Behind The Spotlight Chapter 148
So far, Love Everywhere had been topping the charts in many countries. The song echoed across radios, its melody lingering in the minds of listeners. Princess Chantal's charming voice, paired with Niko's composition, made the song a huge success.
Two talented people had worked together to create Love Everywhere, and Collin wasn't surprised that it became a hit. He felt a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing that his gamble on Chantal had paid off.
At the moment, Princess Chantal was incredibly busy attending shows and singing at various venues. Her schedule was packed, hopping from one city to another. Moonrise Music was also hard at work promoting her upcoming album, which would feature six songs including Love Everywhere. All of the tracks were written and composed by Niko, most of them in the pop genre.
The record label invested heavily in her album, producing music videos for every song. Each shoot was extravagant and expensive. They were going all out to ensure Princess Chantal's debut album made a strong impact.
Furthermore, Moonrise Music was planning to rent a concert venue next month, April, for her first solo concert. It was expected to be a spectacle. If the concert proved successful, the label would officially launch a national tour. That meant Princess Chantal's schedule would soon be even busier than an actor's.
Moonrise Music wanted to take advantage of her explosive debut to etch her name into the public's mind. They were ready to spend money to make her a star. To them, she wasn't just a singer, she was a brand, the next global pop phenomenon.
Collin could already see his earnings piling up. A small grin tugged at his lips, his mind calculating the numbers, deals, and future projects. By the way, only a few people knew that Collin was a shareholder of Moonrise Music. Not even Arnold knew about this fact.
'Now that I think about it, why don't I look for more talented singers and sign them to Moonrise Music? That way, our label will have a great lineup of musicians.' Collin slightly grinned at the thought, though he knew how rare truly gifted singers were.
"Hey, why are you grinning like that? You look like a creep!"
"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about how stupid you are for believing you'll get lucky by pinching me."
"I have nothing to lose. I just pinched you."
"You bastard, it was painful."
"Alright, let's stop this useless banter. Congratulations on having a new star to milk."
"Arnold, the way you said that is disgusting... but I won't deny it. I'm happy that I have another client who brings in money." Collin laughed, rubbing the back of his neck with a smirk.
"We're both agents. I know exactly what's going through your mind." Arnold shrugged. He was also interested in finding a singer, but he knew how difficult it was to discover someone truly talented. Besides, he wasn't an expert, the agents in the music department handled that business.
"The music department isn't pestering you?" Arnold suddenly asked.
"Fuck them." Collin's expression darkened instantly.
"Seems like they are pestering you."
Collin was an agent in the film department, so his usual clients were actors and directors. Of course, he wasn't prohibited from signing singers if he wanted to. It was just tougher since his expertise wasn't in music. That was why he was grateful for Moonrise Music, a label that was hands-on with its artist.
As for the music department, the moment Princess Chantal became famous, agents from that division started giving Collin bitter looks and fake smiles.
An executive even approached him, suggesting that Princess Chantal's contract should be transferred to the music department since "they knew the industry better."
Collin was deeply offended and kicked the executive out of his office. He wasn't one to tolerate greed, especially from people trying to steal the fruits of his hard work. He had spent months building Chantal's career, and now that she was successful, these vultures wanted to claim the credit.
Even the President of Talent Management and Representation, the most influential agent in ANT, that old bastard, had started eyeing Collin's clients.
Of course, Collin refused. Since then, the music department had resented him.
ANT had three main departments focusing on different industries: film, music, and sports. These three fields all required agents, so ANT naturally covered them. But since the headquarters were in Los Angeles, their biggest market was the film industry. The film department always got the most attention, followed by music, then sports.
"Let's not talk about those bastards in the music department. I'm getting pissed just hearing their names. So, what's the reason you're here? What do you want to tell me?" He exhaled and leaned back in his chair, forcing himself to relax.
"For clarification, my office is on the 8th floor, so I have a higher status than you."
"I know. Just tell me what you've got." Collin sighed, already used to Arnold's antics.
"You know Ray Reno, right?" Arnold asked.
"Of course. He's the host of The Tonight Show with Ray Reno. Why?"
"His show is looking for a host for three weeks. Two years ago, you asked me if I knew of a hosting gig for your actress. Well, now I do."
"Really!? The Tonight Show!?" Collin's voice rose with excitement. His usual calm demeanor cracked.
"Here's what I found, Ray Reno is recuperating from surgery and needs at least three weeks before he can return to work. The director of The Tonight Show is a client of ANT, and he's looking for someone to fill in for 15 episodes, five episodes per week."
"Arnold, this is huge. Thank you, this means a lot to me." Collin's tone carried genuine gratitude.
"I know, that's why I came straight to you when I heard. It's up to you to convince the director and producer."
"If Jolyne or Brody ever needs to work with Wyatt, just call me. Consider it done." Collin smiled, meaning every word. He was a man who never forgot favors, especially ones that could turn into golden opportunities.
"Nah, it's fine. My two actors are doing well. Jolyne will rest for a year because of her pregnancy, while Brody's career is steady."
"What about your horror director? I heard he's pitching a TV show to CBA Network. I can get Lawrence or Axel to do a cameo in one of the episodes."
"Now that's something I won't pass up. I'll call my director, maybe that'll help convince CBA Network. Thanks, Collin." Arnold's tone turned hopeful, his director had been struggling lately.
"I should be the one thanking you." Collin smiled, already planning his next move.
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[Author's Note: Thank you guys for all of your support.]