Chapter 82

Just received a notice from the editor today that it will be released next week. I’m about to cry; what should I do without any saved drafts! I’ll have to work hard these few days. Everyone, please give me some recommendation tickets to encourage me.

It took another three days, but Murphy once again made adjustments to the script. He then began to draw the storyboard and shot breakdowns. This would not be the final version of the script, similar to "Hard Candy," he would still make changes during filming. The film was independently funded by Stanton Studios, and as the director and producer, he had the greatest authority.

Meanwhile, the casting process was also underway.

Just like last time, Murphy placed a recruitment ad in the local Los Angeles newspaper. Additionally, Bill Rossis recommended a few actors signed under his agency.

Although this was a low-budget splatter horror film, for new actors, the opportunity to appear in a full-length feature film was rare.

Especially since the director’s previous film had entered theatrical release, if this one could also make it to the theaters, the new actors would have a solid addition to their resumes.

The first actors Murphy confirmed were undoubtedly the two male leads in the room, James Franco and Seth Rogen, who had already signed formal acting contracts with the production.

Another important female role was given to Carey Mulligan, but Murphy found it a bit strange that this British girl had been staying steadily at school recently, which was unlike her style.

"The school is watching closely..."

Sitting in a large chair in the studio’s living room, Carey Mulligan swung her feet, put down the script in her hand, and said to Murphy, who had just hung up the phone, "I can only take leave if I get good enough grades in the tests."

Putting away his phone, Murphy sat back behind the drawing board and continued to draw the shot breakdowns, "Have you finished the tests?"

"Not yet..." Carey Mulligan shook her head, "They’re next week."

She stood up, walked behind Murphy, crossed her arms, and watched the drawing board with interest, adding, "I just need to hold on for less than two more months, and I’ll be completely free."

Murphy turned back, looking at her with confusion, and Carey Mulligan pouted, reminding him, "You forgot? I told you, I’ll drop out when I turn sixteen."

"Aren’t you an exchange student?" Murphy didn’t understand these American things, "Can you just drop out?"

"Of course not." Carey Mulligan was confident, "But I’ve already thought of a way."

Hearing this, Murphy knew it wasn’t a joke, put down his charcoal pencil, and frowned, "This is a serious matter; you should discuss it with your parents."

"No way!" Carey Mulligan turned and walked back, "They’ll never agree; I don’t want to discuss it with them!"

Then, she added, dissatisfied, "Murphy, when did you become so nagging?"

Murphy simply closed his mouth and continued his work, ignoring the problem girl.

After finishing two shot breakdowns, a knock came from outside. Seth Rogen, who was helping Beck Kleibert organize props in the small yard in front of the house, brought two people in.

They were a mother and daughter, the older one looking around thirty, the younger one about ten.

"Murphy..." Seth Rogen brought the two to Murphy, "These two are here for the audition; they have an appointment with Bill."

Murphy stood up, and Carey Mulligan immediately ran over to hand him a towel. He took it, wiped his hands, and returned it, introducing himself, "Hello, I’m Murphy Stanton, the owner of this company and the director of the production you’re auditioning for."

As he spoke, he subtly observed the two women, and it was clear that the older woman was also scrutinizing him.

This woman was elegantly made up, dressed with taste, and carried a Chanel bag, clearly not someone from the lower echelons of Hollywood.

"Hello, Director Stanton." The woman nodded at him, introducing herself, "I’m Jill Colleen, and this is my daughter Lily."

"Hi, Lily." Murphy waved at the girl.

The little girl appeared well-mannered, politely saying, "Hello, Director Stanton."

At that moment, footsteps were heard at the door, and Bill Rossis came out from the entrance, quickly walking over to Murphy and the others.

"Sorry, Jill." He smiled apologetically at the middle-aged woman, "There was traffic, so I’m late."

The woman nodded at him, "It’s fine."

She then turned to Murphy, "When can we start the audition?"

"Please wait a moment." Murphy instructed Seth Rogen, "Take the two guests to the waiting room and wait for my notification."

Seth Rogen led the mother and daughter to the waiting room, and more people entered the door. James Franco and Paul Wilson were chatting as they walked in, and their gazes somehow turned to Seth Rogen.

A bright face, sweet appearance, and a somewhat retro charm...

James Franco’s feet were still moving toward Murphy, but his head couldn’t turn away. The fire of his soul, which had been extinguished by Carey Mulligan, was reignited.

Fortunately, he still knew where he was, using all his strength to turn his head back, and followed Paul Wilson to Murphy’s side.

"These are clients I signed recently..." Bill Rossis was explaining to Murphy, "I barely convinced them to sign the contract. Jill Colleen is the president of a women’s club in Beverly Hills and has considerable influence in the industry. She wants to pave the way for her daughter’s acting career. If it weren’t for a friend’s recommendation, they wouldn’t have chosen me."

Murphy nodded, "As long as her daughter meets the standards."

Building a good relationship with such people would bring far more benefits than drawbacks.

"That little girl is a star’s daughter," Bill Rossis continued, "Her father is a veteran British singer who has won an Oscar."

James Franco had been standing next to Murphy, pretending to be indifferent. Across from him, Carey Mulligan, who had put away the towel, crossed her arms and watched him, her lively big eyes blinking continuously.

This little client was clearly very important to Bill Rossis. After a few words with Murphy, he turned and left, heading toward the waiting room where they were.

Once Bill Rossis was far enough away, James Franco asked in a low voice, "Murphy, were those two just now here for the audition?"

"No," Murphy shook his head, "The little girl is."

"Oh?" James Franco’s eyes lit up, "Is she my daughter?"

"Exactly." Murphy walked toward the audition room, "She’s auditioning for the role of your daughter in the film."