[New York]
The early morning sun painted the bustling streets of New York City with a warm glow as Lucas hurried towards Vincent's office. His mind was alive with anticipation. Today, he would be discussing his pursuit of the independent film "Like Crazy," directed by the independent filmmaker, Drake Doremus.
With other projects still in the pipeline, "Like Crazy" offered a unique advantage: flexibility. The small-budget production offered an enticing immediacy. A cast, a camera, and a dedicated crew – that's all it could take to officially start the project.
However, the intricate plot of this romantic drama demanded deep immersion from the actors. Rehearsals would likely consume a significant portion of their time.
This wouldn't be a challenge for Lucas, not with the extraordinary cheat at his disposal – the Mind Workshop. This unique ability allowed him to step into the shoes of his character, Jacob, through immersion, Lucas can enter into the deep recesses of his consciousness.
Within the Mind Workshop, the story and its characters came alive. Backdrops materialized, figures interacted, and improvised scenes unfolded, all tailored to Jacob's perspective. It became a training ground, a space where Lucas could explore the nuances of his role, refining his every gesture and emotion.
***
[Los Angeles]
While the independent film "Like Crazy" was underway under Drake Doremus' vision, casting remained a crucial missing piece. Doremus, drawing inspiration from his own life experiences, initially leaned towards Anton Yelchin, a rising star known for his role in "Star Trek."
However, his friend John, a key member of the dedicated crew, had accidentally changed his decision.
John urged Doremus to watch an independent film gaining popularity in independent film circle, not just for its controversial headlines regarding the fainting in the audience, but also for the exceptional performance of a young actor named Lucas Knight.
Doremus, initially skeptical of the hype surrounding an unknown actor, decided to give the film a chance. As the film unfolded, he found himself deeply moved. Despite the unconventional one-man-show format, Lucas's portrayal of Aron Ralston affected him.
Intrigued, Doremus dug deeper into Lucas's filmography. He discovered Lucas's youthful charm on display in "Modern Family" and saw glimpses of raw talent in a recent YouTube clip that's gaining attention, showcasing Lucas singing "Perfect," as Dylan in one of the episode in Modern Family already viewed by hundreds of thousands.
A shift began to occur within Doremus. The initial appeal of Yelchin's established star power began to fade compared to the potential he saw in Lucas. The young actor's ability to convey complex emotions with minimal dialogue, his screen presence, and his musical talent – these were the qualities Doremus needed for Jacob.
With a newfound conviction, Doremus made a decision. He shifted his focus from Yelchin to Lucas Knight, believing he had found the right actor to embody of Jacob.
Although undeniably talented, was still a relatively unknown face compared to the established Anton Yelchin. Yet, Drake Doremus felt an unshakeable conviction about his choice. Independent films, after all, thrived on taking chances, and if Lucas could deliver in the audition, it would only solidify Doremus's instinct.
Moreover, Lucas was already gaining momentum. The box office success of "127 Hours" served as a testament to his potential, and his performance resonated with audiences. His star was steadily rising, and Doremus recognized that.
Meanwhile, the casting process was ongoing. Several actors, both established and newcomers, had approached Doremus, eager to be a part of the film, as they're really interested in the film's premise. Among them, two actresses stood out: Felicity Jones and Jennifer Lawrence.
Doremus had personally sought them out, drawn to their talent and potential. He'd sent scripts to their agents, and thus far, their audition performances had left him impressed. Felicity, with her emotional intensity, and Jennifer, with her captivating screen presence.
With the script delivered to Lucas's agency a week ago, anticipation gnawed at Drake Doremus. Would the young actor even consider his independent film, "Like Crazy"? While Doremus was confident in his choice, he had some doubts.
Doremus wasn't naive. He knew Lucas was on the radar of several studios. His performance in "127 Hours" had garnered critical acclaim, and even his small but charming role in "Modern Family" and viral singing clip of "Perfect" had propelled him into the public eye, had further cemented his potential.
Lucas, in the eyes of industry insiders, wasn't just a fresh face; he was a rising star. He hadn't yet reached the heights of some other young actors, but his raw talent, coupled with his inherent musicality, made him an attractive proposition. And then there was the undeniable factor of cost – Lucas was still relatively affordable compared to his established peers. This very aspect made him even more appealing to studios looking to maximize their returns.
A wave of anxiety washed over Drake Doremus as days ticked by without news from Lucas Knight's agency. Had his script reached the young actor? Was Lucas even interested in the role of Jacob in "Like Crazy"? Doremus knew other studios were circling Lucas, drawn to his rising star power.
Just as doubt began to creep in, his phone buzzed. The caller ID displayed "IAA Vincent Smith," and a spark of hope ignited in Doremus's chest. Vincent was Lucas's agent.
After a cordial exchange of greetings, Vincent's words brought immediate relief. "Drake," he announced, "Lucas is excited about the script and interested in auditioning for Jacob. He's clearing his schedule and aiming to be in Los Angeles tomorrow, and probably grace the audition location tomorrow or within the next few days."
Doremus's excitement bubbled over. "Fantastic! We have a dedicated space set up in downtown LA. Let me know where I can send the details."
"He's already booked a flight," Vincent chuckled. "Just pass on the location. Lucas will be there."
Doremus hung up, a wave of relief washing over him. The wait had been agonizing, but Lucas's proactive approach filled him with optimism. He knew the competition was fierce, but seeing Lucas's interest to a smaller, independent film like "Like Crazy" despite the other bigger projects probably offered to the young actor warmed his heart.