superstar: sings for everybody

Billy approached Scarlet and kissed her lips gently, and she responded—a slow kiss, interrupted by a timer. The blonde blushed, feeling her heart race. He just smiled while the crew watched them, clearly noticing the strong chemistry between the two. It wasn't a secret that Michael Bay had been observing this dynamic for some time in his films.

–Why do you act that way? You come across like a clone with the mindset of a 15-year-old, and your demeanor carries a strange air of melancholy. –asked Michael Bay as he approached Billy, but Billy just smiled.

–I think my character somehow knows—somehow senses that nothing is normal, that there's something threatening his life. That instinct drives him to uncover the truth behind everything. The organization is just a place he knows, but when time proves him right, his survival instinct kicks in. So, he has to be happy, but there's a melancholy in the character that only lifts once he escapes. It's only then that the weight leaves him, just in time for him to return and face the fear. –Billy explained.

–That's a good idea. –Michael Bay said. The director was friendly and never entirely shut down ideas when actors offered meaningful input that enriched the film without overstepping. It was always up to the actor to decide whether the character should be on edge, and if so, his job was simply to direct.

–So, is it okay then? –Billy asked.

–It is. Really good, actually. I think we've got time, but make sure to go over the script. We'll use your take as the foundation for our approach. –Michael Bay replied.

In many ways, the script had roots in George Orwell's novel, and infusing it with a wild, nostalgic romance might be a brilliant and subtle idea to create a genuine connection between two characters. That gave time for the scenes, which initially seemed delayed, to be nearly ready to shoot. They would use that time to travel to Nevada and film several scenes in the desert, then head to Michigan, where a small production crew was waiting. The remaining scenes would be shot on green screen, but with the two leads so in sync, sparks practically flew when they looked into each other's eyes. The film was becoming something deeper. And if even half the albums Billy sold that year translated into ticket sales in North America, the boy could fill stadiums in every city. His albums had gone platinum, selling at least 15 million copies. With tickets priced at $7, the revenue could easily reach $40 million—an enormous sum for just one person.

–We'll see you tomorrow for some takes. We need to film the scenes where you're flying through the air and falling from a building, trapped somewhere. –Michael Bay said, making way for Michael Ocklars, who was getting ready to sign documents. Once the paperwork was done, he'd receive his pay and begin to enjoy the money. For now, he just wanted a nice place to settle in.

***

–This is one of the finest penthouses in the city, though I'm not sure it suits you. –Michael Ocklars said. The building was high-end, equipped with top-of-the-line technology—everything about it screamed luxury. The unit was worth $7 million, as the previous owner had bought the adjoining apartment and merged them into one. The result: a 420-square-meter duplex with a terrace and a pool. It was a real gem.

–Buy it. I want it. –Billy replied. –I want one of those expensive grand pianos, a special one, a synthesizer, three electric guitars, two bass guitars, two state-of-the-art bass speakers, and a big TV. The bookshelf with the classics we bought last time—and a new PlayStation 2. –

–Well, that's everything then. We're buying it. –Michael Ocklars told the real estate agent.

Among the best buildings around, this one was full of artists. Another popular spot was Sierra Towers, but The Broadway Hollywood Lofts, right in the heart of the city, had everything anyone could wish for and more. Now they just needed to hire a security company to handle the surveillance cameras and a cleaning service. Meanwhile, Mrs. Greenwood, who was permanently based in the UK, was still waiting for Billy—though hiring a new governess was probably the right move for this kind of situation. One would be enough.

–Then I guess you can stay here now. –Michael said. –But over the next few days, we'll still be using the hotel—there's nothing here yet that you can use. –

–Then I guess I've got nothing else to do. Let's go eat something. There are a lot of restaurants nearby that are supposed to be some of the best in the country. –Billy replied while online.

Michael Ocklars was sure that letting Billy loose in one of the most glamorous and media-saturated cities in the world would be a headache. In places like this, the rules of respect were different—and often, in a bad way. The constant photographing, the relentless pursuit of gossip to make it to magazine covers—it could become a real problem.

...

–Wow, what great news they just gave me. –Jerry said, now fully aware of the latest developments.

–Seems like he did a good job. This movie will be a big boost for his future. –Michael Ocklars replied.

–I'm afraid it's more than that. He's got five shows lined up in Latin America in February—just thirty days. I hope it's enough time to finish filming. I'll talk to the directors to get them on board immediately. With ninety days, there's no reason they can't produce something solid. –

–I don't think I can say no, but I did have a short talk with the producers. Everything's fine. If Billy isn't doing anything new, I asked them to make sure he stays in the dressing rooms during filming. –Michael commented. The best thing for everyone was to avoid distractions—a hotel always meant parties, and for those two, even the smallest detail could become something more.

–Then I think I'd like you to go ahead with that. I'll visit Billy tomorrow—I'm in California. In December, the nominations will be out. I think he'll get a Latin Grammy nod, and if he wins, it would be great publicity. With an eighth award, he'd become one of the most decorated artists. –Jerry added.

...