Ethan sat at his desk, staring at the email draft in front of him. The subject line read: "Silent Heroes Opportunity" and he was about to send it to Rory Campbell. For a moment, he hesitated. It wasn't that he doubted Rory's talent—far from it—but Ethan knew that this email represented more than just a potential role for Rory. It was a lifeline, an opportunity for both of them to prove that fresh talent could carry a project like Silent Heroes.
Rory had been part of Breaking Point, but his role had faded from supporting to minor by the second season. Ethan had always thought that Rory deserved more—he had the potential to carry weightier roles. And now, after hearing about his recent efforts to train under Bryce Maddox, a B-tier actor and respected coach, Ethan felt certain that Rory was ready for something bigger.
With a deep breath, Ethan leaned forward and began typing.
Subject: Silent Heroes Opportunity
Hey Rory,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to reach out because I've been working on a new project called Silent Heroes. It's a limited series for TRN Network, set in the aftermath of World War I. The story follows a group of American soldiers as they return home, carrying the invisible scars of the war and struggling to reintegrate into a society that has moved on without them. It's an emotional, character-driven show, and I think it's something you'd really connect with.
I've been following your progress over the past few months—especially your training under Bryce Maddox—and I believe you'd be a perfect fit for one of the lead roles: Tommy Greaves. Tommy's a sharpshooter who's trying to drown the trauma of war in alcohol, but beneath that tough exterior, he's carrying a lot of pain. I've attached the pilot script for you to review, and I'd love for you to read for the role.
If you're interested, could you send over a self-tape of you performing some of Tommy's lines as soon as possible? I know you're busy, but this is a huge opportunity, and I really think you've got what it takes to bring Tommy to life.
Looking forward to hearing from you. Let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Ethan Parker
He hovered over the send button for a moment, thinking about how far both he and Rory had come since their Breaking Point days. This was a big chance for Rory, but it was also a big risk for Ethan. They were placing the fate of Silent Heroes in the hands of actors who weren't established stars, betting on raw talent instead of high-tier recognition.
Finally, Ethan hit send. The email zoomed off, and now all he could do was wait.
Later that evening, as Ethan sat down to unwind with a glass of wine, his phone buzzed with an incoming notification. He glanced at the screen and saw Rory's name flashing.
Rory: Hey Ethan, I just got your email. I'm floored. This sounds incredible. Can I call you?
Ethan smiled, taking a sip of his wine before responding.
Ethan: Absolutely. Let's talk.
Within minutes, his phone rang, and Rory's voice came through the line, filled with an excited energy that was contagious.
"Hey, man!" Rory's voice was breathless. "I just read your email, and… wow. I'm really honored that you thought of me for this. The project sounds amazing."
"I'm glad you're interested," Ethan said, leaning back into his chair. "I've seen how hard you've been working lately, and I think this role would be perfect for you. Tommy's a complex character—there's a lot of depth and pain there, but he doesn't wear it on his sleeve. I think you'd absolutely nail it."
"Man, I'd love to give it a shot," Rory said, his excitement palpable. "I've been working with Bryce Maddox on finding those layers in my performances, so this feels like exactly the kind of challenge I've been looking for."
"That's what I was hoping you'd say," Ethan replied. "I'm sending over some specific lines from the pilot script. If you can, I'd love to see a tape of you performing as Tommy—just a few key scenes to get a feel for how you'd bring him to life."
"Absolutely," Rory said without hesitation. "I'll get the tape to you as soon as I can. When's your deadline?"
"We're working fast," Ethan admitted. "I'll need the tape by the end of the week, but the sooner, the better. TRN is reviewing casting options, and we want to show them what you've got before any decisions get locked in."
"I'm on it," Rory promised. "This is the kind of role I've been waiting for—something with substance, where I can really dig in. I'll send you my tape in a couple of days. I'm not letting this one slip away."
Ethan smiled, feeling a surge of confidence in his decision to reach out. "I knew you'd be the right fit, Rory. Looking forward to seeing your take on Tommy."
After a few more exchanges about the project and the character, they hung up, leaving Ethan feeling hopeful. If Rory could bring the same energy and raw emotion to his audition as he had during their conversation, they'd have a strong contender for the lead role.
Ethan pulled up the pilot script again, already imagining Rory in the role of Tommy Greaves. He could see it—Rory had that quiet intensity, the ability to convey emotion without overdoing it. And if his recent training with Bryce Maddox had sharpened his skills even further, Ethan had no doubt that Rory could carry the weight of Tommy's journey.
Now it was just a matter of convincing TRN and the studio. If Rory's tape impressed them as much as Ethan believed it would, they could push back against any pressure from the Old Guard to bring in higher-tier actors. They could stick to their vision for Silent Heroes—a show driven by raw, unpolished talent that matched the gritty, emotional tone of the story.