Chapter 44: Final Preparations
"Joss, I'm looking forward to working with you."
Stepping out of his office, Duke shook hands with a bald, middle-aged man. "In my eyes, you and your team are the perfect fit."
After conducting on-site tests, Duke had finally found his ideal pyrotechnician. This pyrotechnics team, recommended by George Lucas and led by Joss William, generally met his requirements. Once Warner Brothers confirmed it, they could sign the contracts.
After seeing Joss William off, Duke skipped his office and headed straight for the first-floor audition room. Having spent so much time with the pyrotechnics team, the auditions were mostly wrapping up by the time he arrived.
Duke didn't care much about most of the audition results. There was almost no room for female characters to shine in this film; the only supporting female role with any real weight had already been promised to Naomi Watts, at Nancy's strong insistence. Securing benefits for his agent within reasonable limits was normal in Hollywood, and Duke didn't shy away from it.
The film's major roles had to be decided jointly by him and the two production managers. Roles with actual screen time but minor importance naturally became the main targets for new actors. Just as Duke had pushed for Naomi Watts, other roles were subject to personal favors. Charles Roven, for instance, held the decision-making power for the role of Mason's daughter. It was a tacit understanding within the crew.
Personal connections were vital in Hollywood. Everyone had favors to return, and for these minor roles that simply offered a chance to show one's face, those connections often tipped the scales.
But there was one rule everyone willingly followed: no matter whose connections an actor used to join the cast, they had to meet the role's fundamental requirements!
If a beautiful actress lacked basic acting skills and didn't fit the character profile, sleeping with the entire crew wouldn't help her. Even if she squeezed her way in, she would still be "KO"d by the director or producer during filming.