Chapter 12: Questionaire
The buzz of the set started up again, crew members moving to reset lights and props while Michael barked new instructions. Ethan sank back into his seat, his pulse still racing. The system had worked its magic, but the residual adrenaline made it feel like he'd just stepped off a rollercoaster.
Riley appeared at his side, clipboard in hand, a knowing smirk plastered on his face. "Not bad, man. You had them all hooked. Even Michael seemed impressed, and he's, like, allergic to compliments."
Ethan let out a shaky laugh. "Yeah, well, I guess the lucky bagel did its job."
"Or maybe you're better than you think," Riley said, giving him a pat on the shoulder. "Don't overthink it. Just keep that same energy for the next scene."
Ethan nodded, but his mind was still reeling. The system was a wild card he hadn't fully grasped yet. How much of that performance was him, and how much was it? The thought was unsettling, but before he could spiral, Michael's voice rang out again.
"Alright, people, let's move to the next setup! We've got a quick turnaround before lunch, so hustle!"
The crew sprang into action, wheeling cameras and adjusting set pieces. Sarah, already in conversation with Dominic, stood by the craft services table, sipping from a bottle of water. Ethan caught her glance his way briefly before turning her attention back to Dominic, her face unreadable.
"She's a piece of work, huh?" Riley said, following Ethan's gaze.
"She's… intense," Ethan admitted, his voice low. He remembered watching her as a kid, her effortless charisma on screen. But meeting her in person was a different story.
"Don't let her get to you," Riley said. "She's had a rough go of it in the industry. Doesn't excuse her attitude, but still. Just keep your head down and do your thing."
Ethan nodded, though Sarah's cutting remark still lingered in his mind. He wasn't here to impress her—or anyone else, for that matter. This was about survival, about proving he had what it took to make it, even if it meant starting as a nameless extra in the background.
"Elio!" Michael's voice boomed, pulling Ethan from his thoughts. "Don't get too comfortable. You're in the next setup, too. Let's keep that depressed, end-of-my-rope energy going, yeah?"
Ethan gave a weak thumbs-up, already feeling the weight of expectation pressing down on him again.
"Welcome to Hollywood," Riley muttered with a grin as he walked away.
"Nobody cares about your scandal, Sarah, now fuck off,"
Ethan furrowed upon hearing those whispered words. He recognized the person.
Derek Cain, he was a fairly popular actor, he wasn't exactly a household name but he had been in his fair share of popular movies, not to talk of he was a HollyMedia actor.
Ethan glanced over toward the source of the comment. Derek Cain, clad in a sleek leather jacket and designer sunglasses, stood near the craft services table, towering over Sarah with a dismissive wave of his hand. His tone was sharp, and his posture screamed arrogance.
Sarah's jaw tightened, but she didn't respond. She simply turned away, her face a mask of calm, and walked off without another word. Derek shook his head and turned to grab a bottled water, muttering something to himself that Ethan couldn't quite catch.
Ethan slumped back into his chair, trying to ignore the sour taste in his mouth. Derek Cain was exactly the kind of person he hated in this industry—entitled, condescending, and too self-assured for his own good.
"Hey, you there!"
Ethan blinked, realizing Derek was pointing at him.
"Uh, me?" Ethan asked, standing awkwardly.
"Yeah, coffee. Black. No sugar," Derek said, tossing an empty cup onto the table beside him without even looking Ethan's way.
For a moment, Ethan froze, unsure how to respond.
Before he could say anything, a petite woman with a headset—a member of Michael's assistant team—stepped forward. "He's not a PA, Mr. Cain. He's one of the actors."
Derek paused, finally looking directly at Ethan. His brow furrowed, and then his lips curled into a faint smirk. "An actor? Huh. Didn't know they were letting just anyone in these days."
The assistant shot Derek a sharp look but quickly walked away, leaving Ethan standing there, exposed. Derek's gaze lingered on him for a beat too long before he chuckled and leaned back against the counter.
"Listen, kid," Derek said, lowering his sunglasses to lock eyes with Ethan. "Piece of advice? Hollywood's about faces, not… whatever you've got going on." He gestured vaguely at Ethan, his smirk widening. "Don't waste your time trying to play with the big leagues. Stick to indie films or student projects. You'll be less embarrassed."
Ethan's chest tightened, his fists clenching at his sides as heat rose to his face. He wanted to fire back, to say something—anything—but his voice caught in his throat. Derek didn't even wait for a response, turning his attention to a crew member nearby, already moving on.
System Notification: Motivational Mission Initiated!
Mission: Prove Derek Wrong – Deliver a standout performance in a pivotal scene.
Objective: Deliver an unforgettable questionnaire.
Reward: Charming smile + Character card (B+) [One Hidden Reward].
Ethan stared at the notification in disbelief, his frustration simmering. As if on cue, Michael approached, clapping his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Alright, listen up! We're doing something special. Marketing wants a short questionnaire from Eliot's character for the trailer," Michael announced. His eyes landed on Ethan. "You'll up, kid. Think you can handle it? It's a bit last minute but you'll be ready tomorrow right?"
Ethan swallowed hard, the weight of the challenge settling in his chest. His mind was still reeling from Derek's words, but now wasn't the time to crumble. He nodded, his voice steady despite the tension. "Yeah. I've got it."
"Good," Michael said, waving a hand toward the set. "Let's get it set up. I want Jacob on the line, Samantha, call The DailyScoop, and That'sTv.."
As the crew moved into position, Ethan took a deep breath, the system's notification flashing in his mind.
Prove Derek Wrong.
He ground his teeth. He wasn't particularly interested in proving anything to Derek but the rewards sounded interesting.