Behind The Spotlight Chapter 172
Mikael wiped his sweat as he waited for his audition. He was sitting in an uncomfortable plastic chair that somehow made his back hurt. He had applied to this agency because of its status as one of the best agencies in Hollywood... Well, actually, he had applied and sent his resume to many agencies, including ANT, hoping at least one would give him a chance.
So far, only ANT was the one that called him, which boosted his confidence slightly. Mikael was a friend of William Edward, who said that he could "insert" him into the agency. It seemed that rich William had connections in the company. However, Mikael wanted to prove himself first before asking for a favor. Hence, he applied to many agencies, wanting to feel that he earned it.
'Yet I can't believe that I'll still get a call from Apex Network Talent of all the companies,' he thought, gripping his trembling hands together.
He was not sure if William had an inkling regarding the situation, but he decided to call him later if he got accepted. He wanted to thank him nonetheless.
Actually, William didn't help. Apex Network Talent simply found Mikael's resume interesting and decided to invite him to audition.
Being called to audition, Mikael realized that he was halfway there, and he couldn't help feeling a spark of hope. He hoped that an agent would take an interest in him. That way, he could have a better start in Hollywood. Mikael actually applied for both the music and film departments, but only the film department called him, a sign that maybe acting was his true path.
Mikael had an attractive appearance and a rough yet pleasant voice, a combination people often complimented him for. He was part of a band back in college, but that team didn't last long for many reasons.
"I heard that Collin East is one of the panelists," someone whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear.
Mikael heard people talking.
"Collin East? Who is that?" a young sexy woman asked curiously.
The others in the waiting room listened with interest. All of them were hoping to get signed by an influential agent.
"Looks like you guys don't know much. Collin East is one of the best agents in ANT," the aspiring actor declared proudly.
"Heh—!"
Suddenly, a bald but attractive man chuckled when he heard that, as if remembering something unpleasant.
"Excuse me? Do you have something to say?" the aspiring actor frowned.
"I'm sorry, I just didn't expect what you said. I guess Collin has become successful after 5 years, huh." The bald guy bitterly smiled, perhaps regretting something he did a few years ago.
The aspiring actor clicked his tongue and continued his story. "I did my research when I applied to this agency. Apparently, Collin East is Lawrence Terrence, Axel Gunner, and Princess Chantal's agent."
"Really!?" the sexy woman gasped.
Even Mikael and the others were shocked when they heard that because those names were massive.
"Not only that, Collin also represents Wyatt Bray and Jennifer Randon. Wyatt Bray is the director of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, The Week On A Cruise Ship, and The Frightening Movie. All of them are box office hits. And I'm sure you've heard of Jennifer Randon, she's the host of The Singing Voice,"
"Yeah, I've heard of that fucking bitch," the bald guy joined in, shifting in his seat. He couldn't sit comfortably.
"Do you have a problem?"
"Nah, I'm just here. Continue what you're saying."
"... Anyway, if one of you gets his attention, then you're set for life. Collin East has enough influence and connections to make you a star," the aspiring actor concluded.
When Mikael and the others heard that, they became more determined. It seemed like a heavy hitter was actually in the audition room, looking for prospects.
The sexy woman pulled out a small mirror and inspected her appearance, checking her lipstick twice. She wanted to leave a strong impression.
Just like her, the other applicants also fixed their appearances, straightening collars, adjusting hair. Some even went to the bathroom, probably to calm down.
Mikael wiped his sweat again as he couldn't help feeling nervous. This was different from auditioning for a movie. But he also knew the importance of having a capable agent. He knew that talent alone was never enough to find a place in Hollywood, he needed someone influential to set his career. It seemed that Collin East was the best choice.
Unfortunately, he didn't have the power to choose. The agents were the ones who made the choice, and he could only hope.
'... If I'm not chosen, I guess I have to ask William for a favor.'
He knew that a lot of their classmates were also asking William for a favor. But William only had a few friends he truly wanted to help, and Mikael was one of those lucky ones.
......
...
...
"So far, no one has caught my attention," Collin sighed, leaning back slightly.
"Why are you acting like that? You shouldn't be here at all. Just let us take these good prospects," Earnest went straight to the point.
"I'm here, so I might as well stay until the end. Besides, my secretary's not calling me, so it means no one is looking for me," Collin replied in his calm tone.
"I still can't believe you have a secretary," Earnest muttered. He didn't have a secretary, and he secretly wanted one. His position wasn't high enough.
"I also have a secretary," Matteo bragged.
"You've been working in this agency for 15 years. You're a veteran. Of course you have a secretary," Earnest shot back.
Matteo only shrugged.
"Anyway, I want this director. I watched his college project and it's promising, he's good with noir films," Earnest announced loudly, making sure the other agents heard him. He had been trying to find a director who could help him improve his status as an agent.
"Hey, that director is mine! I've been talking to him!" one of the agents stood up, ready to argue.
"The fact that he is one of the applicants shows that he's not signed to any agent. He's free to take," Earnest replied.
"I got my dibs on him too!" another agent said.
"Fuck you!"
"Fuck you too!"
The agents raised their voices. Life, full of conflicts. People would fight for more benefits. In fact, even the higher-ups in the company were having a secret war for the company election in 2001, making the atmosphere even more chaotic.
"What do you think, Collin?" Matteo asked. Both of them already had directors under their care and they had great careers. They weren't really interested in a new seedling. "What can you say about the aspiring director they're talking about?"
"Well, I haven't watched his movie project, so I can't say anything," Collin admitted honestly.
"I guess so," Matteo nodded.
"Although, if I have something to say, I think he fits more in directing action movies," Collin added thoughtfully.
"Huh?" Matteo was confused. They interviewed the applicant and his resume leaned heavily toward the drama/noir genre. He had no idea why Collin believed the aspiring director should pursue action movies instead. Matteo mentally noted to re-check the guy's profile.
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