Chapter 87: Taking The Lead

The crew had rented a vacation house on Malibu Beach, along with the beach itself, for shooting scenes depicting the life and death of an artist.

At noon, Martin lounged under a sun umbrella by the swimming pool in the holiday home's courtyard. His casual shorts suited the relaxed atmosphere, and his gaze meandered around the surroundings.

With so many young and beautiful actresses in swimsuits around, all boasting great figures and stunning looks, it would be foolish not to admire the view.

A party scene was on the schedule, and director Julian called Martin and four beautiful actresses over.

Julian got straight to the point, saying, "The focus of this scene is in the swimming pool, with Martin and Daisy as the main characters."

The scene was based on Julian's personal experiences. He casually assigned roles to the other three swimsuit-clad actresses, saying, "You'll be responsible for kissing Daisy from the front, and you'll kiss Martin from the side."

One actress raised her hand and asked, "Director, where are we supposed to kiss?"

Julian, somewhat impatient, replied, "Aren't you actors? Do I have to teach you something this simple?" He turned to the other girl and said, "You'll be pushing Martin from behind."

The last actress, having learned from earlier experiences, responded, "Okay."

Julian concluded, "You can all get familiar with each other here; filming starts in half an hour."

Martin, experienced in such scenes, assured, "No problem."

As the director walked away, Daisy gave Martin a specific reminder, "Don't touch my neck; I can't help but laugh."

Martin inquired, "Anything else I should know?"

After a moment's thought, Daisy replied, "No, that's it."

Martin, now known as the Teacher, suggested, "I've done scenes like this before. I'll control the rhythm, and you can follow mine."

Daisy agreed, saying, "Sure."

The crew swiftly prepared, and upon Julian's command, all departments sprang into action, operating with remarkable efficiency.

The artistic atmosphere on the set intensified, as if Cannes and Venice were beckoning.

Martin remained highly professional and even used breath freshener in preparation.

With the scene notes recorded, filming officially commenced.

Martin followed the instructions, portraying his character as a wandering soul emerging from the villa. He danced closely with the three girls, then embraced the two new arrivals and headed to the swimming pool.

Director Julian called out, "Cut!"

Martin maintained his passionate demeanor, focusing on the glimmering car lights.

Observing that the actor was in fine form, Julian commended his performance in portraying the artist's free-spirited nature.

He urged, "Prepare for the next take."

Daisy and the four actresses entered the swimming pool.

As filming resumed, Martin rose from his seat, leaped into the pool, and positioned himself between Daisy and the other four.

The four actresses immediately encircled Martin, who turned to Daisy, grasped her long legs, pulled her close, and pressed against her.

The forceful movement took Daisy by surprise, causing her to exclaim and her body and expression to freeze momentarily.

As anticipated, the director called a halt.

Martin whispered to Daisy, "Is something wrong? Tell me what's bothering you."

Daisy replied, "You... you're just too strong. It's not your fault, it's mine. It just caught me off guard."

Martin noticed her eyes glancing towards where the camera was positioned. Not minding sacrificing for the sake of art, he thought for a moment and said, "Daisy, if you don't mind, and if it would be helpful for you, we can rehearse this part in advance."

Daisy's face lit up as she agreed, "Really?" She extended her hand, which landed on Martin's abdominal muscles.

Some time later, Martin exited the swimming pool and proceeded to the adjacent dressing room. Inside, he dried off his body, touched up his makeup, and changed into a fresh pair of swimming trunks.

The next shoot went remarkably smoothly, with all five actors seamlessly entwined in the scene.

Upon completion of the scene, Martin returned to the pool and donned his bathrobe.

Daisy swam over to him, extending her hand.

Martin bent down, assisting her out of the water, and handed her a bath towel.

Daisy, as she dried herself under the glimmering car lights, remarked, "Martin, you're a true gentleman."

Martin grinned and replied, "Thank you; I'm just doing what's expected."

The crew moved indoors to film the next scene.

Julian directed the four girls, Daisy, and six new actresses to lie down together on the carpet. The scene was littered with wine bottles, cigarette butts, plastic bags, and water pipes.

Julian called Martin over, instructing, "You'll lie down among them and get tangled up with them. Do you understand?"

"The life of an artist," Martin responded with enthusiasm. "I understand!"

Approaching the carpet's edge, Daisy gestured to a spot beside her, saying, "Martin, you can sleep here."

Martin replied, "I'm here for work."

As soon as he lay down, he found himself surrounded by a wave of people, and it was unclear which two actresses took advantage of the situation discreetly during the scene. However, Martin, for artistic reasons, endured it and did not report them.

Following this sequence, he broke free from the softness and was joined by Thomas.

Thomas accompanied him to a resting area, commenting, "You adapted very quickly."

Martin sat down, saying casually, "It's a minor matter."

Thomas then presented a document, stating, "I've obtained the necessary credentials. Tomorrow morning, you'll visit the actor's office, and the crew will officially send a letter to the union."

Martin naturally replied, "Are you busy? If not, could you accompany me? My education level is not very high, and I don't understand many things, so I can be easily misled."

Thomas's initial reaction was to decline, but he reconsidered, realizing that Louise Meyer was under Martin. He reluctantly agreed, "Alright, we'll meet at the union's entrance at nine o'clock."

To join the Screen Actors Guild, one needed relevant qualifications and the means to pay the fees. Martin paid the $3,000 initiation fee and the initial $116 annual fee, officially becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild. The union officials also provided him with information on membership dues.

For those earning less than $200,000 annually, the dues included $116 plus 1.85% of their income. The percentages increased progressively, capping at $6,566.

It was a worthwhile investment. The union would provide support and assistance when needed.

Exiting the union, Thomas remarked, "You've secured your ticket to contend for significant roles."

Martin replied, "Boss, it's time for you to take action." He tried to motivate Thomas, saying, "On the day you signed the contract, I was convinced that you're a super-capable agent who can bring me numerous opportunities."

Thomas felt like he had taken on the wrong client, but such was the life of an agent.

In the afternoon, Martin returned to the set to continue filming. The location remained a vacation home, and this time, he was shooting a scene opposite actor Adrian Greni.

The two actors briefly interacted and then sat in front of a long-haired individual. At the beginning of the scene, seven or eight scantily clad women served as the backdrop, with car lights swaying to enhance the artistic ambiance.

Martin reclined against Daisy and joked, "Man, you're a star. What attracted you to my film? Art!"

Adrian responded, "This might affect my image."

Martin playfully remarked, "You've met your match. I'm an artist, and we're equals. I'll play the part you boast about!"

Adrian was taken aback.

Martin encouraged him, tapping his chest, "You've encountered a worthy adversary!"

Adrian, feeling pushed into a corner, eventually relented, exclaiming, "Damn it, I'm acting! I want the leading role!"

Martin embraced him and assured him, "Big star, together we'll win awards. You'll become the best actor!"

The director called out, "Cut."

Martin, still feeling cheeky, opted not to wear the robe provided by the crew assistant. Instead, he sported just his shorts, flaunting his mermaid line and pectoral muscles as he strolled back to the rest area.

Adrian, on the other hand, wore a puzzled expression. He wasn't thrilled about the scene where he was constantly dominated, both in terms of storyline and performance.

The rest area resonated with laughter, and Adrian noticed that a dozen female extras were seated around Martin.

He headed toward a secluded corner and inquired of his co-star Tony, "Where did that exhibitionist come from?"

Tony, curious himself, consulted a few knowledgeable crew members before returning with an answer. "He's a newcomer from WMA, from Atlanta. This is his first Hollywood role."

"Southern Redneck?" Adrian, a New Yorker with a different focus, remarked.

Tony pulled out his phone. "We're under the same agency; let me make a call to confirm."

Adrian glanced at Martin, noting their similar ages and appearances, and wondered why their agency had chosen this individual.