Chapter 27: Monica's Efforts

[Chapter 27: Monica's Efforts]

Link leaned back on the couch, tapping his fingers on his knee as he studied the woman in front of him, contemplating whether to let her audition for the role of the wife in the film, Paranormal Activity.

Originally, that character was supposed to be played by an unknown actress; it wasn't a particularly challenging role. Any woman with a basic acting foundation would suffice. However, Monica Bellucci's striking beauty and alluring figure could shift the focus of the audience too much towards her looks and body, undermining the film's horror aspects.

Still, this was a live-action documentary-style film. It would capture the daily lives of the lead characters -- everything from chatting and eating to brushing their teeth and being affectionate. Having a top-tier actress like her could actually add some marketing appeal to the project.

Using her as the lead also made sense.

"Monica, the new movie is a horror film. The lead character is an everyday woman, quite ordinary in looks and build. I need to see how you look without makeup -- would that be okay?"

"Sure thing! Link, could I use your bathroom for a moment?"

"That way!"

Link pointed toward the bathroom.

...

Monica got up and padded barefoot across the floor. Few moments later, she emerged, her makeup significantly toned down. What had once been a 9 in attractiveness dropped to around an 8, but she was still a striking beauty.

Her tall, curvy figure couldn't be hidden even in plain clothes; the sensual curves remained evident. If she were to take on this role, he would have to hire an additional makeup artist during filming.

But it was worth a shot.

Whether or not she would take on the role depended mainly on Monica's willingness and performance.

"Link, if there are any other areas that need adjustment, just let me know, and I'll make it happen."

Monica crossed her legs, hands resting on her stomach.

"Just hang on a sec. Here's the script; read it over before deciding whether you want to be a part of this film."

Link stood up and retrieved the script for Paranormal Activity from his drawer.

...

The film was experimental, shot entirely indoors with only four actors, and contained over a thousand lines. The script itself was quite brief.

Monica flipped through the pages for over twenty minutes, reading through the entire script.

Holding the script, she felt a wave of indecision. Even though the female lead had many scenes -- more than the male lead -- the film's budget was minimal, and its artistic quality was not high. Playing this role might not significantly benefit her career.

But this hesitation lasted only a few seconds before she discarded it.

Initially, she had been developing her career in Italy, and after her divorce, she moved to Paris to work as a model, achieving only mediocre results. Since coming to Hollywood last year, she had auditioned many times but only landed a small part in a project directed by fellow Italian Francis Ford Coppola.

She had been unsuccessful in other auditions, primarily because her striking appearance overshadowed her ability to play supporting roles without stealing focus, and extra roles were beneath her.

With work not going well and her finances dwindling, she had to leave the comfort of a nice hotel and move into this low-rent apartment.

Currently, she needed a job to address her financial issues and a popular film to help her establish a foothold in Hollywood.

Among her limited contacts, Link was her best shot.

When she first met him, he was just an average, headstrong young man. The second time she saw him, he struggled to pay his rent and was nearly homeless.

She had witnessed Link at his most desperate and thought he was just another dream chaser living at the apartment.

But after that day, things began to change. Link's name started to appear more frequently in the media, with the posters for Buried showing up across Los Angeles theaters.

When they met again, Link had transformed into a well-regarded Hollywood director and star, worth millions, and the object of many people's admiration.

Landing the female lead in his new film was an opportunity that ought not to be missed.

...

"Link, I'd like to audition for this role; I hope you can give me a chance."

Monica looked at Link, her expression softening just the right amount.

"Alright, you can give it a shot. But before filming, you'll need to prepare -- get into a more ordinary look, understand how to perform in a horror film. If your audition doesn't go well, I'll have to regretfully pass."

"I understand. I'll do my best."

Monica nodded, a smile blooming from her lips and eyes that enhanced her stunning beauty even further.

----

After discussing the script, Monica stood to leave.

Link didn't try to persuade her to stay.

He could tell that Monica was willing to put a lot on the line for this role, and while he entertained the thought of using personal favors to seal the deal, he wasn't interested in taking on that responsibility or the potential trouble it might bring.

As a seasoned filmmaker, he had witnessed far too much of this kind of situation.

In Hollywood, with high-quality beauties everywhere, he didn't need to use underhanded tactics to capture someone's interest.

Earlier in the day, while moving, an agent, Sam Haskel, had stopped by.

...

Sam, an agent with the William Morris Agency, was 38, of German descent. He was average in appearance and stature, save for his deep brown eyes and prominent eyebrows.

Link had met Sam before, during the promotional tour for Buried in New York.

With Buried's success, the three major talent agencies -- Creative Artists Agency (CAA), William Morris Agency (WMA), and International Creative Management (ICM) -- along with the newly established United Talent Agency (UTA), had all sent representatives to meet him, hoping to sign him.

However, Link didn't feel the need for agency representation as he didn't have much that required management. He also didn't want an agency inserting unsuitable actors into his projects, as that could easily jeopardize the quality of his films.

He had passed up all overtures.

But after a discussion with Quentin Tarantino and others yesterday, he shifted his perspective somewhat.

The entertainment industry functioned like a small world, often cutthroat.

The power dynamics revolved around major agencies split into smaller factions, all competing for fame and profit.

While this could be overwhelming, it was the new normal in the industry. Those who hadn't broken into the scene were still outside, considered outsiders.

For someone like Link, who had no connections, maneuvering in Hollywood would naturally be more challenging.

Getting an agency to manage his affairs -- handling promotional work, managing film award campaigns, coordinating talent and crew -- could very well be worth considering.

This decision had both pros and cons, but which agency to join would depend on their sincerity in wanting him.

*****

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