From Flower Vase to Film Emperor in Hollywood

Edgar didn't rush forward; instead, he remained standing, quietly observing Anson's photoshoot.

But in reality, with eyes in the front, back and sides of his head, Edgar had been paying attention to the exchanges between the three big shots, maintaining patience and composure.

Gradually, as they approached the work area, the surrounding staff began to notice their presence, and Edgar "finally" noticed them as well.

Without hesitation or delay, he "took the initiative" to step forward.

Slightly enthusiastic but not overly exaggerated, he displayed a large smile filled with eagerness, surprise, and delight, then appeared slightly nervous.

However, he remained humble but not subservient, subtly straightened his back, and proactively extended his right hand.

"Good evening, Mr. Spielberg, Mr. Hanks."

Immediately afterward, he patted his pocket, preparing to pull out a business card but deliberately stopped.

After all, these big shots wouldn't bother keeping his card, so it was better to feign forgetting to bring it, his smile a little awkward.

But he didn't offer an explanation.

"Edgar Cook, Anson Wood's agent."

This introduction was clearly deliberate, immediately drawing Tom Hanks' attention, revealing a hint of surprise.

"This young man?"

His gaze shifted towards Anson, who was busy taking photos.

In Hollywood, the relationship between agents and artists is quite delicate.

Although from a collaborative perspective, agents are hired assistants, their responsibility for career planning and negotiation of collaborations makes the Big Five agencies extraordinarily important.

Therefore, generally speaking, an agent's self-introduction often includes their title—

William Morris Agency, Creative Artists Agency… even if they're not one of the Big Five, individual or small to medium-sized companies need to establish their reputation, hoping to enter the big shots' field of vision.

Agents are agents, actors are actors; these are two separate systems.

However, Edgar didn't do that.

And not the agency.

In one sentence, Edgar established his position.

Naturally, Tom Hanks, himself an actor, immediately noticed this, looking at Edgar with curiosity and asking, "Independent agent?"

At this point, Edgar replied, "William Morris. I apologize, I didn't anticipate such a situation, so I didn't bring a business card; it's my oversight."

Tom revealed a hint of surprise. "You got recognized without one, didn't you?" He couldn't help but glance at Edgar again, and then looked at Anson again, a hint of playfulness in his eyes, his mind filled with thoughts.

In the set, Anson was working—

He wasn't good at taking photos, and if he wanted to capture a satisfying image, he had to concentrate and couldn't be distracted.

Tired, of course he was tired, but precisely because of this, he should concentrate even more, which was the only way to finish work on time.

Therefore, Anson didn't notice the commotion outside at all.

The biggest challenge of today's shoot was that Anson couldn't leave the studio or exercise, because Anna wanted to create a fashionable autumn vibe, forcing Anson to move around within the studio and set, interacting with the camera to find his groove.

Thus,

Bruce had Anson move according to his habits, methods, and preferences, while he followed Anson's steps with the camera to explore and capture.

This was slightly different from ordinary photoshoots, making the photographer particularly… active.

"Bruce, Bruce…"

"Are you sure about this?"

"This angle? You're too close; I feel like every pore on my skin is breathing into the lens.

I don't mind appearing in the magazine like a funhouse mirror, but if the clothes aren't showing up either, isn't something a little off?"

Anson complained speechlessly.

As a result, Bruce didn't care at all, pressed the shutter, captured a moment, and watched as Anson's entire face was distorted into a mess in the glaring flash, revealing a mischievous smile in Bruce's eyes—

After working all day, the photographer would also be tired; he also needed to relax a bit.

"That's the effect I'm going for; why don't you let your pores breathe and see?"

Unexpectedly, Bruce actually retorted.

So, what about Anson?

Anson was serious and focused, not only not bursting into laughter or fighting back, but also calmly taking a deep breath, but not an ordinary breath.

Inhale, exhale.

Once again, inhale, exhale.

With the movement of his chest rising and falling, you could see Anson's cheeks and body swelling and contracting little by little with the rhythm of his breathing, creating the incredible visual effect of his whole body breathing, so much so that others were reminded of the memory and couldn't help but breathe along.

Was this normal?

Bruce: …

Looking at Anson's slightly childish response, Bruce was also stunned, but Anson was serious, his bright blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

Subconsciously, Bruce pressed the shutter—

Click.

A photo was born just like that.

Anna's eyes lit up slightly; although she hadn't seen the photo, she had a feeling that this photo should become a classic.

Pfft.

Tom couldn't help but laugh at the scene before him; he couldn't see anything fashionable or not, and he lacked some inspiration for photography, he just thought it was funny, and couldn't help but turn to Steven, "Young people these days."

But Steven didn't seem interested, a polite smile on his lips. "He's still just a kid."

Edgar: Thump.

His heart skipped a beat; if a director considered an actor a "kid," the subtext was that his image was limited.

Regardless of whether the actor was truly an adult, the point was that if his appearance and impression were that of a "kid," the roles Hollywood movies could offer the actor would be very limited.

The most typical example was Matthew Broderick, an actor born in 1962 who had a baby face.

Although he had always tried to play some mature roles, he had never been able to shake off the stereotype.

At twenty-four, he was still playing a high school student in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"; at thirty-six, he was in "Godzilla"; at thirty-seven, he was finally playing an adult role in "Election," but still a nerd.

For actresses, they hope to always stay around twenty-five, so they can play more roles; but for male actors, that's not the case.

Of course, this was just Steven's initial impression of Anson.

Edgar also believed that after getting a little more familiar, Steven should change his impression.

However, Edgar didn't like the stereotypes revealed in Steven's words, and he needed to salvage the situation.

The smile on the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Just like Tom."

Tom looked at Edgar. "Me?"

Edgar shrugged slightly. "'Grown up.' Although we should praise Tom's acting for convincing the audience to believe in the character, I think his appearance didn't hold him back either."