Author's Note:
First of all, since we've reached 100 chapters, I want to celebrate by offering a 50% discount on my Pa treon, where you can read advanced chapters of [Behind the Spotlight] and [Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad]. This discount will end once ten people subscribe.
After receiving a lot of criticism, I've decided that I will continue writing Behind the Spotlight no matter what. So far, I'm satisfied with what I've accomplished in terms of character interaction and depth. Unlike Hollywood What If, where I couldn't really explore the characters' attitudes and behaviors freely, I feel Behind the Spotlight delivers on that front.
However, I also admit that Behind the Spotlight explores some of the darker sides of the industry and that's intentional. That's how I view the entertainment world: an industry full of lies and dirt. Why do you think people like Epstein, Weinstein, and Diddy were able to thrive in Hollywood before the truth eventually came out? In a way, I want this novel to serve as a reminder that Hollywood isn't always the glamorous place it appears to be.
If you want to support and motivate me, here are some ways you can do that:
1. Comment on every chapter. Whether it's positive or negative, I respect everyone's opinion. You can even say the most outrageous things!
2. Vote with power stones on Webnovel. I'd love to see this novel compete in the weekly rankings. That alone would be a huge motivation for me.
3. Add this novel to your reading or collection list. Higher numbers help increase this novel's visibility.
4. Subscribe to my Patr eon. This is the biggest way to support and motivate me. I was able to finish [MC's Not Part of the Story] and [Hollywood What If] thanks to my patrons. If you want to see how this novel ends, Patreon is the best place to do that.
I'm really happy that this novel has reached 100 chapters. Please continue supporting me!
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Behind The Spotlight Chapter 100
"So, tell me more about your girlfriend?"
Since Arnold had opened up about his love life, Collin decided to listen with genuine curiosity.
"She's so sweet. She's a high school teacher. We met at a Homie Depot. She was confused about which screw to use to fix her furniture, and I stepped in to help her pick the right one. Since then, we exchanged numbers and kept in touch. We've been dating for three months now, and it's been an amazing journey so far."
"That's great. I'm happy for you," Collin said sincerely, raising his drink in a subtle toast.
Just like him, Arnold was also a workaholic. His last relationship had ended a few years ago. His ex-girlfriend had been insecure about the fact that Arnold worked in the showbiz industry and met hot and gorgeous women every day, most of whom were confident, attractive, and ambitious. That only made things worse for a jealous partner.
"Yeah, she's really sweet. I love her."
The two clinked their glasses and drank another round as the atmosphere became lighter.
"I recall you talking about the creepy producer from Jolyne's last project. What happened with that?"
Last year, Arnold had mentioned a producer who had acted suspiciously around Jolyne Robs.
"Nothing happened. I asked Jolyne about it, and she didn't say anything. I guess I'm just being paranoid."
'Although something is strange about Jolyne lately.' Arnold wasn't comfortable sharing his client's personal life with other people, even with his best friend.
If something was going on with Jolyne, then that was all the more reason not to spread the story, unless Arnold needed help or the situation escalated to something he could no longer ignore.
'For some reason, she started acting strange when she found out I'm dating someone,' Arnold thought as he stared absentmindedly.
Anyway, he disregarded that thought. If Jolyne didn't personally ask for help, then Arnold wouldn't invade her privacy or make assumptions that could damage their professional relationship.
Arnold had worked hard to help Jolyne reach her status as one of the most famous actresses in Hollywood. He had even gone as far as kneeling in front of producers and talking to countless executives and directors back when she was still a nobody.
With that, the two continued happily talking about life.
"Fuck SAG-AFTRA!"
After more liquor shots, Collin's inner frustrations began to surface. This time, he vented about the changes SAG-AFTRA had made without any filter or restraint.
"Shh! Why are you raising your voice? You might get in trouble if someone from the guild hears you."
"Am I not allowed to share my opinion?"
"Just don't say it too loud, especially in public places."
"Alright." Collin sighed and slumped into his seat.
A few months ago, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and many agencies had reached an agreement that agents could only get up to 10% commission from their clients. This reform aimed to eliminate predatory contracts.
The announcement had triggered big changes in the representation industry. Many agents were forced to alter their contracts abruptly, often under pressure and scrutiny.
Actors loved this change because they got to keep more of their earnings, while agents hated it for obvious reasons. A 10% commission cap significantly cut their primary source of revenue. For those who had previously enjoyed 15–20% or more, it was a painful downgrade.
Still, the guild had made this move to protect actors in the industry. Agents charging excessive commissions hurt the talent, so SAG-AFTRA stepped in to establish new ethical standards and level the playing field.
Because of this, Collin also had to revise Lawrence's contract. The signing had been a bit awkward, but the two went along with it. Collin could tell that Lawrence had been skeptical about the original 15% commission and wanted to renegotiate. Then SAG-AFTRA's reform gave Lawrence a valid reason to change it without coming off as ungrateful or confrontational.
Lawrence was now uncomfortable with getting less money taken from him, especially since he was earning more from deals, endorsement gigs, and acting fees. Sure, he owed a lot to Collin, but money was money. Numbers didn't lie in this business.
If Lawrence was happy, then Collin was the one losing out. He now earned less commission from Lawrence. Still, they remained professional, and their working relationship stayed intact. Nothing really bad happened.
"My 15% commission..." Collin sighed again, his voice heavy with resignation.
"You should look at it from a different angle. At least you get a personal 5% from that 10% cap. Me? I only get 3%. The other 7% goes to the agency and the representation team, even though I'm the one doing most of the work."
"Really? You only get that much?" Collin was surprised. It was the first time they'd discussed their commission rates in such detail.
"Yeah, I'm getting screwed. Honestly, if not for the influence and brand strength of ANT, I might have had to start my own agency. But I'm not sure if my clients would follow me. Jolyne might, but Brody and my horror director? They're tougher to convince."
The reason many celebrities wanted to be represented by ANT was because of its wide network and strong foundation, which practically guaranteed exposure and connections.
After a fun night of drinking, the two called a taxi to take them home. When they woke up the next day, they silently agreed to forget everything they had talked about the night before, as if it had never happened.
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A European woman was singing on a stage, and her voice was amazing. It was crisp, powerful, and filled with raw emotion.
The audience cheered for her with growing excitement, some even standing up from their seats.
However, the four judges still hadn't pushed the button to turn their chairs. They were holding back, listening carefully to see if she could maintain her pitch and control.
Jackson Mike was one of the panelists. Despite being at the center of scandals, he had joined this show in an effort to repair his reputation and rebuild public trust.
When the woman hit the high note, three judges including Jackson Mike, finally pushed the buttons. Their seats turned, and they saw the female singer for the first time.
"Alright, looks like you're lucky! Three of the judges pushed their buttons."
After the performance, Jennifer Randon appeared, holding a red microphone to host the show.
The European woman smiled and nodded, blinking back tears.
"First, you must introduce yourself and tell us about your life."
"I'm Maria Maria. I was born in Texas, but my parents are from UK. I love singing... Sniff, sniff..."
The woman started crying as she recalled a painful childhood memory.
"Aww, why are you crying?"
"I just remembered a sad tragedy in my life."
"Why don't you share it with us?"
"When I was in elementary school, I was bullied. The kids said I had a big nose."
"That's very sad. I can't believe they said that to you..." Jennifer glanced at her, particularly at her nose, which indeed stood out quite a bit. Yes, the singer had a big pointy nose.
"Well then, since you shared your sad story and gained the sympathy of the audience and the three judges, let's hear what they have to say. But first, we'll take a quick commercial break!"
Jennifer pointed at the camera and winked with practiced timing.
The show wasn't live, but they still added these bits to give the illusion of a live performance. The audition rounds were pre-recorded, but the knockout rounds would be broadcast live to maximize tension and viewer engagement.