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."
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[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?