Behind The Spotlight Chapter 80
It had been more than a year since Collin gained his golden vision. Within that time, he had only met two people who possessed Golden Talent.
Those two were Wyatt Bray and Lawrence Terrence. He felt extremely fortunate that he had signed them. Now, he was reaping the sweet rewards and financial success of that decision.
Today, Collin met another person who had Golden Talent: Director Thomas Summerbelt. For a moment, Collin almost approached the director and invited him to sign a partnership on the spot. Fortunately, he remained clear-headed and didn't embarrass himself by acting impulsively.
He knew Thomas Summerbelt had a professional agent supporting him, and they likely had a strong partnership considering the director's impressive career.
Thomas was a client of Atlast Artist Collective, AAC for short, a powerhouse in the talent agency world.
ANT was considered one of the top agencies in Hollywood, but AAC was undeniably the most prestigious in the country. In terms of connections and influence, it was unmatched. Not only did AAC manage actors and directors, but also singers and athletes across various levels of fame.
Of course, ANT also handled singers and athletes, but AAC operated on an entirely different level of power and control in the entertainment industry.
Even if Collin extended an offer, the director would likely decline without hesitation. His working relationship with AAC had proven successful, and there was no reason to leave. Especially when Collin couldn't offer anything more attractive.
After all, Collin was just a new talent agent with only four years of industry experience, still considered a rookie by Hollywood standards.
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August, September, October, and November passed by like the wind. Quick and uneventful, but filled with effort behind the scenes.
Naturally, Collin had been busy. Since Lawrence had finished his work on Passionate Island, it was time to find his next role.
Lawrence also received the remainder of his salary after completing all of his scenes. The final balance was $750,000, all sent directly to his bank account in a single clean transaction. Lawrence felt both happy and relieved. He had earned over $1 million from starring in a romance film, far beyond his expectations.
Collin assured him he would continue looking for projects, but Lawrence no longer felt pressured. His financial cushion was now thicker than ever. Dude, $1 million was enough to live comfortably for years if he spent it wisely and avoided unnecessary luxuries.
But of course, if Collin found another job, Lawrence wouldn't turn it down. More money was always better.
Unfortunately, even though Collin found two new projects, Lawrence still suffered rejections that stung a little. Both were romance films, and while the directors were impressed with his auditions, Lawrence only had one movie credit, which was The Accidental Wedding Crashers. Passionate Island had not yet been released to the public.
Collin also reached out to potential sponsors and commercial deals, but no one offered Lawrence a contract. After all, Lawrence's strength lay in romance roles, while commercials demanded a different kind of appeal for a broader audience. His charm simply didn't translate as effectively.
Because of that, Collin and Lawrence decided to take things slow and wait for the release of Passionate Island in December.
"... This is my first time being a part of a red carpet," Lawrence mumbled, a mix of nervousness and excitement in his voice.
He tugged slightly at his necktie for better breathing as he looked out the window of the black limousine. It was a rented limo, waiting for his cue to step out and into the spotlight.
Sonya-Collapse Studio had prepared a red carpet for the premiere. Initially, they didn't think Passionate Island needed that kind of attention. The movie was only produced to fill their December release slot.
Director Thomas Summerbelt might've been talented in television, but his capabilities as a film director were still uncertain in the eyes of the studio executives. They had low expectations for Passionate Island, predicting modest box office returns at best.
But everything changed after the small screening, which completely flipped those assumptions on their head.
Before releasing a film in theaters, studios typically show it to a select audience and critics to gauge reactions and make last-minute adjustments. Feedback is collected through post-movie surveys to assess audience reception.
The results of Passionate Island's small screening were extraordinary, so powerful that they left the studio speechless. Regardless of gender, audience members answered the survey with swollen eyes.
They had cried their hearts out because the film was so emotionally devastating. Some even screamed during that unforgettable scene when Jacky let go of the rope and was swallowed by the waves. It was heartbreaking and soul-wrenching even.
Despite its tragic tone, everyone agreed the film was a masterpiece that deserved to be remembered.
When the studio compiled the survey results, nearly 90% gave it an A+ rating. It was an outstanding achievement. Many viewers, especially the women, said they would recommend the film to their friends. They were so moved, they even asked for the name of the actor who played Jacky. They wanted to meet him. They wanted to protect him from this cruel world.
Sonya-Collapse Studio decided not to alter the film at all, choosing to release it exactly as it appeared during the screening. Not a single frame was touched.
The screening results gave them a clear idea of how to market the film and capitalize on its emotional impact. They invested heavily, plastering posters in areas where women loved to hang out such as malls, cafés, salons, and yoga studios.
They also bought primetime TV slots to air promotional trailers and ensure the widest exposure possible.
That was the reason Lawrence now sat in a limousine, dressed in a formal suit. He was like a real Hollywood star. The studio had prepared a red carpet for the premiere of Passionate Island, giving it the grand entrance it truly deserved.
The limousine moved forward, and the red carpet unfolded before him. Lawrence opened the door, revealing a practiced smile he had rehearsed for hours. Instantly, a powerful wave of cheers from the crowd, mostly women, hit him like a crashing tide of affection.
Still, Lawrence maintained his composure and waved as the cameras flashed.
The marketing campaign had leaned heavily on clips of Jacky and Rosey playing on the beach of Bora Bora beneath the red-orange sunset. That image had burned itself into the public imagination.
From a distance, Lawrence spotted Collin among the crowd. He gave him a genuine smile, and Collin nodded in return. Lawrence owed a lot to him.
The camera flashes nearly blinded him, but he knew this wasn't the last time he would experience this and it certainly wouldn't be the last.
"I'm not sure if Mom and Dad have already found their seats," he murmured, his voice nearly drowned by the noise around him.
He had given his parents tickets for the premiere, and they were supposed to enter through the backstage entrance to avoid the chaos of the red carpet.
Lawrence wanted them to be proud of him.