Behind The Spotlight Chapter 119
July 1998.
Days passed, and the North American box office of Face: Swap climbed to $147 million. It was an impressive feat, considering that the summer was crowded with competing blockbuster films that had larger budgets and more popular stars. Yet, despite the odds, Face: Swap managed to carve out its own audience. By now, however, the movie had already lost its momentum in North America.
Its international performance, on the other hand, was only just beginning.
Because of its strong showing in North America, Touchpebbles Pictures decided to release the movie overseas. The executives held long boardroom discussions, weighing the numbers and potential risks, before unanimously agreeing that the film had enough power to succeed internationally. This was the standard practice in the 90s, movies were first tested in the domestic market before being released abroad.
After all, shipping thousands of film reels cost millions of dollars. Each reel was heavy, expensive to transport, and required delicate handling. If a film flopped, the losses could cripple a studio. Only those movies that performed exceptionally well domestically were given the privilege of an international release. Face: Swap was one of them.
Now, Axel was in Europe. His role in Frightening Movie had already been filmed, and he wasn't particularly busy anymore since he didn't have many scenes. Still, he would need to return once post-production began to dub his lines. That was usually the process.
For the time being, the actor was busy promoting Face: Swap in Paris. The film had just premiered in Europe, and the cast was tasked with promoting it. Axel appeared on a local talk show.
Collin was also in Paris, though his purpose was different. His focus was on finding brands that could sponsor and hire his clients. He was constantly on the lookout for opportunities that would bring in revenue.
One particular luxury brand had caught his attention. Its prestige alone could elevate any of his clients' images, and Collin was determined to secure at least one contract.
"Looks like I have to take the train. This traffic does not seem to end."
Collin glanced at the congested road, cars honking endlessly. Paris, he thought, was far less romantic than how movies often portrayed it. A road accident had caused a traffic.
After paying the taxi driver, he got out. Fortunately, the train station was nearby, only a short walk away.
This wasn't his first visit to Paris. His past modeling career had brought him to France before. Though he knew a little French, he wasn't fluent. He could manage greetings, polite exchanges, and ordering food, but complex conversations always left him fumbling.
At the station, he bought a ticket and waited for the train. The place bustled with activity, travelers dragging suitcases, businessmen clutching newspapers and constantly checking their watches.
While waiting, he heard a voice. He turned and noticed a street performance. A woman was singing, surrounded by a small crowd. Her voice was enchanting, soothing yet powerful, and Collin found himself unexpectedly drawn in. The melody carried an emotion that loosened his chest, and he rose slightly on his toes to catch a better glimpse.
Near a pillar stood a young black woman, singing with her eyes closed. She strummed her guitar, her natural curly hair brushing her shoulders. Her voice soared through the station, and the people around her were utterly captivated.
She wore a simple coat, nothing flashy, yet she commanded attention with nothing but her music. The audience clapped, and many tossed money into the open guitar case at her feet.
The woman smiled warmly, bowing her head in gratitude. There was no arrogance in her expression, only the humble joy of being appreciated.
She strummed again, humming softly.
Then, suddenly, a tall man stood before her. She blinked in surprise and looked up, meeting the eyes of a handsome stranger. No, he wasn't staring at her exactly, but rather above her head. His gaze was so intense that it unsettled her.
'God... He's handsome,' she thought, her heartbeat quickening. Still, she remained cautious.
The man pulled out a 500-franc note and placed it in her guitar case. Relieved, she assumed he would leave after that.
Instead, he reached into his tuxedo and pulled out a card.
"Hello, I'm Collin East. I'm a talent agent from ANT. Do you mind if I talk to you for a minute?"
He handed her his business card. The woman looked at it but didn't take it. Strangers could be dangerous.
"Foreigner?" she asked in a heavy accent.
"Ah? Yes, I'm sorry about that. Let me introduce myself again."
Realizing she was French, Collin tried to reintroduce himself in her language. His French was clumsy and accented, but he managed to piece together a passable introduction. His effort drew a few curious glances from nearby passersby.
"Hm."
The woman nodded but chose to end her performance. She packed her guitar and the money into her case and began walking away.
"Huh?"
Collin blinked, confused. She hadn't even taken his card.
"H-Hey."
Instinctively, he followed her as she walked out of the station. His instincts as an agent screamed not to let her go.
'Does she want me to follow her?' Collin wondered.
He failed to realize how much he resembled a creep at that moment.
At first, it was simple curiosity that drew him toward the singer. But everything changed when he noticed the words above her head.
-- Chantal Beaumont
-- Charismatic Diva (Gold)
-- Charming Voice (Gold)
-- Adorable (Yellow)
Collin had awakened his superpower three years ago, and in that time, he had encountered countless talents such as actors, directors, and singers. Most people had only one standout ability. Those with more than one were rare gems.
He had only ever met one other person with two Golden Talents: Wyatt Bray. Wyatt's brilliance as a comedy scriptwriter and director was unmatched, and Collin's career had taken off thanks to him. Wyatt's debut film, The Accident Wedding Crashers, was the launchpad for both Collin and his clients' success in Hollywood.
And now, he was staring at another person with two Golden Talents.
His pulse quickened. Moments like this could change lives.
'She even has a yellow talent,' he thought.
Chantal Beaumont had three talents. Her potential was extraordinary, the kind of potential agents dreamed about. Letting her slip away would be beyond foolish. It would be like smashing his own head against a wall.
While he wrestled with these thoughts, he realized she had already put a considerable distance between them.
"H-Hey, please don't run!"
The moment he shouted in English, the woman's pace quickened. Collin winced, realizing he might have made a mistake.
"I'm not a bad guy! Just give me a moment with you!" he called out in French, though he wasn't sure if he said it correctly.
Instead of stopping, the woman broke into a run.
Collin had no choice but to chase after her. His polished shoes clattered against the pavement.
Yeah, he definitely didn't look like a bad person right now...
---
[Two chapters today.]