James Wan

"Miscreant" was, by far, the largest film crew Lyman had ever controlled. Looking at the shooting schedule and the tentative plan, the peak and busiest time for the entire crew would involve more than a thousand people, including the main cast and extras. Additionally, with two main storylines, each important character had different scenes, requiring separate shooting.

Following his envisioned grouping principle, Lyman wanted to split the crew into two teams working simultaneously. He would focus on shooting the gangster storyline, while the assistant director would handle the police storyline.

In Hollywood, there were many struggling actors looking for opportunities to prove themselves, and likewise, there was no shortage of directors lacking chances to showcase their talents.

The day after René went to the Director's Guild to post the job opening, the staff informed him that many people were willing to become the assistant director, leaving their contact information and asking how the selection process would be carried out.

As for how to arrange it, René didn't know. It wasn't his task to find an assistant director, and the decision naturally fell to Lyman.

After all, the assistant director would be working closely with him for the next two months or so. It was essential to find someone compatible; otherwise, it would be asking for trouble.

They should also avoid choosing someone too assertive since filmmaking, at its core, followed a unified voice. Lyman didn't want someone beside him expressing different opinions during filming. Actors' input was welcome, but not from the assistant director; he didn't need others to teach him how to direct.

"How will you arrange it?" René asked as he found Lyman discussing shooting angles with the crew at Warner Bros.

"In just a short time, dozens of people have applied," René added.

The film market in Hollywood was truly hot, and personnel reserves in all industries were abundant.

"For those with filmmaking experience, have them submit their works. Those without experience, we won't consider them."

Naturally, they needed an experienced assistant director.

"Alright."

René called the staff again to convey the instructions.

In the afternoon, after pausing the preparations temporarily, Lyman went to his temporary office and began reviewing the submissions.

As it turned out, there were quite a few experienced applicants. One of them had already worked as an assistant director on three different sets. Unfortunately, their style didn't mesh well with Lyman's.

Having spent the entire afternoon, Lyman was left frustrated; he hadn't made a final decision yet.

Most of the submissions were the directors' works from their graduation projects in film school, and their personal style was too dominant.

"It's not that I'm being picky; I just want to find an obedient, capable, and professionally trained assistant director whose style aligns with mine," Lyman complained to René.

"Take your time to choose. There are still more applicants," René replied, not saying much before turning to attend to his own tasks.

Two days later, the Directors Guild sent more submissions, but after reviewing them, they all fell short of Lyman's expectations.

However, there was no other option but to continue the search for an assistant director. Lyman had no choice but to instruct the Guild to pay more attention and see if they could find someone who fit his requirements among the submissions.

That afternoon, while discussing filming matters with Thomas, Lyman's mobile phone suddenly rang.

This was his private phone, and few people knew the number.

"Lyman, I heard you're looking for an assistant director, is that true?" It was Heath Ledger calling.

"Yes."

"I might have a suitable candidate."

Lyman fell silent for a moment, then said, "Bring him over; let's talk in person."

He didn't understand why this director didn't go through the Guild but approached Heath Ledger instead. Still, he decided to meet the person.

Back in his office, Lyman sat for a while before the door knocked.

"Come in."

Then, Heath Ledger walked in with a rather familiar face – a young man in his twenties with a high hairline and Asian features. Just based on his appearance, Lyman found himself quite fond of him.

"Let me introduce you. This is James Wan," Heath proactively introduced.

"Lyman, the director. Hello," the young man appeared somewhat shy, and his forced smile showed how nervous he was.

...

James Wan stood awkwardly beside Heath, looking at Lyman with a pleasing smile.

He was 26 years old and had graduated from the film program at the University of Melbourne in Australia three years ago. However, his career hadn't taken off since then.

Initially, he thought about developing his career in Australia, but opportunities were scarce there, especially for newcomers.

So, a year ago, he came to Hollywood, home to the world's most thriving film industry, hoping that opportunities wouldn't be so limited here.

James wasn't entirely wrong – there were indeed many opportunities, but they weren't meant for someone like him.

Often, people would display disgust on their faces as soon as they saw him.

He knew why. Many Caucasians disliked people with yellow skin – whether they were from Korea, Japan, China, or any other Asian country – they would openly show racial discrimination. Ironically, even some African Americans, who had fought against racial discrimination, could be more prejudiced against Asians and would often utter offensive words.

Later, at a gathering held by a small group of Australians in Australia, he met Heath.

Heath was dedicated to helping fellow Australians make a living in Hollywood and was willing to offer them some assistance.

During that party, he met James.

Thanks to his background as a film school graduate and his experience growing up in Australia, Heath took a liking to him and exchanged contact information.

Up until two days ago, he heard about Lyman's search for an assistant director, and instantly, he remembered his fellow countryman.

After making an inquiry, he found out that James hadn't secured any position within the crew.

That led to the scene unfolding today.

"Do you have any of your works with you?"

James quickly nodded, "Yes." Saying so, he took out a videotape from his bag.

Pulling the curtains closed, Lyman skillfully began the screening process.

The film started, and the three of them sat quietly, watching the short movie that didn't exceed twenty minutes in total.

It was about a woman who kept having strange dreams at night, with each dream continuing the storyline from the previous night.

The occurrence terrified the woman, and she started trying to numb herself with alcohol and sleeping pills to no avail, as the dream would still appear.

At the end of the film, the woman broke down in despair.

After watching the film, Lyman closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. The work showed some immaturity in certain areas, but he could see that James' fundamental skills were quite good, and he possessed a certain charm.

Considering the current situation, he seemed to meet Lyman's requirements for the assistant director position.

"What have you been doing recently?" Lyman inquired.

"I've been taking some jobs at the Writers Guild," James replied.

The answer left Lyman puzzled, and he didn't hide his confusion, "Based on your work, I assume you graduated from a film school. I can understand if nobody is offering you directing opportunities, but why are you accepting writing jobs instead of working on a film set? What's the meaning behind taking writing assignments?"

"I need to make a living," James replied matter-of-factly, showing no embarrassment. He candidly expressed his predicament, "Even as a production assistant on set, no one is willing to hire me. Unless I work as an intern without pay. But later, I ran out of money, and I couldn't afford to be an intern. So I had to take writing jobs at the Writers Guild to earn some money."

He said it nonchalantly, but he was indeed heartbroken.

As a director who could both write and direct, he had become a complete outsider in the film industry. If writing assignments could provide him with upward mobility, it might have been acceptable, but the work he did as a ghostwriter didn't offer him any recognition. Once he completed the script, he had no further connection with it, not even the right to claim credit.

The harsh reality was indeed disappointing, but James persevered.

Originally, he planned to save some money and make a film with his friend, then find a way to get it distributed or, at the very least, release it on videotapes.

However, after receiving the call from Heath, his fellow countryman, and knowing that a director was looking for an assistant, he thought it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. So, he hurriedly came over.

Lyman's doubts were now cleared, and he understood James' capabilities.

Thus, he didn't ask any further and simply said, "Alright, later, you can go and sign the contract. Oh, by the way, do you have an agent?"

"I don't have an agent," James replied with a dry laugh.

That made sense. A Hollywood outsider like him wouldn't be sought after by any talent agency before making a name for himself.

"Then find a lawyer. Signing a contract is a serious matter."

In western countries, they appreciated the spirit of a contract, something that Lyman also favored.

He always believed in distinguishing between personal relationships and business interests, and he was well aware that if he mentioned the budget with the actors, he could potentially secure better conditions for the crew. But he never did that because there was no need to save money for EuropaCorp or Paramount Pictures. Even though he was also an investor, why would he want to save money for the capital? That's what agents were for.

"Thank you, Mr. Lyman."

"Get the contract signed in a few days and join the crew. We need a lot of help."

"Thank you..."

Alright, this kid was being too polite, constantly thanking him.

"Leigh, I made it!" After returning home with tremendous joy, James couldn't resist picking up the phone and sharing the news with his good friend.

"What happened?"

"I got into a film crew, as an assistant director."

"Congratulations, James. I knew you could do it."

"Which film crew is it?"

"Lyman's new film, "Miscreant"."

"Oh my God, you're so lucky."

"It was Heath Ledger who recommended me to him."

"I see..."

That night, the two friends chatted for a long time. James Wan lay in bed, too excited to fall asleep. He thought to himself, "Finally, I have an opportunity..."

And he was determined to seize it.