America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 23 The Key to Success or Failure in Auditions

The press conference was held in the lobby of the ATL Freedom Association headquarters. Martin arrived early and contacted Kelly Gray's assistant, Ella, who took him to the large conference room near the lobby.

Many people, including Kelly Gray, are busy.

Martin spotted Andrew, a familiar face, among the odd-job workers.

Remembering the new play Jerome had mentioned during his last visit to the theater, Martin took the initiative to approach him.

If there's an opportunity, seize it; if there isn't, create one and seize it.

Martin greeted Andrew: "Good morning, Mr. Andrew."

Andrew glanced at Martin, then at Ella behind Martin, his smile exceptionally warm: "Long time no see, my friend."

Seeing that the other person had opened his arms, Martin naturally didn't refuse and gave him a warm hug.

Like an old friend.

The two chatted for a while about the collaboration between the Marietta Community Theatre Company and the Gray Company, especially about Jerome leading the company to prepare for a new play.

A moment later, Martin noticed that Kelly Gray was available and said, "I'll go over there."

Andrew nodded: "Suit yourself."

Martin approached Kelly Gray, presented her with the speech he had prepared the day before, and asked her to review it.

Kelly Gray already had a very good impression of Martin, and now her smile was even wider.

On the other side, Andrew watched Martin and his boss chatting and laughing, lost in thought.

They seem to have a very close relationship?

Seeing that Ella was still there, he asked, "Does the boss know Martin?"

Ella casually remarked, "The boss really admires Martin."

"So that's how it is..." Andrew found that things were just as Ella had said. The lawyers from the Freedom Society had taken on the lawsuit against Wild Beast House, and the boss and Martin had been communicating constantly, even smiling several times more than usual.

After the press conference, Andrew took the opportunity to sidle up to Martin and overheard him inviting the owner to visit Wild Beast House again, to which the owner agreed.

In addition, Martin praised his work for the Freedom Society in front of his boss.

Kelly Gray complimented Andrew a few times.

Andrew was about to float away.

Martin left the Freedom Club, got into his car, and called Jerome. There were some things he couldn't say directly, because once a disagreement arose, there was little room for reconciliation.

He said to Jerome, "Master, I attended a press conference for the Freedom Society this morning and met Mr. Andrew. I talked to him for a while about our company's new play with the Gray Company."

In short, the new production team is short of actors for many roles, so it's best to make a move as soon as possible.

Jerome said, "I'll call him right away."

…………

Andrew had just returned to Gray Film Productions when he received a call from Jerome.

Jerome sensed that Andrew was much more enthusiastic than before, and he mentioned Martin several times, reminding Jerome of the debt Martin owed him. Jerome simply said, "Could you help Martin find a higher-paying role?"

This was exactly what Andrew had in mind: "There are a few supporting roles that haven't been cast yet. I'll call Martin later."

Andrew was very proactive, turning on his computer to check the project's real-time progress.

Gray Company signed a package deal with the cable TV station, which included more than one late-night show.

Over the years, Gray Company has become very proficient in its production process, using assembly line manufacturing to achieve low costs and high speed. Once the previous film is finished, it moves to the post-production department for editing, and the film crew then proceeds to shoot the next film.

Most of the time, the company used the same male lead, Adam Smith, who had a good appeal to female viewers on cable TV, ensuring a minimum viewership.

The female lead and supporting actors have been cast, but the casting for several minor supporting roles is still underway.

Andrew selected a role, stood up, and knocked on the door of casting director Lynn's office: "Boss, for the role of Billy, do I have a recommendation?"

It was just a minor role with a few lines. Lynn didn't even look up and said, "Tell him to come for an audition tomorrow afternoon."

Andrew returned to his desk and immediately called Martin.

Martin invited him to lunch, saying, "I haven't had a chance to properly thank you for your help last time, so please give me that opportunity today."

Andrew couldn't refuse.

Martin specifically chose a high-end restaurant in the city center; when it's time to invest, he doesn't hesitate.

Unlike Los Angeles, Atlanta's most bustling areas are located in the city center.

At noon, the two met at a restaurant near Peach Tree Square.

During lunch, Andrew gave a brief overview of the character's situation.

Martin memorized them all.

"As long as your basic acting skills are fine, your appearance will definitely pass muster." Andrew explained in detail: "The company's late-night productions tend to have a more aesthetic style, and the main audience is women, so the requirements for the male actors' appearance are relatively high."

Martin nodded: "I understand."

Andrew asked the crucial question: "Are you comfortable with the amount of screen time?"

Martin laughed and said, "No problem. Hollywood NC-17 films are more explicit than this. I participated in the last shoot, so I have a general idea."

It's not as good as films that won the Golden Lion and the Palme d'Or.

The production model is similar to the mill films of yesteryear. These types of films have not completely disappeared; they are also evolving with the times.

More than half of all films produced in North America each year fail to make it to theaters.

Martin doesn't disagree with this. He believes that if you're at the bottom of American society and don't have enough guts and thick skin, how can you talk about making big money and climbing the social ladder?

Andrew agreed: "We made an art film, but it won't be shown in theaters; it will be broadcast directly on cable TV."

Martin toasted Andrew, chatted briefly about the Freedom Society, and then asked, "Can the director decide on the casting for this role?"

Andrew said, "Casting director Lynn can decide on the casting."

Martin asked, "Does Lynn have any particular preferences?"

"Special preference?" Andrew thought for a moment and said, "He's a die-hard Atlanta Warriors fan."

Martin knew about the Atlanta Braves, an MLB team whose home stadium was Turner Stadium in Marietta.

A lunch, including a bottle of good wine, cost Martin two nights' wages.

Martin's investments didn't stop there; after seeing Andrew off, he made a special trip to a flea market.

…………

Gray Film Production Company was quite busy this afternoon, with many child actors coming and going.

Casting director Lynn and assistant Andrew sat in the audition room, interviewing some supporting actors.

The audition process was very quick. There was no styling involved. Lynn would just glance at the actors' appearance through the camera, have them make a few cool expressions, say a few lines, and then send them away in two or three minutes.

"Bring in the actor who auditioned for Billy," Andrew said, glancing at the list. "Martin Davis."

A female assistant opened the door and called out, "Martin Davis!"

As soon as the man entered, Lynn, who looked a little tired, perked up slightly. This young man was handsome and had a great physique.

He looks great on camera.

The main reason was that he had a very good first impression of this person.

The young man was wearing a slightly worn Warriors jacket and a blue baseball cap with an "A" on it, the brim of which was slightly worn. He had placed it on a table to the side.

Lynn glanced at the other person and knew that this was their usual attire.

With his striking appearance and flawless, brief performance, Lynn dismissed Martin and asked Andrew, "Is this the person you recommended?"

Andrew said, "It's him."

Lynn made her decision: "He's the one." Then she said to her female assistant, "Get rid of everyone else for the role of Billy. Don't waste their time."

The key to success or failure in an audition often lies outside the audition room.

(End of this chapter)