Chater 47: Geting The Role

Monday morning was a bustling time at Gray Entertainment. They had reserved the entire first floor for auditions, as they needed to interview numerous actors for minor roles.

Actors were arriving in Atlanta one after another, but the final say belonged to producer Steve Golin, who was yet to arrive.

Director Michel Gondry, a Frenchman with an average track record, was more involved with the filming process on set. After their morning meeting, Louise Meyer reminded the casting director, "Keep a close eye on the actors I mentioned."

The experienced casting director, Richard, understood the importance and replied, "I've got it."

The production crew had already hired local staff in Atlanta and was now in the process of recruiting actors for these minor roles, which helped save on labor expenses.

Richard swiftly made his way to the audition room. As he turned a corner in the corridor, he encountered Linn, a temporary hire from Gray Entertainment. Given their shared professional background, Richard showed some respect, asking, "Is there something you need?"

Linn brought up an actor he had discovered and collaborated with on numerous occasions, saying, "Remember our discussion a few days ago about Adam Smith? Please keep an eye out for him."

Richard nodded and then called a meeting with his assistants.

While reviewing the resumes provided by his assistants, he noticed something interesting. Both Adam Smith and Martin Davis were auditioning for the same role.

Without much thought, Richard placed Adam Smith's resume at the end of the pile.

Meanwhile, Martin had arrived at Gray Company. He met Jerome at the entrance and contacted Louise's assistant, who promptly came to escort Jerome for a discussion about the extensive use of extras.

Just as Martin was entering the building, Robert, wearing his signature oversized hat, spotted him and approached eagerly. "Are you here for the audition too?" Robert inquired.

Martin asked in return, "Which role are you auditioning for?"

The two of them entered the building, and Robert couldn't help but comment, "A minor role with just two lines. I sometimes dream about having a single line."

Martin reassured him, "Don't worry; we're not competing for the same character."

Robert inquired, "Are you aiming for the lead role?"

Martin replied, "Unless you lend a hand."

Robert chuckled, patting his big head, and said, "Man, that was genuinely a fluke!"

Martin responded casually, "I believe you."

As they approached the audition room, they encountered a problem. The room was crowded, with insufficient seating, leaving many actors standing.

Just then, a nearby office door opened, and Andrew emerged holding some documents. He spotted Martin standing and promptly called out, "Jenny, hurry up and bring out a chair. No, make it two." A freckle-faced female assistant quickly fetched two chairs, and Andrew handed one to Martin, saying, "Please, have a seat."

Martin gratefully accepted the chair and thanked Andrew politely. Andrew replied, "We're friends." In a hushed tone, he added, "And I owe you a big thank you. That tip you shared with me last time about using a water bottle with me, I was the first man in the company to do so. My boss praised me publicly and recommended me to work with this crew." Martin offered his congratulations, saying, "That's a well-deserved promotion."

Andrew smiled and confided, "Actually, we're in need of a casting assistant familiar with Atlanta to help select extras. I mostly work with Jerome." Martin replied, "With your resume from a $20 million crew, I'll go back to him. He's a bona fide casting director."

Andrew remarked, "I hope so," and prepared to leave.

After Andrew's departure, Martin and Robert took their seats. However, a nearby actor voiced his dissatisfaction, saying, "Why aren't there enough seats for us?"

Andrew's initially pleasant demeanor suddenly turned stern as he retorted, "If you don't want to stand, you're welcome to leave."

The other actors who were about to complain fell silent.

Holding up his document, Andrew declared, "I still have work to attend to."

Martin encouraged him, saying, "Go ahead and do your work."

Meanwhile, not far from them, Adam Smith had been observing their interactions.

Adam's companion, Ward, inquired, "Is that the one from that strip club?"

Adam asked, "Is he really that famous?"

Ward exaggerated slightly, saying, "Hulk Mansion right! I've heard that many women in high-end clubs are inquiring about him, willing to spend a fortune for a night out with him."

Adam Smith murmured, feeling a bit concerned, "So, he and I are auditioning for the same role right now?"

Ward reassured him, "You've been the lead actor in many Gray Company productions, and Director Lynn personally recommended you. What's there to compare?"

Adam Smith pointed out, "He has a peculiar relationship with Kelly Gray. Did you see how Andrew tried to please him?"

Ward reminded him, "Didn't Lynn say your information takes precedence? In this kind of large-scale audition for minor roles, the early bird..."

At that very moment, the audition room's door opened, instantly hushing the corridor.

Adam Smith adjusted his attire and mentally prepared himself.

A middle-aged female assistant appeared and announced, "Martin Davis."

Ward looked surprised, and everyone's attention shifted to Martin.

Robert pumped his fist in encouragement, saying, "Go get 'em, man!"

Martin exchanged a fist bump with Robert and confidently entered the audition room.

Of course, this kind of audition didn't feature the famous red sofa. In Hollywood's evolving landscape, the iconic red sofa had long been phased out of audition rooms. If private discussions were required, a hotel room or similar venue was more appropriate.

Despite the formality of the audition, Martin delivered a 100% performance with a simple role comprising just a few lines. There was no challenge for him.

Adam Smith watched as Martin confidently entered and exited the audition room, engaging in lively conversations with the casting director and assistant. It was clear that he had performed admirably.

As the auditions continued, the second person who entered the room was not Adam Smith, nor was it the third or fourth person. This agonizing wait continued, but his turn remained elusive.

Although the opportunity to be exposed to Hollywood was tantalizingly close, it seemed almost unattainable for Adam Smith.

When at last Adam Smith's turn came, the psychological pressure weighed on him, impacting his performance. The expressions on the faces of the casting director and assistant indicated that his chances were slim.

Ward approached him after his audition and asked, "How did it go?"

Adam Smith shook his head, saying, "Let's go."

After departing from Gray Company, Adam Smith promptly called Lynn.

Soon, Lynn returned his call and delivered the verdict, "The role has been assigned right after the audition, and it went to Martin Davis." He added, "You can come over in the afternoon; there's a minor role with fewer scenes, and I'll do my best to help you secure it."

Adam Smith put away his phone and turned to Ward, saying, "You know many people in Atlanta; help me get in touch with Martin Davis."

Ward expressed his confusion, noting, "It's just a minor role."

Adam Smith responded, "It's more than just the role. This crew collaborates closely with Grey's, you know? I might not be as good as Martin Davis in Grey's in terms of connections." Grey's late-night show was his bread and butter. If he lost that, it would jeopardize his livelihood.

Adam Smith continued, "Without that foundation, our current life will crumble. Car payments, mortgages, everyday expenses on credit cards everything would be in jeopardy."

Ward acknowledged, "You're right." He understood the gravity of the situation. "So, are you thinking of taking proactive measures?"

Adam Smith nodded, concluding, "I must at least understand who my potential competition is. If I don't even know who I'm up against, I'll be outmaneuvered."