In bustling Burbank, California, Lucas and Todd Phillips strolled through the vibrant streets, the sun casting a warm glow on the city's landscape. The two of them were deep in conversation as they approached a cozy café, their footsteps echoing off the sidewalk.
"So, after you're done with Ellen, we'll meet up with the big cheese at Warner Bros.?" Todd asked, motioning to the studio lot that loomed in the distance.
Lucas nodded, sipping his coffee. "Yeah, might as well. Since I'll already be there for the interview, might as well make it count."
Todd chuckled, "You're right, might as well kill two birds with one stone. Besides, I've heard good things about this Barry guy. He's supposed to be a real mensch."
Lucas took a deep breath. "Let's just hope our script reels him in."
Todd nodded in agreement, sipping his latte. "No point in dwelling on what-ifs, right? We've put in too much work on this 'Joker' script to let it collect dust."
Lucas smiled. "Don't you worry, Todd. I'll do my best to reel them in, hook, line, and sinker."
Todd patted Lucas's shoulder, "That's the spirit, man. No use being a Debbie Downer now."
---
Lucas tossed and turned in his hotel bed, the plush pillows doing little to help him drift off to sleep. The accommodations were courtesy of the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the irony wasn't lost on him that he was practically sleeping on the doorstep of Warner Bros. Studios.
He also couldn't shake the thought of his estranged father, a man who had also made a name for himself as a director within those very walls.
The night passed in the blink of an eye, and before he knew it, August 18, 2011, had arrived.
Lucas donned his sharpest suit and made his way to the studio lot in a rented car. As soon as he stepped out of the vehicle, a sea of screaming fans engulfed him.
"Lucas! Can I get an autograph?" one woman squealed, shoving a pen and a napkin in his direction.
"Lucas!" another fan screamed, her phone held high for a selfie.
Lucas chuckled dryly, both overwhelmed and humbled by the attention. His security detail, Jack and Simon, appeared at his side like well-tailored ghosts, expertly guiding him through the throng of admirers.
"Lucas! Over here!"
Fans swarmed the sidewalk, cameras flashing like fireflies.
"Looks like word got out about your visit," Jack said with a wry grin, guiding Lucas through the throng of fans.
Lucas managed to sign a few autographs and pose for selfies before the crowd became overwhelming. A stray fingernail caught his arm, leaving a thin red line in its wake.
"Whoa, easy there," he said, wincing slightly.
Jack and Simon sprang into action, forming a barrier between their charge and the overzealous admirers.
They finally reached the studio's entrance, the heavy doors closing behind them with a sigh of air conditioned relief.
"Well, that was... invigorating," Lucas said, rubbing his arm.
The trio followed Lyla, a staff member at Warner Bros. Studios, through the bustling corridors. She led them to the "Green Room," a private oasis reserved for VIPs like Lucas.
"You can practice your interview here, Mr. Knight," she said, her cheeks flushing a pretty shade of pink.
Lucas smiled, "Thank you, Lyla."
She covered the mic on her headset, hesitating for a moment. "I'm sorry to ask, but... could I get a picture with you?"
Lucas grinned, "Of course!"
Lyla fumbled with her iPhone, and soon enough, the two of them were immortalized in a memory.
"Thank you, Mr. Knight," she gushed, practically floating out of the room.
After Jack and Simon excused themselves, Lucas was left alone in the Green Room. He sat down in front of the mirror, his reflection staring back at him. On the table, a piece of paper caught his eye. It was a memo with a list of potential interview questions.
Lucas picked it up, running through the answers in his head. He wanted to make a good impression on everyone, knowing that this could make or break his chances with Warner Bros.
He rehearsed his responses, honing his delivery until he felt confident enough to face the real thing.
A knock on the door startled Lucas from his thoughts. His time was up.
Stepping out of the Green Room, he was greeted by a flurry of activity. Aspiring performers and crew members alike stopped to ask for a quick selfie or autograph.
"The downside of fame," he thought, smiling for the umpteenth time.
Finally, he was ushered into a room where a makeup artist and hairstylist worked their magic.
Then, it was showtime.
Lucas stepped onto the stage, the roar of the live studio audience filling his ears. He spotted Ellen DeGeneres, her megawatt smile lighting up the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome, Lucas Knight!" the announcer boomed through the speakers.
The crowd erupted in applause, drowning out any last-minute jitters he might have had.
The cameras rolled, capturing the moment for posterity. Lucas waved to the cheering audience, his nerves dissipating in the warmth of their adoration.
Ellen DeGeneres stood up, her infectious grin lighting up the room. "Well, it's about time! I've been trying to get you on my show for ages!"
Lucas chuckled, "I've been… a bit preoccupied."
Ellen grinned at the audience's reaction, "Look at this! You've got quite the fanbase, Lucas."
Lucas waved, "Hi, everyone! I'm so glad to be here."
The meet and greet lasted only a few minutes before Lucas was whisked backstage to prepare for the actual taping. The brief interaction was meant to help both him and the audience acclimate to each other, ensuring that the live recording would run smoother.
As the cameras started rolling for the actual interview, Ellen DeGeneres took her place center stage, her familiar opening monologue filling the studio.
"Hi, hi, hi, everybody! I'm Ellen DeGeneres, and today on the show, we have a very special guest."
"Our guest today is a man of many talents," Ellen gushed, "He's an actor, but you might know him better from his viral music collaborations. His latest with Taylor Swift, 'Let Her Go,' has racked up millions of views in just a week! And his songs are dominating the charts, with the titular track 'Let Her Go' sitting pretty at number one!"
It seemed the audience was still too excited about Lucas, even though the production had just gotten them used to his presence a moment ago.
Ellen surveyed the crowd, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Wow, looks like we have some die-hard fans in the audience tonight!"
The director gave a discreet signal, and the audience erupted in laughter.
"Well, let's not keep you waiting any longer," Ellen said, "The man of the hour, the talk of Tinseltown, please welcome... Lucas Knight!"
The audience applauded thunderously, drowning out the cue to stop from the staff. It was clear that they were genuine fans of Lucas'.
Lucas sauntered onto the stage, waving to the audience as the camera followed his every move. The director had instructed the audience to tone down their enthusiasm, but their genuine excitement couldn't be contained. The staff shrugged it off and let the show go on.
"Hello, hello! I finally met you!" Ellen greeted Lucas, as if they hadn't just met moments ago. She offered a hug, and as they embraced, she playfully smacked his bottom.
"Oh, Lucas. After hugging you, I can feel your... muscles," Ellen joked, "I might switch teams for you. Do you want to marry me?"
The audience erupted in laughter, both because the director cued them to and because the thought of Ellen, who was openly gay, considering changing teams for Lucas was hilarious.
Lucas chuckled uncomfortably, playing along with the joke. "Well, as long when we get divorced, I'll make sure to take half of your... assets," he said, gesturing around the set, eliciting laughter from the audience.
Ellen feigned consideration, her eyes lingering on Lucas's blond hair and blue eyes. "You do look pretty irresistible, so why not?" she joked, sending the audience into another fit of laughter.
Lucas laughed awkwardly, "I was just kidding."
Ellen winked, "Me too."
The brief, playful tension in the air only added to the show's appeal, and the director and staff couldn't help but chuckle off-stage.
After a brief, playful silence, punctuated by the audience's laughter and Ellen biting her lower lip as if charmed by Lucas, he cleared his throat and tapped his fingers on the armrest. "So… are we going to continue the interview?"
Ellen snapped out of her playful daze, "Of course, silly. What else would you be here for if not to be interrogated… I mean, interviewed?" The audience erupted in laughter once more, and the show went on.
The audience's laughter died down, and Ellen continued, "You know, Lucas, you're becoming quite the sensation in Hollywood. Your music video is breaking records on YouTube in it's first week, surpassing the viewership of even popular artists' videos in their first week. You're not just known in the US anymore; you're going global. How does it feel?"
Lucas tapped his chin, "Well, I'm honestly overwhelmed by all the attention. You see, I've always loved music. When I'm bored, I listen to songs, and when I'm not bored, I still listen to songs. So, I guess you could say I'm a big fan of... songs."
Ellen feigned a confused expression, "Okay, you like... songs. And how does that relate to my question?"
The audience erupted in laughter, and Lucas continued, "I'm getting there, I promise."
"Please, do go on," Ellen said, gesturing for him to continue.
Lucas smiled, "What I'm trying to say is, I love music, but it's not my main passion. My heart has always been in acting. While I appreciate the recognition for my songs, I won't feel truly fulfilled until people know me for my acting. So, this whole 'internet sensation' thing is flattering, but I can't wait for the day everyone talks about my acting instead of my music."
Ellen's jaw dropped in mock shock, and the audience roared with laughter at her exaggerated reaction.