Chapter 83: Daughter

I just received a notice from the editor today: the novel will be launched next week. I'm going to cry. What should I do without any drafts saved up? I can only work tirelessly in the next few days. Please give me some recommended votes for encouragement.

After spending another three days, Murphy revised the script once more. He then began drawing the storyboard and shot diagrams. This wouldn't be the final version of the script. As with Hard Candy, he would continue to make adjustments during filming. Since Stanton Studio was independently funding the film, as the director and producer, he had the ultimate authority.

Meanwhile, the casting process was also underway.

Similar to last time, Murphy published recruitment ads in local Los Angeles newspapers. Additionally, Bill Rosas recommended several of his contracted actors.

Though this was a low-budget gore horror film, the opportunity to star in a formal feature film was rare for new actors.

Especially since the director's previous film had been released in theaters, if this one could also make it to cinemas, the new actors would have a notable credential to their names.

Murphy first confirmed the two male leads in the confined space: James Franco and Seth Rogen had already signed formal contracts with the crew.

The other important female role was given to Carey Mulligan. However, Murphy found it strange that this British girl had been staying quietly at school recently, which was very unlike her.

"School is keeping a close watch..."

Sitting in a large chair in the studio's living room, Carey Mulligan swung her legs and put down the script. She spoke to Murphy, who had just hung up the phone, "Only if I get good enough grades in the tests will the school allow me to take leave."

Putting away his phone, Murphy returned to his drawing board and continued sketching the shot diagrams. "Have you finished the tests?"

"Not yet..." Carey Mulligan shook her head. "Next week."

She stood up, walked behind Murphy, crossed her arms, and watched the drawing board with great interest. "I just need to hang on for less than two months, and then I'll be completely free."

Murphy turned his head and looked at her in confusion. Carey Mulligan pouted and reminded him, "Did you forget? I told you that when I turn sixteen, I'll drop out of school."

"Aren't you an exchange student?" Murphy didn't understand the American system. "Can you drop out just like that?"

"Of course not." Carey Mulligan said confidently, "But I have already thought of a way."

Hearing her say this, Murphy knew she wasn't joking. He put down his charcoal pencil and frowned, "You should think this over carefully and discuss it with your parents."

"No way!" Carey Mulligan turned and walked away. "They would never agree, and I don't want to talk to them about it!"

Then, she complained, "Murphy, since when did you become so naggy?"

Murphy wisely kept his mouth shut and continued his work, ignoring the troublesome girl.

After finishing two storyboard sketches, there was a knock on the door. Seth Rogen, who was helping Baker Clibbert organize props in the small courtyard, brought two people inside.

It was a woman and a girl, likely a mother and daughter, with the woman appearing to be in her thirties and the girl around ten years old.

"Murphy..." Seth Rogen brought them over. "These two are here for the audition. They had an appointment with Bill to meet here."

Murphy stood up. Carey Mulligan quickly ran over and handed him a towel. He took it, wiped his hands, and handed it back. He then introduced himself, "Hello, I'm Murphy Stanton, the owner of this company and the director of the project you're auditioning for."

While speaking, he discreetly observed the two. The older woman was also scrutinizing him.

This woman had an exquisite makeup, wore tasteful clothes, and carried a Chanel bag, clearly not someone from Hollywood's lower circles.

"Hello, Director Stanton." The woman nodded at him and introduced herself, "I'm Jill Collen, and this is my daughter Lily."

"Hi, Lily." Murphy waved at the girl.

The little girl seemed well-mannered and politely said, "Hello, Director Stanton."

At this moment, footsteps were heard at the door. Bill Rosas came in from the foyer and quickly approached Murphy and the others.

"Sorry, Jill." He gave an apologetic smile to the middle-aged woman. "Traffic was bad, so I'm late."

The woman nodded at him. "It's alright."

She then turned to Murphy. "When can we start the audition?"

"Please wait a moment." Murphy instructed Seth Rogen, "Take our guests to the lounge and wait for my notification."

Seth Rogen led the mother and daughter to the lounge. Just then, James Franco and Paul Wilson entered, chatting and turning their gazes towards Seth Rogen.

The girl's bright eyes, sweet looks, and somewhat vintage temperament caught their attention.

As they walked towards Murphy, James Franco couldn't take his eyes off the girl. The flame in his soul, which Carey Mulligan had extinguished, reignited.

He managed to refocus, knowing where he was, and followed Paul Wilson to Murphy.

"She's a recent client I signed..." Bill Rosas was explaining to Murphy about the mother and daughter. "It took a lot to persuade them to sign. Jill Collen is the president of a women's club in Beverly Hills and has significant influence. She wants to pave the way for her daughter's acting career. If it weren't for a friend's introduction, they wouldn't have chosen me."

Murphy nodded. "As long as her daughter meets the standard."

Building a good relationship with such people had far more benefits than drawbacks.

"The little girl is a second-generation star," Bill Rosas continued. "Her father is a veteran British singer who once won an Oscar."

James Franco, standing beside Murphy, feigned indifference. Opposite him, Carey Mulligan, after putting the towel away, crossed her arms and watched him, her large, lively eyes blinking constantly.

This little client was clearly very important to Bill Rosas. After briefing Murphy, he turned and headed to the lounge where the mother and daughter were waiting.

Once Bill Rosas was gone, James Franco quietly asked, "Murphy, were those two here for the audition?"

"No," Murphy shook his head. "Just the little girl."

"Oh?" James Franco's eyes lit up. "Is she playing my daughter?"

"Yes," Murphy said as he walked to the audition room. "She is auditioning for the role of your daughter in the film."