Vince, a former indie darling turned successful Hollywood director, had carved out a niche in superhero blockbusters for Warner Bros.
While his early career was marked by critically acclaimed indie works, the financial success of his DC Superhero blockbusters had shifted his focus towards commercially driven projects, and with his success in directing commercial films, he felt the indie scene lacked the grandeur and mainstream appeal of superhero sagas.
Yet, here was Lucas, staring back at him from the report, the lead in an indie film directed by none other than Danny Boyle, an Oscar-winning filmmaker.
Vince couldn't dismiss the professional intrigue.
[West Side of Los Angeles]
Dimmed lights enveloped the Nuart Theatre, its Westside ambiance humming with anticipation. Vince, alongside his assistant Mark, settled into their seats, his face betraying a stoic indifference. He held no grand expectations for "127 Hours"...
As the narrative unfolded, however, a subtle shift took hold. Vince and Mark found themselves drawn into the protagonist's harrowing struggle, Lucas's raw portrayal anchoring them with its authenticity. The intensity of the story, coupled with his Lucas emotional portrayal, exceed initial skepticism. Even Mark, typically stoic, visibly flinched during the harrowing amputation scenes, his hand instinctively reaching for his eyes.
By the film's end, a poignant silence descended upon the theater.
The final song resonated deeply, leaving a lingering impact on Vince. As the credits rolled and some applause began, he remained rooted to his seat, his mind churning. Mark, enthusiastic, leaned over and whispered, "Sir, that song was incredible! And the film itself... powerful. The lead actor's performance was truly exceptional."
Vince remained silent, a storm of emotions brewing beneath his composed exterior. The young actor Mark praised, the one who embodied the film's protagonist with such depth and grit, was none other than his son, after all. An information he hadn't yet shared with his current assistant.
A conflicted mix of emotions swirled within Vince. He couldn't help but question in his mind, "How could he have become so talented?"
--
Los Angeles buzzed with energy as the final scenes for Arthur of the film "Inception" wrapped. For Lucas, it was a bittersweet goodbye. He had poured his heart and soul into the project, and now it was time to move on. Hugs and well wishes flowed freely among the cast and crew.
Ellen, his co-star, offered an hug and then saying, "See you again, Lucas."
Leonardo followed suit, playfully patting Lucas shoulder, "If you need anything, you have my number," he winked.
Lucas chuckled, "I don't have your number, Nardo."
Leonardo feigned offense, "Just teasing, kid. Don't call me Nardo, though. It doesn't have a nice ring to it."
The goodbye's continued with Ken Watanabe and Tom Hardy.
"Bye," Tom said with a curt nod, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Just that?" Lucas countered, amusement lacing his voice. "No heartfelt farewells as if we'll never meet again?"
Tom's eyebrow shot up. "What do you want, Shakespearean sonnets? We'll see each other at the premiere, won't we?"
Lucas laughed, playfully pushing him. "Alright, alright. Go on, shoo."
Ken stepped forward, his voice warm. "Well, until we meet again."
Finally, Lucas's gaze met Nolan's. A firm handshake and a reassuring smile exchanged. "See you at the premiere," Nolan said.
Lucas nodded, a wave of gratitude washing over him. He had delivered, exceeding expectations and earning the respect of his colleagues. Yet, a part of him already missed the camaraderie, the shared laughter, the intensity of rehearsing together.
With a wave and a final smile to the crew, Lucas walked away, leaving behind the controlled chaos of the set. The rest of the cast returned to filming, tackling improvised scenes. Lucas, however, wasn't needed. His work was done.
Stepping away from the project brought a sense of accomplishment, but also a pang of loss.
Memories of his interactions with the renowned cast – Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy – flooded back.
The constant presence of paparazzi added another layer to the experience. While the established stars like Leonardo and others were magnets for attention, Lucas often found himself overlooked by the flashing cameras.
Perhaps his fresh face, still unfamiliar to the public, made him less of a target.
Tight security measures were in place, particularly for scenes filmed in public spaces. The urgency to capture these shots before paparazzi descended added a unique pressure to the filming process.
Despite the occasional inconvenience, Lucas truly cherished his time with the cast. The established stars, despite their fame, were surprisingly approachable and friendly.
Walking away from the Warner Bros. building, Lucas couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of the paparazzi swarms engulfing the "Inception" casts. "Lucky I'm not that famous yet," he mused to himself, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Little did he know, his anonymity was about to change. As he hailed a taxi, a journalist from TMZ, Sean Borg, spotted him. Recognizing Lucas from his breakout role in "Modern Family" and the buzz surrounding his debut film "127 Hours," Sean saw a potential scoop.
Without Lucas's knowledge, Sean snapped a picture. As the taxi pulled away, Sean, adrenaline pumping, jumped into his own car and discreetly followed. "Lucas Knight... Modern Family, the 'Perfect' guy... and '127 Hours' lead?! Jackpot!" he thought, excitement coursing through him.
Meanwhile, Lucas, oblivious to the chase, settled into the taxi.
Lucas sank back into the taxi seat, the city lights blurring past his window. He was heading back to his hotel, a brief respite before rejoining the "Modern Family" set.
As the taxi hummed along, Lucas pulled out his phone, his mind shifting gears. He checked his coin investments.
As his career trajectory rose humbly, Lucas couldn't help but acknowledge the growing complexities of managing his life.
He saw firsthand the benefits of having a manager while observing the casts on "Inception." They seemed to move with an ease he envied, their careers expertly shepherded by experienced guides.
This realization prompted Lucas to reach out to his agent, Vincent Smith. He explained his growing need for someone dedicated to handling the logistical burdens – contracts, negotiations, and especially the scheduling – that were increasingly sapping his creative energy. He wasn't seeking a complete abdication of control, but rather a partner who could handle the day-to-day burdens while keeping him informed and involved in major decisions.
AN:
(I already have an idea for Lucas's next film project, but feel free to suggest in the comments in case you have a better suggestion than the one I had in mind.)
Stepping out of the taxi, Lucas brushed the crisp night air off his shoulders. An unexplainable prickling sensation crawled up his neck, prompting him to glance over his shoulder. Nothing out of the ordinary – just the bustling cityscape and the neon glow of distant signs. He dismissed it as fatigue from the long flight and continued towards the hotel entrance.
Suddenly, a voice cut through the urban soundscape. "Lucas Knight?"
He froze, eyebrows shooting up as he swiveled around. A man, clad in inconspicuous clothing, stood a few feet away, a digital camera aimed squarely at him. The click of the shutter momentarily blinded him before his vision adjusted. This man, with his practiced air and camera at the ready, triggered a familiar memory.
Filming "Inception" in public places had been an onslaught of camera flashes and intrusive questions. The paparazzi's relentless pursuit for Leonardo, Tom Hardy, and the others, their carefully crafted scenes disrupted by the constant barrage. Initially, Lucas found it annoying, but it quickly morphed into amusement. He, after all, remained blissfully unnoticed, able to observe Leonardo and the others being constantly annoyed by the paparazzi, Lucas secretly gloat at them at that time. Though, he wouldn't deny a flicker of annoyance when their takes were interrupted.
But to be accosted by a paparazzo now, fresh off filming? The irony wasn't lost on him. Here he was, once the quiet observer of Leonardo and the others discomfort, and even secretly gloating, now facing the lens of a paparazzo himself. A sigh escaped his lips as he turned to the photographer, extending a hand in greeting. "Is everything alright?" he inquired, his voice devoid of the nervous tremor he imagined would plague him. "Did you need something?"
His composure surprised even the photographer, Sean. He'd expected the usual flustered reaction, the attempt to dodge the spotlight, perhaps even nervousness, especially from a relatively unknown actor. Yet, Lucas stood there, calm and collected. This wasn't how other actors or even newcomers typically reacted, Sean mused.
What Sean didn't know was that Lucas's days on set, surrounded by the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, and Tom Hardy and the others, had unwittingly polished his social skills and fostered a newfound confidence. The constant exposure to the celebrity spotlight, once daunting, had become a training ground. He learned to navigate the public eye, his initial awkwardness replaced by a measured ease.
Lucas's hand met Sean's in a firm handshake. "Good afternoon, Mr. Knight," the photographer said, his voice laced with a hint of excitement. "Fancy meeting you here in LA! I'm Sean Borg, by the way."
Lucas, still processing the unexpected encounter, offered a polite smile. "Pleasure to meet you, Sean."
Sean's smile widened. "Did you know," he began, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "the box office performance of the film you just starred in?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "127 Hours? Haven't had a chance to check..."
"Well, consider this your update," Sean chuckled, rattling off numbers with enthusiasm. "97% on Rotten Tomatoes, 9.1 rating on IMDb, and the box office has already hit 820 thousand dollars in just six days. Impressive, wouldn't you say?"
Lucas blinked, absorbing the information. This wasn't what he expected from a random encounter on a Friday evening.
"That's...incredible," he managed, a mix of relief and excitement washing over him. He hadn't been actively seeking validation, but the positive response was undeniably satisfying.
Sean observed him keenly. "Seems you're surprised. Not quite aware of your career status, are we?"
Lucas laughed sheepishly. "Well, I've been busy filming lately, trying to catch my breath when I can. You kind of popped up just as I was about to..."
Sean held up a hand, silencing Lucas. "About to relax, I know. But a journalist curiosity won't quit, Mr. Knight. What new project are you working on?"
Lucas just smiled. He decided on a playful non-committal response. "Let's just say you might want to keep an eye out on upcoming releases."
Sean grinned, his paparazzi's intuition tingling. "I have a hunch," he added. "Something big, with Leonardo DiCaprio, perhaps? Directed by the well known Christopher Nolan?"
Lucas's silence held a hint of amusement. The paparazzi, it seemed, was better informed than he'd imagined. Yet, revealing details of his current project wasn't on the menu tonight.
Sean chuckled, recognizing the actor's guarded stance. Initially, he'd been staking out Warner Bros. HQ, hoping to catch a glimpse of Leonardo DiCaprio and Christopher Nolan filming their heavily-rumored new project. He wasn't alone; the buzz had drawn paparazzi like moths to a flame. But instead of the A-listers, fate had presented him with a fresh face: Lucas Knight.
Sean had recently seen "127 Hours" and was blown away by Lucas's performance. He even went down a rabbit hole, discovering Lucas's role in "Modern Family" and his surprisingly catchy music "Perfect" beside the ending song in the film "127 Hours". The young actor exuded a raw talent that, coupled with his undeniable charisma, screamed "future superstar." Stumbling upon Lucas instead of the Hollywood giants wasn't a disappointment at all.
Lucas and Sean continued their conversation for a while longer, the setting sun painting the cityscape in hues of orange and gold.
And with a polite smile, Lucas excused himself and entered the hotel's revolving doors. Sean watched him go, the click of his camera the only sound in the bustling street.
Sean didn't pursue. The chase held little allure. While Lucas's rising star status and undeniable talent were clear, he wasn't yet the A-lister Sean usually chased. There were bigger names, bigger headlines, and ultimately, bigger paydays.
But as Sean walked away, the encounter lingered in his mind. Lucas's raw talent, his quiet charisma – they sparked a different kind of intrigue.
He wouldn't forget Lucas. He'd keep his ear to the ground, wait for the right moment to strike. But for now, he let the young actor disappear into the hotel doors, a smile playing on his lips.
Lucas kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto his hotel bed, the city lights twinkling outside his window. The encounter with the paparazzi lingered in his mind, a strange mixture of annoyance and amusement. But what truly warmed his heart was the unexpected performance of his debut film, "127 Hours." The positive reviews and box office numbers brought a genuine smile to his face.
As he relaxed, his phone buzzed. It was Vincent, his agent. A jolt of anticipation ran through him as he answered.
His phone buzzed, breaking the silence. It was his agent, Vincent. Anticipating well wishes, Lucas picked up the call.
"Lucas," Vincent began, his voice brimming with excitement, "I just got the latest figures for '127 Hours'..."
Lucas chuckled, cutting him off. "You can save it, Vincent. The paparazzi already spoiled the surprise."
Vincent's surprise was palpable. "A paparazzi? That's… unexpected. Are you alright?"
"More than alright," Lucas assured him. "A little surprised, sure, but honestly, the encounter wasn't unpleasant. Just a reminder that things are moving fast."
Vincent paused, his initial concern giving way to a thoughtful chuckle. "Moving fast indeed. From what I hear, the paparazzi might not be the only ones noticing you. Studios are starting to take note."
Lucas's heart quickened. "Studios? As in...?"
"Meetings, auditions, offers. The kind of opportunities an up-and-coming actor dreams of," Vincent said, his voice tinged with pride.
The buzz of Vincent's words lingered in Lucas's mind as he hung up the phone. Excitement simmered beneath the surface, but for now, thoughts of potential projects were set aside. A delicious meal, a well-deserved rest, and then sleep beckoned.
Time seemed to melt away as Lucas drifted off, lulled by the gentle hum of the air conditioner. Perhaps it was the lingering effects of his "Mind Workshop" ability, but morning arrived before he knew it.
After a quick breakfast, Lucas took to the streets for a brisk jog. The cool air invigorated him, and the early morning sun painted the city in hues of gold and orange. Back in his room, a refreshing shower washed away any remaining sleepiness.
With renewed energy, Lucas headed towards the "Modern Family" set. The familiar faces of the cast and crew greeted him warmly. Ty Burrell, beamed, "Lucas! It's been too long!"
Lucas chuckled, returning the smile. "Hey Ty, how are you guys doing?"
"Can't complain," Ty replied, followed by a greetings from Julie and Sarah Hyland. "We heard your film is a hit? Congrats!"
Lucas grinned. "Thanks! I hear 'Modern Family' is doing pretty well too."
"Yeah, the ratings are solid," Julie chimed in, her smile genuine.
The conversation flowed easily, Lucas catching up with Sarah and the other cast members. He even exchanged a few jokes with the show's writers, Steven and Christopher, before preparations for filming began.
The final scene wrapped. Lucas lingered, soaking in the bittersweet satisfaction of the filming the episode was completed. Bidding farewell to cast and crew, he took a moment to breathe, the weight of his burgeoning career settling on his shoulders.
His phone buzzed – a call from Vincent. "Ready to hear the offers?" his agent's voice crackled through the line.
"Bring it on," Lucas replied, a mix of anticipation and trepidation churning within him.
Vincent launched into a whirlwind of potential projects. HBO's "Seven Kingdoms" series sparked a flicker of recognition – could it be the early name of "Game of Thrones"? Vertigo Entertainment wanted him to lead their "Abduction" film. Other studio names followed, each offer promising a different kind of spotlight.
Lucas listened intently, a small smile playing on his lips. "And what about independent films?" he interjected, his voice betraying a deeper interest.
Vincent hesitated. He understood the allure of major studios, their budgets, and the wider reach. But Lucas, he knew, craved more than just fame. He craved the freedom to explore, to push boundaries, to truly inhabit characters.
"There are a few," Vincent admitted, his voice tinged with a sigh. He detailed them – smaller projects with passionate filmmakers, scripts that hinted at raw emotion and psychological depth.
Lucas's smile widened. He wasn't oblivious to the studio offers' potential, the "Seven Kingdoms" project especially piquing his curiosity. But as an actor, his hunger was for more than just a big name attached. He yearned to delve into roles that challenged him, that allowed him to experiment with his "Mind Workshop" ability, to truly lose himself in the art of storytelling.
Vincent shifted in his chair, his eyes briefly scanning the pile of scripts and emails before him – the independent offerings. Lucas's electrifying performance in "127 Hours" obviously sent ripples through the industry, by the fact that attracting attention not just from major studios but also from independent filmmakers.
Swallowing his reservations, he cleared his throat. "Alright, let's talk indie," he began, his voice betraying a hint of forced enthusiasm. "First up, we have 'The Art of Getting By' from Gavin and Searchlight Pictures. It's a coming-of-age story with a quirky charm."
He continued, listing each project with practiced ease: "Seth Rogen's got a dramedy called '50/50' in the mix, could be a good laugh. Then there's 'Like Crazy,' an independent romance from an independent newcomer. And even an international offer – 'Midnight in Paris' from a French studio, intriguing premise..."
Vincent rattled off the details, each film offering a glimpse into a different world, a different storytelling approach. He couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt – would any of these independent projects truly launch Lucas into the stratosphere?
Lucas absorbed Vincent's words, his mind buzzing with the possibilities. Some projects sparked a particular interest: "50/50," a dramedy with a relatable message, "Like Crazy," an independent romance promising intimacy and depth, "Drive," a sleek and stylish thriller, and "Midnight in Paris," a foreign film with a touch of fantasy.
Excitement crackled in the air. The prospect of using his "Mind Workshop" ability to inhabit these diverse characters fueled his anticipation. He could almost feel the emotions, the nuances, the very essence of each role.
"Tell me more," Lucas urged, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and determination, then he told Vincent the four projects that took his atrention. "These four projects stand out to me. What can you tell me about their filming schedules?"
Vincent launched into details, his voice measured yet revealing. "Like Crazy," he explained, "aims for a quick turnaround, estimate to be wrapped up in around four weeks. '50/50' and 'Drive' are estimated to take about five weeks each. 'Midnight in Paris,' however, might require a bit more time, stretching to seven weeks due to its intricate setting and filming locations."
Lucas have a thoughtful glint in his eyes. The major studio offers, tempting as they were, paled in comparison to the artistic potential he saw in these independent films. The shorter filming durations were also appealing, allowing him to experiment with multiple projects and constantly push his boundaries with his ability Mind Workshop.
