Susan Shopmaker saw Ryan walk out the room with a calm and polite demeanor which was opposite to the appearance just minutes before. His bright blue eyes exuded quiet confidence and his good physique showed an attractive man. He has the look for the big screen. Although, Susan has been in the industry for decades and has seen everything from arrogant performers with some sort of addiction—usually drugs—to flawless actors who could be stars.
But that performance was more than flawless it was moving. That's very rare. And as an admirer of movies she was excited to see Ryan as Seth.
She pulled out her phone and called J.C Chandor, the director and writer of the project.
"Hello Susan"
"We have our Seth Bregman"
"Really. Okay. Who is playing the greedy prick?"
"This newcomer named Ryan Stone. He has something J.C"
"Ryan Stone. Ummm... are you stoned right now?" Muffled laughter was heard on the phone.
"I thought we had Penn Badgley. You know. Dan Humphrey. We can get some eyeballs from that demographic."
"I know. But just trust me l send you the tape."
"Ok"
Susan ended the call with eagerness to see Ryan's performance and the chemistry with the ensemble cast.
____________
Ryan received the call from his agent Mark that he got the role for $8,000 and that shooting begins in 4 days at New York City. So he quickly booked the flight and arrived at 3pm. He decided to go to Stock Exchange to help inspire his performance. He quickly saw the greed and toxic mix of ambition and recklessness that encompassed every trader.
'If money is evil then that building is hell. But let that hunger and sense of entitlement guide me.'
He walked in the area until 10 pm night soaking up everything he could. He talked to traders, analyst, reporters over the days before shooting.
When he finally arrived the set he saw J.C Chandor talking to his DP. He approached with a grin and had a cup of coffee in his hand.
"Im J.C. I saw the tape. It was good."
"Thanks."
J.C gave me a small nod and was getting ready to shoot the scene. He saw Zachary Quinto and approached him to introduce himself.
"Hello. I'm Ryan and I'm playing Seth."
"Oh your playing Seth". Zachary was wearing a grey business suit and at first glance looks a good illustration of Peter Sullivan: intelligent, intensely focus, and somewhat serious.
"I would have expected someone more ruthless" said with a playful smile
"Really? Isn't Peter supposed to be anti social"
Zachary chuckled and in the corner of his eyes he stared at a nearby figure, Kevin Spacey.
"Can't believe J.C got Spacey. He was great in The Usual Suspects."
Ryan was excited to witness Kevin Spacey at work and learn everything he could. J.C decided to shoot the first scene of the movie first so he called Zachary and him to the set of an office.
This is my first step