Chapter 51 This is a Group Show.

The director took the viewfinder hanging from his neck and stared at Meg Tilly for a while.

"Yes, her face is suitable for filming."

"Where did you go to school for acting?" the director asked Meg.

"I'm a ballet student at Skidmore College."

"Huh?" the director raised his eyebrows, "You must be a good dancer."

"She suffered a back injury and can no longer dance professionally, so she turned to acting," Ronald hurriedly explained to Meg.

The director wanted to find some less successful "Loser" actors to film "Hot Lunch," so Meg Tilly's professional ballet experience was not an advantage but a disadvantage.

But if you add in the experience of being injured and suffering significant setbacks, you'll be closer to the character.

"It doesn't matter, let's try out her program."

Ronald's response reflected his understanding of the film, which left the director very satisfied.

It happened that he needed someone to help him monitor the casting, and the director thought to himself: "I'll call him here at the next casting and see if he has an idea today or if he really has talent for molding."

So it's not a bad idea to give a small role to his girlfriend. She's also a ballet student, and there are many ballet scenes in the film.

"You're playing a dancer who flirts with the boy she likes." Director Alan Parker didn't give Meg a script, but directed her on the spot. "Do this first... and then...".

"Ronald, come and play the part, then it will be like this..."

Ronald put down the script he was reading. The new script he had just copied still had some warmth.

He walked to the door and stood, smiling at Meg Tilly.

Meg was a little nervous. She did two ballet moves to warm up and then raised her hands in a preparatory position to indicate that she was ready.

The director asked her to begin.

Raising her hands, Meg danced two ballet pirouettes, then froze in place and lifted one leg to freeze, like a proud swan.

Ronald was gesturing his thanks: "Fortunately, today she wore appropriate shoes."

Then Meg lowered her stance, took the small bag, and passed by Ronald. She deliberately created a small physical contact softly.

Ronald looked at her, surprised.

Meg stopped at the door and gave Ronald a look that indicated for him not to follow her.

Ronald was stunned for a moment, then smiled as he realized for half a second and left.

Meg's performance was a bit deliberate, and her flirting scenes weren't natural.

After all, the actor training class hasn't polished her, Ronald thought to himself.

"Ronald, you did a good job. Are you studying acting?" The director seemed to appreciate Ronald's acting skills more.

"I studied directing and I also know how to do portraits." Ronald quickly denied it, but still wanted to give Meg the opportunity.

"Meg doesn't have professional acting training. Previously, she was a dancer contracted by the Connecticut Ballet, but she had no choice but to retire due to an injury," Ronald explained to the director.

"Mr. Director, Meg's experience is very suitable for your movie. She is very fit to play a ballet student. Your movie needs many young extras dancing ballet."

It's estimated that Meg's acting skills aren't up to the requirements of the lead role at the moment, but it's enough to be an extra and get a union card. A one-day contract covering the union minimum wage. That would make her eligible to apply to join the Screen Actors Guild.

"Call me Allen, or Mr. Parker, don't call me Mr. Director," Director Allen Parker laughed with him, "I don't want to be called the old man of the studio."

"There are still some issues with her acting skills. During this time, you'll ask her to enroll in an acting training class. In short, at least I'll give her a Taft Hartley," the director promised.

"What Taft Hartley?" Ronald didn't understand.

Meg Tilly quickly pulled him and explained in a low voice: "Taft Hartley means equal treatment. The director will give me a one-day contract, and after a month, I will automatically enjoy the same treatment as a union member. A month is enough for my union application to be approved."

To enter the entertainment industry, Meg studied all the details to get into the industry thoroughly.

"It's the name of the congressman who passed this bill that year. We in the industry generally call it that," Margery from the casting studio added to Ronald.

"I'll enroll her in an acting training class, Mr. Parker." Ronald assured the director that if she could be one of the leads, she would be a hundred times better than acting as part of a cast.

Alan Parker took out two standard contracts from his bag, filled in Meg Tilly's name, a one-day performance, and a daily salary of $225 based on the union minimum wage. He then handed it to Meg Tilly for her to sign.

"This is a one-day work contract. If you accept this contract, there will be an agent willing to represent you. After you sign it, bring me another copy so I can use it to apply for Screen Actors Guild qualifications."

Meg took the contract and hugged Ronald excitedly.

"It will take some time before Hot Lunch starts filming. Meg, you should learn to act first. If you progress, you can also audition for the lead role."

"Thank you, Mr. Parker."

After stepping out to call Meg, many photos were placed on the table again. Ronald took a glance and found that the people in the photos were not as beautiful and confident as the original lot. They all had a bit of "loser" about them. Loser temperament.

"I like this, this, and this..." The Mr. Director set aside some photos, "We can arrange auditions for these."

"I'll arrange it, but I think this isn't enough, especially for extras. Would you consider auditioning those students from the High School of Performing Arts?" Margery replied.

"Yes, yes, I need real people. The students from the High School of Performing Arts are acting with their true colors, which is good. We'll invite them for interviews as soon as possible."

"Okay, but most of them haven't joined the Screen Actors Guild. We don't have their audition photos. I'll arrange an audition on-site with the school."

"Ronald, come with me, we need your photographic skills." The older employee stopped Ronald and led him to another room.

"I'm Julia Taylor and I work in the casting studio." She introduced herself to Ronald.

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Taylor. I'm Ronald Lee."

Julia was a middle-aged lady, a bit older, with a very kind smile, like that aunt everyone has. She always has a way of making the people she talks to feel at home.

"I heard from Margaery that you hadn't met Director Alan Parker before?"

"Yes, I saw him for the first time today."

"Did you know he was the director of last year's movie 'Midnight Express'? The one whose screenwriter Oliver Stone won the Oscar for Best Screenplay."

"Oh, it's him," Ronald smiled shyly, "I worked on a film crew last year and haven't had time to watch many movies."

"It doesn't matter. On behalf of the casting studio, I can offer you the position of special photographer. I'll come here once a week to take photographs of actors who need to update their audition photos. It costs $40 per person each time. It starts with the Hot Lunch team's audition."

"The price is quite reasonable. I don't have to think about finding clients or doing marketing anymore. I just need to take photographs," Ronald thought to himself.

"Thank you, Mrs. Taylor, I will provide first-class audition photographs."

"It seems that Director Alan Parker really likes you. He has offered to ask you to participate in the next audition for the Hot Lunch team, if you're willing to accept, and..." Julia Taylor paused and looked directly at Ronald.

Ronald didn't quite understand what Julia meant: "If there's anything I can do to help, Mrs. Taylor..."

"The director Alan Parker is English, and we hope to provide well-thought-out casting services and do our best to recommend good New York actors.

In New York, no one knows movie casting better than us, so if the director meets with other casting companies, he might not be able to get professional services..."

"I'll record the names of the people Mr. Director met at other casting companies and get in touch with you, Mrs. Taylor."

It turns out I'm afraid my competitors will steal clients. It's okay to inform secretly. Who asked me to work for you?

Julia Taylor showed a satisfied smile: "Come here, and we'll sign a cooperation agreement with you."

"Generally, we first select actors from the group of actors and then recommend about five actors to the director for each role. The director decides who is suitable and then invites them for interviews."

After signing the agreement, casting director Julia Taylor explained the work process to Ronald.

"However, this Hot Lunch is a joint show. There are eight leads and a dozen minor roles. The extras require hundreds of people, so we will organize a special audition with the High School of Performing Arts in New York. Let the director choose from the high school students."

"You need to take photographs of each student auditioning on-site. The ones selected by Director Alan Parker must be specially recorded and returned to us for filing. We'll call you with the specific schedule. What's your phone number?"

Ronald provided his phone number and also noted down the casting studio's phone number. He checked with Julia one by one and clarified the content of his work.

"Go ahead, today you can celebrate with your girlfriend."

Ronald found Meg Tilly, who was chatting happily with Margery like a little bird. The two said goodbye to the director, exchanged phone numbers, and then jumped out of the casting studio.

"Have you been selected? What are the director's requirements?"

"Why can they get in? It's not fair."

The boys and girls at the door surrounded the two and were worried.

Ronald saw that he couldn't escape for the moment, so he simply announced loudly: "I'm a photographer, not an actor. I'm here to deliver audition photos."

"I heard from the casting studio people that there will be an open casting call for this movie and that all students from specialized performing arts high schools will have the opportunity to participate."

After the outburst, the crowd began to discuss, and some people quickly ran to the nearby phone booth to make calls.

Ronald took the opportunity and sneaked away with Meg Tilly.

…

"Hahaha" Meg was as happy as a little pigeon on the road, raising her hands and quickly running down the path. Ronald chased her, lifted Meg up, and they both twirled several times.

The two stopped and looked at each other for a long time.

"Ronald, thank you." Meg's voice became extremely soft, and Ronald seemed to feel the beating of her heart.

"You just said thank you. It's nothing. You're the one who is suited for the film industry."

Meg simply wrapped her arms around Ronald's neck, jumped up, and kissed Ronald hard several times.

"I'm so happy, Ronald, it's like a dream." Meg looked into Ronald's eyes and said softly.

Ronald held Meg in his arms and smelled all the pleasant scents coming from her body, and couldn't help but feel intoxicated for a moment.

"Yesterday I was just a desperate former ballet dancer. Today I got a formal contract with the team and entered the industry. You helped me make this happen. Thank you." As she spoke, Meg became a little emotional again. She leaned her head against Ronald's.

"Maybe tomorrow you'll be a big star." Ronald gently hugged her and they kissed.

The casting studio wasn't far from home, and the two, running quickly, had arrived at the artist's apartment, but Meg didn't want to go up the stairs yet.

"Ronald, can you accompany me to visit the dock on the South Bank of Manhattan first? I've been working hard on dancing since I arrived in New York and haven't been to the Statue of Liberty yet."

"Sure, no problem. I often take a boat to pass by the Statue of the Goddess and I can be your tour guide. After the afternoon tour, we can go to the movies and then buy some food and wine in the evening to celebrate your entry into the industry."

"Ronnie, you're so kind..."

On the other hand, in the afternoon, at the casting studio, two casting directors, Julia Taylor and Margery, bid farewell to Director Alan Parker.

"What do you think Ellen is doing? Why did she give us the wrong script?" Margaery asked.

"I still can't understand what she means. Maybe the script has been revised, or maybe she wants to replace us with other casting directors." Julia Taylor changed her previous smile and spoke seriously.

"So... do we continue selecting according to the revised plan?"

"Continue. Don't worry too much. I've already hired an insider alongside the director."

End of chapter