When two casted actors meet on set for a film they are starring in. Feelings quickly change throughout the duration of filming that send Aaron and Ricky spiraling through varying emotions, chemistry, lust and possibly love but when there's drama behind the scenes, can they maintain the onscreen chemistry or will it affect production? Does it end when the project is done filming?
COSTAR CHAPTER 1 - CASTING CALL
It was another audition. I had done several over the course of the last few weeks that it was starting to feel redundant. Was I cut out for a lead or supporting role? I had done my share of background roles and being an extra but there had been weeks of the projects I was interested in, deciding on going in another direction.
I always wondered what went into the decision to go in another direction. I mean for me, I was in shape, considered myself attractive, I kept up appearances and had somewhat of a following. I didn't feel past my prime having just turned 33, was still getting modeling gigs and commercial work but I was eyeing moving into something that would get me on the big screen.
This casting call was similar, starting with a brief check-in--signing forms, taking a quick headshot, and filling out basic information. The audition space was standard enough: a well-lit room with a camera, a table where the casting directors sat, and a few chairs lined up for those waiting their turn. The difference with this casting was there weren't faces I would usually see in the room. It felt like a good thing, not having the faces of whoever ended up getting casted instead of me, but it wasn't enough to release the nerves. Auditions were always nerve-wracking.
I had notes that my agent sent me about the audition, several lines that I was expected to read but not much details on the role that I was auditioning for. I should have taken this for being out of the norm, but my agent left in the notes possible offers that could come from this that had me intrigued.
The process also went different. I watched as some would enter, perform, return to the room and either be directed to leave or stick around.
Once it was my turn, I went in.
"Aaron?" one of the casting directors asked.
"Yes."
"Whenever you're ready, you can begin."
I took a moment and put my things down and stood center, preparing myself mentally for the scene that was expected of me to read. The room fell quiet and so did my mind, my expression faded, and I reached for the character that I expected they wanted from me.
"See, there was one thing I didn't expect," I paused. "I didn't expect to return and find you here. What do you want?" I asked and paused again as if there were lines meant to answer from a scene partner.
"What do you want?" I shouted. I prepared this part and went for it, pulling on my shirt and tearing the fabric, leaving strands left, hanging on me, showing off my body but to really add to the lines. "You've taken everything, what do you want the clothes off my back too? I wish you never found out that I was here--"
"Great." I was interrupted and it brought me out of the scene. "Thanks." The casting directors talked among themselves as I stood there wondering if I had messed up somewhere with the few lines I got through. I didn't comprehend that it was the end of my audition and that I should head out the room at first as I stood there, expecting to do more.
"Send in, let's see... Ricky?" they talked to staff as if I was no longer standing there. I gathered my things and replaced the rip shirt as I headed out the room. I had tunnel vision as I walked by him and back into the waiting area.
I was almost defeated.
"Aaron?" one of the staffers came to me. "They want you to stick around until they finish going through everyone."
Oh? Great to hear. I could hear the sigh of relief once she said those words.
"Great, thanks." I could feel my face light up with a smile as she walked away. I found a seat in the waiting area and contemplated every possible thing that could happen next. None of which I was expecting.
The room started to empty out with few of us being told to stick around as opposed to being asked to leave. I almost thought about what it would feel like to be in their place and come out to the room and see some of us had been asked to remain, while they were told to leave but I quickly shook the thought from my mind with the realization that I didn't have to worry about that this time. I had to take in this not feeling like the past rejections.
"For those who remain, the next part of the process will continue on set, so please make your way over to the location in the updated notes, you should have received."
This was also new but my excitement for heading to set had overtaken any thoughts on how different this process was going. It was also the thought of not being sent home that distracted me. I hadn't noticed the message waiting for me on my phone. Directions to set and details on what was expected. I followed the other actors out as we dispersed in different directions to head to set which was a short distance away.
I arrived at a larger venue and followed the directions through the large space, walking past camera crews, equipment and different set ups. The atmosphere was different--more intense, it seemed cutthroat. I watched some of the filming taking place as I continued through, almost lost but the signs led the way.
There were about 10 or so of us who auditioned who were asked to remain and directions sent us here; to what appeared to be the large green room area which was had its own set of rooms inside. Names had been displayed and it was exciting to see my own. It didn't register there were two names to each room.
The room was empty once I got inside. I took in the ambiance of the space and went to my side of the room. My focus had been on preparing my lines that I didn't realize when the other guy came in. He didn't say a word and seemed to meditate as we waited for further instructions. I thought to say something but decided to focus. When my name was called, I left the room watching him, still in his state of meditation, ignoring everything around him.
The casting panel here was larger, with more people than I was used to. I could hear the chatter as I walked into what felt like a stage. Lights were bright and shined in my face that I couldn't really make out faces.
"Aaron?"
There was a familiarity in hearing my name. I nodded ready to start as I waited for the cue. Lines were read and I followed up with the lines expected of me. I kept some of the same delivery as what I did in the previous audition but followed the direction that was in the script. It went by quick that once I was done, I went over if I had read the lines clear, did I speak loud enough, or did I read it too fast.
As I left the room, I noticed a small door at the back of the hallway that seemed to lead to another part of the building. I wasn't sure why, but something about that door piqued my curiosity. I knew I should have just gone back to the green room area, but I couldn't help but to investigate further.
Glancing around to make sure no one was watching, I slipped through the door and found myself in a narrow corridor that led to another set of rooms. These weren't the typical audition spaces--these rooms were different, quieter, more secluded. The walls were lined with soundproofing material. The area seemed to be for audio recording.
