Behind The Spotlight Chapter 88
'Wyatt decided to take a vacation after he's done with the promotion for Week On A Cruise Ship. As for his box office share, the accountant will handle that part on his behalf. She's going to earn money from it,' Collin thought to himself.
He knew he couldn't monopolize his clients. He also knew he wasn't good at accounting and would rather not risk making mistakes on that end.
Lawrence grabbed the scripts one by one with a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes.
"Is it possible to star in these three?" he joked with a half-smile. He'd been working hard lately, and the amount of money he'd earned was quite blinding, which made him excited. Of course, he wanted to maintain his career momentum and keep acting.
"Let's see, you can probably work with Bride Runaway and Trapping the Parents. These two have different filming schedules, so there's no major conflict between them."
"Then I'll audition for Bride Runaway and Trapping the Parents."
"Good. Read the scripts and prepare audition tapes for the two projects just to be ready. You've automatically entered the third round due to your prior accomplishments and rising fame."
Collin kind of expected Lawrence would take that route, which wasn't a problem. More jobs meant more income.
"Before I forget, Trapping the Parents will be directed by the guy who rejected you in Romea and Julieta. Are you cool with that?" Collin asked, carefully watching Lawrence's expression for a reaction.
Yes, the director of Romea and Julieta had Yellow Talent. His talent wasn't enough to secure a box office hit. Furthermore, there were many factors behind the movie's failure, including poor casting and weak reception.
"I have no problem with that arrangement. I'll treat it professionally."
Lawrence laughed it off. He might be a famous actor now, but he understood his position. Most of the time, directors held more authority than actors in terms of decision-making and creative influence, unless the actor was a true superstar.
In Lawrence's case, he was an A-list actor and technically a superstar, but his box office appeal still had to be tempered with more success.
"If you have more questions, you can contact me anytime. Day or night, if it's urgent. You can trust me."
Collin actually felt guilty because it had taken quite a while to find suitable projects for Lawrence, despite all his efforts and research. His information regarding directors was still inadequate compared to top agents in the industry. So far, Collin had seen the talents of 50 directors from different genres, and he was steadily building his information base.
"Of course. Thank you, Collin."
Lawrence stood up and bid farewell with a nod and a confident smile.
As for Axel and Jennifer, Collin had found audition opportunities for them through his various contacts. Axel had actually been cast in an action movie as the antagonist/protagonist.
But Jennifer, Collin could only shake his head in disappointment and mild frustration. The actress had failed to pass all her auditions despite her persistence. All Collin could say was sorry.
In the first place, Jennifer was meant to be a talk show host. That was where her talent lay.
'I'll contact Arnold to see if he knows about any projects related to hosting. If he doesn't know anything, maybe someone else might have an idea or at least point me in a helpful direction.'
Fast forward a week, and Lawrence got the lead role in Trapping the Parents. As for Bride Runaway, auditions for that movie would happen in the next two to three months, depending on the production team's announcement. Lawrence had just received the script and had already started studying his potential role.
During that time, Collin found a lead regarding Jennifer's potential job as a host.
'Let's see, this is my first time on the 9th floor of the building, even though I've been working in this company for four years now.'
Collin looked at the nameplate neatly attached to the office door.
Office of the Executive.
--Vanessa Yajiro.
"Ma'am, Collin East has arrived and is waiting outside."
Vanessa Yajiro's secretary knocked on the door and announced Collin's arrival.
'... Now that I think about it, am I allowed to hire an assistant or a secretary? My job is getting heavier these days and I think I need someone to help me. But then again, who's going to pay the salary, me, the company, or is it a shared responsibility?'
He might have to ask Lila later if he had the chance. Yes, he had lost his shame, and he didn't know when it happened.
"Tell him to come in."
A woman's voice responded with calm authority.
Collin entered the room and found a woman who seemed about five years older than him, judging by her features and professional poise. She was an Asian woman.
"So, Collin, is it? You're looking for a hosting job for your client, an actress?"
"That's right, and I was told you might be able to help."
"An odd career path, but not unheard of. My client will be directing a singing contest, and I also know the producer. I can help you insert your actress into the show as a host."
"That would be a huge help, and I sincerely appreciate it."
Collin was waiting for the catch, the real price behind the favor. He knew this transaction had more weight than just goodwill or professional courtesy.
Vanessa Yajiro put down her pen and stared at Collin, a playful smirk curling on her lips.
"In exchange, why don't you transfer Lawrence Terrence or Wyatt Bray's contract to me?"
"Fuck no, and don't even think about asking again."
Collin replied immediately.
As expected, agents were shameless creatures when it came to bargaining chips and leverage. In this kind of negotiation, they always asked for something extravagant.
"Don't close the door yet. I can also offer my body for a year if you like Japanese women. I'm quite beautiful, and my genitals aren't censored like in Japanese Adult Videos, so you won't be disappointed."
"You are a sick fuck, do you know that?" Collin scowled.
"I bet you're also a sick fuck. In this industry, sex is basically part of the transaction whether people admit it or not. You seem like a nice guy and probably have strong stamina. We can have fun with no strings attached."
"Miss Yajiro—"
"It's Mrs. Yajiro," Vanessa cut in without missing a beat.
"Wait a minute, you're a married woman and you want to have sex with me?"
"Don't worry. My husband is fine with an open relationship, and he even encourages it at times. He's into Netorare or Cuckold, whatever you call it."
"..."
Collin was speechless. He had done many negotiations and heard some outrageous conditions, but this female agent took the top spot in shameless audacity.
She was shameless beyond any logical measure.
"Mrs. Yajiro. The best I can offer is that one of your clients can star in Wyatt's next project, as long as the casting fits."
"Interesting. And when will that be?"
"Wyatt will direct a movie next year."
"Let's see..."
Vanessa started calculating the offer, tapping her pen thoughtfully on the table. It was true she'd signed a young, promising actor this year.
As for her first condition of transferring Lawrence or Wyatt's contract, she knew Collin would never agree, not in a million years. Anyone in their right mind wouldn't accept that.
"Lila said a lot about you, so I guess I'll agree to this arrangement. However, I need a valid contract. If possible, I want Wyatt to participate in it, so I have some assurance."
"I'll talk to Wyatt later and get back to you as soon as possible."
He could convince Wyatt as long as the terms were fair.
"By the way, it depends on your actress if she can convince the producer and the director. This is a serious singing contest, and they don't hire someone without appeal or experience. So she better prepare well."
"I'll keep that in mind and let her know the expectations."
"Seriously, why are you even looking for a different career path for your actress? Just let her audition for as many projects as she can until she lands a role. If that's not enough, she can offer her body, there's nothing wrong with that."
"It's wrong. Very wrong. No one should be encouraged to do that."
"If that's what you think, then so be it."
Vanessa shrugged.
With that, their initial negotiation was fruitful, though mentally exhausting for Collin.