Chapter 198: Hollywood Liwei
G. Waggina, owner of a small brokerage firm, was just one of many such agencies in Hollywood—numbering in the thousands. Often, these agents leveraged personal connections with minor film company leaders or directors to sign new talent. They either trained these newcomers or launched their careers directly, using their relationships to secure opportunities. If successful, the actors' fortunes soared, and agents profited handsomely, either selling their talent or keeping them for future gains.
However, not all agents operated with integrity. Some were fraudsters, deceiving new talent into signing exploitative contracts. These agents often used coercion or threats to control their clients, and many victims found themselves trapped.
Luna and her roommate were among the unfortunate. Waggina, their agent, forced them into degrading situations under the guise of auditions. Despite Luna's protests and knowledge of the exploitation, Waggina dismissed her concerns with threats and manipulation.
The situation took a dramatic turn when the police raided the hotel where Luna was being coerced. They arrested the fat man—a purported assistant director—who turned out to be an imposter running a butcher shop. Waggina was also apprehended, and the girls were taken to the police station for questioning.
John McKenzie and his legal team from the Actors' Guild arrived to assist. They offered legal help to Luna and her companions, affirming their rights as union members. The other girls, who were not union members, had to seek their own legal representation.
The following day, the Global Times reported the incident extensively. Although the paper was only available in a few cities, Hardy was unconcerned. He knew that with sufficient funds, the Global Times would grow quickly.
ABC TV broadcasted a detailed documentary on the incident during the noon news. This kind of exposé attracted significant attention. The host promoted the "Global Vision" program, a special segment produced by the Global Times, which would provide a deeper look into the case.
At 8:30 PM, the "Global Vision" program aired. It captivated viewers from the start, showcasing footage from inside the Actors' Guild building, where Hardy, the vice chairman, and the assistant secretary discussed the case. Hardy expressed his outrage over the abuse of union members and vowed to investigate and support legal action against the perpetrators.
The documentary detailed Waggina's actions, including his coercive tactics and the false identity of the so-called assistant director. The program also highlighted the involvement of the police and the legal support provided to Luna and the other girls.
The exposure led to a surge in union membership applications. Many people recognized the value of union protection and sought to join, leading to a rapid increase in membership fees. Agents, fearing repercussions, became more cautious, and Hollywood's atmosphere shifted noticeably.
Hardy's strategy was clear: by leveraging the power of the union, he aimed to drive out unscrupulous brokers and reinforce the importance of ethical practices in the industry. His approach had a dual impact—strengthening the union's reputation and consolidating his influence.
The following week, another news story broke: actress Gina David accused a director at Columbia Pictures of similar misconduct. The Actors' Guild pledged to assist her, demonstrating their commitment to fighting abuse at all levels, including major studios.
This commitment solidified Hardy's reputation as a formidable force in Hollywood, not just as a union leader but as a key player in advocating for fairness and integrity in the industry.