America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 47 Opponent

On Monday morning, Gray Company was exceptionally busy, having rented an entire floor for a film crew to audition many actors for minor roles.

As more crew members arrived in Atlanta, Louise Mayer was in charge until producer Steve Golin came.

Director Michel Gondry is French, with average experience and achievements; he is more like a general director on set.

After the morning meeting, Louise reminded the casting director, "Pay close attention to that actor I mentioned."

"I understand." Richard wasn't a newbie; he knew what was going on.

The production team hired staff in Atlanta and will also recruit a number of actors for minor roles, which can save a lot of labor costs.

Richard hurried to the audition room, and just as he turned the corner of the corridor, Lynn, a temporary hire from Gray Company, approached him: "Director Richard."

The other person was also a casting director at Gray's Entertainment, so Richard gave him some face: "What's up?"

Lynn mentioned an actor he discovered and collaborated with many times: "We were talking about Adam Smith the other day, please keep an eye on him."

Richard nodded, and then held a meeting with his assistants.

While reviewing the resumes his assistant brought him, he discovered that Adam Smith and Martin Davis had auditioned for the same role.

Richard didn't even consider it and simply put Adam Smith's resume at the very end.

Meanwhile, Martin arrived at Gray Company, met Jerome at the entrance, made a phone call to Louise's assistant, and soon someone came and took Jerome to discuss the large-scale use of extras.

Robert, sporting a large head, walked in through the door and immediately spotted Martin. He rushed over and asked, "You're here for an audition too?"

Martin asked, "Which role did you audition for?"

As the two walked inside, Robert said, "I dream of having even one line for a minor role with only two lines."

Martin said, "Don't worry, we're not on the same page."

Robert asked, "Main characters?"

Martin said, "Unless you help me."

Robert scratched his big head: "Dude, that really was an accident!"

Martin casually replied, "I believe you."

When we arrived near the audition room, there were so many people that one row of benches wasn't enough, and many people were standing.

The door to an office next door opened, and Andrew came out with some documents. He saw Martin standing there and quickly called out, "Jenny, quick, bring out a chair. No, two chairs."

The freckled female assistant dragged over two chairs. Andrew took one and pulled it in front of Martin: "Sit down."

Martin quickly accepted the chair, as politely as ever: "Thank you."

"We're friends." Andrew lowered his voice. "I haven't thanked you for the information you gave me last time. I became the first man in the entire company to use a water bottle. The boss praised me in front of everyone and even recommended me to this film crew to learn."

Martin immediately offered a compliment: "You're about to get promoted, congratulations."

Andrew laughed: "Actually, it's the same as before. We need a casting assistant who is familiar with Atlanta to help select extras. I mainly liaise with Jerome."

Martin said, "With a resume of working on a $2000 million production, I can go back and become a proper casting director."

"I hope so." Andrew prepared to leave.

Martin and Robert had just sat down when someone next to them complained, "Why don't we have seats?"

Andrew's smile instantly turned extremely serious: "If you don't want to stand, you can walk."

The other auditioning actors who wanted to speak shut up.

Andrew held up the documents: "I have other things to do."

Martin said, "Go ahead and get busy."

Adam Smith had been observing this area from a bench against the wall not far away.

Ward, his companion, asked, "The one with Ma Zhen?"

Adam Smith asked, "He's that famous?"

"Ma Zhen!" Ward's expression was slightly exaggerated: "I heard that in high-end clubs, many women are asking who he is, wanting to spend a lot of money to have a one-night stand with him on horseback."

"That idiot Kyle, this scene was supposed to be his," Adam Smith muttered, somewhat worried. "Coming here at this hour, is he auditioning for the same role as me?"

"You've starred in several Gray Company productions, and you've also been recommended by director Lynn," Ward said in a low voice. "What does he have to compare with you?"

Adam Smith, however, said, "His relationship with Kelly Gray is unusual. You saw Andrew trying to curry favor with her."

Ward reminded him, "Lynn said your application was listed first. For such a large-scale audition for a minor role, those who are among the first to apply..."

The audition room doors opened, and the corridor immediately fell silent.

Adam Smith straightened his clothes, preparing in advance.

A middle-aged female assistant came out and called out, "Martin Davis."

Ward was surprised.

Everyone looked at Martin.

Robert raised his fist: "Go for it, buddy!"

Martin bumped fists with him and strode into the audition room.

Of course, there's no red sofa in these auditions. As Hollywood has evolved, the so-called red sofa has long since disappeared from audition rooms.

If you really want to discuss the play or the character in private, a hotel room or similar place would be more appropriate.

Even though the audition was just a formality, Martin still gave it his all.

A very simple performance, plus a few lines of dialogue.

It was not difficult for him.

Adam Smith watched Martin go in and out, smiling as he spoke to the big-headed man, but he wasn't in a good mood.

He wasn't the second person to enter the audition room, nor the third, nor the fourth and fifth...

This is a Hollywood film crew, a real opportunity to get in touch with Hollywood, right in front of you, yet so far away that it's unattainable.

When it was Adam Smith's turn, the psychological gap caused him to perform poorly. Just by looking at the expressions of the casting director and assistant, you could tell he had no chance.

When Ward saw Adam Smith come out, he asked, "How did it go?"

Adam Smith shook his head: "Let's go."

After leaving Gray Company, Adam Smith called Lynn.

Soon, Lynn called back: "The audition just ended and it's already decided, Martin Davis." He added, "Come back this afternoon, there's another small role, less screen time, I'll try to get it for you."

Adam Smith put away his phone and said, "Ward, you know a lot of people in Atlanta, help me get to know Martin Davis."

Ward asked doubtfully, "Just a nobody."

"It's not just about the role." Adam Smith's real concerns were elsewhere: "This production team has a close relationship with Gray, you know? I might not be as good as Martin Davis here at Gray."

Gray's late-night productions are his mainstay; he can't go to Hollywood, but he's still doing very well in Atlanta.

If the core support base is gone, all our current lives will be in vain.

Cars purchased on installment, houses bought with loans, daily life involving credit card payments, etc., will all be severely affected.

Adam Smith said, "Lynn revealed that director Benjamin is writing a new film for Gray's company, and I thought I was the obvious choice for the lead role, but now it seems a bit unfortunate."

Ward understood: "The threat has just surfaced, and we're already suppressing it?"

Adam Smith nodded: "I need to at least know who my potential rivals are. If I don't even know who my rivals are, I'll be replaced without even knowing it."

(End of this chapter)