Behind The Spotlight Chapter 116
Just like that, March arrived.
Within the past few months, Collin's clients had been busy with their respective projects, each of them diving deeper into their careers.
Lawrence was working on Bride Runaway. So far, the project was already three-fourths done with its filming, and the production team was pushing hard to meet deadlines, juggling multiple sets, costumes, and late-night shoots. Being the lead actor of this romance movie, Lawrence had at least 80% of the total screentime. It was both a blessing and a curse since every expression, every misstep, would be scrutinized more than anyone else's. It also meant that he had to attend every single filming session, just like Jolyne Robs who, like him, barely had time to sleep and lived off endless cups of coffee just to keep her energy steady.
By the way, Collin still had no idea what was going on between Jolyne Robs and Arnold Johnson, though he occasionally caught subtle glances and unspoken tension between the two. Arnold kept quiet about it and never spoke of his clients, maintaining the professional conduct the industry demanded. An agent should never discuss the personal lives of clients with strangers, because one careless slip could ruin reputations and careers overnight.
Aside from Lawrence, Axel was also doing well. Even though his salary had dropped to $250,000 after the scandal, he was satisfied that he had landed another movie. In his heart, he knew that simply staying relevant after such a scandal was already a victory. Actually, his last film, Week On A Cruise Ship, had paid him $250,000 as well, and now his salary for Frightening Movie was the same, which gave him a strange sense of déjà vu. He felt like he had gone back to the time when he was still a nobody auditioning for Week On A Cruise Ship. He attended script readings and rehearsals without fail, notebook in hand and determination in his eyes. He never missed a session, even when he was exhausted, he dragged himself there, unwilling to risk missing a single chance to prove himself. He treated this opportunity as if the role itself were his lifeline in a ruthless industry.
As for Wyatt, the director of Frightening Movie, he was working closely with both Axel and Henry. He often stayed up until dawn fine-tuning details and discussing scenes over take-out meals. Being the director, he had to be present all the time and oversee the progress of pre-production, from costume fittings to location scouting. His schedule was packed to the brim. Thankfully, Henry Greyson's last project with Director Esteban had ended a few weeks ago, giving him some space to breathe. For now, he didn't have too many responsibilities, which was a rare relief.
As for Jennifer...
"My job is done at last, fuck yeah."
Jennifer exhaled as she sat across from Collin. Her job as the host of The Singing Voice was finally over, at least for now, and she could at last sleep without memorizing cue cards or worrying about last-minute script changes.
"Congratulations. The Singing Voice is a massive success. The last episode got a huge rating, 34 million people watched it. Your hosting was a big factor in that. You carried yourself with confidence, and even the sponsors have been showering us with praise." Collin smiled. He had no reason to lie.
The two were speaking in Collin's office.
Jennifer had worked hard hosting the competition and deserved the recognition. She carried herself with grace on stage, even when she was crumbling off-camera.
The Singing Voice was one of the most successful talent shows on television in recent years, so much so that rival networks were scrambling to copy its formula. Many networks were already considering launching their own singing competitions, hoping to grab a slice of the market. Maybe they'd title it something like American Singing Idol or X-Factory... definitely not a cheap knock-off.
"That's right, I worked hard, and damn, it feels good to finally be recognized." Jennifer grinned, happy to be acknowledged.
"Since I did great, how about giving me a cigarette? I forgot mine, and I'm dying for just one puff." She wiggled her fingers, itching for a smoke, her body restless at the very thought.
"You know I don't smoke. Besides, I already told you, you should stop. It's not good for your health."
"Shut your bitch ass up. You're not my mom, so stop nagging me like one." Jennifer clicked her tongue in irritation, though her faint smirk betrayed she was teasing.
She knew smoking was bad, but she couldn't help it. She wasn't a heavy smoker, but when she started hosting The Singing Voice, the hectic schedule wore her down. Anxiety often followed her after the cameras stopped rolling, and cigarettes became her quick escape. After a month of smoking, it became hard to stop. Every attempt to quit ended in cravings and irritability.
Out of all of Collin's clients, only Axel wasn't smoking, which was ironic, considering his life had been the most stressful lately. Collin shook his head.
"Why are you so concerned about my smoking habits when I never asked you to play doctor?"
"I'm your agent. That means I get to nag if it keeps you alive long enough to keep making money."
"And? Fuck off."
"It's really a miracle how you never swear while hosting the show. You didn't even grow up in the ghetto; you're from a gated neighborhood. Where did you even learn to curse like that?" Collin asked, still impressed by Jennifer's sailor mouth.
"Of course I didn't swear. That would cost me my job. Especially the last five episodes, they were broadcast live. I had to be mindful of every word. Every second felt like walking on eggshells." She scoffed.
"You didn't answer my question, though. Where did you learn to speak like that?"
"It's none of your business, so drop it before I really start swearing."
Jennifer didn't want to admit that she had been depressed in middle school after her older brother died. The pain of losing him had twisted her, pushing her toward the wrong crowd. She learned to swear and curse as if every ugly word was armor against the world.
Her parents had been heartbroken, but Jennifer ignored them and continued down a reckless path, skipping school, sneaking out late, disregarding every warning sign. Thankfully, she eventually realized her mistakes and chose to follow her dreams instead of self-destruction. Still, she had a hard time letting go of her foul mouth, just as she couldn't shake her new addiction to cigarettes.
"Collin, you really don't have any cigarettes? Please, I just need one. I swear."
"I have chewing gum, if that counts as comfort."
"You're useless. I'd suck a cock for a cigarette, and I'm not even kidding right now."
"Thank God we're talking in my office. If you said that in public, I don't know what would happen. Jennifer, you need to tone down your foul words. That can affect your career. If the cameras ever catch the real you, people won't forget it. Especially now that you're hosting a singing competition."
"... I'll try, but don't expect miracles overnight."
"So, when's season 2 going to start?"
Since The Singing Voice was a hit, the TV network had no problem renewing the contract, this time with even bigger sponsors lining up. The profits were huge, securing its spot as the flagship program for next year. They also made a fortune from advertisements, merchandise, and sold-out live audience tickets.
As for Jennifer, she earned $264,000 from hosting the show's 22 episodes. Her salary per episode was $12,000, a life-changing sum for most.
Jennifer was happy with her earnings, but she also wanted more. In this business, satisfaction never lasted long. Unfortunately, profit-sharing worked differently in TV shows than in movies, so Jennifer received no bonus. Despite her success, it left a bittersweet taste.
"You don't have any projects for me? Season 2 won't start until September, so I have a few months free. And I'm not the type to sit around doing nothing," Jennifer said.
"Take it slow. Go on vacation or something before you burn yourself out."
"So you don't have a job for me?"
"Yeah, I don't. Even if I auditioned you for a movie, you'd probably get rejected—Ack! Why did you do that? That's assault. You almost hit me!"
Jennifer had thrown a pen at Collin, and he barely dodged it.