Hollywood King

Mason, Ian, Ryan, and Tristan who was Ryan’s agent were standing in the office cubicle of the lawyer of Renner’s Studio to go through the contract Mason and Ian offered. 

Jordan Wright was the lawyer that had been handling matters for Renner's for around four years now. He had never come up with contracts that made situations that could create losses for the Renners. 

“According to the contract, $500,000 will be Ryan Gosling’s payment. There are clauses that Ryan will need to follow throughout the project. It includes that he needs to be there whenever promotions take place. A single word about the project shouldn’t go out without asking permission first, that’s the clause of disclosure,..” Jordan kept going on with the clauses and why he should follow them. 

Actors' contracts, much like other commercial contracts, exist to memorize the key business terms between an actor and the producer/director.  Actor contracts can vary from being short and simple to being heavily negotiated and complex. Actor contracts are typically drafted by attorneys specializing in entertainment law, as these attorneys understand the business terms and risks associated with acting contracts.

In the contract, it included things such as the type of film/engagement, the terms of the contract, the rights of the actor to be involved in other projects during the duration of the project, and the roles and responsibilities of the actor(s), roles and responsibilities of the producer/director, compensation, royalties, equity participation in the project, Union related provisions, and dispute resolutions (e.g. arbitration, mediation, etc.)

Jordan explained every one of them clearly. It was normal for them to sign such contracts for every project they participated in. But Jordan thought it was his duty to explain and make the other party well aware of what they’ll be getting into. It was something only honest lawyers do. 

Ryan Gosling and Tristan kept nodding for each and every word of his.

“We’ll review the contract with the agency, get it signed and bring it back as quickly as possible, thank you,” Tristan said and took the file in his hand. 

Shaking hands with the lawyer, everyone left his office. 

“Thank you so much, Ian,” Ryan said with a smile plastered on his face.

“Haha… I just wanted an actor who would fit the role. I’m glad it is you,” He said and treated back with politeness. 

Ryan was two seconds away from dancing like a maniac due to the immense happiness swelling in his heart. The last time he felt like this was when he was getting an award for his acting skills and when he was promoted to a higher rank. 

But now, the upcoming biggest movie director wants him to act as the main character in his next big hit, which was surprisingly unbelievable for Ryan. 

“But there will be so many things we might have to practice,” Ian said and paused before continuing, “As you saw the script, there will be songs you should sing and dancing sequences, the classes will start as soon as you sign the contract,”

“Yes, sure. Of course, thank you,” He smiled even more broadly. Walking out of the building, they both were happy. For once, Ryan’s life was going to turn upside down. 

-

Since the male lead was found, he just needed to find the rest of the main cast, Ian was busy with finding someone to act as the female lead Mia. They had to find the necessary people for the supporting roles, too. Although Ian took the role of casting director, he left the rest of the responsibility with Mason since he knew people around the industry, and he trusted him with it thinking of how well he did his part during ‘Home Alone’. 

As long as the fitting actors of B and C grades were chosen by their talent from the audition round, Ian was fine with them. And that was exactly how he had advised Mason to take people in. 

Ian also made Mason sort him some profiles as suggestions for the female lead. In fact, he was going to audition them together and was going to have a mix of newbies and established actors for the supporting roles. It was a real strategic plan because if he hired just newbies for the roles, it would be pretty obvious with their skills.

Having established actors within the crew can help co-actors. 

Ian’s main concern wasn’t actors, roles, or characters. It was the songs, composing, and the music. As for the dance choreography, Ian thought of hiring a dance choreographer, but that was for later. 

Songs like City of Stars that were in the movie had already been composed right when the scriptwriting started for La La Land. It was how much it took for the original composer to complete the songs. 

Sitting in Mason’s office, while his phone was being played with his fingers, he kept thinking if he should listen to the trial version he had composed. After going to the piano studio every night, for exactly seven days, he was able to compose the music but the song lyrics were sung in his voice. 

He switched the screen on and listened to the song, its melody, and his voice. He knew he was never a good singer, but with the music, surprisingly his voice suited it so well. He thought to himself that he should practice more and get a better trial version since he wasn’t completely convinced. 

“Is that what I think it is?” Mason’s voice took Ian by surprise. 

“Haha… This is just an attempt, have you checked the locations I told you about?” Ian asked, covering up his voice recording. He knew he should get better or make the best version of it, but he had to practice more. 

The other thing they had on their concern list was the locations. On one hand, since the original movie had taken place in Los Angeles, it was easy for them. But still, they had to rent studios, and get permission to shoot and it wasn’t exactly an easy process to do in LA. 

“I did, we can rent the studio at any time we want. I know the guy, he will make arrangements there. I sent the letters to get checked, we will know soon about the other locations. But you know, we should hurry up and select the acting crew first of all.” Mason acknowledged. 

“When will the auditions be? Day after tomorrow, yeah?” Ian asked for confirmation and Mason nodded in reply. 

-

Ian was taking a flight to New York in a hurry, for another very important task for La La Land. It had already been a few days since they had cast Ryan as the male lead. But now they needed to find someone for Mia, and it seems like he had found the perfect candidate. Which was also why he was on this trip to New York. 

Eloise Hampton was an actress who started her career in Hollywood in her teen days. She was now in her early 30s. Her beauty and her facial features were perfect for any role, either sad or happy. She was also a huge talent in the field of dancing and singing which made her prices high when directors hired her. 
 
This nomination for the role was also chosen by Mason but this time he hasn’t made any arrangements for Ian and Eloise to meet. It would be a sudden meeting for the both of them, but he hoped that Eloise wouldn't turn Ian’s offer down because Mason personally knew how talented she was. And if anyone can perfect the role of Mia, it was Eloise.

She was an aspiring artist for many newbies in the field due to her humbleness, kindness, and the positive vibes she shared quite often. Although her career was a massive success ever since her very first movie, ‘It Started With A Gift’ which was a rom-com, she was never an egotistical person. In her first movie, she was the kid of a single mom, and she aced her role by bringing tears into the eyes of many people who watched the heart-warming movie, which was why she got nominated over and over for different kinds of awards back in those days. After that, she got into broadway shows, which made her even more popular among the huge fan base she had. 

Broadway is a street in New York City. It runs all the way through Manhattan, but its appeal lies in the collection of theaters around the Times Square area. In the early 20th century, it became the preeminent theater district in America. This was reinforced by a string of successful dramas and musicals that helped establish the area's reputation as one of the two best places for acting in the world. Today the theater district draws some of the best acting talents from Hollywood, proving that making it on Broadway is still the pinnacle of achievement.

In fact, Eloise was mastering her field through the ins and outs of Hollywood. 

Ian reached New York pretty quickly and it was still in the morning. He decided to rest a bit and was planning to meet Eloise right after her evening show. 

||__A word from me__||
Click the heart! They motivate me to write daily!
(Who will say the people who 'rants' about how Ian acts in the beginning that it is all for a reason? *Not me*)
Take care! Cya tomorrow!