Behind The Spotlight Chapter 49
Lawrence was officially cast in the romance movie Passionate Island after a nerve-wracking audition and an emotionally charged performance.
His salary was $1.5 million, a number that still didn't feel real to him. However, he only received half of that amount upfront, as part of the standard payment structure for a new actor like him, who lacked strong industry credibility.
The remaining half would be paid upon completion of his work and after filming wrapped up. This clause was added to ensure that Lawrence wouldn't abandon the project midway or vanish during production.
Furthermore, if Lawrence seriously violated the contract, such as missing scheduled shoots without valid reasons or causing major conflicts on set, he could forfeit the remaining balance entirely. He might even be fired from the project, though that kind of action was typically reserved for extreme situations where no other choice remained.
Lawrence and Collin stepped out of the Sonya-Collapse building with light steps and lifted spirits. They were in a good mood, and for good reason. They had just secured a career-defining deal.
Just a few months ago, neither of them could land big projects or earn real money like most top-tier talents in the industry.
But everything changed when The Accidental Wedding Crashers was released and became a hit. Suddenly, they weren't nobodies anymore.
As they headed to the parking lot under the blazing sun, Lawrence glanced at Collin with admiration. At that moment, he fully realized just how good a decision it had been to sign with him. He chuckled at the memory of how he initially thought Collin only wanted to sign him to use him for shady deals. Specifically, to seduce wealthy old hags as a boy toy in superficial business arrangements.
"Collin, thank you for helping me through everything. You've changed my life more than you probably know. I mean it. If it weren't for you, I'd probably still be flipping pizzas at my old job. Thank you for believing in me when no one else did."
"You don't have to thank me so dramatically. I'm just doing my job like any decent agent would," Collin waved off the praise nonchalantly and entered the car as though compliments didn't affect him.
He was still driving the same bumpy, smoke-belching car that looked and sounded like it could explode at any second. He had been meaning to buy a better one, but his hectic schedule hadn't allowed it.
Lately, he'd been swamped with meetings and press events, especially while collaborating with Uni-Versus Pictures to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers in multiple cities.
He would've settled for a second-hand upgrade, anything that wasn't embarrassing to drive. A car that didn't spew black smoke like an industrial chimney.
"Also, you and Axel will attend a show tomorrow to promote the movie. I already confirmed your schedule. Don't forget."
"Of course," Lawrence replied without hesitation. He'd signed a contract requiring him to promote The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and he was being paid for it too. Promotion was included in Uni-Versus' PR budget.
"You just need to trust me a little more. I recognized your talent the moment I saw you. You've got to start believing in yourself the way I believe in you. We're not small players anymore, we're climbing up. So how about we swing by the bank and settle my commission? Don't think I forgot that easily."
"Let's go," Lawrence said with a bright laugh. He had no intention of cheating his agent or withholding his dues. That was the last thing he'd do. Especially to someone who had believed in him and helped him secure such a big payday.
Fifteen percent of $1.5 million amounted to $225,000. After deducting ANT's agency fee of $67,000, Collin earned a clean $158,000 in commission.
It was a great day, perhaps the best in his career so far. Collin had just made a six-figure income from a single business deal, and without even breaking a sweat. He could clearly see the road ahead to success. He smirked in satisfaction.
Even if he wanted to, Collin couldn't hide the $1.5 million deal from ANT. He was required to report the full transaction and wire the $67,000 owed to the company immediately.
There had been instances of agents vanishing after pocketing large commissions, disappearing without a trace. But those agents were swiftly blacklisted in Hollywood permanently.
Worse still, ANT was notorious for its top-tier search team. Rumor had it they hired ex-detectives or intelligence officers. They could track down rogue agents and bring them to justice with legal force. Some agents even went to jail after being found and tried in court.
Collin also heard that ANT was trying to tighten this aspect of business even further. They wanted talent fees to go through the agency first, with agents being paid only after reports and performance evaluations. But this system hadn't been implemented yet, facing resistance from long-term agents who valued their independence.
So, under the current setup, Collin and Lawrence had to process the transaction the old-fashioned way.
They arrived at the bank under the scorching heat and completed the process with smooth paperwork. Collin received his share with a grin on his face, then immediately wired ANT's share to their official bank account. He confirmed the transfer by contacting the company's accounting office through his phone.
Afterward, Collin and Lawrence went their separate ways with casual waves. They each had their own lives and responsibilities to attend to.
Lawrence wasn't bitter that his $750,000 payout had dropped to $525,000 after deductions. He owed Collin far too much to complain. The fact that Collin had signed a nobody like him still meant the world to Lawrence and he never forgot it.
Under the shade of a nearby tree, Lawrence smiled as he stared at his passbook. Money, fame, and art. Those were the three pillars that drove him. They were the biggest reasons he pursued this career despite all its hardships. And now, he had proof that dreams were achievable through talent and perseverance.
This first $1.5 million salary would forever remain in his memory as the symbol of his turning point. His heart pounded like a drum in his chest.
He spotted a phone booth on the street corner and used it to call his parents back home. They had been hesitant about his career choice at first, but they had supported him quietly in their own way. Lawrence gently wiped his tears with his sleeve, realizing only then that he was crying. Tears fell onto his T-shirt like soft raindrops.
"Hehe, I'm getting emotional like an idiot."
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Elsewhere in the city, Collin was driving monotonously with one hand on the wheel. He glanced at the broken radio in his car, almost wishing it would magically start working.
It didn't.
He then looked at the rearview mirror and saw the thick black smoke trailing from his car like a moving pollution machine.
"…No wonder the guards at the apartment complex look at me like I'm some kind of criminal," he muttered under his breath.
Still, he had closed a great deal today, reason enough to celebrate. There was no excuse now to keep driving a car that looked and sounded like a dying steam engine.
'Maybe buying a brand-new car is better than getting a second-hand one. A Toyuta or Hunda will do, something cheap to maintain, but long-lasting and smoke-free.'
He decided he would reward himself as soon as his schedule cleared up a bit. He was still the producer of The Accidental Wedding Crashers, and that job wasn't over yet.
"Hey, you fucking bastard! Your car's gonna cause lung cancer! Take that thing to a scrapyard!"
Collin heard a voice full of fury and looked out his window. A homeless man was shouting at him from the side of the road while his car chugged along, belching black smoke like a malfunctioning industrial engine.
"..."
Collin cringed so hard that his face twitched.
While driving, he noticed a car dealership just a block ahead. Without a second thought, he pulled over.
His decision was firm and irreversible now. This old, embarrassing car was ruining his image as a professional talent agent.
That day, Collin finally rewarded himself with a new vehicle. He bought a Toyuta Corulla for $10,000 after a brief chat with the dealer.
He cherished that car ever since.