Rhythm and Ray: A DJ’s Journey

[Chapter 235: Star-Studded Cast]

Anne Hathaway had just received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2009 and was on the rise in her career. Now, Ryan had pulled her out of a tough spot, which could be considered a boost.

"But you still haven't told me what type of movie this is," Anne whispered, curious.

"A low-budget teen comedy. Do you need a script?" Ryan described the character of the supporting actress while mentioning a few other roles.

"I'm not saying I wouldn't want to be in it, but I just feel like this role doesn't really match my image," Anne contemplated.

"The lead has already been cast. Even though you're more famous than her, you might not look the part of a high schooler," Ryan pointed out after some thought.

Ultimately, after some discussion, they settled on Anne making a cameo as a wealthy girl with limited screen time.

"I think the supporting actress is supposed to be lively. There's someone I thought of who also made a cameo in Valentine's Day. You should have met her," Anne speculated.

"Are you talking about Emma Roberts?" Ryan guessed.

"Exactly! She's definitely a better fit, but I wonder if she would want to participate," Anne replied.

"I'm pretty sure she would be interested," Ryan chuckled, remembering what Emma had said to him before.

"Do you want me to reach out to her?" Anne offered to take on the task.

Seeing that Ryan didn't object, Anne took out her phone and called Emma Roberts right in front of him.

...

"I have a role in a teen comedy. Are you interested in the supporting actress position?" Anne asked.

"I'll also be making a cameo; the cast is pretty stellar," Anne said, glancing at Ryan.

He nodded in agreement.

"Emma Stone is the lead, and Ryan Rivers is the male lead. Will you do it? All right, see you on set tomorrow," Anne confirmed, her smile growing.

...

"I didn't expect it to go so smoothly. She was so excited when she heard you were in it. She didn't even ask about the pay," Anne continued.

"What is she planning? You're a taken man," Anne mused, trying to wrap her head around it, but since they were in Hollywood, it didn't seem too odd. After all, going to a "red sofa" or "changing wardrobe" was pretty normal here.

"Changing wardrobe" referred to couples within the industry, a concept that had been around in Hollywood since the mid-century. A notable example was Grace Kelly, who became famous for her frequent changes in partners, eventually being sold off to Monaco by her money-driven father to become a princess.

"She wants to meet me tomorrow. You, as the producer, of course, need to come along," Anne assessed Ryan.

Did she just consider me a producer?

Ryan filled her in on the details.

"Investing in a movie? I'd advise you to be cautious," Anne warned, unable to hold back.

"It's already confirmed," Ryan replied.

Anne knew that there was no turning back and didn't press further. "When is it expected to be released?"

"As soon as possible, preferably within this year," Ryan said, thinking about the opportunity costs. Naturally, the quicker it came out, the better.

They chatted for a bit longer, and with time running short, Anne bid Ryan farewell.

"If anything comes up, feel free to call me," she said as she moved toward the elevator.

Before entering, she turned back and waved at Ryan.

...

The next day, Ryan and Anne Hathaway found themselves back on the set of Valentine's Day. Anne's scenes were already finished while they were now filming Julia Roberts' parts. Julia had worked with director Gary more often than Anne had, so she, of course, had a role in this ensemble film.

As for Emma Roberts, she was merely there to watch her aunt. When she saw Ryan arriving with Anne Hathaway, she couldn't help but scrutinize the two.

"How did you two end up together? Ryan Rivers, as soon as Taylor left, you hooked up with another actress. How disloyal of you!" she grinned widely.

"I'm just collaborating with Ryan," Anne quickly clarified. Ryan had already told her not to spill the beans.

Earlier that morning, Anne received news that the FBI had officially ended their investigation into her, but the evidence they had gathered wouldn't be returned. For instance, one of her journals would be kept as evidence.

"I warn you, don't be like those paparazzi," Ryan cautioned.

Emma stuck out her tongue playfully, grinning at Ryan.

Ryan moved the conversation back to business.

Emma happily agreed, but then began to subtly probe into their relationship.

"That's not for you to worry about," Anne quickly cut in.

...

Meanwhile, Ryan noticed Julia Roberts was currently shooting her scenes.

Compared to Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts truly had box office power. Having her join a project like Easy A would certainly elevate its prospects.

Ryan turned his attention back to Emma Roberts. "Before you get too excited, if you want to take on this role, you have to agree to one condition."

"Oh? So you like to play the audition couch game? If you're willing to write me a song, I might consider it," Emma said while flipping her hair, striking a playful pose.

With her dad and aunt around, Emma had more resources than most young actresses, so she wasn't about to easily give in.

"You really overestimate yourself," Ryan smiled faintly.

"Say what you will," Emma scoffed.

"Actually, Ryan wants to invite your aunt for a cameo," Anne guessed Ryan's intention accurately.

"My aunt... She's extremely busy and has high standards for scripts. It's not just any role she would agree to," Emma quickly shook her head.

But she saw Ryan already walking towards her aunt.

Both actresses hurried after him.

...

When there was a break in Julia Roberts' shooting, Ryan stepped forward to say hello.

"Ryan Rivers, up-and-coming singer! I know who you are," she replied, taking a coffee handed to her by an assistant, flanked by three or four aides like a noblewoman.

Emma approached, "Aunt, he wants to invite you for a cameo in a movie."

"Sorry, I don't have time. I only accept cameo requests from close friends," she replied without a second thought.

"Aunt, just do it for me!" Emma urged.

"Go ask your dad," Julia smiled lightly.

"Just this once, you know that besides artsy films, there aren't many suitable commercial movies for me," Emma insisted.

"I'm very busy, Emma," Julia reminded.

"We'll shoot based entirely on your schedule. It will only take a maximum of two days," Ryan spoke up at that moment.

"Exactly! You just had a baby, and you have plenty of downtime." Emma chimed in.

Julia rolled her eyes at Emma, clearly exasperated, then relented, "I'll need to read the script first."

"It'll be delivered today," Ryan breathed a sigh of relief.

...

As the crew continued filming, the three of them stepped back again.

"The cast just keeps getting more impressive," Anne remarked, noting Julia's willingness, which elevated the film's commercial potential.

"Is there any way to keep adding more talent?" Ryan wasn't entirely satisfied.

"Why not just bring the Valentine's Day cast over?" Emma joked.

"No need; there aren't many male roles in the film," Ryan instinctively replied, hinting that he had indeed considered that.

"Since the cast is already so diverse, why not add one more? Are you considering bringing Jessica Alba on board too?" Anne suggested now.

"Hey, what's going on between you two? Are you really getting together?" Emma couldn't hold back any longer, while she had previously teased, she now sensed Anne's willing cooperation with Ryan.

"What I'm doing for Ryan is just part of the deal," Anne responded.

"You haven't been brainwashed by him, have you?" Emma wondered what could have changed.

Anne smiled warmly, seemingly unconcerned.

Emma caught Ryan's gaze and decided to keep her mouth shut.

"Regardless of whether she agrees to take the role, we should at least try," Ryan said.

"I don't have contact with her," Anne shook her head.

"I can't help either, but I wish you both good luck," Emma added sympathetically.

Neither of them knew Jessica Alba well enough, but Ryan was certain there was someone who could reach out to her.

...

He approached director Gary, who was reviewing footage from the monitor.

"What do you need her for?" Gary asked, puzzled.

"For a movie, I'd like to cast her in a supporting role," Ryan openly admitted his connection to the film.

"Wow, you are quick," Gary replied, chuckling. "Young man, about what happened before..."

"As long as the script is solid, I won't turn it down," Ryan assured him.

Gary nodded, proactively helping Ryan set up a meeting with Jessica.

...

"Are you in Los Angeles today? It's just a young man who wants to meet you and chat about a new film, about compensation..." he glanced back at Ryan.

Seeing Ryan nod, Gary continued, "Of course, you can talk specifics about pay."

Soon afterward, Gary ended the call.

...

"Jessica has time today; she's been a bit short on funds lately, so as long as the pay is reasonable, she shouldn't decline," Gary shrugged while talking about her situation.

"Since Fantastic Four, she hasn't taken on a major production and has only done smaller projects, often portraying the sexy symbol in those films," Gary elaborated.

There was a widely circulated GIF from a recent movie of hers.

"Maybe in a few years, she could end up forgotten. There are just too many actresses," he said, glancing at Anne Hathaway and Emma Roberts behind Ryan.

...

After saying goodbye to Gary, Ryan regrouped with Anne Hathaway and Emma.

"I've met your requirements, so I'm not going to go," Emma shook her head.

Ryan then turned to Anne.

"I've wrapped up my scenes," Anne Hathaway was quite willing to head off with Ryan.

...

Just as Gary had said earlier, when Jessica heard about the stellar cast of Emma Stone, Emma Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts, and Ryan, she immediately showed interest in the movie.

"What kind of salary can you offer?" Jessica Alba's agent interjected.

"This is a low-budget film," Ryan replied, unwilling to negotiate further.

"In that case, Jessica has much better options. If the producers want more stars involved, they'll need the budget to match, and the others aren't my concern, but I have to look out for Jessica's interests. Can you make that happen, singer?" the agent fixated on Ryan.

"$200,000," Ryan proposed.

"That's not negotiable," the agent turned to Jessica.

Jessica then interjected, "My minimum pay is $500,000."

"That's just for a minor role," Anne Hathaway chimed in quickly.

"Of course, if it were a significant role, the price would only go up. If you want Jessica to make a cameo, that's the starting point," the agent clarified.

"Given the cast and the script itself, this movie is likely to do well. You need to consider the long-term impact of taking this role, which is a lot better than those terrible scripts you have," Ryan argued strongly.

"Yeah, every producer says that. Ryan, you're also an artist; we don't accept verbal promises. If you had faith in this movie, you wouldn't worry about this pay," the agent countered.

"$300,000 is my absolute ceiling."

"$400,000, not a penny less."

"Okay, Albert," Jessica said calmly from her seat.

"Let's both make some concessions; how about $350,000? Ryan, how does that sound?" Jessica looked at Ryan.

"Deal," Ryan nodded.

...

In the elevator, Anne Hathaway turned to Ryan, "I get the feeling she's in a financial bind."

"Nobody isn't," Ryan replied casually.

"I mean, her financial situation seems a bit tight," Anne pointed out.

"Maybe her husband lost some money?" Ryan wondered aloud.

"Her husband is just a director's assistant; he doesn't have much earning potential," Anne Hathaway clarified.

"Her choices are different from most women's," Ryan reflected.

"Yeah, she might value her relationships more. She dated her boyfriend for four years before getting married," Anne Hathaway mentioned.

"Women like that are quite rare in Hollywood."

"Who can argue with that? She's a devout Catholic and values pure love, which makes her approach conservative, rendering her a bit out of place, affecting the quality of roles she receives."

"So that could lead to financial strain?" Ryan connected the dots.

You wouldn't want your husband to end up bankrupt, would you?

"Very possibly."

The elevator reached the ground floor, and as they stepped out, Anne's arm accidentally brushed against Ryan's hand.

"Where to next? Should we find the producer or head to the set?" Anne asked, turning to Ryan.

"The preliminary preparations are almost done, and I need to head back to Florida; I have a lot to take care of," Ryan replied.

"Oh, fine, see you at the shoot then?" Anne said, a hint of melancholy in her tone.

"Do you need a ride home?" Ryan nodded.

"I can have my assistant pick me up."

"Or, you could come back to the hotel with me?" Ryan suggested suddenly.

Anne had told him yesterday that her new boyfriend was just a cover to help her move on from her previous relationship. In other words, she was still single.

"I... you know, I don't want to ruin your relationship with Taylor. You and she are an enviable couple," Anne laughed lightly.

"Don't think of yourself that way; you couldn't ruin anything," Ryan reminded her.

"Just know -- you can't fall for me," Anne said, starting to giggle.

*****

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