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Deal of Time

mask_of_madness
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Synopsis
In the dimly lit wings of life’s grand theater, I’ve stood—39 years etched into my soul like the lines of a tragic script. Once vivid and sprawling, my dreams were now reduced to mere background roles, fleeting moments lost in the cacophony of applause for others. The spotlight, that elusive mistress, danced away from my grasp, leaving me with whispered echoes of missed cues and forgotten lines. Just when I gave up on everything, I met the Devil!

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Chapter 1 - Tale of Misfortune

My name is Daniel Wilson. My dad and mom are massive cinephiles. Growing up, they would always take me to the movies and introduce me to a wide variety of films. Their passion for cinema has definitely rubbed off on me, and from there I started to share their love for movies as well.

In my middle school, I joined the local drama and, by some turn of fate, discovered my own passion for acting. I found myself on stage, in front of an audience, expressing emotions and telling stories in a way that felt truly natural and fulfilling.

I joined the film and drama club when I was in high school. I starred in a few stage acts our club directed. In most of them, I was the lead. I don't know if these fortunate events boosted my confidence over the moon or what, but I started to dream of becoming a film star. At some point, the dream of becoming a filmmaker became my life's only goal. I would spend hours practicing my lines and perfecting my acting skills.

Eventually, I decided to pursue a degree in film production to learn more about the industry and gain the necessary skills to make my dream a reality. I spent countless late nights studying and working on student films, determined to leave my mark on the world of cinema. Despite the long hours and hard work, I never lost sight of my passion for storytelling and bringing characters to life on screen.

At age 21, I decided to move to Hollywood despite the protests of my family. I was determined to chase my dreams and make a name for myself in the entertainment industry. I knew that taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone was necessary to achieve success in such a competitive field.

My girlfriend at the time, Stacy, supported me a lot. What can I say? I was very popular in school and college. I was always the life of the party. And Stacy knew me from my high school days. She knew how much effort I put into my studies and extracurricular activities.

After coming to Hollywood, I started to work at a pizzeria as a part-timer and started to look for any roles I could find. I can't count how many agencies I have visited or how many people I have tried to impress with my acting skills. Within a few months, I landed my first background actor role. I was over the mood. I was over the moon. It was a small role, but I knew it was just the beginning of my acting career.

I thought I did well in my role. Everyone praised me. It gave me the confidence to pursue bigger opportunities in the future. But it never came. Nobody reached out to me for another role. And once again I was back at it, trying to establish contact with agencies and people in the field. I got another background actor role in another project, and then I was forgotten again like the background character I was. I felt discouraged and overlooked, but I refused to give up on my dream.

But over the next few years, this cycle repeated countless times. I kept pushing through the rejections and disappointments, determined to make it in the industry. I saw young stars rising to fame. I watched as disappointed people left Hollywood after too many disappointments, but I never quit. I believed in myself and my dream more than anything else. I believed that eventually my hard work and persistence would pay off.

While all this was going on, I was hopping from one part-time job to another. I worked as a store manager, construction worker, fast food worker, and even a telemarketer. But eventually, I can never shine anywhere; nobody wants an employee who takes another aspect as their main passion.

And here I am; I am now 38 years old; I will be 39 next month. Nothing changed; well, maybe my morale changed. I no longer believe in myself. Yet I can't quit Hollywood. What would I say to everyone when I return? I would be the laughingstock. I know I should just give up, but I can't. I would rather die than admit defeat. This is a paradox I often think about. I know I can't amount to anything if I stay in Hollywood, but yet I don't quit.

I keep telling myself that one big break could change everything, but deep down I know the odds are stacked against me. It's a constant battle between my dreams and reality, but for now, I'll continue to chase the impossible.

On that note, where is Steve? Steve said he would meet me at the movie set. I even took an early leave from the convenience store where I work to meet him. And it's already 6:30 and no sign of him. The guy at the counter is giving me side-eyes. I can't blame him. I might as well leave.

And then I hear his voice behind me, apologizing for being late. I know he is not sorry. As I turn around and look at Steve. He was walking up to me slowly, and a pretty lady was holding onto his arm. Must be another newcomer to Hollywood.

Steve and I are from the same town. He was in his senior year of college when I was a freshman. He was always popular with the ladies. He comes from a prominent family. He was always dressed in the latest fashion and had a confident air about him.

I met him at the set of the "A Song of Light and Darkness" movie set. I was a background character in the movie as usual. And I was surprised to learn he is the producer of the movie. I never would have guessed that he had such an important role in the production.

It's a movie about an army veteran who returned from war and struggled to readjust to civilian life. Eventually, through some drastic turns of events, he falls into a life of crime with his squadmates from the army. At some point, he meets a middle-aged woman who runs an orphanage, and things roll from there. It's a romantic action film, heavily leaning towards romance.

As the story unfolds, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness the veteran's internal struggle between his loyalty to his squadmates and his growing feelings for the woman who represents a chance at redemption. The action sequences are intense and heart-pounding, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The chemistry between the veteran and the woman is palpable, adding a layer of depth to the film that is unexpected in a typical action movie. Overall, the movie is a captivating blend of romance and adrenaline-fueled action that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

I was hoping for Steve to help me get the role of one of the lead characters' squadmates. I thought just for the sake of sharing the same hometown, Steve would help me. But little did I know beneath Steve's charms and veiled sympathy he only had empty promises.

I greet Steve and the lady cordially. Steve smiles warmly, but I can sense a hint of insincerity in his eyes. As the conversation progresses, I realize that his intentions may not be as genuine as they initially seemed.

"Steve I know I have asked you already, but can you please give me a chance? I know I can do a great job as the supporting squadmate." I ask him tentatively.

"I know you can, but you know it's a high-budget film, and you don't have any experience acting as a lead or supporting role in any other films." Steve tried to dissuade me.

" I just need an opportunity, Steve; I swear I would not disappoint you," I say with passion.

"Look Dani, Even though I am the producer, I don't have that much of a say in the casting. Regardless, I already asked Maric to consider you. But you know, Maric, he can be difficult to persuade."

I know Steve is lying to me. He has always had a say in casting decisions. Maric Oschinski is the director. I thought since Steve is from the same hometown as me he would try to help me out. Guess I was wrong.

"Sir, please give me a chance!" I begged Steve for the third time.

" I told you again and again, why don't you understand? Do well in your current role, and maybe you will get a chance." Steve replied to me with a kind smile.

"Besides, I don't have control over casting; Maric has strict instructions about that."

" You know I always look out for you, but my hands are tied." Bullshit, I know he can easily get me in if he just calls in a favor. Guess I am not even worth a favor from him. It's not like I am asking for a lead role. I am just asking for the role of one of the four party members of the male lead.

"You know background actors are the backbone of a movie; it's not anything to scoff at. Every big actor of today started as a background actor; you just have to keep at it. You will get your big break, trust me." Steve tried to encourage me as he got into his fancy limo.

"Don't let one rejection discourage you. Keep pushing forward, and eventually, you'll get the opportunity you deserve," Steve added before closing the door and driving off. His words lingered in my mind; I didn't get encouraged by his words. I felt defeated and unsure if I would ever succeed.

My life has been nothing but a disappointment to me, my family, and everyone around it. My family hasn't disowned me or anything, but it's evident that they lost hope for me. No one from my family hardly ever calls me anymore. Stacy left me when I was 26. I don't blame her. Who wants to date a loser like me? I don't even have enough money to own a car, for god's sake. There is a limit to how long a girl can wait for a man to succeed in his career.

Sometimes I think of leaving everything and living the life of a hermit. Sometimes I think of just leaping from the tallest building I can find. But I am too much of a wimp to set out for something new and too smart to consider ending it all. I know I won't have my big break in this lifetime, but I can't abandon my dream.

I shake off my disappointments and head towards the minivan assigned to transporting background characters. Time to head home.