Chapter 59: The War Predator

(Author's Note: Still asking for recommendation votes! .)

When Eric Polk mentioned it, Matthew froze for a moment. He instantly thought of Martin Jackson, the director from the Sometimes MV shoot, and a hint of wariness flashed in his heart—was this guy also hiding some creepy fetish?

But then he reconsidered. After all, they weren't alone—his agent and the costume designer were also present.

Sure enough, he was overthinking it. What Eric Polk said had nothing to do with any perversion.

"The series will mostly be filmed in Europe, mainly in the UK and France," Eric explained, showing some extra consideration out of respect for Helen Herman.

"Before filming begins, all actors playing key military roles will undergo one to one and a half months of military training in the UK. It'll be tough and exhausting."

"I'm fine with that," Matthew replied calmly.

He'd already prepared himself. Hard work and suffering weren't things that scared him.

Eric added, "Filming might take over six months. You'll need to keep your schedule clear."

Matthew nodded, then glanced at Helen. He was starting to realize—Eric Polk was being unusually open thanks to her.

"And one more thing—this is critical," Eric said seriously, looking directly at him.

"I saw in your profile that you're not a member of the actors' union?"

Matthew scratched his head. Helen answered, "Not yet. But I've already prepared everything for him to join."

"Get it done quickly," Eric reminded. "This is a union-sanctioned production. All main cast members must be union members."

"Don't worry," Helen said, patting her briefcase. "I've got the paperwork right here. We'll head to the union office as soon as we leave the lot."

Afterward, Helen took Matthew straight to the union office. As she'd said in the styling room, all the documents were ready. With his current résumé, getting in wasn't an issue—plus, she had contacts there.

The only downside? The $3,000+ membership fee came out of Matthew's own pocket.

Once the process was done, Matthew realized—between that, his phone, the secondhand TV, and VCR combo deal—his $4,000 paycheck from the Sometimes MV was basically gone.

If it hadn't been for Lester giving him full attendance pay at Red Penguin, things would've been even tighter.

From the union, they drove to Angel Talent Agency. Helen had some Band of Brothers materials to pass along and wanted to have a deeper talk about the role.

"Amanda..." Matthew asked as they headed upstairs together,

"Know of any fast, easy jobs that pay well?"

"Sure," Amanda replied instantly.

"Rob a bank or smuggle drugs from Mexico."

"You that broke?" Helen asked from ahead. "Did you settle that penalty payment?"

"What penalty?" Amanda asked curiously.

Matthew ignored her and replied, "They haven't sent me any legal letters in a while. Maybe they've let it go."

Helen shook her head. "More likely, they've started legal proceedings."

She led him up to the second floor. "If you get a court summons, let me know immediately."

Matthew nodded—she had a point. They might've already gone the legal route. At least with her on his side, he'd have some help navigating it.

Still, he couldn't help feeling a bit lucky—who'd really go after a nobody like him forever?

Inside the office, Helen handed him a glass of water and said, "Don't take any new jobs right now. The next audition is very important. You need to focus all your energy on the role we're aiming for."

She gestured to Amanda, who opened a file cabinet and pulled out a stack of documents nearly a foot thick. On top of the stack was the Band of Brothers novel.

"Everything here, I gathered specifically for this." Helen sipped her coffee. "Take it home and study it thoroughly."

"The next round of auditions is in about a month," she continued.

"Eric Polk doesn't have a say in the casting. The real decision-makers are HBO, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg. I don't have any direct ties to them."

Matthew's heart sank.

He knew his resume was weak—barely six months in the industry. He had no edge over more experienced actors.

He had originally hoped Helen's connections might tip the scales. But clearly, that wasn't going to happen.

"Which means," Helen said, setting down her cup,

"You have to nail this audition. Even if you don't land the role, you need to leave a strong impression. That way, I can push for you to get a secondary role as a backup plan."

Matthew took the material Amanda brought over and set it on the coffee table. "How many plans do you have?"

"Two," Helen answered, getting straight to the point. "I haven't seen the full script, but Eric showed me a planning document listing major and minor characters. One supporting role in particular stood out—it has weight and potential. That's our main target."

Matthew opened the novel and flipped to the table of contents. "Which role? Can you give me details so I can focus while reading?"

"Ronald Speirs," Helen replied. "He's Easy Company's fourth commanding officer. Brave, decisive, sometimes even cold. A classic hard-nosed soldier. Perfect fit for your appearance."

Matthew touched his strong jawline and sharp facial features. He had to admit—the role did seem tailored for him.

"And more than that," Helen continued, "Speirs is what I'd call a 'war predator'—a man who thrives in battle. That kind of character is bound to stand out."

"So Speirs is a key supporting role?" Matthew asked.

"Exactly," Helen nodded. "I believe he has significant screen time and narrative weight."

"Do you really think I can get it?" Matthew was skeptical.

"You won't know unless you try," Helen looked him in the eye. "Aren't you supposed to be resourceful?"

"What do you want me to do—befriend Spielberg or Tom Hanks?" Matthew asked, half-joking.

Helen deadpanned, "No chance."

She coughed lightly, then added, "If you land this role, it'll be a breakthrough. If not—"

"Then all this prep is wasted?" Matthew gestured to the thick pile of notes.

"I wasn't done talking."

"Can you finish your sentences in one go?" Matthew grumbled.

Helen ignored him. "This casting process is different. Since all the roles are military, any standout audition—even if you don't land the main part—might still earn you a solid secondary role."

Matthew nodded in understanding. "So your backup plan is based on that?"

"Exactly," Helen confirmed. "Eric has some say in those secondary roles. If you leave a good impression on the big guys, with him and me pushing from the side, you have a decent shot at one."

She leaned forward, hands on her desk.

"But still—our main goal is Ronald Speirs. He'll get the most attention when the show airs."

Matthew closed the book without saying anything. Honestly, he wasn't confident.

This wasn't about hyping yourself up. Real confidence came from experience, connections, and timing—all things he was short on.

Helen probably knew that too. That's why she had the backup plan.

"I'll do my best," he finally said.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself," Helen softened.

"We're aiming high, but even if you fall short, it's not the end of the world."

Matthew chuckled, "Don't worry, Helen. Pressure just turns into fuel for me."

Helen waved him off. "Go home and prep. And if anything's unclear, talk to me first. Don't make decisions on your own."

"Got it," Matthew nodded, gathering the materials.

"Mutual trust, right?"

He understood perfectly well—this opportunity came from Helen. To land even a minor role in a Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg production would already be a victory. But for that... he'd have to give it everything he had.