Behind The Spotlight Chapter 63
For this movie, not only was ANT interested in getting their talents cast, other agencies also participated, each trying to secure roles for their own actors.
Even though Wyatt was the director and a client of ANT, it didn't mean the project wouldn't include actors from different agencies, especially those with strong credentials and representation.
The actors who passed the third round of auditions clearly had deep industry connections and were backed by agents who knew how to work the system. They didn't pass based on looks or raw talent alone, their agents likely pulled strings and made deals behind the scenes to help push them forward, just like how they managed to get copies of the script, despite NDAs.
Sharing scripts was technically prohibited by most studios, especially when an NDA was involved that strictly forbade the disclosure of sensitive material. But loopholes existed. Indirect sharing happened all the time. After all, actors needed something to prepare with, even outdated or partial versions, before auditioning.
In fact, Collin did the same thing for his clients.
He scanned the waiting area and noticed nearly everyone had a copy of the script in their hands, bags, or tucked under their arms. He wasn't sure who originally leaked it or how it slipped past production controls, but the spread was obvious.
Many production crew members had access to scripts due to their clearance levels, especially older, unpolished drafts that had circulated early on.
Obviously, none of the actors in the final round were freelancers or self-represented. All had agencies and legal teams backing them. Studios avoided casting unknowns without representation due to legal, insurance, and accountability concerns.
"They said there will be a break in two hours so the casting panel can rest and regroup. If you want to talk to Wyatt, you can go inside the room or wait here," Axel said quietly, trying not to draw attention.
"I'll just wait until they're free," Collin replied, checking his watch as he leaned back in his chair. He preferred not to interrupt the production team while they were focused. It would be awkward to enter the room while auditions were still ongoing.
Axel nodded and tried to calm his nerves by breathing steadily and reviewing his lines. He had auditioned for big films before but had never passed the final round. Today didn't feel any different, even though he had received an official invitation.
Just like Lawrence, Axel and Jennifer had also started auditioning for various roles after the success of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, hoping to ride the wave of momentum. But they hadn't landed anything substantial. Sometimes they got through the first or second round with promising feedback, only to be rejected in the final round for various reasons.
Collin always ensured his clients had chances to audition for big roles, even if that meant bending a few rules. He secured scripts for them through discreet industry contacts and actively looked for audition opportunities or last-minute casting calls by networking with colleagues.
He treated all his clients with professionalism and fairness. It was true that he had been focusing more on Wyatt and Lawrence lately because of their success. They were his biggest earners, providing consistent commissions.
Still, he had no intention of dropping Axel or Jennifer, no matter how slowly their careers were progressing. As long as they wanted to work with him, Collin would keep fighting for opportunities in Hollywood.
Honestly, he felt a bit guilty. He was blindly trying to find jobs for them without a clear sense of what roles suited them best, mainly because he couldn't rely on his ability when it came to Axel and Jennifer.
Unlike with Wyatt and Lawrence, Collin had never seen any talent words appear above Axel or Jennifer's heads. He couldn't assess their potential clearly.
'Perhaps they were working in the wrong industry?' Collin wasn't sure but he didn't want to give up on them either.
He'd promised to be their agent, and that meant something.
Fortunately, having Wyatt as a successful director gave Collin a valuable lifeline. He could present Axel and Jennifer for auditions in Wyatt's movies. While they'd still need to compete fairly, Collin believed Wyatt would support them if they proved themselves on set.
He trusted his comedy director.
Back in the cold white hallway, actors nervously rehearsed their lines, flipping through scripts and whispering to one another.
Suddenly, the audition room opened. The Chairman and CEO of Uni-versus Pictures, followed by their entourage, stepped out with an air of command. They didn't glance at the actors or agents trying to greet them, they walked forward with unreadable expressions.
One agent even tried to hand over his business card, only to be shoved aside by a bodyguard without hesitation.
Noah and Berry caught sight of Collin sitting quietly beside Axel. Collin nodded politely. The two executives returned the gesture with small nods of acknowledgment. At least this Collin guy didn't look like some desperate fanatic begging for favors like the other agents. His calm professionalism left a good impression.
Unlike others, Collin knew he didn't need to grovel for attention, he had results to show. His clients were sought after because of their talent and performance.
As Noah Nash passed by, Collin recalled his earlier impression of the man during their contract negotiation.
The Chairman had a dangerous aura, the kind that hinted at a past steeped in shady dealings, typical of corporate Hollywood elites. There were likely skeletons in his closet the press had never uncovered. Still, none of it had impacted their business, so Collin didn't concern himself with it. He had no interest in relying on someone like Noah or seeking favors.
The outcome of their negotiation had been solid, a win for both him and Wyatt.
Initially, Collin pushed for a $7 million base salary and 10% worldwide box office share for Wyatt's directing role. It was a bold opening offer meant to set the bar high. As expected, Noah countered with a lower but still reasonable offer.
In the end, they agreed on a $5 million salary and 5% share of the North American box office, a deal both sides were satisfied with. Collin and Wyatt knew that it would be impossible to get $7 million salary plus 10% worldwide box office share from a studio since Wyatt was still a new director.
By the way, The Accidental Wedding Crashers had already completed its North American theatrical run with strong numbers. The film grossed over $171 million after five months in theaters.
Its international run was still ongoing and had already brought in $116 million, with more countries yet to screen it.
That brought the global total to $287 million, exceeding all expectations.
The early forecast had deemed it at around $250 million worldwide, but the film surpassed that, officially becoming a sleeper hit.
It was 1995's dark horse, surprising both critics and audiences. Currently, The Accidental Wedding Crashers ranked #9 among the highest-grossing films of 1995, sandwiched between 101 Dogs and Kasper the Ghost in box office rankings.
That success was a major reason why Wyatt landed a deal with Uni-versus Pictures so easily. His last film had delivered results, and the studio trusted his ability to connect with audiences.
But if Week On A Cruise Ship flopped, Wyatt could lose that trust and possibly his future with the studio. At the very least, getting their support again would become much harder.
That possibility lingered in the back of everyone's minds.