Bab 83: Chapter 83: Daughter
Spending another three days, Murphy made further adjustments to the script before moving on to storyboarding and shot composition. This wouldn't be the final version of the script, much like "Hard Candy"; he would continue to make modifications during filming. The film was independently funded by Stanton Studios, giving Murphy, as both director and producer, the ultimate authority.
Meanwhile, auditions for actors were underway.
As before, Murphy placed recruitment ads in local Los Angeles newspapers. Additionally, Bill Ross recommended several actors under his management.
Though this was a low-budget horror film, for emerging actors, the opportunity to star in a full-length feature film was rare.
Especially considering Murphy's previous film had made it to theaters. If this one followed suit, the new actors would have a significant credential.
The first actors Murphy confirmed were undoubtedly the two male leads for the confined space scenario: James Franco and Seth Logan, who had already signed formal contracts with the production.
The role of another significant female character was entrusted to Carey Mulligan. However, Murphy found it odd that the British actress had been keeping a low profile lately, especially since she was usually more active.
"The school's keeping a close watch..." Sitting on a large chair in the studio lounge, Carey Mulligan swung her feet and set aside the script as Murphy, just off the phone, approached. "I can only take time off if I get good enough grades in the tests."
Putting his phone away, Murphy returned to the drawing board, continuing to sketch storyboard frames. "Have you finished your tests?" he asked.
"Not yet..." Carey shook her head. "Next week."
She stood up, walking over to Murphy's side, arms crossed, curiously watching him work on the storyboard frames. "Just a little more than two months, and I'll be completely free."
Murphy turned to look at her, puzzled. Carey pouted, reminding him, "Have you forgotten? I told you that once I turn sixteen, I'll drop out of school."
"Aren't you an exchange student?" Murphy couldn't understand the intricacies of American education. "Can you just drop out?"
"Of course not," Carey replied confidently. "But I've figured out a way."
Hearing her determination, Murphy knew she wasn't joking. He put down his pencil, furrowing his brows. "This is serious. You should discuss it with your parents."
"No way!" Carey turned and walked away. "They'll never agree. I won't discuss it with them!"
Then, with a hint of annoyance, she added, "Murphy, when did you become so naggy?"
Murphy simply closed his mouth, returning to his work and ignoring the rebellious teenager.
After completing two storyboard frames, there was a knock at the door. Seth Logan, who had been assisting Baker Claybert in organizing props in the courtyard, entered with two people.
They were a mother and daughter, the older woman in her thirties and the younger around ten years old, presumably a mother-daughter pair.
"Murphy..." Seth led the two over to Murphy. "These two are here for auditions. They arranged to meet Bill here."
Murphy stood up, and Carey immediately ran over to offer a towel. Murphy accepted it, wiped his hands, then returned the towel, introducing himself, "Hello, I'm Murphy Stanton, the director of the production you're auditioning for."
As he spoke, he discreetly assessed the two individuals, noticing that the older woman was also scrutinizing him.
She was impeccably made up, dressed with style, and carried a Chanel bag, clearly not someone from the lower echelons of Hollywood.
"Hello, Director Stanton." The woman nodded at him, introducing herself, "I'm Jill Collins, and this is my daughter Lily."
"Hi, Lily." Murphy waved at the girl.
The girl seemed well-mannered, politely greeting, "Hello, Director Stanton."
Just then, footsteps approached the door, and Bill Ross emerged from the foyer, quickly making his way over.
"Sorry, Jill." He gave the woman an apologetic smile. "Traffic was awful. We're late."
"It's alright," she replied.
Then, she turned to Murphy. "When can we start the auditions?"
"Just wait a moment." Murphy instructed Seth, "Take our guests to the lounge and wait for my notification."
Seth led the mother and daughter to the adjacent lounge, and as they left, someone else entered. James Franco and Paul Wilson were chatting as they walked in, and when they entered the living room, their attention was drawn to where Seth had just been.
Bright eyes, a charming face, with a hint of vintage style...
Walking towards Murphy, James Franco's head couldn't help but turn to where Carey Mulligan was standing, folding towels. She was watching him with sparkling eyes, blinking continuously.
Clearly, this young client was highly valued by Bill Ross. After briefing Murphy on the two individuals, he left, heading towards the lounge where they were waiting.
Once Bill Ross was out of earshot, James Franco lowered his voice. "Murphy, were both of them here for auditions?"
"No," Murphy shook his head, "only the little girl."
"Oh?" James Franco's eyes lit up. "Could she be my daughter?"
"Exactly," Murphy headed towards the audition room. "She's auditioning for the role of your daughter in the film."
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