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A dryly humorous insider's look at the all-too-earnest, frequently raucous, often disillusioning lives of several young actors trying to make a living — and make it big — in Hollywood.
“Hollywood. From the bottom up.”
2005
Several young actors who participate in actor Goddard Fulton's method workshop are seen on-stage, at home and on the job trail. Jennifer Hall is a wholesome Midwesterner whose naivety is apparent when she gets a gig as a stand-in on George Lopez--and actually tries to act. Krista Allen is a single mom who's looking for serious roles after years of playing the sex kitten. Bryan Greenberg is a green, but fearless young man who's had some success getting TV auditions, despite a mostly fictitious resume. On the set of ER, a promising chat with Noah Wyle goes to waste when Bryan offends another longtime cast member.
Jennifer's spirits are buoyed when a top talent agent tells her she's "special," though it's not immediately apparent why. Bryan gets bikered up for a cowboy audition (to the producer's amusement), then gets wrapped up on the set of Life With Bonnie. Meanwhile, Krista learns--after an unexpected audition--that she's transferred her acting gene to her son.
Strapped for cash, Jennifer ponders selling her eggs and even quitting class, but Goddard bails her out by offering her a job. Bryan gets busted by a casting agent, bombs in a poker game and bonds with Krista's son Jake. Krista puts her foot in her mouth during a casting interview; Jennifer rehearses the role of Ophelia in a local production of Hamlet; and Goddard ends up alone after refusing to heed his own advice: don't mix business with pleasure.
Jennifer learns that the show must go on, even if there's only one person in the audience. Bryan puts the "Full Nelson" on pal and fellow actor Nick Paonessa to stop him from worming in on auditions. Enraged after a perceived slight against Jake, Krista misdirects her wrath in front of director Sam Mendes. Later, she finds a dearth of footage after editing out sexy scenes from her acting reel. Yes, Dear cast member Mike O'Malley helps Jennifer get her first TV speaking role, but their friendship withers after she invites him to her latest musical performance. Bryan gets some great news from the producers of One Tree Hill, and Jennifer bonds with Erik "Dragon" Weiner after the group watches her speaking debut on TV.
Proving it's never too late to sharpen your acting chops, the class welcomes "new" student Diane Baker, a veteran actress, producer...and onetime Goddard paramour. Desperate for serious work, Krista accepts a role on an indie short film--directed by a 16-year-old. Jennifer stoops to shilling as Lady Liberty for a local car wash; later, she practices dance moves with her aging grandfather at a local nursing home. Bryan's fast lane to One Tree Hill stardom hits the skids when it's revealed he's already under an exclusive contract with another network.
Bryan gets worked up about a possible role that's uncannily similar to his own background, even practicing a disability he once had to un-learn as a kid. Jennifer exacerbates an already awkward situation between Nick and her friend Pam; then lands two new roles--a new gig at the car wash and as a featured extra on a film. Krista endures an audition with a lot of buzz in her head; and Goddard cautions the class against believing too much in that one "perfect" role.
A huge break lands Bryan in New York, affecting his friendships in L.A. Jennifer struggles with some weighty issues; Krista's good looks continue to work against her; Nick lives to regret admitting he can ride bareback; Dragon gets unexpected voiceover work; and Goddard learns that when it comes to rejection, you practice what you preach.
Bryan gets an unexpected surprise while shooting in NYC. Jennifer and Dragon get sucked into a pyramid; Krista learns not to trust 16-year-old directors; and Goddard's dinner with Diane has an unexpected denouement.
With Nick visiting from L.A., Bryan has a night to remember and a morning he'd like to forget. Jennifer's attention shifts from her career to her grandmother's care; Krista's assistant Sarah picks over her boss' leftovers; and Goddard's newest flame learns not to emote in public.
Bryan returns to LA, reflecting on his adventures in NY and ready to invest in a lifestyle upgrade. Jennifer gets bad news about her grandfather; Krista brings a new date to Diane's "no-age" birthday party; and Goddard gives his latest muse some tough love and follows his own advice: "Do not give in to the need to be popular."
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Bryan Greenberg
Bryan Greenberg
Krista Allen
Krista Allen
Jennifer Hall
Jennifer Hall
Frank Langella
Goddard
