He recalled the classic scenes from the original "In Da Club" music video, those beautiful faces moving through the crowded dance floor and VIP areas. Although they didn't have much screen time, they were an indispensable part of that lavish, seductive, and dazzling club atmosphere.
He didn't want to just pick anyone.
"Tracy," he began, "I'm sure about Hewitt. But the other one... the ones on this list all feel a bit lacking. It's not that they aren't good enough, but rather that I haven't seen the person who fits the 'moment' I have in mind."
He paused for a moment and proposed his own idea: "I have some ideas for adjustments to the MV's plot. I want to increase the interaction and details with the girls to give the scenes more of a sense of story and tension, rather than just having them as background pieces.
So, for the other actress with an important interaction, I hope she can have a... stronger, somewhat mysterious or aggressive appeal, someone who can leave an impression in just one or two shots."
He looked at Tracy: "Since Universal is so well-prepared this time, why not give this choice back to their professional team?
Tell them my requirements—I need an actress who can handle a brief but high-energy interaction, with memorable looks and temperament, preferably with a bit of 'dangerous' or 'wild' charm.
Let them provide one or two more precise options based on this direction. I'll only decide on Hewitt; for the other, I trust their casting eye."
Tracy listened carefully and nodded. She appreciated Landon's increasingly clear sense of creative leadership and his wisdom in knowing how to leverage the power of Universal Music in professional fields.
This was much wiser than choosing randomly based on vague personal preferences. "That's a very good approach. I'll relay your feedback and the confirmation of Hewitt to Jimmy's team. Let them search and reach out according to your requirements.
This way, we can ensure the Hewitt storyline starts immediately, while also securing another candidate who better fits your creative intent." She closed the folder and smiled, "Landon, are you starting to take an interest in 'directing'?"
Landon smiled and kissed Tracy, noncommittally.
He was indeed starting to enjoy the process of visualizing music, which made him feel that his control over his work was extending from the auditory to a broader dimension.
After handing the choice of the other actress back to Universal Music Group, Landon stopped dwelling on it.
Landon knew well that the soul of this MV lay in the "club king" aura he exuded and the explosive energy of the song itself; the female leads were more like the icing on the cake, as long as they met the requirements and were professional and reliable.
Rather than wasting energy on endless choices, it was better to trust Universal Music's execution.
To his surprise, Universal Music's actions were even faster and more efficient than he had anticipated.
Just one day later, Zoe informed him that the filming for the "In Da Club" MV would begin the next day.
Clearly, under the frenetic momentum of record-breaking sales, everyone at Universal Music Group was working at full throttle, striving to quickly complete the MV for the third song while the heat of "Yeah!" hadn't diminished and "Burn" was gathering momentum.
Landon couldn't help but wonder who Universal would eventually send to be the other interactive girl in such a short time.
The next day, Landon and Zoe arrived at a studio in the suburbs of Los Angeles.
Inside the studio, a massive club set with a futuristic and luxurious feel had been built: flashing neon lights, metallic high-end booths, a huge central dance floor, and even a highly realistic VIP area and bar.
The staff were busy with final lighting adjustments and equipment checks.
The director, Phillip G. Atwell, a Black director in his forties with a short beard and sharp eyes, was communicating with the director of photography.
Seeing Landon arrive, he immediately came forward warmly.
"Landon! Welcome to the 'club'!" Philip shook hands firmly with a sincere smile. "Directing the MV for this song is a fantastic opportunity for me. Thank you for your recommendation and trust."
Landon could feel Philip's sincerity and the pressure he was under.
Indeed, this MV was completely different from those for obscure new songs.
With a staggering 2.51 million copies sold in the first week and strong data in the second week, the whole industry was watching Landon's next move.
Even filming a "seemingly simple" party MV carried huge expectations and commercial value.
Universal Music was even planning a grand celebration party, waiting for the finalization of the contract upgrade negotiations with Tracy to celebrate it alongside the successful release of the MV.
For a director like Philip, who was in the rising phase of his career, this was undoubtedly a very heavy appointment, one where risks and opportunities coexisted.
"I'm glad to work with you, Philip. I've seen your work; it has a lot of style," Landon responded politely.
He had researched beforehand that Philip, as a Black director, had a unique understanding of hip-hop culture and street aesthetics and had directed several well-received hip-hop music videos.
He believed Philip could capture the unique, rugged temperament of "In Da Club."
"This song is amazing, full of energy," Philip didn't hide his admiration, lowering his voice with a prophetic tone.
"I have a feeling it will be a phenomenal hit, just like 'Yeah!'. We have to make it cool and explosive together."
After the pleasantries, Philip led Landon to a temporary lounge area. "Come, meet the two beautiful ladies who have already arrived."
The first person to catch his eye was Jennifer Love Hewitt, sitting in front of a makeup mirror chatting and laughing with a stylist.
She was wearing a sequined slip dress, her long blonde hair curly and voluminous. Hearing the noise, she turned her head, and a contagious, sweet smile immediately bloomed on her face.
Seeing Landon, her eyes clearly lit up, and she stood up to give him a cheek kiss.
"Hi, Landon! I'm Jennifer, so glad to finally meet you." Her voice was clear and pleasant, and her eyes sparkled with the kind of admiration, even idolization, found between peers.
"Your EP is amazing, I've been listening to it on loop. 'Burn' made me want to cry."
Her tone was particularly sincere.
Facing this sweetheart idol who had become famous earlier than him, had multiple records, and possessed a huge influence among teenagers thanks to movies like "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer," Landon couldn't help but feel a slight sense of accomplishment.
Once upon a time, he might have been just one of the audience members watching her work on TV.
And now, this star was looking at him with admiration and taking the initiative to be friendly.
This feeling was even more intoxicating than mere physical attraction.
"Thank you, Jennifer. I also like your movies and music; it's an honor to work together," Landon responded properly.
"I hope I won't hold you back today," Jennifer winked playfully, "Dancing isn't my strongest suit, but I've been practicing for days for this song."
Philip laughed from the side: "Don't worry, Jennifer, we'll design your part to be both beautiful and suitable for you."
Then, Philip gestured for Landon to look at the other side.
A Latina beauty with a hot figure, healthy skin tone, long dark brown hair, and bright features was holding a script, standing alone at the edge of the set to familiarize herself with the blocking.
She had a mix of tropical sun-like heat and the coolness of a city girl.
"This is Eva Longoria," Philip introduced, "She will play the other character who has a key interaction with you."
Hearing the name, Landon just felt it was a bit familiar and didn't react much.
But when Eva turned her head at the sound, flashed him a bright and generous smile, and walked a few steps closer, Landon looked at her face, and a bolt of lightning suddenly flashed through his mind—this face was so familiar!
Her dark brown eyes were bright and expressive, and the slightly angular facial lines gave her a unique charm. Her smile was extremely infectious.
Almost immediately, Landon remembered who she was: "Gabrielle Solis," the hot, smart, and vibrant character from the future global hit series "desperate housewives"!