Hollywood What If

[Shout out to Swaroop S., Reggie D., and Jacob B.]

Hollywood What If Chapter 83

Days passed. 

Kazir and the others were busy meeting the actors who were auditioning for the roles. 

Renner Hector made sure to record the actors' auditions so they would have a clip to study later. 

Since Kazir was a famous director with two successful movies under his belt, the actors and actresses were much more enthusiastic this time. 

From now on, the roles that Kazir was interested in were Bryan Mills' daughter and ex-wife. 

This was the third round of auditions and only seven actresses were left for the role of Bryan Mills' ex-wife. 

To be honest, Kazir was not looking for someone so beautiful. 

'As long as she can cry on camera and get hired for a small salary, I'm fine.'

"Most of these actresses are from CAA or freelancers."

Something he already expected. Kazir hired a casting director. Yes, it is a real job. The casting director's job was to find actors and actresses for the character roles based on what the director was looking for. 

They were responsible for auditioning and filtering. The first audition was usually based on looks, if their looks met the criteria, they would pass and go on to the second round of auditions. The second audition was usually based on acting ability and they would be filtered into another round, the final round. 

Kazir could not supervise all the jobs for the film. That's why the role of the casting director was important. 

'Of course, the casting director I hired is from CAA. It's understandable that he would prefer CAA actors over other talent agencies. Besides, that's what I want.'

Having problems with WMA would just be a waste of his time. 

"Hello, I'm Famke Janssen. I'm here for the role of Lenore Mills-St. John."

"..."

Kazir stared at the woman. The actress was known for her role as Jean Grey in X-Men. 

'I heard Famke Janssen is the Bond girl in 007 last time. I think it was Goldeneye in 1995.'

Famke Janssen got the role of Lenore Mills in the original trilogy of Taken. However, the timeline had changed and it was now December 1996. Famke Janssen was too young and beautiful for the part.

But Kazir said nothing and let the woman audition. 

'Should I hire her?'

Kazir thought. It was not a problem to hire Famke because her salary was not that high. She also had a nice acting style. 

'Let's wait for all the actresses to audition before we decide.'

"Thank you, Miss Janssen."

The woman smiled at Kazir and walked away. 

"That smile... it's so sexy." 

Harold, sitting next to Kazir, murmured. 

"Yeah, I guess." Kazir shrugged. 

"Dude, that smile is clearly aimed at you. I bet 1 out of 10 she's waiting for you outside." Harold added. 

"10 percent? That's a very small chance."

"But it's still a chance." 

Harold, the prop master, became a producer after Kazir convinced him to. 

Kazir knew that Harold had strong discipline after working with him for years. He always made sure that the props, set, and background were meticulously prepared. 

So Kazir knew that Harold had what it takes to be a producer. And he was right. Harold knew most of the crew members and easily gained their respect. Working with a reliable person who had good relationships was the best thing for this crew. Harold was trusted by everyone and he proved himself. 

'He made my job easier.'

To be honest, Kazir wanted Harold to be a producer from the beginning. But Harold was too stubborn to stay on the props team. This was the only time Kazir convinced him. 

Renner and Harold were his trusted friends who had been with him since the beginning of his directing career.

He wanted to make Harold a producer and Renner a director. Because they both had talent. 

'Unfortunately... They didn't have a strong sense of ambition, just like me, hehe.'

Harold was one thing, but Renner Hector was much harder to convince. 

"The last actress will appear." 

Kazir nodded after reading the list. The last one was a freelancer. She didn't have an agency. 

"Brianna Evans, a stage actress from the Sydney Opera House. That's kind of interesting."

The Sidney Opera House was a famous theater in Australia. Kazir didn't expect to meet a stage actress today. 

'Although I have heard that some theater actresses have exaggerated their acting. Considering that this woman passed the second round, she probably has good acting skills.'

"Hello, I'm Brianna Evans."

The woman had a simple appearance. Not beautiful, but not ugly. 

But Kazir sensed a mother's gentleness in her. 

'Is she usually like this, or is it because she's preparing for the role?'

The actresses who made it to the second round were given part of the script and signed non-disclosure agreements. Presumably, Brianna Evans studied the script. 

"Miss Evans, I want to see you cry."

... That was a little out of context from Kazir. Fortunately, Brianna Evans understood him. 

The woman closed her eyes... When she opened them, tears began to flow.

"Cut--"

Instinctively, Kazir stopped the audition. 

Everyone looked at him. 

"... Prepare the set. Is Liam Neeson in the building? I want to see her act with him."

"Um, I think Liam Neeson is practicing with Tae-Won Park right now."

"Call him."

Kazir's heart beat faster... 

'Action movie? This woman should be in a drama instead! She knows how to make someone emotional.'

Kazir knew a lot of actors who could stir people's emotions, especially when they found the right roles for them. 

Robert Downey Jr. in his role as Iron Man. 

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. 

And Heath Ledger as the Joker... Heath Ledger may be the best method actor Kazir has ever seen. 

'A mother... This woman is a mother. '

That was the thing he realized. Her tears, they were real. As if the woman had actually lost a child. 

Suddenly, his instinct as a director awakened... He wanted this woman to shine. 

'There are thousands of talented actresses in this field, but only a few can be recognized... I can't believe that someone like her was buried without receiving recognition and applause.'

++++

[I apologize because I might add another original character... Let's just say I'm influenced by Oshi No Ko and Act Age(anime/manga). I'm fascinated in the idea of Method Acting.]