In Stardust Studios, there's a room often used for casual meetings. It was comfortable yet professional. The room was spacious and furnished with expensive furniture. It had soundproof walls, creating a secluded environment for discussions away from the noise of the busy studio. The room consisted of two large plush couches facing each other, with a low coffee table between them.
I sat on one of these couches, facing Tom Hanks, who was engrossed in reading the script for 12 Angry Men. I looked for any hint of approval or critique in his expressions. His face was a mask of concentration as he flipped through the pages of the script, his brows occasionally furrowing in thought, then relaxing as he continued reading. It was difficult to get a read on the man because of this. I could only hear the sound of breathing and the rustling of pages.
Why did they make the room so soundproof?
Henry was very insistent that we start the movie. He was very excited about it, as was Ralph, and they had brought up the script to Christ every time they met.
So, we decided to pull the trigger and get started on the movie. I mean, we had to start somewhere. The truth is, Chris and I were kind of dragging the movie along as we were focused on other things. Chris was finishing up Toy Story 2, and I was helping out at Infinite Worlds, my publishing company. We could just start the pre-production now, and later, when we were less busy, could focus our full attention on it.
That was why I was here when Tom had come to record his lines for Toy Story 2. I seized the opportunity to pitch the movie to him. Thankfully, he accepted, and after recording his lines for the day, he gave me some of his time. That was an hour ago, and Tom was still reading, with me sitting awkwardly opposite him.
Landing Tom Hanks for a lead role would not only appease Henry and Ralph but also set a high bar for the production quality we were aiming for, and we could use his connections in the industry to get a good word in for the other actors we wanted to cast.
Tom finally put the script down and took off his reading glasses.
"So…" I began, breaking the silence in the room. I saw his face break into a smile.
"This is one of the best scripts I've read in a while. You have to cast me in this movie," he said enthusiastically.
He leaned forward, his eyes lit with fervor. "The character development is phenomenal. The way each juror's backstory subtly unfolds, influencing their decision-making, it's just brilliant."
"I have no words to describe how good this is, Daniel," he added.
"And the tension," Tom continued, "it's masterfully crafted. You can feel the heat of the room, the weight of the decision they have to make."
I just nodded along as he continued his praise. "The dialogue is sharp, realistic; it forces you to think and reconsider your own biases," he said.
"Every character has a moment, a turning point that's so compelling. It's like watching a perfectly tuned orchestra," Tom said, gesturing wildly with his hands.
"I need to be part of this, Daniel," he said, almost as a demand.
"I'm glad you like the story, Tom. I didn't think you would like the story this much," I responded.
"Well, I do, and it's great. You know, this can be done as a play as well," Tom added.
"Yeah it can maybe we can look in to that after the movie"
"So, which character calls to you the most? I want you for Juror 8, but if you like any other character…" I trailed off.
"Juror 8, I can do that, but I also like the others as well. You know what, give me some time to think. I'll contact you later," he said, getting up to leave.
"And Daniel, I want to be in this movie. I am serious," he said.
"Of course, Tom, you are already in," I said with a smile.
"Good. If we do this right, we are a shoo-in for the Academy," he said. "I'll contact you later," he added before shaking my hands and exiting the room.
"Well that went well" I said out loud.
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Exiting the room, I made my way to Chris's office, still buzzing from the positive response from Tom Hanks. As I entered, I found Chris in the middle of a discussion with Dave and Sam.
"I don't think he is good for that…" he saw me enter. "Daniel, how did it go?" he asked before I could greet them.
I grinned. "Tom loved the script. He's more than just interested; he pretty much demanded to be cast in the movie."
Chris's face lit up with excitement. "That's fantastic news!" he exclaimed.
I took a seat next to Dave. "What were you guys discussing?" I asked, curious about their intense exchange before I entered.
Dave turned to me. "We were talking about casting. It's the major point that will make or break this movie."
Sam nodded in agreement. "With Tom showing such enthusiasm, we've got a strong start, but we need to maintain that momentum."
"Well, Henry and Ralph will be happy," I said, to which Chris happily nodded.
"Now, which juror will we be casting next?" I asked.
We started discussing potential candidates for the other roles, with each of us throwing in suggestions and considerations. Chris had some awful casting ideas and argued the story should be shifted from the '50s to modern day. I was hesitant to do this, as I liked the '50s setting, and it could also be considered a historical piece as well.
"I was watching Breaking Bad the other day," I interjected, cutting off Chris, who was discussing the benefits of setting our movie in a modern era.
"The one with Bryan Cranston?" Chris inquired.
"Yes," I replied.
"Oh, I love that. Are you suggesting Bryan Cranston for..." Dave's voice trailed off.
"Let me get to the point," I urged, signaling them to be quiet. "A few episodes back, they introduced a new character named Saul Goodman."
"You're talking about Bob Odenkirk," Sam interjected.
"Right, I think he'd be a great fit for Juror 7," I proposed.
"I know Bob personally; he's a good friend. You're right, he's perfect for Juror 7," Sam agreed.
"That's great; having a connection makes it easier," I responded to Sam.
Chris drummed his fingers on the desk, pondering the idea. "I like it, Danny. Solid suggestion."
"Anyone else in mind?" Dave inquired.
"Just one more, Juror 3," I mentioned.
"This has to be a perfect casting ; he's our main antagonist," Dave emphasized.
"That's why I think J.K. Simmons would be perfect," I said, recalling his performance in future films like Whiplash. "He'd be perfect for Juror 3."
Chris's interest piqued. "J.K. Simmons, huh? That's an intriguing choice."
"Think about it," I elaborated. "Juror 3 is a strong, stubborn character with lots of internal conflict. Simmons could nail it."
"While we shouldn't finalize just yet, I agree with Danny. Simmons could do Juror 3 justice," Sam supported.
Chris leaned back, mulling it over. "I agree with Sam. Let's prioritize him for Juror 3, but keep options open."
"I don't have suggestions for the others; you guys should compile a list," I mentioned, as I stood to leave an idea that came to me.
"I have one more suggestion," I announced, garnering their attention.
"Mark Ruffalo for the foreman," I proposed, meeting a momentary silence.
"I can see that," Dave finally responded.
"Put him on the list," Chris decided.
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I looked out the car window watching as the excited crowd gathered outside the small theater where the concert was taking place. Fans of all ages were milling about, some holding banners with Joanna's name, while others were decked out in merchandise bearing her image.
"Oh wow, you weren't kidding when you said it was sold out," Haley said from beside me.
"Well, it's a small place. There would have been more if Jo had picked the bigger venue we first wanted," I replied.
"Come on, let's get inside before they spot us." I said looking to see if any one was near us.
Haley nodded, and I went to open the door. "Wait," I heard her say.
"Let me cover up my face," she said, taking a piece of cloth from her bag.
"What? Why? They already know who you are," I said, slightly puzzled by her sudden caution. Haley and I were photographed together weeks ago, and now everyone knew I was dating her.
"Yes, I know, but do you see this zit on my face?" she said, pointing to a barely visible one. "I can't let anyone see me like this," she added before putting on sunglasses and wrapping the cloth around her lower face, effectively concealing her identity—or at least the zit she was so concerned about.
"Only you, Haley," I said before opening the door. We stepped out, and I scanned the crowd to see if anyone was looking in our direction.
"Let's go, quick," I said, walking forward. When I looked back, I saw Haley looking at herself in the mirror.
"Oh my god, babe, I look so good in this."
"Yes, yes, I know. Now come on before they see us," I urged.
"Fine. Who knew that covering up half of my face would make me more attractive? I mean, you're only seeing half of me," she said.
I chuckled. "It's your eyes. They are your best feature," I complimented.
"Really?" she asked coyly.
"It's what attracted me to you in the first place," I said, meeting her gaze.
"Look, isn't that Daniel Adler?" someone whispered loudly enough for us to hear. Heads started turning in our direction, and the murmurs grew louder.
"Oh shit, let's get in there," I said, taking Haley's hand and walking towards the back entrance.
"DANIEL, OVER HERE! DANIEL…" I heard them say. We moved swiftly, almost running now, to avoid a full-blown fan encounter. We reached the back entrance of the theater, where security recognized us and quickly ushered us inside, away from the excited fans. Before entering, I peeked out and waved at them, which elicited a loud reaction.
"That was fun," Haley said once inside.
"Come on, let's find Jo," I said as we traversed the backstage area. I looked for my friends there but couldn't find them. I was a bit late to the event, so I hoped they would be with Joanna in her dressing room. Finding the room, Haley and I found Joanna practicing with her guitar.
"Daniel!" she exclaimed, jumping up to give me a hug.
"Oh, Haley, so glad you could make it," Joanna said, her voice polite but cool.
Haley returned the greeting with equal restraint. "Congratulations on your concert, Joanna. It's a big night for you."
"Thank you, Haley. I heard you're a fan?" Joanna asked with a touch of slyness in her voice.
Caught off guard, Haley's eyes flicked to me before settling back on Joanna. "I like some of your songs," she replied with a strained smile.
Glad they are getting along now, I thought as I watched them talk.
"You look so zen right now," I said, noticing her calm demeanor.
"I'm actually close to breaking down," she replied, and knowing Joanna, it might not have been a joke.
"Well, I'm sure you'll do great. Just go out there and sing like you always do," I said, giving her more encouragement.
"You're right. I can do this," she said, more to herself than to me.
"Why don't we go and look around? I'm sure Joanna needs time to, you know, prepare," Haley suggested.
"Oh yeah, I'm not going to take much of your time. I'll see you later," I said.
"What? No, I thought we could…" Joanna started to say.
"I have to meet Lucy anyway. You do your thing," I said before leaving the room with Haley.
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"Wow, they really did wonders with the place; it looks unrecognizable," Haley said, looking around.
"Yeah, they did," I said as I scanned the backstage for Lucy. I spotted her near the entrance to the stage, talking with a middle-aged woman with striking red hair. She spotted me as well and waved me over.
"Lucy," I greeted as we neared her. "And who is this beautiful lady?"
"Daniel, let me introduce you to Isabelle Brooke," Lucy said, gesturing to the redhead. Isabelle turned to greet me. My gaze 'accidentally' lingered on her noticeable bust before meeting her eyes. She was dressed impeccably in a suit that accentuated her figure, her red hair cascading over her shoulders in elegant waves.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Brooke," I said, extending my hand.
"The pleasure is mine, Daniel. I've heard a lot about you," Isabelle responded with a smile. "I'm here to see Joanna perform. I've been following her work online, and I must say, I'm quite impressed."
"That's great to hear," I replied. "She's incredibly talented."
Isabelle nodded in agreement. "Indeed, she is. Well, I should find my seat. Looking forward to the show." With a polite nod, she excused herself and walked toward the audience that was pouring into the hall.
"Joanna's getting noticed by the right people," I said, watching Isabelle disappear into the crowd.
"That she is. Now it's up to Joanna on how to proceed from here," Lucy replied.
"So, getting ready for your big vacation?" I asked, remembering Lucy was going on a very expensive vacation after this.
"Yes, I am," she replied. "Oh, and your friends are over there," she said, pointing to a group gathered in the corner of the room. I followed her gaze and saw Matt, John, and Lucia.
"Oh, my friends are here; I'm gonna go and say hi," Haley said.
"Ok, I'll be here," I replied, watching Haley go in the same direction as Isabelle.
I could hear the audience starting to chant Joanna's name as I walked toward my friends. "Hey, guys," I greeted. "Ready for the show?"
"Absolutely," Matt replied.
"Jo's going to set the stage on fire. Metaphorically speaking, of course," John chimed in.
"She's worked so hard for this. I'm so proud of her," Lucia said with a watery smile.
The lights dimmed, and the crowd's chants intensified. "Joanna! Joanna! Joanna!" they yelled in unison.
"I guess it's showtime," I said before leading them to the entrance of the stage. We saw Jo walking towards us with a guitar in hand, looking nervous.
"Wow, listen to that crowd," I remarked, impressed by the overwhelming support.
"What's wrong?" I heard John ask Joanna.
"I don't think I can do this. There are too many people," she said, panicking. Before I could say anything, Lucia stepped forward and placed her hands on Joanna's shoulders, locking eyes with her. "Jo, you've got this," she said firmly. "This is your moment. Now go and give them a show they won't forget."
Joanna took a deep breath, her eyes moving from Lucia to me, then to John and Matt. "You're right," she finally said, her voice steadying. "I can do this." We all gave her a thumbs up.
"Go knock 'em dead, Jo!" John said as a final word of encouragement.
With a renewed sense of confidence, Joanna nodded, squared her shoulders, and walked onto the stage to loud cheers.
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The concert was great, with each song drawing louder applause than the last. I could see Joanna's confidence increasing as it went on. As she was about to perform her last song, she paused, looking over the crowd. "This is my last song for tonight," she announced. "This is a song written by one of my best friends and the man who made this all happen, Daniel Adler."
The audience erupted in cheers, and a chant for my name began to fill the theater.
"The snow glows white on the mountain tonight,
Not a footprint to be seen.
A kingdom of isolation,
And it looks like I'm the queen."
"Oh, this one's my favorite," I heard Haley say from behind me.
"So, you do like her songs?"
"I like this one because it was written by you," she responded.
I chuckled and here I thought Joanna and Haley were getting along. "My mom's invited you to come tomorrow," I said.
"Really? She invited me? I thought you said she didn't like me," Haley said, surprised as the song continued in the background.
"Well, the pregnancy has mellowed her out on the subject of me dating, so tomorrow you can finally meet Alice as well."
"Wow, this is a lot of pressure," Haley replied.
"Relax, it's going to be fine," I said, holding her close to me with a one-armed hug.
Joanna concluded her performance with a powerful final note, and the theater erupted in deafening applause and cheers. She finally got off the stage and walked backstage.
"Jo, that was incredible," I said, beaming with pride.
"Thank you, Daniel," she responded, her eyes glistening with tears of joy.
Backstage was soon filled with Joanna's family and other well-wishers. I could also see Lucy talking with what I think are the industry folks that she had invited.
I love it when a plan comes together.