Behind The Spotlight Chapter 126
Because the performance of Bride Runaway had been a success on its opening weekend, Wash Dismay Studio intensified the movie's promotion with an even more aggressive campaign.
Almost every television channel aired the trailer repeatedly, sometimes two or three times within a single hour, ensuring that no one could escape hearing about the film. Newspapers were just as relentless, covering the movie, its cast, and related stories to make a strong statement.
The production showed no concern for respecting Jolyne's recent abduction incident. It was shameless, but in the film industry, such ruthless tactics were common, just another way to create hype. They repeatedly recycled old articles and footage, refreshed audiences on past news, and even generated new headlines linking her trauma to the film's release.
Of course, they didn't blame Jolyne or tarnish her reputation. Every news article sympathized with her, portraying her as a strong, resilient woman who continued working despite everything. Wash Dismay Studio simply wanted publicity for Bride Runaway. Since Jolyne had already signed a better contract, ensuring her reputation remained intact, she professionally went along with the studio's promotional strategy.
And their method worked. After ten days of screening, the film grossed $93 million at the North American box office.
The cast appeared on talk shows and interviews one after another, hopping from television studios to radio stations. Jolyne and Lawrence, in particular, were featured together on many programs.
"Bro, why are you staring at my client like you want to kill him?"
Collin frowned as he noticed Arnold glaring at Lawrence. The two agents stood in the corner of the Saturday Night Show studio, where the atmosphere buzzed with energy from the live audience. They were watching Lawrence and Jolyne perform a comedic skit that had the crowd roaring with laughter.
"Because I want to beat your client," Arnold said, clenching his fist.
"Arnold, you're crazy. You rarely talk about your client, so I assumed your relationship with Jolyne never happened." Collin lowered his voice so only Arnold could hear, sneaking cautious glances at the nearby staff.
"But after seeing your reaction tonight, bro, I think you need to chill. Tell me, you didn't break up with your girlfriend because of Jolyne, right?"
Collin wasn't naive. He realized there was something between Jolyne and Arnold, but he hadn't expected it to escalate to the point of jeopardizing Arnold's career.
"You didn't break up with your girlfriend, who was a teacher, because of Jolyne, right?" he repeated, his tone sharper this time.
Arnold remained silent.
Collin sighed. He now knew the truth. That silence said it all.
"Did the executives know about this? You know relationships with our clients are strictly prohibited. We even signed contracts regarding this."
"I spoke to the CEO. I told him that Jolyne would find another agency if she ended our relationship. The CEO agreed, but we have to keep our relationship a secret," Arnold admitted.
"Am I hearing this correctly? You just threatened the CEO, Lila Seraphina?"
"So what?" Arnold's white talent shimmered faintly.
"So what, my ass. You don't even know if this relationship will last. What if Jolyne falls for someone else? Actresses often develop feelings for their male co-stars. What will happen to your professional relationship as her agent if you two break up?"
"That's why I'm thinking of punching your client."
"You're insane," Collin sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead as if trying to massage away a growing headache.
"I just pray this decision of yours doesn't end badly."
The two agents stayed quiet after that, watching the Saturday Night Show live in the studio while the audience continued cheering.
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The next day, Collin presented two scripts to Lawrence. Since the actor would finish promoting Bride Runaway in another month, it was time to line up another project that could continue his streak of successful films.
His short cameo in Wyatt's comedy film had been completed in just a day and barely felt like work.
Lawrence picked up the two scripts, reading them carefully with furrowed brows, his concentration fully on the pages.
"The first is from Director Thomas Summerbelt. He wants to work with you again."
Director Summerbelt had returned to the industry after a long hiatus, and his comeback had already attracted attention from critics and studios alike.
"Don't tell me he's working with Sonya-Collapse Studio?" Lawrence asked. There was no mention of the studio in the script.
"I'm also confused about that. Sonya-Collapse Studio expressed interest in working with him and even recommended Producer Harper to collaborate for the second time. However, Director Summerbelt did a 180 and chose 20th Centaur instead."
"Thank God," Lawrence sighed with relief. After working with many production teams, he considered Producer Harper one of the worst in the business.
If he were ranking producers, Jeremiah would be first, Harper dead last.
"Is there something I don't know?" Collin asked.
"You weren't in Bora Bora, so you haven't heard what the producer did, he just fucked around, quite literally" Lawrence said bluntly.
"I thought that was just a rumor," Collin replied, surprised.
"It's real. I can confirm it. I was there."
"So working with 20th Centaur is the right choice then."
"If Summerbelt had worked with Sonya-Collapse and Harper, I'd never work with him again." Lawrence shrugged, exuding self-assurance. His filmography was filled with blockbusters, giving him the freedom to be selective.
"I'll take Director Summerbelt's script," he confirmed. He trusted the director's talent and believed their collaboration would produce something remarkable.
As for the second script:
"It's from Whiner Bruh Studio. They're interested in working with you. I met the director, he seems great."
Collin didn't mention that the director had a reputation for making horror blockbusters. He had yellow talent.
"I've heard of him, but isn't he a horror director? Why is he venturing into romance?" Lawrence frowned as he scanned the story. Though it seemed promising, he doubted a horror director could deliver a successful romance.
"That, I don't know," Collin admitted honestly. Perhaps the director was branching into a new genre to broaden his creative range.
"I'll go with Director Summerbelt's script. This movie will release next year, right?"
"If the schedule works out."
No one could predict the future, after all.
"I want to do one movie per year. Anything more will take a toll on me." Lawrence now valued balance between career and personal life and was no longer eager to overwork.
"Alright."
"Collin, I want at least $15 million. If you can secure a box office share, even better."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Lawrence's salary as the male lead of Bride Runaway had been $15 million with no box office share. He secretly envied Jolyne, who had earned a share, especially as the film's success grew. Every additional million reminded him of the money he wasn't making.
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[Not related, but I want to say thank Lobotomy Kaisen is back! Let's gooo!]