Look, the feedback is always good, Cass.
You know that.
- I could understand if they were re casting me
because I was too tall or they wanted a name.
But I'm not black enough?
I don't even know what that means.
You need to tell those motherfuckers to go fuck themselves
or I'm going to get all ghetto up in their asses.
- I did, trust me.
- Mama bear doesn't play.
- Though my version was more like
thank you for the opportunity
and we hope you'll bring her in on the next one.
In this climate, you don't piss anyone off.
- Did you see who they replaced me with?
I mean, she's on a reality show.
She's not even an actress.
- She has like 2 million followers on social media.
It's hard to compete with that.
- Yeah, I'm really tired
of hearing about social media numbers, followers.
It's bullshit.
- It's the world we live in, Cassie.
You should work on getting your numbers up.
Maybe straighten your hair, drop 10 pounds.
- Get some new head shots.
- I have a closet full of old, new head shots.
I'm not doing that anymore.
- I get it.
- Word.
- And Cass, what's this thing we heard
about you punching Derek Abrams?
Tell me it was just a rumor.
- I wasn't on official business.
It was personal business.
- Still word gets around and he's a pretty popular director.
- Other directors won't want to work
with an actor who might punch them in the throat.
Not a good career move, Cass.
- So Lindsay Lohan can get away
with throwing stuff at people
but I can't punch my ex-husband?
- When was the last time you saw her in anything?
- He's my ex-husband and he's a prick.
He had no right to be there.
- He said it was in a casting office.
- It was, he crashed my session.
I didn't ask him to be there.
He just showed up.
Trying to be all buddy, buddy, with me.
- Your session?
For what?
- I'm working a little side thing for myself.
- Oh, word.
We have a client who just sold a show to Netflix
based on a web series she was doing out of her apartment
in Korea town for God's sakes.
- Oh, that's not a knock on Korea town.
- No, of course not.
It's the changing landscape.
It's smart to change with it.
Create your own content.
- As long as we get our commission.
- Word.
- Step 1 in joining the sisterhood is embracing the wig.
- I don't understand what's wrong with natural hair.
- Nothing.
It just leaves you more time for other stuff.
Instead of going to the salon for hours
or sitting in front of a mirror with a flat iron,
you just pop on a Monique, throw on some hoops
and head out the door.
- Monique?
- Yes.
They all have names.
Monique, Shakira, Latoya.
- Let me have the Latoya.
Maybe they're right.
Maybe if I'm perceived as more black
I'd increased my booking ratio.
- Okay.
That.
- What?
- Increase my booking ratio?
- Right.
- Nah, bitch, what you need to say is
I get more motherfucking jobs.
- That's what I said.
- Sure.
If you were the queen of England or some shit.
Now come on.
Less queen of England and more queen of Wakanda.
Try it.
- Try what?
I'd get more motherfucking jobs.
- I'd get more motherfucking jobs.
- Sit your 5 dollar ass down before I make change.
- I don't want to get to the Gates and Jesus be like
turn your ass around, Nigga.
- Ooh, yeah, no.
- It's about fitting in.
You're an actor.
When they need you to be a certain type of black,
you know what they want.
Give it to them.
- I just don't like them saying that I'm not black.
I mean there are different types of black.
I am black.
I'm very proud to be black.
I can't get any blacker.
- Sure you can.
Try Shakira.
Look, it's like me at the club, okay?
Valentina is a character.
She's sexed up.
She's on the proud.
She thinks that every motherfucker in there
is hotter than hot.
Honestly, it's helping me with my acting
because you should see some of those fugly motherfuckers.
- Yeah, I don't know how you do it.
I have seen some of those guys.
- Well, Sharice wouldn't do it.
But Valentina thinks that even the creepy guy,
who looks like he has bodies buried in his basement
is fine as shit.
- I still think you could do better.
No shade.
- I know.
I know you and my daddy.
He's always asking me where he went wrong.
That he gave me the best of everything
but I just want to make it on my own.
- I don't know.
I don't think any of these wigs are making me more Cardi B.
- You know what?
You should come to acting class with me and Holly.
- Oh, why?
- Her acting teacher is off the chain.
And if there's any one that can bring out
that inner black girl, it would be her.
- Sure.
Why not?
I'm down with that bitch.
- African-American Western?
Female-driven.
That's different.
Big idea.
- Hey.
Sorry to bother you.
I was wondering, have you heard anything about this Western
going around, the female-driven?
- African-American Western?
Of course I have.
- Yeah.
You know I was thinking it might be a good piece
for Centaurus.
- There's no audience for that.
- Well, it's what they said about Black Panther.
Look what happened there.
- Who?
Who said that about Black Panther?
- You sir.
You did.
- That was a comic book movie.
So of course it did well.
This is a dated concept at best
and an unmarketable shit fest at worst.
No one in their right mind would sink money into it.
Hell even black folks won't want to see it.
- What?
Why not?
- It's a Western for Christ's sakes.
- Magnificent Seven has one of the biggest opening weekends
for a Western, ever.
- Denzel was in that.
And who is starring in this Epic?
- Three unknowns.
- It's a hard pass Anthony.
Go find me something fresh.
New.
Original.
- This movie is fresh and new and original.
- We'd have a better shot with Amistad 2.
Hey, that's not bad.
- Okay.
Leave me here.
- What are you crazy?
- I'm no good to you like this.
I'm slowing you down.
- We're so close.
There has to be a way out of this hotel.
- You'll find it faster without me.
- Okay, thank you baby.
- But it's not, I'm not done.
- That's all we're going to have you do.
- Do you have any notes?
I could do it again.
- No, we're good.
Thank you.
- I'm just going to do it again.
- Leave me here.
- Baby, the camera isn't even rolling.
Thank you for coming in, okay?
- Are you sure there's nothing I can do to change your mind?
- Oh my God.
- Did you just basic instinct me?
- I don't know what that means.
So no.
I just really want a chance at this part.
- Okay, I've seen enough.
- Thank you so much for coming in today.
- Thank you.
Let me know if you need to see anything else.
- Mabel Singer.
- Mabel Singer, this is Willard Pugh.
I'm calling it about the movie you are casting.
I saw the casting notes.
The Western.
- Who is this again?
- This is Willard Pugh.
I am calling about the movie that you're casting.
- I'm having a hard time understanding you baby.
What's all that noise?
- Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm vibrating.
- Okay.
Now that's starting to sound a little dirty
and I'm very busy.
I'm going to end this call.
- Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Wait, look.
This is Willard Pugh, Harpo from the color purple.
- Willard?
Oh my God.
It's been ages.
What's all that vibrating shit?
- Oh girl.
I shake 20 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes at night.
My body's turned to a black African diamond.
I even got Margaret Avery shaking.
I tried to get Danny Glover, but I think he blocked me.
- Well, how are you doing my brother?
- Truly blessed and highly favored.
- What can I do for you?
- I heard about the movie you're casting.
The Western,
- Right, that.
I need you to set up a meeting
with the producers.
- Well, Willard look.
- Mabel, we've been friends a long time.
Now look, you're not going to block me too.
This is Willard Pugh.
- No, no, no.
That's not happening here.
It's just that--
- I just need you to set up a meeting, okay?
- I'll do my best, but--
- Always love your can-do attitude.
But I got to jump back on this machine
and finished my workout.
My body is a temple, but nobody comes to worship.
- Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait.
- Oh, I appreciate you Mabel.
- Shit.
Shit.
Cassie, it's Mabel.
Girl, I need you to take a meeting.
For what?
The movie, that's what for.
I know there's no movie
but just take the fucking meeting, okay?
Willard Pugh.
Yeah.
That's right.
Harpo.
The Harpo.
That's right.
Well, Oprah's sitting there.
Whoopi's sitting there, Akusoa.
And all of a sudden they said,
do you know Harpo spelled backwards is Oprah?
And that's why she named her production company
Harpo productions.
- That's amazing.
- What a career.
- I mean, what can I say?
I've been blessed to play an iconic role in an iconic movie
based on an iconic book with an iconic director
like Steven Spielberg.
But I think my next big iconic moment
is in your Western.
Now you didn't hear that from me.
Oh, well we are flattered
but we wouldn't want you to waste your valuable time.
- And considerable talent in our little silly little film.
- But I've always wanted to do a Western.
I mean, I've been in over 30 movies.
The Color Purple.
Robocop 2.
Air Force One.
CB4 with Chris rock.
I think that my name
could lend a little something something to your movie.
- You okay?
- No.
I'm fine.
- I mean this is my dream genre.
The American Western?
And I think that God has put us together.
Right here right now.
Breaking bread.
- Well, Willard I mean.
You would have to learn how to ride a horse.
- Yeah.
- And we can't really afford you.
- Ride?
Do you see this, do you see this big thing?
- Oh my God.
- State Champion, Team roping.
I have been riding since I was a kid.
Wow.
Okay.
But, we--
Stunts.
There's going to be stunts
and we can't risk you getting hurt.
- You see this, you see this?
I've had over 10 surgeries
and I never broke a bone.
Motorcycles.
Horseback riding
Old age.
My first job was Hill Street Blues.
I jumped through a plate glass window, backwards.
I kicked the police's aspirin.
I don't think there's nothing you guys can throw at me
that I can handle.
- Oh.
- Your movie doesn't scare me.
We appreciate that.
But there is the issue of money.
- Money.
- We could never afford a star like you.
Never.
- Well, now you're a hundred percent right about that.
You could not afford me.
I mean, I've worked with guys like Spielberg, West Craven,
Herbert Kirschman.
- We totally understand.
- It was a pleasure meeting you.
- Check please.
- Wait, wait.
Now, I mean.
If I do this movie I'm not doing it for the money.
I'm doing it because how often does an actor
get an opportunity to live out his fantasy?
Live out the dream he's had since he was a kid
back in Memphis, Tennessee.
And I think everybody's sitting at this table knows.
Hollywood is not big on new ideas.
All that bullshit about black movies don't sell overseas.
Black actors can't work overseas.
I just got fan mail from Germany.
I am tired of playing old police chiefs,
drug addicts, drug dealers, security guards.
Look, let me tell you something.
I don't know how much time I got left on this planet
but I can tell you one thing.
I'm going to do everything I can to be in your movie.
And let's face it.
It won't hurt to have Harpo on your poster.
- We hear you Willard.
Trust us, we do.
We play crack whores, nurses and token best friends.
And I mean, this is all about
getting to the next level.
Getting, getting some notice.
So we hear you.
- We do.
- But the truth is,
this is one big--
- Oh my God, it's Harpo.
OMG, OMG.
I can not believe this.
I'm sorry I'm disturbing.
I'm being so rude.
I just want to know, can I get one picture?
- What's your name?
- My name is Barbara.
B-A-R B-A-R-A.
And does anybody have a Sharpie?
You can sign my boob.
My husband does not mind.
I still got a little bit Stevie Wonder left on my ass cheek.
I can have just one.
One more.
Chin down.
Let me get some video.
I love Harpo.
God knows I do.
- Okay.
- Oh, you are.
I cannot resist.
- Oh, no.
- Okay, okay.
Barbara, Barbara.
That's it, that's enough.
Sorry to bother you.
- Girl, child aren't safe in a family of men.
- Oh God, leave that man alone.
Me and the baby be waiting.
It's going to rain on your head.
- So what were you saying?
- You know what?
I think we should just enjoy our evening.
I agree.
- Cheers.
Cheers
- Come on, cheers.
- Girl, why would you tell him?
- But I didn't say that I told him.
I said, I wanted to tell him.
- You need to just relax, girl.
Everything is going to be just fine.
You need to just chill out.
Projects come and go every single day.
And when the time is right
this project's going to go away too.
But by then, you'll be on the map.
Which was the whole point, anyway.
- He's such a sweet man.
I hate lying to him.
- This plan wasn't to work without lying, Cass.
To everyone.
So you're going to have to just suck it up and grow a pair.
- I guess.
Well, it's working too.
People are talking.
And that's what we wanted.
All you bitches got more followers.
Your IMDb numbers are way up.
Which means people in the business are checking in you out.
So, hang tight.
- Okay.
Thank you.
I needed that.
- I'm gonna whoop your ass if you don't stop complaining.
What are you all up to today?
- Meeting the girls at an acting class, keeping busy.
- That's good.
You need to stay busy.
- I'll talk to you later.
- All right, girl.
Bye, bye.
What kind of devil motherfucker invented salad?
Gabby, order us up some Chinese.
- This is going to be fun.
- It's been a while since I've been in an acting class.
- Mrs McAllister is awesome.
She knows her shit.
- All right, everyone.
Let's get this party started.
All right, business first.
I see some new faces here.
Hands?
Splendid.
Can you please stand
and tell us a little bit about yourself.
- Hi, I'm Cassie Robbins.
I've been acting professionally for 10, 15 years.
Stage, film, TV.
- Stop.
I don't believe you.
- Oh, I'm sorry.
- Where's the conviction?
- I'm just giving my name.
- Focus on the pursuit.
- I'm Cassie Robbins.
- Liar.
- I'm Cassie Robbins.
- I am Cassie Robbins.
Feel the difference, class?
Again Miss Robbins.
- I'm Cassie Robbins.
- Again.
- I'm Cassie Robbins.
- You're a fraud.
- Am I missing something here?
- Meisner, Stanislavsky, Strasbourg.
Are you saying Miss Robbins that
they don't know what they're talking about?
That perhaps, you know better?
- No. I'm just telling you my name.
- Truthful acting.
Emotional memory.
Experiential recall.
Act before you think Ms. Robbins
and think before you act.
That is how Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson
and Gary Oldman achieved greatness.
And that is what I'm here to teach you all.
- Out of curiosity.
I couldn't help, but notice
that there were no people of color on that list.
- What are you insinuating?
- I'm just focusing on the pursuit.
- Why are you here Miss Robbins?
- Well, I'm in between gigs
and I thought it'd be good to exercise the muscle, you know?
- She just lost a part on a show.
Tell her why.
- Yes, please.
Share.
- Oh, I booked a series.
Recurring.
And they recast me because--
- They did not feel
that you were truly representative of black culture.
- Well, yeah, they thought I wasn't black enough.
So yes.
- I'm working on that, Miss M.
- I saw it as soon as you walked in.
Despite the natural fro.
The thick donk.
You must strive to find the blackness within.
- See that is the problem.
- I assure you that we will introduce Cassie
to her black sister,
afraid to breach the confines of her soul,
afraid to break free of the shackles
that enslaved your ancestors so that you may stand here
before us now.
Sit.
And what else?
- Is this lady for real?
- Right?
She's awesome.
- Other new comers?
Wonderful.
Please stand.
- I'm Blair B Jackson, the third.
And I'm a motherfucking actor.
- Oh my God.
I got from that such torment.
Such self loathing.
Your inner child screaming from the depths Mama.
Why don't you love me Mama?
I am the flesh of your flesh.
And you are all that I have since big daddy done left.
Truly beautiful.
So why are you have Blair B Jackson?
- The third.
- So I, this, I had an audition this week
and didn't go so good.
- We've all had auditions that didn't go so well.
Have we not?
What was it?
Nerves?
Were you not prepared?
Share.
- This is what happened.
The character was supposed to pull a gun.
I'm a method actor and look, I'm committed.
So what I did is I just brought a real gun
and they just saw, they all freaked out.
- Hold on.
Were you auditioning for Mabel Singer?
- Nah, it was a homie named Jojo.
- I mean the casting director Mabel singer.
- Oh yeah.
Yeah.
- I heard about that.
- Mr. Jackson, you brought a real gun.
- Look I told you I'm a method actor, on mine.
So I told you I am committed.
Okay?
- Mr. Jackson, being a method actor is experiential.
Not representative.
You can experience your character
without bringing a real gun.
- That method meant like method to my madness, some shit.
You know, my bad.
That's on me.
I'll take that.
- Fascinating.
Sit.
While I applaud your commitment to your craft, Mr. Jackson,
I must admit it was not a wise decision.
I mean, can you imagine what might've happened
if the gun was loaded?
- Oh, the upper gun was loaded
but I didn't know it was loaded, but it was loaded.
- Well, at least we can be thankful
that it did not discharge.
- Oh it popped.
Yeah it went off.
Oh dear.
Is it safe to say that no one sustained an injury?
- No one got shot.
- Thank God.
Thank you Mr. Jackson.
- But I mean, my agent, she dropped me
and security escorted me out
and I can't audition for her no more.
So I just pretty much been blackballed
throughout the industry.
So that's why I'm here.
Let's get it in.
- Thank you, Mr. Jackson.
I applaud your bravery in recounting your journey
but this actually, ladies and gentlemen
is a very good object lesson.
All it takes is one misstep, one lapse in judgment
and it can ruin your career.
Unless you're Mel Gibson, Jussie Smollett, Woody Allen.
Of course Hollywood has not been so kind
or forgiving to Mr. Weinstein.
But I suppose jerking off into a potted plant
crosses a line of decency that's irreversible.
But maybe he too someday will be exonerated.
But for you, the unknown, the unproven.
You must always conduct yourselves
in the most proper manner.
For this business has no use for you
if you step out of line.
So keep your noses clean.
Avoid scandals at all costs.
And for God sakes, never drop a load into a potted plant.
Or at least don't get caught.