James Wong had been in Hollywood for many years and worked as a producer in three different television crews. Robert Lee and George Clint had extensive experience preparing multiple VHS films. Although Michael Davenport lacked experience, he was always willing to humbly seek advice when necessary, and the film crew preparations were finally on track.
By late March, equipment and prop rentals were finalized, all behind-the-scenes staff were hired, and the script, after discussions and revisions by Michael, James Wong, and Glen Morgan, was officially completed. They signed a contract with a small agency to handle the extras, and even the actors for the Arab roles were confirmed.
In Hollywood, there were not many Arab actors, and they were generally poorly treated and not taken seriously, often cast as villains or terrorists.
With a budget of just $15,000, Michael found two Arab actors who had played over twenty roles each.
As for the antagonists, it was even easier. They would wear masks most of the time, and Hollywood never lacked for rugged-looking temporary actors with some filming experience.
The final auditions were only for the main family of four.
For the male lead, James Wong recommended an American actor, Robert Knepper.
Born in 1959, with golden-brown hair, Robert Knepper had a distinctive Western white appearance and had been in the industry since 1986. However, his luck had been mediocre, relegating him to minor roles.
His price was reasonable, and he had the look and acting skills required. After just one audition, Michael confirmed him for the role.
The female lead was the second to be confirmed, with 38-year-old actress Melissa Leo, who had golden-brown hair, securing the role.
Next were the two daughters of the male lead.
The younger daughter was set to be around ten years old, and the older one around sixteen.
The actresses could be a few years older than these ages.
Generally, in the teenage years, the older the actress, the more reliable she was likely to be. Hollywood often saw actresses in their twenties playing fifteen- or sixteen-year-old girls.
In Warner Bros.' audition room, a blonde girl around ten years old stood in front of the camera.
This was one of the office buildings within Warner Bros. Studios, which also housed post-production rooms, each floor covering thousands of square feet. The "The Purge" crew had rented an audition room and a few offices here.
James Wong was adjusting the camera while Michael scrutinized the candidate he had picked from the pile of actor profiles.
The girl had a typical doll face, with large expressive eyes and long golden hair, resembling a life-sized Barbie doll.
However, facing the camera, she seemed a bit nervous.
"Relax," Michael smiled. "There are no monsters here."
The girl giggled, her expression instantly relaxing.
Behind the girl, her mother observed everything intently, mentally noting the scene.
Her daughter's sweet and charming appearance was an advantage she had noticed when her daughter had applied to be a child model.
This producer seemed to have a good first impression of her daughter.
Michael hosted the audition while James Wong operated the camera, as they had done for previous auditions.
"Introduce yourself," Michael said.
The main content of the audition was industry-standard, neither secretive nor complex.
"My name is Amanda Seyfried. I'm thirteen years old and from Pennsylvania," the girl said with a sweet smile and a steady tone. "I started performing community theater at the Bauble Theatre in Allentown at the age of nine. At eleven, I became a child model, shooting print ads and three TV commercials..."
Michael nodded lightly. This resume couldn't compare to child stars like Kirsten Dunst or Christina Ricci, but it was decent for a twelve- or thirteen-year-old actress.
Then again, he couldn't afford child stars like Kirsten Dunst or Christina Ricci.
Michael usually respected his work partners' opinions. After Amanda Seyfried's introduction, he looked at James Wong, who nodded subtly.
If an actor stumbled through their self-introduction, there was no need to proceed further.
Michael said directly, "Miss Seyfried, please act out a scene where you are scared." He glanced at the woman intently watching nearby and added, "The scenario is that a killer has broken into your home, and you need to hide so they don't find you."
"Okay."
Amanda Seyfried's voice was soft. After a few seconds of preparation, she hugged herself, curling into a ball on the floor, looking helpless, her lips pressed into a thin line, and her large eyes brimming with tears.
Footsteps suddenly sounded outside the audition room. Amanda Seyfried whimpered, quickly raising a hand to cover her mouth...
In just ten seconds, Michael called for a stop and then said, "Now, act out a scene where you're unhappy with your domineering sister."
The audition lasted twenty minutes.
Michael called for the staff to bring in the next actress for the older daughter's role and asked James Wong, "What do you think?"
"She's okay, her acting is above the basic line," James Wong said honestly. "Of course, she's not the best. Two previous candidates performed better."
Michael stated directly, "Those two looked terrible."
To be precise, they were too ugly. A child actor who wasn't cute added no value to the film.
James Wong had a different opinion. "Looks aren't the most important; there's makeup and filters..."
Michael rubbed his chin and said, "Amanda Seyfried has a huge advantage with her looks. Her fragile demeanor, sweet face, and big eyes are more likely to draw in the audience. In a horror and violent setting, a soft and cute little girl can touch people's hearts directly."
"Uh..." James Wong pondered for a while before agreeing, "You make a good point."
Michael preferred not to resort to authoritative decisions, which were the lowest form of problem-solving. He smiled, "Shall we settle on her, then?"
James Wong agreed, "Sure."
Michael circled Amanda Seyfried's profile in red ink. As long as the price was right, she would get the role.
One of Hollywood's former four young actresses, although she later became more of a decorative figure, still had excellent qualifications.
The door to the audition room was knocked from the outside, and a staff member brought in a blonde actress. She wasn't one of Michael's picks, probably recommended by James Wong or other crew members.
This was common. Most people in Hollywood had their own networks and relationships, and favors were commonplace.
As long as it didn't cross a line, Michael didn't mind.
Moreover, this actress had an unforgettable appearance.
Michael noticed the staff member standing beside the actress sneaking glances and swallowing nervously.
Even among Americans, such a bombshell was rare.
Michael gave her a once-over and said, "Introduce yourself."
The blonde bombshell noticed Michael's gaze and said, "I'm Jessica Blake, twenty years old..."
After a round of self-introductions, Michael exchanged a glance with James Wong, reaching a consensus, and then said, "A killer breaks into your home. Act out a scene where you are scared."
Jessica licked her plump lips with her tongue and then let out an ear-piercing scream.
"Ahhhh!"
The sound was so loud it seemed it could pierce the roof.
Then, the blonde bombshell kicked off her high heels and started running.
She dramatically ripped off her shirt and threw it to the ground, turning to run towards Michael and James Wong.
Michael quickly called out, "Stop!"
Jessica's performance was overly dramatic. Despite her basic acting skills, she immediately stopped.
Michael said directly, "Miss Blake, that's enough. We'll notify your agent of the audition results in three days."
Jessica Blake nodded, picked up her shirt, and as she left, glanced back at Michael and winked.
"Rejected?" James Wong asked.
Michael nodded, "Yes."
This actress wasn't just overacting; it was exaggerated to the point of absurdity. It was a formal audition, not an adult film audition.
Besides, the man behind the camera wasn't some sleazy director who would be thrilled by a naked audition.
After a morning of auditions, they still hadn't found a suitable candidate for the older daughter. Michael went back to his office to drop off the materials and headed to the restroom.
The blonde bombshell quietly followed him.