Page 8 of Off Script
The romantic comedy that Studio 67 had originally slated for release this holiday season has been shelved indefinitely after the male lead was arrested and jailed on several drug charges last month, leaving the studio to clean up his PR mess and scrambling to plug the hole in their holiday line-up. Capitalizing on my current title of Sexiest Person of the Year, the head of the studio decided that the best alternative would be to move up the release date of my latest romantic comedy,Truly, Madly, Deeply, from spring of next year to this December.
As in, nine weeks away.
In and of itself, it might not be that big of an issue except that I already have another movie opening in December.Captain Commander, a superhero action movie, is projected to betheblockbuster of the year, so Studio 67 has put together a lengthy, worldwide publicity tour to promote it.
There’s a shit ton of planning that goes into film marketing, so it’s been an arduous process to incorporate publicity forTruly, Madly, Deeplyinto my already chaotic December schedule. Yesterday I flew to Seattle with myTruly, Madly, Deeplyco-star for a photo shoot forthe movie posters. I only arrived back in town an hour ago and had to head straight to dinner from the airport. Unfortunately, I expect that this will be my life for the next two months, hopping from one commitment to the next.
Tonight’s dinner meeting with my agent, my publicist, and several studio executives is to finalize my itinerary and hammer out any last-minute adjustments. As the details are ironed out and logistics discussed, I pick at my salad, before placing my fork on the plate and pushing it away. A waiter comes around to our table, silently clearing our salad and appetizer plates a moment before our entrees are delivered.
“Ben, earth to Ben,” Jada Fischer, my agent chastises, snapping her fingers. “There’s too much at stake for you to zone out now.”
Jada is a hard-nosed, middle-aged woman with a crown of closely cropped brown hair. She looks like she should be running an elementary school PTA bake sale instead of heading one of LA’s talent agencies. Now that I’m considered an A-list actor, I could easily move to one of the larger agencies, but Jada took a chance on me when I was a young, unknown kid and I’ve rewarded her faith in me by remaining loyal to her.
“Apologies. This all feels so surreal,” I explain, a tense smile stretched across my face.
I’m not lying, it does, but it only explains part of the reason why I’m preoccupied tonight. Unbidden, my mind keeps straying from the business conversation to an entirely different conversation that I had today. One with a total stranger.
As the evening winds down, the other members of my entourage partake in tumblers of bourbon or glasses of port. I drum my fingers across the tablecloth waiting for the moment when I can politelybreak away. Thinking about my busy upcoming travel schedule has me craving the comforts of home.
But my hopes are dashed by my publicist, Becky. “Ben, it’s important for your face to be in the press right now. Each time you’re in the tabloids, it creates buzz and generates publicity for your films." At this point in my career, I'm well-versed in this concept, but Becky reiterates it before every movie release. "So, I’ve tipped the paparazzi off that you’ll be out tonight with friends.” She eyes me speculatively before continuing, “Or with a woman.”
This isn’t the first time that Becky’s nudged me to date, but I quit dating after my last relationship blew up in spectacular fashion. Like the Exxon Valdez, it took the efforts of many well-trained professionals and a lot of money to clean up that spill.
“Are you seeing anyone?” Marshall, one of the studio execs, asks with a raised eyebrow. “If so, we need to know and plan accordingly.”
The line between an actor’s personal and professional lives blurs easily given the public’s parasocial fascination with celebrities. With the advent of the Internet and social media, people now expect unfettered access to their favorite stars. It’s commonplace for fame and fortune to come at the price of privacy, and most stars willingly make that sacrifice to stay relevant. While I’m contractually obligated to do press for my movies, shining the spotlight on my private life isn’t my style. I try to keep my private life as private as possible.
Dodging his question, I reply, “It’ll just be me and the guys tonight.”
“You gay? Bi?” Marshall prods. “No judgment. The studio just needs to be strategic about that sort of thing.”
I used to be outraged when these intrusive questions were lobbed my way, but I’m used to them now. Stoically, I reply, “No. I'm just not lookingfor anything serious. About all I have time for is the occasional one-night stand."
"That's not what you said during your interview withPersonality Magazine."
I hum noncommittedly. "Little white lies are necessary from time to time."
And lies are easier to tell than the truth. Because the truth is that I keep my heart locked down tighter than Fort Knox.
"Got it. But be careful." Marshall pauses, leaning forward, his face solemn. “You know the sayingthere’s no such thing as bad publicity? That concept is outdated in today's cancel culture. You’ve got to stay on the straight and narrow until after both publicity tours wrap. Any misbehavior on your part could threaten the success of our films. Especially with a romantic comedy coming out, we need you to portray the wholesome, good guy image, and participating in flagrant one-night stands won't accomplish that.”
“Understood.”
Marshall is well within his rights as a studio representative to remind me of the potential consequences if the media unearthed something negative about me now, when the success of two movies hinges, at least partially, on my popularity and reputation.
The American public loves a scandal. Countless celebrities have been involved in them, some of which have had lasting implications on the success of their projects and careers. One mistake, big or small, public or private, can make or break a career in Hollywood. Now is not the time for me to get careless in my personal life.
Nodding her agreement, Becky chimes in, "No public hook ups. No drunkenness. Definitely no drugs. Nothing that could reflect poorly on you, Ben."
Withholding a sigh, I verbally agree and then extricate myself. “If I’m going out tonight, I better be on my way. Thanks everyone.” I knock my fist on the table and rise from the table.
After spending the last few hours hanging out with my buddies, Jordan and Trevor, and playing my part as the fun-loving, but well-behaved, movie star, I head home when the bars close.
Throughout the evening of bar hopping and playing cat and mouse with the paparazzi, my thoughts wandered back to Carlisle more times than I could count. Our conversation was only a few minutes in length, yet it made an indelible impression on me.
There's something different about her. Something alluring. Her candor was refreshing. In a city full of make-believe and fairy tales, my conversation with Carlisle represented something real. Genuine and authentic.
Fuck, when was the last time I had a conversation with a woman that was real?Where she spoke her mind and didn't just say what she thought I wanted to hear.
