"Hey Marvin," Natasha spoke in a hurried tone. "Kid Z told me that I got a role in a film. They are asking me to come and sign the contract. Where are you?"
"What do you mean?" Marvin asked in surprise.
"I got a role in a film. Kid Z told me that I didn't need to audition. I was cast directly it seems. Now, the crew is asking me to come and formalize stuff. Where are you?"
"Slow down, what film is it? Who is the director? Give me something to work with here," Marvin asked calmly.
"Does it matter? I got a role, Marvin. You better come quick!"
"Ugh, fine, I will ask Kid Z directly," Marvin grumbled and cut the call.
Natasha looked at the payphone blankly not understanding why Marvin wasn't happy. She already got a role without even auditioning. Why is he being such a sourass about it?
Natasha pouted and slammed the receiver back.
*****
"What did I tell you last time?" Marvin asked the moment she sat opposite to him in the coffee shop.
They were currently meeting at the coffee shop a few blocks away from her home to discuss the role she got. Natasha felt as if Marvin was being needlessly nosy about this.
"You told a lot. What exactly do you want me to reply?" Natasha snipped.
"I told you to never agree to anything. You should always let me talk with others," Marvin said massaging his brows.
"But, I didn't agree, right? I only called you to let you know about it," Natasha countered.
"But, I can see that you already want this role," Marvin grumbled. "Natasha, there is a reason I exist. My job is to filter these things and let you choose. You can't agree to anything without consulting me."
"Marvin, we don't have any other choice, do we?" Natasha asked arching her eyebrows.
"No, but you need to get into this habit. Any enquiry about performance must be diverted to me," Marvin said rubbing his nose.
"Ok, I will do that in the future," Natasha acquiesced easily causing Marvin to narrow his eyes.
Natasha rolled her eyes seeing Marvin's reaction. She would be very glad to delegate all her work to Marvin if she could. She wasn't stupid enough to think that she can handle everything. Why did Marvin look like he didn't believe her?
"Natasha, there is a reason I am asking you to do this. This circle isn't as clean as you imagine. What would you do if the role you signed had some shots you didn't want to do? What would you do if the role you signed didn't fit your image at all? What if it needs you to shave your hair?" Marvin threw bombs one after another causing Natasha to be speechless.
"That's why agents like us exist. We screen the scripts and let our clients choose from the passed list. We negotiate all kinds of details in the contract you will sign before filming. From where your name should appear in credits to what position you should occupy on posters," Marvin said seriously. "So, please, don't be impulsive."
"Ummm, ok. Do I need to do any of that stuff for this movie?" Natasha asked a little hesitantly.
"Fortunately, there is nothing like that in this movie. This movie is directed by Kyle Robinson. He already has directed two movies. Their word of mouth was decent. But, they were all art films. So, the box office wasn't much."
"But, this is his first try as a commercial film director. And the role they gave you was the second female lead," Marvin said gauging her reaction a bit.
"Second female lead? In a commercial film? Are you kidding me? This is huge Marvin! Why are we wasting time here?" Natasha said agitatedly.
Marvin didn't let her get hyped up anymore. He reached out and flicked her on the forehead causing her to squint in pain.
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Marvin said in a serious tone. "There are more details you need to hear. After that, you can decide if you want to appear in this or not."
"Oh, ok, ok, go on, I am listening," Natasha said calming down.
"Do you think you have enough status to be awarded a second female lead in a commercial production? No matter how small a commercial production is, it isn't easy to get such roles. Especially for a newcomer like you," Marvin said in a low voice.
"So, you mean that there is something fishy?" Natasha asked narrowing her eyes.
She wasn't naïve. Her counterpart's memories have given her a clear idea of coffee status and the corresponding roles they could occupy. She was a newcomer. So, she didn't have enough strength to get handed such a role.
"No, there is nothing fishy. But, there are a few sensitive things I need to tell you," Marvin said giving her an appreciative nod. "This movie is produced by Cody Murphy's Murphy Productions. He is a black man. Kyle Robinson is a black man. The male and female protagonists are black as well. What does this tell you?"
"This is a film made by black people," Natasha reasoned. "Then it must be created specifically for the black audience. In that case, any whites appearing in this film might not have a positive role."
"Bingo," Marvin smiled. "Your role is not fully negative. It is filled with a grey shade. But, it is not a positive role for sure. And there is another issue that you haven't noticed."
"What?"
"Have you ever seen a commercial production with a black male and female lead?"
"No…"
"That means, this is the first film with such a lineup. So, theatre prospects are very doubtful. Forget box office, it is highly likely that this movie wouldn't even be released in theatres," Marvin said in a grim tone.
"Oh,"
"Exactly, so after knowing all this, do you still want to act?" Marvin asked.
"Why not? It is not as if I have anything better to do these days. Moreover, this is not some side character. This is a second female lead. So, isn't it a good opportunity? And about theatre release and stuff, I am just an actor. Why should I worry about it?"
Marvin smiled hearing her answer.
"Good," Marvin nodded. "This is not without benefits as well. Apart from what they are paying you, this will widen your network as well. You were specifically recommended by Kyle Robinson. Even Cody Murphy agreed to the casting. That means these two people have a good impression of you. I think it is mostly Kid Z's recommendation."
"This will not only allow you to maintain your relationship with Kid Z. It will also give you a link to Cody Murphy. And Cody Muphy is very influential in both film and music circles among the blacks."
"So, all in all, everything is advantageous to me, isn't it?"
"Not everything," Marvin grimaced slightly. "There are some issues. But, you don't need to worry about it at this stage. Right now, you are a newcomer. So, it is better you don't know some stuff."
Natasha narrowed her eyes hearing Marvin's words. She didn't like being kept in the dark. But, she trusted Marvin. So, she let it go.
"Whatever," Natasha shrugged.
"Good," Marvin nodded. "Sometimes ignorance is not bad. If you need to know about it, I will tell you definitely. Don't worry about it. With that aside, there is another major concern. Natasha, this is a black crew. There will be some things that will be unpleasant to the eyes there, you need to be careful."
"Don't worry, I will drag Tony to be my bodyguard. If they truly trouble me, I don't mind teaching them some lessons," Natasha said confidently causing Marvin to gape a little.
"Is Tony that black man who took you away from Kid Z's party?" Marvin asked curiously.
"That was Tony? I don't remember who sent me back that night. I got pretty drunk," Natasha said nonchalantly.
Two black lines appeared on Marvin's face upon hearing that statement. Inwardly, Marvin was groaning. Why don't you act like a normal girl? You threaten to beat people up. You don't even know who sent you home. Do you need to drink that much?
Aaargggh!!!!
"Ok, it seems I don't need to worry about your safety," Marvin said in a subdued tone.
"Cool, so is there anything else I need to know?"
"No, if you are fine with all this, we can go over and sign the contract," Marvin said rousing his spirit.
"Then, let's do that," Natasha said eagerly.
That evening, Natasha came to Murphy Productions with Marvin and signed the contract to act as the second female lead in the upcoming film
Natasha Lyons started her first role in her film career with a salary of $20,000. And little did she know that this was only the beginning.
*****
A/N: Check out my other stories and let me know your thoughts...
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