Behind The Spotlight

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 31

Two days passed, and the private screening of The Accidental Wedding Crashers proceeded as scheduled.

Jennifer Randon wore a gorgeous smile as she entered the ANT Auditorium, her steps full of confidence and charm. She radiated excitement, dressed in her newest white sundress adorned with a floral design that fluttered lightly with her every movement. Her blonde, wavy hair bounced in perfect rhythm, making her look like a Disney princess walking through a garden.

The venue was still relatively empty, as the screening wouldn't start for another hour, plenty of time for guests to settle in and chat. The Auditorium was enormous, able to comfortably accommodate over 1,000 people, with room to spare.

The seats were color red, just like those found in cinemas. The projection screen was massive, 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide, a true giant, waiting to showcase the result of their hard work.

Four men, Collin, Axel, Wyatt, and Lawrence, were hard at work preparing for the screening, each with a mix of focused determination and simmering anxiety. Wyatt was stationed near the projector, carefully adjusting the 4-foot-long film reel like he was handling a priceless artifact.

The other three took care of more menial tasks such as carrying equipment and tidying up the venue to ensure everything ran smoothly.

All four had been involved in the project and gave their all without hesitation or complaint. They were nervous and excited. Though they had already seen the film and believed it was fantastic, they still had no idea how the studio representatives would respond to its bold humor.

"Hey guys!" Jennifer waved cheerfully at the four men, her energy as vibrant as ever.

The men all turned toward her simultaneously, momentarily halting their tasks. Jennifer looked stunning in her white floral sundress. Even the four men silently acknowledged her beauty, sneaking glances whenever she wasn't watching.

Her wavy blonde hair, dark brown eyes, and the beauty mark beneath her left eye, she was top-tier in appearance. A goddess incarnate...

Unfortunately.

"What the fuck are you doing, guys?"

Her filthy mouth completely betrayed her angelic image. She swore with the frequency of a sailor, never holding back.

The men immediately snapped out of their daze, shaking off the illusion like dreamers waking from a fantasy. Just moments ago, they were half-convinced Jennifer was wife material, but her uncensored words reminded them otherwise.

They returned to their tasks while Collin briefly explained what still needed to be done before the screening began.

After five months of working together, a solid camaraderie had formed between them. Especially Wyatt and Lawrence, the two newest clients Collin represented. Neither felt out of place within the team anymore.

"Jennifer, just sit down. You're dressed nicely today, and I bet you don't want to get dirty. We'll handle the grunt work," Collin said with a soft smile.

"Of course. I had no intention of helping in the first place. Why the fuck do you think I'd help?"

The four men sighed in unison. There was no such thing as a perfect person. Jennifer's stunning appearance was balanced, but cursed by a mouth that could kill any romantic fantasy instantly.

As the minutes passed, more guests began to arrive, gradually filling the once-empty rows. Some members of the cast offered to help with the preparations, but Collin turned them down. They were dressed formally, just like Jennifer, and he didn't want to risk them ruining their outfits.

Once everything was in place, Collin and the others excused themselves to change into appropriate attire for the big event. For Collin especially, it was important. He would be speaking to many industry professionals and had to leave a solid impression.

Collin was also deeply grateful that Lila didn't assign a sales agent to negotiate the movie's deal. If she had, he would've lost a huge amount of earning. A sales agent would take over negotiations, leaving Collin with only a tiny share of the commission after all his effort.

The standard commission rate was 10%, with 3% going to ANT, and 7% to the sales agent. That would've left Collin with just a modest $50,000 to $70,000, depending on how generous ANT felt like being. It wouldn't be nearly enough for the work he'd done.

Fortunately, that scenario didn't happen. Collin was still handling negotiations himself, which meant he would receive a proper share of the reward.

"On top of that, I also have a 30% profit share in the movie for working as a producer."

He and Wyatt had agreed on that early in the project. After they secured funding from William Edward, Collin officially stepped into the producer's role and took full responsibility for the project. In return, he'd receive 30% of the movie's profit, a fair deal considering the sacrifices he made.

The final breakdown was:

30% for William Edward

30% for Collin East

40% for Wyatt Bray

There were no disputes. Everyone knew the contributions each person brought. Collin was the one who found the investor, pitched the idea, and sealed the deal. His role was essential to bringing the movie to life.

When the four men returned in nice suits, the auditorium was 60% full. Guests filled the space with quiet chatter and curious glances.

Collin looked around and saw Jennifer talking to members of the cast in the fourth row, she had saved four seats for them.

The rest of the audience included studio representatives Collin had contacted earlier. They were scattered across the auditorium, some near the front, others in the back or middle, each with their preferred viewing spot.

Collin also spotted William Edward seated beside Lila Seraphina. The CEO was engaged in conversation with a small group while William quietly observed the room, his presence quiet and watchful.

More guests continued arriving, gradually transforming the once-sparse venue into a lively gathering.

.........
......
...

Emmanuel and his supervisor, Taylor, entered the ANT Auditorium. The two were visibly surprised by how many people had already gathered before the screening had even begun.

"Maybe you haven't heard yet, but the new CEO has been promoting this movie. That alone shows the film has potential," Taylor said, nodding thoughtfully.

A lot had happened in the last two days, momentum was building quickly.

"Did you get any information about the movie?" Taylor asked.

"I did. It's a comedy, and it's rated R," Emmanuel replied, flipping through his notepad.

Taylor nodded as they located seats, settling in the middle-center row, the optimal spot for viewing. Not too close to overwhelm, not too far to disconnect. Just right for clarity and immersion.

"I heard the director is a recent graduate," Emmanuel added in a quieter tone.

"A new graduate?" Taylor's brow furrowed. His expectations began to dip. Typically, new graduates had to first work in the system, on various crews, learning the ropes, before getting the chance to direct their own project. Jumping straight into the director's chair was rare and often risky.

In most cases, films by fresh graduates were amateurish, burdened by inexperience and a lack of proper resources.

Taylor was now wondering if attending this screening was even worth his time. Maybe staying in the office would have been a better use of his day.

"They should've come to our studio instead of dragging us out here," Taylor grumbled, his voice tinged with growing annoyance. He preferred when producers showed up humbly, presenting their film directly, not hosting an event that could very well lead to disappointment.

"I heard the production budget was $300,000."

"Hmm. That's not bad for a first-time indie. If the film turns out passable, we can probably offer them $1 million to buy the distribution and copyright rights. Let's just hope it doesn't look like some film school project."

Low-budget films often lacked polish, depth, and professionalism. If this turned out to be another subpar project, it would be a frustrating waste of time and Taylor would not be quiet about it.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 32


The auditorium was already about 70% filled when the movie began screening. The lights dimmed gradually, and the massive screen lit up in a bright white glow. There was no logo at the beginning since the film was technically an indie production, made on a low budget with no official production company attached.

The names of the cast, producer, and director appeared slowly as the first scene began to unfold.

.........
......
...

When the troublemakers Sam and his best friend Jess accidentally crash the wrong wedding due to a misread map, they plan to sneak out unnoticed. But the groom begs them to stay, his best man and groomsmen were arrested for drug possession and... femboys.

Fortunately, Sam and Jess are mistaken for relatives and are swept enthusiastically into the celebration without question. Jess is pulled into solving wedding crises ranging from missing bouquets to wardrobe malfunctions, while Sam scams the guests with an impromptu, highly emotional speech.

Chaos escalates quickly, from flash mob dances at the after-party (where Grandma shakes her booty) to karaoke disasters that make guests cover their ears, and missing wedding party members who are too high on drugs to attend.

In the end, Sam and Jess are celebrated as heroes at the reception they were never invited to. There's laughter, dancing, and unexpected friendships forged through absurd circumstances. It's a fun, mature comedy about adventure, friendship, and finding joy in the most unlikely places.

.........
......
...

The 100-minute runtime finally ended.

The auditorium fell silent as if time had stopped. Just minutes earlier, the room echoed with laughter. But now, as the ending credits rolled, the audience was reminded why they had come to this screening in the first place.

They were stunned. For 100 minutes, they had forgotten their roles as industry professionals. The film had sucked them in like a vacuum. Such immersion was rare, only a handful of movies could achieve this.

Yes, the movie's mature themes and adult humor might not have been for everyone, but the jokes landed hard. They had laughed until they cried, holding their stomachs through uncontrollable fits of laughter.

The movie had exceeded all expectations. Deep within their professional instincts, they recognized it as something special. A rare gem in an oversaturated industry. Initially, they thought it might just be decent, perhaps good enough for a $1 million buy-out. But now they understood why ANT's new CEO personally endorsed the film and staked her reputation on it.

Even the stoic executives, the ones known for their humorless demeanors, were laughing. These were the people from the acquisition departments, individuals who had watched thousands of films and had become numb to most genres. Some of them had even lost the ability to laugh at comedies, seeing films not as entertainment but as marketable products.

But The Accidental Wedding Crashers broke through that hardened barrier. It stood far above the usual comedies they screened and dissected.

The room's energy shifted. People began glancing around. The earlier joy and laughter faded. The warm, jovial mood was gone, replaced by cold calculation. The auditorium now felt more like a negotiation room.

Collin swallowed hard, sensing the shift with every fiber of his being. Minutes ago, these people were roaring with laughter. Now, they were silent and unreadable, staring at each other like seasoned businessmen strategizing their next move.

Lila, sensing the tension and the inevitable power struggle forming, stood up and walked toward Collin with her usual grace and poise. Even in the dim auditorium lighting, her stunning smile was captivating as she adjusted her glasses.

She gently tapped Collin on the shoulder and whispered, "It's your turn now. Don't disappoint me. I've given you this opportunity, don't waste it." Her voice was soft but firm, laced with subtle authority.

Lila walked out of the auditorium with composed steps, motioning for William, who was hoping to stay and witness the negotiations to follow her. William hesitated. He wanted to remain and gauge the reactions firsthand. After all, he had a share in this film and wanted to know how much profit he stood to earn. This was his first venture in the entertainment industry, and he was understandably anxious.

Still, he followed Lila, knowing full well that someone like him, young and inexperienced, had no authority in a high-stakes business negotiation.

The two disappeared from the auditorium.

"…So that's the reason why," Collin realized, a dawning clarity washing over him.

Lila had chosen to hold a group screening at the auditorium and invited studio representatives all at once to protect the film from exploitation.

Had Collin chosen to visit studios one by one, there was a strong possibility he wouldn't have been allowed to leave the first studio he visited. He might've been stuck there until he signed a deal, never even reaching the second or third options. The first studio would've figuratively "kidnapped" him.

It sounded barbaric in theory, but money made people barbaric. That barbarism was just dressed up in contracts and etiquette.

In that kind of scenario, there was a very real risk of being tricked into an unfair deal. Even though Collin was confident in his mental and physical strength, it wouldn't be enough to walk out of a studio filled with lawyers and executives.

'Maybe that scenario sounds unlikely in normal business, but in this environment? These acquisition guys are crazy enough to pull it off for a movie like this.'

Peaceful negotiations? Wishful thinking. Not everything could be solved with diplomacy.

Ever heard about the missiles flying around lately, particularly in the Middle East? Yeah. World War 3 might be closer than you think.

Collin might not be dragged out in chains, but the studio would surely pamper him. Feed him delicious meals, offer luxury, and shower him with compliments, all in hopes of securing the deal quickly. It was all about money and control.

If Collin had been offered $1 million during such an encounter, he might've been tempted. That kind of money could instantly change his life. He could pay off his debts and still have around $800,000 left to start building his dreams.

But now, the situation had changed completely.

Contrary to what the studios thought, Collin held the upper hand. He had the leverage to choose which studio he would negotiate with, on his own terms. Naturally, he would select the one offering the best deal with the most benefits.

Why? Because the screening had occurred in an auditorium where multiple studio representatives watched and enjoyed the movie simultaneously. Its quality was undeniable. It would be foolish not to fight for it.

"Wyatt, take the others out of the auditorium," Collin instructed, his voice calm yet firm. "Make sure none of you introduce yourselves until we close a deal with one of them. And if someone approaches you, don't sign anything without my approval. I'll handle this."

Wyatt, sensing the seriousness in Collin's tone, nodded immediately. He didn't ask questions.

One by one, the cast quietly exited. No one in the audience stopped them, though the urge to engage them was obvious.

One by one, people in the audience stood with unreadable expressions.

In the film industry, profitability determines whether a movie is worth acquiring. Artistic merit is secondary to potential revenue.

And in this case, the representatives were already calculating the numbers.

This film, made with a modest $300,000 budget, had the potential to make at least $250 million worldwide.

That was 832 times the production budget, an astronomical 83,233% return on investment.

Of course they would go crazy for that kind of ROI. How many movies in the '90s could gross over $250 million in a single year, especially an R-rated comedy?

This film was about to become one of them.

An underdog, about to dominate the box office.
+++++
Lila Seraphina

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 33

"Everyone, I'm Collin East. The agent who will handle the negotiation." His voice echoed slightly, carrying a confident tone.

Collin swallowed hard as he saw people approaching him like waves crashing against the shore. It would be a lie to say he wasn't scared. Still, he was more nervous and excited than afraid, a strange mix of adrenaline and anticipation.

'The golden words... I think they are the epitome of talent.' That phrase echoed in his head.

He once thought that a person with golden words simply had amazing talent. But he was wrong. The golden words were more than that.

'I wonder what would happen if Lawrence starred in a romance movie. His talent is about the box office, after all.'

Could that movie gross over $1 billion? It was an absurd thought, but not an impossible one. No one knew the answer. Not yet.

Collin smiled with a slight upward curl of his lips. He had the kind of smile that could brighten a room, the best and most beautiful smile in his arsenal. He was a model, undoubtedly attractive, with classic good looks and natural charisma.

He often used this "model smile" to win over people in negotiations or during awkward conversations. Sometimes it worked, sometimes not, results varied. But no one could deny that a smiling face was far more welcome than a frowning one in almost any situation.

This time, however, the representatives who had attended the screening were well-experienced industry veterans. They wouldn't fall for beauty tricks or surface-level charm.

"Emmanuel, try to negotiate with this Collin guy. We can offer $10 million for a buy-out. If he has terms, handle them on your own. I'll go outside and call the Chairman or CEO. The signal here is bad," Tyler said in a fast, urgent tone.

"Yes, sir," Emmanuel replied with firm conviction.

Tyler Ryan, the supervisor of the Acquisition Department, stood and turned in a rush. He didn't bother walking, he sprinted out of the auditorium despite wearing stiff leather shoes unsuited for running. The slaps of his shoes echoed through the hallway.

He had seen the movie's potential reflected in every eye inside that room. It would be foolish to walk away without fighting for the acquisition, even if it cost a fortune. But he still had to talk to his bosses, the Chairman or CEO, to get the green light.

Wash Dismay Studio was one of the Big Six, Hollywood's major players. Their influence extended from theaters to TV networks. Usually, producers begged for their distribution, often with desperation in their tone. But The Accidental Wedding Crashers flipped the script. It was a rare film that reversed the balance of power.

Executives from rival studios had also watched the movie with equal intensity. Many had the same idea running through their heads. They would fight for the movie, if they could afford it and justify the bid to their superiors.

Like Tyler, several others also exited the auditorium to urgently call their bosses.

As someone in the acquisition department, Tyler knew the typical price tag for buying movies from unknown or independent sources. It hovered around $10 million, the same figure he mentioned to Emmanuel.

For a film produced for only $300,000, $10 million was a windfall. In any context, $10 million was a lot of money. Even billionaires would hesitate to drop that amount on a single, untested product.

Unfortunately, Tyler also knew that some movies demanded higher investments, regardless of budget ceilings.

Just last year, they had purchased an action film from an independent studio. The plot involved a bus with a bomb underneath. If the speed dropped below a certain threshold, the bomb would explode. A thrilling concept that held audiences spellbound.

That movie had cost them $45 million for full rights, including global distribution and copyright ownership. That deal turned out to be their best decision of the year. The film grossed over $526 million worldwide, surpassing every projection.

Tyler had only been part of the negotiation team during that acquisition. He hadn't initiated the deal, and so his personal bonus was modest. The executive who led the acquisition took most of the credit and the reward.

But now, things were different. If Tyler and Emmanuel successfully acquired this comedy, and it performed as expected at the box office, the bonus could be life-changing. He could finally pay off his housing loan.

Emmanuel would receive a share too, not a huge one, but enough to be satisfying.

Once Tyler stepped outside and saw that the signal had improved, he immediately dialed the Chairman's secretary. He needed authorization to increase their buying power. Their acquisition team could only greenlight purchases below $10 million, anything higher required corporate approval.

"Damn the new CEO of ANT! Why'd she have to make it difficult for us?" Tyler muttered as he paced outside, his voice tense with frustration. "She should've invited us one by one, not like this. Now the other studios are going to fight for this film, and the price is going to skyrocket."

Freed from the building's decorum, Tyler didn't hold back. He cursed under his breath while waiting for the call to connect, his eyes fixed impatiently on his phone screen.

.........
......
...

Meanwhile, inside the auditorium, a new scene unfolded.

"$3 million! We want to buy this movie for $3 million!"

A sudden outburst broke the silence.

A slightly overweight man with a receding hairline shouted confidently, trying to grab everyone's attention. He wasn't speaking only to Collin, it was as if he was making a public announcement.

"I heard this movie cost $300,000. Can you imagine the profit you'll earn from a $3 million deal? That's ten times your investment. The ROI is off the charts!" His voice cracked a bit from excitement, but his enthusiasm remained strong.

He used exaggerated hand gestures, explaining with dramatic flair. Sweat dripped down his face as people swarmed toward the center like bees drawn to honey. Not even the air conditioning could stop the room from heating up due to the crowd.

Collin smiled and nodded politely, careful not to reveal any of his thoughts.

"Actually, I'm thinking of only signing a distribution deal." His words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

"What? You're not selling the movie?" the man recoiled, clearly stunned.

"That's right," Collin replied, his tone diplomatic, but firm.

Upon hearing that, many attendees looked visibly disappointed. Their dreams of acquiring full ownership seemed to shatter in an instant. They had hoped to buy the movie outright, it was a better deal for them, both financially and strategically. Full ownership meant copyrights, videotape sales, broadcast rights, and potential sequels. Long-term profits would be entirely theirs.

It was far better than merely distributing the movie for a fraction of the earnings.

'I'm not stupid enough to sell the movie... unless they offer me $50 million in cash.' Collin thought to himself. From their reactions alone, it's obvious this movie will make a fortune at the box office.

It was far too valuable to let go easily.

This was likely the first and last time Collin would take on a job like this. He wasn't meant to be a producer.

This was exhausting on every level. Hundreds of people had circled around him, and it was getting harder to breathe. The pressure was immense and relentless.

Still, he remained grateful. He would never forget the opportunity Lila had given him. As overwhelming as this method was, it was better than being trapped in a studio and forced to sign a contract out of desperation.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 34


The people who attended the screening looked at each other in disbelief, their earlier confidence visibly shaken. They had thought they could buy the movie easily, like a grocery item. Suddenly, some of them hesitated as the reality of competition set in.

Emmanuel noticed this moment of uncertainty, the tension thick in the air, and approached Collin with purposeful strides.

"Then how about $8 million? Are you fine selling the movie for $8 million? We'll pay you in cash. We'll also handle the taxes." His tone was steady and persuasive, an attempt to mask his growing desperation.

Taxes were complicated and often a hidden landmine. Based on the amount they were discussing, Collin and the others might owe 30% of their income to the IRS, a significant blow to their earnings. If Emmanuel, the representative of Wash Dismay Studio, was telling the truth, the offer was at least worth considering.

Collin even paused for a moment, letting the numbers race through his mind, before shaking his head firmly. He believed their movie was worth more than $8 million, far more.

"Then how about $9 million!" someone shouted, louder and bolder than before.

"$9.3 million!" another voice called out from the back of the crowd.

"$9.5 million!" The tension was rising, nearly reaching a fever pitch.

"$10 million!" someone else blurted out, as the room practically erupted with energy.

Suddenly, it became an auction without rules, chaotic and intense.

Emmanuel could see their intentions clear as day in their greedy faces. He recognized some of the Big Six studios participating in this impromptu auction and knew the stakes were only rising.

He gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw in frustration.

"$12 million! My promise still stands, we'll handle the taxes. Come and take our hand. Wash Dismay Studio is the best studio in Hollywood. You don't want to waste this moment."

His voice rang with passion, but beneath it was something else.

There was a veiled threat, and Collin recognized it instantly.

'If we don't agree to sign a contract, they'll blacklist us,' Collin thought without surprise.

He almost laughed at the predictability. He'd heard this kind of threat many times, even in his old career. Some followed through. Others faked it to apply pressure. The fact that Collin was still standing, alive and well, meant these tactics rarely worked on him.

Besides, Emmanuel was just a nobody, despite how loud his voice was. He had no decision-making power in Wash Dismay Studio. He was just trying to act important. His words didn't represent the entire company and Collin wasn't so easily fooled.

Other people in the room sneered at Emmanuel's tactic with amused, mocking expressions.

"I'm sorry, but I'm not going to sell the movie. We're only looking for a distribution deal," Collin said, calm and resolute.

He shook his head with polite finality.

"Then how about $25 million!" a booming voice interrupted.

Tyler showed up, breathing heavily like a man who had just sprinted a 100-meter dash. He had just finished a call with the Chairman, who approved a $35 million budget to buy the movie. He had the green light he desperately needed.

The Chairman had said, "Don't fuck it up." A warning Tyler took seriously.

When Tyler announced his offer, murmurs spread like wildfire. A film that cost just $300,000 being offered $25 million felt like overkill, some even thought it was madness. A few whispered it was financial suicide.

Yes, the movie was profitable on paper and by performance. But buying it at such a high price could erase that low-budget advantage. If it underperformed, they could end up losing money.

"..." The room fell silent for a moment.

Collin was shaken by the offer. Even his heart nearly skipped a beat. He hadn't expected someone to offer $25 million so early or so aggressively.

'My joke about selling the movie for $50 million… I can't believe someone just offered half of that.'

"I'm sorry, but I still only want to sign a distribution deal." Collin's voice cracked slightly, but he recovered quickly.

"What!?" Tyler barked, frustration visible in the tight clench of his fists.

Tyler frowned and glanced at Emmanuel, who nodded reluctantly, as if conceding defeat.

Indeed, for a movie like this, retaining the copyright was the smartest choice. A long-term play for even greater rewards.

"Are you even sure your movie will make $25 million at the box office? Just take the money and let us do our job. $25 million isn't a small amount. Even if you sign a distribution deal, the most you'll probably earn is $20 million. That's because you'll only get a 30% share of the box office." His tone now blended logic with manipulation.

Tyler lied as naturally as he breathed, smooth and constant. He knew the movie's potential.

Let's say the film earned $150 million at the North American box office, a number that now seemed likely. The Cinema Alliance would take 40%, and the distribution studio would claim 30% as their fee, leaving 30% for Collin and the team.

30% of $150 million was $45 million in clean, cold cash. Just not today.

It meant Collin and the others could earn $45 million, almost double what Tyler was offering. But that money would take time to arrive, perhaps months, or even a year.

Still, in the rush of negotiations, Collin had forgotten this detail.

"You don't understand. Distributing a movie takes time. Screening takes time. Calculating the box office also takes time. You might earn more than $25 million, but it'll take at least a year or two." Tyler's voice softened slightly, sounding more like advice than pressure.

He was right. The box office wasn't a waterfall, it was a slow drip. The money would trickle in, not crash all at once. Collin and the others wouldn't see that hypothetical $45 million anytime soon.

"It's better to take the $25 million. At least you get the money today, no hassle, no waiting." Tyler ended with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

'Come on, take the fucking bait! The less money I spend, the bigger my bonus,' Tyler thought while trying to maintain a neutral face.

For every million he saved, he earned a 1% bonus, as per the Chairman's deal. If he locked in the deal at $25 million, he'd have $10 million left from the budget. That meant he'd take home $1 million himself and finally enter the elite bonus circle, because of the Chairman's personal promise.

Everyone in the room wanted to buy the movie for their own reasons, but distributing it wasn't a bad fallback. If it performed well, the studio would get a decent bonus, not massive, but enough to justify the effort.

"..." Collin remained silent, lost in thought.

Now Collin was hesitating, and it showed. He admitted to himself that he hadn't considered how slow the money would be in a distribution deal. He was paying attention to that detail now.

Truth be told, Collin wasn't a producer. He was a talent agent. He was used to negotiating contracts for actors, not facing off against greedy executives from the acquisition departments. Producers were the ones who knew how to talk to studios and decode the jargon.

"If you're not inclined to sell the movie, then that's fine. We can sign a distribution deal, you'll get 25% of the box office." Tyler shifted tactics, sensing Collin's wavering resolve.

Seeing that Collin was on the fence, Tyler realized that even a distribution deal was acceptable. As long as they secured the movie, whether through a full buyout or partial control, it was still a win.

"Before you make a decision, why don't you hear from the others? Maybe they can offer better conditions than Wash Dismay Studio." A calm, new voice broke the tension.

A figure stepped forward from the side of the room, commanding attention with quiet authority.

The people were stunned and began whispering immediately.

They hadn't expected to see...

+++++

[I found out that Patreon actually allows discounts, and this is my first time offering one. The first ten subscribers will receive a 50% discount on my highest tier, which includes all chapters of Hollywood What If (Completed) and 30 chapters of Behind The Spotlight. The promotion will end once ten patrons have subscribed.]

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 35

The man was quite old, perhaps in his 60s, with silver strands of hair brushed neatly back and sharp eyes that gleamed with calculation. However, he had the aura of a leader, a commanding presence that drew everyone's attention the moment he stepped in. His posture and demeanor spoke for themselves, exuding decades of authority and experience.

And sure enough, he was a leader in every sense of the word, someone who didn't need to announce his title to be respected.

The crowd began murmuring in hushed tones, their voices filled with shock and curiosity. They hadn't expected to see one of Hollywood's titans attend such a small screening.

"Why is the CEO of Uni-versus Pictures here?" someone whispered, wide-eyed.

"Yeah, I thought only people from the acquisition and production departments came. Maybe some executives, but the CEO is different."

"Tch, fucking old man. Should've died from a heart attack already," a bitter voice muttered, full of envy and spite.

The people started speaking more freely now, emboldened by the unusual tension.

The CEO of Uni-versus Pictures, Berry Cruz, remained entirely unfazed. He stood composed like a statue carved from calm stone. There was no reason for him to mingle with people in what he considered the lower caste of the film hierarchy. He simply kept his smile as he addressed Collin, a smile that seemed warm but was hard to read.

"Young man, your client is the one who filmed this movie, right?" Berry asked, his tone calm yet direct.

"That's right." Collin nodded politely, maintaining professional composure. He was surprised that the CEO of such a major corporation had actually watched their film in person rather than delegating the task like most top executives would. He knew who Berry Cruz was long before this moment, he'd seen his photos in newspapers and magazines.

Fortunately, Collin had experience speaking to a certain CEO, so he wasn't nervous. He wasn't like the man who once trembled in front of Lila. Perhaps he'd developed tolerance.

Collin studied the old man with the practiced eye of someone who had learned to read people. He was good at sensing whether someone was bad news, a survival skill he'd mastered over the years. It was why he could find the "right" people. Unfortunately, there were still moments when he placed trust in the wrong people, a flaw he hadn't fully corrected.

Based on his gut feeling, Berry Cruz was a dangerous and calculating man who hid his true intentions well, but he wasn't bad news, at least not at this moment.

'Unlike these people here...' Collin glanced at the representatives from Wash Dismay, who were eyeing him with thinly veiled hostility. He could feel the bad vibes radiating from them, and his instincts were rarely wrong. That was also one reason he was hesitant to sign a deal with them, despite their increasingly generous offers.

"I see, I see. Your client is talented, I can see his potential. Looks like your career's going to be interesting." The old man nodded with a knowing smile, as if already planning several steps ahead.

"Well then, since this young man says he's only interested in a distribution deal, why don't we offer him our propositions?" Berry turned to the crowd with the poise of a ringmaster inviting competition.

The others nodded and agreed, reluctantly at first, then with growing enthusiasm. With one of Hollywood's elite present, no one wanted to overstep.

In this industry, connections often mattered more than merit, and the film world was a small circle. Showing disrespect could mean being blacklisted, so they held their tongues and postured carefully.

"We'll distribute your movie for 40% of the box office share as a distribution fee!" a sharp-suited man declared, breaking the silence.

Another raised his voice confidently.

"38%, but you'll provide the promotion budget!"

"35% of the box office shares as our distribution fee!" someone yelled from the back, hoping to be heard.

"33%! But you must introduce us to one of your female clients, must be a virgin!" another said with a sleazy grin, earning several glares.

Hearing these offers, Collin couldn't help but frown in disgust and disbelief. Some were outrageous, even offensive, and couldn't be fulfilled even if he wanted to.

He glanced again at the Wash Dismay representatives to gauge their next move. Taylor wore a thoughtful expression as he bit his lip, clearly deep in mental calculations.

"30% box office share as our distribution fee," Taylor said. "But the director must sign a single-picture contract with us for a maximum salary of $1 million. Think about it, your client gets an automatic project and a million-dollar paycheck. You'll earn 10% commission from that." Taylor tried to sound casual despite the desperation beneath his pitch.

He was dead serious about this movie. He recognized that the director had a unique talent for comedy, particularly in pacing and timing, that was marketable. The movie's biggest strength was how it handled humor.

Collin listened to every offer without reacting too strongly. Some were decent, promising even, but he was still waiting for the right one, one that checked both the emotional and financial boxes. As a talent agent, he had to be shameless. His job wasn't just to close good deals, it was to get the best deals. He wanted more money, always more, if possible.

If Taylor had increased the salary to $2 million, Collin might have accepted without blinking.

Then, Collin turned his eyes to the old man, studying him with focused curiosity. Most of the representatives had shouted out their offers, proud and loud. But Berry, the CEO of Uni-versus Pictures, had yet to speak. His silence made his presence even more commanding.

The old man smiled in a way that quieted the room.

"We will distribute your movie for a 30% box office share as our distribution fee," Berry began. "In addition, Uni-versus Pictures will pay $2 million if you sign a contract stating that any sequels of The Accidental Wedding Crashers will be distributed only by Uni-versus Pictures. The distribution fee will remain 30%."

His voice was even, but his words landed like iron weights.

"Deal." Collin responded immediately, without hesitation.

There was no reason to hesitate. This was the offer he had been waiting for. He extended his hand, and the old CEO laughed heartily as he shook it.

"Young man, it seems like you know what you're doing," Berry grinned, as if he'd just discovered a promising star.

"I still need to learn from you." Collin returned the grin.

Their smiles reflected mutual respect, sealed by a handshake.

"Then how about we contact our respective lawyers and discuss the details?" Berry suggested, his tone making the upcoming meeting sound more like a celebration than a negotiation.

Collin left the auditorium, followed by Berry and his entourage. This marked the start of a great business cooperation, a deal that would echo through their careers for years.

.........

......

...

"God fucking damn it! Fucking shit! Fuck fuck fuck!!" Taylor's screams echoed like thunder down the alleyway.

He shouted as if the world had crumbled beneath him. Emmanuel stood by, witnessing his supervisor's meltdown behind the ANT building. Taylor's face was red, his forehead veins bulging from rage.

Taylor was livid because he had let a golden goose slip away and he had no one to blame but himself. On top of that, he earned nothing from the failed deal, making the loss all the more personal.

"Tch, fuck that old man!" he muttered bitterly, pacing like a caged animal.

Just like Taylor, Berry Cruz had recognized the potential of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, a film too good to pass up. He secured the distribution deal, including exclusive rights to the sequels, ensuring long-term gains.

Taylor and Berry both knew this movie had the potential to become a franchise, with multiple sequels, spin-offs, and even merchandise. That's why they fought so hard to gain control over it.

When they couldn't acquire the copyright, both settled for backup plans to still get a share of the profits.

Taylor tried to entice Collin with a future project tied to a guaranteed $1 million salary, hoping to bait him in.

Berry had a different strategy. Instead of attempting to buy the film, he offered a distribution deal paired with a $2 million payment and a contract securing exclusive sequel rights, a long-term play for IP control.

Sure, Uni-versus had to pay $2 million, but in return, they gained control over the potential franchise.

In the end, it was a win-win situation, no matter how bitter Taylor felt. Collin had just negotiated the biggest deal of his life, while Uni-versus Pictures secured distribution rights to a movie with franchise potential and a cult following.

A movie franchise was a studio's dream. A recurring revenue source that could be monetized for years through sequels, merchandise, and brand loyalty.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 36

"Sir... we need to return to the company." Emmanuel's voice was barely above a whisper, careful not to trigger another outburst.

Trying to erase his presence and pretend he wasn't even there, Emmanuel spoke meekly to Taylor, who was still mad as fuck, completely consumed by rage and frustration.

"...Alright, let's leave. Pwe—! Do they think that movie will perform well at the box office? An indie movie like that? Nope, it'll flop!" Taylor spat on the concrete with madness, as if spitting could somehow change the outcome.

'If it's going to fail, why did you try to buy it?' Emmanuel thought with a dry sigh, though he dared not say it out loud. He valued his job. Still, he knew exactly why Taylor was being bitter despite all his fake bravado.

The movie would undoubtedly make money at the box office. It had charm and originality. The only real question was: How much money would it make? Would it be a modest hit or a massive success?

No matter how many times Taylor insisted the movie would flop, deep down he knew that wasn't the case. Perhaps he was just hypnotizing himself, trying to cope with the embarrassment of losing.

.........

......

...

While many people were disappointed they couldn't buy the film and regretted missing a golden opportunity, Berry Cruz had already signed the contract and walked away with the deal sealed.

Collin signed the contract as the producer.

William signed as the investor who had taken a risk, and now saw the rewards coming.

Wyatt signed as the director, his hand shaking slightly from a mix of excitement and nerves.

The three of them signed the distribution deal, which also included the future distribution rights for possible sequels for $2 million in cold, hard, satisfying cash.

Out of the three, Berry was most interested in Wyatt Bray. His eyes subtly followed the young man the entire time.

"So, you're the director of The Accidental Wedding Crashers?"

"That's right, sir..." Wyatt answered, sweating under the pressure and the weight of attention from someone so high up. He had been on edge all day and now it was peaking.

"If you have a new project, feel free to contact our studio. Our doors are always open for you." Berry's words were soft but meaningful.

"Uhh, actually, I've been writing some—" Wyatt began nervously, but was cut off.

"We'll talk about that later," Collin immediately interjected, preventing Wyatt from saying too much.

He stepped in with a firm yet polite smile and tapped Wyatt's shoulder with a calm grip. Wyatt clearly wasn't a strong negotiator, and Collin had learned that today. If Wyatt spoke further, he might get pulled into the pit of corporate greed disguised as opportunity.

Collin nodded at Berry with professional courtesy, and the old man returned the gesture with the faintest smirk.

The lawyers concluded that the transaction was valid and legal before everyone parted with firm handshakes and satisfied expressions. The money was wired to William's bank account without delay.

When the funds arrived, everyone grinned from ear to ear, like kids receiving Christmas candy.

.........

......

...

"Sir... why did you sign a distribution deal for a sequel that hasn't even been made yet? Isn't that a waste?" the young secretary asked with honest curiosity and a touch of confusion.

Once Berry and his entourage entered the limousine, lined with black leather and tinted windows, the male secretary finally asked the question he'd been holding back since the meeting ended.

"Well... how should I explain it... Have you ever seen Mary Monro, the goddess of 1950s Hollywood?" Berry asked, his eyes glinting with nostalgia.

"No, sir. I wasn't born yet," the secretary replied awkwardly.

"I see... Damn, I'm getting old. Too old to expect people to remember the legends I grew up with. But you've seen Elvys Presli, right?"

"Sir... I was just a kid when Elvys passed. Unfortunately, I never got to see him perform." The young man answered with regret.

"That's unfortunate. Elvys had a charisma that could silence a stadium with a single note. Then surely you've seen Jackson Mike, the King of Pop," Berry said, leaning forward.

Others in the limousine nodded, listening to the conversation with a mix of reverence and fascination.

"Of course, sir. I've seen his concerts. They were amazing, out of this world." The secretary replied with genuine admiration.

"Indeed. Those three had incredible charisma and unique talents, impossible to replicate. There's only one King of Pop. They had the X-factor, the ability to attract millions just by existing."

"Does that mean this movie has the X-factor?" the secretary asked, intrigued.

"That's right. But more precisely, the director has it. A spark. A unique vision capable of leading a generation," Berry replied. "I've been in this industry for four decades. My judgment was honed through failure, luck, and instinct. That director has endless potential and it would be foolish not to recognize it. The reason I signed that deal and paid good money was to leave a strong impression before any other studio does... That director, we can milk him dry."

Berry grinned, and the others smiled too with the shared understanding of opportunity wrapped in ruthlessness.

In this industry, the biggest factor in a movie's financial success was the director, the one who shaped the vision and tone. Talented directors were in high demand, and studios would pay millions just to secure one with a proven box office record. There was nothing unethical in Uni-versus Pictures' plan, it was just business, not charity.

If Wyatt truly had the X-factor for comedy and could connect with audiences, then Berry had every reason to secure a relationship with him, before someone else did.

"We don't have a movie scheduled for the last week of October, right?" Berry asked, flipping through his internal calendar.

"Yes, sir. We're actually looking for a film to fill that slot. It would be a waste not to release something near Halloween," the secretary replied, ready with information.

"Then let's release The Accidental Wedding Crashers in that week. With some luck, its comedic charm could carry it through Thanksgiving," Berry said with calm authority.

"That would be amazing, sir," the secretary nodded.

"That's right."

Berry Cruz gave a weak smile as he stared out the window, watching the streets blur by. He felt lucky he had listened to Lila this time. Despite her youth, she was more calculating and cunning than many veterans he had met. At least her agency and his studio had another project lined up and a potential future alliance. It was a win-win for both parties in every practical sense.

A few weeks from now, Berry Cruz would find out that his instinct had been absolutely right.

.........

......

...

"Cheers!" William's voice rang out, brimming with youth and excitement.

"Guys, don't be shy! Today's on me! Hahaha!" he laughed with a wide grin, lifting his glass high.

William Edward cheerfully raised his root beer, foam spilling slightly over the top. He still needed to be 21 to drink alcohol legally.

He was obviously ecstatic. His investment had paid off, and in record time. In just six months, he saw a return faster than most investors could dream of and this was only the beginning.

When the money arrived, Collin, William, and Wyatt sat down to discuss the division seriously. No jokes. No drinks. Just pure business.

From the $2 million, expenses and commissions had to be deducted first. A standard procedure.

William invested $300,000.

Collin received a 10% commission on the $2 million as part of his contract.

They also paid $10,000 for use of the auditorium that helped secure the deal. It wasn't free, and came with lighting and operational fees.

That was $510,000 in expenses deducted upfront.

The remaining $1,490,000 was clean, pure profit. They then decided to give $90,000 as a bonus to the cast and crew, both to express gratitude and build future goodwill.

That left $1,400,000 to divide based on their pre-agreed shares.

William held 30% as the financial backer.

Collin also had 30% for managing the project and negotiations.

Wyatt had 40% as the creative head and director of the film.

After the math was done, the final outcome was more than satisfying:

William Edward earned $420,000 in one shot.

Collin East earned $420,000 as both agent and producer.

Wyatt Bray earned $560,000 from his directing debut.

The moment the money hit their bank accounts, they grinned like fools. Completely overwhelmed with joy.

Naturally, William was so thrilled that he treated everyone to Korean barbecue and promised to pay for drinks too.

+++++

[There are still 3 slots remaining for the 50% discount. I'll end the promo tomorrow morning once I wake up.]

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 37

"Don't be shy! Let's all drink! Cheers!!" William shouted with infectious energy, his voice booming across the lively restaurant.

He raised his beer, root beer, to be precise. He was only 18 and had to be 21 to drink alcohol, a fact that frustrated him endlessly.

Even though the $420,000 he earned was nothing compared to his monthly allowance from his wealthy family, William understood this money was different. This was his first investment, and it had succeeded because of his decision-making. It was hard-earned money, the result of a gut decision and a bit of networking from Lila. He was celebrating his first step toward becoming someone independent from his family legacy.

Now, William realized there was potential in the film industry. A space filled with risk, but also massive rewards.

'Perhaps... perhaps I could work in this industry instead of fighting for control of my father's company,' something he secretly dreaded. He knew his capabilities and more importantly, he knew his limitations.

'Maybe I can work as a producer instead. I'll invest in my own projects and own the copyrights. I'll profit from that,' William mused, confidence growing in his chest.

After signing the deal with Wyatt and Collin, the young man began studying the film industry during his free time between college classes. He felt like he had a real shot in this business.

'I'll apply for a Film Major later. It's just the start of the school year, and I still have time to catch up if I change my major before the second semester begins,' William Edward nodded to himself, already imagining the next step.

"Cheers!" he said again, clinking his glass with anyone nearby.

The crew and cast smiled and raised their own glasses of alcohol, joining the celebratory chorus. Everyone was happy. They received a bonus today, and they knew it was well-deserved. Most of the crew and cast had attended the small screening to watch the movie and see how their efforts had paid off.

A few didn't attend due to family responsibilities, prior commitments, or other gigs. Of course, their bonuses were in Collin's hands. As the producer, he took that responsibility seriously. He would contact them tomorrow and hand over their shares in person.

This was just the beginning of their earnings. The real payday was still ahead. The box office run for The Accidental Wedding Crashers would begin in a few weeks, and once the revenue started coming in, they'd receive another round of bonuses, perhaps with more recognition.

Collin had told Wyatt that if he was serious about filmmaking, he should build a close relationship with the crew who helped bring his vision to life. This was a team Collin had carefully selected, believing in their talent and credibility despite their lack of formal accolades.

In fact, throughout the entire production, none of the crew members caused drama or used drugs, a miracle in an industry infamous for chaos. Collin had always trusted his instincts about people, and he was rarely wrong.

The best way to form relationships with the crew was through generosity and acknowledgment. Since the film had earned money, the crew and cast deserved their fair share. After all, they contributed with sweat, patience, and passion.

Filmmaking wasn't something that could be completed by a single person, especially not at this level of quality. Wyatt understood what Collin was trying to teach him, a valuable lesson.

He could see potential in the team they had formed, perhaps even the possibility of a lifelong partnership. Now that they'd taken the first step, he wanted to maintain that relationship and bring them along on future projects. They deserved every bit of today's bonus and more if things went well.

William chewed on barbecue, secretly tempted to drink alcohol. He wasn't an innocent boy, he had sipped alcohol at parties before. But the restaurant was near the ANT building, and too many familiar faces might walk by. So William decided to behave, for now. More than that, he was afraid Collin might snitch to Lila, and he didn't want to deal with her wrath.

As for Collin, he was deeply satisfied with how things turned out today, satisfied in a way words could hardly express. The negotiation had been tough, but that made the victory even sweeter.

In fact, the adrenaline from closing the deal had felt so incredible, he feared he might become addicted to the thrill. This was a different kind of high than what he'd felt in his first profession as a model. Negotiating with powerful people and still getting what he wanted? That kind of power made him grin inwardly. He realized he had the ability to move money and people with a single decision.

And the money he earned today? Fucking huge.

An amount he never imagined he'd have so soon. This was his first time closing a deal that brought in serious, life-changing cash.

$500,000. Half a million dollars sitting in his account.

'Half a million.' He wanted to scream but chose to drink instead.

Collin kept his composure as he chatted with others about movies, shows, and random jokes. But deep inside, he felt like he was floating, like he was drifting in the sky with no plans of coming down.

Let's do the math-thingy, or calculation, for a better term, because numbers made everything feel real.

This wasn't one of those happy-go-lucky novels where characters never talked about money and focused only on the "heartwarming" side of show business. No. This industry was powered by money.

First, Collin's commission was $200,000 from the deal. He earned $140,000 of that, with the remaining going to ANT as part of the agency's cut.

Then, there was the $420,000 from his profit share.

Collin had earned $560,000 today from a single business transaction.

'I don't care what happens, I'll pay off our debt and finally get that weight off my chest,' he thought, staring into his drink.

His family's debt had ballooned to over $200,000, haunting them for years. It was a massive burden, especially with interest piling up.

'Then I'll pay for my sister's college tuition, so she doesn't have to take student loans.'

The four-year course would cost about $25,000. Yes, it was much cheaper than the absurd costs seen in later decades. Inflation had screwed over many people.

Even after paying off those expenses, Collin would still have around $300,000 sitting in his account. That was still a lot. A life-changing amount for someone from his background. Honestly, he didn't even know how to spend that much, aside from paying bills and saving. For now, the money would remain untouched, like a warm safety blanket.

He also hadn't forgotten about taxes. Come April next year, he'd have to settle those too. And that would be another headache. But Collin was ready. He wasn't going to be one of those idiots who got destroyed by the IRS.

Anyway, today was a good day and nothing would ruin it... Right?

"Cheers!" he joined in.

They raised their glasses in unison, laughter filling the restaurant.

"Thanks for sharing your book! I promise I'll return it when I'm done. God, I don't even know where to find this genre. They're rare," Jennifer said, eyes sparkling.

"It's alright. If you want, I can share some of my collection with you but you also have to share your vampire collection with me," a crew member replied with a playful smirk.

"Fuck yeah, I'll do that."

Collin saw Jennifer, still in her white floral sundress, chatting excitedly with a female crew member. They were talking about books or something along those lines.

He glanced at the book in Jennifer's hand and casually squinted to read the title.

"The Alpha Rutted the Omega Till His Stomach Inflated..." Collin muttered under his breath, blinking in confusion. As for what it meant, he had no idea. He wasn't even sure he wanted to know. The words were too confusing, especially all strung together.

Alpha?

Omega?

Rutted?

Stomach inflation?

His?

No context could possibly save this.

Then, Collin noticed Axel entering the restaurant with a weary expression. He quietly took a seat at their table and began eating without saying a word.

'...Maybe he still hasn't found his ex-wife and son, despite all his efforts,' Collin thought as he sipped his drink.

As an agent, it was important to understand his clients' mindsets, to support them not just professionally, but on a human level. Collin knew Axel's circumstances and genuinely sympathized.

His eyes then shifted to Lawrence, who was already blending in with the others like a natural-born charmer. This man was Collin's fourth client, and the second golden talent he'd discovered through a simple audition.

'Now that The Accidental Wedding Crashers is done, I need to find jobs for my clients before they go stagnant. Especially Lawrence. I need to land him a romance movie where his charm can truly shine.'

Collin downed his alcohol, satisfaction bubbling in his chest.

The atmosphere tonight was electric.

It was a celebration well-earned.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 38


Dee hugged herself tightly against the chilly night breeze as she walked out of the café. Her car had broken down two days ago, and she'd sent it to a repair shop two blocks from her apartment. The cost was at least $100, money she hadn't budgeted for this week.

Tonight, Dee had no choice but to call a taxi and silently cursed the unreliable, aging engine of her car. She found the fare expensive, but walking home alone in the dark was not an option.

While waiting, the door of the Korean barbecue restaurant next to the café swung open, letting out the rich scent of grilled meat.

A man exited and headed toward his car. He had drunk a few bottles of alcohol, but he was still sober enough to walk in a straight line and unlock his car with steady hands. He hadn't allowed himself to get drunk. He knew he had to drive and was responsible enough to respect his limits.

Most of the guests had already left the party. Collin, as usual, was the last to leave, ensuring that everyone got home safely before he departed.

Dee squinted curiously, tilting her head slightly.

"Is that Collin?" she asked herself, barely believing her eyes.

"H-Hey, Collin, is that you?" she called out, trying not to sound too eager.

She approached him with an awkward half-smile, attempting to play it cool. Her eyes subtly took in his appearance, his old but well-kept suit and his clean haircut.

She hated to admit it, but Collin was the kind of man most women wouldn't ignore. He wasn't the soft, idol-type handsome, instead, he had a rugged masculinity, a dangerous appeal. His green eyes were womb-stirring and unforgettable, especially when he looked at a woman with that sharp, analytical gaze, as if he could see straight through them.

Now, Dee felt that same old flutter in her stomach. Collin was like a hawk, staring at his prey with quiet intensity. The dim street only made his gaze feel sharper.

'If not for being poor, Collin would be perfect in every other way,' Dee thought.

He checked every box on her list except for financial security. And for her, that was non-negotiable. It was the very reason she'd rejected him, even if she was attracted to him.

"Dee, I haven't seen you in a while. It's been, what, months?"

Collin recognized her. His tone was neutral but slightly distant.

"I actually visited you some time ago, but you were busy or out of the office, I think." She stepped closer and realized he was tipsy, though his gaze was still razor-sharp.

"Yeah, I heard about that. They said you stopped by my office," Collin replied casually. He'd been too busy to give it much thought.

"Anyway, I have to go. It's been a long day."

"W-Wait, how about we talk for a few minutes? Just a quick catch-up. We can grab some coffee, my treat."

Dee was short on cash, but she went ahead and invited him anyway.

"Nah, it's alright. I'm busy, and I have some things to finish at home. Your café is already closed, and I doubt anything nearby is open at this hour."

"We can still talk. I heard you have a client who directed a movie. Why didn't you invite me? I thought we were friends?" Dee asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

She was actually upset but didn't explain further, her pride wouldn't let her. Her agent had questioned why she hadn't received an invite, assuming she and Collin were close.

Had Dee known that the film was screened in the auditorium today and earned $2 million, she might've clenched her teeth so hard her jaw would ache.

"Ah, about that, I didn't invite you because I had no reason to."

"Excuse me?" Her brows furrowed immediately.

"Dee, you have to understand something. We are not friends."

"But you pursued me?"

"Yes. And we were never friends. That's a fact."

"I said we could still be friends after I rejected you."

"And that's exactly when I stopped talking to you, because I don't want that."

"...So, you only wanted me for my body, is that it?" Dee bit her lip to keep it from trembling.

Collin glanced above her head and let out a soft chuckle, his eyes catching a faint glow.

"Your body? Yes and no. Before I met you, I was heartbroken and lost. But when I saw you smile as you handed me my order, my mind started imagining us married, having kids, living a happy life. It was delusional, a fantasy my broken heart clung to."

It was love at first sight, born from a desperate need to feel whole. A man falling in love too quickly, dreaming up a romantic comedy in his head. Yeah, we've all done that at least once in our lives, even if we don't admit it... right?

In the first place, does love at first sight even real?

"Then why not be friends?"

"Because I don't want to be your friend or your backup plan. When I first met you, you had a neutral intention. Not harmful, not helpful. But after I confessed and you rejected me, something changed. I felt a bad aura from you... that's when I realized you were thinking of using me. You don't want a friend, you want a servant. I'm not that guy. I never will be."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, her voice cracking with frustration.

"I just want to stay friends. Is that so bad?"

"I've moved on, so I don't care what you want anymore. Anyway, I'm leaving. Take care, Dee."

Collin smirked as he slid into his car and started the engine with steady hands. The word floating above Dee's head was almost laughably ironic, a cruel joke from fate. He laughed, not in mockery, but disbelief.

This was the second time his feelings had betrayed him in just a few years. He should've trusted his instincts from the start. If a woman exuded a bad aura, stay far away, no matter how pretty her smile.

—Dee Ceitful

—Deceitful (Yellow)

A yellow-colored talent, reeking of manipulation.

Collin's car sped off, leaving a trail of smoke and Dee standing speechless under the dim streetlight. She furiously wiped her tears, as if she could erase the shame along with them.

"Tch, your car's not even that nice! You should be thankful I tried to stay friends with you! Hah! You think you're better than me just because your client directed a movie!? Your movie will flop at the box office!" she screamed, her voice echoing down the empty street.

She only started yelling once the car was far enough that her words couldn't reach him. Her hands trembled with rage. She wanted to stay friends with Collin because he was a good friend, useful when things got rough. He also knew how to fix cars... and she desperately needed help with that.

Somehow, Dee felt like she had just lost something important, something she couldn't replace, as Collin's car disappeared into the night.

.........
......
...

"Congratulations. I heard you earned quite a chunk a few days ago. So, when are you treating me? There's a Korean barbecue place nearby that I've been eyeing all week," Arnold Johnson teased, flashing a grin.

"Why are you asking me for food? You're richer than I am."

"Of course you have to treat me. We've been brothers since high school."

"You just want a free meal and you're not even trying to hide it."

As expected from the shameless, cheapskate agent Arnold Johnson. Free is better than spending your own money.

"Okay, I'll treat you to that Korean barbecue."

Arnold had helped him find an investor for the movie, and that meant more to Collin than words could express. Treating him to dinner was the least he could do.

Honestly, Collin had even thought about buying Arnold a nice watch, but he'd probably just decline and call it too flashy. He was happy with some grilled beef and free drinks. He didn't help Collin for a reward, he helped because they were friends.

Arnold might be a cheapskate, but he wasn't greedy or selfish, not when it mattered. Seeing his friend succeed made him happy in a way only true friendship could. And hey, who didn't enjoy a free meal?

"Cool." Arnold rubbed his hands together like a cartoon villain.

"Thanks for helping me."

"You don't need to thank me. You did most of the work. You deserve everything you got."

Arnold didn't feel even a shred of regret for turning down Collin's offer to invest in Wyatt's movie. Not even a little. He'd been in the industry for years and had seen how fast things could go sideways. He knew the risks of investing in movies, no matter how promising they looked. Even now, if Collin asked again, Arnold would say no just as quickly. His strength wasn't investing, it was connecting people.

Arnold could make money without putting money on the line. And he was confident in that.

+++++

[Two chapters today.]

[Author's Note: I'm not sure if I can write two chapters every day, but I'll probably manage to do so most of the time, depending on how busy life gets. So I won't promise a specific number of chapters per week. I'll just make sure to post something every day.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 39

Even though The Accidental Wedding Crashers showed promise, Arnold's opinion remained unchanged no matter how much potential it had. He understood his profession down to its roots. He was an agent, not a producer or an investor who gambled with big checks. Let the professionals do their jobs, and he would do his as a talent agent.

"I guess you're not in a tight spot anymore, huh? Feels great, right?"

"Yeah, I paid off my debt earlier and distributed the bonuses to the crew members who didn't attend the screening yesterday. It was a huge relief."

"As it should be. That's part of being an agent. You need to maintain a strong relationship with them, especially if you're planning to form a production team for your client in the near future."

Collin nodded silently, acknowledging that Arnold had a point.

"I also bought a phone, finally."

"Really? Let me see it. You've done a lot in just one day. How can you even manage that? You're hardworking, I'll give you that."

"I'm just afraid the money might disappear before I can buy the things I really need," Collin said, pulling out his brand-new phone from the inside pocket of his blazer. A smirk played on his lips, like a kid proudly showing off a new toy.

He was genuinely excited about his new phone. It had games like Space Imppact and SSnake, which felt like a luxury.

"Oh, Mokia 2719, that's the latest model on the market. Looks like you're really taking this career seriously now that you've tasted real income."

"Of course. I earned more yesterday from one deal than I ever made in my entire modeling career."

For a talent agent, having a cellphone was crucial. It allowed him to be reachable at all times, even outside his office. This was essential in his line of work, which relied heavily on maintaining and expanding his network.

It was actually a bit embarrassing that he only got a cellphone now, after three years in the profession, when most agents bought theirs within a few months. But he was poor, and life hadn't been kind. He did his best to juggle his finances. On top of that, no bank would approve a loan for someone with a credit score as horrifying as his.

"How much did it cost?" Arnold asked, raising an eyebrow.

"$750," Collin said, flinching slightly.

"Sheesh, that's not cheap."

Even Arnold was impressed.

"What do you think? It's great, right?" Collin asked, grinning.

"Hey, I don't like that look on your face. You're starting to get cocky. Just because your phone is brand new and shiny? Let me show you mine."

Despite being a notorious cheapskate, Arnold always maintained a polished appearance like any respectable agent in the industry. His suits were expensive, and so was his phone.

Collin looked at it and couldn't help but admire it genuinely.

"Look at the subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh my God, it even has a watermark," he said, mimicking a certain sigma male from a famous cult film.

By the way, both of their phones were the slim type that fit in pockets without making unsightly bulges, because appearances mattered.

"Oh, I just remembered. Since you're here, I want you to take a look at something real quick."

Arnold shifted slightly and took out his wallet with a practiced motion. He showed Collin a picture of a man, like it was classified information.

"Okay... Who's this? Your lover?" Collin deadpanned.

"Do I look like I swing that way?" Arnold grimaced.

"I don't know. You tell me, you're full of surprises."

"Fuck off. That man is the producer from Jolyne's current project, and I don't trust his face. There's something off about him, but I can't figure out what. He keeps staring at Jolyne like she's a piece of meat."

"Then what's there to explain? He probably has a crush on your client and isn't hiding it well."

"Yeah, but I feel like it's more than that. Something deeper. You're good at reading people, maybe you can help me figure out what I'm missing."

"I need to see him in person. This photo's useless when it comes to picking up anything substantial."

"Just give it a try, will you? For peace of mind."

"Sigh, fine."

Collin examined the picture... but felt nothing. His internal alarm wasn't ringing.

Arnold knew about Collin's instincts, it had even helped him back in high school. It was like a sixth sense.

Collin also relied on it to navigate the shady parts of the modeling world. He'd faced dangerous situations with photographers and designers, but always walked away unharmed thanks to his instincts.

"Sorry, man, but I don't feel anything off. I'd need to see him up close. If your gut says something's wrong, trust it and keep an eye on him."

"At least you tried. That's what matters."

Arnold had recently negotiated a $17 million deal for Jolyne Robs' salary, and the producer had agreed without even haggling. That had made Arnold uneasy, as if the man had ulterior motives.

'I earned a good commission,' Arnold thought, 'so financially, it was fine. But I'll still warn Jolyne to avoid the guy outside of work.'

Arnold didn't involve himself in Jolyne's dating life, that was a line he never crossed. In fact, he knew more than the media ever did, but he kept it to himself. Jolyne liked mature men with big... charisma, among other things. Still, even if he didn't care about her dating preferences, he had to make sure she was safe and not being preyed on.

"Also, here." Arnold suddenly said.

He handed Collin a document without warning.

"Huh? Where did this come from? Did you pull it out of your ass or something?" Collin joked.

"Don't joke around, asshole. You said you wanted to talk to me, so I came prepared like a responsible adult. You're looking for a romance movie for your new client, right? This script might be a good fit. It was sent to me a few days ago, and the production team originally invited Jolyne to play the female lead. She turned them down due to her packed schedule. Maybe if they'd waited a month or two, she could've done it, but they didn't want to wait."

While Arnold spoke, Collin flipped through the document and saw that it was written in screenplay format. He quickly noticed that major sections were redacted. Half of the script was missing, probably to prevent leaks and keep story elements in secrecy.

"You can take it and study it. Auditions are scheduled for next week, so tell your guy to get ready."

"Thanks, Arnold. I really appreciate this."

"No problem. If you come across anything useful, make sure to share it with me too."

"I will. But honestly, I think you know more than I do. I'm still at the bottom of the barrel."

"Once your director delivers a box office hit, that status will disappear faster than you think. And if there's a role that fits my actor, make sure to invite him. He just finished working on a Vampire movie. Don't hoard your director, share him with me like a good friend."

"Sounds kinda gay, but okay. How's your horror director doing?"

"Still suffering from a mental block."

"Let's hope the author doesn't suffer the same fate. Otherwise, this novel will get a slower update."

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 40

"This is it..." Lawrence whispered under his breath.

Lawrence stared at the line of actors waiting in the hallway just outside the audition room, their anxious energy thick in the air. He had just arrived and found himself standing at the end of the narrow, echoing hallway.

He suddenly recalled the time when he first auditioned for The Accidental Wedding Crashers. The pressure was the same, heavy in his chest, but the atmosphere felt different now.

Unlike The Accidental Wedding Crashers, which held its auditions in a dusty old building in an obscure part of Los Angeles, this project was being held in a proper building, with polished floors, security at the entrance, and elevators that actually worked.

If he was right, this building belonged to Fair Amount Pictures, a studio every aspiring actor in Hollywood dreamed of setting foot in. Fair Amount Pictures was also one of the Big Six, a major studio with global distribution channels spanning continents. In short, it was a titan in the film industry with deep pockets and deeper influence.

This project had a budget of at least $35 million, being backed by a major studio, which meant top-tier production quality and even higher expectations. It also meant they had the power to hire expensive actors with household names.

Lawrence was actually surprised when Collin called him a week ago and told him there was a role for him. Well... not exactly secured, but still, the call was exciting enough.

After receiving the first half of the script, Lawrence realized that the project was a romance and not just any romance. It was a historical love story set during the Renaissance era, about a man and a woman who fall deeply in love despite their families being bitter enemies. A tale echoing with old-world passion and forbidden devotion.

Lawrence prepared his resume and a videotape of his acting and submitted them for the first round of auditions. He didn't use the actual script for his tape, knowing it was obtained without a non-disclosure agreement, a legal disaster waiting to happen.

Instead, he selected a scene from a movie with a similar theme and mood. He even dressed for the part, frilly shirt, leather boots, and all. Fully embracing the Renaissance look.

At first, he thought he wouldn't pass the first round due to his lack of fame and industry connections. To a big studio, he was just another nobody.

The first round was usually handled by the casting director, who filtered out applicants based on their resumes. A brutal process where visual appeal and typecasting took center stage. If the casting director was being picky, he might also dig into credentials to gauge experience and rookies usually didn't stand a chance.

Thankfully, despite his limited experience, Lawrence made it through the first round with a bit of unexpected luck.

The second round judged performance. The casting director would watch each actor's submitted videotape and silently critique their acting. If the performance didn't match the vision they were looking for, that was the end of the road.

Now, Lawrence had made it to the third round, the final stretch, the make-or-break moment. He was surprised, yes, but trying to remain composed.

'Maybe Collin pulled some strings?' he wondered.

Lawrence wasn't sure if any behind-the-scenes influence was involved. But Wyatt had mentioned that Collin was actually the agency's hidden ace, a secret dark horse. Apparently, he was also close to the new CEO, which raised a few eyebrows.

Lawrence was stunned by that revelation, and even Jennifer and Axel were equally surprised. But when they saw the CEO patting Collin's shoulder during the screening, it started to make sense. Maybe Wyatt was right, and they had underestimated Collin all along.

When Lawrence saw that scene, he was so elated he could hardly sit still. For the first time, he realized his agent was more than just talk. With Collin by his side, stardom might no longer be a pipe dream. Lawrence had been grinding in Hollywood for a while, and his parents had grown worried about his future. He wanted to prove that his decision to chase acting wasn't a mistake. That he had the talent and the backing to succeed.

Because of this misunderstanding, Lawrence believed Collin had helped him pass the auditions behind the scenes. He didn't think that it was actually his performance that got him through, which, ironically, it was.

Well, neither Lawrence nor Wyatt really understood how the industry worked behind closed doors. So they let their imaginations fill in the gaps.

After more than three hours of waiting, Lawrence's name was finally called by a production assistant. He nervously entered the room, where a panel of professionals stared at him with unreadable expressions.

"You're Lawrence Terrence, right?" one of them asked, flipping through a stack of documents.

"Yes. That's me," he replied, trying to stand tall.

He was a bit surprised that one of the judges knew his name. What he didn't know was that this man was the director himself.

"Well then, Mr. Terrence. I want you to perform the scene on page 15, where the male lead declares his love," the director instructed without lifting his eyes from the script.

Lawrence was handed a script printed on thick paper, stamped with the studio's watermark. He was already familiar with the scene but read it again just to make sure he had it down. There was no room for mistakes.

He took a breath. His heart pounded as he began.

.........

......

...

"Such a waste of talent."

The director shook his head in regret as the door quietly closed behind Lawrence. His performance had just ended, and he left the audition room without knowing the impact he had made.

"If he were even a little bit famous, I might have chosen him. But he's a nobody with no box office appeal. His resume is basically empty. I don't even know what the hell The Accidental Wedding Crashers is. Such a waste... such a waste of talent of someone who clearly has it."

The director didn't hide his disappointment, leaning back in his chair. The others in the room felt the same. Lawrence didn't just fit the role, he elevated it. His performance was better than what they had hoped for. He brought sincerity, depth, and something raw. Something real.

When he confessed his love in the scene, the panel felt it. It was like watching a moment from a true love story unfold, centuries in the making. For a brief moment, they forgot they were watching an audition. Some even had to hold back tears. It was a performance that would linger with them.

"That guy could be a heartthrob. He'll break a lot of hearts... if he ever gets cast." The director sighed.

Even though he wanted to cast Lawrence, his unknown name could sabotage the project's profitability. Fair Amount Pictures would never approve the casting of a no-name actor. As the director, he still had to answer to the investors or risk getting replaced himself.

In the end, they went with a more famous actor, one who had several box office hits. In this industry, names sold tickets. They couldn't afford to gamble on raw talent. Not in this business. Not on this scale.

Lawrence had no box office appeal and that mattered.

Despite his extraordinary performance, he wasn't chosen. And it wasn't even his fault.

His resume landed in the trash can with a quiet thud.

That night, Lawrence and Collin stayed up late in their respective apartments, staring at their phones every five minutes, hoping for a call or a message.

Nothing came.

Their hopes slowly faded into silence.

Sometimes, life gives you lemons and you don't even get the chance to make lemonade. You just have to accept the sourness, even when you did everything right. Even when you didn't deserve it.

In this glittering yet cruel industry, rejection doesn't always reflect your worth.

Even the talented suffer.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 41

Both Collin and Lawrence wore disappointed expressions when the production crew ended the audition and announced that the cast had already been finalized. It meant Lawrence didn't pass the audition despite all his efforts.

Collin encouraged the actor with a firm voice and a supportive pat on the back. He knew this was just a minor setback. Lawrence's career wasn't over, not by a long shot.

"You don't have to worry. You're going to make it big, just trust me. As long as you believe in yourself, it will happen. Besides, many actors only became famous in their 40s after decades of perseverance. You're still in your early 20s with a long road ahead. Don't lose hope."

Collin spoke with genuine belief in every word, and Lawrence was convinced. Honestly, he wasn't too affected by this rejection. It wasn't his first, and it likely wouldn't be his last. Before landing a role in Wyatt's movie, Lawrence had auditioned for many projects and was rejected most of the time, often without even reaching the second round. Back then, passing the second round was already a small miracle.

"Wyatt is a director now. He has experience filming a movie. As long as he has a project, I'll make sure you're part of the cast in one way or another."

"Thanks, Collin." Lawrence offered a weak smile filled with gratitude and renewed motivation. His blonde hair bounced slightly as he looked ahead, toward a future he still believed in. A single rejection from one studio wasn't going to end his journey.

This was the advantage of having a director as a client. Collin could talk to Wyatt about giving Lawrence a role whenever the opportunity arose.

He was also friends with many agents in the company, and in this business, networking was everything. Some of those agents had director clients, and Collin could call in favors when needed.

Lawrence was quietly relieved, even though he tried to hide it. At least now, he understood the value of having an agent who genuinely cared about his future. He no longer had to scour the Actors Guild notice board every day like he used to. Collin would handle the heavy lifting for him.

In fact, this was his first time getting into an audition for a project backed by one of the Big Six, a major milestone for any actor, especially one just starting out. That alone was something to be proud of.

As for his age, Lawrence accepted his limitations without bitterness. He knew he lacked the experience and acting credits that studios relied on to justify taking a risk.

Lawrence was 21 years old, just four years younger than Collin. Yet the difference between them was obvious. Collin already had a solid foundation of industry experience and credentials, while Lawrence was still just a seedling hoping to grow.

"Now, don't think too much about it. I've got another audition for you. It's also a romance movie, but with a different setting and tone."

This time, Collin personally received the script from their department. Their agency had the pleasure of receiving a script for a package-deal film. It was also funded by a major studio, but most of the crew and cast would come from ANT.

Because of this, Collin was able to get a copy of the script without any secrecy. There was no need to work around legal loopholes or settle for vague summaries. Lawrence could use an actual scene from the script for his audition tape with full permission.

"That's great," Lawrence said, smiling with sincere appreciation.

He was a bit puzzled about why Collin wanted him to audition for another romance movie, considering he had just been rejected from one. But he didn't question it. After all, the contract stated that he had to participate in auditions if his agent provided the opportunity, unless there were valid concerns. Of course, Lawrence had the right to decline if he believed the audition was unsafe, unworthy, or clashed with his personal values.

But for now, he didn't think too much about it and simply nodded. He didn't care about the genre or emotional tone. All he wanted was a chance to showcase his talent and connect with casting directors. The role didn't matter, what mattered was proving himself.

The script was about a soldier during World War II who fought to survive long enough to reunite with his lover. He regularly sent letters to her throughout the chaos and bloodshed of the battlefield. But halfway through the story, she suddenly stopped replying, leaving the soldier heartbroken and confused. As for what happened next... the author(me) hadn't decided.

Maybe she cheated on him. Maybe she died in an accident. Maybe she was abducted by aliens in some bizarre twist. It was left to the readers to interpret the story.

Lawrence had two weeks to prepare. He gave it everything he had and even asked Wyatt to direct his audition tape, making it as professional as possible.

The result?

… Lawrence was rejected once again. Just like last time, he advanced to the third round, met the director and panel of judges in the studio, and gave his performance. But once again, his weakness was exposed. He lacked experience and had no box office appeal to balance the scales.

He was a nobody in a room that demanded stars.

Collin had a chance to speak briefly with the director afterward during a private meeting. The director, who was also a client of ANT, admitted that Lawrence was amazing and had a natural presence on camera. But his lack of star power made it impossible to cast him as the lead.

Collin even asked if Lawrence could take a supporting role, but the director shook his head. This particular project wasn't his call to make. The casting process was being dictated by ANT's executives, who were placing their own talent into the movie like chess pieces.

Collin had no choice but to back off and accept the politics of it all. He sighed heavily, carrying the weight of disappointment.

He felt ashamed to face Lawrence, even though he had done everything he could. He had believed that if Lawrence possessed "golden talent," then directors would open doors for him without hesitation.

He was dead wrong.

Reality hit hard. Talent was just one factor among many. It wasn't enough to open every door. They needed connections. They needed fame, real, tangible star power. And that was something they still lacked, no matter how passionate they were.

"...Seems like we'll have to wait for The Accidental Wedding Crashers to release before we can find a suitable role for Lawrence."

Collin remained committed to landing Lawrence a lead role in a romance film. That was where his talent would shine brightest, according to the directors and based on his instincts. A supporting role wouldn't give Lawrence the spotlight he needed.

For now, all Collin could do was trust his gut, wait for the right opportunity, and prepare for the moment when it arrived.

.........

......

...

Just like that, weeks passed like calendar pages flipping in the wind, and the final week of October arrived, bringing cooler air and a sense of change.

The Accidental Wedding Crashers had its premiere without an official red carpet. No one believed that this obscure film, starring unknown actors and directed by an unknown filmmaker, would become the dark horse of 1995.

No one expected that a small-budget movie would leave audiences laughing until their stomachs hurt.

It was a brilliant film, laced with clever adult humor. And on that day, many lives quietly began to change. Not overnight, but with a spark that would soon ignite.

All because someone behind the spotlight trusted his instincts and never gave up.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 42

October 19, 1995. Thursday.

Today was a bit special and unusually tense for some people.

The CEO of Uni-versus Pictures, Berry Cruz, was having a meeting with the producer of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, Collin East.

"Last week, we spent $1 million on promoting the movie. We bought a commercial slot on the radio. We also posted posters in every major city in the country, including LA, New York, and even Chicago."

Someone from the Marketing Department announced firmly while standing in front of the executives. Berry nodded, and Collin was also satisfied with the initial report. He knew he didn't have any real authority regarding these matters, despite being the producer on paper. He was merely attending the meeting as a courtesy, perhaps to observe the business side of things.

He also understood that Uni-versus wasn't obligated to promote the movie on television, since that medium was significantly more expensive and required separate contracts. The best they could do was include the trailer in theater previews to attract some attention.

As for the flyers, posters, and traditional advertising, Collin was thankful that Uni-versus was taking the movie seriously enough to invest in its marketing, even though they didn't own full rights to the project.

Did they see something in the film? Perhaps some unexpected brilliance. Maybe they sensed the potential of The Accidental Wedding Crashers.

"If the movie performs better than expected, we'll invest more and intensify the promotion across other states and possibly on TV if necessary."

Another person, from the Distribution Department, stood up. He wore a neat gray suit and held a clipboard.

"On our side, we spent $3.6 million to print over 2,000 35mm film copies of the movie to distribute across our partner theaters."

That amount made Collin wince internally, as though he'd swallowed something bitter. Still, his expression remained unreadable. He didn't care if the others in the room were staring or silently judging him, he maintained his composure like a true professional.

He understood why some of them were glaring at him with subtle disdain. Uni-versus Pictures had to shoulder all these expenses because Collin's side was dirt poor and couldn't contribute a dime.

These employees didn't like spending money on a film they didn't even own and had minimal control over. From a business standpoint, it made them uneasy.

If not for the CEO's decision, they likely wouldn't have agreed to this deal or pushed it this far.

Of course, all expenses the studio incurred would be subtracted from the box office share before any profits were distributed.

So far, the money spent on the movie was around $4.6 million and counting. That figure could still rise, depending on how the film performed.

Even though the executives didn't fully support the deal and were skeptical, all of them hoped the movie would turn a profit so their gamble wouldn't look foolish. After all, if the movie flopped, they wouldn't recover the money they'd invested. It would go down as an expensive mistake.

Every one of them hoped the film would succeed.

"There will be no red carpet or premiere, since not everyone in the cast is well-known or has box office appeal. We'll just release the movie at midnight and promote it intensively through local outlets and cinema partnerships."

Berry Cruz listened quietly and nodded once the updates were finished, a slight furrow forming on his brow. Honestly, even he wasn't sure why he had supported the movie so aggressively. Perhaps he'd been star-struck by the film's charm. He decided to trust his gut.

"Let's end this meeting here and prepare for the weekend release."

.........
......
...

October 20, 1995. 12:00 AM.

The movie was released in 2,100 theaters simultaneously across North America. Uni-versus Pictures didn't have any other films scheduled for release around this time, so they used the opportunity to launch this comedy starring an unknown cast and an equally unknown director.

The Cinema Alliance was skeptical of the film's potential and had expressed quiet concerns. But since Uni-versus Pictures was distributing it, they gave it a slot anyway.

Sure enough, the first day box office results were meager, only $1.4 million across all locations. For a Friday release in 2,100 theaters, this was abysmal and deeply disappointing. The kind of result that could cause heart palpitations for anyone invested in its success.

Even Berry Cruz began to question whether his decision might cost the studio more than he anticipated. He frowned and contacted the marketing department, instructing them to pause all promotional efforts until they could reassess the situation. Perhaps he should have released the movie in a smaller number of theaters before expanding it nationwide.

'Was I hypnotized by the movie? I think I'm losing my grip. Maybe I should visit a doctor, what if I'm suffering from a mental illness?'

For a moment, he regretted the decision more than anything else in his career. He should've listened to the others and gone with limited screenings first to test the waters. Launching in 2,100 theaters right away was the wrong move or so he thought at the time.

Collin also heard the news and was so anxious that he couldn't sleep. After some thought, he decided to watch the movie again, just to help increase the box office by one ticket, even if it felt like a drop in the ocean.

Wyatt received the news in the middle of the night via a call from Uni-versus Pictures. He turned pale and began sweating as if he'd seen a ghost. He didn't know what to say or do. This was his directorial debut. The thought of it flopping after all the hard work he poured in was unbearable.

He started calling friends, relatives, and former classmates to promote the movie.

"Grandma? Yes, Grandma, don't worry. You and Grandpa will love this movie. It's amazing! You want to bring the younger cousins too? As long as their parents are with them, it's perfectly fine, they'll enjoy it."

Wyatt said this over the phone with desperate enthusiasm.

The cast also jumped in and did everything they could to help promote the movie. Especially Collin's clients, who knew just how much was at stake. This movie could be their big break, an escape from obscurity. As long as their director friend found success, their futures looked promising too.

.........
......
...

October 21, 1995. Saturday.

The movie grossed another $6.9 million, a surprising jump. It was higher than expected, but still not enough to convince executives that the film was a hit.

Then came the third day. The day that changed everything.

The day that confirmed the movie's trajectory and silenced every doubt.

The day everyone realized they were witnessing the rise of a Master Director of Comedy, a hidden genius with untapped brilliance.

October 22, 1995. Sunday.

The movie grossed another $18.3 million in a single day. Yes, in just 24 hours, it pulled in $18.3 million and that figure wasn't final. Late-night reports could boost it further, and updates from regional theaters were still trickling in.

In only three days, with 2,100 theaters, The Accidental Wedding Crashers had grossed over $26.6 million.

It was a box office success. A first-weekend performance that no one saw coming.

Uni-versus Pictures was stunned. Collin and the rest of the team were speechless. Even the other five major studios were caught off guard and scrambling to understand how an obscure film, made with no stars, no hype, and no expectations, had managed to dominate the box office so decisively.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 43

"Hey, is everyone ready?"

Bob waved his hand enthusiastically at the people who had recently arrived at the front of the cinema on a breezy afternoon.

"Yeah, I think everyone's here."

Dylan nodded at Bob, and the two laughed out loud like excited kids on a school trip.

"I invited my friends to watch the movie. Dude, it would be a crime against humanity if I didn't talk about the movie we watched yesterday, it was that good."

"Haha, I agree with you. I didn't even know that an unknown movie like this could make me laugh until my stomach hurt. Once the videotape version is released, I'll buy it immediately so I can watch it whenever I want, at home or even on bad days."

"You'll forget all your worries and stress if you do, I swear, it's like cinematic therapy."

The two laughed loudly and cheerfully, and their friends looked at them with confusion mixed with curiosity.

Bob and Dylan were college students from a nearby state university. They had a hobby of watching movies every weekend, a ritual to unwind from academic stress. Yesterday, Sunday, they decided to buy two tickets to a new comedy release without knowing what they were walking into.

They had no idea what the movie was about, and none of the cast looked familiar. There were posters, but Bob and Dylan didn't recognize any of the actors, not even the leads. They assumed it might be an indie film distributed by a major studio.

They were really just trying to pass the time before heading home, since they had nothing urgent to do over the weekend.

However, within the first ten minutes of the movie, they realized they had struck gold in the most unexpected way. They thought they were searching for copper, but found gold instead.

They couldn't help but laugh so hard their faces began to hurt. The entire theater was filled with people laughing in unison, creating an infectious wave of joy. It was a rare and unique experience in a cinema setting.

Because of that, they bought two more tickets to watch the movie again later that same day. The experience was just as hilarious, they laughed as if seeing it for the first time. They felt hypnotized by the film's comedic rhythm, but they were fully conscious and enjoying every moment. They also noticed that the audience was larger the second time, a sign that word-of-mouth was already spreading.

After that incredible experience, they decided to invite their friends to watch the film no matter what it took. It would be a waste not to share the movie with others, good things are meant to be shared.

This was the power of good, genuine word-of-mouth. People who watched the movie were inviting their friends without being paid or forced to do so. This kind of phenomenon only happened when a movie was truly outstanding on its own merit.

The Accidental Wedding Crashers didn't receive strong promotion in mainstream media, so people didn't know much about it beforehand. Only those who watched it could testify to how amazing it was and how much joy it brought.

Together, Bob and Dylan brought over 16 friends from their campus and neighborhood to watch the movie for the first time with zero expectations.

"Sixteen tickets for The Accidental Wedding Crashers, please!" Bob asked the ticket seller, slightly raising his voice to be heard clearly through the thick glass panel. There was a barrier in front of the ticket booth, so people usually had to speak loudly or slowly to avoid miscommunication.

The ticket seller nodded and calculated the price with quick fingers on the register.

"That'll be eighty dollars."

The group nodded and pooled their cash and coins to settle the amount. Once they received their tickets, it didn't take long to wait as the last screening ended and the audience began filing out.

They found their seats, clutching popcorn in one hand and soft drinks in the other. Bob and Dylan warned everyone to use the restroom before the film started, just to be safe, because missing even a minute of the comedy would be a tragedy. Once you missed a scene, it could throw off the comedic rhythm.

The theater lights dimmed, plunging the audience into darkness as the screening began. Before the main film started, movie trailers of various genres played as usual. They even saw a promotion for a game console, which had nothing to do with films, and it made them chuckle.

.........
......
...

Sam and Jess entered the wedding reception with puzzled looks. Judging by the decorations and setup, the ceremony would begin in a few hours. Some guests had already arrived, chatting and laughing lightly.

The two were confused. They didn't recognize anyone at the wedding, not even the bride or groom.

"Are you sure we're in the right place?"

"Yeah, I'm sure. This is what the map says."

It didn't take long for them to realize they had made a huge mistake. The map they were using was completely wrong. Now, they were on the other side of the country, literally.

While they bickered and blamed each other, the groom and the wedding planner approached them with pleading eyes.

Apparently, the best man and groomsmen were behind actual bars, arrested for driving under the influence just a few hours before the wedding. The bachelor party had been wild and unhinged. Someone had brought drugs and femboys as a "surprise." They justified it by saying it wasn't cheating since the dancers "weren't technically women." We don't know how to explain that logic.

Even the groom wasn't sober, he was still under the influence and barely coherent. In his altered state, he begged Sam and Jess, complete strangers, to take the place of his best man and groomsman. He even hired more strangers to fill the other roles.

Fortunately, the bride and her family didn't know most of the groom's party, so they didn't notice the swap.

The groom promised to buy Sam and Jess plane tickets to reach their real destination after the wedding and said he'd apologize properly later.

Sam and Jess agreed after some hesitation and whispered discussions.

After a string of bizarre events, the two were caught up in the wedding chaos and became drunk beyond control. They did so many stupid things that day, including convincing the bride's grandma to "throw her ass back" during the celebration.

But things didn't end as smoothly as they hoped. The bride eventually noticed something was off and realized the best man and groomsmen were imposters. The real ones showed up and confirmed everything.

In the end, Sam and Jess explained everything sincerely and with regret. The bride forgave them after their heartfelt confession. The wedding celebration continued with laughter, and Sam and Jess finally boarded their flights, still hungover but relieved. Everything had ended well, in its own chaotic way.

.........
......
...

The movie ended, and the audience clapped with genuine delight. Bob, Dylan, and their friends followed clapping until their palms stung. They enjoyed the movie far more than they had expected. At first, they thought Bob and Dylan were exaggerating, but they were wrong. Dead wrong. The movie was not only good, it was unforgettable.

They raised both hands from their seats, as if they were professional critics.

It was Absolute Cinema. Pure, unfiltered entertainment that reminded them why movies matter.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 44


The movie ended, and the group came out of the theater with lively chatter and wide smiles. As they exited, another round of moviegoers entered eagerly, clutching snacks and drinks.

Even though it was Monday, the theater screening The Accidental Wedding Crashers was 50% to 70% full during almost every showing. That kind of turnout usually only happened on weekends when people had more free time to see movies with friends or family.

Bob, Dylan, and their friends began talking about the movie again, chuckling and giggling as they walked away from the theater.

"Oh my God, I didn't expect it to be that fun and outright hilarious."

"I told you so. You were skeptical at first. If I didn't convince you, you might've skipped it and totally missed out."

"You can't blame me for being hesitant. I didn't recognize anyone in the cast. There's no famous actor, not even in the background."

"Yeah, you're right about that. I was also unsure when I saw the posters. I think the cast isn't famous, maybe this movie is their first big break in Hollywood."

"Probably their debut film or close to it."

As they talked and quoted their favorite lines from the film, an employee from the Cinema-rating organization, wearing a name tag, approached them.

"Um, excuse me. Would you mind participating in a survey about The Accidental Wedding Crashers?"

The group exchanged amused glances and grinned, honored to be asked.

"Of course!"

"From A+ to F, how would you rate this movie? A+ is the highest, F is the lowest. Please be honest."

"A+!"

Everyone in the group shouted without hesitation. The Cinema-rating employee nodded in satisfaction, he wasn't surprised, given the crowd's reaction. More than 75% of those they interviewed had rated the movie A+. They'd been collecting data since yesterday across multiple theater branches.

Honestly, they were surprised an unknown movie was receiving such consistently high marks from audiences. They had assumed it would be a generic comedy with a predictable plot. Even the first 24-hour box office numbers were disappointing and below projections.

But everything changed when the second and third days arrived like a sudden tide shift. For some reason, the movie's reputation began to soar faster than expected. More people bought tickets after hearing glowing reviews from friends and coworkers. This pattern repeated itself in many cinemas across the country and was even picked up by local entertainment news.

As a result, Cinema-rating initiated a broader survey and they were stunned when an overwhelming number of viewers gave the film A+ ratings with enthusiastic word-of-mouth praise.

"Would you consider recommending this movie to your friends?" the employee asked, flipping to the next page on his clipboard.

"Absolutely!"

"Haha, I'm calling my brother to watch it right after dinner!"

"My friend's heartbroken because she got rejected by a coworker at a pizza shop. I bet she'll forget the whole thing after watching this. It's like a laughter reset button."

"I'll invite my crush and pretend it's just for the story."

"I'll ask my parents if they'd be up for a comedy night. This movie's too good not to share, even with older people."

The employee smiled and jotted down their answers with quick, practiced strokes.

After the short survey, he called his coworkers to update them about the film's reception.

"Yeah, the ratings are still solid, A+ across the board. Almost everyone gave it an A+. You can go ahead and finalize the documents and send them to the higher-ups. I heard Uni-versus Pictures is eager to hear the audience scores. Yes, I'll finish my shift here. Wait, you want me to watch the movie? The company will reimburse me? Then I've got no reason to say no. Free ticket and a break? I'm in. It's exhausting to stand around doing surveys all day. I'll share my thoughts after the credits roll."

Without hesitation, the employee bought a ticket and it turned out to be the best decision he made all day. At least he wouldn't be too upset that the reimbursement didn't go through.

.........
......
...

"...Collin, you're not lying, right? This is really the place we're going to live in from now on?"

Aida looked at the towering group of buildings with awe and disbelief. Her neck nearly snapped from craning it so far upward, the buildings were that tall.

"Do I look like I'm lying? Yes, I rented an apartment for a year and signed all the paperwork myself. You don't have to worry anymore. I'll take care of you and Mom—Ouch! Why'd you pinch me?"

"To make sure I'm not dreaming or hallucinating."

"Then why not pinch yourself?"

"My skin's sensitive and bruises easily," Aida replied, still stunned that their new apartment was in such a luxurious high-rise. It looked like something straight out of a lifestyle magazine.

Aida and Collin had the same deep green eyes, an inheritance from their father. But while Collin had black hair that gleamed in sunlight, Aida had brunette hair from their mother.

"This place looks expensive, like celebrity-expensive. You should've rented somewhere more affordable. You didn't have to go this far for us."

Evelyn looked at her son with motherly concern. She knew Collin had earned good money and paid off all their debts like a responsible man, but she still worried. What if nothing was left for him if he kept spending too much?

"You should save money for yourself and plan ahead."

"It's fine, Mom. Money's meant to be spent on the right things. Besides, this complex is one of the safest in Hollywood, 24/7 security, top facilities. Some celebrities even live here. You might run into them in the elevator or lobby."

"Really? Will I meet Tommy Yatch in this building?"

Aida's green eyes sparkled like stars.

"I'm not sure. From what I heard, Tommy Yatch lives in Beverly Hills, away from all the noise."

"Aww..."

Aida let out a dramatic sigh of disappointment.

Collin chuckled and tousled her hair teasingly, earning a furious glare.

"Don't mess up my hair! I spent 30 minutes on it!"

"Okay, okay. I surrender."

Collin didn't bother explaining that he had once worked for Tommy Yatch as a physical trainer. That job didn't last long, Tommy had fired him for a petty reason. Apparently, the actor didn't like the fact that Collin was taller than him.

Tommy had confidence in his face and charm. He was considered one of the most handsome actors in Hollywood by magazines, but his height was his weakness. At only 5'7", he wasn't exactly short, but he wasn't tall by industry standards either.

Standing next to Collin made Tommy uncomfortable, so he replaced him with a shorter, more agreeable trainer.

"Come on, let's go in and check the apartment. I picked a spacious unit with a great view. It's way bigger than our old place, four bedrooms, so each of us gets our own room and privacy," Collin explained. He had inspected the apartment thoroughly before signing the lease, checking every corner like a meticulous inspector. He was confident in his decision.

"That's great!"

Aida could hardly contain her excitement.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 45

The three entered the building through its glass doors. Aida and Evelyn were immediately amazed and slightly overwhelmed by the unexpectedly luxurious and welcoming vibe.

Unlike the apartment complex they were used to, this place had a stylish reception area decorated with elegant indoor plants and soft jazz music playing from hidden speakers. Two receptionists stood near the entrance, dressed sharply in uniform suits.

This presentation alone made it clear that this building was neither simple nor average. They could tell that Collin probably spent a considerable amount of money securing a four-bedroom apartment in such a high-end residence.

"Son, tell me, how much did you spend? This place doesn't look simple at all, and I'm starting to get nervous."

Evelyn glanced around and noticed people walking by in luxurious dresses and tailored suits, looking like they'd stepped out of a fashion magazine. She suddenly felt self-conscious and out of place.

Even Aida looked at Collin with a slightly raised brow, waiting for his response. After all, her brother had already spent over $25,000 to pay her college tuition in advance. He had promised her she wouldn't need to take a part-time job or stress about money anymore, he'd take care of all her expenses.

Though both siblings were adults and Aida could stand on her own, Collin still took on the responsibility of providing for her as her older brother. He had always been the kind of person who gave without expecting anything in return, even when he himself was struggling.

But after Tony East's death, Collin changed drastically. He didn't just give anymore, he sacrificed. He gave up his own comfort and time for Aida and Evelyn without hesitation.

Aida felt grateful, but also guilty. She wanted to make sure her brother's sacrifices weren't in vain. She poured her energy into her studies, determined to show him that his efforts were worth it.

Aida was taking up a degree in Computer Science and ranked at the top of her class. She had no intention of letting him down.

"Collin, how much is this place really?"

"Well, I got it at a discount, a really good one. It's a $50,000-per-year contract with some utilities included," Collin shrugged.

Both Aida and Evelyn were shocked, their eyes widened in disbelief. That was still a lot of money. The apartment they had been living in only cost $700 a month. Sure, it only had one bedroom and wasn't ideal for three people, but still.

Seeing their borderline panicked expressions, Collin felt relieved he had lied. The actual cost was $70,000 for a twelve-month lease, and that was already a discounted deal in this neighborhood. He had been lucky to secure it through a contact at ANT.

"Come on, it's not that bad when you understand what we're getting. This isn't just any apartment complex. It has rooftop pools, gyms, and round-the-clock security with surveillance systems."

"..."

Mother and daughter remained speechless, still trying to process what they'd just heard. It was hard to believe Collin had spent that much money so casually.

"Like I said, and before you scold me, the last project I worked on is doing really well. It's paying off. You don't need to worry anymore. Life is going to get better for all of us."

He assured them with a calm, confident tone.

There were other reasons Collin chose this place beyond comfort and luxury.

First, it was much closer to ANT than their current apartment, cutting his daily commute in half. The shorter distance meant more rest and greater efficiency.

Second, many celebrities lived in the complex, making it a potential goldmine for networking. Living here could help him expand his influence and connections in the industry.

Third, he wanted to use his ability to gauge people's talents on the celebrities living in the building. He had already documented the potential of a dozen residents just through casual encounters.

Example:

-- Dianne Janet

-- Charming Leading Lady (Yellow Talent)

Collin had written those exact words in the small notebook he always carried in his pocket. If anyone else happened to read it, they'd probably assume he was jotting down character notes or impressions, not realizing the true significance.

"Let's go check out our new home before it gets dark. If I earn more, I promise I'll buy a house in Beverly Hills with a garden and a pool."

"I think living here is already amazing and honestly unbelievable," Aida replied as they stepped into the elevator with golden buttons and mirrored walls.

The apartment complex consisted of three major buildings, Buildings 1, 2, and 3. Their unit was in Building 2, which was known for housing several high-profile actors.

Building 2 had 15 floors, and their apartment was on the 12th floor, offering a stunning view of the Hollywood skyline.

When the three of them entered their apartment, Aida and Evelyn were surprised and instantly fell in love with the place. It was spacious and beautifully designed. A wide living room greeted them as soon as they walked in, with sunlight pouring through tall windows. On the left side were the kitchen and two bedrooms, while the right side had another two rooms and a balcony with sliding glass doors. From the balcony, they could see all of Hollywood. They stood in silence, stunned.

They never imagined they'd reach a point in life where they could live in a place like this.

"I'll call a moving company to bring our stuff over first thing in the morning," Collin said, while the two women explored the space like excited tourists.

"Wow, I finally have my own room with a closet and a desk! Collin, thank you!" Aida beamed and hugged her brother with genuine joy in her eyes.

Just like Collin, Evelyn examined every corner of the apartment with a practical eye. She had no complaints, it was perfect. Worth every penny.

That night, the family of three decided to eat at a nice restaurant downtown, not far from their new home. They celebrated the milestone with warm food and heartfelt laughter.

Now that Collin had a golden vision and a clear direction, he vowed to give his family the best in everything.

He had sacrificed his time, sleep, and personal happiness but he had no regrets. He loved his family more than anything, and as the only man in the household, he saw it as his duty to protect and provide.

.........
......
...

"This time... this time is different."

Lawrence stared into the mirror in the restroom, speaking to his reflection. His blonde hair was neatly styled with a hair product.

Collin had hired a professional hairstylist with a White Talent, someone who was trained in visual presentation and camera angles. Lawrence looked sharp and polished, like someone meant to be on a magazine cover. His brown eyes were serious and determined.

Unlike last month, when he was rejected twice, this time felt different in a good way. Now, he had a box office hit under his belt. Collin told him there was no reason to be afraid anymore. Lawrence had earned the right to be confident. He was now a bona fide actor with credentials to prove it.

A month had passed since the release of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and the film was doing better than anyone expected. As of November 19, 1995, the movie had grossed over $124 million at the North American box office, according to the studio's reports. Without a doubt, it was a hit and a surprise success story.

Instead of losing screens, the movie had actually gained more. From its initial release in 2100 theaters, the film expanded to 2300 due to high demand and packed showings. The Cinema Alliance approved the expansion without hesitation.

"You'll get the role. You are amazing. You're the best. Just like what Collin said, as long as it's a romance movie, no one will beat you."

Lawrence spoke the words aloud, his whisper growing into a firm declaration. He was trying to build up his confidence before heading into the audition. He didn't fully understand the meaning behind Collin's earlier words, something vague about it, but Lawrence chose to trust his agent with everything he had.

+++++

[Author's Note: This novel currently has 31 advanced chapters on my Patreon. If you want to read pure and unedited chapters written by yours truly, you can check out my Patreon.]

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 46

Lawrence stepped out of the restroom with slow, steady steps after completing a ritual in front of the mirror where he hypnotized himself with affirmations that he was an amazing actor. Today was another audition, a potential turning point for the next chapter of his career.

"Phew, that felt so good~~"

As he stepped into the hallway, he heard a voice echo faintly from the women's restroom. Turning his head, he caught sight of a man in his 40s exiting the women's restroom without a hint of shame.

The middle-aged man sighed in satisfaction as he adjusted his crotch and walked away without a backward glance.

"...Isn't that Mr. Harper, the producer of the project I'm auditioning for?" Lawrence whispered to himself, narrowing his eyes.

He recognized the man from the reference materials Collin had shown him. The key people involved in the project, especially the director and the producer, who had final say in the casting decisions.

Collin had originally offered to accompany him to the audition for support, but Lawrence decided to go alone to build independence.

He feared this audition might end in failure, and he didn't want to waste Collin's time or appear overly reliant. He knew Collin had other clients who might need more urgent attention. Lawrence was already deeply grateful that Collin had opened doors for him in an industry that had ignored him.

Now, it was time to stand alone and prove he could make it on his own.

As Lawrence walked forward, he heard the rhythmic tapping of high heels behind him. He turned and saw a beautiful woman emerging from the women's restroom with poise and elegance. She lightly fixed her hair, her cheeks freshly powdered, and her lips glistening with a fresh coat of gloss.

What caught Lawrence's attention, however, was something quite distracting, a single strand of pubic hair beneath the woman's chin. It appeared she hadn't noticed it while fixing her appearance.

He recognized her but couldn't quite place where or in which project he had seen her, possibly a TV series?

The woman noticed Lawrence staring for a second too long and offered a confident, charming smile.

"You're also here for an audition, right?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

"Uh, yeah. You're also auditioning for Passionate Island?" Lawrence replied with a polite smile, doing his best not to glance again at the stray pubic hair under her chin.

Passionate Island was the name of the romantic drama they were both auditioning for. A story filled with beauty, heartbreak, and natural disaster. It revolved around a couple who fell in love on a paradise island in the Pacific, only to have their romantic getaway destroyed when a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit. In a tragic turn of events, the male lead sacrificed his life to save the female lead. A heartbreaking story designed to leave audiences in tears.

"That's right, I'm going for the female lead. But if I don't get it, I'd be fine with a supporting role, it's not a bad consolation. How about you?" she asked, walking alongside him with practiced grace.

"I'm auditioning for the lead role Jacky, the male protagonist."

"Let's give it our all and hope for the best," she said with a warm smile, still unaware of the hair waving gently like a tiny flag under her chin.

"Yeah." Lawrence nodded, maintaining a composed expression.

He was already drawing on his acting skills to remain natural and composed. He smiled back professionally, not letting his internal reaction show.

"I saw your movie. You were in that comedy, right? The Wedding Crackers?"

"It's The Accidental Wedding Crashers, but thank you for the compliment either way," Lawrence said graciously. "I think I recognize you too. You're from..."

"I'm Kayla Martin, a model. I was featured in Vague and Kosmopolitan last year. Oh, I'm heading to see my agent. See you next time and good luck."

They exchanged polite nods and parted ways. The male lead auditions were scheduled before the female auditions.

Lawrence returned to the waiting line where the other hopeful actors sat in contemplative silence. Only seven actors remained.

He pulled out a folded copy of the script from his pocket. As always, his agent was prepared and one step ahead. Lawrence considered himself lucky to have Collin on his side in this industry. No wonder Collin was known as the hidden ace.

Soon, Lawrence's name was called. He stood up without hesitation, his demeanor calm and confident, like a seasoned professional. He wasn't just an unknown actor anymore. Je was Lawrence Terrence, one of the stars of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, a film that became a surprise box office hit.

He entered the audition room and found a long table where eight individuals sat, assessing him with a mix of fatigue and curiosity. Just as he expected, the man he had seen earlier was there, Mr. Harper. The same man who had exited the women's restroom.

"Let's see… Your name is Lawrence Terrence. You starred in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, a box office hit from last month. Not bad."

Producer Balthazar Harper praised him casually, and Lawrence nodded modestly in response.

"You probably have a copy of the script," Harper continued, "but too bad. Our director's kind of a bully, he loves surprising actors. You won't be performing any scene from the version you received. That script is outdated. We've kept the latter half a secret. Instead, you'll be performing the scene where the male lead dies."

"Excuse me?" Lawrence blinked in surprise.

He had read the first half of the script and knew about the tsunami, but he hadn't expected Jacky, the male lead, to die. He thought the story would show how the couple survived the disaster and emerged stronger.

An assistant handed him the updated script, printed on crisp white pages. He read the portion where Jacky sacrificed himself by letting go of a rope tied to a tree so that the female lead could survive.

Lawrence absorbed the scene's emotional gravity and looked up at the panel. The director appeared bored and was chatting with a staff member like this was just another routine audition. He didn't even seem interested in watching Lawrence perform.

Still, Lawrence knew what he had to do, with or without an attentive audience.

The production crew had prepared a long kiddie pool filled with cold water and floating props to simulate an immersive and realistic setting. Without being told, Lawrence removed his clothes, leaving only his shorts, and stepped into the water.

Then he began his performance.

"Rosy, this rope will snap if both of us hold on... I'll let go so you can live."

The imaginary waves crashed against them with invisible force. The couple clung to the rope tied to a tall tree swaying in the violent tide.

"Jacky! No, don't do this!"

"Rosy, don't worry about me. I'll survive. I can swim through anything. We'll see each other again, I promise."

Jacky smiled softly despite the crashing waves. He kissed his lover one final time before letting go of the rope and of his future. His expression was calm, loving, and brave. He sacrificed his life without hesitation, believing it was the best decision he could ever make.

"Jacky!"

Jacky's body was swept away by the churning waters until his silhouette vanished beneath the ocean's wrath. Even in death, he was smiling. Assuring Rosy that somehow, somewhere, they would meet again.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 47


Lawrence slowly emerged from the long pool, water rolling down his frame. His entire body was soaked, glistening like a drenched sculpture straight out of a painting. He stood without rushing. His physique was fit and well-proportioned, though he lacked the defined muscles or toned abs typical of a Hollywood hunk.

Yet his demeanor was different, completely unique, in fact.

It was as if he were the most beautiful man on Earth, someone who had just stepped out of heaven. His features were angelic, making people pause and take notice, like he wasn't even real, more of a celestial being in human form. The best way to describe him was Bishounen.

It was a Japanese term meaning "pretty man" or "beautiful boy". A term reserved for men whose beauty transcended traditional masculinity. He had delicate and almost androgynous features that balanced softness with striking presence.

Heck, if he wore a long wig, Lawrence might easily be mistaken for a woman.

That was the essence of Lawrence's beauty.

And now, that unique quality truly shined during his performance. The women in the audition room blushed slightly as their hearts skipped a beat. They felt an instinctive desire to protect and cherish him. Not because he looked fragile, but because he exuded warmth.

His sacrifice as Jacky, giving his life to save his lover, stirred their hearts. Awakening emotions they didn't expect. They fell in love with him during that performance alone, even without knowing anything else about him.

Even the director and producer were left speechless for several solid seconds. Earlier, they had watched impressive performances from seasoned actors, some so good they clapped out of genuine admiration.

One of those actors was Tommy Yatch, the studio's first choice for the role. But even Tommy hadn't delivered a performance that left them so stunned they couldn't speak.

Mind you, Tommy Yatch was also considered handsome, famous for his beach-body appeal.

In fact, the kind of actor they originally wanted for this role was someone rugged. A hunk with broad shoulders and rough handsomeness, someone who looked like he could ride waves without fear. After all, the lead character was written as a surfer who fell in love with a wealthy woman on the island.

"…Amazing. The script I wrote isn't enough to contain that guy's performance. It's like he's rewriting it through his acting."

The director murmured under his breath. Just minutes ago, he had been chatting carelessly with the others, indifferent to what was happening. But the moment Lawrence began his scene, his artistic instincts as a director reawakened like a dormant spark bursting into flame.

Director Thomas Summerbelt was a television veteran, having directed three romance series in his career, each one a hit, both critically and commercially.

This year, he decided to try his hand at cinema. He pitched a project to Sonya-Collapse Studio, and thanks to his strong track record, he easily secured funding. Though he had to give up the copyright in exchange. It was a compromise he was willing to make.

This would be his debut film in the world of cinema, and Thomas was determined not to mess it up. Not with so much on the line.

Tommy Yatch's performance had been solid, but Thomas wasn't impressed. Tommy's physical appeal didn't match the heart of the character he had in mind.

But Lawrence… Lawrence was different, in the best way possible. Instead of fitting into the role, he surpassed it. He became more than Jacky. He redefined the character entirely. He wasn't the Jacky Thomas had imagined, he was better.

An assistant silently handed Lawrence a towel, and the actor accepted it with a polite nod. As he dried off, everyone in the room watched him, not with lust, but with reverence. It wasn't attraction in their eyes. It was awe. The kind of silent admiration people felt when confronted with art.

In that brief performance, they had felt the sincerity in his sacrifice, his love.

"It says on your résumé that you starred in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, right?" Thomas finally asked, snapping out of his daze.

He had heard of the film, though he hadn't watched it yet due to his busy schedule. Perhaps now he'd give it a chance, with a notebook in hand.

"Yes. It's a comedy film released last month," Lawrence replied confidently. The comedy film was a box office hit.

He was now fully dressed again, his blonde hair damp and slicked back with his fingers.

Producer Harper studied him with a thoughtful gaze. He glanced at Thomas Summerbelt and silently acknowledged that they had found their male lead.

Balthazar Harper was pleased for many reasons. Unlike Tommy Yatch, this newcomer seemed more flexible and far less likely to demand outrageous compensation.

Balthazar had no interest in blowing the budget on actor salaries.

"If we signed a deal with you, would you be okay flying to the Pacific to film this movie?" he asked. "Production will likely take at least five months, depending on the weather."

Balthazar had another motive for wanting a lower-budget cast. He intended to use the project as a cover for a personal vacation, a tropical getaway disguised as film production. For him, this movie was more about embezzling funds and enjoying a paid holiday than artistic integrity.

But who cared? The director was still new to cinema, and Balthazar Harper's reputation at Sonya-Collapse Studio was rock-solid. Even if rumors swirled, no one would challenge him. He could bend the rules however he liked.

"I am," Lawrence replied without hesitation. He'd already anticipated that the film might involve international travel based on the script's setting.

"Then it's nice meeting you, Mr. Terrence. We'll call you later to let you know whether you passed or not."

"Thanks…"

Lawrence's lips twitched slightly, though he didn't show any obvious disappointment. He half-expected to be rejected again.

He bowed his head politely and exited the room. Some of the women waved goodbye to him as he left.

"That is our Jacky," Thomas declared without hesitation.

No one in the audition room was surprised. If Thomas hadn't chosen Lawrence, that would have been shocking.

Even Balthazar grunted in agreement. Lawrence was, by far, their best option. And better yet, Balthazar wouldn't have to deal with Tommy Yatch's agents or their absurd demands. Tommy's standard asking price for a role like this was $10 million, an enormous financial burden.

"We still have a few actors waiting. Let's not destroy their hopes. Give them a fair chance to prove themselves."

"Alright. Also…" Director Thomas paused thoughtfully. "I want to change certain aspects of the script, effective immediately. Lawrence doesn't fit the surfer image. I'm going to make Jacky an artist instead. A freelance painter who sets up a small stand on the beach where he sketches sunbathers or paints the sunset."

"Do whatever you think works best," Balthazar replied smoothly. "This project was entrusted to me by Sonya-Collapse Studio, and I intend to make it worthy. We believe in your artistic sense and will support your vision."

"Hm." Thomas nodded calmly. He was content with the level of creative freedom he'd been granted, likely thanks to his previous success. The three TV series he directed were not only award-winning but beloved by audiences both locally and internationally.

If Collin had been present in that room, he would've been shocked beyond belief.

Because floating above Thomas Summerbelt's head were radiant, golden words glowing like fireflies in the dark:

-- Thomas Summerbelt

-- Top 3 Romance Directors of All Time (Gold)

"Okay," Thomas said, pulling himself back to the moment. "Call the next contestant. After we finish with the actors, let's start auditioning the actresses. We still need someone who can match Lawrence's energy."


---


[Author's Note:]

Now that this novel is nearing 50 chapters, I'd really like to know if it has potential and if readers find it interesting. However, my decision to avoid using real-life celebrities and brand names still stands. I want to steer clear of any possible copyright infringement.

One of my biggest regrets with HWI is that I couldn't write better characters, mainly because many of them were based on real people. That experience taught me a lot, and I've decided to move away from fanfiction entirely.

Please comment your opinion, is this novel worth continuing?

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 48

The audition ended after a long and exhaustive process. The production team began finalizing their choices based on performance, screen presence, and chemistry. It had been a tiring day of hard work. They had to sit through one performance after another, which left their bones aching from hours of inactivity. The audition wrapped up in the late afternoon.

After some discussion and a brief round of deliberation, they finally reached a consensus they could all agree on.

Led by Director Summerbelt with renewed purpose, they officially selected Lawrence Terrence as Jacky without any further doubt.

For the female lead, they chose Ellie Bridget as Rosey after narrowing the list down to several finalists. Ellie Bridget was a well-known name in the industry. Considered a B-list actress who had starred in a few films and made numerous TV guest appearances. However, she had never landed a leading role despite years of persistence. This would be her first time as the main actress. An opportunity that could completely change her career trajectory.

The production team had initially wanted to cast Jolyne Robs as Rosey due to her greater fame and box office pull, but the actress was currently too busy promoting her latest film and attending international premieres.

"Since we've got our male lead and female lead locked in, how about I recommend Kayla Martin as the supporting actress? She can play Rosey's younger sister. She's a model, but she can clearly act. She's also amazing at sucking coc-- never mind. Besides, her screen time is short, so there's little risk involved," said Producer Harper, not forgetting his earlier arrangement with Kayla Martin.

Although he failed to secure the female lead for Kayla, she still walked away with a meaningful role and a stepping stone. With the cast heading to a tropical island, Harper saw future "transactions" with Kayla under the warm sheets as not just possible, but likely.

"I'm alright with that, as long as she doesn't disrupt the flow," Director Summerbelt replied with a slight nod. He decided to allow the producer to push through one name as a compromise. As long as it didn't affect the integrity of the story, Thomas was willing to yield in small areas.

"Then let's contact them immediately and have them sign the contracts as soon as possible, preferably this week, so we can begin without delays. As for the actors who didn't make it, don't bother calling them. It's a waste of time and resources," Harper declared coldly and without hesitation.

The production team wrapped up their final tasks for the day, sorting files and contacting agents.

---------
------
---

"It's nice to meet you, Mr. East. I'm Balthazar Harper, producer of Passionate Island and longtime partner of Sonya-Collapse Studio."

"Nice to meet you as well."

The producer of Passionate Island and Lawrence's representative shook hands firmly, a standard gesture in high-stakes business negotiations.

Collin sat down on a leather seat across the desk. The meeting took place inside the headquarters of Sonya-Collapse Studio, in one of their glass-walled negotiation rooms. As the project overseer, Balthazar was in charge of finalizing the contracts for the two lead roles.

As expected, the actor didn't attend these types of meetings, it was always the agent who showed up. That was the industry norm. However, Harper was slightly surprised to discover that Lawrence was represented by someone from ANT, one of the top agencies in Hollywood.

"Let's not drag this out longer than it needs to be. Name your price, and let's move on."

Balthazar Harper had no interest in spending more than fifteen minutes on this negotiation. He considered it a waste of time. Lawrence Terrence was just a rising actor with only one successful film to his name. He didn't yet have the box office appeal to demand a high salary.

Collin understood that clearly. If he misplayed his hand, Lawrence could easily be dropped in favor of another actor with a more flexible salary rate.

Prior to this meeting, Collin had asked Lawrence how much he expected to earn from the movie. They discussed it thoroughly.

In fact, Lawrence was currently sitting in a restaurant near the Sonya-Collapse Studio headquarters, nervously waiting by his phone for a call from Collin, sipping his nth cup of coffee.

Lawrence had said he'd be happy to earn $1 million from this movie. That alone would change his life.

Naturally, Collin aimed to secure that amount or more. Not only to improve his client's standing but also because his own income depended on it. He earns a 15% commission on the deal. With confidence, he raised three fingers.

"Three million dollars."

Balthazar laughed out loud like someone who had just heard the punchline of a great joke. It was the funniest thing he had heard in a while.

"Collin, it seems like you don't understand your situation at all. Lawrence wasn't our first or second pick. If we're going to spend that much, we might as well hire Tommy Yatch, a proven box office name. I'll offer Lawrence $500,000. That's already generous for a new actor."

"$2.5 million would be more appropriate. Mr. Harper, I'm confident in my client's acting skills and the value he brings. I believe the reason you chose him is because Lawrence is the perfect fit for the role."

In truth, Lawrence wasn't just perfect, he transcended the role. He didn't just play Jacky, he became something more.

"Collin, you clearly understand your client's strengths, and I respect that, even if I think you're dreaming. One million. That's my final offer."

"Lawrence will elevate the film in ways no one else can. His casting makes the movie stronger from script to screen. $1.7 million, fair compensation, considering the value he brings."

"…Tch. $1.5 million. Don't be greedy. You're just a parasite in a suit leeching off your clients' blood. Agents like you deserve a place in hell, the deepest one."

Balthazar had been through this kind of negotiation countless times. He could probably write a book about it. He knew that talent agents didn't know their place in this industry.

Sure, Lawrence was talented. But he was still new. Asking for $3 million was overkill. That money could be better spent on post-production.

And yet… despite his irritation, Balthazar didn't want to lose Lawrence. His instincts as a seasoned producer were warning him, he would regret letting this actor go.

It was those instincts that had kept him successful over the years. He had a sixth sense for potential.

'If not for Lawrence's recent success in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, this conversation probably wouldn't even be happening,' Balthazar silently admitted with a grudging sigh.

Collin paused, appearing to consider his options. Then he smiled and extended his hand with calm confidence.

"It's nice doing business with you, Mr. Harper. $1.5 million it is. I'll call Lawrence right now so he can come in and sign. As for specific clauses, my client is allergic to corn, so please avoid food-related accidents."

"We'll add that to the terms and handle it on set."

"He must have his own trailer for privacy and proper preparation."

"Of course. We'll also rent an apartment near the shooting location."

With the salary agreement finalized, they shifted focus to other key contractual terms: accommodations, transportation, and dietary requirements.

Overall, Balthazar was content with the $1.5 million figure, even if he didn't get the final say.

The film's budget was $25 million, with a flexible buffer, and spending $1.5 million on the male lead wasn't a bad investment. Especially if it raised the movie's quality.

Half an hour later, after the revised contract was prepared, Lawrence arrived with a lawyer. They reviewed the paperwork carefully, ensuring all terms were legally sound. Once both parties confirmed the final version, they signed the deal. Officially securing Lawrence's first major film role.

With that, Lawrence earned a $1.5 million salary for the film, his biggest payday yet. He would receive $750,000 upfront at the signing, with the remaining $750,000 to be paid upon completion of filming. This structure was designed to encourage consistent performance throughout the filming.

Naturally, Collin would take his 15% per their agreement, reducing Lawrence's initial take-home amount.

The actor didn't mind at all. In fact, he was overwhelmed and deeply impressed. Collin had managed to negotiate a deal that was 50% higher than what he had originally hoped for.

It felt surreal.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 49


Lawrence was officially cast in the romance movie Passionate Island after a nerve-wracking audition and an emotionally charged performance.

His salary was $1.5 million, a number that still didn't feel real to him. However, he only received half of that amount upfront, as part of the standard payment structure for a new actor like him, who lacked strong industry credibility.

The remaining half would be paid upon completion of his work and after filming wrapped up. This clause was added to ensure that Lawrence wouldn't abandon the project midway or vanish during production.

Furthermore, if Lawrence seriously violated the contract, such as missing scheduled shoots without valid reasons or causing major conflicts on set, he could forfeit the remaining balance entirely. He might even be fired from the project, though that kind of action was typically reserved for extreme situations where no other choice remained.

Lawrence and Collin stepped out of the Sonya-Collapse building with light steps and lifted spirits. They were in a good mood, and for good reason. They had just secured a career-defining deal.

Just a few months ago, neither of them could land big projects or earn real money like most top-tier talents in the industry.

But everything changed when The Accidental Wedding Crashers was released and became a hit. Suddenly, they weren't nobodies anymore.

As they headed to the parking lot under the blazing sun, Lawrence glanced at Collin with admiration. At that moment, he fully realized just how good a decision it had been to sign with him. He chuckled at the memory of how he initially thought Collin only wanted to sign him to use him for shady deals. Specifically, to seduce wealthy old hags as a boy toy in superficial business arrangements.

"Collin, thank you for helping me through everything. You've changed my life more than you probably know. I mean it. If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be flipping pizzas at my old job. Thank you for believing in me when no one else did."

"You don't have to thank me so dramatically. I'm just doing my job like any decent agent would," Collin waved off the praise nonchalantly and entered the car as though compliments didn't affect him.

He was still driving the same bumpy, smoke-belching car that looked and sounded like it could explode at any second. He had been meaning to buy a better one, but his hectic schedule hadn't allowed it.

Lately, he'd been swamped with meetings and press events, especially while collaborating with Uni-Versus Pictures to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers in multiple cities.

He would've settled for a second-hand upgrade, anything that wasn't embarrassing to drive. A car that didn't spew black smoke like an industrial chimney.

"Also, you and Axel will attend a show tomorrow to promote the movie. I already confirmed your schedule. Don't forget."

"Of course," Lawrence replied without hesitation. He'd signed a contract requiring him to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and he was being paid for it too. Promotion was included in Uni-Versus' PR budget.

"You just need to trust me a little more. I recognized your talent the moment I saw you. You've got to start believing in yourself the way I believe in you. We're not small players anymore, we're climbing up. So how about we swing by the bank and settle my commission? Don't think I forgot that easily."

"Let's go," Lawrence said with a bright laugh. He had no intention of cheating his agent or withholding his dues. That was the last thing he'd do. Especially to someone who had believed in him and helped him secure such a big payday.

Fifteen percent of $1.5 million amounted to $225,000. After deducting ANT's agency fee of $67,000, Collin earned a clean $158,000 in commission.

It was a great day, perhaps the best in his career so far. Collin had just made a six-figure income from a single business deal, and without even breaking a sweat. He could clearly see the road ahead to success. He smirked in satisfaction.

Even if he wanted to, Collin couldn't hide the $1.5 million deal from ANT. He was required to report the full transaction and wire the $67,000 owed to the company immediately.

There had been instances of agents vanishing after pocketing large commissions, disappearing without a trace. But those agents were swiftly blacklisted in Hollywood permanently.

Worse still, ANT was notorious for its top-tier search team. Rumor had it they hired ex-detectives or intelligence officers. They could track down rogue agents and bring them to justice with legal force. Some agents even went to jail after being found and tried in court.

Collin also heard that ANT was trying to tighten this aspect of business even further. They wanted talent fees to go through the agency first, with agents being paid only after reports and performance evaluations. But this system hadn't been implemented yet, facing resistance from long-term agents who valued their independence.

So, under the current setup, Collin and Lawrence had to process the transaction the old-fashioned way.

They arrived at the bank under the scorching heat and completed the process with smooth paperwork. Collin received his share with a grin on his face, then immediately wired ANT's share to their official bank account. He confirmed the transfer by contacting the company's accounting office through his phone.

Afterward, Collin and Lawrence went their separate ways with casual waves. They each had their own lives and responsibilities to attend to.

Lawrence wasn't bitter that his $750,000 payout had dropped to $525,000 after deductions. He owed Collin far too much to complain. The fact that Collin had signed a nobody like him still meant the world to Lawrence and he never forgot it.

Under the shade of a nearby tree, Lawrence smiled as he stared at his passbook. Money, fame, and art. Those were the three pillars that drove him. They were the biggest reasons he pursued this career despite all its hardships. And now, he had proof that dreams were achievable through talent and perseverance.

This first $1.5 million salary would forever remain in his memory as the symbol of his turning point. His heart pounded like a drum in his chest.

He spotted a phone booth on the street corner and used it to call his parents back home. They had been hesitant about his career choice at first, but they had supported him quietly in their own way. Lawrence gently wiped his tears with his sleeve, realizing only then that he was crying. Tears fell onto his T-shirt like soft raindrops.

"Hehe, I'm getting emotional like an idiot."

.........
......
...

Elsewhere in the city, Collin was driving monotonously with one hand on the wheel. He glanced at the broken radio in his car, almost wishing it would magically start working.

It didn't.

He then looked at the rearview mirror and saw the thick black smoke trailing from his car like a moving pollution machine.

"…No wonder the guards at the apartment complex look at me like I'm some kind of criminal," he muttered under his breath.

Still, he had closed a great deal today, reason enough to celebrate. There was no excuse now to keep driving a car that looked and sounded like a dying steam engine.

'Maybe buying a brand-new car is better than getting a second-hand one. A Toyuta or Hunda will do, something cheap to maintain, but long-lasting and smoke-free.'

He decided he would reward himself as soon as his schedule cleared up a bit. He was still the producer of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and that job wasn't over yet.

"Hey, you fucking bastard! Your car's gonna cause lung cancer! Take that thing to a scrapyard!"

Collin heard a voice full of fury and looked out his window. A homeless man was shouting at him from the side of the road while his car chugged along, belching black smoke like a malfunctioning industrial engine.

"..."

Collin cringed so hard that his face twitched.

While driving, he noticed a car dealership just a block ahead. Without a second thought, he pulled over.

His decision was firm and irreversible now. This old, embarrassing car was ruining his image as a professional talent agent.

That day, Collin finally rewarded himself with a new vehicle. He bought a Toyuta Corulla for $10,000 after a brief chat with the dealer.

He cherished that car ever since.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 50

December 4, 1995.

It had been seven weeks since the premiere of The Accidental Wedding Crashers took the box office by storm. The movie grossed over $147 million at the North American box office after 45 days of screening. An undeniable achievement for such an unexpected hit.

The number of theaters screening the movie had dropped to 1,700 from its initial wide release of more than 2,100 screens. However, the situation was different in other countries, where the hype was only just beginning.

Uni-Versus Pictures had a worldwide distribution network that few could rival. This allowed them to send their movies to international markets efficiently and with greater reach.

Once domestic theater counts began declining, Uni-Versus kicked into global gear. They began shipping the 4-foot-long film reels, carefully packed and labeled, to foreign countries to continue the film's momentum abroad.

Their first targets were English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, and others where Western comedy typically performed well.

In 1995, technology was still behind the future digital age. Movies were distributed via bulky physical reels rather than lightweight digital transfers, making global distribution logistically challenging and demanding.

This was why only a select few studios had the resources and experience to distribute movies worldwide smoothly. It took at least a decade of effort and infrastructure to build a distribution chain that truly worked across borders.

At that time, only the Big Six and a few selected B-list studios with extensive international ties could manage such feats without much friction.

So, while The Accidental Wedding Crashers was winding down in North America and being overshadowed by newer releases, it was only just launching overseas. Anticipation in foreign countries was high, and international box office results would take longer to report due to slower systems abroad.

"Congratulations. I guess your decision to greenlight the movie paid off after all."

Henry Greyson raised his glass and clinked it gently against Collin's, the soft chime ringing through the festive air.

Tonight was the celebration party for The Accidental Wedding Crashers. Collin had asked Henry if he knew of a good venue to rent, and naturally, he invited Henry along with many others involved in the project to join the event.

The venue was an open area illuminated by gentle garden lights. A soft hymn of violins filled the air, with musicians performing peaceful, elegant tunes to match the occasion. Long tables were adorned with drinks and delicacies carefully curated to impress the guests.

Collin ensured every detail was handled, from food service to music cues. As the producer, he wanted the celebration to be meaningful. While he was getting tired of the position, he understood the importance of this event. To make things smoother, he'd hired a professional party manager to take care of the arrangements so he could enjoy the night.

A successful movie deserved a celebration worthy of its triumph. The Accidental Wedding Crashers had become a breakout hit that surprised critics and audiences alike. Out of the thousands of movies released in 1995, only six grossed over $100 million at the North American box office.

That made this film a certified box office hit and a standout success of 1995.

It was a big W.

A major win for everyone involved.

And now, they had gathered to celebrate the size of the W with laughter, wine, and good company.

Perhaps only a few people would understand that reference.

Collin looked around and saw the cast enjoying themselves in a moment of pure joy. Some had already downed a few glasses of alcohol, their cheeks flushed and collars loosened as they talked louder than usual.

Uni-Versus also participated in the event as a sign of goodwill and a marketing opportunity. The studio even invited some celebrities to liven up the atmosphere. Each guest had their own reason for attending. Some wanted to network with the rising stars, while others were simply looking for a fun night out.

However, something obvious stood out in the mingling crowd. Wyatt was attracting attention like a magnet, surrounded by people who were drawn to the director behind the surprise box office hit.

"If you'd asked me months ago if Wyatt would make it in this industry, I'd have said no," Henry admitted, swirling the wine in his glass. "He was too inexperienced. Still looks like a kid with those chubby cheeks. But now? I don't even know what to believe anymore. His success is undeniable."

Henry's face was flushed, likely from the wine. His tone was loose, his words coming out without filters.

Collin nodded slowly. If not for his golden vision, he wouldn't have backed Wyatt's directorial debut so confidently.

"Just like I said before, Collin… you really know how to pick the right people."

Collin laughed genuinely, touched by the sincerity in Henry's voice. It was real praise, rare and meaningful, and it made him feel unexpectedly emotional.

"Thank you, Henry."

Henry Greyson was the producer who had previously overseen Director Esteban's project earlier that year. He was also the friend who helped Collin get Wyatt on that project. Collin had never forgotten that favor.

Director Esteban's film had been a drama with mature themes, released before The Accidental Wedding Crashers. Its modest $12 million budget returned a respectable $83 million in the domestic box office.

Though successful, the studio felt the film's niche subject matter didn't warrant international distribution. As a result, its profits remained limited despite its strong reception.

Collin knew that Wyatt's opportunity on Esteban's set had helped him gain the experience he needed before leading his own project.

"How's Director Esteban doing these days?" Collin asked casually, giving his wine glass a gentle swirl as they settled into chairs near the edge of the party.

Around them, the celebration was reaching a peak. Music and laughter mixed with the scent of perfume and alcohol. More guests were getting tipsy, the mood turning chaotic but joyous. Collin even caught a faint whiff of weed lingering in the air.

"He's doing great," Henry replied, hiccupping with a smile. "The movie wrapped on a high note. He's taking a break, no plans for a new project this year. He wants to relax for a bit."

"That's good to hear. Then maybe you've got some free time to take on another project, if you're interested. I'm looking for someone I can fully trust."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Henry frowned, squinting slightly. Despite his buzz, Collin's words cut through the haze.

"Wyatt's ready to start a new project. I'm looking for a producer who can help him pitch it to a studio. Interested?" Collin asked with a smile, a spark flickering in his eyes.

"..." Henry paused. His eyes sharpened, a sober glint flashing through them. He turned to look at Wyatt, who was still surrounded by admirers like the true star of the night.

"When we started The Accidental Wedding Crashers, I approached so many producers and asked if they'd manage the project or give Wyatt a chance," Collin said, a sudden laugh breaking through his voice. "Every single one of them turned me down without hesitation. Not even a second thought."

He leaned back and chuckled, almost bitterly.

"Now? They've been asking me about Wyatt's next project like nothing ever happened. Acting like they've supported him all along. They want to be his producer now, trying to ride his wave."

He grinned, his expression laced with contempt.

Those bastards were shameless. Spineless. It was laughable.

Collin turned to Henry, his green eyes glowing slightly in the soft light. He wasn't even looking directly at him, his gaze hovered just above his head, as though he was seeing something invisible, something only he could perceive.

"Collin..."

In that moment, Henry realized something. Collin had changed. He was no longer a desperate agent scrambling for work. There was a new confidence in him. An unshakable presence that only came with success.

Henry swallowed hard, trying to ease the sudden dryness in his throat. It was probably the alcohol… or maybe it was something else entirely.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 51


--Henry Greyson

--Crisis Management (White)

Collin had been using his superpower for more than ten months since it first mysteriously awakened. He had gradually learned how it worked and how to activate it, at least, he believed so.

If a person did something related to their talent, whether consciously or subconsciously, words would form above their head like a glowing label that only Collin could see.

Aside from that, if Collin initiated a conversation with someone and the topic involved the person's talent, words would also appear above their head, even if they weren't actively demonstrating their skill at that moment. He had only recently discovered this through trial and error and was still unsure of the exact mechanics, as the power didn't come with an instruction manual.

This explained why, when he and Wyatt discussed comedy scripts, Wyatt's two golden talents shone brightly almost as if basking in divine light.

Collin had also used this method when interviewing members of the production crew for The Accidental Wedding Crashers. These professionals didn't have the opportunity to showcase their talent in action, yet Collin still saw the glowing words hovering above them like nameplates, revealing their hidden potential. He hired the useful ones.

Now, he was using the same trick to determine Henry Greyson's talent while carefully steering their conversation.

'A white talent related to crisis management, not bad at all.' Collin quietly nodded to himself.

That explained how Henry had swiftly resolved the issue with the casting director who assaulted an actress, all without sparking a public scandal.

Collin had experienced firsthand the stress and complexity of being a producer, and he had no intention of taking on that role again. It was too mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausting. Collin had already found his own way to earn a good living through talent representation and industry deals. Producing movies, with its delayed payoffs and high stakes, just didn't appeal to him at all.

His current methods were more direct and yielded faster returns. While commissions might be smaller than profit shares, they came quicker and didn't involve the nerve-wracking uncertainty of a movie's performance. Films could take years to pay off and sometimes flopped without warning.

"I heard you helped Wyatt as a producer and that you have a share in the profits. The Accidental Wedding Crashers grossed over $140 million, your share must be worth millions. Are you sure you don't want to keep producing movies?" Henry asked, half-curious, half-amused.

"Nah. I don't want to deal with that kind of load again. The work is too much, and I like breathing freely."

"Then why me?" Henry asked, still puzzled.

"Because we're friends, and I value loyalty. I can entrust Wyatt to you without worrying about betrayal or incompetence. Unlike the other producers, who are just greedy, you're one of the few I know with a conscience and a working moral compass. Wyatt needs someone who can manage a project without stabbing him in the back. He's still new in this industry, and you're a veteran. You have better connections to investors and distribution studios, resources that can elevate his next film. If you choose to work with Wyatt, you won't regret it. I promise you that."

"Wow, you're that confident in Wyatt?" Henry chuckled and took a gulp of his drink, slightly overwhelmed by Collin's unwavering faith. Truthfully, the only reason he'd even come to the party was because Collin invited him and because he didn't have any current projects.

"Of course. He's my client, and I believe in his talent completely. I wouldn't have signed him if I didn't believe in him from the very beginning."

"Fair enough," Henry muttered, now genuinely considering the offer.

He weighed the proposal seriously. His standard pay ranged from $500,000 to $1 million per project, depending on the film's scale. On top of that, he had a profit-sharing clause tied to the box office, though it was determined by the investors, who held real control.

If a movie didn't gross at least $50 million, Henry only received his base salary. But if the box office crossed that benchmark, he earned a 3% cut of the profits as a reward for success. It wasn't much, considering he was just a B-list producer in an industry obsessed with A-listers.

Yes, even producers had tiers, just like actors, agents, and directors. Henry primarily worked on small to mid-budget films where both risks and rewards were moderate.

As for copyrights, he had no stake unless specifically outlined in a separate legal agreement with investors.

"You think Wyatt's going to be a superstar director?"

"I believe in him with everything I've got," Collin repeated firmly, his voice resolute.

"Well… let's see where this takes us. I've got no projects lined up at the moment, so I might as well take the opportunity before someone else does."

Henry extended his hand with a smile. Collin grinned as the two shook hands in mutual understanding. Tonight's party had become a success just from securing this new partnership.

Collin didn't want Wyatt to be tainted by Hollywood's dark side, at least, not yet, while he still had some innocence left. A strict and principled person like Henry was the perfect guardian for that goal.

Henry was also clearly better than the producers Collin had approached a few months ago when nobody gave Wyatt a chance. The only reason he'd even spoken to those people was because they had open schedules and the project needed someone to manage, not because they were the best choices.

'Their rejections helped me make money, though, so I guess I should thank them too.'

Collin and Henry clinked their glasses again as they soaked in the party's buzz, full of success and potential.

The celebration continued late into the night, with laughter echoing and most guests already gone, off to nurse their hangovers. Collin had successfully expanded his network after conversing with executives from multiple studios and agents who now recognized his name. He'd even handed out business cards to several attending directors, including a few notable ones who showed interest.

Axel and Wyatt had both left long before midnight. Collin had seen Wyatt sneaking away with a young actress, the two giggling as they vanished together, never to return, that suggested something.

Axel, meanwhile, had a gloomier expression and gave Collin a weak, half-hearted smile before saying his goodbyes.

Henry had also left.

Only Lawrence and Jennifer remained from the original group. Jennifer looked completely sober despite drinking all night, alcohol didn't seem to affect her. Collin already knew she had an absurdly high tolerance.

As for Lawrence… well, the actor was wobbling across the street like a baby learning to walk.

"Collin, you might want to call a taxi for Lawrence before he faceplants into a fire hydrant. He lives near this building, but he probably can't walk straight without zigzagging into traffic. He might get into an accident or worse. You don't want your promising client to get his brain matter splattered everywhere while his intestines and organs are—"

"Okay, hit the brakes, Jennifer. You might want to control your mouth before someone throws a drink at you."

"Shut your bitch ass up and let me say what I want. You, a depressed agent with a failed romantic relationship."

"Okay, fine, I give up. I'll talk to Lawrence. I know his address, and it's not far. If it weren't in the opposite direction from my place, I'd drive him home myself. Still, taking care of a drunk person is such a hassle."

Collin walked over to Lawrence, who was mumbling something nonsensical and emotionally loaded. The actor was leaning against the wall of a closed storefront.

"Hehe… what do you think, Uncle? You said I'd never succeed as an actor, well, look at me now! Say it to my face again! Instead of judging me, why don't you educate your daughter who had eight kids with different men!"

…Damn.

Collin blinked. Apparently, Lawrence's female cousin had her own chaotic drama. What a juicy drop of backstory from a drunken rant.

"Hey, Lawrence, just stay there. Please don't move. I'm calling a taxi to take you home before you try to fly."

"Hm? Apartment? Ah, yes yes! I can drive. I bought a brand new car, and I want to drive it! Broom! Broom!" he exclaimed, mimicking a steering wheel with dramatic flair.

"No, that's not safe—"

Collin's words were cut short when Jennifer suddenly appeared between them like a thundercloud. She glared coldly at Lawrence's drunken state, looking like she was about to pass judgment with zero mercy.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 52

Jennifer grabbed Lawrence by his collar with the strength of someone fueled by righteous fury. Lawrence was stunned by the sudden aggression, but his slow reaction time failed to counter Jennifer's quick movements.

"You sick fuck. If I ever hear that you drive while drunk, I will crush your balls and feed them to wolves! Do you hear me?" she spat with venom, her eyes blazing with unfiltered rage.

Lawrence was too shocked to respond as his brain struggled to process the sudden verbal and physical assault. He was a theater kid, never prone to real-life violence, and now stood frozen like a deer caught in headlights.

"H-Hey, Jennifer. He's just drunk. Don't take what he says seriously," Collin tried to mediate, raising his hands to diffuse the tension.

Collin stepped in before things escalated into something worse.

"…I won't do it. Sorry," Lawrence muttered, sobered by fear and embarrassment.

He snapped out of his stupor as reality hit him harder than alcohol ever could. Now he was more somber.

"Good. If I ever hear you're drunk driving…" Jennifer said darkly, leaving the threat unfinished but heavy with implication.

"Okay, okay. Stop this now," Collin gently interjected again, hoping to settle things down once and for all.

Jennifer listened to Collin and released Lawrence, her fingers twitching before she finally let go.

Lawrence fixed his collar with trembling hands and glared at Jennifer with wounded pride but decided not to speak further, wisely choosing silence over more trouble.

"I will take my leave and call a taxi. You too, Collin. You shouldn't drive while under the influence," Jennifer said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear and straightening her posture.

"Yes, I'll call a taxi too. Take care, Jennifer," Collin nodded, grateful the storm had passed.

The situation de-escalated, and Jennifer walked away with long, purposeful strides, leaving a heavy silence.

"Let's go. Don't worry about your car, it's parked in the lot, and mine's there too. I'll call a taxi for you," Collin offered, patting Lawrence on the back.

"What is her problem, man? She's crazy. I know she has a foul mouth, but randomly choking me is so messed up," Lawrence winced as he fixed his suit, still visibly shaken.

Unfortunately, the effort didn't hide the fact that he was a mess, with wrinkled clothes and unsteady footing.

"I don't know the full story, but I heard that Jennifer's older brother was killed in a drunk driving incident. The driver was under the influence and took her brother's life," Collin said in a quieter, more serious tone.

"…I'm sorry. I didn't know that. No wonder she's mad at me," Lawrence whispered, regret slowly settling in.

He scratched his head with a guilty expression. Lately, success had gone to his head, and he'd started to feel invincible, like nothing could touch him.

Earning a $1.5 million salary had inflated his ego and shrunk his humility.

"You can apologize to her the next time you see her, once things calm down. I know Jennifer. She's got a foul mouth, but she's kind deep down, despite the way she acts. She'll probably text you tomorrow to apologize," Collin smiled faintly.

"Yeah. I'll apologize," Lawrence nodded, finally understanding the gravity of his actions.

Collin found a taxi for Lawrence after a few minutes of waiting. The actor thanked him before leaving with a tired wave.

Later, Collin received a text from Lawrence confirming that he had returned safely to his apartment.

As for Collin himself, he followed Jennifer's advice and called a taxi, choosing not to risk anything reckless.

…......

…...

…

"Good morning, sir," a young voice greeted as the door opened.

"Good morning, Secretary Han. What's our agenda today?" Greg asked as he walked briskly to his desk.

At the top floor of Wash Dismay Studio, the Chairman of the company entered his office and asked his male secretary to go over the day's schedule, as he did every morning.

Chairman Greg Marinero sat down and glanced around his office, lined with luxury and the scent of polished wood. He had served as Chairman of Wash Dismay for a decade now, ten long years of corporate climbing and ruthless business moves. His achievements were displayed across the office like a curated museum of success.

Photographs of successful movies he promoted were fixed to the walls, framed in gold and silver. Dozens of trophies from prestigious awards gleamed on display shelves, catching sunlight like a spotlight. He was proud of every accomplishment and made sure anyone who entered knew it.

"Sir, today you will meet…" Secretary Han began, flipping through a folder.

The 57-year-old Chairman listened to his secretary with a distant yet focused expression.

"Okay, you can leave now," he said with a dismissive wave.

The secretary excused himself as Greg grabbed the morning newspaper and settled into his chair. The headline was about the comedy film released in October that had unexpectedly become the talk of the industry. The movie was considered the dark horse of 1995. No one had expected such a low-budget film to strike gold at the box office.

December 10, 1995. The Accidental Wedding Crashers had grossed over $152 million at the North American box office after 50 days of screening. It had also been released in Australia, the UK, Paris, Japan, and other countries, grossing over $17 million during its first week of international screening despite minimal promotion.

Greg slightly frowned as a bitter memory resurfaced. He recalled Taylor personally calling him about this movie months ago.

Taylor had said the film had potential and could be profitable if acquired. Greg approved a $35 million offer to buy the movie and secure the rights. Judging by what had happened since, Taylor had failed spectacularly.

Picking up the phone beside him, Greg instructed his secretary to summon Taylor and Emmanuel to his office immediately, no excuses.

Within ten minutes, the two arrived, standing stiff with anxious eyes. Taylor was sweating profusely from stress, while Emmanuel looked like he had sprinted through hell itself. Both men had a sense of what was coming, but neither wanted to speak first.

Greg's expression made it abundantly clear. He was furious about what happened with The Accidental Wedding Crashers.

"Tell me why you failed to get the movie," Greg said in a low voice, sharp as a blade.

His eyes locked onto them like a hawk's gaze, unblinking and predatory. He maintained Wash Dismay's elite status by ensuring every employee was either exceptional at their job or quickly replaced. He didn't like failure and he especially didn't like failure from Taylor and Emmanuel.

He also liked power-tripping. Perhaps that was the main reason he called them in, to assert dominance in person.

Taylor had been with the company longer than Emmanuel and knew how ugly things could get. He loved his job, had a housing loan, and couldn't afford to lose his position under any circumstances.

"Sir, it's because of this stupid guy," Taylor declared without blinking.

He pointed at Emmanuel without hesitation or regret, like it was second nature. Hollywood was a concrete jungle where survival of the fittest ruled even in boardrooms.

"Huh!?" Emmanuel gasped.

He was stunned, floored that Taylor would throw him under the bus so blatantly. He had assumed Taylor would take responsibility and explain the situation, especially since Taylor was the one who had failed to acquire the movie from the beginning.

"I-It's not me!" Emmanuel stammered.

"Shut up!" Taylor raised his voice and turned to Greg with dramatic flair.

"Sir, this bastard kept pestering the director and his agent. That's why we didn't get the movie!" Taylor lied through his teeth, desperation thick in his tone.

His excuse was rushed and obviously fake, like a bad impromptu performance. But he was gambling that Greg didn't care about the truth, only the outcome.

"That didn't happen!" Emmanuel shouted, eyes wide with disbelief.

"Your name is Emmanuel, right?" Greg asked coldly, staring at him like a judge about to deliver a death sentence. He didn't care if the excuse was real, only that the result was failure.

He lived by a motto: if a worker couldn't maintain peak performance, they didn't deserve to be at Wash Dismay, no matter their resume.

"You're fired. Guards, take him out!" Greg barked like a general on the battlefield.

The security, stationed just outside the doors, entered and forcibly removed Emmanuel, who shouted in protest while struggling to break free.

Taylor stood frozen, drenched in sweat down to his undershirt, watching the whole charade with silent horror.

Greg smiled faintly now that the outburst had passed. He loved being on top of the food chain, having the power to lift or destroy someone's future at a whim. The intoxicating control was like a drug he couldn't get enough of.

"Taylor."

"Y-Yes, sir!" Taylor snapped to attention.

"I don't want this to happen again," Greg said coolly, leaning back into his chair.

"Sir, yes, sir!" Taylor responded, tense and eager to please.

"Also, try to contact the director of The Accidental Wedding Crashers. Maybe he's interested in working with us. As long as he has an interesting script, we'll invest."

"Yes, sir!" Taylor bowed slightly, mentally recording every word.

He looked like a soldier being reprimanded in a war room. He kept saying "yes" and "sir," even saluting by reflex.

Once the door closed and the tension vanished with it, Greg began laughing, clutching his stomach like he'd just watched a slapstick comedy.

To him, it was all too funny and absolutely entertaining.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 53

Axel Gunner had been staring at his phone for half an hour. He sat alone at a table in a diner restaurant, barely touching the food on his plate, which had already gone cold. Eating was the last thing on his mind. Earlier that morning, he had transferred money to his ex-wife after a long internal debate and reviewing his bank account.

The Accidental Wedding Crashers had become a major success, far beyond anyone's expectations, and the cast had begun to gain recognition. The film captivated audiences with its adult humor and genuine charm.

As of the third week of December, the worldwide box office for The Accidental Wedding Crashers had reached $233 million. A staggering figure for an indie-style comedy with no initial backing.

The North American box office had grossed $158 million after 61 days of screening. Internationally, it pulled in $75 million after four weeks across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Given these statistics, it was clear the film had not only made money but had become one of the most profitable releases of the year. Especially considering that its total production cost was only $300,000. A mere fraction of its total earnings.

Naturally, the first wave of money arrived from the Cinema Alliance, known for early settlements in distribution deals. The Cinema Alliance was a coalition of North American theater chains that united to protect their interests from major studios and unfavorable contracts.

The $100 million domestic box office revenue was split among Cinema Alliance, Uni-Versus Pictures, and Collin's group. The remaining $58 million would be settled after the film completed its theatrical run.

Cinema Alliance, controlling physical venues and pricing, took 40% of the gross which was $40 million.

Uni-Versus Pictures took 30% of the total and was also reimbursed for distribution logistics and advertising.

Collin's group would receive the remainder after all deductions were applied.

From the $100 million pool, Cinema Alliance claimed its $40 million. The rest was divided between Uni-Versus and Collin's side, following their pre-agreed terms.

Uni-Versus Pictures had spent $11 million on promotion, including film prints, posters, trailers, and media appearances.

In the end, Uni-Versus Pictures secured $41 million in total. 30% from the box office and reimbursement for their expenses. It was a sizable gain, albeit not overwhelming.

That left only $19 million in profit for Collin and his group after all the calculations and paperwork.

Collin, Wyatt, and William agreed to allocate $1 million as bonuses to the cast and crew in recognition of their hard work and commitment despite low salaries. Collin was in charge of distributing the bonuses and had already started compiling a list.

With $18 million left, it was time to divide the profit among the three key players.

William received 30%, amounting to $5.4 million, wired directly to his bank account. While he sometimes felt he deserved more given the risk he took, he didn't dwell on it. He saw the experience as a valuable lesson in navigating the industry.

After all, William was still new to showbiz. Every deal, every negotiation was part of his education. Rather than being upset, he was simply grateful that the film succeeded and turned a profit.

He considered the gain a win and a stepping stone.

Collin also received 30%, totaling $5.4 million. The largest sum he had ever seen. It was, by far, the biggest payout of his life.

But Collin, having survived the harsh realities of the entertainment world, had no plans to spend recklessly. He decided to deposit the entire sum into his savings and planned to consult a financial advisor next month to learn how to invest wisely for long-term growth.

Wyatt, meanwhile, received the largest share, 40%, or $7.2 million. It was a life-altering figure for a rookie director. Just months ago, he had taken a leap of faith alongside Collin. Now, he was a millionaire before 25 years old.

For his future projects, Wyatt vowed to negotiate for box office shares again. He had seen firsthand how lucrative they could be.

However, the focus of this chapter was not the riches, but Axel Gunner and the weight slowly crushing him.

Axel received a $100,000 bonus for his performance in the film. As one of the lead actors, he had carried part of the story with dedication and charm. Lawrence received the same bonus for his contribution.

Other cast members earned between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on screen time and importance. These bonuses were substantial, especially in 1995, when film budgets were generally more conservative.

For context, the average annual American salary was $32,000. 2o even a $20,000 bonus was a huge financial boost.

It didn't take long for Axel's ex-wife to resurface once his name began trending in entertainment news. With his growing fame, it was inevitable that she would see the movie or hear about it.

As he expected, she called him, asking for money just days after the film's release.

She claimed their son needed $10,000 for a private school Axel had never heard of before. Given her track record, he was skeptical.

He hadn't spoken to his son in three years. Not one call, not one visit, not even on birthdays.

Lost in thought, Axel's phone rang again, snapping him back to reality.

He answered and heard that all-too-familiar voice, sweet and manipulative.

"Cynthia, I already sent the money. Give the phone to John. I want to talk to him," Axel said, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Yeah, I got the confirmation. You're really improving now with all this money," she said teasingly. "How about sending me another $10,000? Your son wants a remote-controlled car."

Her tone was playful, almost mocking.

Axel's grip on the phone tightened. He wasn't in the mood for games.

"Cynthia, I want to talk to my son. I've been trying to talk to him for years. He's five, what could he possibly be busy with?" Axel's voice cracked with frustration.

He raised his voice slightly, unable to contain the desperation building in his chest.

"Hey, hey. Don't shout. You'll scare your son," she snapped back, irritated.

"Look, I'm sorry. I just... I miss him. I just want to talk to John," Axel said, his throat tightening.

"Heh, okay. I'll call him. John--!! Your dad wants to talk to you--!!" she shouted casually across the house.

Then silence.

Axel waited, holding his breath, heart pounding.

"..."

No reply.

"I'm sorry, Axel. Your son says he doesn't want to talk to you," Cynthia said, devoid of sympathy.

"Cynthia, please. I'll buy him toys, tell him I'll buy him toys!" Axel pleaded, voice cracking, eyes stinging with tears. Costumers nearby glanced at him in confusion.

"You don't need to. I'll buy him toys myself, since you can't even see him. Just keep sending money like a good little earner. I know your first movie didn't pay much. Honestly, being an actor is more pathetic than a cockroach. But who knows? Maybe your next movie will bring more. Don't forget your son once you become successful~" she said, her voice dripping with venomous sweetness.

"You won't change your number, right?" Axel asked with a flicker of hope.

"Sorry. The phone I'm using isn't even mine. I asked some random guy to let me borrow his," she said with a shrug.

Axel heard a man's giggle in the background.

"T-Then at least give me your address. The one you gave me last time was fake. The neighbors said you moved out six months ago," he said, desperation mounting.

He didn't care how pathetic he sounded. He just wanted something, anything, to hold onto.

"I didn't lie. That was our address. You're just too late. Besides, the court already ruled that you're not allowed to meet us. So... goodbye~~"

"Cynthia, wait, Cynthia?" Axel called out, his voice trembling.

The call ended.

Axel stared at his phone for a moment, his face twisted in anguish.

Then he slammed his fists onto the table, causing cups to rattle and heads to turn.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 54

Axel and Cynthia had divorced three years ago, leaving Axel emotionally exhausted. Unfortunately, he didn't get shared custody. The court judged that Axel was unfit to care for John because of his military background. As a retired soldier, the court viewed him with suspicion and lacked confidence in his mental health, despite the absence of any actual diagnosis. Does California have that kind of bias? No one really knows.

As for Cynthia, she had been a stay-at-home mom for most of their marriage, claiming she was best suited to raise their son. But to say Axel wasn't a good father was a delusion born out of legal assumptions and systemic bias.

In truth, Axel had been the one caring for John the entire time. Cynthia simply stayed home because she disliked working or dealing with responsibilities outside the house. Axel had loved her deeply, blindly even, and failed to see her flaws until it was too late.

Everything changed when Cynthia disappeared for a week without warning or explanation, only to return with tattoos on her shoulders and needle marks on her arms. She was clearly using drugs, her speech erratic and her behavior unstable.

During their confrontation, Cynthia admitted to using drugs to cope with her dissatisfaction. She wasn't in the right state of mind when she filed for divorce, but by then, the damage had been done, and Axel was left shattered.

The result? Axel was ordered to stay away from Cynthia and their son unless he was granted legal permission through supervised visitation. Axel filed for supervised visits almost immediately, but Cynthia refused to cooperate and constantly avoided the arrangements.

He then filed a request to modify the court's ruling, hoping that clean behavior and good intentions would persuade the judge. But even after months of paperwork and legal consultations, nothing had changed. He didn't know what else to do. He had never hurt his wife, never even argued with her, yet the court deemed him dangerous, believing a soldier trained to fight couldn't possibly be trusted to parent.

But Axel was never violent. He had always avoided conflict. He only wanted to see his son, to remind John that he still had a father who loved him.

He had no criminal record. No history of abuse. Yet the system failed him, misunderstood him, and pushed him into a corner.

Cynthia, aware of the legal blindspot, took full advantage of it. She disappeared with their son and never showed herself again, leaving Axel helpless. All he could do was send $2,300 a month in child support, not knowing if even a single dollar truly went to John. This parallel world had some difference regarding the law.

Axel knew he had technically violated the court order by asking for their address, but that effort was fruitless anyway. Cynthia and John no longer lived there, and nobody seemed to know where they had moved.

As a father, Axel just wanted to see his son, even from a distance, to assure him that life could still be good, that his dad still loved him.

In the diner restaurant, curious eyes glanced in his direction as whispers began to rise. Axel took a deep breath to calm himself. He stood up and walked out, his heart weighed down like stone.

His chest ached, even breathing felt difficult. This had been his struggle for the past three years. A relentless, festering wound that refused to close.

He suspected Cynthia only contacted him when she wanted money... But Axel always gave in when she used John as an excuse. He couldn't say no. He was John's father, and that title meant everything to him.

In early 1994, Axel met Collin at a bar while drowning his sorrows in cheap beer. What began as a casual conversation unexpectedly turned into a life-changing opportunity.

Collin had learned that Axel was a freelance actor bouncing between gigs with no steady income. At the time, two of Collin's clients had just ended their contracts and moved on, leaving vacancies in his roster.

Axel had been skeptical, unsure if it was just drunken bar talk, but out of necessity and curiosity, he agreed to work with Collin. That marked the beginning of their partnership, a bond that would pull Axel into the spotlight.

.........
......
...

"The movie is amazing. I didn't recognize the cast, but it was still hilarious. The jokes landed so well."

"You're right, haha!" the other replied, still laughing.

Landers Lopez sighed softly under his breath as he listened to the conversation next to him while the audience began to leave.

The screening of the Accidental Wedding Crashers had just ended. As the lights turned on and the credits rolled, the crowd slowly exited the theater.

Landers took his time leaving, his eyes reflecting regret and envy. Once outside, he lit a cigarette with shaky hands and stared at the passing vehicles, as if searching for answers in their headlights. The smoke curled from his lips and slowly dissolved into the air, just like the dreams he once had.

"...Fuck," he muttered, voice weak and bitter.

Last year, he had still been one of Collin's clients, under a contract that had once seemed full of promise. But Landers had chosen to walk away, led by pride and impatience.

He had signed a three-year deal with ANT, thrilled at the potential of a flourishing career. But in the first year, his agent unexpectedly died of a heart attack.

In response, ANT scrambled to reassign clients. Landers and a female actress were transferred to a new agent, Collin East. At the time, Collin was a complete rookie in the industry. He had little experience and lacked the connections or reputation to command confidence.

Both Landers and the actress were unimpressed.

The actress left first, deciding not to renew her contract with ANT. Afterward, she joined a different agency and found moderate success. Now, she was a regular cast member on a teen drama that was entering its second season with good ratings.

Landers had similar plans. When his contract ended, he didn't look back. He joined a small agency that promised better results.

The outcome? Devastating.

While his new agency did find jobs for him consistently, the work came from an industry in the San Fernando Valley that he never thought he'd be part of.

Hollywood was the film capital of the world. San Fernando Valley, however, was the undisputed porn capital. Everyone in Los Angeles knew it, even if no one talked about it.

Hollywood released thousands of films every year. So did San Fernando, just of a different kind.

Landers had no shortage of work now, thanks to high demand. But it wasn't the kind of fame he wanted.

He was never cast as a leading man. Instead, he was relegated to humiliating roles, getting cucked, jacking off in orgies or gangbangs, playing the forgettable extra in degrading scenes. The pay was average at best and barely covered his rent.

He couldn't believe how far he'd fallen. Once a hopeful actor dreaming of stardom, now reduced to background noise in the shadows of the adult film industry.

Part of the reason he left Collin in the first place was pride. He hated the fact that Collin, his agent, had more charisma and screen presence than he did. That bruised ego had guided his decisions, and now, he was paying the price.

"Should I contact Collin?" he wondered aloud. "If not him, maybe Jennifer? I heard she's still working with Collin and doing well."

He paused, then chuckled dryly.

"That woman has a foul mouth and a sharp tongue... but she's soft if you corner her. Maybe I can take advantage of that if I play my cards right."

Flicking the ash from his cigarette, Landers watched the passing cars, his thoughts swirling with desperation and delusion.

+++++

[Last night, I learned that Diddy was found not guilty on most of his cases. I think we can all agree that the justice system is nothing but a joke.]

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 55

Collin and his family were watching television in the cozy living room after a nice dinner that Evelyn had prepared. Collin had spent most of his days out of the apartment and could only enjoy his mother's cooking at breakfast before heading to work.

As for lunch and dinner, Collin rarely had the chance to eat Evelyn's freshly prepared meals because his schedule barely allowed him to return home. It was even rarer for him to have dinner with his family all gathered around the table, like in the old days... If his father were still alive, everything would feel better. The family would feel complete again.

After the pleasant dinner, the three spent hours watching television, occasionally laughing and commenting during commercial breaks. Their old TV still worked despite being old, and both Aida and Evelyn had talked seriously with Collin about not buying a brand-new one, even though he had offered multiple times. They said the same thing about their other appliances, which were still functioning after years of use.

"I just remembered, my friends have been talking about this show with a high school drama that's been getting really famous lately."

Aida grabbed the remote from the small table and changed the channel, a curious expression on her face.

"What's the title?" Evelyn asked, leaning forward slightly.

"I'm not sure. I think it's called High School Love, or something like that."

"Are you talking about My Pure Innocent High School Love?" Collin asked after a moment of thought.

"Yes, that's the one! I guess you know it because you work in the same industry as the people who make these shows."

"Well..." Collin scratched his head awkwardly. That wasn't actually the reason he recognized the title.

"I know the title, but I don't know anything about the plot or characters. I don't have time to watch shows unless it's for work."

"Yeah, you're always working with no rest... Let me think, if I remember correctly, the story is about the female lead genuinely loving her boyfriend but cheating on him because of temptation, or something like that."

"Damn..." Collin muttered in disbelief.

"I think she also slept with her boyfriend's older brother, who's kind of a bully and a jerk that's been hurting her boyfriend a lot."

"Damn..." Collin repeated, more stunned this time.

"She also cheated on her boyfriend by sleeping with his dad, which is just... insane."

"Damn... That's the third time I've said that in the last three minutes and I might say it again."

"Also, she had sex with her own brother somewhere around episode six, I think."

"...Is this even allowed on TV?" Collin's voice rose in shock.

"Nah, they censored the sex scenes, so it's considered okay for network standards. But yeah, the plot is seriously messed up and people still watch it."

"Damn..." he said again, now nearly speechless.

Collin didn't know what to say as his brain tried to process the show's content.

'So, as long as explicit scenes weren't shown, this kind of story could air on television and no one would raise a fuss?'

And apparently, the lead actress came from a wealthy family with ties to the production company and pressured her parents to invest in the show, just so she could star in this? A show like that?

"Oh, it's starting!" Aida said with excitement as she turned up the volume.

Collin and Evelyn decided to watch the show just to see what all the hype was about, curious as to why it was already in its second season.

After watching the episode, they realized the show was filled with unbelievable levels of depravity but the heavy material was censored, with most of it only implied through suggestive dialogue and cutaway scenes.

Did this mean people watched the show because it offered depravity disguised as innocent teenage drama? Were viewers secretly craving illegal or taboo thrills as the characters were in high school?

The cast were clearly adults in their late 20s or 30s, playing high school students involved in inappropriate acts.

'What's next? They'll make another show like this, with even more outrageous content and call it something like Euphoria? When I was in high school, I just played dumb games and held hands with my girlfriend like an innocent fool. This is definitely written by people trying to fetishize high school to attract the worst kind of audience.'

Collin grimaced.

"The show is..." Evelyn shook her head slowly, disapproving but slightly curious. Both of her children were adults now, and she couldn't stop them from watching questionable content.

"But the female lead's best friend is gorgeous, though. She totally stole the spotlight. She's more beautiful than the female lead in every scene. And for some reason, I feel some bad tension between the female lead and her best friend," Aida said, turning off the TV and yawning as she stretched her arms. It was getting late.

"She is stunning. I wonder what her name is." Evelyn nodded thoughtfully.

"Her name is Madison Morgan. She's half Mexican, half Italian. Her features are really striking."

"Oh, you know her?" Evelyn blinked in surprise.

"Yeah, sort of." Collin didn't bother explaining their past professional relationship.

Madison had been his client during his early days as an agent. Based on her current situation and the role she landed, it looked like her decision not to renew her contract had worked out well for her career.

Honestly, Collin was happy for her, even if a small part of him felt regret. He'd been disappointed when both Madison and Landers left after their contracts ended. They hadn't given him time to grow. They didn't give him a chance to prove himself. But back then, he had been inexperienced.

Still, he held no grudge. He wished them well and silently rooted for their success from a distance. As long as they didn't disturb him or his current clients, he had no issue with them.

Now that Madison had landed a recurring role in a TV show entering its second season and gaining traction, Collin wished her all the best. Still, he hoped they wouldn't cross paths again. Though in this industry, that was unlikely.

"Okay, I'm off to bed. I've got things to do tomorrow and class starts early." Aida yawned.

"Wait, Aida. I have something to talk to you and Mom about before you go."

"What is it? Don't tell me you're giving me money or something. Haha, I'm just joking."

"..."

Collin didn't know how to respond because she was exactly right.

"Collin, don't tell me I got it right and you're actually serious."

"Let's all sit down so I can explain this properly."

Evelyn and Aida found their seats, slightly puzzled. Collin sat across from them, clearly with something on his mind.

Collin had earned $5.4 million from the movie's success and had no idea what to do with it now that it was sitting in his account. He had known The Accidental Wedding Crashers would be a hit, but he hadn't thought much about what that success would actually bring.

Now, he was faced with a dilemma, which was how to handle the money responsibly.

A portion of it would be invested under the advice of a financial advisor. The rest would remain in his bank account for emergencies and future plans. But even then, he didn't know how to spend the remainder. He didn't have any big desires or personal wants.

Collin was cheap by nature. He rarely spent money on himself and avoided luxury. He didn't buy expensive watches or flashy cars when his current ones worked just fine. As long as something served its purpose, he was satisfied. The car, the phone, and the apartment were all practical purchases, he only spent on what he needed.

However, Collin had one soft spot... pampering his loved ones. He was known for quietly saving up just to buy birthday gifts for his parents and sister, even when he barely had money himself. That trait was the same reason his ex had taken advantage of him. He had helped her finish college while he was working as a model, believing that's what love meant.

Now, that weakness was acting up again, stronger than ever. Since he didn't know how to spend money on himself, he decided to spend it on his family because they deserved it.

He placed two credit cards on the table and gently slid them forward.

"This one's for Aida, and this one's for Mom. I already activated both. Each card has a $5,000 monthly limit, so you won't accidentally overspend. If you want to buy something for yourself or for the house, just use the card."

Collin explained calmly but earnestly. Aida and Evelyn stared at the cards, stunned.

"No, I won't take it even if you're serious. Collin, you don't have to give us anything. We're doing fine. Besides, $5,000 is too much. I don't trust myself with that kind of limit." Aida shook her head, firm but grateful. She was uncomfortable with the idea of such a large allowance.

She knew herself well. She loved shopping. And she feared what she might become with too much money freely available.

"Son, I don't need money to be happy." Evelyn gave a short but heartfelt reply, her voice filled with maternal firmness.

Collin sighed. He had expected these responses.

He had an idea this would happen.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 56


"I worked hard because I want to provide for you and make your life easier in every possible way."

"And it's already enough. You don't have to do this. I can find ways to earn money if I really need to buy something," Aida replied.

"No, you will not work while you're studying. If you need money, you can ask me directly, and I'll make sure you're taken care of. What's the point of my hard work if you won't depend on me when you need something as simple as that?" Collin quickly retorted.

"It doesn't matter what you say, I won't accept this credit card just because it's handed to me."

"But you'll need it sooner or later. College is expensive as hell, and having a credit card is practical, you never know when an emergency might come up."

"Still, $5,000 is too much for someone like me. What if I spend it on something useless just because I got tempted? God, I don't know how guilty I'd feel if that ever happened. I can't handle that amount of money without purchasing some useless stuff."

"How about I lower the amount to $4,000? That's still more than enough, right?"

"$1,500, final offer."

"What is this, some kind of negotiation? I didn't know that even at home I have to negotiate a contract. $2,000. You're my sister. I don't want you to lack anything, even if you say you're okay. If you want to buy something, go on and don't hesitate. I'll take care of it without complaint."

"... Collin, you're making me embarrassed with how generous you are, do you know that?"

Aida sighed in resignation. Indeed, she probably had the best brother in the world, and sometimes she didn't know what she did to deserve him.

Since their childhood, Collin was the type to give up his sweets and candies for her without thinking twice.

'You became much worse when Dad died...' Aida couldn't say that out loud because Evelyn and Collin would be sad if they heard it, and she didn't want to bring up those emotions tonight.

"... Fine, $2,000, but not a penny more. I'll talk to you if there's something I can't afford or something important comes up. Make sure you have money for that!" She raised her voice in a mix of annoyance and concern, frustrated that she agreed.

She knew Collin wouldn't stop pestering her if she didn't agree, and she didn't have the energy to argue anymore.

"Nice," Collin smiled in visible relief. Now he felt relaxed, knowing Aida had agreed even if it took a bit of arm-twisting. He had never experienced college himself, but he knew women around Aida's age often loved buying expensive clothes and bags to keep up with their peers.

Collin wanted to make sure Aida wouldn't feel envious of them just because of money. He actually thought of buying her a car to help her get around, but the young woman would probably hate it if he did that without asking.

"Then, how about Mom?" Collin asked, turning to Evelyn.

"Collin, your pestering won't work on me, so don't even try. I don't need a credit card or anything fancy. In the first place, I rarely leave the apartment unless it's really necessary. Even groceries aren't expensive enough to need a card."

"But I want you to enjoy your days more. How about going out once in a while just to treat yourself? There's a shopping mall a few blocks away with cafes and bookstores. Why don't you try going there just for a change of pace?"

"Even if I go there, I won't take your credit card because I don't want to rely on it."

"Mom, don't do this to me. Please, just do it for me."

Collin tried to act childish like he used to when he was younger, but that method wouldn't work anymore now that they were older. He rarely used this tactic because he was too old for it, and it felt a bit forced.

Unfortunately, Evelyn didn't budge, and the firm look on her face said it all.

With that, Collin's plan only worked halfway, one win, one loss.

'Was it really bad to pamper your loved ones just because you finally can? What if they get used to it and depend on me more? Even better!' Collin's train of thought would probably never change.

.........

......

...

Henry Greyson and Wyatt Bray entered the headquarters of Uni-versus Pictures dressed in formal clothes and filled with nervous excitement to pitch a project that had kept them up at night for weeks.

Wyatt had written a script over the course of several months, and when Henry personally read it, he completely lost his mind for laughing.

The script bore some resemblance to The Accidental Wedding Crashers, but it had a different setting and a new dynamic between characters.

It was about a group of friends on a weeklong cruise ship vacation. They gambled at the ship's casino, where chaotic events unfolded, including accidents and misunderstandings that eventually left the ship stranded in the middle of the ocean with no contact with the outside world.

The script's title was Week On A Cruise Ship... though that could change depending on studio feedback.

Henry had worked with Uni-versus Pictures before. Some of the movies he managed were distributed by the studio and performed modestly at the box office. He had also produced one of their mid-budget films a few years ago that became a hit.

The two men found the private room where they would present their pitch to the Head of Production. They knocked, received confirmation, and stepped inside.

"Huh?" Henry blurted under his breath.

He froze as if his shoes were nailed to the floor. He saw people in the room he didn't recognize at first glance. No, that wasn't right. He did recognize them. He just hadn't expected to see them here, especially not for this meeting.

Henry Greyson was a professional movie producer with over a decade of experience. He had calculated the budget for the movie down to the smallest line item. Around $15 to $20 million, depending on casting and location needs.

That amount was considered mid-budget in the current era.

Low-budget movies never exceeded $5 million and typically involved indie directors or limited casts.

$5 to $30 million was mid-budget, offering flexibility in production.

Anything above $30 million was high-budget. Usually action, fantasy, or major franchise projects.

Usually, a mid-budget pitch would only involve the Head of Production without higher-ups. In rare cases, top executives would attend if a pitch showed unusual promise.

But today was different, very different. Henry immediately bowed his head out of respect after realizing he had stared too long at the Chairman and CEO of Uni-versus Pictures, both seated just a few feet away.

Yes, both the Chairman and CEO were present for a project like this.

'What the fuck is happening here and why are they here?'

Henry asked himself as he swallowed hard. He'd done dozens of pitches but never had the chance to speak face-to-face with Hollywood's major decision-makers.

He glanced at Wyatt beside him, who was clutching his notes, his hand shaking slightly.

'... Shit. We might fail this pitch before it even begins.'

"You don't have to worry about us, gentlemen. We're just here to listen and observe. Treat us like we're invisible," CEO Berry Cruz said with a friendly laugh.

'Yeah, right. As if we can do that.'

The Chairman of Uni-versus Pictures, Noah Nash, also nodded with a small smile. He was a decade younger than Berry but still carried great authority. He was in his 40s but already one of the most influential names in the industry.

"Then let's begin this meeting without further delay."

The Head of Production started the meeting, prompting Henry and Wyatt to present their project. Slowly, they adjusted to the pressure, gaining confidence with every minute as they explained the overall concept with clarity and enthusiasm. They distributed the completed scripts and projected budget breakdowns to everyone present and let them read at their own pace.

Berry Cruz adjusted his reading glasses and curiously opened the script while Henry delivered his pitch with calm professionalism.

The opening scene featured the three friends waking up in a strange room with no memory of the previous night. One of them, the youngest, rushed to the toilet to release the biggest and loudest shit of all time, echoing throughout the room. While he was in the middle of doing number two, two lions appeared and surrounded him from both sides, growling in unison.

The guy screamed in horror while shitting, completely losing his mind, and the lions roared on cue, creating a symphony of shit, screams, and roars unlike anything ever seen in cinema.

Berry bit his lip, trying hard not to laugh. He clenched the pages tightly, holding back his laughter so as not to disrupt the meeting or seem unprofessional.

Suddenly, Chairman Noah Nash burst into laughter, unable to hold it any longer. Everyone in the room paused mid-read and waited while he composed himself, smiling politely.

Noah took a deep breath and waved his hand, still chuckling. His face was red, either from laughter or from embarrassment for laughing so suddenly in front of everyone.

"Continue what you're doing."

Henry resumed the pitch without skipping a beat, while Wyatt chimed in when needed. Henry was an expert, so Wyatt followed his lead and kept things steady.

An hour later, Henry and Wyatt left the room feeling drained but hopeful. The executives had asked questions ranging from budget concerns to casting ideas.

Once they were satisfied with what they heard, Henry and Wyatt were directed to a nearby waiting room while the executives privately discussed the project's potential profitability behind closed doors.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 57

Wyatt and Henry entered the room, and someone brought them cookies and neatly served coffee. The Chairman had told them earlier that they needed at least an hour to fully deliberate the project proposal, and they would be called again once a decision had been made.

Wyatt sat down and wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, still tense from the high-pressure atmosphere.

Unlike the last time when he and Collin easily secured an investment from William, today's pitch felt far heavier. Wyatt could feel the pressure mounting with each passing minute. The people in the meeting room were so serious and professional, almost intimidating, that he knew a single misstep could ruin everything.

Except for the one moment when Chairman Noah burst out laughing, the entire pitch had felt suffocating.

Now Wyatt realized even more just how lucky he was to have an agent like Collin. He owed the success of his first movie to him. Collin believed in him when he was still a nobody, fresh out of college, with no real connections. That meant a lot to him, both personally and professionally.

After The Accidental Wedding Crashers was released, Wyatt received many calls and texts from his old college classmates. Almost all of them asked for jobs, hoping he could help them land a role or at least a spot on the crew, especially the women who aspired to be actresses.

But Wyatt wasn't foolish or naïve enough to let flattery cloud his judgment. He might lack experience, but he knew most of them just wanted to use him now that he had a successful film under his belt.

He consulted Collin about it, and the agent was straightforward: hiring amateur people for a professional-level project would be detrimental to the production. Wyatt agreed after thinking it through seriously.

Collin said Wyatt could hire people he trusted and who had strong work ethics. People who wouldn't jeopardize the project, especially with the team still being newly formed and in the process of hiring key members.

But when it came to actors and actresses, it was better for them to go through auditions and prove themselves fairly. Casting people just because they were college friends was too risky and could cause serious problems down the line.

Wyatt agreed… however, there was still one thing he hadn't told Collin and it weighed on his conscience.

Back at the celebration party, Wyatt had hooked up with an aspiring actress whose name he barely remembered that night. The two had done the horizontal monster smash, and Wyatt promised to include her in his next project.

They even had a second rendezvous just two days ago after a casual meetup, and they had kept in touch via text and late-night calls. Both had agreed it was nothing serious, just fun with no strings attached.

Wyatt was nervous about telling Collin because he knew it was unprofessional and unethical. He fucked up by fucking her, without thinking through the consequences.

Still, he planned to invite the woman to audition and compete fairly. If she earned a role, then great.

Unfortunately, his new project centered around three male leads, so her chances of standing out were slim. The best she could hope for was a minor supporting role with limited screen time.

Wyatt glanced at Henry, who looked far more composed than he felt. The producer picked up a cookie, dipped it into the coffee, and ate it with calm precision. He nodded approvingly at the flavor and started eating more with visible satisfaction.

"Do you think they'll agree?" Wyatt asked, hoping to ease his anxiety.

"Wyatt, you're still young, so it's natural to be nervous in situations like this. But you have to be confident in yourself and in your work. Do you know how rare it is for a director to have a box office hit as a debut film? Almost none. Most debut films only manage small profits when released in theaters. Yours broke that pattern."

"Thank you, Henry. That really helps."

Wyatt and Henry had worked together during Director Esteban's project, but their relationship had been mostly professional. They rarely spoke on a personal level and mostly discussed work.

Wyatt's first impression of Henry was that he was calm under pressure and knew what he was doing.

"You don't have to worry, I'm nervous too. But nerves won't help you survive in this industry. If you're serious about being a director, you'll get used to moments like this. As the creative head, you'll always be in rooms like that, defending your vision."

Henry sipped his coffee.

"Look, the situation is in our favor. It's more obvious than you think. Instead of letting us leave and making us wait for days, they decided to give us an answer within the hour. That shows urgency and interest. If they weren't interested, they'd take their time. But this? This is a very good sign. Believe me, we'll get the confirmation today. No doubt."

Henry had experienced countless business pitches in his long career as a producer, and he knew this situation was more optimistic than most. He admitted he was initially caught off guard by the presence of both the CEO and Chairman, but perhaps that meant they saw true potential in Wyatt's new project.

.........

......

...

Henry's prediction turned out to be accurate. Both the CEO and Chairman were impressed with Wyatt and his script.

When Uni-versus received word that Wyatt Bray was planning a new project and wanted to pitch it to them, CEO Berry Cruz personally took interest and decided to attend the meeting. He also invited Chairman Noah Nash, who agreed to come along.

Now the deal was the center of everyone's attention.

"It's promising, very promising. If this script performs even half as well as The Accidental Wedding Crashers, it'll be a big win," Berry said.

After 70 days in theaters, The Accidental Wedding Crashers had grossed $252 million worldwide and was still generating revenue. It was a success far beyond expectations.

Noah glanced over the script for a second time with a trace of amusement. The first page alone had made him laugh out loud, it was undeniably promising.

"They're asking for a $20 million investment to fully fund the project. In exchange, we'll own the complete copyright of Week on a Cruise Ship as the sole production studio."

That was standard practice in the industry. Since Uni-versus would be the sole investor, they naturally owned full rights to the film. The director and producer, however, would typically receive a small share of the revenue depending on contract negotiations, usually around 1.5% to 2.5% after expenses were deducted.

"I met Wyatt's agent at the screening for The Accidental Wedding Crashers. His name is Collin East. Judging by Collin's confidence, he'll probably ask for at least a $3 million salary for Wyatt, possibly even a box office share," Berry added as he flipped through the financial proposal.

"$3 million isn't outrageous, considering Wyatt already has a box office hit to his name, which is rare for a new director. The only problem is the box office share, it cuts into our profit. Are we okay with that risk if the film turns out to be another hit?"

"I'll handle the negotiations with Wyatt's agent personally," Noah said without hesitation.

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement. It was rare for the Chairman to negotiate directly, but not unheard of. He had once personally courted a famous actor to star in one of their flagship projects.

Still, the fact that Noah was showing this level of interest in a new director was telling and it said a lot about Wyatt's rising star.

+++++

[Author's Note: If you want to read more, this novel currently has 32 advanced chapters on my Patreon.]

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 58

"We can discuss the finer details once we finalize the initial agreement. For now, I want this project under our control before other studios hear about it. They probably won't sign with us if we don't meet their conditions but that doesn't matter. This movie will be released under our company, no matter what it takes."

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement. The fact that they had kept Wyatt and Henry in a separate room instead of sending them away spoke volumes. It was a clear sign of interest and a desire not to let them walk.

More importantly, there was a fear that if Wyatt and Henry left the premises, they might pitch the script to another studio, potentially triggering a bidding war. That was something Uni-versus Pictures wanted to avoid at all costs.

Henry and Wyatt had chosen Uni-versus Pictures as their first stop because Wyatt already had a successful collaboration with them on his debut film. The studio was already familiar with his capabilities, making the partnership smoother and more efficient.

Noah had no intention of letting this project slip through their fingers. If they had to make the first move to secure it, then so be it.

"Call them back. Start negotiations as soon as possible before they have a chance to change their minds. I don't want any other company interfering or getting ahead of us."

Noah saw the potential of this movie clearly. Like The Accidental Wedding Crashers, Week On A Cruise Ship was filled with adult humor and sharp comedic timing. It would likely receive an R rating, but that wouldn't hurt its profitability or appeal.

After all, The Accidental Wedding Crashers, despite its R rating, had grossed over $251 million worldwide. In 1995, that kind of box office performance was phenomenal.

.........

......

...

"Henry, the holidays are still four days away, and now you're saying I might not get a single day of rest?" Collin said with a wry smile, phone pressed to his ear.

Henry had just called to inform him that Uni-versus Pictures was ready to begin negotiations much sooner than expected. Collin would represent Wyatt, while Henry would negotiate on his own behalf.

Some producers had agents, while others preferred not to. Especially for large projects where agents would take a cut of their earnings. It was all a matter of preference and capability.

But for directors and actors, agents were a necessity. Their careers were opportunity-driven, and they needed someone to protect and promote their interests.

To avoid souring the relationship between studios and their clients over financial matters, agents stepped in as negotiators, acting as a buffer. That way, if things got heated, the resentment would fall on the agent, not the talent.

Just remember what happened when Collin negotiated Lawrence's salary with producer Balthazar Harper. The man had said some brutal things. If Lawrence had negotiated personally, he wouldn't have lasted five minutes. He might not have walked away with even $100,000 despite his talent.

Collin's job was to pursue the best possible outcome for his client, even if it meant playing the villain in the room.

"Alright. I'll go to Uni-versus headquarters tomorrow and start the talks with the executives. I'll hang up now, I need to call Wyatt next. Drive safe."

The next call went to Wyatt, who was still with Henry when his phone rang. Henry waved goodbye and left the room, giving Wyatt space for the conversation.

"How much do you realistically want to earn from this project?" Collin asked. "Keep in mind, you're not just the screenwriter. You're the director and the creative visionary behind this story."

"Is it possible to earn $4 million plus a box office share?"

"Completely possible and even reasonable," Collin answered. "Honestly, if I'm right, Uni-versus wouldn't even flinch at a $7 million salary if they believe in your value. But the box office share? That's a different story. That eats into their profit, so it's a tougher negotiation. Would you rather prioritize a larger direct salary or the share? Keep in mind, the share will take a while to arrive."

They had already experienced this with The Accidental Wedding Crashers. It had taken two months for the first box office payout to come through.

"Well, I'm confident this movie will be a success. You said it yourself, I should always believe in the success of my films, especially comedies."

"Exactly, and that mindset will serve you well." Collin smiled, proud of how much Wyatt had grown.

"Then let's prioritize the box office share. Let's meet today and finalize our contract before the meeting with the studio."

Collin, under their agency agreement, could earn a 10% commission from Wyatt's salary.

However, box office bonuses were separate and had to be negotiated independently. Both parties needed transparency to preserve trust.

Later that afternoon, Wyatt arrived at the ANT headquarters and found Collin standing in a small but newly claimed office on the 6th floor, looking pleased.

"I finally got my own office," Collin laughed, gesturing proudly at the modest space.

It wasn't large, but it was his, and that meant something. Thanks to The Accidental Wedding Crashers and representing a director with rising clout, Collin's status at the agency had improved. His base salary had jumped from $30,000 to $50,000 a year, a huge leap.

It was proof that he was no longer just a small-time agent. He had earned respect in the industry, especially now that his client was a promising young director.

"That's great," Wyatt said, eyeing the new space. He had seen Collin's old cubicle, it was clear this was an upgrade worth celebrating.

"Next year, I'll build a team to prioritize your career and help manage everything around you."

Collin didn't elaborate. He also didn't mention that having a team would likely reduce his personal commission, but that could be discussed another time.

The two sat down and quickly drafted a simple but legally binding agreement.

The terms were straightforward and fair.

For every 1% of box office share that Collin successfully negotiated, Wyatt would pay him a $100,000 bonus. With one of the company's lawyers present to witness and confirm the terms, they signed the contract and left ANT headquarters to grab a meal and talk more about the project.

.........

......

...

The next morning, Collin adjusted his tie with care before walking into the office of Uni-versus Pictures' Chairman. He carried himself with the calm composure of a man ready for a tough negotiation. The secretary opened the door, and Collin thanked her with a polite nod.

Inside, he saw a man seated at a polished wooden desk, gold trim, and everything about it screamed authority. Chairman Noah Nash rose to his feet and approached Collin with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

The moment Collin stepped in, his instincts flared. He immediately sensed that this man was dangerous, someone accustomed to power and control. There was an unmistakable aura around him, as if years of hidden dealings and shady power plays had left an imprint on his very presence.

Thankfully, this was just a negotiation, not a partnership. Collin wouldn't have to deal with Noah on a daily basis, which was a relief.

'Balthazar had a bad vibe and a short temper, but Chairman Noah is on another level entirely.'

Collin kept a pleasant smile on his face and reminded himself to stay sharp.

"It's nice to meet you, Chairman. Thank you for the opportunity."

"Just call me Noah, no need for formalities. You're Collin, right? Come, sit. Let's talk about your client's project. Do you prefer coffee or tea?"

"Coffee, please, if it's not too much trouble."

They took their seats across from each other. Between them was a small table adorned with an antique ceramic tea set. The secretary brought over the coffee and a plate of nicely arranged pastries.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 59

Once the two were seated and settled across the small tea table, Noah regarded the agent with a quiet, assessing gaze. Though he didn't show it on his face, he was impressed.

He had expected Collin to be nervous. After all, this was the young agent's first time negotiating face-to-face with a studio chairman under such high stakes.

But Collin had changed significantly in the past year, not just in demeanor, but in how he handled pressure. The biggest reason was his golden vision, an uncanny ability to spot talent with remarkable precision. Because of that gift, he had developed confidence in both himself and the career path he had chosen. He no longer felt dread or anxiety in moments like this. In fact, he felt excited.

Even if he screwed up the negotiation, he had other studios interested in Wyatt. He believed in his client more than anything else, and that belief gave him the upper hand.

Now that Collin had paid off his crippling debt, he was finally free, financially and emotionally, for the first time in years. He could retire right now if he wanted to. His bank account already held millions, accumulated faster than he'd ever expected.

But retirement was a last resort. This was the career he chose, and he was determined to excel in it and make a name for himself.

While Collin didn't outwardly appear nervous, that didn't mean he wasn't fully aware of the gravity of this meeting. His heart was still pounding beneath his tailored suit.

"Let's not waste time, Collin," Noah began, his tone blunt and firm. "We both know we're not close, nor do we need to pretend otherwise. There's no reason to drag this out. I know why you're here, so state your offer. I'll counter. No need for the usual dance."

Noah was surprised by Collin's composure, it wasn't what he had expected from such a young agent. Still, he didn't think this negotiation would end favorably for Collin, regardless of his poise.

"My client wants $7 million and 10% of the box office share," Collin said calmly. "Wyatt has exceptional talent, especially in the comedy genre. He's already proven that. His talent deserves compensation to match."

Noah smirked condescendingly. As expected, these damn talent agents were always greedy, always reaching for the impossible.

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he simply stared at Collin, waiting for him to continue.

"His next movie will be profitable," Collin added, his tone steady and assured.

"Is that all?" Noah asked dryly. "Anything else you'd like to add?"

"Not for now. But the fact that you invited me to the Chairman's office to negotiate personally tells me everything I need to know, you also believe this project is worth pursuing."

Collin was right, though Noah showed no sign of acknowledgment, maintaining the stoic mask of a seasoned executive.

"Collin, your client is still young and relatively new to the industry. What if he cracks under pressure? We can't risk the entire investment. I'm concerned he might not be able to finish the job to our standards."

"Then let's address that in the contract with a clause that protects your interests."

"I see. Then here's my counteroffer. I'll offer Wyatt $7 million in salary. That's a huge amount for a new director, rare in this industry. He'll receive $3.5 million upfront, and the remaining $3.5 million after production concludes, assuming everything goes well. However, if the final cut doesn't meet our standards, we'll create our own edited version, and the remaining $3.5 million will be forfeited."

"Nope. That won't happen under any circumstance." Collin shook his head firmly. He wasn't about to fall into that kind of trap.

"Wyatt will edit his version, and the studio can prepare its own cut for comparison. A third party can be brought in, if necessary, to determine which is better. But Wyatt's remaining $3.5 million stays untouched regardless of the outcome..."

Then, in that moment, Collin realized something important. The Chairman was trying to distract him from the real prize: the box office share.

Wyatt had made it clear he valued long-term profits over upfront salary. He believed in his project and was confident in its success. Collin understood now that Noah was trying to shift focus to the salary, downplaying the backend deal.

Yes, Noah was dangerous. Clever. Calculating.

"Chairman, let's not forget the box office share, that's our top priority. We prefer at least 10%, ideally of the worldwide box office."

"Pfft—haha!" Noah burst into laughter, clearly amused. To him, it sounded like a joke.

"And what makes you think we'd agree to those terms so easily?"

"If you don't, we have other options," Collin replied evenly. "Other studios are already reaching out. In fact, Wash Dismay Studio contacted us just yesterday after hearing that Wyatt had a new project in development. Maybe someone in your company is leaking information."

"Bullshit," Noah snapped. "If there's a spy, it's on your side, not mine. You know that."

Despite his denial, Noah made a mental note to double-check. It was possible someone on his team had leaked something without his knowledge.

"Here's what I'll offer," Noah said after a pause. "No condition of forfeiting the half of salary. In fact, I'll increase it to $8 million as a show of good faith. How about that?"

The name-drop had shaken Noah more than he wanted to admit. Wash Dismay was hungry for live-action content to diversify their catalog. Though best known for their animated, family-friendly films, they had a separate branch, Touchpebbles Pictures, for R-rated and live-action projects.

If they believed in the profitability of Week on a Cruise Ship, they'd jump on it, especially considering its franchise and merchandising potential.

The room fell quiet as Noah weighed the options.

'Should I let this project go?'

He already had a solid lineup of blockbusters scheduled over the next two years, but there was a glaring gap in June 1997. Week on a Cruise Ship had been scheduled for that slot. Losing it would leave a hole in their summer schedule.

'Maybe we can find something else in time… But this one fits perfectly.'

"The box office share is what we're prioritizing, plain and simple," Collin reiterated.

Noah gritted his teeth. Wyatt had clearly found himself a damn good agent.

'We showed too much of our hand early on. We shouldn't have been so eager during the pitch.'

"$5 million in salary," Noah finally said, "plus 5% of the North American box office as a performance incentive. Wyatt will receive 2% if the movie grosses over $100 million in North America. If it grosses over $200 million, then he'll get the full 5% as promised. It's performance-driven, a motivation for him to do his best. His salary as scriptwriter is already included in the $5 million."

Noah had structured the deal to be performance-based while lowering the flat salary. It was a calculated compromise that maintained studio control while offering significant upside for Wyatt.

"Deal accepted."

Collin extended his hand with a firm grip. Noah chuckled and shook it, sealing the agreement.

With the initial terms settled, they now had to iron out the contract's finer details and legal clauses to officially finalize the deal.

+++++

Author's Note: I just completed Hollywood What If yesterday and decided to offer a 50% discount on my highest Patreon tier as a celebration. Do you realize how rare it is for a novel to actually be finished? The discount will be available until the end of tomorrow. Check it out if you're interested!

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki

 

[Pujimaki]

Author's Note: I just completed Hollywood What If yesterday and decided to offer a 50% discount on my highest Patreon tier as a celebration. Do you realize how rare it is for a novel to actually be finished? The discount will be available until the end of tomorrow. Check it out if you're interested!

Patreon link: https://www.patreon.com/Puji_maki




Behind The Spotlight Chapter 60


The terms and conditions between both parties didn't differ much from the usual, which made the contract process smoother than expected. Wyatt didn't have any specific demands, he only requested a decent trailer and a nice mocha to relax in during filming breaks so he could recharge on long production days.

As for Uni-versus Pictures, they insisted on having the right to create their own version of the final cut if Wyatt's edit didn't meet their standards for quality and marketability. They acknowledged Wyatt's proven skills in editing The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and while they trusted his ability, they wanted a safety net in case post-production adjustments became necessary.

Of course, they couldn't reduce Wyatt's salary if his final cut didn't pass their criteria. That clause had already been negotiated out of the contract, something Collin ensured before Wyatt signed anything.

While most people were busy preparing for the holidays, decorating homes, shopping for gifts, and booking hotels for vacation, Collin, Wyatt, and Henry spent the four days working nonstop to finalize the deal.

On December 24, 1995, just one day before Christmas, the contract was officially signed by both parties after several hours of discussion and legal review.

Henry secured his own deal, earning $4 million as the movie's producer, which he considered more than fair. With his credentials and experience, no reason to doubt his value.

As for Wyatt, Collin successfully negotiated a $5 million base salary and a 5% North American box office share, a significant win for a director of his age and background. Naturally, Collin received a 10% commission from the $5 million and an additional $500,000 from the box office share agreement, as per their prior arrangement.

With that, Week On A Cruise Ship officially began its pre-production journey.

.........
......
...

"Excuse me, this is Collin, right? I'm Taylor, the executive from Wash Dismay Studios. We met a few months ago at the screening of The Accidental Wedding Crashers. I was wondering if your client is interested in working with us? I heard Wyatt has a new project–wait, what? You already made a deal with Uni-versus Pictures? But I thought your client only pitched the project three days ago? You finalized a deal that fast without waiting for other offers?"

Taylor was speechless. He knew that negotiating a movie deal with a studio typically took weeks or even months, filled with revisions, meetings, and budget approvals, depending on executive schedules and market trends.

A studio would only move quickly if they saw serious profit potential and trusted the creative team.

In this case, Uni-versus Pictures saw the value in Wyatt's new project almost immediately and didn't hesitate to secure the deal before other studios could act.

Like Collin, they recognized Wyatt's talent and trusted that he could replicate his previous success.

Since they were already interested from the first pitch, there was no reason to delay or give competitors a chance to interfere. The best move was to act while the momentum was hot.

Taylor ended the call, his jaw clenched and sweat beading on his forehead as panic crept in. He vividly remembered the time Chairman Greg Marinero fired someone right in front of him.

If Wyatt's next movie turned out to be a success, Taylor knew there was a strong chance Greg would kick him out without a second thought. The Chairman had personally expressed interest in working with Wyatt Bray and Taylor failed to make that happen despite having insider information. In Greg's eyes, that made him incompetent.

'Please, please flop at the box office,' Taylor begged in silence.

'That movie has to fail so I can keep my job. I have a mortgage to pay. I might hold a high position in Acquisitions, but I'm still just an employee, completely replaceable!'

'Why the hell did the deal close so fast? Like a goddamn rat!'

Taylor had learned about Wyatt's new project three days ago, thanks to a corporate spy planted inside Uni-versus Pictures who regularly fed him information. He assumed the negotiation wouldn't move fast, especially during the holidays. He was waiting for the right moment to step in.

He miscalculated and it cost him. He never even had a chance to read the script, so he didn't understand why Uni-versus jumped at the deal with such urgency.

.........
......
...

Collin and the others had a much better holiday this year, both emotionally and financially. His clients in particular earned well and found themselves in better places than before.

Jennifer returned to her hometown and spent the holidays reconnecting with her parents and relatives, whom she hadn't seen in a while.

Lawrence and Wyatt did the same, their hearts full and their pockets fuller. Their families were proud, while some relatives expressed a mix of joy and envy as success often drew both. Some cousins even asked if they could be introduced to the entertainment industry, hoping for a shortcut to fame.

Wyatt, now affectionately referred to as "the director" in the family, found himself in an awkward position. His relatives believed he could cast anyone in his next film if he chose to. But Wyatt refused their requests. He wanted to keep everything strictly professional. They weren't trained actors, and he couldn't afford to take unnecessary risks on set.

As for Axel... he spent his days alone in his small apartment.

He tried calling his ex-wife, hoping to wish his son a Merry Christmas, but his calls and messages went unanswered. Estranged from his divorced parents as well, Axel spent the holiday in solitude, reflecting on the life he once had.

The private detectives he'd hired over the years still hadn't found any leads. Was it really this hard to find someone in 1996? Could they have changed their identities? Axel was not allowed to know their address because of the court decision.

Collin occasionally called Axel to check in and offer emotional support. It wasn't much, but it was something.

Collin's own holiday was quiet, but fulfilling. His family didn't travel abroad like others with newfound success might. Instead, they visited his father's hometown and spent time with extended family. Collin had always been close to his cousins, and the reunion was warm.

Some relatives asked about his love life. Collin answered honestly, he was single and had no immediate plans to date. His focus was on building his career while his momentum was strong. It was a shame, some cousins joked, as they had friends they'd been meaning to introduce to him.

Still, for Collin and the rest, the holidays eventually came to an end, as all good things do, and they returned to the fast-paced world of showbiz.

The new year was about to begin, and the industry was revving back to full speed.

.........
......
...

January 4, 1996

Lawrence waved as he boarded the plane, glancing back at his family with a bright smile. His parents waved back, a mix of pride and longing in their expressions. Standing next to them was Collin, sharply dressed in his usual business attire.

It had been a month since Lawrence was cast in Passionate Island, a mid-budget film. Over the past few weeks, he'd attended daily rehearsals and script readings without missing a single session. By now, he had memorized all his lines and could deliver them with confidence.

Lawrence finally saw himself as a real actor, not just a newcomer anymore.

As the plane lifted off, his parents continued waving until it vanished from sight.

Mr. and Mrs. Terrence turned to Collin and offered him their sincerest thanks.

"Mr. East, we truly appreciate everything you've done for our son. We heard you're the reason he landed his first role, and it changed his life. Thank you so much. We brought you some home-baked cookies as a small token of gratitude."

Mrs. Terrence handed him a Tufferware container, and Collin accepted it with a soft smile. He appreciated the gesture, it came from the heart.

"Please take care of our son."

"Don't worry, Ma'am," Collin replied warmly. "I'll make sure Lawrence becomes a successful actor. I'll support him every step of the way."

He couldn't be sure how Lawrence would behave once fame truly hit, but one thing was certain, Collin believed that Lawrence had what it took to become a superstar.

The couple felt reassured. Seeing how genuine Lawrence's agent was, they believed their son was in good hands.