Chapter 50: Do You Have an Agent?

"Next is the ability to command and lead a team."

All directors, when receiving awards, invariably thank their teams. Many might think this is just polite or a formality, but professionals like Bill Rossis understand it reflects the reality. One of the biggest differences between film and other arts like literature is that film cannot be completed by one person or just a few people. A feature film is the result of the collective efforts of dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people.

While Hollywood is known for its producer-centric approach, with producers having absolute power in film production, during the actual filming process, the director is the true leader.

A director must coordinate the actors' schedules, guide their performances, and synchronize the work progress and plans of other departments like cinematography and set design.

Bill Rossis's gaze fell on Jack Watson, who was touching up Emily and James Franco's makeup. "Mike, you should be able to see that, aside from this makeup artist, the others are bound to be weeded out by Hollywood. Murphy Stanton is leading such a group and has been filming for three weeks, creating a certain level of team coherence. This is very rare."

Bill Rossis's words were blunt but reflected a truth about the industry. "Everyone wants to succeed, especially in a fiercely competitive place like Hollywood. But it's not the wolf-like competitors you fear the most; it's pig-like teammates. Sometimes, even if one person works their hardest, they get no support from their teammates, sometimes even facing various limitations. Even if they produce some excellent work, it's completely drowned out by the mediocrity of the team, making it impossible to get the recognition they deserve.

"In contrast, Murphy Stanton is surrounded by 'pig teammates' but has managed to drive this whole group forward."

Hearing this, Mike laughed heartily. "The way you praise him, I feel like I want to compete with you for him."

Bill Rossis laughed too, knowing it was a joke, and that while he saw potential in Murphy Stanton, others might not.

After a few more exchanges, it seemed like the filming was wrapping up. Bill Rossis was about to head over when Mike suddenly remembered something and stopped him.

"Bill, I just remembered, the sports agents mentioned something over a month ago," he said, frowning. "Murphy Stanton had some disputes with the company."

"I know, I investigated it." Bill Rossis was unconcerned. "I don't know what he filmed, but he extracted $100,000 from Kobe Bryant of the basketball department."

He chuckled. "It's just the basketball department, which the company doesn't prioritize."

If it had been the American football department, he would have given it more consideration.

"That's all for today!" Murphy jumped down from the Ford, handed the camera to Paul Wilson, and shouted, "Quickly pack up the set. I've ordered a hearty dinner for everyone."

Paul Wilson took the camera and muttered under his breath, "It's not just burgers and pizza again, is it?"

Murphy made a gesture as if to hit him and added jokingly, "Not just burgers and pizza, also hot dogs and cola."

Everyone around rolled their eyes; the constant fast food was wearing on their stomachs.

It was just a joke. Murphy understood the need for a balance between work and rest. The crew had been working for many days straight, with only a day off at the start, and they deserved a proper reward.

At noon, he had Jessica Chastain contact a barbecue restaurant in town and book the entire place for the crew to enjoy a barbecue feast that evening.

Of course, being in the northern basin area far from the bustling parts of Los Angeles, the barbecue prices here were relatively low.

After directing Paul Wilson and Jessica Chastain to store the film, Murphy heard someone calling from his left.

"Hi, Murphy."

He immediately turned around and shook the outstretched hand opposite him. "Hi, Bill."

Then he shook hands with the person next to him. "Hello, Mike."

"Do you have some time?" Bill Rossis glanced around. The set was almost packed up. "I'd like to talk with you."

"Perfect timing, I also need to talk to you." Murphy walked towards a quieter spot by the lake. Once Bill Rossis caught up, Murphy asked, "When can my lead actress come back to shoot? Without her, the crew's work will halt."

Carey Mulligan had left the crew a few days ago to return to school in Los Angeles.

With only two main characters in the film, most of James Franco's solo scenes had been shot. If the female lead didn't return soon, Murphy would go crazy.

"Murphy, I also want Carey back," Bill Rossis said sincerely. "Her acting has improved greatly with your help."

He sighed. "But you know, Carey has taken a lot of time off recently. The school has issues with it and even complained to the children's association. She needs to spend a few days in school."

Hearing this, Murphy felt a headache. As an investor, he was really fed up with dealing with various unions or associations.

But it wasn't something he could change. He was just a small fry; who would care about his thoughts?

Murphy knew that compared to the distant Mulligan family in London and Carey's temporary guardian in Los Angeles, Julian Fellowes, the school and children's association were much tougher to deal with.

"Rest assured," Bill Rossis said as they stopped by the lake. "I'll push the school and children's association. As soon as Carey can take leave, I'll bring her back immediately."

Murphy turned, looking at Bill Rossis with some surprise. Bill Rossis was indeed a shrewd agent, but since when had his attitude been so good?

A smile tugged at Murphy's lips as he slightly tilted his head. "Bill, you have something to say? Just say it."

"It's not a big deal." Bill Rossis smiled, adopting a relaxed tone, and asked tentatively, "Murphy, if I remember correctly, you don't have an agent, do you?"

Murphy scratched his head. Since he started preparing for the film, he'd been so busy that he had overlooked the matter of an agent. Besides, no agency would be interested in him.

"Indeed, I don't." Murphy shrugged. "I'm just a novice with no track record."

"No, no..." Bill Rossis shook his finger. "I think you have great potential."

By this point, if Murphy couldn't understand his intentions, he'd be a fool. He stared at Bill Rossis. "You mean to say, you want to be my agent?"

Bill Rossis nodded. "That's exactly what I mean."

The situation was a bit sudden. Murphy thought for a moment and said, "How about this: join us for the crew's barbecue dinner, and we can talk more in town."