In New York, even though Lucas's fame was skyrocketing due to his role in "Inception," he seemed to fly under the radar, unnoticed by passersby. This anonymity could likely be attributed to his drastic change in appearance, a stark contrast to the Lucas seen in "Inception" – back then, he sported his natural hair and a fit, healthy look.
Now, with his head shaved and his frame noticeably leaner, Lucas didn't quite match the image people had seen on the big screen. Neil, his manager, was right by his side, not just guiding him in career decisions but also in matters of health. Neil provided medical advice to help Lucas regain his former physique and overall health. They followed professional recommendations closely, especially regarding the care and treatment to encourage the natural regrowth of Lucas's blond hair.
About a week ago, Lucas's recovery seemed to be on the fast track back to his former self. It's likely that the aftereffects of the "Mind Workshop"—the intense method acting workshop he participated in that affected both his physical and mental health—are finally wearing off. This is particularly notable considering the demanding role of "Adam" in "50/50," where he portrayed a character undergoing chemotherapy.
Even Neil, who has been closely monitoring Lucas's progress, was taken aback by the speed of his recovery. Despite relying on expert medical advice and Neil's support, Lucas's swift return to health has been nothing short of remarkable. Though it's clear he still has some way to go before he's completely back to his peak health, the visible return of his muscle tone and overall vitality has been an encouraging sign of his resilience and determination.
Lucas's hair, too, was making a comeback, growing slightly faster than what one might expect in just a week's time.
Neil observed Lucas with a mix of astonishment and curiosity, "It's really quite surprising. How is it that you're getting back into shape so quickly?"
Lucas responded with a chuckle, "Well, maybe those professional recommendations were more effective than we thought?"
"Perhaps..." Neil agreed, though he remained skeptical. He couldn't think of any other explanation for such rapid progress.
Lucas offered a smile, but internally, he was just as puzzled by his swift recovery. However, he wondered if it might be linked to his unique ability—the "Mind Workshop." Considering this ability had previously impacted his physical and mental health negatively while immersing himself in roles, it wasn't too far-fetched to think it might also have positive effects. This realization led Lucas to acknowledge that there was still much to uncover and understand about his extraordinary "Mind Workshop".
Neil finally decided to bring up the topic of the "Hunger Games" audition with Lucas, noting that Lucas was steadily regaining his previous form. Although Lucas hadn't fully returned to his peak condition just yet, with the "Hunger Games" production slated to start in March 2011, Neil was confident that Lucas would be back to his healthy self, complete with his natural hair, in time for the filming.
"Seeing your progress, I think it's the perfect time to start preparing for the 'Hunger Games' audition," Neil told Lucas. "You've been making incredible strides, and by the time production kicks off, I have no doubt you'll be in top form."
"The auditions have been running for two weeks now, and I've heard they're wrapping up in February 2011," Neil mentioned, taking a moment to let the information sink in. "There's no rush for you to audition right this second, but getting in sooner rather than later gives us a better shot. The earlier you audition, the more opportunities you'll have to showcase your talents and really make an impression on the production team."
Lucas understood and asked, "So, we're heading to Santa Monica, California, then?" His question was genuine, given that the audition venues for the "Hunger Games" were set up by Lionsgate, which has its headquarters in Santa Monica.
"I've actually booked our flights already. Tomorrow, we're off to California for your audition," Neil shared, outlining the plan with a sense of purpose. After a brief pause, his curiosity got the better of him, and he shifted the conversation. "By the way, Vincent mentioned something about a startup company you two are working on?" The topic piqued Neil's interest, steering the discussion towards Lucas's entrepreneurial venture.
Lucas took a moment to explain the concept behind the startup he and Vincent were developing. After hearing about the innovative business idea, Neil's interest was clearly piqued, hinting at his potential interest in investing. "You should get in touch with Vincent; he's the one spearheading it," Lucas suggested, open to the idea of Neil getting involved.
Neil nodded in agreement, already considering the possibilities.
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As time flew by, the very next day found Lucas and Neil at the airport early in the morning, eagerly awaiting their flight to Santa Monica, California.
After a brief period of waiting, their flight was announced ready for boarding. They made their way onto the airplane, settling in for the journey ahead. The plane soared into the sky, embarking on the journey towards their destination.
Upon landing at the Santa Monica airport, Lucas and Neil collected their belongings and made their way to the venue where Lionsgate was holding the "Hunger Games" auditions.
As Lucas and Neil approached the audition venue, Lucas found himself curious about whether he'd bump into Jennifer Lawrence, someone he knew, amidst the auditions.
Upon arriving at their destination, Neil confidently approached the receptionist to check in. He smoothly handled the necessary arrangements, securing their entry into the venue where the "Hunger Games" auditions were being held.
Lucas observed the process with interest, noting the differences from his experience auditioning for the commercial blockbuster "Inception." That audition had been directly overseen by Christopher Nolan and his production team in London, where even Warner Bros. played a limited role beyond providing the budget. In contrast, the "Hunger Games" auditions were deeply integrated with Lionsgate's operations.
This difference laid bare a new facet of the industry for Lucas. Being part of "Inception" had given him a taste of working on a major project, but it was clear now that his experiences were just the tip of the iceberg. The direct and hands-on involvement of Lionsgate with the "Hunger Games" highlighted how varied the management and creative direction could be from one big project to another, offering Lucas valuable new insights into the complexities of film production.
Now, stepping into the audition for "The Hunger Games," Lucas realized he was venturing into a different aspect of the industry—one where the studio's involvement was more pronounced. This realization underscored that, despite his significant role in "Inception," there was still much for him to learn and experience within the vast world of film.