Behind The Spotlight Chapter 115
"He worked with Week on a Cruise Ship and he didn't cause any scandal."
"And that's a different story. I know you're friends with Axel, but that shouldn't affect your judgment."
"It didn't affect my judgment. Axel is the perfect actor for the role of Tall Cracker Guy. Andy, I'm going to ask you, is Axel's performance good or bad?"
"... It's good." Andy gritted his teeth, his jaw tightening as though he hated admitting it aloud.
"Then we don't have anything to fight about. Axel will get the role." Wyatt was adamant this time, his voice carrying weight.
"Henry, are you in or not?" The director turned to the producer, who had been keeping his mouth shut for a long while, his silence creating a tense atmosphere.
Henry sighed deeply, rubbing the bridge of his nose before speaking as though he carried a burden.
"Let's cast Axel. As much as I hate to admit it, his performance impressed me. We are supposed to cast the best actor for each role. If the CEO and Chairman ask questions, I will answer them. I'll take responsibility."
When Henry said that, Andy sighed in relief. At least he wouldn't be the one to face the wrath of the boss if things went downhill, and that alone was enough to loosen the knot in his chest.
'Collin, I helped you this time. We are friends and I can't abandon that. Just don't ask for an expensive salary.'
Henry thought to himself, silently hoping Collin would be reasonable enough not to push things too far.
...
...
...
What Axel needed was exposure. He needed a chance to prove himself, a stage where he could claw his way back into the spotlight.
"Collin, I'm going to give you one offer, nothing more, nothing less. Axel Gunner's salary will only be $250,000. I know his last salary was over $1 million, but his reputation went downhill after that. Furthermore, he can only get the full $250,000 once all of his scenes are done filming. That will force him to behave and not cause any trouble. If you're against that, then consider this negotiation null."
Henry was satisfied that he delivered that line clearly. He had thought of everything he wanted to say before negotiating with Collin, carefully weighing each word so there was no loophole or opening to argue against him.
Collin listened seriously and remained silent for a few seconds. Then he smiled and extended his hand for a handshake, his expression showing both relief and quiet pride.
"It's a deal for me. Axel will work on your project, but he can't get his salary if he doesn't finish filming or if he starts a scandal."
Collin and Axel had already talked about it earlier. He explained to Axel the possibilities if he were cast in the movie, painting both the best-case and worst-case scenarios with brutal honesty. After thinking about it seriously, Axel agreed that he was fine with receiving his complete salary only once his job was done.
What he needed was to prove himself again. In fact, it didn't matter to him if he didn't get a salary at all. As long as he got the role, Axel would use that as his stepping stone to reach his goal.
Even Collin was surprised that Henry offered $250,000. He thought Henry would only offer a couple of thousand at best, which showed that Henry, for all his sharpness, still had some faith in Axel's potential.
Since Henry's offer was not that bad, Collin agreed. The two shook hands firmly, the gesture sealing not just a contract but also a bond of trust.
When Collin was done negotiating the contract, he saw a man in his 40s waiting for him.
"Anthony, how's your job?"
"Haha, it's alright. Better than what I expected when I first came on board."
Anthony was the person Collin had hired to become Wyatt's assistant director about three years ago. Anthony had been expelled from his last project because he offended the producer, a mistake that nearly ended his career until Collin took a chance on him.
"Looks like you're happy. That's great."
"I owe it to you."
"Me?"
"Yeah. Maybe you didn't know, but Producer Perberto was the one who fired me from my last job. I'm happy now that the bastard is rotting in jail together with his son who can't act." Anthony hugged Collin, and the talent agent felt awkward, not used to sudden affection from another man.
"I heard that you kicked their asses. Thank you. I got my revenge at last."
"I only beat Perberto's son. You should probably thank Arnold, he's the one who beat Producer Perberto."
"I will do that. Collin, thank you for doing God's work."
"Now that's a stretch, but I'll take the compliment if it makes you feel better."
"You don't have to worry. I'll take care of Wyatt. He is still young and he needs guidance from a veteran like me."
"That's great to hear."
Anthony said his thanks one last time before bidding farewell. He was happy that father and son were now in jail. Producer Perberto had tried to help his son become famous by starring him in a film, but the film failed at the box office. After that, his son didn't get into any more movies because he couldn't act, proving that connections alone couldn't sustain someone with no talent.
Collin exited Uni-Versus Pictures and found Axel waiting in the parking lot.
It was obvious from Axel's sweaty face that he was nervous, his palms clenching and unclenching as though preparing for the worst possible news.
"How's the negotiation?"
"You got the role. Your salary is $250,000, but you can only get that amount once you're done filming all of your scenes."
"..."
Axel was speechless as Collin tapped him on the shoulder, the reassuring touch grounding him in reality.
"Collin, you're probably the best talent agent in Hollywood."
"Today I've been receiving praises, this is not that bad." Collin grinned.
"I can't say that I'm the best talent agent in Hollywood, but I can assure you that I will always fight for your benefits. That's my job as a talent agent." Collin turned to Axel and was stunned to see the actor crying openly.
"Huh? Hey, why are you crying?"
"You saved my life twice. Thank you, Collin. I'll never forget everything you did for me." Axel wiped his tears with the back of his hand, trying to regain his composure.
"Twice? I don't remember doing that."
Collin opened his car, choosing not to press further. He found it awkward...
"Let's meet tomorrow. The lawyer will have to check the contract before you can sign it."
Axel nodded and waved as Collin's car left.
Collin didn't know that when they first met in the bar four years ago, Axel had been thinking of ending it all. Their meeting that night prevented him from going through with it, though Collin never realized how pivotal that small encounter had been.
Today, Collin saved him again from absolute destruction. He knew that his career as an actor was in peril and he felt like he could never make a comeback. However, Collin didn't give up and helped him get a role, pulling him back.
He saved his life twice, and Axel felt blessed that he had a friend like Collin, a friend he never thought he deserved but was grateful to have.
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