..." Collin had already memorized most of the resume, having read it multiple times.

"You probably have an idea why I invited you here today."

Lawrence swallowed hard, the sound echoing in his own head.

"I want to be your agent and help you climb the slippery ladder of showbiz. I'll help you find your place in Hollywood, no matter how long it takes."

'You're going to be a staple in Comedy and Romance films once you find your rhythm... Heck, you'll dominate RomComs too, since they blend both genres,' Collin thought with a knowing smile.

Lawrence possessed a golden talent as a Romance Box Office Hit Actor, and a yellow talent as a Comedy Actor. That rare combination screamed "leading man."

Collin hadn't stopped thinking about it since yesterday. It was rare to find such a specific, standout talent in this cutthroat industry.

To prove his point, Collin glanced around at the other agents pitching to innocent actors with practiced smiles. Words floated above many of their heads. Most had white talents in Negotiation or Communication. Useful, but far from exceptional.

None of them had a golden talent. That alone spoke volumes about how rare it was.

'Especially a specific talent that screams immediate success. I have no idea what exactly "Romance Box Office Hit Actor" means... but I trust what I saw.'

For now, Collin had one goal. To convince Lawrence to sign with him.

That was the first step in what could be a career-defining partnership for both of them.

+++++

[Please support this novel by giving it Power Stones on Webnovel. I want to see if it's possible to break into the Top 10 in the Last 30 Days ranking. This ranking is for new novels that are not a month old.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 21


Lawrence's eyes widened in surprise. He was caught off guard by the agent's unexpected offer.

"You want to represent me?"

"Yes. I see potential in you," Collin nodded firmly, his voice steady and resolute. He wasn't lying. He was literally seeing potential in him. A unique ability allowed him to view Lawrence in a way that others couldn't.

As for the chances of a successful career, Collin would take care of that himself. He couldn't rely solely on talent. Timing, exposure, and commitment all had to be factored in.

As an agent, he had to work hard and prove his worth. He would find suitable jobs for his clients, just as he had been doing for years.

"I..."

Lawrence's throat tightened as emotion surged through his chest. For years, he had dreamed of this moment, yet now that it was happening right before his eyes, it still felt like a dream.

He had often fantasized about a talent agent discovering him and offering a contract that would change his life forever. He imagined it while performing on stage, hoping that a talent scout was in the audience, silently taking notes.

He had dreamed about it over and over.

"I… I don't know what to say," he muttered softly. But then his thoughts shifted toward the possible dangers, especially the darker ones.

"You won't use me as a boy toy for some old hags, right?"

The words slipped out before his brain could stop them, and Lawrence instantly regretted what he said. But it was too late. He looked at Collin with a nervous glance, bracing for an awkward response.

"You've probably heard stories that some agents exploit their clients through sex trafficking, but that kind of thing only happens in shady, questionable agencies. ANT has a reputation to uphold, and we protect it at all costs. We don't engage in anything like that."

Well, akshually, Collin had heard that some of his colleagues used their clients to sleep with wealthy individuals, producers, financiers, and even political figures, to strengthen their social networks.

But Collin never participated in such disgusting practices, especially since he had once been a model himself and knew how dehumanizing that part of the industry could be.

Still, he wouldn't explain all that to Lawrence. He didn't want him to back out.

"Will my decision determine whether I get to be part of Director Bray's project?"

"You probably haven't heard this yet, but I'm Wyatt Bray's agent. So yes, if you sign a contract with me, you'll automatically secure one of the two lead roles in his film project."

When Lawrence learned that Collin was Director Bray's agent, he realized that signing a contract might not be a bad idea after all. In fact, it might be the smartest move he could make.

What he needed was exposure, and exposure came from starring in movies. To get that, he needed connections, particularly with directors and producers, the powerhouses behind every film.

Signing the contract meant he'd be part of Wyatt Bray's many projects, since they were both clients under Collin's representation.

An agent who had a director under his wing was far more valuable than one who only represented actors and actresses. After all, directors held the keys to greenlighting projects and casting roles.

They were the ones who initiated films and saw them through from start to finish. They were the brains behind the movie, the visionaries behind the spotlight.

From a business perspective, a talented director would always be more influential than a talented actor. A visionary director could transform an unknown actor into a star.

Seeing that Lawrence was seriously contemplating the offer, Collin pulled out a contract and slid it across the table with a smooth motion.

"You can read the contract. You're welcome to consult a lawyer if it'll help ease your mind. I'll call your shop in two days to hear your answer. No pressure, take your time."

Lawrence grabbed the papers, excitement and anxiety swirling inside him. His eyes skimmed the words quickly, yet he tried to absorb every detail.

The contract was five pages long. Concise yet professional, clearly crafted by someone who understood the industry.

It contained the standard clauses:

Representation Clause — ANT (Apex Network Talent), through Agent Collin East, would exclusively represent Lawrence Terrence in matters related to acting and entertainment on both national and international levels.

Term Clause — The agreement would last for three years, with an automatic review and potential renewal afterward, depending on performance and mutual satisfaction.

Commission Clause — ANT would receive 15% of Lawrence's gross earnings from acting jobs secured through the agency, excluding merchandising or royalties unless negotiated separately.

Obligation Clause — ANT would be responsible for seeking acting roles, providing marketing support, and offering coaching if necessary. In return, Lawrence would attend auditions arranged by ANT, maintain a professional public image, and be available for agreed-upon projects within reasonable scheduling limits.

Confidentiality Clause — Both parties would be required to keep the terms of the contract and any sensitive information confidential to maintain trust and professionalism.

Exclusivity Clause — Lawrence could not sign with or work through any other talent agency during the contract period, ensuring undivided representation.

Breach of Contract Clause — If ANT failed to provide any opportunities within six months, Lawrence could request early termination. Conversely, if Lawrence violated the contract or accepted outside work without approval, he would be liable for damages equivalent to 25% of his annual earnings under the contract, enforceable through legal arbitration.

Lawrence's hands trembled slightly from the weight of the decision he was holding, but he continued reading. The contract was strict but fair. It wasn't a trap, it felt more like a gateway. A gateway to the stardom he had yearned for since arriving in Los Angeles.

He knew how difficult it was just to get audition opportunities in this cutthroat industry. He had spent countless hours scanning Actor's Guild notices, only to be crushed by overwhelming competition. Nearly all the major roles and projects were controlled by large agencies.

A freelancer like him would have to make a deal with the devil to get that level of access.

But the contract Collin offered didn't feel like a deal with the devil. It felt like a lifeline.

Lawrence truly believed this was something real. Something that could elevate his career to the next level.

And judging by Collin's demeanor and confidence, he had the ability to deliver on his promises.

"You said if I sign this contract, I'll be one of the lead actors in the movie?"

"I promise. We can even include that in the contract, if you'd like."

"Then…" Lawrence licked his dry lips. He had no reason to hesitate. He had already been considering leaving Hollywood if things didn't work this year, a last resort he had quietly mulled over for months.

So this contract was more than just a document. It was a sign of commitment to his dream and to himself. One last shot at stardom.

"I'm in… Let's do this."

+++++

[Please support this novel by giving it Power Stones on Webnovel.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 22


"You sure you don't want to consult a lawyer first? I just want you to make sure." Collin was surprised by how quickly Lawrence made his decision. It was faster than he had anticipated.

He thought the actor would contact a lawyer first, as most cautious newcomers usually did. But then again, consulting a lawyer might cost money Lawrence probably couldn't afford right now.

"I decided to trust you." Lawrence offered a bitter smile, his eyes reflecting both caution and optimism.

"Besides, I've been thinking of leaving Hollywood this year if I couldn't find even a small success in my acting career. Signing this contract is my way of showing perseverance and determination. One last attempt at achieving my dream before I give it all up."

"You and I will make sure you achieve that dream, no matter how hard we have to work."

"Thanks for believing in me."

Lawrence nodded with a small but firm motion. Deep down, he was still unsure about the decision. But he chose to trust his gut for once, instead of overthinking. This was the first time an agent had reached out to him and proposed a partnership.

That alone brought him a bit of happiness, something to hold onto. At least there was someone who saw something in him and decided to help when no one else would. He was happy, more than words could express.

He knew so many aspiring actors and actresses who dreamed of being scouted by an agent and signed.

But only a chosen few ever experienced that moment of validation.

Besides, he had to sign the contract if he wanted the lead role in Wyatt Bray's project. He might regret it forever if he let this opportunity, which had practically fallen into his lap. If he let it slip away, he could only blame himself.

As for any possible traps or loopholes in the contract… he decided to believe that Hollywood wasn't so corrupt that it would destroy his life.

Surely not everyone in the industry was a predator or a fraud…

To be fair, Hollywood was corrupt enough to destroy many lives.

Fortunately for Lawrence, Collin was a good person with no intention of participating in the industry's darkest side. Lawrence got lucky that it was Collin who discovered him.

In fact, a few months from now, Lawrence would come to realize that signing the contract with Collin was the best decision he had ever made. A turning point that marked the true beginning of his career.

It would turn his life around in ways he never imagined.

Lawrence signed the contract and shook Collin's hand in a firm, symbolic gesture of trust and partnership.

"We'll work hard for a better future." Collin sighed in relief, the tension in his shoulders finally easing. He thought recruiting Lawrence would take some time, maybe even a week of convincing. He hadn't expected it to take just a single day.

Anyway, he was pleased with the deal… especially since the contract stipulated a 15% commission. Some clients negotiated it down to 10%, but Lawrence was different. He accepted it without complaint. So yeah, a great deal for Collin and a promising client to work with.

'If Lawrence reached stardom, and that's a good thing for both of us, we might have to renegotiate the contract and lower the commission rate to keep him happy. But that's a matter for the future. A future that now feels a little more possible,' Collin thought.

"For the better future," Lawrence repeated softly, his voice full of quiet determination.

.........
......
...

The wedding ceremony was in full swing, rich with tradition and elegance. A large, old church overflowed with flowers in white and soft pink. People dressed in their finest attire, silk dresses, tailored suits, polished shoes.

The Father stood before the altar, solemn and serious in his flowing white robes. He delivered a heartfelt sermon about love, devotion, and sacred union, his voice filled with deep reverence.

"Marriage… is not merely a contract. It is a covenant. A divine union of two souls, bound not only in law but in the eyes of God..." the Father stated slowly, letting each word echo throughout the sacred space.

The camera cut to Jess (Lawrence) and his male co-star, Sam (Axel). The two sat in the front row, dressed in tuxedos with matching ties. Sam was barely functioning, drunk for the entire ceremony, his glassy eyes and slouched posture barely holding together.

Jess, on the other hand, was shifting uncomfortably in his seat as tension built in his stomach. His face contorted slightly as he fought against the inevitable.

"For love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast..." the Father solemnly continued, as if reciting sacred poetry.

Suddenly, an earth-shattering FART erupted from Jess. A long, loud, unapologetic blast echoed like thunder off the marble walls of the church, reverberating with all the force of a sonic boom.

PPPPPPPPPFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTT!

Silence. Everyone froze, as if struck by a spell. The bride gasped in horror. A child dropped her juice box with a loud splat.

The Father nearly dropped the scripture in his hands, his eyes wide with shock.

Jess (Lawrence) stared ahead, trying to act nonchalant despite the growing horror on his face. His wide, teary eyes said otherwise. He was dying inside.

Sam (Axel) slowly turned to him, mortified beyond words. His drunkenness was gone, awoken by the earth shattering fart.

"You didn't," Sam muttered in disbelief, still reeling from the auditory assault.

"I thought it would be silent... and... polite. Like a whisper in the wind."

Cut to the groom's grandmother fainting in dramatic slow motion. The groom tried to hold back laughter, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably. Honestly, he had no idea who these two were, but they were unexpectedly entertaining.

The musicians stopped playing mid-note, their hands frozen in the air. Someone coughed loudly, attempting to break the silence and restore order.

The Father blinked once, then again, before continuing like a true professional trying to keep the ceremony afloat.

"As I was saying... love is also... forgiving and merciful, even in moments like these."

Sam facepalmed so hard it echoed like a slap. Jess slowly slumped his shoulders in defeat, trying to disappear as giggles rippled through the church.

"I had garlic knots for breakfast," Jess confessed with the shame of a man admitting his sins.

"You had a death wish for breakfast. This is just like what you said earlier, 2:75 PM my ass. There's no 2:75 PM, Jess! That's not how time works."

"What? Then why do they say it's quarter to three? That doesn't make sense."

Cue the church bells ringing awkwardly as the scene faded out, the camera pulling upward toward the ceiling.

"Okay, cut--!"

+++++

[Please support this novel by giving it Power Stones on Webnovel.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 23


"Okay, cut—!"

Wyatt announced, standing up with a commanding tone.

"This scene is done. Let's prepare for the next scenario where the groom and bride will say their 'I do's' in front of the guests and the camera. Finish the preparations within ten minutes so we can stay on schedule."

The production team immediately moved into action, fixing makeup and adjusting anything that needed touch-ups before the cameras rolled again.

Lawrence sighed and chuckled lightly as the tension melted from his shoulders.

Axel, who was a tall man, also laughed with him. The two had already performed this scene three times, and each take added a new layer of absurdity. They still couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of the fart scene. Thankfully, they perfected their acting on the third attempt after much trial and error.

As the lead actors in this project, Lawrence and Axel had formed a good relationship built on shared scenes and behind-the-camera laughter.

They could say they were friends now, not close friends who shared deep secrets, but friends you could laugh with on and off set. Furthermore, Axel and Lawrence had the same agent, which helped ease their relationship quickly.

It had been a month since filming began for The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and the production was gaining speed with increasing efficiency and momentum. In the first and second weeks, Wyatt and the cast were still finding their rhythm through occasional retakes. But now, it seemed like they were in the zone.

Wyatt had grown accustomed to the directorial role and could now lead the project with more confidence than before.

Being a small project, The Accidental Wedding Crashers didn't have a dedicated producer to manage the crew.

Reluctantly, Collin decided to take over the role. He knew it wasn't something he wanted to do long-term.

Checking every prop was manageable since the props they needed weren't complicated, mostly common wedding décor and church items.

The tougher jobs were:

--Overseeing the Budget.
Collin had to keep a tight leash on money to prevent financial disaster or unnecessary overspending. Every night, he had to check how much money was spent, every receipt, every invoice, every dollar counted. It was a very tiring use of brain cells and a guaranteed way to get a headache.

--Managing the Schedule.
Collin also had to ensure that filming stayed on track according to their planned schedule. A few days of delays could be managed with minor adjustments, but a month of delays would be disastrous for the budget. The earlier they finished, the better it would be for everyone. For now, filming was on a good schedule without any major hiccups. As long as nothing unexpected happened, like bad weather or cast injuries, they could wrap up in about two to three months. Another tiring job for Collin and definitely not what he signed up for.

--Supervising and Maintaining the Morale of the Team.
This might seem easy to outsiders, but talking to people was mentally exhausting, especially when you were juggling other responsibilities. Even though Collin's job as a talent agent involved networking and socializing, he admitted his mental energy had limits. He couldn't just power through with determination. He preferred brief conversations over long-winded small talk. Perhaps he still had to adjust to his job as an impromptu producer.

These were just some of the responsibilities Collin had to juggle on top of managing his actual clients.

Wyatt was still a new director and couldn't handle all this logistical madness. As an agent, Collin had to ensure Wyatt had a smooth experience with his debut film so that his confidence could grow naturally. If Collin failed to do this, Wyatt might lose interest in filmmaking before his talent even had the chance to shine. That would be a waste of his golden potential, something Collin would not allow to happen under his watch. He had to build his client's confidence step by step.

Because of this, Collin had to do his best as a non-permanent producer, even if he disliked every second of it. This position was tough, and he had no intention of doing it again once the film wrapped.

He knew his strengths very well. He was good at finding the right people for the right jobs. Heck, he could even discern someone's talent with just a glance. One second, and he'd know.

Being a producer might earn a lot of money, especially if the film succeeded, but it didn't align with Collin's strengths. At least, he believed so with absolute certainty.

He could do so much more with his gift, more than what most agents could even dream of.

"It might not be a surprise if I find the next Olympic Champion with this power," Collin thought to himself with a self-assured grin.

The production crew began moving and adjusting the cameras and lighting for the next scene with practiced coordination, despite being understaffed. They had hired 30 people, half of whom were interns and new to the industry, fresh faces hungry for experience. However, despite being interns, they had enough skill to do the job with minimal supervision.

Collin was the reason for this, and he felt a small sense of pride. He looked at the crew members, and in his vision, words floated above their heads in glowing letters that only he could see.

One of them was the cinematographer Collin had personally hired to work with Wyatt. This cinematographer had no experience in filmmaking, not even a short film. He had only done some music videos for local indie artists, but because Collin saw his talent, he entrusted him with the position without hesitation.

So far, the cinematographer (an intern) was doing his job well, adapting quickly to the set environment. His performance even eased Wyatt's responsibilities as a director by handling technical details with skill. At the very least, Wyatt didn't have to check the cameras every few minutes.

Indeed, the people Collin hired were right for their jobs, efficient, talented, and eager to prove themselves. This was proven further with each successful day of filming.

Collin grinned because almost every person he hired had yellow talent glowing brightly in his vision, meaning they were good at their jobs and had potential for even greater things.

His superpower might seem simple at first glance, but it was overpowered in the hands of a talent agent who knew how to use it. After all, the job of a talent agent was to find talented people they could make money off of, or rather, collaborate with for mutual success.

+++++

[Author's Note: I intend to make this novel a serious mockumentary or parody of Showbiz. So if you see me making fun of Hollywood and celebrities or writing stupid names, that's just me being me and having fun with writing.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 24


Collin approached his two actors, Lawrence and Axel, with a focused look on his face. The two sat upright while makeup artists worked on them, using soft brushes and sponges to erase signs of exhaustion.

They drank water to cool their dry throats and overheated bodies, all while people brushed their faces and concealed their sweat under thick layers of makeup.

The "church" they were filming in wasn't actually a real church, despite its convincing stained-glass windows and solemn, holy atmosphere. It was a church set owned by Whiner Bruh Studio, one of the Big Six studios in Hollywood. This location was regularly used for filming scenes related to churches, such as weddings, baptisms, or Sunday mass services.

Since Whiner Bruh didn't have any movies scheduled in the next quarter that required church scenes, the place was rented out to smaller productions looking for a suitable church setting. Using ANT as a front, Collin successfully rented the location for a few thousand dollars per week, a discounted rate thanks to his connections.

Normally, this would've been the producer's job, but Collin had to step in and handle it himself because no one else could.

They were only allowed to rent the location for three weeks, with no room for negotiation. During that time, they had to film every single church scene in the script, no matter what. If they didn't, they'd be forced to find another location at the last minute, which would be both disastrous and expensive. Extending the rental wasn't an option either, another production studio had already reserved the location for the following week, and the schedule was tightly packed.

Because of this, Wyatt fully understood the urgency to speed up filming or risk falling behind. Collin and the cast followed through with relentless dedication and focus, ensuring that production stayed as smooth and efficient as possible despite the mounting challenges.

Thankfully, most of the church scenes had already been shot after countless takes and minor setbacks. That was a relief, because no one on the crew could stand this place any longer than absolutely necessary.

It was freaking hot, like being baked inside an oven!

The only thing easing their suffering was the bottles of ice-cold water stored in a cooler that sat in the corner like a treasure chest, a small blessing they all depended on to fight the heat.

Some crew members had to wipe their faces every few minutes due to excessive sweating. Even the cast had to hydrate during every break to avoid dehydration, or worse.

The church had an AC unit... a massive one built into the ceiling vents. But Collin quickly realized they couldn't afford to run it, not even for a few hours. The place was cathedral-sized, and turning on the AC would've racked up a monstrous electric bill they simply didn't have the budget for.

Even keeping the lights on all day strained their finances and made Collin's budget weep. While they had brought in their own lighting equipment, it wasn't enough to fully brighten the interior due to the church's enormous size and shadowy structure.

The caretaker of the set kept a close eye on them... making sure they didn't secretly turn on the AC.

Collin felt bad and guilty about the situation, but they had to make do or risk shutting down production. To ease the discomfort, he bought a cooler and filled it with bottles of water and ice cubes to help fight the heat.

Some crew members might have silently resented Collin, shooting long, sweaty stares his way, especially since he personally admitted to renting the place without AC, a decision no one liked. But it didn't matter to Collin in the long run. His career was usually met with disdain anyway, so this wasn't anything new to him.

Plenty of people hated talent agents, calling them greedy parasites who leech off the success of others. This was just another walk under the sun for him... Get it? Sun? Hot? Yeah, Imma get out.

Lawrence and Axel saw Collin and nodded at him, sweat slowly trickling down their foreheads. Collin nodded back but didn't bother striking up a conversation. He didn't want to interrupt their brief moment of rest. As long as they looked fine and weren't on the verge of heatstroke, it was good enough for him.

Even though being covered in makeup in this sweltering heat was uncomfortable, the two actors powered through like professionals. It was part of the job, after all. They signed up for this.

Lawrence glanced at the balloon he had sat on earlier to create the fart sound. It still lay half-deflated. He wondered whether the mic had captured the sound cleanly or if they'd need to redub it in post-production.

Given their limited budget, the production had to rent a sound library, which was far cheaper than hiring a professional Foley artist who would've charged them triple or quadruple.

A Foley artist is someone who creates and records sound effects, then dubs them into the movie during post-production.

"You thinking of keeping the props to prank people?" Axel asked with a mischievous smirk, catching Lawrence staring at the balloon.

"It depends... Does the film need some bloopers? Maybe we can prank Wyatt and Collin?" Lawrence replied, wearing a devious grin.

"You'd have to ask Wyatt. But if you ask him, he'll already be on alert. It'll be harder to prank him."

"So that means I can only prank Collin or Jennifer?" Lawrence tilted his head thoughtfully.

Lawrence wasn't familiar with the rest of the cast beyond basic introductions. He felt more comfortable messing around with Collin's clients since they'd already spent time together drinking and chatting about scripts, gigs, and random Hollywood gossip.

"Yeah, pretty much. Unless you wanna take the risk with the others."

"Okay, noted."

While the two actors chatted and plotted their prank, Collin checked on Jennifer Randon, who was clearly miserable in her thick wedding dress, looking like she was ready to fight someone.

"You okay?"

"Do I look like I'm okay, you sick fuck?" Jennifer snapped, glaring at Collin through a layer of foundation and frustration, while the makeup artist dabbed sweat-proof powder onto her face.

Wearing a wedding dress in this heat was suffocating, like being wrapped in a hot curtain. There was no breeze, no AC, and no way out. On top of that, she had to wear it the entire day!

"Based on your reaction, you're doing fine."

Collin chuckled despite the deadly glare she shot at him.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 25


Collin East yawned and sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes and letting the light seep into his vision. He had enjoyed a great sleep now that he had bought a foam mattress to lie on, instead of the narrow and unforgiving couch he had endured for months.

Just a few months ago, he had been sleeping on that couch, waking up each morning with a crooked neck. The small space made it hard for him to stretch his body while sleeping, which left him aching most days. Now, there was some improvement, he had a foam mattress, but he was still sleeping in the living room.

"Good morning, Collin. Breakfast is ready. You can eat first."

Evelyn found her son waking up and greeted him with a smile as she carried a plate to the table.

"Thanks, Mom. Where's Aida? Already at school?"

"Hm, she woke up early to commute so she could avoid the morning rush."

Collin stood up and stretched his body, both arms extended above his head. A soft moan escaped his mouth as the pleasure of stretching washed over him like a satisfying wave of relief.

He sat down and started eating breakfast. The breakfast was eggs, toast, and milk. He had to leave early, and he needed something in his stomach to stay active throughout the busy day ahead.

Their family still lived in this small apartment with only one room, barely enough for three people to move around comfortably. Evelyn and Aida used the bedroom while Collin slept in the living room on his newly acquired mattress beside the old TV stand.

Thankfully, he now had a foam mattress, allowing him to fall asleep quickly without tossing and turning all night.

Collin had earned $21,000 in commission a few months ago thanks to a successful investment. Half of that amount went straight to his debt, which had haunted him for two years...

Now, he still had $200,000+ in debt to the bank. An amount that triggered anxiety every time he thought about it. He had to pay it off this year or risk facing rising interest rates and mounting late fees.

The remaining money in his bank account was reserved for emergencies, only to be touched if absolutely necessary.

So, even though Collin technically had money, he chose not to move into a better apartment, no matter how tempting it was. He'd only do that once he earned more and had a more stable financial standing. For now, he was "comfortable" living like this. A compromise between practicality and survival. He had a roof over his head and food on the table, which was a blessing compared to before.

Overall, things were better than a year ago when they were financially insecure, constantly fearing eviction and harassed by the bank's calls.

After taking a shower and putting on his corporate attire, a button-up shirt, slacks, and a pair of worn shoes, Collin hugged his mother goodbye and left the apartment.

Today, Collin had to go to the ANT headquarters before heading to the filming site to take care of some paperwork and logistical matters. He needed to check his documents and find out if anyone had contacted him while he was working outside, especially potential job offers.

An agent needed a cell phone to stay connected at all times, especially during peak casting seasons. Collin had been considering buying one since not having a phone was beginning to hurt his work.

He hesitated, though, because he had just bought a used car for $3,000, which took a huge chunk from his savings. Maybe he would buy a phone once Wyatt's movie hit theaters. By then, Collin might have already closed a business deal with a studio and earned a large enough commission to afford a decent phone.

Collin's car puffed black smoke as it cruised down the road, making nearby pedestrians cough and frown in disapproval. He admitted his car was old, but it was the only one within budget when he visited several secondhand dealerships.

A few minutes later, he arrived at the building and stepped into the elevator, joining other people heading to work. He greeted his colleagues as he found his way to his cubicle.

"Yow, Collin. I have a baked potato here, want some?"

"Baked potato? Of course I'm going to eat."

A Black colleague called out to him from a few desks away, and Collin stood up with a hungry look on his face. There was a portion meant for sharing among the coworkers, and Collin gratefully grabbed a spoon and joined in. Most of the coworkers had already gotten their share and were casually chatting while eating.

"Thanks for casting my client. It means a lot to both of us."

"You don't have to thank me. Cross deserved the role. He performed well at the audition and stood out from the rest."

"That's why I have to thank you. You reserved a copy of the script for me."

The agent's name was Earnest. A reliable and easygoing guy, one of Collin's better colleagues at the agency.

One of Earnest's clients, Cross Pinger, landed a role in Wyatt's movie after nailing the audition with skill and confidence. Earnest was genuinely thankful. In fact, Cross's role in the movie was the groom, an important character in the storyline. Obviously, the role came with more screen time and better exposure.

For small-time agents like them, who scraped by and juggled multiple side jobs just to stay afloat, getting their clients cast in a movie was a big win. It was something to be proud of and even brag about.

While the two chatted, some other agents wore bitter expressions hidden behind forced smiles and nods. Their clients had also auditioned for the movie. Collin had given them 2/3 of the script as a gesture of fairness and opportunity.

Unfortunately, their clients didn't meet the criteria set by Wyatt and the production team. Naturally, they were disappointed and frustrated. But they couldn't openly blame Collin. After all, he had helped them by sharing the script when he didn't have to, that alone was an advantage during auditions.

.........
......
...

After checking his documents, schedule, and call history, Collin left the building. Now he had to visit the filming site to make sure everything was going as planned. To be fair, he had been doing this almost every day since he was, technically, the producer.

If everything worked out and Wyatt's movie succeeded both critically and financially, Collin had no intention of being a producer again. This job had turned out to be far more exhausting than he ever expected.

As for the colleagues who were upset because he was rarely at his desk, it didn't matter much. The CEO herself, Lila Seraphina, had personally approved Collin's hands-on involvement with The Accidental Wedding Crashers because she had a serious interest in its success.

After all, Lila had been the one to introduce the investor to them. She wasn't going to let this project fail under any circumstances. If their agency had a rising director under its wing, it meant more projects for their clients and a stronger foothold in the industry.

++++++

[This novel currently has 26 advanced chapters on my Patreon. If you want to read pure and unedited chapters written by yours truly, you can check out my Patreon.]

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 26


"Muah~~"

A woman blew a kiss in front of a mirror and giggled at her own reflection, clearly enjoying the moment. She had just finished her makeup, and her lips were now a glossy reddish-pink after applying lipstick.

She turned around and looked over her shoulder, admiring her curves with satisfaction, especially her ass, which she had worked hard to maintain. She licked her lips, awestruck by her own figure as if her body were a trophy collection. She took pride in it, treating it like her greatest accomplishment so far.

The woman's name was Dee. She was a barista at a café near the ANT headquarters, a place that had gradually become something of a hotspot. Many agents and even celebrities would drop by to order coffee, hang out, or meet up. They also offered delivery services, but only to addresses within close proximity.

Dee had been working as a barista for two years, ever since she moved to Los Angeles. At first, she had no idea what she was doing or how to make a proper espresso.

But she gradually learned through repetition and observation. The men at the café were kind enough to teach her how to brew coffee properly.

As for her reason for working there? Well, the café's location near ANT headquarters was strategic, perfect for someone chasing stardom. She knew agents and celebrities stopped by regularly, especially in the mornings, so she worked hard to get hired.

Thanks to that, she had met quite a few famous people, famous to her, anyway. Though she never got the chance to talk to them beyond the usual, "Your coffee, sir/ma'am."

To them, she was just a face in the background. Some B-list male celebrities had approached her with flirtatious smiles and cheesy pickup lines, but she never entertained them, no matter how persistent they were.

Let's just say Dee was either too arrogant or too self-confident, depending on who you ask. She believed she was above any B-list celebrity still struggling to stay relevant.

One of her past suitors had been a young, hot, tall, and handsome man with abs and a perfect jawline. He was almost flawless, except for the fact that he was poor. Her standards for a partner required them to match or exceed that level of attractiveness and have wealth. Honestly, if he hadn't been broke, she might've chosen him without a second thought.

It was hard to find Mr. Right in a city where image meant everything.

Still, there was some good news on her side, Dee had successfully signed with one of the agents at ANT. That was one reason she kept working at the café so diligently, even when it meant being on her feet all day.

-- Find a way to get signed by ANT.

-- Find a potential partner with the right look, wealth, and social connections.

These were just some of her goals. So far, the jobs her agent found for her were minor roles in TV shows, background nurse, gossiping office girl, things like that.

But none of that mattered to her ambitious soul. She still believed she'd make it to the top, one way or another.

'If I can't do it the right way... then I can use my body...'

She hesitated at that thought. It lingered at the back of her mind like a shadowy option.

A secret but well-known "business" had haunted Hollywood for decades, an open secret, a curse that never really went away. It lured and haunted dreamers alike.

"James, I have to deliver a coffee to ANT. Can you take care of my shift for a while? I'll only be gone for a few minutes."

Dee came out of the restroom after checking her makeup one last time. She had to look presentable at all times, you never knew who you might run into.

She smiled sweetly at the young man working the same shift, a smile that was perfectly practiced and charming. James didn't stand a chance.

"O-Okay."

The young guy nodded automatically, agreeing before he even processed what she said… She won't let you hit, bruh.

"Aww, thanks, James. You're the best."

Dee playfully approached him and kissed his cheek, leaving behind a faint lipstick mark. The poor guy blushed so hard he turned the color of a ripe tomato as Dee left the café with the confidence of a movie star walking the red carpet.

As she stepped outside, a belching car passed by and released the thickest cloud of black smoke she'd ever seen. Dee coughed, covering her mouth and nose as she stepped back in disgust, glaring at the car.

"Strange... Was that Collin? No, impossible. Collin's a frugal bastard who wouldn't even buy a coffee, let alone own a car. That's the reason I turned him down, poor and stingy is a terrible combo."

She sighed deeply and dramatically. That guy had almost been a perfect match, if not for his terrible financial situation, which, frankly, was worse than hers. Collin had been poorer than Dee herself, and she was barely getting by.

"Well, I heard he earned a commission recently. Maybe he did buy a car. But probably not that rusty, old thing that looks like it'll fall apart at any second."

She smiled as she carefully carried two cups of coffee, mindful not to spill a drop. One was for her agent, and the other... was for Collin.

She'd heard that one of Collin's clients had landed a film project, some kind of comedy, if she remembered correctly.

"That guy... I said we could still be friends, but he stopped talking to me after I turned him down. Pretty childish, in my opinion. He could've at least invited me to star in his client's movie."

Clearly, Dee was disappointed, not just in Collin but also in her own missed opportunity. She decided she would talk some sense into him today, whether he liked it or not.

She entered the building and approached the receptionist with a bright, friendly tone. The receptionist recognized her, not as a client, but because she'd delivered coffee yesterday… and the day before that.

"Is Collin East here?" Dee asked, tilting her head hopefully.

"If I remember correctly, your name is Dee Ceitful, right?"

"You can just call me Dee." She smiled, trying her best to appear charming and confident. But the receptionist remained professionally indifferent. She had seen prettier women than Dee and was not easily impressed.

"I'm sorry to say, but Collin already left."

"I-I see... Then can I deliver this coffee to Mr. Poe?"

"You may."

"Thank you."

Before heading to her client's office, Dee stopped by Collin's cubicle just in case he had returned. But he was definitely not there, not hiding under his desk either. She bit her lip in frustration and walked off with a small huff.

..........
......
...

While Dee's day was being ruined by bad timing and black smoke, Collin was driving to the filming location in his sputtering car. He was painfully aware of the judgmental looks from onlookers as his car released plumes of smoke, looking like some kind of pollution machine.

Yes, Collin was a cheapskate but for valid reasons.

When he arrived, he noticed the person he was meeting was already there, standing at the edge of the set, observing quietly.

William Edward watched the filming from a distance, curiosity and confusion dancing in his eyes. It was his first time seeing a movie being filmed in real life and it was far less glamorous than the behind-the-scenes documentaries had made it seem.

The fact that everyone had to stay quiet was one thing, but even the actors' dialogue was so low it sounded like they were whispering. He wondered how that would be fixed and whether this was normal.

William didn't realize that most films added or redubbed audio during post-production to improve clarity and emotion.

"Ah, Collin, you've arrived!" William spotted the talent agent approaching with a confident stride.

"Sorry I'm late, I stopped by ANT first to check some documents."

"It's fine, really. It's my fault for arriving too early. We agreed on 11 a.m."

This visit was important to William. He wanted to see where his money had gone and whether it was being used wisely. So far, he was impressed. People were working, cameras were rolling, and things looked professional. And honestly, watching a film get made was... fascinating in its own way.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 27


William and Collin watched the filming from a safe distance, about a hundred meters away. The scene Wyatt was shooting today involved an old grandma pole dancing in front of Sam and Jess, under the glaring noon sunlight that seemed to act as a literal spotlight.

It was diabolical... especially considering the old woman was the bride's grandmother, and she looked too enthusiastic about it. Yes, she was strip-teasing right there at the wedding party like it was the best thing that ever happened.

Thankfully, no children were on set today. They were deliberately kept away for obvious reasons.

Sometimes, Collin had no idea what went on in Wyatt's mind when he came up with scenes like this. To cook up something this bold took... "creativity."

'Who let him cook?' Collin thought, forcing a smile.

He secretly glanced at William from the corner of his eye to gauge his reaction. The young rich man was speechless. Utterly and profoundly speechless.

He was speechless because the grandma was really doing a strip-tease, live, with no shame or hesitation! She was actually taking off her dress, piece by piece, revealing far more than anyone asked for.

Granny! It's sagging! And we're not talking about the breasts! There were plenty of other things sagging too.

Absolutely cinema. Or rather, absolutely diabolical.

"Is this... is this normal?" William asked hesitantly, averting his gaze in visible discomfort. He respected the hustle of artists and performers, or whatever this was, but he had no desire to watch this particular act.

He felt no arousal, not even a flicker of intrigue. In fact, it felt like his dignity was retreating, like his very soul was trying to escape his body with every shake of Grandma's ass.

"Well, yeah and no," Collin replied, trying to sound casual.

"This place is private property, and no one will disturb us during the shoot."

"The way you said that made me feel molested just by standing here," William muttered, stepping away slightly like he needed to reclaim his personal space.

"No, I mean... Wyatt's movie is rated R, meant for adult audiences. So scenes like this aren't a problem. This set is closed, on private property, and civilians won't accidentally wander in. Besides, Wyatt knows the boundaries for R-rated films as per the Film Association's regulations. There won't be any full nudity in the final cut. No genitals, even if it looks crazy during filming."

"L-Look! That guy is pulling his cock out! Is that part of the script?!" William's voice jumped in pitch, eyes wide with horror. Was this standard in Hollywood, or had he walked into a cult ritual?

"Erm... probably a method actor taking things way too far."

Collin didn't blink, answering like it was just another Tuesday.

As a former model, Collin had long been numb to things like this. Most people wouldn't believe it, but models stripped naked backstage at fashion shows with zero concern for modesty. Timing was everything, models had less than a minute to change outfits between runway walks.

A fashion show was a live event where designers showcased their creations, and models had to walk with practiced poise, then rush backstage and change as quickly as possible, especially when modeling lingerie or swimwear.

Collin recalled one fashion show in New York where he had to strip naked backstage without warning. People ogled his lower half with intense, almost predatory eyes, like he himself was part of the product line. Men and women alike licked their lips and exchanged glances that said far more than words could.

Thankfully, it was still 1995, no smartphones or hidden cameras existed yet to record and leak those moments to the press.

Years later, backstage culture had become more refined. Curtains and assistants helped protect the models' privacy. But in 1995? No such luxury. Collin had experienced it firsthand.

The modeling industry wasn't the only one with such demands. The film industry had its own share of moments where actors were expected to strip as part of the job. In sex scenes, actors often had to appear intimate in front of dozens of crew members.

If the director was stubborn enough, they might even demand the actors have actual sex for "authenticity." Maybe it was fetish-driven, or maybe the director just wanted realism. Either way, it happened.

To many actors chasing their big break, nudity became second nature. It was part of the job. They had to be professional and unflinching.

For outsiders, it was shocking. But to Collin, it was just another day. He'd even walked a runway completely naked because the designer demanded it.

This was showbiz in its raw, unfiltered glory. If you couldn't adapt, you had no place here, no matter how passionate you were. It was that simple.

After a few more seconds, the scene ended, and Wyatt called for a ten-minute break to reset the props and give the cast some breathing room.

"It's nice to meet you, Sir William. Really an honor."

Wyatt approached with a nervous smile and sweaty palms. Despite being young himself, he knew William had far more money than him.

And William wasn't just rich, he was the sole investor. Every dollar in the budget came from his personal fortune. Naturally, Wyatt's body language showed nothing but respect. In Hollywood, money talked louder than any script.

"I can see you're doing a great job and everything's running smoothly," William said, trying his best to channel the commanding tone he learned from his billionaire father during company visits.

Though he knew nothing about film production, William assumed Wyatt's job was complicated and exhausting in ways he couldn't grasp.

"That's right, that's right. Thank you very much," Wyatt replied, smiling with relief.

The three of them, Wyatt, Collin, and William, chatted about the project's progress. William mostly nodded, pretending to understand. He repeated buzzwords like "coverage," "blocking," and "continuity," even though he didn't really know what they meant.

"Perfect timing. We're missing a few extras today, and I want you both to join the shoot as background characters," Wyatt announced.

Collin nodded without expression, while William's interest visibly perked up. It would be his first time on camera, even as a blurry background extra, it was still exciting.

"Your role is simple," Wyatt continued. "Just clap and cheer at Grandma like you're the happiest wedding guest alive."

"…"

William's excitement deflated. No, plummeted. But he still wanted the experience, so he nodded with a tight, polite smile.

"By the way, William, you're over 18, right?" Collin asked.

"That's right. I turned 18 last year," William said proudly, puffing up his chest like he had just crossed into manhood.

"Thank God. It'd be a problem if you saw that extra swinging his cock around."

"…"

William was speechless again. Collin had the nerve to ask that after he'd already witnessed it, with his own two traumatized eyes. Absolutely diabolical. And tragically unforgettable.

"Since you're an adult, I'll need you to sign an NDA, for legal and confidentiality purposes. Just to ensure nothing that happens here spreads outside this set."

"Alright, sounds good." William agreed, feeling flattered to be treated like a full-grown adult, even if it came with strange responsibilities.

And so, Collin and William joined the scene as background actors.

Let's just say... their experience watching Grandma throw it back was absolutely diabolical, thoroughly trauma-inducing, and unfortunately… permanently etched into memory.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 28


William's cooperation with the filming lasted only a day. Despite his interest, he understood that his priorities had to shift. Summer was ending, and he now had to focus on his college years. His father was adamant about ensuring that each of his children finished college and earned a degree. There was no way around it. Ellijah Edward believed that as long as one had an education, they had the knowledge to survive in this cruel world.

So, even though his children lived privileged lives and could easily rely on their inheritance, Ellijah still insisted they obtain at least a bachelor's degree. That was the minimum requirement, the foundation. In fact, it was one of the criteria for his children to be eligible to inherit his wealth and properties.

Because of that, William also had to go to college, whether he liked it or not. He wasn't aiming for the Ivy League, he knew his capabilities. He wasn't dumb, but he also wasn't going to get into a university like Harvard. So, he enrolled in a regular university.

"...Acting's not that bad," William muttered while driving his sports car with the top down, letting the wind ruffle his hair. He realized acting was fun. Even though his role was just a background character, he found it interesting... although he had no intention of ever partaking in a strip-tease, or whatever that was. That part was too much for him. After that bizarre experience, William never stepped foot in a strip club again and started behaving like a good person.

William had no clear path in life. He knew he couldn't compete with his older siblings for control of Database Giant. They were too accomplished, too far ahead. Besides, his father was still healthy. There was no looming succession battle.

Perhaps he could try to find a profession in the entertainment industry. A beginning, something of his own. Lila Seraphina might be able to help him.

.........
......
...

Days passed.

Weeks passed.

Months passed.

After four months of constant grinding and filming, The Accidental Wedding Crashers officially wrapped production.

Now, Wyatt was working hard on post-production. His tired eyes, with dark bags beneath them, stared at footage that had to be deleted from the final version of the movie. He hadn't had proper sleep in days, maybe even weeks.

Collin had asked his colleagues for recommendations on affordable editing studios in Los Angeles, and most of them referred him to a place called Reel Deal Editing Studio, known for delivering quality work at half the usual cost.

Their funds were nearly gone, like a candle burning its final inch. Thankfully, Collin had already paid the crew and cast who worked on the project. At least that part was settled.

They filmed over 30 hours of footage! That was far too much. Wyatt's job now was to discard the unusable clips while preserving the best takes. Then trim it down, again and again, until it reached an acceptable form. He had to keep cutting scenes until the footage was down to one and a half to two hours, the standard runtime for a movie.

From 30 hours of footage to 2 hours. God knows how much time Wyatt and his editor spent sorting through bad takes and good ones. Even among the best takes, scenes had to be cut to ensure the plot flowed smoothly and the runtime stayed under two hours.

For this film, Wyatt aimed for a 100-minute runtime, plus 10 minutes of credits.

Thankfully, Wyatt Bray had graduated from film school, so this wasn't new to him. He had the theoretical knowledge, and now, the practical experience. Still, he had to admit post-production was an exhausting process. Sorting and cutting footage was just one part of the job.

He also had to work with the editor to actually edit the film, which was tiring. The production could only afford three people for the editing team, and Wyatt was one of them. They took turns sleeping in the editing room.

He also had to supervise the dubbing of lines. The cast spent a week recording their lines in post-production, and Wyatt was present for most of it. He had to ensure every line hit just right, matching the lip movements and preserving the emotional delivery.

Post-production also included Sound Editing which was adding background music, setting the emotional tone, and building tension and atmosphere. Foley sounds like footsteps, rustling, and door creaks were essential. They had to pay for music licenses, royalty-free options were preferred, of course.

If visual effects were needed, they had to budget both time and money. Even a few seconds of VFX could cost a lot.

These were just some of the things Wyatt had to handle during post-production. He was sleep-deprived for a reason. He worked around the clock. Eat, work, nap, poop. Repeat. For at least a month.

The constant pressure didn't help either. Wyatt understood that if The Accidental Wedding Crashers flopped at the box office, his career as a director could be over. His commitment to his dream was absolute.

To be fair, as long as Wyatt didn't screw up, the movie would make money. There were many ways for a film to earn profit. DVD sales, overseas rights, licensing, limited screenings, he was aware of all the revenue paths. But if the film flopped, his climb to stardom would be severely hindered.

Still, as long as he had investors, Wyatt could keep making movies. Maybe not big-budget ones, but movies nonetheless.

"This scene, replay it."

The monitor played a clip where the groom was talking to Jess and Sam.

"I swear I'm not gay, but femboys make my dick brick up." The groom was drunk, clearly not sober enough to filter his words.

Sam and Jess looked at each other and replied:

"That's gay."

The editor paused and yawned, waiting for Wyatt's verdict.

"Hm, this is the best one. Let's keep it," Wyatt muttered, a tired smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Their editing continued until Wyatt frowned while watching the scene where Collin and William had a short cameo. Wyatt was thankful to both of them, so he gave them screen time as a token of appreciation... Unfortunately, the scene he chose for their cameo was absolutely diabolical.

Wyatt stared at Collin and sighed.

"He's too handsome," he murmured. Collin was so good-looking that he could easily steal the audience's attention, a distracting kind of beauty.

In this particular scene, the audience's attention needed to be on Grandma. If viewers only stared at Collin and forgot to laugh, the comedy would fall flat.

So Collin's cameo had to be cut from the final version. Wyatt didn't want anything to risk the success of his debut movie. He'd apologize to Collin later. Maybe even buy him a drink.

Wyatt, the editor, and the assistant editor spent nearly all their time in the editing room. The place reeked of energy drinks and despair. Slowly, they molded the raw footage into a film. A jumble of clips transformed into a coherent, watchable story. It might look simple on screen, but filmmaking was tough.

For Wyatt to pursue this career, he needed to be tough. He had to be a perfectionist. There was no room for mediocrity. Because movies needed to be perfect in their own way, or else, people wouldn't even recognize them as movies.

.........
......
...

With that, August 1995 ended, and Wyatt finally completed post-production.

He finalized the cut and the credit roll. He even finished two movie trailers, just to be safe.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 29

Wyatt yawned as he stretched his aching limbs. His joints cracked audibly, a clear sign of exhaustion and lack of rest. Sitting for an entire day without proper breaks was one of the most excruciating things ever. He arched his back and moaned in pleasure. As always, stretching felt incredibly good after being hunched over monitors like a gremlin for hours.

Wyatt rubbed his eyes. He'd been sleep-deprived for more than five months, ever since production began of The Accidental Wedding Crashers. Every night, he had to stay up to review the footage and film reels, study his storyboard, plan the next scene, and coordinate with his assistant for the day ahead. It was a relentless cycle, physically and mentally draining.

And now, even during post-production, Wyatt still had to stay up all night. As if the stress of filming weren't enough, editing turned out to be its own beast. Once this whole ordeal was over, Wyatt promised himself he'd finally take a long, relaxing sleep to make up for his suffering.

'I'm gonna go to a bar to celebrate. This job is not easy at all. There were so many problems at the start of the project, and I had to adjust everything while sacrificing sleep... Now my favorite beverages are Redd Bull and black coffee.'

Back in college, Wyatt used to go to bars frequently. Those carefree, booze-filled nights now felt like a distant memory. But he had heard that bars and parties in Los Angeles were immaculate. No matter where you went, you'd find gorgeous women. Wyatt could personally testify, especially in Hollywood, it felt like walking into a catalog shoot. Almost everyone was stunning.

Fueled by curiosity, he wanted to experience Hollywood nightlife for himself. Maybe he'd even get lucky and get laid. He glanced at his belly fat and sighed. With his current appearance, it might be tough.

After a good stretch, he exited the editing studio to share the good news with his agent. Collin, who had taken on the role of Producer, was also exhausted. Both of them were soldiers in this production, bleeding time and energy for a dream.

He found a phone booth near the studio and dialed Collin's number. The phone began to ring. The buzzing dial tone echoed in his ear as he tapped his foot in rhythm.

.........
......
...

"Oh, you're looking for employees? Hahaha. No problem, no problem. You called the right guy. By the way, the commission's still the same, right? $1000 per person I refer?"

Collin chuckled as the person on the line described a need for production crew members. A familiar type of call in his line of side hustles. The person was a producer of a TV series.

Collin couldn't survive in Hollywood on the meager salary of a small-time agent. He had bills and debts to pay. Thankfully, he had other profitable skills.

First was his talent for recognizing people's skills and disposition. Because of that, he worked part-time as a small-time contractor, a talent scout of sorts. Producers would contact Collin whenever they needed people with specific skills, like prop-making or costume designing.

This unique ability to sense a person's capability felt like a sixth sense, honed through years of observation and instinct. It existed long before he gained the Golden Vision.

He had used this intuition to assess whether someone was "good news" or "bad news." Most of the time, he was right. That's how he managed to find the "right" people. Reliable workers who showed up on time, did their jobs, and didn't create drama.

Unfortunately, even with this talent, Collin still suffered betrayal. Sometimes, he couldn't help but trust those closest to him, even when his gut told him otherwise. At times, the heart overruled the intuition.

In addition to talent scouting, Collin was also a physical trainer, a licensed, professional one with a valid certification. Being a model, he spent most of his time in the gym and learned how to take care of the body properly. Though his certification was about to expire this year, he'd probably renew it.

He had trained two actors before, but neither job lasted long. The first actor switched agencies and chose a different trainer. The second actor was jealous of Collin's height and fired him. Collin was over 6 feet tall while the other guy was only 5'7".

Anyway, both side jobs had their pros and cons. Neither could be relied on for long-term stability. But Collin preferred the contractor job, it required less babysitting and more networking.

"Okay, so you're looking for a Camera Operator, Clapper Loader, and Best Boy Grip."

These weren't glamorous titles, but they were crucial to the crew.

The Camera Operator physically handled the camera during shoots. Depending on the genre and complexity, a crew might need three or four of them.

The Clapper Loader operated the clapperboard, writing scene and take numbers and clapping it in front of the camera before each take, ensuring clean sync in post-production.

As for the Best Boy Grip (and no, it's not a dirty term), he managed the logistics for the lighting and camera departments, making sure everything ran like clockwork.

Collin pulled out a small notebook, it was filled with scribbles and names. He nodded as he recognized three people who fit the bill.

"Tomorrow, they'll head to your studio. If they meet the requirements, great. As for their salaries, you can negotiate… just don't forget my commission. Alright. Thanks, I appreciate it."

Collin smiled. Money was money. If the three were hired, he'd earn $3000. Not a bad deal for a few calls and some matchmaking.

He hung up the phone in a good mood. Some of his co-workers had overheard the conversation and couldn't help but feel envious. Unfortunately for them, they didn't have Collin's unique skillset/intuition, contractor work would be tough without it.

"I gotta contact these three and let them know they've got job opportunities. I'll tell them these could even become permanent roles."

Hope was a powerful motivator.

He reached for the phone again, but it started ringing.

"Hm?"

Collin blinked in surprise. Two calls in a row? That was rare. Maybe someone else was also looking for workers?

He immediately picked up.

"Hello, this is Collin East from Apex Network Talent. Oh, Wyatt! Is that so? Then let's watch it tomorrow. We can invite the cast, too. Take a good rest, you've earned it."

Collin's tone shifted into something more serious as Wyatt informed him that post-production on The Accidental Wedding Crashers was finally complete. The news struck like a lightning bolt. This was it. His heart began to race.

Perhaps… Perhaps his path to success had finally arrived, after years of hustle and heartbreak.

'This will determine if the golden words I see are real... If the movie fails, then maybe I really am mentally ill. Because who in their right mind sees floating words above people's heads?'

He needed to know. Was it superpowers… or insanity?