THE MOMENT
"Yes, typecasting is an issue," the actor lich answered earnestly. "It's always dark lord this or skeletal minion that. It's a living, sure, but after a while, it just gets old. Heck, by now, I wouldn't even refuse a comic relief role, you know?" Bernard preferred to think of himself as an actor that just happened to be a lich, instead of the other way around. He'd long forgotten his original name, insisting on being addressed by his stage name. The memory struck him with amusement at that particular moment; it was interesting how things had changed over the centuries.
He was 'Bernard the Actor Lich' interviewing a new manager that happened to be A.I. He sat in front of a screen conversing with Helios, an animated mannequin in a red suit, and he couldn't help but marvel at how things had progressed. It was rather amazing in and of itself that he had a career at all; but, he had fans too. He had star power he could negotiate with and he commanded more respect than an average person. He was living a relatively easy, lavish lifestyle and it had nothing to do with his dark magics. The best part was, barring the typecast roles, he was creatively fulfilled. In his youth, he sought and mastered void magic as a means of expression. Falling into acting was the best thing that'd ever happened to him.
"Bernard, my friend, you've hit the jackpot. I represent the creative arm of a multiversal corporation named Sharp Development. Some actors don't mind the typecasting; but, it sounds like you're looking for something different. Either way, sign on with us and you'll have your pick of scripts to work on. If you're ever itching to do work from behind the camera, we'll be happy to accommodate that as well."
"You mean I can direct?!" Bernard sat up straighter and more attentive. He heard the word 'multiversal' and let it slide for now. And, given his learnings, he wasn't particularly surprised. He had more important things on his mind. He'd been playing it cool for the meeting up until that point; but, he'd always wanted to direct.
"Oh, absolutely," Helios replied from the screen. He had a smooth golden head with a small point that represented a nose. It'd been slightly unsettling to hear the golden figure talk when he had no mouth, or eyes to emote; but, the discomfort was forgotten upon learning about the chance to direct his own projects.
"Not right away, of course, we've still gotta work with you and see how well we get along professionally. But, do a couple of movies for us, then you can pretty much take a swing at whatever you want," he added.
"I'm interested," Bernard replied. He felt like he had to say something. Despite being a professional actor, he was having trouble hiding his excitement and he knew it. The best thing was to acknowledge it and move on. "But, I need work as soon as possible. I've discussed everything with my current agent, and we've agreed I'm free to move on if I find a better deal," he took a moment to gesture at the screen. It was mostly curiosity to see if the figure reacted, and he was surprised when it did. Helios gave a polite, curt bow to take credit when Bernard made the gesture, all without saying a word. That finally convinced him he was talking to an actual A.I. "However, if I can't find work right away, he's already got a Dark Lord job lined up for me."
"Say no more!" the mannequin replied. "I happen to have the perfect scri- wait," he interrupted himself.
"How do you feel about makeup? Maybe some prosthetics?"
"Will I still be recognizable?" Bernard asked.
"I'll be honest, buddy, it's kind of hard to say," Helios chuckled. "You're mostly skull right now, and that's going to get covered. But, believe me when I tell you, the script I'm thinking of is absolutely perfect for a man of your... undead-ness," he said.
"And it's NOT a Dark Lord?" Bernard needed to make sure.
"Not at all!" Helios replied. "It's a comedy, you said you'd take that, right?"
"Well, it was kind of a bottom-barrel remark, but okay," he nodded. It wasn't ideal, but Bernard knew he needed to make some changes. "I'll do some comedy relief."
"No way pal," Helios chuckled. "We're not going to sign a big name like you just to give you a side part; you'll be the star! Heck, we'll even throw your name in the title."
"I'm the star?!" Bernard grinned as best he could with no lips. "And it's a comedy?! Tell me more! What's it about?"
"It's an 80s style party movie," Helios said. "With a good dose of buddy comedy thrown in. You're perfect for one of the three leads, the stiff one."
"That sounds delightful!" Bernard replied. "Usually when I do 'stuffy' roles, I have to play it evil, but this promises to be both outside, and exactly in my wheelhouse. Assuming the dialogue is well written."
"Funny thing, your part doesn't have much dialogue. You can handle physical comedy, can't you?"
"I'd very much like to!" Bernard was growing more and more enthusiastic. He'd already decided he was ready to sign. The movie sounded like exactly what he wanted. He was done playing the scheming, evil tyrant. He was ready to stretch his creative muscles and try on something out of his comfort zone. He felt like he was making the right move; no more undead bad guy parts for him. "Does it have a name yet? I have to know," he asked. Helios did say they were putting his name on it; but, he knew how agents worked. They made a lot of promises. Helios raised his arms and made a sweeping 'picture it' gesture with his hands.
"Weekend at Bernard's."