America is a capitalist country and, moreover, the largest in the world, but it also cares deeply about workers' rights. Here, unions are no joke. They truly protect workers' rights. The eight-hour workday is strictly observed and enshrined in law.
If a company violates workers' rights, the union can engage in negotiations with the management. If negotiations fail and legal proceedings drag on, a strike can be expected.
When it comes to a strike, most of the time the company is forced to make concessions: compensate for losses, apologize, and increase wages. After all, business is primarily about profit, and sometimes it's better to agree to terms than to lose money due to a stoppage. Therefore, in Hollywood, unless there are emergencies, everyone, including film crews, rests on weekends. Work proceeds strictly according to schedule, with no overtime. If overtime work is necessary, double pay is provided; otherwise, the union will intervene immediately.
At this time, a Lincoln SUV was speeding down the road to Anaheim. Inside the car were Eric and Gal Gadot.
"I've never been to Disneyland," Gal said hopefully. "They say it's every child's dream."
"Is there no Disneyland in Israel?"
"No, they planned to build one, but for some reason, it didn't happen. That's a matter for the government and businessmen, it's not important to us."
"Then you've come to the right place. We can have a good two-day rest. You haven't had a chance to enjoy America yet, have you?"
Gal pouted, "There was no time at all. You brought me here and then forgot about me. We've only seen each other twice in almost a month."
"And not only did we not see each other," she continued. "You also gave me assignments remotely. Judy found teachers for me and Rafaeli: acting classes in the morning, training sessions in the afternoon. Only when the classes were over could we rest a little, but Judy constantly took us to film sets. I've been on the set of 'Sharknado' eight times."
Eric laughed, "There's no other way. You've never done any acting before, and with so little time until filming starts, you need intensive training."
Eric understood well what Judy was doing. Theory alone wasn't enough; you had to learn from practice. For example, moving in the frame. You can talk about it a lot, but it's better to try it yourself once.
Experienced actors, seemingly by chance, take small steps to find themselves in the right position in front of the camera, and the viewer doesn't even notice it.
Newcomers, even knowing the theory, get lost on the set and can't figure out what to do. They often get scolded, and that's normal.
Of course, Eric only sent them to good sets, not allowing them to participate in low-quality projects to preserve their reputation.
Gal sighed, "I understand you're doing everything for my own good, but I feel like I'm back in school. I don't think anyone likes that, except Hermione Granger."
Hearing about school, Eric looked at her. Her face was fresh and firm, as if her skin would bounce if pressed. It made him want to pinch her.
But she was only 17, just out of school. Ideally, she would be going to university after summer vacation. Or joining the army, but instead, she ended up here, in America.
"Gadot, I need to discuss something with you."
She looked at him, "How unusual! You usually just give assignments, and now you're asking. Something new, my boss."
She started mimicking Eric's rough voice, "Gadot, don't forget about dance practice. Gadot, find time for martial arts training. Gadot, remember your modeling experience, show your sex appeal. You're just like an old man from my family, blah blah blah..."
Eric laughed again, "Am I really like that?"
"Absolutely! You're like Sherlock and Grande combined, squeezing the last drop out of people!"
"Hahaha... If I were like Grande, I wouldn't be taking you out for fun today. And I'm not as strict with Rafaeli, you understand that, right?"
Gal pursed her lips, but inwardly she was pleased. Eric clearly valued her more than Rafaeli.
"Gadot, back to our conversation: you're now 17, and being Israeli, you face two issues. First, you'll soon have to serve in the army. Second, are you planning to go to university?"
The car fell silent. Gal Gadot thought for a moment and said, "That worries me too. In my country, military service is mandatory, so after filming 'Transformers,' I'll probably have to go back."
"No, I asked if you want to serve in the army."
Gal froze for a moment, "I don't think anyone would want to unless circumstances forced them to."
"Got it, then leave that to me. I can't let you disappear for two years just as you're starting to gain popularity."
"And what are you going to do?"
Eric smiled, "It's simple. We'll get you American citizenship, so you'll have dual citizenship, and you can enroll in a university here."
"In that case, Israel can still call you to serve, but since you'll be studying abroad and have dual citizenship, you can defer your service until you finish your studies."
"And a bachelor's degree won't be enough. You'll need to keep studying, extending your academic time for ten years or more. By the time you finish, you'll be a professor's assistant, and by then the age limit will be exceeded, and the draft will be automatically canceled."
Gal Gadot was stunned, "Is that even possible?"
"Why not? I consulted a lawyer. Many children of influential people in your country do this. The law always restricts those without means."
"Okay, but can I get citizenship that quickly?"
"Haha, Gadot, you still don't understand the phrase 'the law always restricts those without means.' In America, it's especially true!"
"I suggest you study acting. It's not too difficult, and you can successfully complete your studies. The University of Southern California would be suitable."
She nodded, "When I got on that plane, there was no other choice. Eric, let it be your way. Anyway, no one else gives me advice."
The trip wasn't far: California's Disneyland is only 30 kilometers from Los Angeles. Soon they arrived at the destination.
"Wow... I've long dreamed of seeing this castle."
"Then let's relax and have fun. We've been so busy for so long that I don't want to think about box office numbers or contracts. All that can wait until Monday!"
------
You can read up to 10 advanced chapters and support me at patreon.com/raaaaven