The Wolf of Los Angeles.

Chapter 66 An actor’s self-cultivation

The actor community in Los Angeles is extremely large, and it is said that one in five people is an actor. Hawke posted a recruitment advertisement in the newspaper under the name of Eric.

That afternoon, Eric's temporary rented studio was packed.

The selection process for the initial test was super fast, with appearance being the most basic requirement.

A large number of people were eliminated in terms of acting skills, orientation and psychological quality.

A few days later, four people appeared on Hawke's list.

He selected the most suitable one and gave him priority for interview.

In the afternoon, Kevin Lee arrived at Eric's studio on time.

He is now 19 years old. He came to Los Angeles at the age of 11 and has been an actor for years, both part-time and full-time. He has played the most roles and had seven lines in a TV movie.

Coming down from the office upstairs, Eric said to Hawke, "During the interview, his acting skills were good, and his image and temperament matched Miller's. He is the type that Miller likes."

Hawke said: "I have been a child actor for 11 years and I still don't give up. I have an obsession in my heart."

The two went downstairs.

Hawke first entered an office and saw Kevin Lee sitting in the conference room next door through the huge one-way lens on the wall.

This person's hair color, face shape and temperament are somewhat similar to Eric.

It was also a custom version he prepared specifically for Miller Collins.

When Eric entered the conference room, Kevin Lee subconsciously stood up and took the initiative to greet him: "Good morning, Director."

"Please take a seat." Eric said directly: "The film 'Dark Night Journey' directed by me has been approved, and Castle Rock Pictures has participated in the investment. This can be checked in the Directors Guild and the Producers Guild."

"I called and asked." There are too many scammers in Hollywood, and Kevin has been cheated many times over the years, both for money and sex.

Castle Rock has invested in this project, so it will definitely be shown in theaters.

Eric said, "Well, let's get down to business. The role you are interviewing for is the supporting actor in the film. Your role is second only to the leading actor and the leading actress. The selection of the actor for the role is entirely up to me."

Kevin has long been accustomed to the Hollywood rule: "Director, what should I do?"

Eric said seriously, "Before you get the role, you have to do one more thing for me."

Kevin understood and unbuttoned a button on his shirt: "Now? I'm available anytime."

Eric's stomach churned and he started coughing violently. He frowned and said, "Don't say that again. I like women."

Kevin was dumbfounded, as things turned out completely different from what he expected.

I can't go cut it now, right? It's too late.

Kevin felt uneasy because the director didn't take advantage of him.

"Sit down first." Eric took a sip of water and spoke slowly for a while.

Kevin fell into deep thought for a long time before he said, "If I fall in love with someone, it's not a problem for me to have a one-night stand or multiple-night stand. Even if something goes wrong later, I can get away with it. But Mr. Director, I have one thing to say in advance: I don't take secret photos. It's your business to take photos."

Eric said: "You don't have to touch the camera or the video camera, just be with him and choose a suitable venue."

Kevin waited for 11 years for this opportunity, and he had nothing to lose except his body.

Besides, he has lost his body many times.

Kevin hesitated for only a few seconds before saying, "I want to sign a contract with the crew in advance."

Eric said, "Have your agent come over. I'll call the production manager and we can sign the contract today."

An actor of Kevin's level doesn't have a dedicated agent, but it's not difficult to find one on short notice.

The two parties signed an actor contract, and Eric left Kevin's contact information and asked him to be on standby at any time.

Kevin said he can live in the studio and go anywhere at any time.

The conditions here are much better than the short-term rental apartment where he is temporarily living.

Eric asked him to go back and pack his things, and then he came to see Hawke: "What should we do next?"

Hawke said, "Take him and make some preparations. Wait for my call."

"What?" Eric asked.

Hawke smiled and said, "Let him learn your manners and temperament. The fact that you can make Miller Collins unable to hold back shows that you are extraordinary in his eyes."

Eric was depressed: "Don't mention it. I have nightmares when I think about it."

Hawke went out, got in his car, and called Edward.

Edward said, "Boss, that gay guy has been at home all day and hasn't come out."

Hawke warned: "Keep watching, and notify me immediately if there is any movement."

Unexpectedly, for many days in a row, Miller Collins had a very regular schedule, either staying at home or going to Tracy's gym.

In the meantime, he also went back to San Diego with his agent to attend a team event.

Edward, Eric and others were getting very anxious, and the latter was so angry that his mouth corners were rotten.

When he saw Hawke, he even defended himself by saying, “Catherine’s secretions have been a bit heavy lately.”

Edward was very sympathetic: "It turns out that being a director is not easy either." "Just keep calm." Hawke said like a hunter catching a fox: "The Savior rummages through Miller's garbage every day. In recent days, all he has seen are used sanitary napkins. Athletes have strong hormones. He can't stand it for long and will come out to look for food soon."

Eric said, “You have a really hard job.”

Edward is quite proud: "The efforts we put in are worth every dollar we earn."

After keeping an eye on him for nearly a week, Miller Collins finally made a move.

Edward saw Miller's Mercedes driving east on Wilshire Boulevard and immediately notified Hawke.

After the Mercedes turned several intersections and entered Sunset Boulevard, Hawke took over from Edward and followed.

Not long after, the Mercedes slowed down and the sign of the Viper Bar appeared in front.

Hawke first met Miller at the Viper Bar.

He called Eric and said, "Bring someone over here right now, to the Viper Bar on Sunset Boulevard."

The Mercedes stopped in front of the Viper Bar. Miller threw the keys to the parking attendant and walked into the bar alone.

Hawke parked the car, entered the bar, found an empty table and sat down. With a quick glance, he spotted Miller.

Just like the last time he came over, Miller sat at the bar and drank.

The difference is that there is no Beckham this time.

Hawke sent a message to Eric, who replied that he had arrived.

Kevin walked into the bar alone and found the target at the bar as Eric said.

Although he has not played any important roles, he has undergone special tests from some directors or producers and can be considered experienced.

Kevin came to an empty seat at the bar, pulled out a high chair and sat down.

The positions on both sides are not too far, but not too close either, so you can hear loud conversations clearly.

Kevin shouted to the bartender, "Give me a Cosmopolitan cocktail."

This is the most popular cocktail in his circle, and sometimes it is a kind of secret code.

The bartender mixes cocktails.

Kevin's voice caught Miller's attention, and the name of the Cosmopolitan cocktail also made him subconsciously turn his head and look over there.

At this glance, Miller's eyes seemed to be glued together.

The man was tall and thin, with brown hair hanging down in front of his forehead. With his long face, stubble and melancholy eyes, he exuded an artistic air.

Miller couldn't help but think of the young director.

Kevin noticed Miller's look and nodded slightly at him.

Miller picked up the glass and raised it slightly.

Kevin also picked up his Cosmopolitan cocktail.

There wasn't much going on inside the bar, so Miller stood up and walked over.

The two clinked glasses several times, introduced themselves, chatted for a while, and gradually became familiar with each other.

Miller asked, "What do you do for a living?"

Kevin told the truth: "As an actor, it's a pity that I'm not very successful. The role I had the most screen time in was just a minor supporting role in a TV movie."

Miller asked about the name of the TV movie again and said he would definitely go to see it.

After the two men finished their drink, Miller received a call and had to leave early because of something.

Hawke and Eric had played out various scenarios, including this one.

So, Kevin responds to ever-changing situations by remaining constant.

Even a star like Miller is somewhat wary. When he walked to the door of the bar, he turned around and found that the artistic boy was still drinking by himself. He turned back and asked for Kevin's cell phone number.

Back home, he coaxed Maria, who was having her period and had a bad temper, to sleep, then went out to the balcony and called a friend in Hollywood.

"I met an actor today named Kevin Lee. He seems to have starred in a TV movie." Miller said the name. "We had a very good chat. Have you heard of him?"

The friend over there said: “I haven’t heard of it, but I know an associate producer of that crew, I can ask around for you.”

Miller was a little anxious, but he waited patiently.

A few minutes later, my friend called back and said, "Yes, there is such a person. He is said to be an unsuccessful actor with good acting skills."

He specifically reminded: "You'd better stay away from him. My friend said he is gay."

"I understand." Miller was secretly delighted.

The next morning, Hawke received a call from Eric, and Miller asked Kevin to meet him.

Hawke advised: "Tell Kevin that if Miller wants to go further, don't go to the hotel, suggest going to his home."

Places like hotels are actually very troublesome. We can't even set off fireworks when we meet during the day.

(End of this chapter)