Chapter 21 – To Wish Impossible Things Tuesday December 15
I woke up nervous. This morning I had my meeting with Chubby Feldman for the James Bond movie. We were meeting at the MGM Studios offices. I’d reread the script last night when I’d woken up in a panic. This was the type of movie that I’d been wishing for since I realized that
Saul met us in the parking lot.
“I have a good feeling about this one. Chubby called, and I had Frank send him over all your videos of you doing crazy things,” Saul said as we entered the lobby.
Saul led us past reception and through a maze of halls, finally finding the room he wanted. We were about forty minutes early. Inside there was a waiting area and a receptionist with a clipboard. I recognized two other actors with their people. Logan Morse was on the MTV werewolf TV show
The other actor was Dalton Perry. He was most noted for his role in the
If these two were any indication, I could play a teenager for the next ten years without a problem.
“Hello, David,” the receptionist said with a smile. “We’re running about twenty minutes late, and I see you’re early. Either you can wait, or I can give you passes to the cafeteria.”
“I’ll take the passes,” I said.
When we were out of the room, I turned on Saul.
“I thought you said we had a shot at this.”
Caryn snorted, and I turned my attention to her, wondering what she thought was so funny. Those two guys were much better known than I was and had both been in successful films.
“Sorry, you didn’t see the looks on their faces when she used your name. They’re just as worried about you,” Caryn said.
We found the cafeteria and got something to drink.
“The studio has to do their due diligence for a movie of this magnitude. Every agent in town is trying to get their actors in to audition for this one. Chubby’s also playing it smart because if he gives them his time, he can call in favors later. I’m telling you I believe we have this part. Chubby loved you in
We returned to the waiting room just as Caleb Middleton came out of the interview room. He’d been in
Aw, shit!
Logan entered the room and came out quickly. He didn’t look happy as he exited. Dalton was up next. Unlike Logan, his audition lasted the full 30 minutes. He was all smiles as he left. We were up.
There were three other people in the room with Chubby. One was a cameraman, and another seemed to be an assistant. The third man was older; he smiled when he saw me.
“Saul, sit in the corner and shut the hell up,” the older man said.
“Yes, sir,” Saul said.
I liked this guy already.
“David, I want to introduce Mark Harm, the producer,” Chubby said.
“Hi, I see you’ve met Saul. This is my manager, Caryn Buckley,” I said.
“David, let me get you up to speed. We originally created the concept of introducing a teenage child with the idea that Stephanie Garza would play it. She’s since decided that she has other things to do and doesn’t want to play a supporting role. Of course, who can blame her?” Chubby said.
“So, what made you decide to make it a boy’s role?” I asked.
“The key for this to work is it needs someone to have certain physical abilities. For some of the things we want to do, it was decided it would be more believable if a boy did it. What cinched it in my mind was a discussion I had with Jessup Fields. He told me how you’d handled some of your own stunts on
“I had a chance to see some of your videos. It seems you’ve done everything from skydiving to motocross. I understand you’re also a top athlete. Would you strip down to your underwear so we can videotape your body?” Mark asked.
I just stood up and took my clothes off. I did a slow turn for the camera with my arms straight out.
“Thank you. As you can imagine, we need to be sure you have the physique for the role,” Mark explained.
“Was that why Logan left looking unhappy?” Caryn asked.
“Yes, unfortunately, he didn’t have the body type we want. Frankly, I’m a little concerned that David may be too tall, but he brings other things to the table that we can’t ignore,” Mark said.
