Behind The Spotlight Chapter 48
The audition ended after a long and exhaustive process. The production team began finalizing their choices based on performance, screen presence, and chemistry. It had been a tiring day of hard work. They had to sit through one performance after another, which left their bones aching from hours of inactivity. The audition wrapped up in the late afternoon.
After some discussion and a brief round of deliberation, they finally reached a consensus they could all agree on.
Led by Director Summerbelt with renewed purpose, they officially selected Lawrence Terrence as Jacky without any further doubt.
For the female lead, they chose Ellie Bridget as Rosey after narrowing the list down to several finalists. Ellie Bridget was a well-known name in the industry. Considered a B-list actress who had starred in a few films and made numerous TV guest appearances. However, she had never landed a leading role despite years of persistence. This would be her first time as the main actress. An opportunity that could completely change her career trajectory.
The production team had initially wanted to cast Jolyne Robs as Rosey due to her greater fame and box office pull, but the actress was currently too busy promoting her latest film and attending international premieres.
"Since we've got our male lead and female lead locked in, how about I recommend Kayla Martin as the supporting actress? She can play Rosey's younger sister. She's a model, but she can clearly act. She's also amazing at sucking coc-- never mind. Besides, her screen time is short, so there's little risk involved," said Producer Harper, not forgetting his earlier arrangement with Kayla Martin.
Although he failed to secure the female lead for Kayla, she still walked away with a meaningful role and a stepping stone. With the cast heading to a tropical island, Harper saw future "transactions" with Kayla under the warm sheets as not just possible, but likely.
"I'm alright with that, as long as she doesn't disrupt the flow," Director Summerbelt replied with a slight nod. He decided to allow the producer to push through one name as a compromise. As long as it didn't affect the integrity of the story, Thomas was willing to yield in small areas.
"Then let's contact them immediately and have them sign the contracts as soon as possible, preferably this week, so we can begin without delays. As for the actors who didn't make it, don't bother calling them. It's a waste of time and resources," Harper declared coldly and without hesitation.
The production team wrapped up their final tasks for the day, sorting files and contacting agents.
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"It's nice to meet you, Mr. East. I'm Balthazar Harper, producer of Passionate Island and longtime partner of Sonya-Collapse Studio."
"Nice to meet you as well."
The producer of Passionate Island and Lawrence's representative shook hands firmly, a standard gesture in high-stakes business negotiations.
Collin sat down on a leather seat across the desk. The meeting took place inside the headquarters of Sonya-Collapse Studio, in one of their glass-walled negotiation rooms. As the project overseer, Balthazar was in charge of finalizing the contracts for the two lead roles.
As expected, the actor didn't attend these types of meetings, it was always the agent who showed up. That was the industry norm. However, Harper was slightly surprised to discover that Lawrence was represented by someone from ANT, one of the top agencies in Hollywood.
"Let's not drag this out longer than it needs to be. Name your price, and let's move on."
Balthazar Harper had no interest in spending more than fifteen minutes on this negotiation. He considered it a waste of time. Lawrence Terrence was just a rising actor with only one successful film to his name. He didn't yet have the box office appeal to demand a high salary.
Collin understood that clearly. If he misplayed his hand, Lawrence could easily be dropped in favor of another actor with a more flexible salary rate.
Prior to this meeting, Collin had asked Lawrence how much he expected to earn from the movie. They discussed it thoroughly.
In fact, Lawrence was currently sitting in a restaurant near the Sonya-Collapse Studio headquarters, nervously waiting by his phone for a call from Collin, sipping his nth cup of coffee.
Lawrence had said he'd be happy to earn $1 million from this movie. That alone would change his life.
Naturally, Collin aimed to secure that amount or more. Not only to improve his client's standing but also because his own income depended on it. He earns a 15% commission on the deal. With confidence, he raised three fingers.
"Three million dollars."
Balthazar laughed out loud like someone who had just heard the punchline of a great joke. It was the funniest thing he had heard in a while.
"Collin, it seems like you don't understand your situation at all. Lawrence wasn't our first or second pick. If we're going to spend that much, we might as well hire Tommy Yatch, a proven box office name. I'll offer Lawrence $500,000. That's already generous for a new actor."
"$2.5 million would be more appropriate. Mr. Harper, I'm confident in my client's acting skills and the value he brings. I believe the reason you chose him is because Lawrence is the perfect fit for the role."
In truth, Lawrence wasn't just perfect, he transcended the role. He didn't just play Jacky, he became something more.
"Collin, you clearly understand your client's strengths, and I respect that, even if I think you're dreaming. One million. That's my final offer."
"Lawrence will elevate the film in ways no one else can. His casting makes the movie stronger from script to screen. $1.7 million, fair compensation, considering the value he brings."
"…Tch. $1.5 million. Don't be greedy. You're just a parasite in a suit leeching off your clients' blood. Agents like you deserve a place in hell, the deepest one."
Balthazar had been through this kind of negotiation countless times. He could probably write a book about it. He knew that talent agents didn't know their place in this industry.
Sure, Lawrence was talented. But he was still new. Asking for $3 million was overkill. That money could be better spent on post-production.
And yet… despite his irritation, Balthazar didn't want to lose Lawrence. His instincts as a seasoned producer were warning him, he would regret letting this actor go.
It was those instincts that had kept him successful over the years. He had a sixth sense for potential.
'If not for Lawrence's recent success in The Accidental Wedding Crashers, this conversation probably wouldn't even be happening,' Balthazar silently admitted with a grudging sigh.
Collin paused, appearing to consider his options. Then he smiled and extended his hand with calm confidence.
"It's nice doing business with you, Mr. Harper. $1.5 million it is. I'll call Lawrence right now so he can come in and sign. As for specific clauses, my client is allergic to corn, so please avoid food-related accidents."
"We'll add that to the terms and handle it on set."
"He must have his own trailer for privacy and proper preparation."
"Of course. We'll also rent an apartment near the shooting location."
With the salary agreement finalized, they shifted focus to other key contractual terms: accommodations, transportation, and dietary requirements.
Overall, Balthazar was content with the $1.5 million figure, even if he didn't get the final say.
The film's budget was $25 million, with a flexible buffer, and spending $1.5 million on the male lead wasn't a bad investment. Especially if it raised the movie's quality.
Half an hour later, after the revised contract was prepared, Lawrence arrived with a lawyer. They reviewed the paperwork carefully, ensuring all terms were legally sound. Once both parties confirmed the final version, they signed the deal. Officially securing Lawrence's first major film role.
With that, Lawrence earned a $1.5 million salary for the film, his biggest payday yet. He would receive $750,000 upfront at the signing, with the remaining $750,000 to be paid upon completion of filming. This structure was designed to encourage consistent performance throughout the filming.
Naturally, Collin would take his 15% per their agreement, reducing Lawrence's initial take-home amount.
The actor didn't mind at all. In fact, he was overwhelmed and deeply impressed. Collin had managed to negotiate a deal that was 50% higher than what he had originally hoped for.
It felt surreal.