Hollywood Road

With James Franco's firm persistence, after five more days of negotiations, the "Hard Candy" crew finally had a male lead. Murphy paid $40,000 upfront, which, although not reflective of Franco's future value, was still significant given his roles in two other films.

Murphy knew Franco's motives for joining the crew weren't pure but didn't mind. They each had their own needs.

The "Hard Candy" shooting crew was officially formed, consisting of only fourteen people, including three unpaid interns, which was extremely economical.

Murphy wished he could do all the work himself to save on salaries, but that was impossible. Despite his systematic education at film school, he couldn't master every aspect of filmmaking.

The film's main actors were a young girl named Hayley and a photographer named Jeff. Additionally, Jeff's female neighbor, who had considerable screen time, was a role Murphy insisted Jessica Chastain take on. Another character, a girl who tragically dies in the opening scene, had been cast but would join the crew only after shooting began.

Most of the minor roles were played by Murphy and the crew members. The waitstaff at Milton Café, a necessary part of the shooting there, were played by the café's employees, with Old Lynch preparing for his role for some time.

Even in Los Angeles, the opportunity to appear in a film was still rare for ordinary people.

"Let me introduce everyone."

In a warehouse serving as a temporary studio, Murphy, Carey Mulligan, and James Franco gathered for the first time. Murphy, as the director, took the initiative to introduce them. "Carey, this is James Franco, a talented actor."

Then he turned to introduce, "Jim, this is Carey Mulligan, the future English rose."

After speaking, Murphy stepped back.

"Hello, may I call you Carey?" James Franco smiled charmingly, stepping forward and extending his hand. "I'm James Franco, you can call me Jim."

Carey Mulligan seemed surprised, "It's you?"

"We meet again," Franco said, his hand still extended.

Carey Mulligan didn't shake his hand but turned to Murphy and said, "Murphy, he's not a good person."

Franco's smile stiffened, and he awkwardly withdrew his hand, looking a bit embarrassed.

Murphy had no idea what had transpired between them and quickly intervened, "Carey, did something happen? Jim is a very talented actor."

"Humph..." Carey Mulligan snorted through her nose.

Girls her age rarely liked those who had previously exposed them.

Murphy looked at Franco but decided not to delve into their past. Mulligan's agent would be arriving soon, and he didn't have time to waste on their issues.

Murphy walked to a makeshift desk, took out two schedules, and handed them to Franco and Mulligan, instructing, "I need you to go through all the scenes in the schedule before we start shooting."

Every film requires extensive rehearsals before filming, and "Hard Candy" was no exception.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door. After Murphy called for them to enter, Bill Rossis, Mulligan's agent, walked in carrying packaged juices and coffees. He greeted Murphy first and handed him a coffee, then politely exchanged pleasantries with Franco, also giving him a coffee.

To be a competent entertainment agent, managing relationships and being diplomatic are essential skills.

Murphy was a first-time director, and Franco wasn't yet prominent. Even though the rehearsal space was just a warehouse, Rossis didn't show any disdain, at least not on the surface.

In Hollywood, stars can be arrogant, but agents should not be.

Since Carey Mulligan was a minor, her agent or guardian typically had to be present on set. Murphy had no objections, and Franco, though Murphy suspected his ulterior motives, remained polite and engaged in small talk appropriately.

"Director Stanton..."

After the drinks were finished, Rossis reminded Murphy, "Carey has classes this afternoon and must finish work by noon."

Murphy nodded and signaled to Franco, "Let's start."

The rehearsal began with Franco delivering a monologue, seemingly to warm up and find his state. With his relatively rich experience, he was not the kind of actor who was also a part-time waiter, so Murphy wasn't too worried. After watching for a while, he shifted his focus to Carey Mulligan.

During her initial audition and subsequent interactions, she had shown some acting prowess. She had been performing in theater groups since elementary school in the UK, though she lacked real acting opportunities.

In Murphy's eyes, her acting talent wasn't top-notch but decent.

Of course, he was a novice and might not be entirely accurate.

A few minutes later, Mulligan and Franco began rehearsing their first scene, their initial meeting.

Franco walked towards Mulligan from behind. "Hayley..."

Mulligan turned her head and, as the script directed, lightly wiped her lips. "Jeff?"

Her voice carried a hint of surprise, but her face didn't show it. Mulligan had already shown her dislike for Franco. With her personality, her emotions were almost written on her face. Even without a camera close-up, Murphy could see the dislike in her bright eyes, nearly expressing "I want to kill you, you villain."

"Carey..." Murphy interrupted their rehearsal and beckoned her over. "Come here."

Scratching her short blonde hair, Mulligan walked over and asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

She could read a lot from Murphy's expression.

Murphy quickly remembered she was no ordinary girl, with a strong rebellious streak. He hesitated and changed his approach. "Carey, remember our chat at the café?"

"Yes," she nodded lightly. "I'll never forget. It's not about how we think but what we do that shapes our future."

Murphy smiled, looking between her and the confused Franco.

Mulligan, though rebellious, wasn't stupid. She quickly understood and whispered, "I know, actors need professional ethics. Don't worry, Murphy, I won't let you down."

Her voice wasn't loud, but in the small warehouse, Franco and Rossis heard it and looked at Murphy.

Franco tilted his head, realizing his handsome face and charming smile weren't as effective as Murphy's words with this girl. The other seemed adept at handling girls of this age, making him the perfect study subject.

Bill Rossis, unlike the eccentric Franco, was a professional entertainment agent. He knew Mulligan was rebellious and difficult. If it weren't for Julian Fellowes' introduction, he wouldn't have taken her on as a client. He imagined she would wreak havoc on this small crew.

But the current situation overturned his previous beliefs. This newbie director, Murphy Stanton, was not only suppressing Mulligan but manipulating her skillfully.

Interesting... Rossis crossed his arms, watching without a word.

He suspected Mulligan's adamant desire for the role might be connected to this small-time director, Murphy Stanton. If true, this could be a talented individual.

Seeing Mulligan understand the issue, Murphy stood up and nodded approvingly, waiting for her to smile before speaking again.

"Carey, in the scene you just rehearsed, Hayley dislikes Jeff, right?"

"Yes," Mulligan nodded quickly.

"Jeff says Hayley is mature," Murphy explained, "but he wishes she were naive, and Hayley needs Jeff to think she's naive. So..."

Murphy looked at Mulligan, who caught on quickly and continued, "So Hayley innocently eats chocolate cake, likes those bands, and cool T-shirts, all typical of a naive girl, misleading Jeff."

"Bingo," Murphy snapped his fingers. "You really are very smart."

Mulligan was just bait to attract Franco. Even without him, the solo rehearsals for the leads couldn't truly be private, as Rossis would always be around.

Murphy had anticipated this.

On the other side, Mulligan tilted her chin up unconsciously, her smile exceptionally cute, though reserved for Murphy alone.

Watching this, Franco's heart pounded as if it might burst from his chest. He took a deep breath, calming his heated blood.

What a formidable guy, Franco thought, focusing on Murphy, wishing he had such skills himself to avoid so many missed opportunities.