It has been a few days since the meeting with Eloise in New York. Ian came back to Beverly Hills right the next day. H&J Partners was the agency she has been working for. It is a large-scale agency that signs up actors by referral only, and it is one of the largest and most prestigious agencies in the world. They specialize in films, theatres, television, commercial, music, sports, digital media, marketing, and more.
There was no response from them ever since Ian met Eloise. Although he knew they would contact him soon. Nevertheless, auditions for side characters will happen soon and Ian was expecting Eloise to be there before that.
Thinking about the response which was somewhat late from Eloise, Ian sat near his computer and started continuing the next script he has been working on. It was a series called, "Lucifer". He was going to create a series because he wanted to get it into OTT (over the top) platforms and the series market. Since those types of things were much more popular these days, he wanted to release something that could shake the history of Hollywood.
A young director who just got into Hollywood having a top series on an OTT platform, that was what he aimed for.
Since he started the script before, he was a just at the start of the Storyline.
The synopsis of the whole story was about how bored and unhappy the Lord of Hell, Lucifer Morningstar has abandoned his throne and retired to L.A., where he owns Lux, an upscale nightclub. Charming, charismatic, and devilishly handsome, Lucifer is enjoying his retirement, indulging in a few of his favorite things, wine, women, and song when a beautiful pop star is brutally murdered outside of Lux. For the first time in roughly 10 billion years, he feels something awaken deep within him as a result of this murder. Compassion? Sympathy? The very thought disturbs him as well as his best friend and confidante, Mazikeen, a fierce demon in the form of a beautiful young woman. The murder attracts the attention of LAPD homicide detective Chloe Decker, who initially is dismissive of Lucifer. But she becomes intrigued by his talent for drawing out people's secrets and his desire to dispense justice, doling out punishment to those who deserve it. As they work together to solve the pop star's murder, Lucifer is struck by Chloe's inherent goodness. Accustomed to dealing with the absolute worst of humanity, Lucifer is intrigued by Chloe's apparent purity and begins to wonder if there's hope for his own soul yet. At the same time, God's emissary, the angel Amendiel, has been sent to Los Angeles to convince Lucifer to return to the underworld. Can the Devil incarnate be tempted toward the side of Good, or will his original calling pull him back toward Evil? The questions were answered in the series. Lucifer accepts a subsequent invitation to work with Chloe as a consultant in the department, and throughout the series, they encounter all sorts of supernatural beings while solving crimes together and developing their relationship.
In his real world, this was a long series that went on for about five years. Yet, Ian kept writing the story using the memory library in his mind.
He was planning to start pre-productions once La La Land's shooting was over. It was his plan for now. He also wanted to contact OTT platforms to cast it.
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After spending his entire morning in the library, writing scripts, he had to go to the theatre to audition some of the side characters. In fact, it wasn't only some, it was almost every extra character in La La Land. And, there were already many people in the line more than nervous thinking about what the result was going to be and how they would act in front of the famous Ian Renner. But obviously, it wasn't the same for everyone. Some were confident and others were not.
For someone who is a low-grade actor, this was a huge opportunity. But of course, only if they used it wisely. Eloise had already signed up when Ian was sitting in the front row seat with Mason and a few others, with papers in his hand on which he had written names, their grades, and their information, practically an entire database of each actor.
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For the audition, many people from the crew from John's company joined. There were people including Niko the cinematographer, Robert the sound manager, and Jack the assistant cameraman. Most of them were there just to watch and get a glimpse of their new adventure together. But some including Niko were highly requested to be there just for the purpose of the audition. Wanting to see how a person might look on camera was a part of it.
The list of the acting characters that were needed and was searching through the auditions included characters such as a coffee shop manager and a casting director. Mia's friends, Sebastian's boss at the bar, a Pilot casting assistant, a photographer, Mia's mom, and more.
Thus, the audition started.
[... From the point of view of the actors who await to showcase their talents]
Auditions are their primary job and focus as an actor; hopefully, they will see several auditions a week. That being said, it is imperative that they master their auditions. Making a good impression at an audition can make or break their career. Their goal may not always be to book a job. However, if they leave a good impression; the casting director may remember them and call them for future auditions that may actually fit their looks and talent set. Even the more popular actors don't get booked for every audition and practice professionalism and are more prepared to promote themselves as a professional.
Typically for the purpose of an audition, the actor is required to memorize some lines from the script; usually referred to as sides. While they have their pick from the script, these lines must be memorized. In the first audition, they will find that they get to work with the casting director. A person will be seated the whole time and will read lines with the actor, typically they read the other characters' lines off in a monotone. While intimidating, they will still need to convey the expected emotions and expressions best suited to the side. Diligence in their acting classes will best prepare them for auditions.
While an actor's talent is an important factor in an audition, there are many important factors. Another factor is the actor's type, this is a combo of their look, personality, and the impression they leave on the casting director. Ultimately, it all comes down to what is right for the role and the Director's view. Directors hire people, not actors. They want them to walk into the room as the person they see for the role. As a good reminder, they audition hundreds of people, so the biggest thing to remember is that the casting director wants an easy job and hopes that whoever walks in is perfect for the part.
But the case was a bit critical with La La Land. The casting director gave the script to all the people who were about to face the audition and said to be prepared for anything they might ask during it. Things like dancing or singing on the spot. Many newbie actors and actresses were stressed about it, but many were confident with what they were capable of.
Sarah Ward was a 26-year-old C-grade actress who climbed her way up to get roles without an agency. Although she worked for an agency one year ago, she had to take a break due to her health getting worse. But again when she got back, Hollywood was rapidly growing just like she remembered. This was the twelfth audition since then, and she didn't want to give up any part of this.
"Sarah Ward, the stage is yours,"
She went up with the script in her hand.
"Okay, go ahead. Page 23, there's a character called Tracy, try to act out the dialogues," Ian said in a monotone.
"Can I get five minutes?" Sarah asked.
"Sure," It was Mason who replied.
After a few minutes, she was ready.
"Start," Ian said.
"What is that? Is that a script?" Sarah said.
"It's a play," Ian said with no emotions.
"A play? You better give us all roles!" She repeated the character Alexa's lines too.
The theatre was silent for a while after that. It was because of how realistic even her voice sounded. Ian smiled knowing who the person right in front of him will be, Tracy. Mia's friend, Tracy.
"Do you have a monologue to present?" Ian asked. "She's gotta be Tracy," Ian whispered to Mason. He wrote 'SELECTED - TRACY' in her document.
[...] The audition Sarah ended right after her monologue and Ian said that he will let her know soon. And the rest of the auditions went by with some getting roles and some who didn't make it.
"Next, Alexa Carla," Mason announced through the mic he had on the table.
Seeing the red-head on the stage, Ian was surprised to see her but regained his composure right away. He acted as emotionless as he was during the previous auditions.
"Perform your monologue," Ian said with the same tone.