Chapter 354 Snatching the Female Lead
Chapter 354 Snatching the Female Lead
Ella started marketing herself as the perfect choice for the lead role of Zara Jenkins in the hit show "Encountering Divinity." She bought promotional accounts, edited her photos to look like Zara, and hired a video editor to create clips of her in iconic scenes from the show.
She even rallied a group of online supporters to spread the word: "Ella is perfect for the lead in 'Encountering Divinity,' she's practically Zara! Her look in 'The Exquisite Beauty' was so similar to Zara. We need Ella for this role!" Ella's fans eagerly joined in, praising their idol. With the help of Ella's PR team, the topic trended several times.
With the online buzz generated, Ella upped the ante. She convinced Brian to invest in "Encountering Divinity." Since Brian had made money from his previous investment in "The Exquisite Beauty," he was generous this time, offering a $20 million budget. Ella had a keen eye for profitable projects, and Brian had grown increasingly fond of her.
Ella's popularity, bolstered by her appearance on a hit reality show and her rumored relationship with Dennis, surpassed Jasmine's. The producers and director weighed their options and decided that Ella's look was more fitting for the character, while Jasmine's was more modern and fashionable. Ultimately, they chose Ella for the lead role. Although this decision might upset Jessica, she didn't have the investment to back her up. In the entertainment industry, connections are important, but money is crucial.
When Jasmine found out she was replaced, she was furious and called Ella. "Ella, why did you steal my role?"
Ella feigned innocence. "I didn't steal anything. Are you talking about 'Encountering Divinity'? My fans urged me to take the role. Besides, I didn't know it was your script. Did you sign a contract?"
Jasmine scoffed, "Don't play dumb. I know you bought all that promotion. Have you forgotten how you begged me to help you get into this industry? Now you dare to steal my role? You're playing with fire."
"Jasmine, if you want to bring up the past, let me remind you that you stole 'Sky Garden' from me. Now, I got the lead role because of my own abilities. Don't be a sore loser. I don't need your help anymore. But you, you've been marketing yourself as a star's daughter. If people find out you're actually the daughter of a mistress, how many opportunities will you have left?"
"You wouldn't dare!" Jasmine screamed. She wanted to threaten Ella to keep quiet, but Ella hung up, annoyed by the noise.
Ella smirked at the phone. Jasmine still didn't understand the situation. Ella now had connections, capital, and popularity. She didn't need Jasmine anymore. Jasmine, on the other hand, had few resources and was under pressure from the Murphy family. How could she compete for the lead role?
Jasmine, fuming in the dressing room, attracted her assistant's attention. "Jasmine, are you okay?" the assistant asked, concerned.
"Get out!" Jasmine snapped.
The assistant quickly left, closing the door behind her. Jasmine took a deep breath and realized Ella wouldn't dare expose her background. The Murphy family was a well-known jewelry business, and exposing their scandal would offend them. Many in the industry knew about her background but kept quiet to avoid trouble. Ella's threat was just a warning.
Jasmine then approached Jessica, asking for help to reclaim the role. Jessica was puzzled. "I thought you and Ella were close. We even helped her before. Why is she against you now?"
Jasmine had to admit she had taken "Sky Garden" from Ella and hadn't helped her find new roles due to her busy schedule. Ella had found her debut role on her own.
Jessica sighed. "Jasmine, that was your mistake. Ella isn't the forgiving type. This time, let it go." In truth, Jessica didn't want to invest in the show. Who knew if it would be profitable? She had her own expenses to maintain her status in the industry and didn't want to invest in a show for Jasmine's sake.
Jasmine pouted. "What should I do then? Look for another role?"
"No, there aren't any good scripts right now. Why not take the second lead in this show? The character is well-written."
Jasmine protested, "No way! I can't be Ella's sidekick. Can't you ask Dad to invest? The Murphy family is wealthy. Why am I struggling more than a rich girl from a small town?"
Jessica frowned. "Even though the investment isn't much, with that woman in charge at home, it's not easy for him to invest for you. You've lost many opportunities recently because of her interference. I think you should lay low for now and take the second lead."
In the end, Jasmine accepted the second lead role but negotiated for more screen time and equal styling to the lead. With two popular stars, the show's buzz would be high, so the director agreed.
The news of Ella and Jasmine's role dispute quickly spread. Wilmer laughed about it. "Victoria, you were right. Their sisterly bond is fake. But Ella does fit the role better, so it's no surprise she won."
Serafina added, "I saw the trending topic. Many fans think Ella is perfect. But it's probably her PR team's work."
"Definitely," Victoria said, replying to a message from Mira. Mira's show "Little Female Chef" had aired and gained some attention. Her lively and cute character had earned her some fame, and now a talent agency was interested in signing her. Mira was asking Victoria if the agency was trustworthy.
"Do you know Prosperous Media Company?" Victoria asked Wilmer.
Wilmer sat up straight. "Victoria, are you thinking of switching companies? Prosperous Media is a small agency, nowhere near as good as Starlight Entertainment. Don't trust their offers; they're just trying to lure you in."
Victoria clarified, "It's not for me. A friend from my acting class, who starred in a web series, is graduating and wants to debut. She asked if she should sign with them."