Behind The Spotlight Chapter 86
Collin acted like nothing had happened and smiled at the cast with his usual calm demeanor, masking the thoughts swirling in his head.
However, his eyes were fixed on Jennifer, the actress who was currently interviewing her fellow cast members with a lively energy that naturally drew attention.
As Jennifer started reading the random question she received, words began forming above her head.
Collin was dumbfounded as he read the words slowly materializing like a divine revelation. At last, he found the right path for Jennifer after all the confusion he had about her place in the industry.
'What the fuck Jennifer, you're in the wrong career! Actress my ass! Your talent will be wasted if you continue being an actress!'
-- Jennifer Randon
-- Talkshow King (Yellow Talent)
Yes, Jennifer was meant to be a talk show host, with all the charisma and sharp wit for it.
However, her talent confused Collin a bit due to its unusual naming.
'Talkshow King? Shouldn't it be Talkshow Queen? Never mind, as long as I have an idea of what her talent is, I'll find a way for her to succeed,' Collin thought.
A Yellow Talent was already considered great, comparable to a one-in-ten-thousand kind of talent.
As for Golden Talent, it was best described as one in ten million. The kind of gift that could define legacies and break records. It was understandable why Collin had only met three people with Golden Talent so far.
Collin smiled as he watched Jennifer interview the cast with such natural poise and magnetic presence. She made them laugh effortlessly with her clever comebacks and playful questions. The cast felt entertained and at ease around her, as if they were chatting with an old friend.
Even though Jennifer cursed a lot, it was clear she was a great person at heart. Loyal, bold, and unapologetically herself.
When her segment ended, she handed the position over to the others and sat back, watching from the side.
Collin stared at her as the words above her slowly disappeared into thin air.
"Why are you looking at me like that? I don't like your smile... Collin, don't look at me like that. It makes me shiver."
Jennifer wanted to curse but remembered they were at a formal event with cameras and possibly executives watching. She controlled herself as best she could.
"Tell me, Jennifer, are you sexually attracted to women?" Collin asked seriously, his voice completely neutral.
"Me? Not that I know of. I never experienced it. Well, I kissed a girl back in college, but I think that's not enough to make me a lesbian or something. Also, I had a one-night stand last time with a young handsome guy, and it felt amazing. I don't think I'm a lesbian if you ask me."
"I see..."
That made Collin even more confused. His brow furrowed slightly. Jennifer's talent was listed as Talkshow King.
'Perhaps the title doesn't have to be gender-specific. Anyone can be a king, regardless of their gender.'
That was how Collin decided to interpret it after some thought.
When the roundtable interviews ended, the cast was free to enjoy the rest of the evening as they pleased.
Collin and his clients had dinner at an upscale restaurant. Collin's mind, however, was already planning Jennifer's future like an architect drawing up a blueprint.
'Talkshow King, huh. I guess I have to find an opportunity where Jennifer's talent won't be wasted. But there aren't many talk shows actively hiring or launching these days. I can't just insert her into The Tonight Show without connections. For now, I need to start laying the groundwork.'
"Collin, please, I beg of you, don't look at me like that! What the fuck is wrong with you, you fucking bastard. Do you want to settle this outside? I'll beat the shit out of you."
Jennifer couldn't hold back anymore. Her inner fire burst out without a filter. The three men with her nodded in relief. This was the Jennifer they knew: unfiltered and bold.
"Jennifer, I think you have a talent for being a talk show host," Collin said, serious but supportive.
"You think so?" Jennifer raised one skeptical brow.
"Yeah, the way you interviewed us earlier felt natural, like you were born to do it," Wyatt chimed in, and Axel nodded. The tall actor had been quiet but clearly agreed.
"Hehe, I guess I am. Thanks, guys. I feel better now. You can eat as much as you like. Tonight's on me, because you made my day," Jennifer said with a genuine smile.
"If you say so."
That night, Jennifer spent $6,000 but didn't regret it. She found joy in simply spending time with her friends over a warm meal. It lifted her spirits more than she expected. Moments like these were rare and precious. She cherished it.
Unfortunately, there were no cameras or pictures to remember the night, only memories etched in their minds.
As for Lawrence, who was currently away, the famous actor was busy with a photoshoot for a major underwear brand that paid him handsomely.
In terms of fame, Lawrence was probably Collin's top client. A rising star who had exceeded all expectations. In just two movies, his fame had skyrocketed like a rocket piercing the Hollywood skies.
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And just like that, June 5 arrived. The release date of Week On A Cruise Ship.
Uni-versus Pictures rolled out the red carpet for the cast, complete with photographers and screaming fans. The cast of Week On A Cruise Ship were no longer unknowns. They walked the carpet with confidence, now recognized for their previous roles. Particularly in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, which was still fondly remembered by fans.
This new film looked commercially promising.
With the right cast, director, script, and marketing, the film grossed over $11 million on its first day. A strong opening by any standard. Summer was the prime season for blockbusters, and audiences showed up.
On Saturday, June 5, 1997, the box office rose to $19 million as momentum built quickly.
Then on Sunday, June 6, the movie grossed over $28 million, signaling that word of mouth was working in its favor.
By the end of its first weekend, Week On A Cruise Ship had grossed over $28 million at the North American box office.
Uni-versus Pictures saw a bright trajectory for the film. After months of nervous anticipation, they finally breathed a sigh of relief. More importantly, they now realized Wyatt's potential as a filmmaker who could handle bigger and more ambitious projects.
The studio was determined to work with him again.
According to his contract, Wyatt Bray would receive 2% of the North American box office revenue if the movie grossed over $100 million, a milestone that now seemed attainable.
And if it crossed $200 million, he would get 5%.
If Week On A Cruise Ship reached those benchmarks, Uni-versus Pictures had no issue rewarding Wyatt as promised. He had earned it. After all, the better the movie performed, the better it was for everyone involved, from the cast and crew to the executives.
The studio ramped up promotion efforts, and the cast eagerly joined in. They attend interviews and talk shows. They had been promised bonuses tied to the film's performance, and they knew promotion was one of the biggest drivers of box office success.
They embraced their responsibility with energy and enthusiasm. As long as it brought in money, they were all in.