After the executive meeting, David and the Friends production team began discussing the direction for the upcoming seventh and eighth seasons.
Temporarily setting aside plot development, they reached a consensus that inviting big-name actors as guest stars was a good idea. It would generate buzz, provide interesting content, spark creativity, and open up new avenues for scriptwriting.
For example, Brad Pitt.
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt were deeply in love and expected to hold their wedding in July, after the current broadcast season concluded.
Undoubtedly, they were currently the most high-profile couple in Hollywood. If Brad was willing to make a cameo appearance, it would effortlessly create a sensation and attract immense attention.
Guest stars were indeed a viable direction.
Now, there was another opportunity here—
Anson.
To inject vitality into the series with a fresh face, and to test the waters, gauging market reaction for the production direction of the seventh and eighth seasons.
Once an idea emerged, it couldn't be stopped. He eagerly shared it with his Friends, initiating a brainstorm.
David's boldness and directness, however, slightly stunned Darren.
As a producer, Darren clearly understood the importance of guest stars.
For Sex and the City, guest stars were either handsome men and beautiful vases or cameos by big-name actors, all closely related to the plot and characters. But Friends was different; everything had to be closely related to viewership ratings.
Therefore, guest stars on Friends were often A-list Hollywood film actors, with promotion beginning as soon as the official news of their cameo was released.
Of course, there were exceptions.
For example, Maggie Wheeler.
This golden supporting actress, who had appeared in classic series like "ER," "The X-Files," "Seinfeld," and "How I Met Your Mother," was never considered A-list, or even B-list. Yet, her portrayal of Janice Litman in Friends was an exception, highly popular with audiences.
However, such situations were few and far between.
This meant that if Anson served as a guest star, the pressure of viewership and reputation might fall entirely on Anson's shoulders.
Darren had a premonition of something ominous. He always felt that David was treating Anson like a guinea pig. As a producer, his sensitivity immediately grasped the crux of the problem.
His brain was working at high speed.
But Darren also admitted that sometimes, one still needed to take risks.
Darren hesitated, "Are you sure?"
Unlike Darren, after truly voicing the inspiration in his mind, David became increasingly firm and excited. He believed it was a good idea.
"Darren, how should I describe it?"
"Golden Boy. Yes, Golden Boy."
"Anson... he possesses both explosive power and subtlety. I'm not just talking about his appearance, but his acting as well."
"He's really, really interesting. Really."
David's rapid-fire explanation left Darren quite bewildered, and his words followed suit with hesitation, "Very or not very, I'm not sure, but interesting, that part I agree with."
But... a great gift delivered to their doorstep naturally wouldn't be pushed away.
Moreover, even if this risk failed, the consequences should be borne by David, and as for Anson, Darren himself would naturally help cover for him.
Thinking of this, Darren also calmed down, "You're planning to pair him with Jennifer? Have you asked Jennifer for her opinion?"
David laughed heartily, "You're worried because you care. What, are you starting to worry?"
At this point, Darren had regained his composure, "Haha, what do I have to worry about? I believe Anson will definitely receive preferential treatment, right, my dear David Crane?"
A pause, then a change of subject, "Look, that kid is honest. He doesn't even have an agent yet. How about we discuss his compensation?"
"This season, your budget for guest stars has barely been used, right?"
Bang.
Anson casually closed the office door, and with a turn, he could see Frank standing dumbfounded and utterly surprised in front of the desk.
Frank's eyes widened, looking at Anson, then at the office, his gaze shifting back and forth between Anson and the office several times.
For a moment, his brain couldn't process it.
Finally, his gaze involuntarily fell back on the man.
Generally speaking, during a face-to-face conversation, one's gaze would look at the other person's face as a sign of politeness, but it was usually a general view, not a direct stare.
But Frank wasn't sure what was happening. He looked up at the other person, and inadvertently, his gaze fell into those clear blue eyes again.
Then, the still-fresh memories from the restroom flooded in.
His mind was a mess.
His first reaction was: this man just barged into David's office. Oh no, oh no, he might be fired on the spot. David's wrath was absolutely something no one could easily bear. He just went to the restroom for a moment. When did this man barge in?
Wait, wrath...?
Why was it so quiet in the office? David wasn't angry?
Uncharacteristically, Frank's gossipy instincts quickly made a connection, and an absurd thought popped into his head: so, this man in front of him was the parachute who came for the audition?
...Anson Wood?" Frank's mind was a tangled mess, and a name just blurted out.
As soon as the sound escaped, Frank silently prayed: No, no, no, he'd better deny it.
However—
"Yes, I am Anson."
Frank's heart plummeted in free fall, yet trembled slightly for a moment due to the deep voice.
"Sorry, while waiting here just now, Mr. Crane called me in, so I just went straight in. I hope it doesn't affect your work."
Anson placed his finger on his lips, making a "shush" gesture, and said in a low voice, "Mr. Crane is taking an important call inside."
Frank instantly stopped breathing, unable to distinguish between excitement and nervousness for a moment. He watched, wide-eyed, as Anson smiled and waved, then walked away. He felt a roar in his brain, and chaotic thoughts erupted like firecrackers, crackling and bursting.
He blinked, and with great difficulty, regained his senses. Only then did he finally remember his gossip in the restroom. How much did Anson hear?
So this was what it felt like to be caught badmouthing someone behind their back.
Oh no, oh no.
Wait, who exactly was this guy?
Subconsciously, Frank went to the window, pushed aside the blinds, and furtively looked towards the parking lot, craning his neck to search for Anson's figure. He couldn't help but bite his nails and shake his leg frantically. His wildly thumping heart made him uncontrollably fall into a state of anxiety.
After waiting for a moment, those long legs appeared in the sunlight, his slender figure casting a long shadow on the ground, tall and upright.
Anson seemed a bit hesitant, as if he had forgotten where he parked his car. He looked at the pile of Fords, Volkswagens, and Chevrolets in the parking lot, somewhat unsure which direction his gaze should search.
Then, Anson pulled out his car keys and pressed the alarm to unlock it.
Beep beep.
The sound echoed in the parking lot.
Frank's heart contracted sharply, as if possessed. He followed the sound, and his brain immediately crashed. His soul seemed to leave his body, all thoughts vanished, leaving only a roar.
Anson was the same.
Looking at the two silver-gray, streamlined Aston Martins in front of him—
Excuse me, who drives an Aston Martin to audition for a cameo role?
Alright, I guess I'll just drive this for now.