[Chapter 539: Stand Out]
White Films' casting was relatively fair. Or rather, it was quite casual. Generally speaking, working as a casting director at White Films was pretty comfortable. As long as the director was on board, there usually weren't any problems.
Although the power in hand was significant, it definitely wasn't allowed to be misused. In other words, the only one who could really mess around was William White.
Every time they encountered the boss's script, White Films would be busy non-stop. Calls from various talent agencies flooded in, practically unending.
These agents were quite shrewd; regardless of what White Films paid, once you landed a significant role, you could expect to make a lot of money.
Looking at the pile of materials in his hands, William White felt a bit of a headache. Seriously, what was this? He just needed a pretty face, did they really have to go overboard?
"Hey, this Aussie also made her debut, getting paired with Tom Cruise? That's a bit funny. These two have acted as a couple for so many years. I wonder what really went down," William White muttered to himself, while his casting director relaxed, satisfied as long as the boss was happy. But he still wondered who the lucky lady was.
"This is the one. Tell her to come in for audition."
"Okay, boss, Nicole -- uh, the Aussie."
William White noticed that he didn't have enough actresses on hand. He didn't know what was going on; suddenly, they just didn't want to make movies anymore, which was quite frustrating.
Sophie was making millions a year, and with all of his support, she had little interest in making movies.
With that kind of free time, it would be better to indulge in some skincare. Better to remain beautiful; at least that would be more appealing.
The young Aussie was indeed very fair-skinned. It was that glossy kind of white. In William White's view, Tom Cruise was simply unforgivable. If you're not using her, why keep her sitting there? That was just so wasteful.
[T/N: This is related to the rumors of Tom Cruise being gay.]
Forget it, let's have Leo act with her instead. Although he was a bit of a rebel, he wasn't one to dip into his own backyard; he spent all day hanging out with supermodels.
...
William White was feeling quite conflicted. Looking at the inexperienced actress, he started questioning his decision.
"Seriously, without that ridiculous marriage, can this woman even act? It's sad to think about; she's an actress, yet after getting married, she still has to follow a script," William White murmured, while Nicole felt a bit flustered.
Why was this guy's gaze so wandering? Was he planning something here?
Well, that wasn't too hard to accept. In Hollywood, there weren't many good opportunities for someone like her, who just barged in. Even if she wanted to get involved, suitable opportunities were rare.
"Nicole, your performance just now was off. You are playing a therapist, which requires you to show composure, a kind of tranquility. Also, the way you converse should feel like it's between friends -- not too close, not too far. Let's do it again."
"Okay, okay, Mr. White. I think I need five minutes."
"Sure, you have fifteen minutes. No need to be so tense, and don't look at the camera."
Lighting up a cigar, William White leisurely puffed out smoke. The young lady, who had been somewhat lectured, quickly adjusted her mindset.
Well, in her eyes, the external rumors didn't match reality at all. There were no on-set tyrants; the young guy in front of her, if he didn't smoke a cigar, looked like one of her high school teachers.
Okay, there was no aggressive gaze there. His voice was quite magnetic and pleasant to hear. Damn it, what was she thinking?
William White had no idea that the girl across from him was starting to fantasize. Coincidentally, what was supposed to be portrayed in the film was just this kind of vibe.
A little bit of flirtation between a therapist and a patient? Wasn't that exactly it?
If there's no relationship, then the plot couldn't develop.
"Hmm, there's improvement this time. Is your agent here yet?"
"He's here, just outside."
"Go on out. I'll notify them to take you to the legal department. If there are no issues from your side, I think you've passed."
"Thank you, Mr. White." After saying that, her face was a bit flushed as she handed him a card and dashed off.
Holding the card that faintly smelled good, William White felt a wave of confusion. Even without the red sofa, Hollywood was still Hollywood, never luring anyone to change.
...
"Not an IMAX movie?"
"No, what are you thinking, Spielberg? Only sci-fi movies are suitable, and action films are pretty much a toss-up."
"Well, that's fine; IMAX is great. I don't want to see wild fluctuations."
On Spielberg's thoughts, Lucas was very dismissive. William White was primarily a businessman, then a director. He understood this better than anyone. Without a certain guarantee, he wouldn't blindly invest.
...
"Hey, is this a new fling?" Nastassja Kinski chuckled, a bit mischievous.
"Cough, cough, what nonsense, I'm a very upright person."
"Sure, I can confirm you are indeed very straight."
Facing off against the last scheming woman, William White could only retreat. He realized that if a woman went all out, she could be quite a terrifying creature.
"Alright, it looks like the tabloids will be busy again. That's so unfair; I'm not even married. Why do they always have to use my life as gossip?"
"Who told you you're the man every American gal wants to marry?"
"Is it really that ridiculous? My reputation doesn't seem that great."
"Hmph, enough about that. Why did you want me to act with that pretty boy?"
William White was a bit stunned and hesitated before saying, "How did you figure that out?"
"Simple. The way he looked at me was very innocent."
It seems that the word "innocent" should be used cautiously in the future. If misused, it could lead to unexpected outcomes.
*****
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