Chereads / Hollywood: The Light Shines on Him / Chapter 11 - The press reviews

Chapter 11 - The press reviews

Los Angeles Times: "The competitive Thursday nine-o'clock ratings report has been released, and <ER> has once again won the top spot in its category with an all-star cast, stellar performances, and gripping twists. However, the ratings of FOX TV's <Beverly Hills, 90210> have unexpectedly increased by 0.4 points from last week, reaching a season-high of 2.1."

Hollywood TV News: "<90210>, a series beloved by teenagers, attracted 11.29 million viewers last night and clinched the top spot in the under-18 age group. Even in the key 18-49 demographic, it pulled 3.8 million viewers, breaking the series' ratings record for this season."

Variety: "Is it a fleeting infatuation or true love? The latest episode of <Beverly Hills, 90210> introduced Princeton, the son of a wealthy New York family, adding another twist to Naomi's ever-complicated love life."

The U.S. entertainment industry is extremely developed, and the newspaper industry thrives alongside it. While Washington focuses on politics, New York and Los Angeles dominate media coverage of Hollywood. Many Los Angeles publications today mention ABC and FOX's episodes last night, but only three—Los Angeles Times, Hollywood TV News, and Variety—highlight William Bradley's performance.

Even with just three mentions, it's a remarkable accomplishment for a newcomer. Hollywood produces countless TV shows and films every year, with so many actors vying for attention. To have your name singled out in major publications as a supporting actor? That's already a great achievement.

After reading through the newspapers, William pointed to the articles featuring his name. "Can I keep these?"

"Of course, take them all," Danny said generously, sounding a little smug. "Told you, right? It's all praises and no criticism! That's rare praise for a rookie actor!"

William smiled, "Thanks."

Danny hesitated for a moment, looking as though he had something more to say.

William noticed and quipped, "You look like you want to ask for something. Let me guess—you want Dean Cain or Teri Hatcher's autograph again? Sorry, but Lois & Clark doesn't require my role any more. If you're hoping for their signatures, you'll just have to wait for a chance encounter on the street."

When it came to Teri Hatcher, William had only a little impression of this glamorous actress. It wasn't just because she was currently a Hollywood sensation but also because William faintly recalled that more than a decade later, she would portray Susan Mayer, a beloved single mother in the hit TV show <Desperate Housewives>.

"No, no, no, I'm not asking for her autograph," Danny said, lowering his voice and whispered. "I know you already have an agent, but do you have a manager?"

"A manager?" William was momentarily taken aback. "No, not yet."

In Hollywood, agents and managers play distinct roles. Agents are essential for every actor, responsible for representing them in business dealings, negotiating contracts, and charting long-term career plans. They work with producers, studios, and advertisers, earning commissions based on the total value of contracts.

Generally speaking, agents are not exclusive to any actor, they often have a large number of stars under their hands. Sometimes, they even act as an agent for screenwriters

Managers, on the other hand, take on a broader role. They handle everything from public relations and marketing to crisis management, acting as a mix of private secretary, assistant, and caretaker.

Because of that, most managers provide one-on-one services to their clients. Although their status and income might seem secondary to agents, managers can earn significantly more if their clients are highly successful. Unlike agents, who are limited to contract commissions, managers can earn shares of the projects their clients participate in.

In Hollywood, only well-established stars typically hire managers, and they often choose trusted family members or close friends. For example, Tom Cruise's manager was his sister.

"What do you think about me becoming your manager?" Danny asked eagerly. "I'm not planning on going to college, and I was born here in Los Angeles. I've always been fascinated by Hollywood, and you, my friend, happen to be an actor with big ambitions. Don't you think we'd make the perfect team?"

William blinked, unsure how to respond.

After a long pause, Danny's enthusiasm began to fade. "Alright, I get it. I'm too young, and you don't trust me to do a good job as a manager. If I were you, I might choose my mom as my manager too."

"Madeleine would be even worse at it," William shook his hat. "She's a painter, so her head is filled with art rather than practical concerns. She'd hate it, and it would likely mess up my career. Danny, I wasn't hesitating to reject you. I was thinking about whether you could actually pull it off as a manager."

Danny's eyes lit up. "So, what's your answer?"

William shrugged. "You're outgoing, sociable, and full of energy. Plus, you have a knack for digging up information from random places. These are great qualities for a manager. If you learn some professional skills, you might just have what it takes."

Danny excitedly shouted. "I knew it! I knew you'd say yes!"

Dodging Danny's enthusiastic bear hug, William added with a smile, "But if you ask me, you should still go to college, even if it's just a few public relations courses at a community college. It'll expand your horizons. If I ever face a big media scandal and you don't know how to handle the cameras and microphones, that could be a disaster."

"No problem!" Danny said with confidence. "I'll work hard to become the best manager!"

The premiere of <Beverly Hills, 90210>'s fourth season had a modest rating of 1.5, and subsequent episodes dropped as low as 1.3. However, beginning with episode 20, the show experienced a surprising turnaround.

Ratings climbed from 2.1 to 2.3, then to 2.4, and 2.6, with the finale achieving a stunning 2.7. Even the rerun of the final episode drew nearly four million viewers.

For a youth drama that had struggled early in the season and seemed to be in decline, such numbers were remarkable.

William, as a key contributor to this success, officially captured the attention of TV enthusiasts. His portrayal of Princeton made him a recognizable "familiar face" among viewers.

Critics praised his performance. "Los Angeles Weekly" wrote, "In <Beverly Hills, 90210>, William Brandley's Princeton captivated audiences from his very first scene with his refreshingly handsome looks. Over the next few episodes, he charmed viewers with his natural noble temperament."

"Even when the script revealed Princeton as a villain toward the end, audiences couldn't bring themselves to dislike him. Many were heartbroken when his relationship with Naomi fell apart, thanks to William's portrayal of a truly wounded character. His pained expression during the breakup felt so authentic that viewers sympathized with him despite his earlier deceit."

"In the hands of a lesser actor, Princeton might have been an unlikable character. But William Bradley gave the role its undeniable charisma. The man has become utterly endearing."

Street interviews conducted by FOX TV revealed that audiences had plenty to say.

"We love Princeton!" Several female students from a public high school in New York enthusiastically exclaimed during a FOX TV street interview. "He's the most handsome guy the show has ever had—way better than Ethan and Liam! And he has this natural noble aura in every gesture!"

"Naomi shouldn't have given him up; she's going to regret it!"

"Do you have William Bradley's contact info? We want to ask him out!"

Meanwhile, a office woman in her early twenties in Boston, clearly a fan of teen dramas, also shared her thoughts. Though she was rushing to work, the sight of the FOX TV logo compelled her to stop for a quick interview. "Will Princeton be in the next season?" she asked eagerly. "To be honest, why wasn't he chosen as a regular cast member from the beginning? He totally deserves it!"

On the official <Beverly Hills, 90210> website, similar sentiments poured in from viewers. Many passionately urged the writers to expand Princeton's storyline, make him a regular character, and even reunite him with Naomi after their dramatic fallout.

However, the show's producers eventually posted an announcement on the website, breaking the hearts of fans:

"Actor William Bradley's storyline in 90210 has concluded. The production team has completed his contract, and Princeton will not appear in the upcoming season."

This announcement sparked outrage on the series' forum. Fans voiced their disappointment with strongly worded posts.

A few days later, rumors began to circulate, suggesting that the real reason for Princeton's departure was that the writers had decided to pair Naomi with another love interest. These rumors seemed to quiet the uproar as fans shifted their focus to speculating about who Naomi's ultimate partner would be.

But was that truly the case?

"Of course not!" Yamon Goffman, William's agent, declared confidently as they sat in a cozy café. He leaned forward, a smug smile on his face. "What kind of TV network would have a ratings goldmine like Princeton and just let it go? Trust me, the writers were already discussing ways to bring your character back as a regular. They were well aware of the potential. The crew even sent me an official invitation to negotiate, but I turned it down."

William, sitting across the table with his chin resting on his hand, listened intently but didn't respond.

Yamon frowned slightly at William's calm demeanor, clearly expecting more excitement. "Aren't you even going to ask me why I refused?" he asked, feigning exasperation.

William smirked faintly. "I don't need to. I know you wouldn't have done it without a good reason, my friend."

Yamon couldn't help but grin at the trust William placed in him. He quickly composed himself, straightened his posture, and cleared his throat. "Well, since you're so patient, take a look at this," he said, pulling two thick notebooks from his briefcase and sliding them across the table.

William picked one up, his pulse quickening as he realized what he was holding. "This is... a movie script?"

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