Chapter 61: Putting in the Hard Work

After leaving David Astor's office, Matthew took out his cell phone and dialed Helen Herman's number, which was quickly answered.

"Is there something you need?"

Hearing Helen Herman's question, Matthew spoke while walking, "I just spoke with the acting class teacher and came up with an idea. What do you think?"

He had never experienced the intense competition where dozens of actors vied for a single role, nor did he have relevant experience.

A voice tinged with curiosity came through the phone, "Go on."

Matthew found a quiet place in the school and continued, "Since Ronald Spears is a typical stern military man, could we hire an active or retired military officer to train me for a while?"

Silence fell on the other end of the line, only Helen Herman's breathing could be heard.

"I was thinking," Matthew had never considered himself a natural at acting, "with the next audition just about a month away, it's impossible for my acting skills to improve significantly."

"Mhm," Helen Herman finally spoke, "even two more months wouldn't make a noticeable difference."

Matthew didn't argue but continued, "I want to find an active or retired professional military officer to give me targeted training, especially in areas like walking, standing, and posture that can be easily noticed during auditions. If I could exhibit some of a soldier's demeanor, would it increase my chances of landing the role?"

Though he was inexperienced and generally had a slim chance of getting the role, he knew he had to give it his all.

Opportunities depend not on daydreams but on concrete actions and hard work.

The line was silent again as Helen Herman seemed to be considering the proposal. After a while, she said, "It's a viable option."

"Helen," Matthew switched the phone to his other hand, "do you know any professionals in this field?"

"Wait for my news," Helen Herman quickly responded, "I'll ask someone to make contact."

After they finished speaking, Matthew was about to hang up when Helen Herman suddenly reminded him, "Just so you know, this might be quite expensive."

Matthew frowned slightly and said, "I still have some money saved up; it should be enough."

After hanging up, he suddenly regretted why he changed phones; even a phone with a slight audio leak could have sufficed...

After eating lunch outside, Matthew returned to school to continue with his afternoon language class. He hadn't seen Rachel McAdams for a few days; he called to ask, and she had landed a minor role and gone to the northern valley to film.

Today's language class was taught by a British instructor focusing on British pronunciation, the so-called London accent.

Over time, Matthew learned that in Hollywood, a genuine British accent is highly valued, especially in certain types of films, earning critical acclaim. Many talented American actors can switch freely between their natural accent and a British accent.

The language instructors had mentioned that many Hollywood films deliberately seek actors who can speak with a fluent British accent for period or fantasy films, where such actors are prevalent. Critics might even think it ridiculous to use an American accent for these genres, and many films based on British settings or literary adaptations also feature a cast of British-accented actors.

Even in modern settings, it doesn't matter; many films include characters who are explicitly British.

Some Anglo-American actors, who are deeply skilled in their craft and willing to put in the hard work, can switch accents freely, not just between American and British, but also mimic African or European accents.

Achieving this level of skill also requires long-term extensive practice, where accent correction and delivery are distinct skills. As the language instructors say, being good at delivery doesn't just mean being able to speak, but knowing how to captivate in speaking, laughing, or apologizing. Watching a film with such actors, just listening without doing anything else, is a beautiful experience.

Just like being able to control one's acting effortlessly, Matthew knew he was far from reaching such a level.

However, after this period of study and practice, his original unclear Texas accent was almost unnoticeable.

Of course, the world of voice dubbing exists, but in Hollywood's live-action films, actors are reluctant to accept it unless absolutely necessary.

"Once dubbed, you can't be considered an excellent actor, or even a competent one."

This is an unwritten rule in the Hollywood film industry, and even newcomers like Matthew have heard about it.

The negative example of this still circulates in the industry, based on the Hollywood movie "My Fair Lady," adapted from the Broadway musical. Audrey Hepburn was cast as the lead. Although Audrey Hepburn's acting was skilled, her vocal range did not meet the singing demands of the film. Reluctantly, the production team decided to dub over Audrey Hepburn's singing parts with a professional singer.

Thus, Audrey Hepburn missed out on that year's Oscars.

Because Hollywood frowns upon dubbing, accent coaches and

 language correction classes thrive, with a complete teaching system dedicated to correcting actors' pronunciation defects to avoid the embarrassment of being dubbed.

Perhaps being dubbed in the past could now even kick an actor out of the running.

For the dream of stardom, for big money, for the initial dream, Matthew's dedication to these classes is unquestionable.

The two-hour session ended quickly, and Matthew leisurely packed up as the classroom gradually emptied, soon leaving only a few people. Just as he slung his backpack to leave, his phone rang.

"That was quick, did you find someone suitable?"

Thinking it was Helen Herman, Matthew pulled out his phone, but it was Britney Spears's number.

Though they hadn't met again since the MV project disbanded, they had kept in touch, and by his guess, Britney truly considered him a good friend.

"Hi, Bubu," Matthew answered the call, slinging his backpack as he walked, "What's up with the sudden call?"

Their past few calls had been late in the evening after Britney was done for the day. After all, she was a major star, still in the promotional phase for her first album "Love's First Confession," and her schedule was incredibly busy.

"There was a radio show I was supposed to attend," Britney sounded annoyed, "Something came up, and my agency and I had to cancel last minute. Now I've got nothing to do."

Matthew asked concernedly, "What happened? Are you okay?"

"It's nothing. Let's meet up and talk," Britney seemed eager for a chat, "Where are you? In Westwood? I'll come to you."

"I'm not in Westwood." Matthew exited the classroom and headed for the school's main entrance, "I'm at the Los Angeles School of Performing Arts in North Hollywood, on Laurel Valley Boulevard."

Britney seemed to be speaking with someone on her end; after a moment, she said, "Can you wait at the entrance for me? My driver knows the place; I'll be there soon."

"Sure," Matthew adjusted his backpack, "I'll wait at the school entrance for you."

He positioned himself conspicuously by the roadside and patiently waited.

It only took about ten minutes before a seemingly ordinary car approached from a distance, slowing down near the school entrance. As Matthew turned to look, the rear window rolled down, revealing Britney Spears's slightly naive face.

He waved enthusiastically, and the car immediately came to a stop. The rear door opened from the inside, and Britney waved, "Get in, Matthew."

"Coming." Matthew unslung his backpack and climbed into Britney's car, pulling the door shut behind him.

Britney took his backpack and stuffed it behind the seat, asking, "Where to?"

"Do you have plans tonight?" Matthew asked.

Britney shook her head, "No. The radio event was canceled."

Matthew didn't rush to ask why but instead said, "It's been a while since we last met. How about I treat you to dinner?"

"Sure!" Britney agreed immediately, seemingly bursting with things to tell Matthew, "Let's find a quiet place to talk."

It was awkward to speak in a car with a driver.

Matthew thought of a restaurant he had visited before and asked, "How about Chinese food?"

He remembered that besides the round tables and armchairs, the restaurant, like traditional Chinese eateries, had private rooms.

Britney nodded without hesitation, "Sure."

Matthew courteously directed the driver, "Head to Rochester Avenue in Westwood."

North Hollywood wasn't too far from Westwood, and the traffic was convenient. Following Matthew's directions, the driver soon found the Chinese restaurant.

As the car parked, Britney was about to get out when Matthew pointed at her face, "Bubu, do you want to be mobbed?"

"Ah, I forgot."

Britney put on a sheepish smile, donned a pair of large sunglasses, and Matthew spotted a Dodgers cap on the seat, which he placed on her head.

"All set?" Britney asked.

Matthew examined her for a moment and declared, "We're good. Let's go."

He led the way to the restaurant, and Britney followed. Once inside, Matthew spoke briefly with the waiter, and perhaps because it was still early and not very crowded, they were led to a Chinese-styled private room.

Matthew casually ordered several dishes, and Britney curiously inspected the room's furnishings.

"Sit, Bubu," Matthew invited.

Britney sat in the armchair, patting the wooden armrest, "This chair is really odd."

Matthew didn't explain but instead asked, "What's the matter? You've seemed upset all the way here."

"It's that damn radio!" Britney blurted out an expletive starting with 'F', "And that bitch Christina Aguilera!"