บท 100: Lucas's proposition
The rendezvous for the "Like Crazy" cast and crew unfolded in a manner far from Lucas's expectations. Upon entering the confines of Drake Doremus' modest apartment, Lucas's eyebrow arched in mild surprise, yet he remained unfazed.
"Is this our gathering point?" inquired Lucas, his voice tinged with an unmistakable note of amusement.
Drake, visibly uncomfortable and dodging Lucas's inquisitive look, confirmed, "Yes, this is it." He attempted a sheepish smile, adding, "Apologies, it's what I can afford at the moment. It's decent, right?"
With a soft chuckle, Lucas quipped, "Decently tight, I'd say."
Drake's response came with a wry smile, acknowledging the gentle jab, "I'm aware it's less than ideal, but—"
Interrupting with a dismissive wave and a relaxed demeanor, Lucas assured, "The setting is of no concern. What captivates me is the essence of the project. It reminds me of 'Blue Valentine,' a film I watched at Sundance."
Drake's tension dissolved as they immersed themselves in the script, exploring character depths, interpretations, and their shared cinematic vision.
The allure for actors like Lucas to join his project lay in the raw, immersive experience of indie filmmaking. Such ventures diverge from the conventional, offering narratives and characters rich in complexity. This realm promises actors a voice in the creative process and fosters intimate collaborations with the director and ensemble, enriching the artistic endeavor.
As the night matured and the spatial constraints of the apartment grew more pronounced, Lucas sensed the moment for departure had arrived.
"Ben, my roommate, hasn't returned," Drake mentioned, his tone laced with regret. "We're somewhat limited on sleeping arrangements here."
Lucas, ever the reassurer, smiled and said, "Not to worry, I've secured accommodations nearby."
Their conversation took an unexpected turn as Lucas broached his potential involvement. "Rather than merely contributing my fee," he proposed, "what if I also invest in the project? A few hundred thousand could alleviate some financial strain. We'll sort out a fair box office split—I don't intend to encroach on the crew's share."
Drake was momentarily taken aback by the offer, his speech faltering. "I'll need to ponder that," he managed, wary of hastily accepting such a generous proposition without consulting Ben and the key team members.
Lucas nodded, understandingly, offering a supportive pat on Drake's shoulder. "There's no urgency. Consider it merely a suggestion."
---
In the dim light of early dawn, Los Angeles began to stir, its first rays sneaking through the blinds to dance across the hotel room where Lucas had spent the night. He was jolted awake, not by an alarm, but by the sheer force of anticipation that coursed through him, a sensation akin to a flutter of butterflies in his belly.
After a brisk breakfast, where the excitement seemed to fill him more than the food, Lucas made his way to Drake's apartment. It was a modest space, reflective of the humble beginnings many artists in the city shared. Ben, Drake's friend, co-writer, and roommate, was the sole occupant at that early hour. His eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and warmth as he greeted Lucas. "Lucas!" His voice carried a blend of excitement and sincerity. "It's wonderful to finally meet you in person."
As Ben took in Lucas's appearance, a flash of recognition sparked in his eyes. He had been moved by Lucas's performance in "127 Hours," a film that had etched itself into Ben's memory. "You look even younger in person," Ben observed, his tone carrying a hint of awe.
Lucas, taken aback by the compliment, could only muster a chuckle and a bashful "Thanks" in response.
Ben extended a handshake, his smile broadening. "You're the first to arrive. Impressive, especially considering you've just flown in LA yesterday."
"Seems like jet lag's working in my favor," Lucas replied with a light laugh, acknowledging the unexpected advantage of his disrupted sleep schedule.
The morning light, now stronger, poured through the window, casting a warm glow over the cluttered apartment. Lucas and Ben, sitting amongst scattered papers and props, had been deep in discussion about "Like Crazy," a project that clearly ignited their passion.
However, the tone shifted as Ben's expression turned serious. "I heard about your offer to fund the project. Is that for real, Lucas?"
Lucas's response was immediate and firm, his smile unwavering. "Absolutely. I've saved up around 400k, and I'm ready to invest in our film. 200k, or all of it if needed."
A heavy silence hung in the air, laden with the gravity of Lucas's proposal. Ben finally let out a breath, a mixture of astonishment and gratitude evident in his voice. "Your offer... it's incredibly generous. Our budget's been tight, around $250k. Your support could dramatically change our scope."
Lucas's financial landscape had taken a turn for the better, much of it owing to a serendipitous alignment with the entertainment industry's giants. The heart of this financial uptick was his copyrighted song, "Perfect," which had found favor with the ABC Network, renowned for its hit series Modern Family. The network hadn't just featured Lucas's creation on multiple occasions, but had also taken to YouTube to share it, catapulting the song to nearly a million views—980,000 to be precise—in a mere week. This digital footprint not only amplified Lucas's visibility but also padded his bank account with a steady stream of royalties. But the avenues contributing to Lucas's burgeoning bank account didn't end there. His musical prowess had also left an indelible mark on the cinematic world, with his song gracing the ending credits of the film "127 Hours." This placement too had become a source of ongoing royalty income, further bolstering his financial standing. While Lucas hadn't meticulously tracked every dollar and cent flowing into his account, his rough estimation hovered around $600,000, give or take. He considered $400,000 a conservative guess, underscoring the somewhat nebulous yet decidedly positive state of his finances.
Before they could delve deeper into the implications of Lucas's investment, the door swung open, revealing Drake with a bag of McDonald's in hand. He paused, surprised to see Lucas already settled in. "Lucas? You're here early," he said with a chuckle, placing the fast food on the table. "Care for breakfast?"
Lucas offered a polite smile. "I've already eaten, but thank you."
Drake nodded, casually tossing a burger Ben's way before joining the pair. The aroma of fast food soon enveloped them, creating a cozy, albeit unconventional, setting as they resumed their script discussion, their conversation weaving through bites of burgers and the rustle of pages.
As the morning unfolded, Drake's apartment transformed from a quiet sanctuary into a hive of creative energy. The door, with its distinctive creak, became a revolving entry point for the eclectic mix making up the crew. One by one, individuals tasked with bringing the film to life—sound mixers with their nuanced ears for audio, cinematographers with an eye for the perfect shot, and extras, each with their own silent stories—stepped into the space, infusing it with a palpable sense of purpose and anticipation.
As the hands of the clock inched closer to 9 AM, the atmosphere in the apartment shifted from expectant calm to a vibrant buzz of activity. Charley Bewley was among the first to arrive, his entrance marked by a demeanor of easy assurance. Known for his role in "Twilight," his presence added a layer of recognition and excitement, his casual nod a silent acknowledgment of the shared adventure they were all about to embark on.
Not long after, the room's dynamic changed once more with the arrival of Felicity Jones. Her ascent in the acting world was marked by a blend of talent and an enchanting presence, which she carried with her into the room. There was a distinct intensity about her, a quiet force that suggested depths waiting to be explored on screen.
Lucas, for his part, was particularly keen on meeting Felicity. As the actress set to portray Anna, his character's counterpart, their interaction was crucial. Their introduction was seamless, with their discussion about the script revealing a natural rapport and a shared vision that boded well for their on-screen chemistry.
The apartment, now buzzing with the energy of assembled talent and crew, seemed to be holding its breath for the arrival of the last pivotal member. When Jennifer Lawrence entered, the energy shifted noticeably. Her approachable demeanor, coupled with a certain star quality that her roles had cemented, filled the room. Her initial interaction with Drake was followed by a moment of recognition as she and Lucas locked eyes.
The silence that ensued was brief but charged, a mutual recognition sparking a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "Lucas?" Jennifer's voice broke the silence, her expression one of genuine astonishment.
"Jennifer?" Lucas responded, equally taken aback. This unexpected reunion under the auspices of a new project drew the attention of everyone present, sparking curiosity and speculation.
"Do you two know each other?" Drake's question, fueled by genuine interest, hung in the air.
AN:
(Do you wish for the main character to join the "Seven Kingdoms" or the "Game of Thrones" Project? Which role should they choose?)
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