Behind The Spotlight

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 26


"Muah~~"

A woman blew a kiss in front of a mirror and giggled at her own reflection, clearly enjoying the moment. She had just finished her makeup, and her lips were now a glossy reddish-pink after applying lipstick.

She turned around and looked over her shoulder, admiring her curves with satisfaction, especially her ass, which she had worked hard to maintain. She licked her lips, awestruck by her own figure as if her body were a trophy collection. She took pride in it, treating it like her greatest accomplishment so far.

The woman's name was Dee. She was a barista at a café near the ANT headquarters, a place that had gradually become something of a hotspot. Many agents and even celebrities would drop by to order coffee, hang out, or meet up. They also offered delivery services, but only to addresses within close proximity.

Dee had been working as a barista for two years, ever since she moved to Los Angeles. At first, she had no idea what she was doing or how to make a proper espresso.

But she gradually learned through repetition and observation. The men at the café were kind enough to teach her how to brew coffee properly.

As for her reason for working there? Well, the café's location near ANT headquarters was strategic, perfect for someone chasing stardom. She knew agents and celebrities stopped by regularly, especially in the mornings, so she worked hard to get hired.

Thanks to that, she had met quite a few famous people, famous to her, anyway. Though she never got the chance to talk to them beyond the usual, "Your coffee, sir/ma'am."

To them, she was just a face in the background. Some B-list male celebrities had approached her with flirtatious smiles and cheesy pickup lines, but she never entertained them, no matter how persistent they were.

Let's just say Dee was either too arrogant or too self-confident, depending on who you ask. She believed she was above any B-list celebrity still struggling to stay relevant.

One of her past suitors had been a young, hot, tall, and handsome man with abs and a perfect jawline. He was almost flawless, except for the fact that he was poor. Her standards for a partner required them to match or exceed that level of attractiveness and have wealth. Honestly, if he hadn't been broke, she might've chosen him without a second thought.

It was hard to find Mr. Right in a city where image meant everything.

Still, there was some good news on her side, Dee had successfully signed with one of the agents at ANT. That was one reason she kept working at the café so diligently, even when it meant being on her feet all day.

-- Find a way to get signed by ANT.

-- Find a potential partner with the right look, wealth, and social connections.

These were just some of her goals. So far, the jobs her agent found for her were minor roles in TV shows, background nurse, gossiping office girl, things like that.

But none of that mattered to her ambitious soul. She still believed she'd make it to the top, one way or another.

'If I can't do it the right way... then I can use my body...'

She hesitated at that thought. It lingered at the back of her mind like a shadowy option.

A secret but well-known "business" had haunted Hollywood for decades, an open secret, a curse that never really went away. It lured and haunted dreamers alike.

"James, I have to deliver a coffee to ANT. Can you take care of my shift for a while? I'll only be gone for a few minutes."

Dee came out of the restroom after checking her makeup one last time. She had to look presentable at all times, you never knew who you might run into.

She smiled sweetly at the young man working the same shift, a smile that was perfectly practiced and charming. James didn't stand a chance.

"O-Okay."

The young guy nodded automatically, agreeing before he even processed what she said… She won't let you hit, bruh.

"Aww, thanks, James. You're the best."

Dee playfully approached him and kissed his cheek, leaving behind a faint lipstick mark. The poor guy blushed so hard he turned the color of a ripe tomato as Dee left the café with the confidence of a movie star walking the red carpet.

As she stepped outside, a belching car passed by and released the thickest cloud of black smoke she'd ever seen. Dee coughed, covering her mouth and nose as she stepped back in disgust, glaring at the car.

"Strange... Was that Collin? No, impossible. Collin's a frugal bastard who wouldn't even buy a coffee, let alone own a car. That's the reason I turned him down, poor and stingy is a terrible combo."

She sighed deeply and dramatically. That guy had almost been a perfect match, if not for his terrible financial situation, which, frankly, was worse than hers. Collin had been poorer than Dee herself, and she was barely getting by.

"Well, I heard he earned a commission recently. Maybe he did buy a car. But probably not that rusty, old thing that looks like it'll fall apart at any second."

She smiled as she carefully carried two cups of coffee, mindful not to spill a drop. One was for her agent, and the other... was for Collin.

She'd heard that one of Collin's clients had landed a film project, some kind of comedy, if she remembered correctly.

"That guy... I said we could still be friends, but he stopped talking to me after I turned him down. Pretty childish, in my opinion. He could've at least invited me to star in his client's movie."

Clearly, Dee was disappointed, not just in Collin but also in her own missed opportunity. She decided she would talk some sense into him today, whether he liked it or not.

She entered the building and approached the receptionist with a bright, friendly tone. The receptionist recognized her, not as a client, but because she'd delivered coffee yesterday… and the day before that.

"Is Collin East here?" Dee asked, tilting her head hopefully.

"If I remember correctly, your name is Dee Ceitful, right?"

"You can just call me Dee." She smiled, trying her best to appear charming and confident. But the receptionist remained professionally indifferent. She had seen prettier women than Dee and was not easily impressed.

"I'm sorry to say, but Collin already left."

"I-I see... Then can I deliver this coffee to Mr. Poe?"

"You may."

"Thank you."

Before heading to her client's office, Dee stopped by Collin's cubicle just in case he had returned. But he was definitely not there, not hiding under his desk either. She bit her lip in frustration and walked off with a small huff.

..........
......
...

While Dee's day was being ruined by bad timing and black smoke, Collin was driving to the filming location in his sputtering car. He was painfully aware of the judgmental looks from onlookers as his car released plumes of smoke, looking like some kind of pollution machine.

Yes, Collin was a cheapskate but for valid reasons.

When he arrived, he noticed the person he was meeting was already there, standing at the edge of the set, observing quietly.

William Edward watched the filming from a distance, curiosity and confusion dancing in his eyes. It was his first time seeing a movie being filmed in real life and it was far less glamorous than the behind-the-scenes documentaries had made it seem.

The fact that everyone had to stay quiet was one thing, but even the actors' dialogue was so low it sounded like they were whispering. He wondered how that would be fixed and whether this was normal.

William didn't realize that most films added or redubbed audio during post-production to improve clarity and emotion.

"Ah, Collin, you've arrived!" William spotted the talent agent approaching with a confident stride.

"Sorry I'm late, I stopped by ANT first to check some documents."

"It's fine, really. It's my fault for arriving too early. We agreed on 11 a.m."

This visit was important to William. He wanted to see where his money had gone and whether it was being used wisely. So far, he was impressed. People were working, cameras were rolling, and things looked professional. And honestly, watching a film get made was... fascinating in its own way.

 

[rage11]

Colin Dodge a bullet there. Good for him.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 27


William and Collin watched the filming from a safe distance, about a hundred meters away. The scene Wyatt was shooting today involved an old grandma pole dancing in front of Sam and Jess, under the glaring noon sunlight that seemed to act as a literal spotlight.

It was diabolical... especially considering the old woman was the bride's grandmother, and she looked too enthusiastic about it. Yes, she was strip-teasing right there at the wedding party like it was the best thing that ever happened.

Thankfully, no children were on set today. They were deliberately kept away for obvious reasons.

Sometimes, Collin had no idea what went on in Wyatt's mind when he came up with scenes like this. To cook up something this bold took... "creativity."

'Who let him cook?' Collin thought, forcing a smile.

He secretly glanced at William from the corner of his eye to gauge his reaction. The young rich man was speechless. Utterly and profoundly speechless.

He was speechless because the grandma was really doing a strip-tease, live, with no shame or hesitation! She was actually taking off her dress, piece by piece, revealing far more than anyone asked for.

Granny! It's sagging! And we're not talking about the breasts! There were plenty of other things sagging too.

Absolutely cinema. Or rather, absolutely diabolical.

"Is this... is this normal?" William asked hesitantly, averting his gaze in visible discomfort. He respected the hustle of artists and performers, or whatever this was, but he had no desire to watch this particular act.

He felt no arousal, not even a flicker of intrigue. In fact, it felt like his dignity was retreating, like his very soul was trying to escape his body with every shake of Grandma's ass.

"Well, yeah and no," Collin replied, trying to sound casual.

"This place is private property, and no one will disturb us during the shoot."

"The way you said that made me feel molested just by standing here," William muttered, stepping away slightly like he needed to reclaim his personal space.

"No, I mean... Wyatt's movie is rated R, meant for adult audiences. So scenes like this aren't a problem. This set is closed, on private property, and civilians won't accidentally wander in. Besides, Wyatt knows the boundaries for R-rated films as per the Film Association's regulations. There won't be any full nudity in the final cut. No genitals, even if it looks crazy during filming."

"L-Look! That guy is pulling his cock out! Is that part of the script?!" William's voice jumped in pitch, eyes wide with horror. Was this standard in Hollywood, or had he walked into a cult ritual?

"Erm... probably a method actor taking things way too far."

Collin didn't blink, answering like it was just another Tuesday.

As a former model, Collin had long been numb to things like this. Most people wouldn't believe it, but models stripped naked backstage at fashion shows with zero concern for modesty. Timing was everything, models had less than a minute to change outfits between runway walks.

A fashion show was a live event where designers showcased their creations, and models had to walk with practiced poise, then rush backstage and change as quickly as possible, especially when modeling lingerie or swimwear.

Collin recalled one fashion show in New York where he had to strip naked backstage without warning. People ogled his lower half with intense, almost predatory eyes, like he himself was part of the product line. Men and women alike licked their lips and exchanged glances that said far more than words could.

Thankfully, it was still 1995, no smartphones or hidden cameras existed yet to record and leak those moments to the press.

Years later, backstage culture had become more refined. Curtains and assistants helped protect the models' privacy. But in 1995? No such luxury. Collin had experienced it firsthand.

The modeling industry wasn't the only one with such demands. The film industry had its own share of moments where actors were expected to strip as part of the job. In sex scenes, actors often had to appear intimate in front of dozens of crew members.

If the director was stubborn enough, they might even demand the actors have actual sex for "authenticity." Maybe it was fetish-driven, or maybe the director just wanted realism. Either way, it happened.

To many actors chasing their big break, nudity became second nature. It was part of the job. They had to be professional and unflinching.

For outsiders, it was shocking. But to Collin, it was just another day. He'd even walked a runway completely naked because the designer demanded it.

This was showbiz in its raw, unfiltered glory. If you couldn't adapt, you had no place here, no matter how passionate you were. It was that simple.

After a few more seconds, the scene ended, and Wyatt called for a ten-minute break to reset the props and give the cast some breathing room.

"It's nice to meet you, Sir William. Really an honor."

Wyatt approached with a nervous smile and sweaty palms. Despite being young himself, he knew William had far more money than him.

And William wasn't just rich, he was the sole investor. Every dollar in the budget came from his personal fortune. Naturally, Wyatt's body language showed nothing but respect. In Hollywood, money talked louder than any script.

"I can see you're doing a great job and everything's running smoothly," William said, trying his best to channel the commanding tone he learned from his billionaire father during company visits.

Though he knew nothing about film production, William assumed Wyatt's job was complicated and exhausting in ways he couldn't grasp.

"That's right, that's right. Thank you very much," Wyatt replied, smiling with relief.

The three of them, Wyatt, Collin, and William, chatted about the project's progress. William mostly nodded, pretending to understand. He repeated buzzwords like "coverage," "blocking," and "continuity," even though he didn't really know what they meant.

"Perfect timing. We're missing a few extras today, and I want you both to join the shoot as background characters," Wyatt announced.

Collin nodded without expression, while William's interest visibly perked up. It would be his first time on camera, even as a blurry background extra, it was still exciting.

"Your role is simple," Wyatt continued. "Just clap and cheer at Grandma like you're the happiest wedding guest alive."

"…"

William's excitement deflated. No, plummeted. But he still wanted the experience, so he nodded with a tight, polite smile.

"By the way, William, you're over 18, right?" Collin asked.

"That's right. I turned 18 last year," William said proudly, puffing up his chest like he had just crossed into manhood.

"Thank God. It'd be a problem if you saw that extra swinging his cock around."

"…"

William was speechless again. Collin had the nerve to ask that after he'd already witnessed it, with his own two traumatized eyes. Absolutely diabolical. And tragically unforgettable.

"Since you're an adult, I'll need you to sign an NDA, for legal and confidentiality purposes. Just to ensure nothing that happens here spreads outside this set."

"Alright, sounds good." William agreed, feeling flattered to be treated like a full-grown adult, even if it came with strange responsibilities.

And so, Collin and William joined the scene as background actors.

Let's just say... their experience watching Grandma throw it back was absolutely diabolical, thoroughly trauma-inducing, and unfortunately… permanently etched into memory.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 28


William's cooperation with the filming lasted only a day. Despite his interest, he understood that his priorities had to shift. Summer was ending, and he now had to focus on his college years. His father was adamant about ensuring that each of his children finished college and earned a degree. There was no way around it. Ellijah Edward believed that as long as one had an education, they had the knowledge to survive in this cruel world.

So, even though his children lived privileged lives and could easily rely on their inheritance, Ellijah still insisted they obtain at least a bachelor's degree. That was the minimum requirement, the foundation. In fact, it was one of the criteria for his children to be eligible to inherit his wealth and properties.

Because of that, William also had to go to college, whether he liked it or not. He wasn't aiming for the Ivy League, he knew his capabilities. He wasn't dumb, but he also wasn't going to get into a university like Harvard. So, he enrolled in a regular university.

"...Acting's not that bad," William muttered while driving his sports car with the top down, letting the wind ruffle his hair. He realized acting was fun. Even though his role was just a background character, he found it interesting... although he had no intention of ever partaking in a strip-tease, or whatever that was. That part was too much for him. After that bizarre experience, William never stepped foot in a strip club again and started behaving like a good person.

William had no clear path in life. He knew he couldn't compete with his older siblings for control of Database Giant. They were too accomplished, too far ahead. Besides, his father was still healthy. There was no looming succession battle.

Perhaps he could try to find a profession in the entertainment industry. A beginning, something of his own. Lila Seraphina might be able to help him.

.........
......
...

Days passed.

Weeks passed.

Months passed.

After four months of constant grinding and filming, The Accidental Wedding Crashers officially wrapped production.

Now, Wyatt was working hard on post-production. His tired eyes, with dark bags beneath them, stared at footage that had to be deleted from the final version of the movie. He hadn't had proper sleep in days, maybe even weeks.

Collin had asked his colleagues for recommendations on affordable editing studios in Los Angeles, and most of them referred him to a place called Reel Deal Editing Studio, known for delivering quality work at half the usual cost.

Their funds were nearly gone, like a candle burning its final inch. Thankfully, Collin had already paid the crew and cast who worked on the project. At least that part was settled.

They filmed over 30 hours of footage! That was far too much. Wyatt's job now was to discard the unusable clips while preserving the best takes. Then trim it down, again and again, until it reached an acceptable form. He had to keep cutting scenes until the footage was down to one and a half to two hours, the standard runtime for a movie.

From 30 hours of footage to 2 hours. God knows how much time Wyatt and his editor spent sorting through bad takes and good ones. Even among the best takes, scenes had to be cut to ensure the plot flowed smoothly and the runtime stayed under two hours.

For this film, Wyatt aimed for a 100-minute runtime, plus 10 minutes of credits.

Thankfully, Wyatt Bray had graduated from film school, so this wasn't new to him. He had the theoretical knowledge, and now, the practical experience. Still, he had to admit post-production was an exhausting process. Sorting and cutting footage was just one part of the job.

He also had to work with the editor to actually edit the film, which was tiring. The production could only afford three people for the editing team, and Wyatt was one of them. They took turns sleeping in the editing room.

He also had to supervise the dubbing of lines. The cast spent a week recording their lines in post-production, and Wyatt was present for most of it. He had to ensure every line hit just right, matching the lip movements and preserving the emotional delivery.

Post-production also included Sound Editing which was adding background music, setting the emotional tone, and building tension and atmosphere. Foley sounds like footsteps, rustling, and door creaks were essential. They had to pay for music licenses, royalty-free options were preferred, of course.

If visual effects were needed, they had to budget both time and money. Even a few seconds of VFX could cost a lot.

These were just some of the things Wyatt had to handle during post-production. He was sleep-deprived for a reason. He worked around the clock. Eat, work, nap, poop. Repeat. For at least a month.

The constant pressure didn't help either. Wyatt understood that if The Accidental Wedding Crashers flopped at the box office, his career as a director could be over. His commitment to his dream was absolute.

To be fair, as long as Wyatt didn't screw up, the movie would make money. There were many ways for a film to earn profit. DVD sales, overseas rights, licensing, limited screenings, he was aware of all the revenue paths. But if the film flopped, his climb to stardom would be severely hindered.

Still, as long as he had investors, Wyatt could keep making movies. Maybe not big-budget ones, but movies nonetheless.

"This scene, replay it."

The monitor played a clip where the groom was talking to Jess and Sam.

"I swear I'm not gay, but femboys make my dick brick up." The groom was drunk, clearly not sober enough to filter his words.

Sam and Jess looked at each other and replied:

"That's gay."

The editor paused and yawned, waiting for Wyatt's verdict.

"Hm, this is the best one. Let's keep it," Wyatt muttered, a tired smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Their editing continued until Wyatt frowned while watching the scene where Collin and William had a short cameo. Wyatt was thankful to both of them, so he gave them screen time as a token of appreciation... Unfortunately, the scene he chose for their cameo was absolutely diabolical.

Wyatt stared at Collin and sighed.

"He's too handsome," he murmured. Collin was so good-looking that he could easily steal the audience's attention, a distracting kind of beauty.

In this particular scene, the audience's attention needed to be on Grandma. If viewers only stared at Collin and forgot to laugh, the comedy would fall flat.

So Collin's cameo had to be cut from the final version. Wyatt didn't want anything to risk the success of his debut movie. He'd apologize to Collin later. Maybe even buy him a drink.

Wyatt, the editor, and the assistant editor spent nearly all their time in the editing room. The place reeked of energy drinks and despair. Slowly, they molded the raw footage into a film. A jumble of clips transformed into a coherent, watchable story. It might look simple on screen, but filmmaking was tough.

For Wyatt to pursue this career, he needed to be tough. He had to be a perfectionist. There was no room for mediocrity. Because movies needed to be perfect in their own way, or else, people wouldn't even recognize them as movies.

.........
......
...

With that, August 1995 ended, and Wyatt finally completed post-production.

He finalized the cut and the credit roll. He even finished two movie trailers, just to be safe.

 

[mauveine]

Wyatt stared at Collin and sighed.

"He's too handsome," he murmured. Collin was so good-looking that he could easily steal the audience's attention, a distracting kind of beauty.

In this particular scene, the audience's attention needed to be on Grandma. If viewers only stared at Collin and forgot to laugh, the comedy would fall flat.

So Collin's cameo had to be cut from the final version. Wyatt didn't want anything to risk the success of his debut movie. He'd apologize to Collin later. Maybe even buy him a drink.

Click to shrink...

Chill, Wyatt, chill
Collin's a professional. He'll understand. He gains more from the film succeeding, than he does from a cameo appearance
...he'll probably still accept the drink, though. He's not a schmuck

Liking the story. But you might think about getting rid of the 'Extras' threadmark category, as it currently contributes nothing to the story

 

[Pujimaki]

Chill, Wyatt, chill
Collin's a professional. He'll understand. He gains more from the film succeeding, than he does from a cameo appearance
...he'll probably still accept the drink, though. He's not a schmuck

Liking the story. But you might think about getting rid of the 'Extras' threadmark category, as it currently contributes nothing to the story

Click to shrink...

Thank you, I'll do that. I'm not used to posting in threads so I'm not sure if deleting is allowed, since there needs to be reasons for deletion. I'll delete the extras later.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 29

Wyatt yawned as he stretched his aching limbs. His joints cracked audibly, a clear sign of exhaustion and lack of rest. Sitting for an entire day without proper breaks was one of the most excruciating things ever. He arched his back and moaned in pleasure. As always, stretching felt incredibly good after being hunched over monitors like a gremlin for hours.

Wyatt rubbed his eyes. He'd been sleep-deprived for more than five months, ever since production began of The Accidental Wedding Crashers. Every night, he had to stay up to review the footage and film reels, study his storyboard, plan the next scene, and coordinate with his assistant for the day ahead. It was a relentless cycle, physically and mentally draining.

And now, even during post-production, Wyatt still had to stay up all night. As if the stress of filming weren't enough, editing turned out to be its own beast. Once this whole ordeal was over, Wyatt promised himself he'd finally take a long, relaxing sleep to make up for his suffering.

'I'm gonna go to a bar to celebrate. This job is not easy at all. There were so many problems at the start of the project, and I had to adjust everything while sacrificing sleep... Now my favorite beverages are Redd Bull and black coffee.'

Back in college, Wyatt used to go to bars frequently. Those carefree, booze-filled nights now felt like a distant memory. But he had heard that bars and parties in Los Angeles were immaculate. No matter where you went, you'd find gorgeous women. Wyatt could personally testify, especially in Hollywood, it felt like walking into a catalog shoot. Almost everyone was stunning.

Fueled by curiosity, he wanted to experience Hollywood nightlife for himself. Maybe he'd even get lucky and get laid. He glanced at his belly fat and sighed. With his current appearance, it might be tough.

After a good stretch, he exited the editing studio to share the good news with his agent. Collin, who had taken on the role of Producer, was also exhausted. Both of them were soldiers in this production, bleeding time and energy for a dream.

He found a phone booth near the studio and dialed Collin's number. The phone began to ring. The buzzing dial tone echoed in his ear as he tapped his foot in rhythm.

.........
......
...

"Oh, you're looking for employees? Hahaha. No problem, no problem. You called the right guy. By the way, the commission's still the same, right? $1000 per person I refer?"

Collin chuckled as the person on the line described a need for production crew members. A familiar type of call in his line of side hustles. The person was a producer of a TV series.

Collin couldn't survive in Hollywood on the meager salary of a small-time agent. He had bills and debts to pay. Thankfully, he had other profitable skills.

First was his talent for recognizing people's skills and disposition. Because of that, he worked part-time as a small-time contractor, a talent scout of sorts. Producers would contact Collin whenever they needed people with specific skills, like prop-making or costume designing.

This unique ability to sense a person's capability felt like a sixth sense, honed through years of observation and instinct. It existed long before he gained the Golden Vision.

He had used this intuition to assess whether someone was "good news" or "bad news." Most of the time, he was right. That's how he managed to find the "right" people. Reliable workers who showed up on time, did their jobs, and didn't create drama.

Unfortunately, even with this talent, Collin still suffered betrayal. Sometimes, he couldn't help but trust those closest to him, even when his gut told him otherwise. At times, the heart overruled the intuition.

In addition to talent scouting, Collin was also a physical trainer, a licensed, professional one with a valid certification. Being a model, he spent most of his time in the gym and learned how to take care of the body properly. Though his certification was about to expire this year, he'd probably renew it.

He had trained two actors before, but neither job lasted long. The first actor switched agencies and chose a different trainer. The second actor was jealous of Collin's height and fired him. Collin was over 6 feet tall while the other guy was only 5'7".

Anyway, both side jobs had their pros and cons. Neither could be relied on for long-term stability. But Collin preferred the contractor job, it required less babysitting and more networking.

"Okay, so you're looking for a Camera Operator, Clapper Loader, and Best Boy Grip."

These weren't glamorous titles, but they were crucial to the crew.

The Camera Operator physically handled the camera during shoots. Depending on the genre and complexity, a crew might need three or four of them.

The Clapper Loader operated the clapperboard, writing scene and take numbers and clapping it in front of the camera before each take, ensuring clean sync in post-production.

As for the Best Boy Grip (and no, it's not a dirty term), he managed the logistics for the lighting and camera departments, making sure everything ran like clockwork.

Collin pulled out a small notebook, it was filled with scribbles and names. He nodded as he recognized three people who fit the bill.

"Tomorrow, they'll head to your studio. If they meet the requirements, great. As for their salaries, you can negotiate… just don't forget my commission. Alright. Thanks, I appreciate it."

Collin smiled. Money was money. If the three were hired, he'd earn $3000. Not a bad deal for a few calls and some matchmaking.

He hung up the phone in a good mood. Some of his co-workers had overheard the conversation and couldn't help but feel envious. Unfortunately for them, they didn't have Collin's unique skillset/intuition, contractor work would be tough without it.

"I gotta contact these three and let them know they've got job opportunities. I'll tell them these could even become permanent roles."

Hope was a powerful motivator.

He reached for the phone again, but it started ringing.

"Hm?"

Collin blinked in surprise. Two calls in a row? That was rare. Maybe someone else was also looking for workers?

He immediately picked up.

"Hello, this is Collin East from Apex Network Talent. Oh, Wyatt! Is that so? Then let's watch it tomorrow. We can invite the cast, too. Take a good rest, you've earned it."

Collin's tone shifted into something more serious as Wyatt informed him that post-production on The Accidental Wedding Crashers was finally complete. The news struck like a lightning bolt. This was it. His heart began to race.

Perhaps… Perhaps his path to success had finally arrived, after years of hustle and heartbreak.

'This will determine if the golden words I see are real... If the movie fails, then maybe I really am mentally ill. Because who in their right mind sees floating words above people's heads?'

He needed to know. Was it superpowers… or insanity?

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 30


"...It's great."

"Wow, I didn't expect this to be fun at all. I thought it would be just another indie flick with awkward pacing and stiff acting, but it surprised me in a good way."

"I was waiting for the meat sausage to show up. No, don't get me wrong, I wasn't eager to see a man's meat sausage. That's gay. I just remembered when one of the extras pulled his meat sausage out and swung it around. He even rotated it using his waist. It was hilarious. I thought Wyatt would include that part. But I guess you have to follow Hollywood's rules. This movie should be rated R, at the very least, but not NC-17 because anything beyond that would shrink our audience pool significantly."

An R-rated film meant that people under 17 needed to be accompanied by a parent or guardian to watch the movie in any official theatrical screening or public showing.

NC-17 meant that no one under 17 was allowed to watch the film under any circumstances, not even with parental approval.

The cast of The Accidental Wedding Crashers was shocked and elated after watching the movie from start to finish. They didn't expect it to be this good. So funny that there wasn't a single boring moment, nor a scene that felt unnecessary. They laughed the entire time, genuine, belly-deep laughter that made their stomachs ache.

For the first time, they realized that the movie might actually have the potential to hit the box office with solid numbers and a positive reputation. The cast turned their eyes toward Wyatt, who still had dark eye bags under his eyes, even after a full night's rest.

Collin, who also watched the film, nodded in satisfaction so deeply it looked like he was trying to maintain his composure. But beneath his calm exterior, his fists were clenched in excitement, like a man who had just won the lottery but couldn't tell anyone about it. He wanted to sneak into the restroom and shadowbox just to release the joy bubbling inside.

He had confirmed it.

His golden vision wasn't a symptom of schizophrenia. He wasn't insane. He wasn't some delusional fool chasing fantasies. The results were right there in front of him. Thank God.

His lips curled into a slow, smug, satisfied smile.

This movie proved that Wyatt Bray possessed the talent of a Master Director of Comedy, and more importantly, he was a Genius Comedy Scriptwriter.

'Now that I've found the truth. Undeniable, hilarious, box-office-worthy truth, I have to do my job.'

The job wasn't over yet. Collin had to find a distributor for the film, otherwise, all this effort would be for nothing.

Since there was still a little money left in their dwindling budget, Collin and the cast threw a party. It wasn't a big one, but it was enough to celebrate.

.........
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...

"This is Emanuel T. Naknak, what can I do for you? Yes, this is the Acquisition Department of Wash Dismay Studio. So, you have a movie you want us to distribute?" Emanuel yawned into the phone, his voice flat and devoid of energy. Honestly, he just wanted to go home, crack open a cold beer, and watch reruns on TV.

"You got a comedy film and you're inviting us to the screening of some independent project?"

His tone became mildly irritated, like a man who had heard the same pitch a hundred times. And he had. He could practically recite the conversation from memory.

Dozens of hopeful producers had tried to sell their movies or secure distribution deals, but 9 out of 10 of those films were so bad, they bordered on amateur/unprofessional films. Obviously, the studio had no intention of dealing with that kind of garbage.

Wash Dismay Studio was not some small-time distributor. It was part of the Big Six, Hollywood's elite circle.

Emanuel nearly ended the call right there, until he heard something that made his fingers freeze mid-motion.

"Wait, you said you're from ANT? Why didn't you say so? Your client directed a film and it's going to be screened at the ANT Auditorium?!"

His voice changed dramatically, suddenly alert and energized. Even his cloudy eyes sharpened, like a man spotting gold in a flowing river.

At first, Emanuel wasn't impressed. A comedy? Meh. Comedy was risky, it only worked if it was genuinely funny.

Then the caller mentioned that the screening would take place at ANT. That was unexpected. Emanuel hadn't realized the agent was actually part of a major agency with enough backing to catch his interest. Still, that alone wasn't enough to seal the deal. After all, ANT had multiple screening rooms with most of them small, only big enough for a dozen people.

But when the third piece of information hit him, Emanuel sat up a little straighter in his chair.

The screening would be held in the ANT Auditorium, the big one.

The ANT Auditorium could accommodate over 1,000 people. It was essentially a theater. That meant someone in a high position believed the movie had real potential. The auditorium couldn't be used without approval from the CEO herself, and that was no small thing.

It meant this comedy film had been greenlit for a full-scale showcase, complete with a professional setup.

"Just to be clear, how many studios have you contacted before Wash Dismay?" he asked. "We're the last of the Big Six?"

"…Alright. We'll be there. We'll be ready."

Emanuel ended the call, leaning back with a thoughtful look on his face.

Based on the details, it was clear the agent had already contacted the five other major studios. Whether or not they would all show up was uncertain, but this was shaping up to be a tough battle for distribution rights.

"This means they're confident in their movie. The fact that they invited all the major studios in Hollywood means they're either confident… or completely insane. Either way, I have to attend. At the very least, watching a movie is better than pretending to do paperwork I don't care about."

Emanuel muttered the last part under his breath, careful not to let his supervisor hear. The man hated slackers.

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On the other side of the call, Collin sighed in relief as he checked his checklist full of scribbled notes and highlighted names. He had already invited most of the studios with strong distribution channels.

Honestly, he preferred to deliver the movie in person. It felt more proper and respectful to hand-deliver a reel to a studio, allowing the acquisition team and executives to watch it privately.

After all, their side was the one asking for distribution, not the other way around. Respecting industry hierarchy mattered.

However, carrying a 4-foot-long film reel weighing 50 kilograms was no easy task. Not even for someone like Collin, who worked out regularly.

Especially when he intended to visit every major studio. He wasn't even sure if the reel would fit in his car. He also feared damaging it. A single 100-minute film reel could cost at least $2,500.

That was an entire month's salary for a small-time agent like him, living paycheck to paycheck. Yes, Collin East's annual income was around $30,000, not including commissions.

When Lila Seraphina, the new CEO of ANT, watched the movie and burst into unexpected fits of giggles, she decided to go big by inviting studios to a single, confident screening event.

It was a bold, perhaps arrogant move, especially for a rookie film. It could have rubbed people the wrong way, even made them feel mocked.

Collin worried that none of the studio representatives would show up, thinking the whole event was flase or a publicity stunt.

Hollywood wasn't a friendly playground, it was a chessboard of smiling tyrants. A place riddled with politics and cutthroat schemes where one wrong move could ruin your future.

'If our movie is worth that kind of gesture, that kind of gamble, then maybe there's real potential here,' Collin thought.

Screening in the ANT Auditorium was already a tremendous feat. Even Wyatt had been ecstatic when he heard the news.

'Also, I didn't expect Lila to have such an adorable laugh. Like music to my ears. Despite her usual cold demeanor… she actually smiled. Maybe she truly appreciates the movie for what it is, not just for what it could earn.'

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 31

Two days passed, and the private screening of The Accidental Wedding Crashers proceeded as scheduled.

Jennifer Randon wore a gorgeous smile as she entered the ANT Auditorium, her steps full of confidence and charm. She radiated excitement, dressed in her newest white sundress adorned with a floral design that fluttered lightly with her every movement. Her blonde, wavy hair bounced in perfect rhythm, making her look like a Disney princess walking through a garden.

The venue was still relatively empty, as the screening wouldn't start for another hour, plenty of time for guests to settle in and chat. The Auditorium was enormous, able to comfortably accommodate over 1,000 people, with room to spare.

The seats were color red, just like those found in cinemas. The projection screen was massive, 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide, a true giant, waiting to showcase the result of their hard work.

Four men, Collin, Axel, Wyatt, and Lawrence, were hard at work preparing for the screening, each with a mix of focused determination and simmering anxiety. Wyatt was stationed near the projector, carefully adjusting the 4-foot-long film reel like he was handling a priceless artifact.

The other three took care of more menial tasks such as carrying equipment and tidying up the venue to ensure everything ran smoothly.

All four had been involved in the project and gave their all without hesitation or complaint. They were nervous and excited. Though they had already seen the film and believed it was fantastic, they still had no idea how the studio representatives would respond to its bold humor.

"Hey guys!" Jennifer waved cheerfully at the four men, her energy as vibrant as ever.

The men all turned toward her simultaneously, momentarily halting their tasks. Jennifer looked stunning in her white floral sundress. Even the four men silently acknowledged her beauty, sneaking glances whenever she wasn't watching.

Her wavy blonde hair, dark brown eyes, and the beauty mark beneath her left eye, she was top-tier in appearance. A goddess incarnate...

Unfortunately.

"What the fuck are you doing, guys?"

Her filthy mouth completely betrayed her angelic image. She swore with the frequency of a sailor, never holding back.

The men immediately snapped out of their daze, shaking off the illusion like dreamers waking from a fantasy. Just moments ago, they were half-convinced Jennifer was wife material, but her uncensored words reminded them otherwise.

They returned to their tasks while Collin briefly explained what still needed to be done before the screening began.

After five months of working together, a solid camaraderie had formed between them. Especially Wyatt and Lawrence, the two newest clients Collin represented. Neither felt out of place within the team anymore.

"Jennifer, just sit down. You're dressed nicely today, and I bet you don't want to get dirty. We'll handle the grunt work," Collin said with a soft smile.

"Of course. I had no intention of helping in the first place. Why the fuck do you think I'd help?"

The four men sighed in unison. There was no such thing as a perfect person. Jennifer's stunning appearance was balanced, but cursed by a mouth that could kill any romantic fantasy instantly.

As the minutes passed, more guests began to arrive, gradually filling the once-empty rows. Some members of the cast offered to help with the preparations, but Collin turned them down. They were dressed formally, just like Jennifer, and he didn't want to risk them ruining their outfits.

Once everything was in place, Collin and the others excused themselves to change into appropriate attire for the big event. For Collin especially, it was important. He would be speaking to many industry professionals and had to leave a solid impression.

Collin was also deeply grateful that Lila didn't assign a sales agent to negotiate the movie's deal. If she had, he would've lost a huge amount of earning. A sales agent would take over negotiations, leaving Collin with only a tiny share of the commission after all his effort.

The standard commission rate was 10%, with 3% going to ANT, and 7% to the sales agent. That would've left Collin with just a modest $50,000 to $70,000, depending on how generous ANT felt like being. It wouldn't be nearly enough for the work he'd done.

Fortunately, that scenario didn't happen. Collin was still handling negotiations himself, which meant he would receive a proper share of the reward.

"On top of that, I also have a 30% profit share in the movie for working as a producer."

He and Wyatt had agreed on that early in the project. After they secured funding from William Edward, Collin officially stepped into the producer's role and took full responsibility for the project. In return, he'd receive 30% of the movie's profit, a fair deal considering the sacrifices he made.

The final breakdown was:

30% for William Edward

30% for Collin East

40% for Wyatt Bray

There were no disputes. Everyone knew the contributions each person brought. Collin was the one who found the investor, pitched the idea, and sealed the deal. His role was essential to bringing the movie to life.

When the four men returned in nice suits, the auditorium was 60% full. Guests filled the space with quiet chatter and curious glances.

Collin looked around and saw Jennifer talking to members of the cast in the fourth row, she had saved four seats for them.

The rest of the audience included studio representatives Collin had contacted earlier. They were scattered across the auditorium, some near the front, others in the back or middle, each with their preferred viewing spot.

Collin also spotted William Edward seated beside Lila Seraphina. The CEO was engaged in conversation with a small group while William quietly observed the room, his presence quiet and watchful.

More guests continued arriving, gradually transforming the once-sparse venue into a lively gathering.

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Emmanuel and his supervisor, Taylor, entered the ANT Auditorium. The two were visibly surprised by how many people had already gathered before the screening had even begun.

"Maybe you haven't heard yet, but the new CEO has been promoting this movie. That alone shows the film has potential," Taylor said, nodding thoughtfully.

A lot had happened in the last two days, momentum was building quickly.

"Did you get any information about the movie?" Taylor asked.

"I did. It's a comedy, and it's rated R," Emmanuel replied, flipping through his notepad.

Taylor nodded as they located seats, settling in the middle-center row, the optimal spot for viewing. Not too close to overwhelm, not too far to disconnect. Just right for clarity and immersion.

"I heard the director is a recent graduate," Emmanuel added in a quieter tone.

"A new graduate?" Taylor's brow furrowed. His expectations began to dip. Typically, new graduates had to first work in the system, on various crews, learning the ropes, before getting the chance to direct their own project. Jumping straight into the director's chair was rare and often risky.

In most cases, films by fresh graduates were amateurish, burdened by inexperience and a lack of proper resources.

Taylor was now wondering if attending this screening was even worth his time. Maybe staying in the office would have been a better use of his day.

"They should've come to our studio instead of dragging us out here," Taylor grumbled, his voice tinged with growing annoyance. He preferred when producers showed up humbly, presenting their film directly, not hosting an event that could very well lead to disappointment.

"I heard the production budget was $300,000."

"Hmm. That's not bad for a first-time indie. If the film turns out passable, we can probably offer them $1 million to buy the distribution and copyright rights. Let's just hope it doesn't look like some film school project."

Low-budget films often lacked polish, depth, and professionalism. If this turned out to be another subpar project, it would be a frustrating waste of time and Taylor would not be quiet about it.

 

[Pujimaki]

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 32


The auditorium was already about 70% filled when the movie began screening. The lights dimmed gradually, and the massive screen lit up in a bright white glow. There was no logo at the beginning since the film was technically an indie production, made on a low budget with no official production company attached.

The names of the cast, producer, and director appeared slowly as the first scene began to unfold.

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When the troublemakers Sam and his best friend Jess accidentally crash the wrong wedding due to a misread map, they plan to sneak out unnoticed. But the groom begs them to stay, his best man and groomsmen were arrested for drug possession and... femboys.

Fortunately, Sam and Jess are mistaken for relatives and are swept enthusiastically into the celebration without question. Jess is pulled into solving wedding crises ranging from missing bouquets to wardrobe malfunctions, while Sam scams the guests with an impromptu, highly emotional speech.

Chaos escalates quickly, from flash mob dances at the after-party (where Grandma shakes her booty) to karaoke disasters that make guests cover their ears, and missing wedding party members who are too high on drugs to attend.

In the end, Sam and Jess are celebrated as heroes at the reception they were never invited to. There's laughter, dancing, and unexpected friendships forged through absurd circumstances. It's a fun, mature comedy about adventure, friendship, and finding joy in the most unlikely places.

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The 100-minute runtime finally ended.

The auditorium fell silent as if time had stopped. Just minutes earlier, the room echoed with laughter. But now, as the ending credits rolled, the audience was reminded why they had come to this screening in the first place.

They were stunned. For 100 minutes, they had forgotten their roles as industry professionals. The film had sucked them in like a vacuum. Such immersion was rare, only a handful of movies could achieve this.

Yes, the movie's mature themes and adult humor might not have been for everyone, but the jokes landed hard. They had laughed until they cried, holding their stomachs through uncontrollable fits of laughter.

The movie had exceeded all expectations. Deep within their professional instincts, they recognized it as something special. A rare gem in an oversaturated industry. Initially, they thought it might just be decent, perhaps good enough for a $1 million buy-out. But now they understood why ANT's new CEO personally endorsed the film and staked her reputation on it.

Even the stoic executives, the ones known for their humorless demeanors, were laughing. These were the people from the acquisition departments, individuals who had watched thousands of films and had become numb to most genres. Some of them had even lost the ability to laugh at comedies, seeing films not as entertainment but as marketable products.

But The Accidental Wedding Crashers broke through that hardened barrier. It stood far above the usual comedies they screened and dissected.

The room's energy shifted. People began glancing around. The earlier joy and laughter faded. The warm, jovial mood was gone, replaced by cold calculation. The auditorium now felt more like a negotiation room.

Collin swallowed hard, sensing the shift with every fiber of his being. Minutes ago, these people were roaring with laughter. Now, they were silent and unreadable, staring at each other like seasoned businessmen strategizing their next move.

Lila, sensing the tension and the inevitable power struggle forming, stood up and walked toward Collin with her usual grace and poise. Even in the dim auditorium lighting, her stunning smile was captivating as she adjusted her glasses.

She gently tapped Collin on the shoulder and whispered, "It's your turn now. Don't disappoint me. I've given you this opportunity, don't waste it." Her voice was soft but firm, laced with subtle authority.

Lila walked out of the auditorium with composed steps, motioning for William, who was hoping to stay and witness the negotiations to follow her. William hesitated. He wanted to remain and gauge the reactions firsthand. After all, he had a share in this film and wanted to know how much profit he stood to earn. This was his first venture in the entertainment industry, and he was understandably anxious.

Still, he followed Lila, knowing full well that someone like him, young and inexperienced, had no authority in a high-stakes business negotiation.

The two disappeared from the auditorium.

"…So that's the reason why," Collin realized, a dawning clarity washing over him.

Lila had chosen to hold a group screening at the auditorium and invited studio representatives all at once to protect the film from exploitation.

Had Collin chosen to visit studios one by one, there was a strong possibility he wouldn't have been allowed to leave the first studio he visited. He might've been stuck there until he signed a deal, never even reaching the second or third options. The first studio would've figuratively "kidnapped" him.

It sounded barbaric in theory, but money made people barbaric. That barbarism was just dressed up in contracts and etiquette.

In that kind of scenario, there was a very real risk of being tricked into an unfair deal. Even though Collin was confident in his mental and physical strength, it wouldn't be enough to walk out of a studio filled with lawyers and executives.

'Maybe that scenario sounds unlikely in normal business, but in this environment? These acquisition guys are crazy enough to pull it off for a movie like this.'

Peaceful negotiations? Wishful thinking. Not everything could be solved with diplomacy.

Ever heard about the missiles flying around lately, particularly in the Middle East? Yeah. World War 3 might be closer than you think.

Collin might not be dragged out in chains, but the studio would surely pamper him. Feed him delicious meals, offer luxury, and shower him with compliments, all in hopes of securing the deal quickly. It was all about money and control.

If Collin had been offered $1 million during such an encounter, he might've been tempted. That kind of money could instantly change his life. He could pay off his debts and still have around $800,000 left to start building his dreams.

But now, the situation had changed completely.

Contrary to what the studios thought, Collin held the upper hand. He had the leverage to choose which studio he would negotiate with, on his own terms. Naturally, he would select the one offering the best deal with the most benefits.

Why? Because the screening had occurred in an auditorium where multiple studio representatives watched and enjoyed the movie simultaneously. Its quality was undeniable. It would be foolish not to fight for it.

"Wyatt, take the others out of the auditorium," Collin instructed, his voice calm yet firm. "Make sure none of you introduce yourselves until we close a deal with one of them. And if someone approaches you, don't sign anything without my approval. I'll handle this."

Wyatt, sensing the seriousness in Collin's tone, nodded immediately. He didn't ask questions.

One by one, the cast quietly exited. No one in the audience stopped them, though the urge to engage them was obvious.

One by one, people in the audience stood with unreadable expressions.

In the film industry, profitability determines whether a movie is worth acquiring. Artistic merit is secondary to potential revenue.

And in this case, the representatives were already calculating the numbers.

This film, made with a modest $300,000 budget, had the potential to make at least $250 million worldwide.

That was 832 times the production budget, an astronomical 83,233% return on investment.

Of course they would go crazy for that kind of ROI. How many movies in the '90s could gross over $250 million in a single year, especially an R-rated comedy?

This film was about to become one of them.

An underdog, about to dominate the box office.
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Lila Seraphina