Chapter 106: Boxing Training

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Helen Herman immediately contacted the casting team of "Fast & Furious" for Matthew's audition. Soon after, news came that due to a scheduling conflict with the filming of "The Mummy Returns," the original supporting role intended for Matthew was no longer suitable. He was presented with two options: to give up on "Fast & Furious" entirely or to audition for a different, smaller supporting role.

Matthew specifically consulted with Helen Herman, who believed the latter option was manageable, especially since "Fast & Furious" was set to begin filming in July. A minor role that would appear early in the film wouldn't conflict with "The Mummy Returns."

There were no restrictive clauses in his contract with "The Mummy Returns" that would prevent him from taking on this small role, which also didn't have many scenes.

Following the principle of gaining more practice, learning, and earning, Matthew decided to continue with the audition for "Fast & Furious," switching from the original supporting role to this smaller part.

If possible, Matthew would have preferred a leading role, knowing the series might become a hit, but the chances were slim. Early on, Helen Herman had informed him that the main leads were already cast, Paul Walker and Vin Diesel.

This reminded him of some things. The former was an actor who had died young, and the latter was known as the bald leader of a racing family.

Matthew had seen later installments of "Fast & Furious" through online pirated versions. While not deeply impressed, he remembered some aspects.

Two days later, Matthew attended the audition at Universal Studios, where "Fast & Furious" was being cast. His credentials were impressive, and with his robust physical condition, excellent audition performance, and Helen Herman's behind-the-scenes efforts, he successfully landed the role.

The role paid $6,000, split into two payments: $3,000 upon signing the contract and the remaining $3,000 after filming his scenes.

This was why Matthew didn't want to give up on the "Fast & Furious" audition. His funds were running low, and while "The Mummy Returns" offered a hefty $100,000, the first payment wouldn't be made until he joined the cast, with subsequent payments following the completion of filming and post-production.

The $6,000 would help Matthew get by until "The Mummy Returns" started filming, avoiding further debt to the talent agency.

Despite many ingrained notions, such as avoiding debt for consumer spending, Matthew had only borrowed $3,000 from the talent agency for a date with Britney.

Securing the role in "Fast & Furious" was good news. Additionally, Britney's global tour was wrapping up at the end of June, and she would return to Los Angeles for the MTV Music Awards next month.

Though Britney would be busy until the MTV Music Awards, it meant they could spend more time together in the same city.

Until the MTV Music Awards, Matthew had no work commitments. His scenes for "Fast & Furious" required him to attend a few training sessions in July before filming, which would not take more than a week to complete.

With free time ahead, Matthew didn't plan to rest. He asked Helen Herman to find a reputable gym in Westwood with a good personal trainer, who had previously trained Hugh Jackman for "X-Men."

The gym and trainer were highly professional, and their fees were substantial. Matthew realized his first payment from "Fast & Furious" would just cover the gym membership and trainer fees.

Originally planning to continue running for exercise, he learned from professionals, including a body sculptor friendly with Helen Herman, that professional gym workouts were necessary for the muscle definition running couldn't achieve.

The fitness training was for his role in "The Scorpion King," and with a director skeptical of his abilities, Matthew didn't want to lower his standards. As Helen Herman said, in Hollywood, actors can be divas but must remain professional.

Despite the expense, Matthew wasn't overly worried, as payments could be made in installments. He wouldn't have to worry about affording a hotel room when Britney returned to Los Angeles.

If necessary, he could take out a loan with his contract for "The Mummy Returns," but he preferred not to unless absolutely necessary.

After paying for his gym membership and trainer, Matthew realized his income was increasing, but so were his professional expenses, not for luxury items but for his job.

His personal lifestyle remained frugal, yet he was still strapped for cash. Becoming a minor celebrity would increase his income but require maintaining appearances.

Despite this realization, Matthew remained committed to his career path.

He added gym workouts to his routine, attending five days a week with a plan tailored by his trainer to enhance his fitness and coordination.

In addition to his daily writing practice, updating his online blog became part of his routine. He expressed excitement about his roles in "Fast & Furious" and "The Mummy Returns" and looked forward to their releases, as well as the airing of "Band of Brothers," which he had filmed the previous year.

Unfortunately, only three people followed his blog, with comments from only one, Elena Boyar.

After posting a blog entry, Matthew uploaded photos from his gym training, including him boxing with his trainer.

Boxing was part of his daily training regimen, described by his trainer as an effective way to burn fat and improve physical fitness and coordination.

Matthew, interested in martial arts from his street-fighting days, found the boxing training tailored for him, enhancing his ability to handle action scenes in movies.

As his training progressed, Matthew, driven by interest, asked for more sparring sessions, which were safe with protective gear.

Despite being outclassed by his professional trainer in their first sparring session, Matthew's enthusiasm for action film roles and martial arts skills remained undiminished.

By mid-2000, Matthew's self-study and training continued, and with July's arrival, he received exciting news: Britney had returned to Los Angeles!

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