Behind The Spotlight

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 70


"…"

Collin sighed long and deep.

'Dear God, why are you doing this to me? Today's drama is too much for my poor sanity.'

The fact that today's audition alone could fill more than four chapters was insane and borderline ridiculous.

Collin decided to follow Dee, leaving Madison behind with tears in her eyes. The situation felt so awkward, like some kind of love triangle straight out of a bad soap opera. He swore never to experience anything like this again as long as he lived.

In the first place, he'd been purposely avoiding romance because he wanted to focus on rebuilding his life without distractions. He knew he was still too fragile mentally and emotionally to handle love.

Once he and Dee found a place to talk away from prying eyes, she turned around and smiled at him, mischief sparkling in her red lips.

"Collin, I've been thinking about this for a while. And I want to say yes, finally."

"Yes?" Collin tilted his head, confused. He had no idea what she was talking about or why she suddenly looked so happy.

"Yes!"

"What do you mean 'yes' all of a sudden?"

"I'm saying yes to your confession. I want to be your girlfriend." Dee spread her arms, attempting to hug him with wide, open sincerity.

Collin stepped back, dodging her embrace like it was the plague.

"Collin?"

"Dee, that confession was almost two years ago, in a completely different time and place. Why are you bringing it up now, of all moments?"

"Because I've been thinking about it every now and then. I know I hurt you, and I feel bad for what I did. I have feelings for you… but back then, the circumstances just didn't allow us to be together."

"This isn't because you want to use me to convince Wyatt to cast you, right? Because I won't play along with that."

"Don't think so lowly of me, like I'm some manipulative whore. I'm not that kind of person."

Collin stared at the top of Dee's head, focusing… and to his surprise, no words floated above her like they usually did.

'Does this mean she's being honest right now? Not being deceitful like usual?'

Dee's expression seemed sincere, so sincere it bordered on vulnerable. It was true. After all this time, she had real feelings for Collin. After thinking things through, she realized he was the best man she'd met in her chaotic life. He checked all her boxes, status, charm, income, and now he was successful and respected.

So the idea of dating him wasn't a problem anymore. In fact, it was appealing. She had no reason to lie to Collin now. This time, her feelings were real.

Unfortunately, Collin didn't feel the same.

In fact, just hearing those words again made him furious.

'So she wants me now that I'm "valuable"?'

This was the second time today that someone tried to return to his life only after seeing how far he'd come. And his patience was wearing thin.

"Dee, listen carefully and don't interrupt. I don't love you. Not even a little. I also have no intention of dating you, not anymore, not even in your dreams. And I won't recommend you to Wyatt. Please, don't talk to me again for your own dignity. You had your chance, and you rejected me. We are done forever. Now, I'm rejecting you with no hesitation."

"Get the fuck away from me, you skank who only has big tits and a fat ass, like that's all it takes to be loved. You have the most disgusting behavior I've ever seen, wrapped in fake smiles and lip gloss. You treat every man like an object to use and throw away."

"For the love of Christ, look at yourself in the mirror, really look, and understand how big of a hypocrite you are. You're even worse than Madison, and that's saying a lot."

Collin didn't hold back. His voice echoed like a final verdict. He had no reason to sugarcoat the truth. To him, Dee was nothing more than a bitter memory, a woman from two years ago who had left a scar.

As for her feelings now, Collin didn't care.

Just like how she didn't care when he confessed to her back then.

"Huh?" Dee was stunned, visibly shaken. This wasn't anything like the reunion fantasy she had imagined. Her mind struggled to process it. She truly believed that Collin would accept her, after all, he was in love with her before, right? And now he was even more her type. She never thought two years would change him this much.

Collin could see something crack in her like a mirror under pressure, but he turned and walked away without even a backward glance.

Even if Dee's feelings were real, he still wouldn't date her.

Because Collin saw her as a huge liability.

The 30-minute break came to an end, and the hallway buzzed with noise again as the production crew returned to the audition room. This time, Collin wasn't allowed to join due to potential bias that might influence casting decisions.

There were only two key female roles being cast that day: the nagging, cheating wife and the stripper. Two pivotal characters for the film's conflict and fan service.

Wyatt knew the odds were against him, but he decided to fight for his picks with all the persuasion he had. Fortunately, he managed to convince Henry and the Uni-versus Pictures representatives to cast Jennifer and the woman he had slept with without raising too many eyebrows. He wiped his forehead and let out a silent sigh of relief.

At least he kept his promise… and avoided unnecessary drama.

Out of all the actresses, only Jennifer had enough credentials to be cast without question. She'd been in the industry for over a decade, built a solid resume, and worked on multiple projects.

Not to mention, she starred in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, which made her far from a nobody.

The production team had also considered casting the sexy red-haired woman, but she lacked the resume for a supporting role. She was still a gamble.

As for the nagging wife, they just went along with Wyatt's recommendation. The actress he pushed forward had done well enough, barely passed their standards. She wasn't their first or second choice, but they decided to cast her anyway… just to avoid conflict.

And with that, the audition finally came to an end.

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

"I want to say we should end this negotiation quickly and painlessly because I just want to go home and take a damn nap but I guess that's just a dream," Henry Greyson said, rubbing his forehead in exhaustion.

The audition had ended an hour ago, yet Henry was still working like the break had never happened. Producers and directors rarely got real rest once a project started and it was beginning to show in his face.

"Just a reminder before we start, since you already know the project budget, you know how much we can offer. Don't ask for anything huge or unreasonable. Otherwise, this meeting ends here."

Henry didn't need to explain further. Collin nodded in understanding.

If his numbers were right, at least $9 million of the budget had been used just to hire Henry and Wyatt, which already stretched things thin. That meant only $11 million remained for everything else.

The production team could technically ask for a bigger budget, but that would betray the deal they'd made with Uni-versus Pictures and risk losing the trust they'd just earned. Overspending could disappoint the studio, especially since this was their first collaboration on a major project.

As the producer, Henry would take the blame. And worse, his chance of working with that studio again might vanish.

"Don't worry, Henry. I won't ask for anything big or unreasonable. You know me, I keep things fair."

"I know you too well. That's exactly why I'm afraid of what you'll try to pull. I can trust you when it comes to picking people, you've got an eye for talent, but money? That's another story."

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 71

"I want to talk about Axel's salary first, before Jennifer."

"Go on and state your terms."

"Axel deserves $1 million flat."

Collin smiled innocently, like a sinless man who wasn't asking for a ridiculous sum in a negotiation that was obviously about money.

"Collin… I think I'm losing my trust in you with every word you say. You really are an agent to your bones."

"Henry, don't be like that. Come on, we're friends and comrades in this wild industry."

"Friends don't sabotage each other over inflated salaries."

"That's right. But that depends on how you define sabotage."

Now that the drama with Madison and Dee was behind him, Collin could finally focus on the negotiation with clarity. And money, sweet money, had the power to turn this terrible day into a good one, as long as the right amount landed in the right account.

They were sitting in the cafeteria on the ground floor of the Uni-versus Pictures main building. Neither of them had eaten earlier due to the exhausting audition marathon, so they took the opportunity to fill their stomachs, reset their moods, and enjoy a hot coffee before diving into the business talk.

"I can't offer Axel $1 million. He doesn't deserve it, not yet anyway. He's just an actor who starred in one comedy film. That doesn't make him a superstar. I'll offer him $100,000 instead, and that's generous enough."

"Don't be like that. That's too low."

Collin shook his head slowly, dramatically. He had contacted Axel yesterday to ask what kind of salary he'd be happy with. The actor said $100,000 would be amazing, showing his humility and self-awareness. He knew he was still a newcomer in the eyes of major studios, and he would've been thrilled to get even that.

"$700,000."

"Collin, don't play games with me. $120,000, and that's me being generous."

"What? A $20,000 increase? That's too small. $500,000! Axel is not a nobody anymore. He was the star of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, last year's biggest comedy hit."

"Yes, but we could find a better actor who'll do the job for less money and fewer demands."

"Henry, you motherfucker. I trusted you. I thought we were friends and allies in this wild industry!"

"You should be asking yourself that question right now. I can't believe you'd damage the friendship we built over a pathetic argument about numbers."

"Hah! I bet you'll agree to Arnold's proposal of giving Brody $3 million, won't you? You're betraying your friend without even blinking!"

"Brody Paige is a different matter entirely, and you know it. Don't change the subject."

Henry had heard Arnold Johnson's name more than a few times lately. Arnold was the agent of Jolyne Robs and Brody Paige, who was quickly becoming Hollywood's next big thing.

"Besides, I heard you're the one who recommended Brody to audition for this movie because you're friends with Arnold. So if anyone betrayed our friendship first, it's you."

"The matter of Brody Paige is separate. You know it. Don't change the subject," Collin said, repeating Henry's own words back to him.

"$600,000. Let's cut the drama."

"$200,000 and that's me stretching it."

"$500,000."

"Collin, don't do this. Or I'll have to find another actor and recast this whole damn role. $250,000."

"Tch, fine. It doesn't sit well with me that you threatened me, your friend, like I'm just some stranger. But I guess $250,000 isn't bad for a rising star."

"Not bad, my ass. Do you hear yourself? Do you know what $250,000 means? You could buy a house with that in Los Angeles."

The two continued bickering like old war buddies. They each had something they needed to protect: Henry, his budget, and Collin, his client. So the clash was inevitable.

"Then let's talk about Jennifer. Her salary shouldn't be more than $100,000, given the limited screen time," Henry reasoned.

"Then how about $99,999?" Collin replied with a smug smile.

"...Collin, you're a fucking bastard with no shame. Do you know that? I've been having nightmares about negotiating with Arnold later, and you're just adding to my headaches."

"So… $99,999? Or should I say, deal?"

"Fuck off. Jennifer gets $70,000. Take it or leave it. That's my appreciation for helping me land a project with Uni-versus Pictures. Wyatt's promising, sure, but this film is still a gamble."

"$70,000, huh? Alright then. Deal."

They shook hands firmly, sealing the numbers.

Unlike the negotiation with Lawrence, who earned $1.5 million, Axel didn't yet have strong market appeal. Lawrence captivated the production team with undeniable charisma, while Axel was the type of actor Henry could replace without losing sleep. Hence, the tougher negotiation and smaller pay.

The same went for Jennifer. But if Wyatt's current project became a box office hit, both Axel and Jennifer's talent fees would naturally go up.

"Jennifer and Axel will return tomorrow to finalize the deal and sign the paperwork. Keep your promise, like a good producer," Collin said.

"I should be the one telling you that, you slick bastard."

"Well then, good luck handling Arnold. He's twice as shameless as me and ten times more annoying."

"Collin, has anyone ever told you that you've got a punchable face? That smug grin of yours is begging for it. Now that your clients are gaining momentum, you're becoming even more obnoxious. I hate that."

"Nope, but I've heard a lot of women say they want to fuck me. So maybe my face isn't that bad."

"Get the fuck out of my face before I throw my coffee at you."

Their negotiation ended with Collin getting $250,000 for Axel and $70,000 for Jennifer, not bad at all.

Both men were satisfied with the outcome, despite the harsh words exchanged in the heat of negotiation. They knew this wouldn't be the last time they'd clash like this.

Henry felt his status as a producer would level up now that he was collaborating with Wyatt, a rising star. And he also believed Collin's clients would continue to grow in popularity and command higher pay. This kind of negotiation was bound to happen again.

Still, they were professionals. At the end of the day, it was just business, not personal. The fact that they could still drink together and talk shit afterward proved their friendship was intact. They owed each other too much to let a few zeroes ruin it.

Collin left the building feeling accomplished and immediately called Axel with the good news.

"Thank you, Collin. I didn't expect to get $250,000, that's amazing."

"Come on, you don't have to thank me. I'm just doing my job. And don't sell yourself short. You're going to be a star. Trust in yourself and keep working hard."

"I guess it's true what they say… you're the hidden ace of ANT."

"Huh? I have no idea what you're talking about, but I'll take that as a compliment."

Axel promised to arrive early the next day to finalize and sign the contract. He also said he'd pay Collin's commission, $25,000 before the agency's cut, a solid payday.

As Collin stepped outside the building, he saw Jennifer waiting for him on the sidewalk looking absolutely radiant.

She had already received the news that she got the role and had nearly screamed with excitement. She also knew Collin had negotiated her pay today and trusted him completely.

With her bubbly blonde hair and a mole under her left eye, she looked like a goddess under the golden afternoon sun. Her heels glinted slightly as she waved with poise and elegance.

"How was it?"

"$70,000."

"Collin, I think you get more handsome every time you talk about money," she teased.

"Please don't. I'm begging you. I've had enough drama for one day."

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 72

The woman laughed softly, her shoulders shaking in amusement. Teasing Collin was fun once in a while, especially when he gave such dramatic reactions.

Of course, she had no romantic feelings for Collin beyond light-hearted fondness. She had no intention of fixing a broken man like him. That kind of emotional labor was far too much work.

"$70,000 is enough for now. If this movie succeeds at the box office, the studio will pay me a bonus, right?"

Jennifer wasn't some naïve newcomer anymore. She understood the reality of the industry. She knew it was difficult to get a huge salary, and the fact that she landed $70,000 was already a win worth celebrating. She was genuinely impressed with Collin's negotiation skills and how calmly he handled business.

"I'll make sure that happens even if I have to knock on studio doors myself."

"Thanks, Collin. You're a great person."

Jennifer slapped Collin's back playfully but hard enough to make him wince and squint in pain. She didn't hold back at all.

"So, want to eat something? My treat, as thanks for fighting for me." She grinned, already imagining a big, juicy burger. She hadn't eaten anything all day just to maintain her figure.

"Nah, I'm waiting for someone."

"Well then, see you tomorrow, handsome agent." She waved and walked off with a carefree bounce in her steps.

She was genuinely happy about getting the role and the paycheck that came with it. She couldn't help but smile to herself, knowing that Madison probably didn't get a role despite her confidence. After all, her age and appearance didn't align with the characters the production was looking for, according to the casting sheet. It was still a mystery how she had even passed the first and second rounds of auditions when there were more suitable options.

Meanwhile, Collin made his way to the underground parking lot of Uni-versus Pictures, where he had parked his car. But he didn't leave right away, he was waiting for someone.

Leaning against his car door, Collin waited a few minutes before a car he recognized pulled up a few meters away with a soft hum of the engine. The vehicle parked smoothly, and Arnold stepped out.

"Yow, Collin. I didn't expect you to keep your promise so soon."

The agent, who was a year older than Collin, approached with a friendly grin.

"You said if Wyatt had a new project, I should tell you in case your client needed work azand here we are. Honestly, though, I think Brody's already famous enough to find a better project than this one."

"Brody personally chose this project. When I showed him the script, he picked it out of dozens of others. He said his past roles were all heavy-themed, and he needed something different to show his range. He doesn't want to be typecast as the serious male lead forever."

"He's lucky that the production is looking for a lower-cost actor with box office appeal."

"Lower cost? Don't underestimate my client just because he's young. He's more than that and he'll prove it." Arnold's expression turned defensive.

"Alright, whatever you say, super agent."

"So, how did your negotiation go? I want to know how this Henry guy handles real talks."

Since Henry usually worked on low-budget films that flew under the radar, agents like Arnold didn't know much about him.

"We're friends, so he wasn't too hard on me. But I'm not sure he'll agree to your terms."

"You think he'll give Brody Paige $3 million?"

Brody's salary for Seven Deadly Sins was $2.5 million, plus backend bonuses. At this point in his career, $3 million was a realistic expectation.

"That'll be tough to pull off with this film's budget," Collin replied. Henry and Arnold would have to hash that out themselves, man to man, suit to suit.

Brody Paige was one of Arnold's top clients, whom he signed six years ago. Their partnership had been consistently successful. Arnold was also known for managing the infamous Jolyne Robs and turning her into a star, despite the challenges. It was no wonder so many actors wanted to sign with him, hoping for the same kind of breakthrough.

Collin hadn't yet seen Brody perform live on set, so he couldn't judge his talent firsthand.

He gave Arnold a brief summary of his negotiation with Henry, omitting key details like salaries and contract terms out of professional courtesy.

"See you next time then."

"Yeah, take care."

They parted ways with a simple nod. Collin had waited for Arnold just so his friend would have a better idea of Henry's negotiation style and prepare accordingly.

While Collin's negotiation wrapped up in a single day, Henry's meeting with Arnold dragged on for three full days of back-and-forth haggling.

Collin's clients weren't essential to the project, they were still relatively unknown in Hollywood, with only one film to their names. But Brody was a proven box office draw with studio credibility. That gave Arnold far more leverage and patience in the negotiation.

In the end, Brody Paige secured a salary of $3.2 million.

As for Axel and Jennifer, they had already signed their contracts once everything was finalized, officially joining the cast with their names proudly listed on the board.

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

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

Now that Collin's clients were fully immersed in their respective projects, he suddenly found himself with a lot more free time.

Last year, his job as a producer had taken over his life, draining his energy and eating up every spare second. But now, it felt like a peaceful summer after a long, exhausting storm.

This year, his clients were working independently and didn't need him hovering over every little detail. They were professionals with growing careers. Collin's role was primarily to find them opportunities, once the contract was signed, the rest fell to them and their support teams. Of course, Collin stayed updated and checked in regularly.

He called Lawrence once a week just to get in touch. Lawrence was doing well in Bora Bora, especially with his personal assistant providing hands-on support and management.

Collin also made visits to the studio to see how Axel, Jennifer, and Wyatt were doing on set. Each of them had a personal assistant to help with day-to-day needs and relay concerns to Collin if necessary.

Thanks to his superpower that let him see people's talents as clearly as labels, Collin had ensured that every assistant was fit for the job. Most of them had white talents like Organizer, Attentive, or Communicator, practical and underrated skills that got the job done.

He wasn't expecting golden talents from assistants. In fact, if someone did have a golden-level talent in Organizer, they should be aiming for a higher career path than following around a celebrity like a loyal dog.

Though things were easier lately in terms of workload, Collin wasn't idle. He had started building a proper team for Wyatt Bray as part of his long-term strategy.

Now that Wyatt was evolving into a real director with studio credibility, he needed a reliable team to support and sustain his momentum.

Besides, the agency wouldn't allow Collin to monopolize Wyatt completely. When an agent tried to hoard a client for themselves, it usually raised red flags. It could suggest that they were planning to steal the client from the agency and become their full-time personal agent, a violation of company rules and a serious breach of trust.

 

[Geraldrold]

I have to ask.

Whats up with women not allowed to curse?
Is this a cultural thing?