บท 50: Chapter 50: Do You Have an Agent?
"Furthermore, it's about commanding and motivating the team."
Directors always thank their teams when they win awards, and while some may see it as mere formality, professionals like Bill Rossi know it's a genuine reflection. One of the key differences between film and other arts like literature is that filmmaking isn't something one or a few individuals can accomplish alone; it's the collaborative effort of dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people.
While Hollywood operates under a producer-driven system where producers wield absolute power in film production, it's the directors who are the true leaders during the actual filming process.
Directors not only coordinate actors' schedules and guide their performances but also manage the progress and plans of other specific production roles like cinematographers and set designers.
Bill's gaze fell on Jack Watson, who was touching up Emily and James Franco's makeup. "Mike, you should see that, apart from this makeup artist's skill, the rest are people destined to be phased out by Hollywood. Yet Murphy Stanton led and guided this group through three weeks of filming, even fostering a certain work synergy among these underachievers. That's quite rare."
Bill Rossi's words were blunt, but they reflected some truth in the industry. "Everyone wants success, especially in a fiercely competitive place like Hollywood. But what's worse than facing wolf-like competitors is having teammates who act like pigs. Sometimes, even if someone works tirelessly and achieves some remarkable results, they're completely overshadowed by the mediocrity of their teammates, unable to get the recognition they deserve."
"In contrast, Murphy Stanton, surrounded by pig-like teammates, managed to push them all forward with full force."
Hearing this, Mike burst into laughter. "With your praise, I might just want to steal your job."
Bill Rossi chuckled as well. He knew it was a joke, but he genuinely believed in Murphy Stanton's potential, which others might not see.
After exchanging a few more words, it seemed like the shoot on the other side had ended. Bill Rossi was about to walk over when Mike seemed to remember something and suddenly called out to him.
"Bill, I just remembered, someone from the sports agency mentioned a dispute with this Murphy Stanton about a month ago," Mike furrowed his brow. "Apparently, he squeezed $100,000 out of Kobe Bryant, a star player from the basketball department."
"I know, I've looked into it," Bill Rossi shrugged. "Just the basketball department that the company doesn't value."
"If it were American football, I'd consider it seriously."
"That's it for today!" Murphy hopped out of the Ford car, handing the camera to Paul Wilson. "Wrap up the set quickly. I've ordered a lavish dinner for everyone."
Paul Wilson took the camera and muttered quietly, "It's not going to be just burgers and pizza again, is it?"
Murphy gestured as if to hit him and added a joke, "Not just burgers and pizza, but also hot dogs and coke."
The people around rolled their eyes. These fast-food items had been tormenting their stomachs lately.
It was just Murphy's way of joking around. He understood the importance of balancing work and relaxation. After working continuously for several days without rest, except for the initial day off, the crew needed some rewarding treats.
At noon, he had Jessica Charleston arrange a barbecue dinner at a local restaurant in town, booking the entire place for the cast and crew to enjoy.
Of course, being in the northern basin area far from the bustling areas of Los Angeles, barbecue prices here were relatively low.
As Paul Wilson and Jessica Charleston prepared the film rolls, Murphy heard a greeting from the left.
"Hey, Murphy."
He immediately turned around, shook the hand extended towards him, and said, "Hey, Bill."
Then he shook hands with the person next to him. "Hello, Mike."
"Do you have a moment?" Bill Rossi glanced around; the set was almost cleared. "I'd like to talk to you."
"Perfect timing, I also have something to discuss with you." Murphy took the lead towards a quiet spot by the lake. When Bill Rossi caught up, he said, "When can my leading actress come back for filming? Without her, the production will come to a halt."
Carrie Mulligan left the set a few days ago to return to her school in Los Angeles.
With only two main roles in the film, James Franco's solo scenes had been mostly completed in the past few days. If the leading actress didn't return soon, Murphy would really lose his mind.
"I really want Carrie to come back," Bill Rossi's attitude was unusually sincere. "With your guidance, Carrie's acting skills have improved rapidly."
He sighed, "But as you know, Carrie has taken too many leaves of absence recently, and the school has expressed concerns. They even complained to the Child Welfare Association. She has to spend a few days at school."
Hearing this, Murphy felt a headache coming on. As an investor, he had some disdain for various unions or association-type organizations.
However, this was something he couldn't change. Right now, he was just a small player, and who would care about his thoughts and opinions?
Murphy knew that dealing with the school and the Child Welfare Association would be much tougher than dealing with the Mulligan couple in London or Carrie's temporary guardian, Julian Ferros, in Los Angeles.
"Don't worry,"
When Murphy stopped by the lake and Bill Rossi caught up, he said, "I'll press the school and the Child Welfare Association. As long as Carrie can take leave, I'll make sure she's sent over immediately."
Turning his head, Murphy looked at him with a slightly surprised expression. Bill Rossi was indeed a versatile agent, but when did his attitude become so accommodating?
He raised the corner of his mouth, tilted his head slightly, and asked, "Bill, do you have something on your mind? Just say it."
"It's nothing big." Bill Rossi chuckled, adopting a lighter tone. He tentatively asked, "Murphy, if I remember correctly, you don't have an agent, do you?"
Murphy scratched his head. He had been busy since the start of pre-production and had completely overlooked the matter of getting an agent. Besides, no agency would be interested in him anyway.
"That's correct." Murphy shrugged. "I'm just a rookie with no track record."
"No, no..." Bill Rossi raised a finger and shook it. "I think you have great potential."
At this point, if Murphy couldn't catch his drift, he'd be a fool. He stared at Bill across from him, "Don't tell me you want to be my agent?"
Bill Rossi nodded. "That's exactly what I mean."
The situation was a bit sudden, and Murphy thought for a moment before saying, "How about this, you come to the cast and crew's barbecue dinner, and we'll talk more in town later."
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