Chapter 84: Audition

After they signed the agency contract, they both returned to their respective work areas. Thomas suddenly recalled something and asked, "Have you joined the Screen Actors Guild?"

Martin replied, "There is no Screen Actors Guild or affiliated organization in Atlanta. I've never joined."

Thomas, curious, turned on the computer and searched for Martin's previous work. He found that "City Folks" and "Zombie Stripper" were non-union projects, and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" was a union project, but Martin hadn't initiated the application during filming.

Thomas explained, "Los Angeles is different from Atlanta. Most actors, from leads to supporting roles, are union members. It's tough for non-union members to land significant roles."

Martin inquired, "Can't I apply now?"

Thomas clarified, "You need to have played a major role in a project that has a Screen Actors Guild agreement or have worked on it for 30 consecutive days during production to apply."

Martin cut to the chase, "So, I need to get into the union first?"

Thomas nodded, "Yes, that's a prerequisite for your career development."

Martin wondered if there were any arrangements with Ms. Meyer, but Thomas suggested he check with the brokerage company and added, "If they don't have any opportunities, I'll look elsewhere and let you know."

Martin emphasized, "Ms. Meyer's resources are best used strategically."

Thomas asked if there were any other questions, to which Martin mentioned his desire to practice a Hollywood accent and asked for recommendations on professional teachers or classes.

Thomas suggested a class at Paramount Studios, taught by a USC Film School teacher, starting soon but a bit pricey. Martin, not concerned about the cost, gave the go-ahead.

Thomas hesitated briefly, realizing he was doing a task typically handled by an assistant, but went ahead and reserved a spot for Martin.

Then, Thomas inquired about Martin's other specialties, to which Martin listed a wide range of skills, from horse riding to bartending to swordsmanship.

Thomas found it hard to believe, but Martin assured him, "They call me the most versatile actor in Atlanta."

Though skeptical, Thomas, considering Martin's connection to Louise Meyer and impressive dance videos, chose to believe.

After a three-hour meeting, Thomas wrapped up the discussion, promising to call Martin at any time.

Martin left the agency and encountered other aspiring actors along the way.

Thomas, having moved up from the mailroom, was doing well.

Martin then headed to Paramount Studios for his acting class, which offered various classes, including some hosted by celebrities. It was expensive, but Martin was determined.

Later, he called Michel Gondry, who was busy with post-production on "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," and scheduled a meeting for after the busy period.

On his way back, Martin received a call from Thomas, informing him about an audition at Warner Studios scheduled for 9:30 tomorrow morning.

Thomas cautioned, "It's a small role in the series, mostly background work with a few lines. The casting director is a client of the company, and I've already spoken with him and his agent."

Martin inquired, "What should I prepare for the audition? Are there any specific character details or a script?"

Thomas replied, "Just get a good night's rest, stay energized, and don't go out tonight. The audition is for the role of an independent film director, but there's no script yet."

Martin nodded, saying, "I understand."

With this support from his agent and agency, Martin felt the benefits of representation.

After dinner, Martin made some phone calls and contemplated the upcoming audition.

The next morning, while it was still slightly bright outside and Martin was sound asleep, he was abruptly awoken by loud banging on his door and shouting.

Groggy and irritated, Martin initially tried to ignore it but eventually got up to investigate.

He instinctively reached for a weapon but realized he didn't have one, as he had left all his firearms in Atlanta.

The shouting continued, "Jessica! Jessica!"

Martin reluctantly got up, put on a T-shirt, grabbed his phone, and cautiously cracked open the door. He spotted the disheveled individual from a previous encounter pounding on a door diagonally across from his own.

Before Martin could react, the man turned to him, angrily declaring, "It's none of your business, get lost!"

Martin retorted as he shut his door, "I've called the police, they'll be here soon."

With that, he locked the door securely and moved away from it.

Thanks to the lessons he'd learned from Bruce, Martin was prepared for such situations.

"MotherFuker!" the man cursed before hastily departing.

Martin heard nothing outside and cautiously opened his door just a crack. He saw his landlord, Antonio, wielding a shotgun, slowly making his way down the hallway.

"Asshole, don't run!" Antonio's face quivered with anger as he shouted toward the stairs. "If you cause trouble here again, I'll blow your head off."

Martin, still behind his door, called out, "It's me, Martin."

Antonio assured, "Don't worry, this is just a friendly gesture. I won't shoot my own tenant."

Other tenants, awakened by the commotion, came out to see what was happening.

Martin approached Antonio and remarked, "You arrived a bit late; everyone has left."

Antonio sighed, "There's nothing I can do about that. Its not like didn't want to come out until the troublemakers were gone. It just took me a while to find the gun."

A blond woman from the opposite door appeared and said nervously, "I was so scared."

Antonio motioned with his gun toward her, asking, "You don't know him, do you?"

The woman quickly retreated, saying, "No, he was looking for Jessica. But Jessica moved away half a month ago."

On another part of the same floor, a male tenant in glasses suggested, "Antonio, maybe we should add a security door on the first floor. Security in Los Angeles is terrible."

Antonio asked the others, "Will you all chip in for it?"

When it came to money, no one was eager to contribute.

Antonio eventually calmed down, his large belly no longer heaving as rapidly. "These incidents happen from time to time, and the tenant has already moved out. This is a prosperous area in North Hollywood, and the LAPD patrols here frequently."

Another tenant chimed in, "Do you trust those idiots? A few years ago, right here, two people beat the shit out of those losers in daylights"

Antonio waved his hand dismissively. "Alright, let's go back to bed."

It was still early, so everyone gradually returned to their apartments.

Antonio held onto his "friendly" gun and briskly returned to the third floor.

In contrast to his slow pace earlier, he now moved much faster.

Martin was about to go back into his apartment when the blond woman in pajamas approached him. "Thank you for scaring him away," she said.

Martin replied casually, "You're welcome. He woke me up."

Introducing herself as Emily, she asked, "Are you new here?"

Martin politely responded, "I'm Martin Davis. I just moved in this morning."

Emily studied him for a moment and added, "Thank you."

Martin glanced at her briefly; she was not very tall, maybe around 5'3". He nodded, "You're welcome."

After Martin returned to his apartment, Emily called someone named Jesse to discuss the situation. Apparently, Jesse had caused some trouble recently but promised to resolve it soon.

At 8:00 AM, Martin left for his audition. He had a light breakfast at a nearby restaurant, found a quiet spot to gather his thoughts, and then headed to Warner Studios for the audition in the office area designated for the casting.

Thomas had already arranged his audition, and Martin followed the provided diagram to locate the audition room.

Inside, more than ten people sat on benches, waiting for their turns.

Martin found an empty seat and patiently waited for his audition slot.