Chapter 31: Job Advertisement

Back in Los Angeles, Murphy made another trip to the actors' union. The "Fruit Candy" project was too obscure, with neither investors nor production companies showing interest. Within a day, no actors left their resumes.

Murphy decided to advertise in newspapers upon his return, mimicking having already recruited, knowing many actors in LA were not union members.

He then took Jessica Chastain to the directors', cinematographers', and writers' unions to explore joining. Joining the writers' union allowed access to registered scripts, avoiding unnecessary troubles.

Although registering copyrights was an option, it was costly. The writers' union was cheaper but still beyond Murphy's means.

Unfortunately, Murphy's visit was fruitless; the unions had low entry barriers but certain requirements he didn't meet.

Despite the disappointment, Murphy learned about cultural differences and translation issues, realizing unions differed from associations.

Unions united workers for rights and benefits, whereas associations focused on cultural exchange and education. Unions were inclusive, associations more exclusive.

Murphy's prior assumptions about organizations like the Producer's Alliance and Director's Guild being associations were wrong; they were unions.

Though any worker could join a union, Murphy wasn't eligible for unions like the Cinematographers' Guild, requiring 100 days of paid work in non-union productions within three years.

Putting aside joining Hollywood's formal organizations, Murphy published actor recruitment ads in local newspapers. He then managed the prep work, leasing equipment with Jessica, buying custom tomato sauce for blood, and scouting locations with the set designer.

Funds dwindled from Murphy's account, leaving him anxious.

Several actors called, but auditions were disappointing. The project demanded skilled actors for its intimate scenes.

Despite Murphy's efforts, Hollywood continued its routine.

The Actors' Guild, located in Hollywood, attracted thousands daily, hopeful for opportunities.

Only a few actors reached nationwide fame; most struggled like Murphy for their dreams.

Some, like a girl with short brown hair, were privileged, supported by relatives like Julian Farrow, easing entry into the union.

Leaving the office, Julian briefed the girl on union benefits.

She interjected, "But I need a job first."

Julian nodded. "What roles do you like?"

With Julian's support, finding minor roles in Hollywood wasn't challenging.

"Maybe Lolita," the girl said, surprising Julian. She quickly joked, "I'm kidding."

Redirecting, she asked about the crowd nearby.

Julian explained the job postings, mostly for lesser-known projects.

Ignoring Julian's last comment, the girl excitedly shouted, "Spielberg's casting in the west yard!"

People's attention shifted, though the yard was out of sight.

Skeptics questioned her, but her innocence won over.

Her charisma dispersed the crowd, allowing her closer.

Seeing a notice for "Fruit Candy," she jotted down the details, but the man nearby interrupted.

"Those you tricked are back," he warned.

She hurriedly left, the man eyeing the "Fruit Candy" ad.

She was indeed charming, he thought, watching her vanish.