BSL 21

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 21

Lawrence’s eyes widened.

“You want to represent me?”

“Yes. I see potential in you,” Collin nodded. He was not lying at all. He was literally seeing potential in him. As for the chances of a successful career, Collin would look at it himself. Being an agent, he had to work hard and prove that he was worth it. He would find suitable jobs for his clients, just like he had been doing for years now.

"I..."

Lawrence’s throat tightened. For years, he had dreamed of this moment, yet it felt like a dream now that it was happening. Sometimes he daydreamed that a talent agent would go look for him to sign a contract. He dreamed of it while performing on a stage, hoping that a talent agent was watching their show.

Anyway, he dreamed of it.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” he muttered. He then thought of the possibilities.

"You won't use me as a boy toy of some old hags right?" The question subconsciously came out of his mouth and Lawrence regretted what he said. But it was too late. He looked at Collin.

"You've probably heard that some agents use their clients as a form of sex trafficking, but that only happens to questionable small agencies. ANT has a reputation that it needs to protect and we don't participate in that kind of thing."

Well, actually, Collin heard that some of his co-workers indeed used their clients to have sex with rich people to strengthen their social network. But Collin never did that, especially when he was also a model once and knew the disgusting part of this industry.

Still, he won't explain that to Lawrence because he doesn't want to leave.

"Will my decision determine if I'll become part of Director Bray's project?"

"You haven't probably heard this, but I'm Wyatt Bray's agent. So yes, if you signed a contract with me, you'll automatically get one of the two lead roles."

When Lawrence heard that Collin was Director Bray's agent, he realized that signing a contract might not be a bad thing. What Collin needed was exposure by starring in movies. For that to happen, he needed connection. Particularly connections to Director and Producer.

If he signed the contract, it meant that he could star in Wyatt Bray's movies since they were both the same clients of Collin.

An agent who had a director under him was always better than an agent who only had actors and actresses.

Directors were the ones who initiated movie projects. They were the brains of the movie. From a business standpoint, a talented director would always be better than a talented actor. Because a talented director could make a star out of an actor.

Seeing that Lawrence was contemplating seriously, Collin pulled out the contract and gave it to him.

"You can read the contract. You can also contact a lawyer if you want to. I'll call your shop after two days to hear your answer."

Lawrence grabbed the papers and read them. His eyes skimmed through the words and sentences. The contract was about five pages long. Concise, yet professional.

It contained the usual clauses:

Representation Clause--- ANT(Apex Network Talent), through Agent Collin East, would exclusively represent Lawrence Terrence in matters related to acting and entertainment.

Term Clause--- The agreement would last for three years, with an automatic review and potential renewal afterward.

Commission Clause--- ANT would receive 15% of Lawrence’s gross earnings from acting jobs secured through the agency.

Obligation Clause--- ANT would commit to seeking acting roles for Lawrence, providing marketing assistance, and coaching if necessary. In return, Lawrence must attend auditions arranged by ANT, maintain a professional public image, and be available for agreed-upon projects.

Confidentiality Clause--- Both parties were required to keep the terms of the contract and any sensitive information private.

Exclusivity Clause--- Lawrence could not sign with or work through any other talent agency during the duration of the contract.

Breach of Contract Clause--- If ANT failed to provide opportunities within six months, Lawrence could ask for early termination. On the other hand, if Lawrence broke the contract or accepted outside work without consent, he would be liable for damages equivalent to 25% of his annual earnings under the contract.

Lawrence's hands trembled slightly, but he continued reading. The contract was strict but fair. It wasn’t a trap, he believed. It was a gateway. A gateway to stardom.

He knew how hard it was to secure even an audition chance in this industry. God knows how many times he looked at the notices in the Actor's Guild to see promising roles to audition. But almost all of the big roles and big projects were dominated and managed by huge agencies.

A freelancer like him would have to sign a contract with the devil to get that.

But the contract that Collin offered was different, Lawrence was not making a pact with the devil. He strongly believed. Based on Collin's demeanor and confidence, he knew how to secure a job for Lawrence.

"You promised that if I signed this contract, I'd be one of the lead actors in a movie."

"I promise."

"Then..." Lawrence licked his lips. He had no reason to hesitate. He might as well do it. He already thought of leaving Hollywood this year if he failed to make it big. So this signing was his way of showing commitment to his dream and to himself.

"I'm in."