Chapter 254 Resistance from the Screenwriter
In recent years, global enthusiasm for BL (Boys' Love) culture has been on the rise. Many young people are drawn to these love stories between men, finding them both fresh and innocent.
Hollywood producers saw an opportunity in this trend and began producing TV shows and movies that delve into BL culture.
To tap into this market, they not only recruited American actors but also brought in popular male stars from other countries to enhance the appeal of their productions.
Joseph, a male actor who had gained some recognition in Europe, was therefore sought after by Hollywood.
However, as his popularity in the U.S. started to rise, an author on a BL novel website published a story depicting Joseph. The story, which portrayed Joseph negatively, suggesting he had a gender identity disorder, caused quite a stir online.
This immediately drew the ire of one of Joseph's devoted fans, who promptly reported the story and the entire website.
However, as the issue escalated, many saw this as an infringement on freedom of speech. Due to this incident, the website was shut down, affecting many other BL creators as well.
A continuous battle ensued on social media.
Although Joseph tried to distance himself from the controversy, the incident impacted his image in the U.S. Yet, this storm also brought unexpected benefits to Joseph. Many started to take notice of him and showed interest in his work, further elevating his fame in the U.S.
Regardless of the underlying interests at play, Joseph was undeniably one of the top figures at the New York Film Festival. At the moment, he was discussing a new project with an investor.
From a distance, Lucy spotted Joseph and couldn't help but grip Evelyn's hand, saying, "Evelyn, I'm a bit nervous. Do you think I could really get Joseph's contact information?"
"Of course!" Evelyn was confident about this. She was never into celebrity chasing, and after inheriting certain memories, she looked down on celebrities, seeing them merely as tools for capitalists to make money.
If her close friend wanted Joseph's contact information and he dared refuse, then he might as well kiss his career in the industry goodbye.
Others couldn't banish him simply because he could generate profit for investors. However, if he offended Evelyn, given the power she currently wielded, all she'd need is to utter a single word, and Joseph would vanish from the public eye overnight.
Not only was there an investor discussing a new drama with Joseph, but there was also a slightly overweight screenwriter beside him.
After the investor finished speaking to Joseph, he introduced, "Joseph, this is Donald Wilson, the renowned scriptwriter Mr. Wilson. This new drama is based on his script. Have a good chat with him."
No sooner had he finished his introduction than Donald, with a stern face, remarked, "Mr. Rogers, if he's the lead for this drama, then I'd rather pass."
This Mr. Rogers was actually the father of David, Tyler Rogers.
On the surface, Tyler was just a general manager. The actual power players behind the scenes had no interest in engaging with Joseph.
Upon hearing Donald's words, Tyler wasn't upset. He chuckled, "Donald, why are you making such a fuss? Our company values your script, but it's not a must-have for us. Joseph is now popular and garners a significant fanbase. If he's the lead actor, the film is guaranteed to be a hit!"
"I don't know if it will be a hit or not," Donald rolled his eyes and responded, "but I can't afford to lose face. Letting him star in my film? The next time I drink with colleagues, I'll feel too embarrassed to even raise my glass. I like money, but I'm not that desperate for it! I must pick the lead actor, or the script's off the table!"
Donald originally started as an online novelist and later transitioned into screenwriting, successfully producing several hit TV dramas.
His annual income was substantial, and naturally, he developed a sense of pride in the industry. He glanced at Joseph and said coldly, "Mr. Rogers, do you think he can portray a profound character? We are making a film, not a farce. If you want him to play a supporting role, I might consider it. But as for the lead, I think it's better to forget it."
Being a successful scriptwriter, Donald held significant clout. Clearly, he didn't think highly of Joseph. William, overhearing the conversation, couldn't help but smirk, thinking how intriguing Donald was.
"Donald, don't push it too far!" Tyler's expression darkened, "Remember, you've already signed a contract with our company. All copyrights have been transferred to us. You only have an advisory role in casting. If we want Joseph as the lead, what can you do about it?"
Donald's face turned ashen. Even though the outside world saw him as a successful screenwriter, in the face of corporate might, he was just a minor player. Each contract negotiation reminded him of his vulnerability. He often felt that the terms were too stringent, but under the pressure of big companies, he rarely had much bargaining power.
In short, if he wanted to continue in this industry, he had to abide by these unwritten rules. As Tyler pointed out, although Donald technically had some say in the contract, it was merely advisory.
So, when Tyler brandished the contract to exert pressure on Donald, the latter was rendered speechless.
Joseph's expression wasn't great either. He addressed Donald, saying, "Donald, shouldn't you apologize for what you just said?"
"Apologize? Do whatever you want! The script is yours now. If you want to cast a dog in the role, I can't stop you!" Donald, while a literary person, was certainly not one to mince his words. With a face full of rage, he raised his middle finger at Joseph and stormed off.
His stride faltered when he saw Evelyn, and when he laid eyes on William and Alice, he couldn't help but stare.
The script he wrote was for a historical fantasy drama, and William and Alice perfectly embodied the main male and female characters he'd envisioned.
"Hello!" William greeted Donald with a smile.
Stammering, Donald replied, "Hi... Hello! Are... Are you an actor?"
His life primarily revolved around writing at his computer, and his leisure time was mostly spent gaming. He didn't recognize many of the current popular celebrities.
In fact, he'd met Joseph for the first time today.
However, after being exposed to various comments from Joseph's fans and accidentally watching a drama starring Joseph, he was taken aback. He felt that if Joseph were to act in his drama, it would be a personal insult.
As for the two before him, could they also be popular celebrity idols?
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