Andrew had been waiting for nearly three hours when the assistant finally called out, "Andrew Williams!"
Taking a deep breath, Andrew stood and followed the assistant into the audition room. Seated before him were three people: Director Tim Burton, Executive Producer Denise Di Novi, and Screenwriter and Producer Caroline Thompson.
"Good morning, everyone," Andrew greeted them, immediately recognizing Tim Burton in the center. His unmistakable gothic vibe radiated from his very presence.
Denise Di Novi's eyes lit up as she spotted Andrew. "Edward Scissorhands" was a deeply personal project, and Andrew's appearance seemed perfect for a supporting role that might attract a younger female audience.
"Andrew, you're here to audition for Jim, the female lead's boyfriend," Caroline Thompson said, glancing down at the notes in front of her. "Tell us, what's your take on the character?"
"He's flashy, possessive, and ultimately insecure," Andrew responded confidently. "Jim can't stand Edward because he feels overshadowed by him, especially when it comes to his girlfriend's attention."
"Interesting. I like that" Caroline remarked, nodding. "I see you are a film student at UCLA. What was your major in ?"
Andrew hesitated only briefly. "I graduated this year with a major in Production and Management ."
Caroline exchanged a glance with Denise and Tim before turning back to Andrew. "Let's see how you perform in a scene. Can you play a moment where Jim tries to comfort his girlfriend?"
Andrew nodded, slipping into character. As Jim, he projected both strength and a simmering frustration, channeling the complexities of a young athlete trying to hold onto something slipping away.
Ten minutes later, the audition concluded, and Andrew was asked to wait for further updates.
"He's got a good look, and he understands the character," Denise commented, once Andrew had left the room.
"But his appearance is quite striking," Caroline pointed out. "It could be distracting. Jim's not supposed to overshadow the leads."
"True," Tim Burton chimed in with a grin. "But don't worry. You've seen Johnny. His look is unconventional enough to stand out regardless."
"Let's keep him in mind," Denise said, making a note. "He's got potential."
Andrew stepped out into the noon sun, stretching after what felt like an eternity in that small room. 'Not bad for a first audition,' he thought, shielding his eyes from the glare. As he walked toward the parking lot, a middle-aged woman approached him.
"Andrew Williams?"
"Yes?" Andrew turned, somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected to be recognized outside the casting office.
The woman smiled, handing him a sleek business card. "I'm Tracy Jacobs, a Hollywood agent. I couldn't help but notice your audition, and I think we should talk."
Andrew's eyebrows raised slightly as he glanced at the card. "International Talent Associates." ITA, a mid-level agency, wasn't the biggest fish in town, but it was definitely a step in the right direction.
"What can I do for you, Ms. Jacobs?" he asked, intrigued.
"I think we should grab lunch. I'd like to discuss your potential," Tracy offered casually.
"Alright," Andrew agreed, pointing to his car. "I'm not too familiar with the area, but we can drive around and find somewhere."
After a short drive, they settled on a Taco Bell. Over some fast food, Tracy began her pitch. "Andrew, you've got something special. An agent can open doors that might be difficult for you to find on your own. How are you navigating the industry right now?"
Andrew leaned back, taking a sip of his drink. "It's tough. I'm out here doing what I can, but I haven't signed with anyone yet. Most newcomers like me are just floating around, trying to get noticed."
"Exactly. That's where I come in. I see a lot of potential in you, particularly for roles in teen dramas and romantic films. What's your plans now that you have completed your education?"
"I've actually been working on a screenplay. I'm hoping to get into production."Andrew said confidently.
"Interesting. What's the genre?"
"Campus comedy. Think high school hijinks, but with an edge."
"Sounds promising. I'll tell you right now, the market's tough, but if your script is strong, I can help get it in front of the right people," Tracy assured him.
Andrew nodded, understanding the challenge but feeling optimistic. He had a long way to go, but having an agent was a step in the right direction.
"Come to my office tomorrow at 10 a.m., and we'll get everything sorted," Tracy said, finishing her drink.
"Deal," Andrew agreed.
After lunch, Andrew returned home and continued working on his screenplay. He was adapting the popular, edgy comedy "American Pie", giving it his own spin. As a student at UCLA, Andrew knew this world inside and out. It was a familiar setting, full of the awkward, sometimes raunchy, but always relatable moments that his peers experienced every day.
By nightfall, Andrew decided to take a break, heading out for a walk. As luck would have it, he bumped into Jennifer Aniston on the street.
"Andrew! How did the audition go today?" she asked, falling in step beside him.
Andrew shrugged. "It went alright, but I don't know yet. They told me to wait for a callback. On the bright side, I did meet an agent."
"Really? That's great!" Jennifer said, her eyes lighting up. "It's a step in the right direction."
"How about you? How did your audition go?"
Jennifer sighed. "It was rough. Honestly, I don't think I got the part."
"Don't worry about it," Andrew said. "You've got time. We both do."
Jennifer smiled at his optimism. "You're right. Want to grab a drink?"
"Why not?" Andrew replied, and they headed to a nearby club popular with students from Northridge.
The night was filled with laughter, drinks, and conversation. Andrew shared his excitement about meeting Tracy Jacobs, while Jennifer vented her frustrations about the grueling audition process.
"At least you're getting your foot in the door," Jennifer said, sipping her beer. "It's just a matter of time before things start picking up."
Andrew nodded, knowing that both of them were still at the very beginning of their careers. But Hollywood had a way of chewing people up and spitting them out. They'd need more than just talent to survive—they'd need persistence, luck, and a little bit of magic.
As they left the club, they spotted a poster for "Rain Man" still playing at a nearby theater.
"Feel like catching a movie?" Jennifer asked, linking her arm through his.
"Why not?" Andrew agreed. "Let's go."
With that, they headed into the theater, each of them hoping that their big break was just around the corner.
Andrew sat in the dim theater, illuminated only by the flickering glow of the movie screen. In the corner of the back row, he leaned in, kissing Jennifer Aniston softly.
"Andrew!" Jennifer giggled, gently nudging him as she turned her attention back to the movie. "We came here to watch, remember?"
He grinned, tightening his arm around her and playfully whispering, "Yeah, but the movie's nowhere near as captivating as you."
Jennifer smiled, though her eyes stayed fixed on the screen. "It's "Rain Man", Andrew. It won an Oscar!" But her smile turned into a laugh when he leaned in closer, and soon she was kissing him back.
---
The next morning, sunlight crept through Andrew's bedroom window, casting a warm glow on Jennifer's face as she stirred awake. She shook him gently, "Andrew, don't you have that meeting with the agency today?"
Andrew groaned sleepily, glancing at the clock on his nightstand. "It's only eight. I'm meeting them at 10:30."
Jennifer lay her head back down on his chest, tracing patterns on his skin. "I've got to work at eleven... but we've got time," she teased, playfully pinching him.
Andrew grinned, flipping her beneath him. "Oh really? Then I guess we still have a little fun before the day starts." He leaned down, kissing her as she laughed.
---
Later that morning, Andrew found himself sitting in a small office in West Hollywood, across from Tracy Jacobs at ITA. The paperwork for his contract lay on the desk between them, a straightforward two-year deal, with a standard 10% commission on acting and screenwriting contracts.
Andrew signed quickly, understanding that he was just one of many hopefuls in Hollywood, but he was one step closer to making his dream a reality.
Tracy collected the contract and offered him a smile. "I'll push for you to get that supporting role in "Edward Scissorhands". And if there are other opportunities, I'll make sure you're the first to know. As for your script, we'll have to review it before pitching it around."
Andrew nodded. "Sounds good. I'm also pretty skilled with action roles, so maybe we can look into that too."
Intrigued, Tracy raised an eyebrow. "Action, huh?"
Andrew nodded confidently. "I held my own pretty well on the football field—and off it."
Tracy chuckled. "Action films are all the rage right now. I'll keep my ears open."
After leaving his contact information with her, Andrew walked out of the agency feeling hopeful.
---
A week later, as he sat at his desk scribbling away at his screenplay, Andrew received the call he'd been hoping for. Tracy was on the other end.
"You got the role of Jim in "Edward Scissorhands"," she informed him. "You'll need to be on set in Florida in two weeks."
Andrew leaned back, grinning as the words sank in. His first real role. His first step toward something bigger. And with a paycheck of ten thousand dollars for the seven-week shoot, it was a solid start.
Later that afternoon, Andrew headed to tell Jennifer the good news, but she arrived at his place first, looking a little deflated.
"What's wrong?" he asked, pulling her into a hug.
She buried her face in his chest. "I quit my job at Jeff's. I couldn't take it anymore."
Andrew kissed the top of her head. "I just got a call from my agent. I got the part in "Edward Scissorhands". I'm heading to Florida soon."
Jennifer perked up instantly, her eyes wide with excitement. "No way! Andrew, that's amazing!" She pulled him into a passionate kiss.
When they pulled apart, he asked, "What about you? What's your plan now?"
"I was thinking about working at a 7-Eleven for a bit," she sighed. "But I might go to New York for a while. My dad suggested it. He knows some people who might be able to help me."
Andrew nodded, stroking her hair. "That's not a bad idea. I'll visit you in New York if you go."
She smiled, snuggling closer. "Maybe we can celebrate tonight. You're officially in the industry now."
Andrew grinned. "That sounds perfect. By the way, how's your audition circuit going?"
"Ugh, not great. I've been mostly auditioning for TV roles, but nothing's sticking."
"Give it time," Andrew encouraged her. "There are a lot of people in your shoes right now, but your big break will come."
Later, as they relaxed on the couch, Jennifer asked about his progress on the "American Pie" script.
"I'm almost halfway through," Andrew said. "I'll work on finishing it while I'm in Florida."
Jennifer gave him a teasing look. "That script's full of interesting content. How much of it is based on your personal experience?"
Andrew chuckled. "None of it. It's all made up. But it does reflect some of the crazier things we see around college life."
Jennifer smiled, then leaned in to kiss him softly. "Well, if it's anything like the parts I've read, you've got something good on your hands."
They both knew the road ahead was uncertain, but for now, they were content to celebrate their small victories.