Submitted Projects

The buzz of Vincent's words lingered in Lucas's mind as he hung up the phone. Excitement simmered beneath the surface, but for now, thoughts of potential projects were set aside. A delicious meal, a well-deserved rest, and then sleep beckoned.

Time seemed to melt away as Lucas drifted off, lulled by the gentle hum of the air conditioner. Perhaps it was the lingering effects of his "Mind Workshop" ability, but morning arrived before he knew it.

After a quick breakfast, Lucas took to the streets for a brisk jog. The cool air invigorated him, and the early morning sun painted the city in hues of gold and orange. Back in his room, a refreshing shower washed away any remaining sleepiness.

With renewed energy, Lucas headed towards the "Modern Family" set. The familiar faces of the cast and crew greeted him warmly. Ty Burrell, beamed, "Lucas! It's been too long!"

Lucas chuckled, returning the smile. "Hey Ty, how are you guys doing?"

"Can't complain," Ty replied, followed by a greetings from Julie and Sarah Hyland. "We heard your film is a hit? Congrats!"

Lucas grinned. "Thanks! I hear 'Modern Family' is doing pretty well too."

"Yeah, the ratings are solid," Julie chimed in, her smile genuine.

The conversation flowed easily, Lucas catching up with Sarah and the other cast members. He even exchanged a few jokes with the show's writers, Steven and Christopher, before preparations for filming began.

The final scene wrapped. Lucas lingered, soaking in the bittersweet satisfaction of the filming the episode was completed. Bidding farewell to cast and crew, he took a moment to breathe, the weight of his burgeoning career settling on his shoulders.

His phone buzzed – a call from Vincent. "Ready to hear the offers?" his agent's voice crackled through the line.

"Bring it on," Lucas replied, a mix of anticipation and trepidation churning within him.

Vincent launched into a whirlwind of potential projects. HBO's "Seven Kingdoms" series sparked a flicker of recognition – could it be the early name of "Game of Thrones"? Vertigo Entertainment wanted him to lead their "Abduction" film. Other studio names followed, each offer promising a different kind of spotlight.

Lucas listened intently, a small smile playing on his lips. "And what about independent films?" he interjected, his voice betraying a deeper interest.

Vincent hesitated. He understood the allure of major studios, their budgets, and the wider reach. But Lucas, he knew, craved more than just fame. He craved the freedom to explore, to push boundaries, to truly inhabit characters.

"There are a few," Vincent admitted, his voice tinged with a sigh. He detailed them – smaller projects with passionate filmmakers, scripts that hinted at raw emotion and psychological depth.

Lucas's smile widened. He wasn't oblivious to the studio offers' potential, the "Seven Kingdoms" project especially piquing his curiosity. But as an actor, his hunger was for more than just a big name attached. He yearned to delve into roles that challenged him, that allowed him to experiment with his "Mind Workshop" ability, to truly lose himself in the art of storytelling.

Vincent shifted in his chair, his eyes briefly scanning the pile of scripts and emails before him – the independent offerings. Lucas's electrifying performance in "127 Hours" obviously sent ripples through the industry, by the fact that attracting attention not just from major studios but also from independent filmmakers.

Swallowing his reservations, he cleared his throat. "Alright, let's talk indie," he began, his voice betraying a hint of forced enthusiasm. "First up, we have 'The Art of Getting By' from Gavin and Searchlight Pictures. It's a coming-of-age story with a quirky charm."

He continued, listing each project with practiced ease: "Seth Rogen's got a dramedy called '50/50' in the mix, could be a good laugh. Then there's 'Like Crazy,' an independent romance from an independent newcomer. And even an international offer – 'Midnight in Paris' from a French studio, intriguing premise..."

Vincent rattled off the details, each film offering a glimpse into a different world, a different storytelling approach. He couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt – would any of these independent projects truly launch Lucas into the stratosphere?

***

Lucas absorbed Vincent's words, his mind buzzing with the possibilities. Some projects sparked a particular interest: "50/50," a dramedy with a relatable message, "Like Crazy," an independent romance promising intimacy and depth, "Drive," a sleek and stylish thriller, and "Midnight in Paris," a foreign film with a touch of fantasy.

Excitement crackled in the air. The prospect of using his "Mind Workshop" ability to inhabit these diverse characters fueled his anticipation. He could almost feel the emotions, the nuances, the very essence of each role.

"Tell me more," Lucas urged, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and determination, then he told Vincent the four projects that took his atrention. "These four projects stand out to me. What can you tell me about their filming schedules?"

Vincent launched into details, his voice measured yet revealing. "Like Crazy," he explained, "aims for a quick turnaround, estimate to be wrapped up in around four weeks. '50/50' and 'Drive' are estimated to take about five weeks each. 'Midnight in Paris,' however, might require a bit more time, stretching to seven weeks due to its intricate setting and filming locations."

Lucas have a thoughtful glint in his eyes. The major studio offers, tempting as they were, paled in comparison to the artistic potential he saw in these independent films. The shorter filming durations were also appealing, allowing him to experiment with multiple projects and constantly push his boundaries with his ability Mind Workshop.