"Auditioning is a critical stage of film preparation. Identifying an actor with appropriate skill, acceptable compensation, and an available schedule is not simple, particularly for an independent film such as ours.
Hollywood does not have many young actors with substantial training, and their fees are often prohibitive," Sophia explained to her sister as they walked.
"So what is our primary objective today?" Irene asked, linking arms with Sophia.
This was her first time observing a feature film audition. She had minimal knowledge of pre-production. Her experience directing a music video provided limited relevance.
"To confirm the principal cast," Sophia said, opening the door to the audition room and nodding to the production manager and assistant director.
They had been informed that the youngest member of the Coppola family would attend to observe, so Irene’s presence was expected.
"Hi, Aunt Julie. It’s been a while. You look well," Irene said when she saw Julie Costello Walzer, and immediately embraced her.
Julie was one of the Coppola family’s most important collaborators and had known Irene since childhood. She had been traveling overseas during Irene’s graduation and had not attended.
Francis had clearly asked her to oversee Sophia’s project.
With Julie managing daily production, the director could concentrate on creative work.
"Little Irene, I heard you directed a music video recently. That’s excellent. It seems the Coppola family may produce another Best Director," Julie said. To her, both Irene and Sophia were like family.
"I cannot compare to my sister or my father," Irene replied modestly, aware of the others present.
After they exchanged greetings, Sophia introduced the remaining participants. "On the left is our first assistant director, Mr. Dan Haas. He is also a co-producer." Irene shook his hand.
"On the right is James Woods, who plays Mr. Lisbon and serves as an executive producer." Irene shook his hand as well.
The other department heads were introduced in turn. Irene had not anticipated that a single audition would require so many participants. Acting was clearly not an easy profession.
The atmosphere was professional and cordial. Francis had arranged the team, so everyone extended courtesy.
Once seated, Irene took a position slightly behind Sophia, directly facing the monitor.
The auditions commenced promptly.
The individuals invited had already passed an initial resume review. Some were selected for talent, others through referrals, but all met basic standards for performance and appearance.
During the morning, twelve actresses entered the audition room. Each provided a brief introduction and began her performance without delay.
Irene recognized several. The second was Kirsten Dunst, known for Interview with the Vampire, who combined classical features with a contemporary presence.
There was also Bryce Dallas Howard. Irene did not recall her credits but knew she was the daughter of director Ron Howard.
After a brief lunch, they proceeded to the male auditions.
The film emphasized female characters and did not require prominent male roles. As a low-budget independent production, they did not expect established male actors to attend.
Throughout the afternoon, Irene recognized only one: Josh Hartnett.
After all auditions concluded, Julie handed the evaluation sheets to Sophia behind the monitor.
Irene noticed that the top sheet was for Kirsten Dunst and contained multiple checkmarks.
"What about the others?" Sophia asked, reviewing the forms.
Besides Aunt Julie, Dan Haas and James Woods each had identical evaluation sheets. The four of them were the decision-makers.
"All right, thank you everyone for participating. You may leave now." Except for the four decision-makers and Irene, the remaining staff exited the room.
"For the lead, you all selected Kirsten Dunst. Who will explain the reasoning?"
Julie inserted a videotape and played Kirsten’s audition. "Strong technique. A natural melancholic quality that suits the character. She also has name recognition, which may attract audiences."
"Understood. What is her asking price?"
"One million."
"Inform her the offer is two hundred thousand, payable in two installments. If she accepts, the role is hers."
"Understood."
In a few sentences, the lead role was determined. The other roles were decided with similar speed.
The results were finalized before sunset. Irene, who had assumed the process would take several days, was surprised.
Sophia drove Irene and Aunt Julie to Catch LA, a well-known restaurant in West Hollywood frequented by industry figures. The three of them worked behind the scenes and were not widely recognized.
"What’s on your mind? You’ve been distracted since we left," Sophia said, placing a slice of steak on Irene’s plate and adding pepper.
"That Kirsten Dunst... I read that her fee for Jumanji was two million. You’re offering one-tenth of that. Will she accept?" Irene asked the question she had been considering.
Sophia laughed and deferred to Julie. "Aunt Julie can explain."
"First, salaries reported in the press are often inflated. They are used to increase an actor’s market value. Second, negotiation is standard.
We are a low-budget independent film. Our budget cannot match a commercial production. If she were seeking a high fee, she would not have attended this audition."
These were established practices in Hollywood, based on mutual understanding.
"I see. If she has artistic goals, she may be willing to participate."
"Correct. Art films and commercial films operate differently. Compensation is not comparable."
Irene understood. In her previous life, she had only watched films and knew little about industry operations. She was learning now.
"When I direct a film, I want Aunt Julie to produce for me," Irene said, taking the opportunity to ask. A capable producer could compensate for her lack of experience in that area.
"All right. When our little Irene becomes a director, I will produce for you."
Julie likely assumed that would occur several years in the future, so she agreed readily. She was not particularly career-oriented and had worked primarily with the Coppola family, rarely accepting external projects.
After dinner, Sophia drove Irene back to her Burbank apartment. As they were about to part, Irene stopped her and invited her upstairs for tea.
"You want me to drink tea at this hour? You don’t want me to sleep," Sophia complained, but she accepted the cup and took a sip.
"I wouldn’t do that, Sophia. I haven’t seen you recently and missed you. It’s a long drive back. Why not stay here tonight?" Irene still had questions and wanted someone to answer them.
Sophia did not refuse Irene on minor matters. The auditions were complete and location scouting had been delegated with no updates yet, so she had no pressing obligations and decided to stay.