Behind The Spotlight Chapter 104
Henry Greyson had reasons why he was hesitant to work on Wyatt Bray's project.
First was the schedule. There might be a conflict if he worked on two projects at the same time, which could lead to exhaustion and overlapping priorities that would affect the quality of both.
Second was the intensity of the job. Being a producer was by no means simple. He had to personally manage everything in the project, from the beginning of pre-production all the way to post-production. Furthermore, he also had to secure funding and answer to investors who demanded constant updates.
Third was laziness... Yes. Do you know how stressful it is to be a producer? You have to face investors and assure them that their money was spent on the right things down to the last dollar. There was even a time in Henry's life when one of the investors slapped him because a core employee in the production crew got involved in a scandal that rocked the entire studio.
Since then, Henry had to double-check every person who worked on his projects: background checks, work history, reputation, everything. He was thankful he met Collin, who could discern someone's behavior.
However, Henry also admitted that working with Wyatt had given him many incentives that were difficult to ignore.
First was money. He earned millions from Week on a Cruise Ship. His salary and bonus totaled around $8 million, that was the biggest payday in his entire career. Most of the time, he'd consider himself lucky to earn even a million or two per project.
The second incentive was status. Henry had been a B-list producer his entire career, and he was well aware of the stigma and limitations that came with it. But working on Week on a Cruise Ship elevated him to a semi A-lister. That success was now cemented in his résumé. If he worked on another box office hit, his status would level up to that of a bona fide A-list producer.
If that happened, Henry could ask for a better salary and no one would dare question his worth or credibility. If he consistently delivered box office hits, more studios would appreciate him and personally invite him to manage their projects.
"..."
After listening to Director Esteban's advice, Henry decided to take the opportunity.
After all, he was going to earn money and probably gain a better status. Sure, he would suffer from months of sleepless nights, drink gallons of coffee, and drown in stress, but the payoff would be worth it.
"I'll contact Wyatt and Collin later."
"That's great to hear."
Director Esteban knew how tough it was to find jobs in this industry, especially the kind that could actually elevate your standing. He didn't want to hinder Henry's career.
Furthermore, Esteban had mentored Wyatt for a while and knew the young man was talented. He just didn't expect him to find success that fast. He only hoped Wyatt wouldn't start attending those questionable parties that had already ruined many young people.
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"This is an old-school Hollywood buffet. Make sure to stay away from the chocolate and brownies."
Collin reminded Lawrence with a serious expression marked by past experiences. He knew Lawrence had attended a few parties now that he was famous, but he still had to remind him about the old-school Hollywood buffet.
"Don't worry, Collin. I'll take care of myself. Besides, I'm not going to do something funny. I'm with my girlfriend tonight."
Lawrence placed his hand on the waist of the sexy, gorgeous woman next to him. After his heartbreak with Ellie Bridget, Lawrence had found a girlfriend.
Her name was Zara Lauren, a French model known for her undeniable charm. She had been featured in numerous magazines and was sponsored by many fashion brands.
The two met at a fashion show in Paris, one of the biggest events in the industry. Lawrence expressed his interest, and Zara seemed pleased to be liked by a superstar. Since then, they had started dating.
Zara seductively smiled at Lawrence and lightly kissed his lips. The two cuddled while Collin kept his professionalism, despite the awkward atmosphere filling the limousine.
Just like last time, Collin respected his clients' love lives. He had no intention of stopping them from dating someone they liked, as long as it didn't compromise their image or contracts. However, he always reminded them to stay away from scandal. His clients were not children... and that also meant they didn't want to be bossed around. Being too controlling could backfire on Collin.
The two were basically French-kissing each other while Collin was sitting right there... As much as he wanted to leave, the limousine was moving quickly, and their destination was the same, so he had to endure it for now.
Tonight was a Hollywood party hosted by a billionaire with a reputation for throwing indulgent events. It was supposed to be a charity gathering, and Lawrence's presence was just for decoration, to make the venue more attractive.
The billionaire had invited many celebrities, including Lawrence. However, they were not the real targets of this event. The true focus was on the ultra-wealthy guests who would spend money on charity by purchasing artworks, most likely overpriced, to generate donations.
"Just for clarification, old-school Hollywood buffet means the chocolate is laced with drugs. Particularly shrooms. Don't eat too much."
It depended on the host how many ounces of shrooms were packed into each bite-sized chocolate or brownie, so the potency varied.
"I'll remember that."
Lawrence replied while cupping Zara's breast as if they were in the privacy of their home, and not in a moving vehicle with someone else present.
Yes, just as many had expected, Lawrence had changed. Hollywood had shown him so many things, and he became affected. It didn't help that he was now an A-list superstar. People all over the world knew who he was, and that fame made him arrogant. Fortunately, he still listened to Collin.
"Also, remember, if you see something questionable or illegal... turn a blind eye and act like you saw nothing. As much as possible, I don't recommend you joining them. That kind of thing can destroy your career."
Collin understood that Hollywood had its share of illegal and immoral behavior, and he didn't support it. But he also knew he was just a small player in the industry, and his opinion didn't matter. The best he could do was keep his clients away from the illegal and disgusting parts of the business. He only hoped they would listen.
"You don't have to worry, Collin. I'm not a child." Lawrence chuckled. At this point, Zara was completely topless, as if modesty no longer existed in their vocabulary.
Collin felt incredibly awkward and questioned why he was even there.
It didn't help that he actually knew Zara Lauren beyond just a passing acquaintance. They had worked together in a fashion show in New York a few years ago. He hadn't expected that she would end up in a relationship with Lawrence.
Zara Lauren had also been surprised when she found out Collin was Lawrence's agent. She hadn't expected the male model to change careers. And from the looks of it, Collin was doing well. At least his status now was higher than hers. From what she remembered, Collin had a model friend, and the two men were quite close, almost like brothers.
Zara might be a famous model, but she knew her longevity in the modeling industry wouldn't last. So her agent advised her to try acting instead.
However, Zara was from France and had no strong connections in Hollywood, especially not in the film industry. So when Lawrence invited her to dinner, she decided to use that opportunity to find a job in acting, hoping that her beauty and accent would open doors.
And now, here she was... topless, with her breasts getting fondled.
[Second chapter of the day.]