Chapter 47: Rivals

On Monday morning, Gray Company was exceptionally busy. The film crew, which had rented an entire floor, was to audition many minor actors today.

The crew gradually arrived in Atlanta, but before producer Steve Golin arrived, everything was under the control of Louise Meyer.

Director Michel Gondry, a Frenchman with moderate experience and achievements, was closer to being the general on-set supervisor.

After a morning meeting, Louise reminded the casting director, "Pay special attention to the actor I mentioned."

"I understand," Richard, who was not a novice, knew what was going on.

The crew had hired staff in Atlanta and would also recruit a group of minor actors, which could save a considerable amount of labor costs.

Richard quickly headed to the audition room. Just as he turned the corner of the hallway, Lynne, a temporary hire at Gray Company, approached him. "Director Richard."

The other party was also a casting director at Gray Company, so Richard gave him some courtesy. "What's up?"

Lynne mentioned an actor he had discovered and worked with multiple times, "About what we discussed a few days ago, Adam Smith. Please pay more attention to him."

Richard nodded and then held a brief meeting with his assistants.

While reviewing the resumes brought by his assistant, Richard noticed that Adam Smith was auditioning for the same role as Martin Davis.

Without hesitation, Richard placed Adam Smith's resume at the bottom.

Meanwhile, Martin arrived at Gray Company and met Jerome at the entrance. He called Louise's assistant, and soon someone came over to take Jerome to discuss the large-scale hiring of temporary actors.

At that moment, Robert walked in with his big head and immediately saw Martin. He hurried over, "Are you here to audition too?"

Martin asked, "Which role are you auditioning for?"

As they walked in, Robert said while walking, "A minor role with just two lines. I dream of having a line."

Martin said, "Don't worry, we're not auditioning for the same role."

Robert asked, "A major role?"

Martin replied, "Only if you help."

Robert touched his big head, "Buddy, that was really an accident!"

Martin casually said, "I believe you."

When they got near the audition room, there were too many people, and a row of benches was not enough. Many people were standing.

An office door beside them opened, and Andrew came out holding some files. When he saw Martin standing, he quickly called out, "Jenny, quick, bring out a chair. No, make it two."

A freckled-faced female assistant dragged out two chairs. Andrew took one and dragged it in front of Martin. "Sit."

Martin hurriedly took the chair, still polite as always, "Thank you."

"We're friends," Andrew lowered his voice, "I still haven't thanked you for the tip-off last time. I became the first man in the company to use the water bottle. The boss praised me in public and recommended me to this crew for further learning."

Martin quickly said some kind words, "You are heading for a promotion. Congratulations."

Andrew laughed, "It's actually the same as before. They need a casting assistant familiar with Atlanta to help select temporary actors. I'll mainly be working with Jerome."

Martin said, "With the experience of a $20 million crew, you'll return as an official casting director."

"Hopefully," Andrew prepared to leave.

As Martin and Robert just sat down, someone nearby complained, "Why don't we have seats?"

Andrew's smiling face instantly turned extremely serious, "If you don't want to stand, you can leave."

Anyone who wanted to speak up shut their mouths.

Andrew raised the files and said, "I have things to do."

Martin said, "Go ahead."

Not far away on the bench by the wall, Adam Smith was watching this scene closely.

His friend Ward asked, "Is that Martin?"

Adam Smith asked, "Is he that famous already?"

"Martin!" Ward's expression was slightly exaggerated, "I heard that at high-end clubs, many women are asking around about who he is, wanting to spend big money to have a ride with him."

"That fool Kyle, this role was originally his," Adam Smith mumbled with some concern. "Is he auditioning for the same role as me at this time?"

"You've been the lead in multiple Gray Company productions, and Lynne recommended you," Ward whispered. "What can he compare to you?"

Adam Smith said, "He has an unusual relationship with Kelly Gray. You see Andrew flattering him."

Ward reminded, "Didn't Lynne say your resume is placed first? In such massive auditions for minor roles, being early on..."

The audition room door opened at this time, and the hallway immediately quieted down.

Adam Smith adjusted his clothes, preparing in advance.

A middle-aged female assistant came out and called, "Martin Davis."

Ward was surprised.

Everyone looked at Martin.

Robert raised his fist, "Buddy, good luck!"

Martin bumped fists with him and strode into the audition room.

In this kind of audition, there was certainly no red couch. Hollywood had advanced to where the so-called red couch had long been removed from the audition rooms.

For private discussions about roles, hotel rooms and the like were more suitable.

Even though it was just a formality, Martin still gave his 100% in the audition.

It was a very simple performance, with a few lines added.

It wasn't difficult for him.

Adam Smith watched as Martin went in and came out, smiling and chatting with that big-headed guy, feeling rather unhappy.

He wasn't the second to enter, nor the third, fourth, or fifth...

This was a Hollywood crew. A real opportunity to connect with Hollywood was right in front of him, yet it felt out of reach.

When it was Adam Smith's turn, his disappointment caused him to underperform. Judging from the expressions of the casting director and assistant, it was a no-go.

Ward saw Adam Smith come out and asked, "How did it go?"

Adam Smith shook his head, "Let's go."

After leaving Gray Company, Adam Smith called Lynne.

Soon, Lynne called back, "The role was decided right after the audition ended: Martin Davis." He added, "Come back in the afternoon. There's another small role, with fewer scenes. I'll help you fight for it."

Adam Smith put away his phone and said, "Ward, you know a lot of people in Atlanta. Help me find out more about Martin Davis."

Ward was puzzled, "Just a minor role."

"It's more than just this role," Adam Smith was genuinely worried about other aspects. "This crew has close cooperation with Gray Company. Do you understand? I might not be able to compare with Martin Davis at Gray Company."

Gray Company's late-night dramas were his staple. Even if Hollywood was out of reach, he was still doing well in Atlanta.

If his staple was lost, his current lifestyle would be a pipe dream.

The car on installments, the house bought on loan, the daily reliance on credit cards--all would be severely impacted.

Adam Smith said, "Lynne hinted that Director Benjamin is creating a new show for Gray Company, and I originally thought the lead role was definitely mine. Now it seems things might not go well."

Ward understood, "The threat just emerged, and you want to nip it in the bud?"

Adam Smith nodded, "I at least need to know who my potential opponent is. Otherwise, I'll be pushed out without even knowing who my competitor is."

*****

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