In LOVE for REEL

Pre-production: Casting I

Tae POV

It has been my life long dream to become an actor. I consider myself lucky to have actually acted in some projects. No big roles yet, just bitsy ones where I was able showcase some of my talent.

It's hard to get roles as well since I don't have a manager. There were many who were offering to be mine but I can't seem to find one who I think I can get along with. There's something about those people that is not quite right. So I just chose to be a freelancer.

One day, I heard that there was a casting call for a movie that was written and will be directed by the famous BL director Kimmon Varodom. A lot of the stars in his films became household names because the fans in these BL trope are quite passionate and give fullout support to their ships. Plus, the stories of his movies are full of deep emotions and character depth. It will be a good avenue for me to showcase my skills if I get the part.

I went to audition for the part in one of the usual studio house they use for scuh events. At the waiting room, I saw a lot of familiar faces and some new ones too.

"Hey man!" Joss, a fellow model and bit player greeted me. "I knew I will see you here!"

"Hey dude!" I chukled. "Well you know me, still looking for that big break. So I'm trying out for all roles that I can do."

"Same here. Haha!"

"Oh c'mon, you already starred in yoir own movie, Mr. Movie Star!" I teased.

"Well, yeah... I did. But to be honest, I really wasn't satisfied with it. All I did was go naked most of the time." Joss confessed. "So maybe this time around I'll get to act properly."

He was talking about the film The Houseboy. His character was an all-around helper that had affairs with all the members of the family both men and women. I also auditioned for the role too but Joss was the one chosen.

Joss and I go way back. We both started as models since we both have nice physiques. We even ventured to acting together, trying out roles that we usually end up getting shortlisted for the final picks. It only boils down to the director's preference. If he wanted someone tan, I would get chosen. If someone fairer, it's Joss.

Our only difference was Joss has a manager. I don't. So he has more exposure and more experience than I do.

"Have you thought about getting a manager already?" Joss asked. "P'Mimi is still eyeing you to join his roster of talents. It could lead you to more exposure, you know."

"I don't know man. I still enjoy a little bit of freedom in my role selections. Having a manager will hinder that." I reasoned out. The truth is there's something about Joss' manager that doesn't sit well with me. He seemed to me dressing me down in his mind when he looks at me.

A/N: Believe me Khun Luang, we all do. It's a testament on how hot you are! 🔥

"C'mon Tae. I know what you're thinking. It's okay...

...considering the benefits. You just need to toughen things out." He removed his shades. "See this? I just got it this morning. It's original baby!"

"Besides..." He put it back on. "...you'll find it quite pleasurable in the long run. You have fun, get more exposure, get things for free. What more can you ask for?"

A/N: There's a reality that some showbiz executives/talent managers handle celebrities careers in exchange for sexual favors. I'll discuss this more in my future book with the working title: Live Life.

"No thanks man. Besides, I have a girlfriend, she easily gets jealous." Not a lie but surely a valid reason. I mean, I don't judge Joss that he's using his body for his benefit. Well, I'm doing the same thing but in a different way. But if ever there will be someone sucking my dick, it will only be my girlfriend.

"Just tell me if you decide to man. You still know my number right?"

"Yes, I do." I dismissed the conversation.

Thankfully, one of the staff has come forward to provide instructions. "Good morning everyone! Thank you for coming for our casting call for this new movie by Direk Kim."

A/N: Direk is short for Director. I'll use this as a title so you won't forget that Kim is the director of the film.

"We'll call you one by one for a series of activities. While waiting for your turn, we have prepared some refreshments at the pantry, please help yourself with them. The panel will consist of Direk Kim and the Executive producer, Mr. Copter Panuwat. There's supposed to be a third one but will not be able to make it." The staff addressed everyone in the room.

"So here's a rundown of what will happen. We'll have you all fill up this form." She raised a piece of paper. "Just fill in the required information. First part is general info about you. Second is a list of yes or no questions, just answer truthfully. Then the last part is an essay. You don't need to write something so serious just write whatever that comes to your mind."

"You can get a form here at the table. We have also pencils if you need." She placed the paper on top of the stack. "I'll come after five minutes and we'll begin with the acitivity.

The staff left and all the auditionees took a form and pencil, Joss and I included.

First part is easy so I just wrote down the information that they needed. The second part is a bit tricky. I don't even know why they are asking it. Questions include:
1. Are you 18 years old and above?
☑Yes ⬜No
2. Are you willing to have a shirtless scenes?
☑Yes ⬜No
3. Are you willing to go nude for the role?
☑Yes ⬜No
4. Are you willing to have a bed scene with another male?
☑Yes ⬜No
5. Are you willing to have one or all of your private parts exposed on the final film?
☑Yes ☑No

Err... that last part. I honestly don't know. I was in the middle of thinking about my answer when the staff returned together with the director.

"Good morning everyone! Hope is everyone is doing good. Is everyone done at least on the second part?" Direk Kim asked. Everyone nodded.

"Okay. No cheating alright. Haha!" He joked. "All those who answered 'Yes' to questions 1-4 please fall in line here."

Joss and I plus three more stood up and formed a single file. "Alright, follow me to the next room. For the rest, my assistant will brief you on what will happen." Direk beelined to the room next door.

"Go sit down guys and finish your essays. I can't wait to read them. Give it to her..." he pointed on the staff sitting by the door. "... when you're done then we'll proceed with the screening. You guys are my priority auditionees because all the questions you answered 'Yes' to are required scenes in the film. So make sure you're really okay with that. The fifth question was a trick question. I'm not making porn movie you know. Haha!"

Direk went to the next room and the staff stood up to addess us, "What will happen guys, we'll do a screen test first. We'll have you wear some shirts that will be close to the actual costumes that will be used. Also, we'll take one that is shirtless. Both direk and the producer will be watching the screen test and the panel interview will follow after."

Oh okay. It seems they wanted to make it short.

"I'll go ahead Tae." Joss tapped me by the shoulder and handed his form to the staff. He was directed to the next room.

I wonder what he answered to the essay. Especially since the question was: Do you believe in soulmates? Why?

I thought about it for a moment then started writing. Another auditionee was called in while I still wrote my answer to the essay. After I'm done, I reread my answer and was extremely satisfied with it. I stood up and gave my form to the staff.

"You'll be next Khun Tae. Please standby. The other one will finish soon." The staff said.

I nodded and walked back to my seat. But before I was able to...

"Next!"

...my turn had come.