William Morris Agency, Office Hall.
Adrian and Tony strolled through the partitioned office area, heading toward agent John's glass-enclosed office.
John, pushing 40 with a red and swollen nose adorned with a comical band-aid, was on a call when they arrived.
The distant sound of ringing phones filled the office.
Adrian rapped his knuckles on the door and entered without waiting for a response.
John, hanging up with a serious expression, greeted them, "You guys arrived just in time; we've got news from the production team."
Adrian, having eliminated his main competition the previous day, exuded confidence, "Did we win?"
John replied, "The crew notified us that you got the role of Dalton, not Nick Jones."
Adrian was baffled, "I auditioned for Nick Jones! Who's Dalton?"
Tony questioned, "Could there be a mix-up?"
John meticulously checked the character list sent by the production team and clarified, "Dalton is a marginal supporting character, Nick Jones's sidekick."
Adrian was still puzzled, "But why?"
"The crew mentioned that while you failed the audition for the lead role, they believed you'd excel in this supporting one," John explained. He looked at Adrian and asked, "they mentioned you felt more suitable for Dalton."
Adrian rested his hands on his hips, pondering the issue.
Tony, touching his clownish nose, lamented, "What a waste of my bruised nose."
Adrian, unruffled, took a chair and seated himself, inquiring, "So, who got the lead role?"
John replied, "Martin Davis."
Adrian blurted out, "Impossible!"
Tony chimed in, baffled, "Why him? How could his experience, acting skills, or connections compare to Adrian? He's only been in Los Angeles for less than two months!"
Adrian, speculating, wondered, "Did Susan Levin have a say in this?"
John counseled, "It's no use speculating now. The fact is, we put in a lot of effort and still lost. Auditions are meant to maximize our chances, but no one can guarantee a 100% success rate."
He waited for a moment before inquiring of Adrian, "Will you accept this role?"
Adrian didn't provide a direct answer, lamenting, "A month ago, I was the lead in 'Entourage,' and now I'm relegated to playing second fiddle to him in 'House of Wax'. How am I supposed to accept that?"
John, aware of the inevitable psychological gap, offered sagely, "You should take on this role, Adrian. You need to consider the broader perspective, rather than focusing on the gains and losses of a single part." He lifted his hand to forestall Adrian's objections and elaborated, "We've finally built a connection with Susan through Downey's network. If you turn this down, that connection will be severed. Susan is just thirty; she's bound to be a figure like Kathleen Kennedy in the future. You should consider how this role can help build a strong personal rapport with Susan."
Adrian scratched his chin thoughtfully and inquired after a pause, "What about Tony? Can the production team find a role for him?"
John shook his head, saying, "No, it's unlikely. There are only four personal assistant slots available for the cast and crew, and the filming location is Queensland, Australia."
Tony, volunteering, stated, "I won't go."
Adrian responded, "Alright, I'll accept the role. Help me negotiate for better terms."
John reassured him, "I'll do my utmost."
In the lobby area outside the office, Thomas received the notification from the production team, leaping up from his chair with jubilation.
He'd managed countless clients, but this marked his first substantial role, albeit a supporting one.
He was ecstatic and longed to share his joy with someone. However, he noticed his colleagues immersed in their work, and no one seemed interested.
He wanted to shout in exuberance but bemoaned his lack of a private office.
His girlfriend? They'd broken up after she got fed up with his perpetual overtime.
There was just one person he could and must share this news with.
Thomas dialed Martin's number and exclaimed, "We've won! We've landed that damn role!"
On the other end, Martin, accompanying Bruce in a fitness center, listened while he was towel-drying his sweaty body, laughing, "That's fantastic! Truly fantastic! Thomas, our hard work has paid off! From now on, we're winners, not losers!"
Bruce was engaged in a lively conversation with a well-endowed female coach but turned and inquired, "Got something good?"
Thomas's voice was exuberant as he replied, "Absolutely!"
Martin flashed a thumbs-up and affirmed, "Done!" Then, turning to Thomas, he requested, "Can you secure a spot for a personal assistant on the crew? I want to bring Bruce along."
Thomas considered the situation and responded, "There are usually four slots available for actors' personal assistants. I believe we can negotiate for one. But here's the catch, the filming location is in Queensland, Australia."
Martin, more concerned about the role and his future, brushed aside the location concern, stating, "It doesn't matter if the crew shoots on the moon. Let's go for it."
Thomas assured him, "I'll head to the crew to negotiate the contract and wait for good news."
After they hung up, Martin raised his hand and high-fived Bruce.
Susie, the coach with remarkably developed gluteus maximus muscles, approached and inquired, "Did you land the lead role in a movie?"
Martin chuckled, "No, not me." Wanting to tease Bruce, he pointed at him and continued, "Yes, he's the leading man. I'm just Bruce's little sidekick."
Susie, clearly uninterested in Martin as a sidekick, resumed her lively conversation with Bruce.
Even Bruce didn't mind testing the flexibility of her gluteus maximus muscles.
Martin concealed his excitement, calculated the time difference, found a quiet spot, and dialed Louise's number.
"I got the role, and I just wanted to say thank you."
Louise, not one to mince words with Martin, inquired, "I don't see the sincerity. Where's the new formula? The Italian cannon has been dispatched. I can't proceed with my work without the new formula in hand."
Martin didn't refuse but didn't immediately comply, responding, "You'll have to wait until you're back from Morocco; it's not usable there."
Shortly after ending that call, Martin's phone rang again. This time, it was Kelly Gray.
"I heard you snagged the lead role in a production?"
"Not the lead, just the most prominent male role," Martin clarified, "The movie has only one female lead, and I'll be portraying her partner."
Kelly remarked, "Earlier, that wench Louise called to gloat about it. Martin, what's your promise to me?"
Martin, grappling with the demands of competitors, sighed, "I'm not in a position to compete with you. I just arrived here and was struggling to find a role. I have neither status nor influence. How can I help you contact the crew? This project has already been scheduled for shooting in Australia. Forget about me; even Louise wouldn't have a say."
Kelly smiled, "I'm just reminding you not to forget your promise."
Martin replied, "I'll have to wait until I have some power and influence."
Meanwhile, at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel...
After Jason Sean was released on bail by his lawyer, he headed to the hotel's top floor and knocked on the door of a luxurious suite.
The door opened from within, revealing a tanned girl carrying a bag. She remarked, "Paris is waiting for you in the living room."
"Thanks, Kim." Jason entered the living room with determined strides.
Upon seeing him, Paris, wearing pink home attire, immediately berated him, "I asked you to attend the audition; why did you get into a fight? I didn't even get a chance to speak with the production head. It's utterly unreasonable!"
Jason waved her off and seated himself on a single sofa.
Paris, still irate, didn't hold back her anger, "I'm talking to you! Do you hear me? I did so much for you, you idiot..."
"Shut up!" Jason erupted, "I know why I fought. That bastard insulted you. He used the video footage to insult you!"
He waved dismissively, "Forget it; discussing this is pointless. Paris, thank you for everything you've done for me. Let's call it quits."
After uttering these words, Jason oddly felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, and he left the suite without looking back.
As the door closed behind him, the sound of objects breaking emanated from within the suite.
Paris had smashed the television, floor lamp, and anything else in her path.
After venting her frustration, she panted and instructed the girl carrying the bag, "kim, clean up this place. Get rid of anything related to Jason Shaw. Toss it all away."
As paris went into the bathroom, slamming the door shut, Kardashian found a large trash bag and began picking up the scattered debris on the floor.
The feeling was so unpleasant that she wished she could just escape, much like Jason Shaw had. But she held her composure.
...
In the afternoon, Thomas arranged to meet Martin at Tiago's Cafe.
"The contract has been negotiated more or less. Your credentials from 'Zombie Stripper' played a significant role," Thomas explained. "You'll receive a maximum salary of $150,000, which is second only to Elisha Cuthbert among the actors."
Martin had mentally prepared himself for this. Most of the total salary often ended up in the pockets of the top crew members. He remembered reading a report that for 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' Leonardo DiCaprio received over $20 million, whereas the lead supporting actor, Jonah Hill, was paid just $60,000.
Numerous similar examples existed, like Mickey Rourke's villain role in 'Iron Man 2,' for which he was paid as little as $25,000.
Thomas continued detailing, "You'll have full insurance per union regulations, business class airfare to and from Australia, a personal assistant's salary during filming, a separate makeup trailer, accommodations in a private suite, and a car in Australia..."
As Martin gazed at Thomas, he noticed that the agent's eyes were red, and heavy bags had formed beneath them. It seemed like he had aged five years during this time. Even his hairline had receded. Martin wondered if it was his imagination, but Thomas's hair looked a bit thinner.
"Alright," Martin replied without pushing for more. "I trust you to do your job."
Thomas was concerned that Martin might become complacent and arrogant, so he added, "Securing the role is just the first step. You're a new actor, and you must demonstrate the right attitude and professionalism. Cooperate closely with the crew and show them your dedication."
Martin nodded firmly. He then asked a crucial question, "What if someone on the crew decides to give me a hard time?"
Thomas considered this for a moment and responded, "In that case, you'll have to endure it. Producers, directors, and cinematographers hold significantly higher positions than you. If you ever feel wronged, just bear with it. When you reach a higher position in the future, there will be many ways to set things right. In this industry, it's common to flatter those above you and suppress those beneath you. If you're too soft, others will take advantage of you."