Chapter 43: An Unexpected Path

Old Gary took a sip of wine, moistened his throat, and continued: "What I just described applies to movies. TV shows and radio dramas are even simpler—you might think their production volume is larger, but their circles are smaller."

"Usually, all actors, including extras, are handled by a few major talent agencies or production companies behind the lead actors. Trying to find TV work through union postings is basically impossible."

"But you could try registering with some large talent agencies—they have staff specifically assigned to handle extras. There's always a chance you'll get a shot at a few seconds on camera."

"There are agents like that?" Henry asked curiously.

Old Gary explained: "It's usually not the job of any specific agent, but rather something new hires do when they're free—whichever one has time takes it."

"Of course, these actors are still listed under a particular agent's name, because directors often have specific requirements tied to their film scenes."

"For example, they might need actors within a certain age range, male or female, a specific height, slim or fat, certain hair color, certain ethnicity. If I need a group of extra soldiers, I can't just pick actors so weak they'd fall over in a breeze."

"When these requirements come in, the agency screens its own roster for suitable actors. That's when you might get a chance to slip into a big production."

"But usually it's just those background roles with no lines. Roles with lines, even minor ones, are fiercely contested. Your attitude toward just mixing in won't get you far."

"Doesn't matter." Henry relaxed, drank more, and smacked his lips a few times.

Suddenly, Old Gary put on a mysterious expression and lowered his voice: "Let me ask you—are you one of those people with special abilities?"

"Special abilities?" Henry paused, not immediately catching on, then thought of a possibility and asked: "You mean mutants?"

"I don't know the exact term, but it's probably what you're talking about. Are you one?"

"I'm not." I really am not a mutant—I'm an alien. No lie, I'm being honest.

Seeing Old Gary's secretive demeanor, Henry asked: "Does being a mutant matter? Is there discrimination in Hollywood?"

Old Gary returned to his normal tone and shook his head: "It's not discrimination. It's that if you have useful special abilities, you'll be more welcome."

"Some mutants look bizarre and can only play monsters in fantasy films. But if their abilities are practical, they might get endless behind-the-scenes work."

"For instance, I know a master sculptor in Hollywood whose ability lets him mold wood like clay. The bigger the production's prop team, the more they welcome him."

"Because when directors demand last-minute adjustments to props, others spend hours struggling—he fixes it in seconds. If you were a producer, who would you hire?"

Henry widened his eyes in shock: "Aren't other people worried their jobs will be taken over by these mutants?"

"Ha, it's not that easy," Old Gary said, seeing Henry's incredulous expression, and elaborated: "From what I know, finding someone with exactly the same ability—or even a similar one—is extremely difficult."

"Just one or two people can't monopolize an entire category of Hollywood work. Besides, this is the world's Hollywood—actors need box-office appeal, or they're nothing."

"For behind-the-scenes staff, it's all about work ability. If someone can't deliver value for money in a producer's eyes, or can't meet a director's demands, they have no value."

"Conversely, if you save the producer money and help the director get the shot he wants, you don't have to be a mutant—even an alien would be hired at a high salary."

Hmm, how did casual chat turn to me? How could a Kryptonian's abilities work in Hollywood? Henry pondered.

But this made Henry notice something unusual: the world's acceptance of mutants was surprisingly high.

After all, while mutants existed here, and organizations like the X-Men and the Brotherhood of Mutants were public, their actions hadn't targeted ordinary people—they mostly fought among themselves.

More importantly, mainstream media hadn't started selling mutant anxiety. The government hadn't enacted discriminatory laws leaving mutants universally hated and with nowhere to hide.

Whether this was simply because the world was more enlightened—or for some other reason—remained unknown.

Not noticing Henry's thoughts—or perhaps needing only a short time to think—Old Gary continued: "If you don't have any special abilities, then it comes down to how bold you are, and whether you have any unique skills."

"Acting requires boldness? Oh, you mean stunt performers or doubles," Henry realized.

Old Gary explained: "Exactly. That's another path—a behind-the-scenes actor who gets on camera. Not just car chases or explosions, but getting punched to the ground, smashing through glass, jumping off buildings—all of that falls under their work."

"It's dangerous, but the pay is high. Though the stunt performer circle is smaller than the general actor circle, demand is substantial. So if you're willing to do those shots, work won't be lacking."

This could be a direction for a Kryptonian, Henry thought.

After all, he couldn't be broken or killed. But… wouldn't too obvious mistakes expose his abilities?

Especially if they wanted close-ups of his face twisted by a punch—that would be nearly impossible. The actor throwing the punch would likely fracture his own hand. Unless they used fake punches.

Being blown away by wires or falling from heights—those shots could be filmed.

In other words, if he wanted to become a stunt performer, he'd have to selectively expose his abilities.

At least his steel body couldn't be hidden—it would eventually be revealed. Otherwise, he'd struggle to explain to directors what he could and couldn't do. Any actor who tried to go full real on him? That'd be a real kick to the iron plate.

Henry asked: "Are there agents or agencies that specialize in stunt performers?"

Old Gary said: "No such agencies exist. If you want this path, you mostly rely on connections. Build a reputation, and directors needing you will come to you—or your agent will know how to promote you."

"Otherwise, you can only list your skills on your union registration form—mention what techniques you have, whether you can handle action scenes, whether you're willing to be a double—and then find opportunities yourself."

Unaware, several cans of beer had been consumed. As a Kryptonian who couldn't get drunk, Henry had learned things about his future on this Christmas night—but he felt even more confused.

New book signed! Seeking follows, collections, and recommendations—thank you~~



(End of Chapter)