What can someone do when they start falling in love? It might take months, years, or just days—time is irrelevant when infatuation begins to darken into something with form. Scarlett was at Universal Studios, assisting DreamWorks Productions. It was a fact that time was passing, and the blonde's golden years were perhaps the launchpad of her career.
She happened to bump into Michael Bay, who was polite and offered her a slow, deliberate greeting, focused on her role, and how she should perform. As she tucked her blond hair behind her ear, the director approached with his hawkish nose, remaining calm. He had just come out of a meeting that left him with some uncertainties.
–I heard you know the rock singer, Billy Carson,– said Michael Bay. She felt tempted to argue that he was an indie artist, at least that's how he branded himself. But she only nodded.
–Do you think he's a good actor?– asked Michael Bay. Scarlett blushed politely and nodded again, but she couldn't leave it at that, so she took a deep breath.
–He's strange… very arrogant… but yes, we keep in touch about music. I honestly have no idea if he's a good actor,– she said nervously. She had rehearsed the conversation with Jerry over the phone. The man had managed to get two friends close to the production to vouch for Billy.
–Does he act?– asked the director then.
–I went to one of his concerts, and he was great. Then we talked for a while,,e and he mentioned he was working on his second production. I gave him some acting advice, and he told me he has a theater coach. I don't know what to say. I think he's studying in England,– Scarlett replied.
–Giles Foreman?– asked Michael Bay. A famous acting coach. Alongside a six-month training record under Juan Carlos Carranza in New York and two specialized method classes with expert instructors, he was trained—and that said a lot.
–Who is he?– asked the girl, completely surprised. She tried not to look like a liar, but she knew everyone who had taught Billy. Michael didn't pick up on that; he was now thinking he just had to see the guy. There was something about him, and Michael wasn't exactly demanding when it came to acting skills—he just wanted commercial films and a face that could get the green light.
–That doesn't matter…– said Michael. –Do you like him?–
–Ahh…– Scarlett hadn't expected that question. –I… don't know…–
–Then say it.–
–He's very handsome.– she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, something she did when nervous.
–Good.– said Michael Bay as he headed to his office. He had to discuss things with his bosses, but it was an open secret that Warner supported him. For some reason, Billy had a good reputation in the rock world, with his intense songs, some filled with youthful energy. Michael thought a great soundtrack might just elevate his project, which aimed to string together action sequences in certain areas.
It could transform him from a boat designer to a real rock star—a rocker who is promiscuous, embodying all the coldness, arrogance, and manipulation that are the opposite of who he is. Age-wise, 25 worked fine, and with just a few touch-ups to his features, it could be perfect.
Jerry had even sent photos of Billy's physical condition—it was top-tier. The only issue was the prosthetic on his back, which would have to be covered with a thin fabric and painted over.
…
Scarlett fidgeted but eventually made a call. This whole Hollywood thing had caught her off guard. Jerry was a real old dog, a wolf who understood every backstage trick in the business.
–I got nervous. I don't usually do this sort of thing. He asked questions I didn't expect. But I did my best, tried not to come off as just any woman, but he was intense. I'm sorry! I panicked a little– Scarlett said that same morning, still a bit shaken. She wasn't sure whether she had helped Billy or not.
On the other end, Jerry was somewhat captivated by the luck the boy had with women. The girl was very talented and well-liked across the industry due to her beauty… although she was known to be a bit reckless. She was one of the most promising actresses of the decade, standing out and attracting many directors interested in her profile. It was just a shame things didn't always go as planned.
–Don't worry, darling. You did a great job. You're really good. The director called me half an hour ago to talk about a few things. Fantastic, really good, and that's why we need to have a conversation,– said Jerry, who wasn't entirely sure what the boy wanted. But if he could find a woman who understood and loved him, Jerry would be thrilled if that happened within the next five days.
With a sigh, he considered the requirements for a partner: she had to be stunning, but the relationship should remain private, not too public—everything controlled to give the audience the illusion that Billy was still reinforcing his image. The conversation they had to have would be long and thorough. About restraint. Power corrupts—it stems from rupture, from Montesquieu—and then there's "absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Billy had been doing things that weren't right. Little Merche was completely heartbroken. Jerry had to speak with her and send a check with a poor imitation of Billy's handwriting, explaining that he had to leave, and the complications of living in two worlds. He paid off the mortgage of her tattoo parlor with 40,000 euros.
–Mr. Jerry, Billy's arriving…–
–Tomorrow. I had to send Michael to get him. He's been obsessed with something I couldn't quite understand… Have a good day and best of luck,– Jerry replied.
He already had someone with the script in hand, ready to help Billy study it—a theater graduate who would be crucial in helping the boy settle in. Filming was supposed to begin in December and would last either two or three months, during which they'd need to work intensely and without rest. Luckily, the boy had a great memory—perfect for memorizing lines, thanks to his unique methods.
–Yeah.–
**
Billy held the first twelve pages of the script, which needed many revisions. He had just enough time to grasp most scenes, though a few were still blank—likely to be filmed behind the scenes in the coming days if everything went smoothly. The role required him to play a 15-year-old, though the character was supposed to be older. Could it all be adjusted as long as it wasn't too much? Right?
–Then try to always seem happy, carefree, with genuine emotions. Anger is only momentary,– said Michael Ocklars, who always helped Billy with his scenes. He had some knowledge, having been closely involved throughout the learning process. You could say he knew very well what made for a good performance.
–Smile with your eyes, just like the script says. Make them shine—just a bit,– added the rep, who somehow understood Billy and his fleeting moments of sensitivity. According to fans, his gaze was "heaven and hell," always hitting the mark when it came to emoting. Billy's face alone was enough to make him appear younger, less cold, and indifferent.
–Hey, man.– Billy greeted.
–Very good. I like those eyes—they look like they want to see the beauty in the world,– said Michael.
...