Chapter 23: Audition

The press conference unfolded within the spacious lobby of the ATL Woman Association headquarters. Martin made a punctual appearance in the early morning, establishing contact with Kelly Gray's assistant, Ella, who promptly guided him to a capacious conference room adjacent to the lobby.

The room buzzed with activity, bustling with people engrossed in various tasks, including Kelly Gray herself.

Among the attendees, Martin spotted a familiar face, Andrew, someone he had crossed paths with before. Thoughts of the new play that Jerome had mentioned during his recent visit to the theater stirred within Martin. He decided to proactively seek out Andrew.

In Martin's world, seizing opportunities and creating them if necessary were paramount.

He greeted Andrew with a cheerful, "Good morning, Mr. Andrew."

Andrew initially directed his gaze towards Martin, and then, shifting his attention to Ella standing behind Martin, he wore a warm smile. "Long time no see, my friend," Andrew warmly responded.

Their embrace was warm and hearty, as if they were old friends reuniting after a long separation.

Over a leisurely chat, they delved into the collaborative efforts between the Marietta Community Theater Company and Gray's Company, with a specific focus on Jerome's meticulous preparations for the theater group's participation in new plays.

After some time, Martin noticed that Kelly Gray had a momentary respite from her duties and remarked, "I'll head over to her now."

Andrew nodded in agreement, affirming, "As you wish."

Approaching Kelly Gray, Martin retrieved the speech he had meticulously prepared the day before and handed it over for her review.

Kelly Gray's affection for Martin was already evident, her smile refusing to fade.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, Andrew attentively observed Martin's animated conversation with the boss.

Was there something more profound than met the eye?

Noting that Ella was still present, he inquired, "Does the boss have a close relationship with Martin?"

Ella responded casually, "The boss holds Martin in high regard."

Andrew's suspicions were confirmed. Woman Association had entrusted its lawsuit support for Hulk Mansion to Martin, and it was apparent that the boss and Martin were maintaining frequent and affable communication, marked by more smiles than usual.

Following the conclusion of the press conference, Andrew took advantage of an opportune moment to approach. He overheard Martin inviting his boss to revisit the strip club, to which the boss readily assented.

In addition, Martin publicly praised Andrew's contributions to the Free Association in front of the boss.

Kelly Gray also lauded Andrew with a few complimentary remarks.

Andrew felt like he was on cloud nine.

After exiting the free meeting, Martin hopped into his car and placed a call to Jerome. Some matters couldn't be addressed directly, as room for disagreement was limited.

He conveyed to Jerome, "Captain, I attended the Woman Association's morning press conference, where I met Mr. Andrew. We had a conversation about the upcoming collaboration between our theater troupe and Gray Company. It seems that the new play has some vacant roles, and it's wise to take action promptly."

Jerome concurred, "I'll reach out to him right away."

After Andrew returned to Gray Film and Television Production Company, a call from Jerome quickly reached him. Jerome's enthusiasm during the call was noticeably higher than before. He mentioned Martin several times during their conversation, once again reminding Andrew of the debt owed by the unconventional Martin. Jerome straightforwardly inquired, "Can you assist Martin in securing a role with a higher salary?"

Andrew, in line with his own thoughts, replied, "There are a few supporting roles that have yet to be filled. I'll contact Martin later."

Energized, Andrew turned his attention to his computer, closely monitoring the real-time progress of their ongoing project.

Gray's Company had entered into a package contract with the cable station, encompassing multiple late-night dramas. Over the past few years, Gray had streamlined its production process into an efficient, cost-effective assembly line. Once filming for one project concluded, it promptly transitioned to the post-production department, while the camera crew seamlessly moved on to shoot the next film.

For the majority of the time, the male lead remained consistent, played by Adam Smith, a charismatic actor who held great appeal among female viewers of cable channels, ensuring solid ratings. Casting for the heroine and the principal supporting roles had already been settled, but there remained minor supporting roles that required casting.

Andrew took it upon himself to select a role, and he made his way to the casting director, Linn's, office.

"Boss," he began, "may I recommend a candidate for the role of Billy?"

It was a minor role with a few lines, and Linn didn't even look up from his work as he replied, "Notify him to come in for an audition tomorrow afternoon."

Satisfied with the outcome, Andrew returned to his office and promptly called Martin.

Martin took the opportunity to suggest they have lunch together, stating, "I haven't had the chance to properly thank you for your assistance last time. Today, you must allow me to express my gratitude."

Andrew found it difficult to decline such an offer.

Martin thoughtfully selected an upscale restaurant in the city center and didn't hold back when it came to ordering.

Unlike Los Angeles, the heart of Atlanta's prosperity lay within its city center.

At noon, the two met at a restaurant near Peachtree Plaza.

During their meal, Andrew briefly discussed the character requirements for the role.

Martin attentively absorbed all the details.

"As long as your basic acting skills are solid, your appearance should suffice," Andrew elaborated further. "Our late-night dramas typically prioritize aesthetics, targeting a predominantly female audience, so there's a relatively high standard for male actors' appearances."

Martin nodded, assuring, "I understand."

Andrew then asked a crucial question, "Are you comfortable with the scenes?"

Martin smiled confidently and replied, "No problem at all. Hollywood's NC-17 films have more extensive content than this. I've been part of the Golden Lion and Palme d'Or-winning films. I'm well-acquainted with the industry."

The film production model resembled the grindhouse movies of the past, although it had evolved over time. In Hollywood, films that bypassed traditional theaters comprised more than half of the total production volume each year.

Martin, with his thick skin and daring spirit, harbored no objections. He recognized that, as someone at the bottom rung of American society, taking bold steps and seizing opportunities was his best route to achieving financial success and breaking free from societal constraints.

Andrew concurred, clarifying, "We're creating an art film, but it won't have a theatrical release. It'll air directly on cable TV stations."

Martin raised his glass in a toast, briefly discussing the Liberty Club before posing an important question, "Does the casting director for this role have any specific preferences?"

Andrew responded, "The casting director, Lynn, has the final say."

Martin probed further, "Is there anything in particular that Lynn favors?"

Andrew pondered for a moment before replying, "He's a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan."

Martin was familiar with the Atlanta Braves, an MLB team that played at Turner Field in Marietta.

Their lunch, accompanied by a fine bottle of wine, amounted to two nights' worth of Martin's earnings.

However, Martin's investment didn't end there. After bidding Andrew farewell, he made a special trip to the flea market.

...

The afternoon at Gray Film and Television Production Company was a flurry of activity, with numerous young actors coming and going.

Casting director Lynn and his assistant, Andrew, occupied the audition room, evaluating various supporting actors.

The auditions were swift, lacking in fanfare. Lynn examined the actors' appearances through the camera lens, asked them to deliver a few suave expressions and lines, and promptly dismissed them within a matter of minutes.

"Let the actor auditioning for the role of Billy come in," Andrew instructed. He glanced at his list and confirmed, "Martin Davis."

A female assistant opened the door and called out, "Martin Davis!" 

As soon as Martin entered, Lynn, who had appeared somewhat fatigued, suddenly perked up. This young man clearly possessed an appealing face and a good figure, evident even through the lens. He was exceedingly photogenic.

Moreover, Martin exuded a natural charisma that immediately captured Lynn's attention.

Martin, dressed in a slightly worn Golden State Warriors jacket and a blue baseball cap featuring a frayed letter 'A' on the rim, placed the cap neatly on a nearby table.

Elena, one of the observers, noted that he frequently wore that cap.

His striking image left a strong impression, and his brief performance didn't falter in any way. After observing him through the camera lens, Lynn, in high spirits, dismissed Martin and turned to Andrew.

"Is this the actor you recommended?" he inquired.

Andrew confirmed, "Yes, that's him."

Without hesitation, Lynn made his decision. "He's the one," he declared. He instructed his female assistant, "For the role of Billy, there's no need to audition anyone else. Let's not waste their time."

In the world of auditions, the real determining factor often lay outside the audition room.