1988 in LA wasn't as wild as you may imagine, in fact I can assure you it was much wilder. However this isn't a story about Los Angeles. If the city is only a supporting character it's because HE was the lead. LA brought us together, but it also rip...
I wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans as I stand and follow the man into his office, my eyes skimming the title on the door as I follow him in.
'Todd M Thaler Casting'
"Have a seat, Aurelia."
"It means the world to me that you're taking the time to do this Mr. Thaler, really."
"Now Aurelia, even though I'm doing your father a favor by squeezing in a last minute audition I still intend to keep this as professional and true to the process as possible. That being said I don't see the need to be TOO formal, do you? Please, call me Todd"
"Of course Mr. Th- Todd"
"I've seen the clips he sent over to the agency, you have a lot of raw talent kid. It can be a disheartening industry, especially trying to push your way in so young, but I thought you ought to know that you definitely have something going for you. How old are you again?"
"I'm 16 sir, I'll be 17 in November. The clips he passed along were from my high school performances and the shows I've done with the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey"
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"I see. Well why the sudden interest in giving film a go? I looked over the resume he attached and they all appear to be theater credits, do they not?"
"That's right sir. I suppose what drew me toward film was that it can be a more...lucrative path? I know you're aware of my family situation at present." I trail off. how pathetically small my voice is glaringly obvious.
"I see. I was sad to hear about April's passing a few years back, your mother was one of the loveliest people I've ever met."
The familiar sting comes to my eyes as I sit a little straighter.
"She was."
"However I'm not sure I understand the correlation?"
With a nervous tuck of hair behind my ears I look down to my lap before finally answering.
"It's just. The bills we were left with are still arriving, dad tries his best but he was battling his own illness before the car accident. I guess I thought I'd try and...I don't know. Hold on to my passion while also trying to help out, if that's even possible."
He sighed heavily before fiddling with his tie.
"That's quite a lot to try and tackle for a kid. Even so, Johnny was known across the industry for his kind heart. We even cast a few projects together back in the day. I see the Apple didnt fall very far from the tree."
