The Deadly Director's Cut

A brilliant but ruthless film director known for psychological thrillers that blur the line between art and exploitation. Reed has a reputation for getting exactly what they want on set, no matter who gets hurt in the process. Their films have launched careers and destroyed them in equal measure. Reed's latest project is rumored to contain thinly veiled portrayals of real Hollywood figures, and many fear what secrets might be revealed.

A talented screenwriter who has spent years trying to escape Reed Herring's shadow. Once hailed as Hollywood's most promising writer, Stella's career stalled after a public dispute with Reed. She's been working on a tell-all memoir that threatens to expose the dark underbelly of the studio system and Reed's manipulative methods. Recently, she's been seen arguing with multiple people at the party.

A charming leading man whose star is beginning to fade as younger actors emerge. Victor has been the face of Starlight Studios for a decade, but rumors of difficult behavior on set have made directors hesitant to cast him. He's desperately trying to secure the lead role in Reed's next picture, but competition is fierce. Victor has a gambling problem and owes money to some very dangerous people.

An ambitious method actress known for completely transforming into her roles—sometimes too completely. Vera has a reputation for being difficult and unpredictable, but her talent is undeniable. She's been cast as the lead in Reed's new film, but there are whispers that she got the role through blackmail rather than audition. She knows secrets about several people at the party.

A powerful studio executive and producer who controls which films get made and which careers get launched. Monty has his fingers in every pie in Hollywood and isn't afraid to use his influence. He's been feuding with Reed over creative control and budget overruns. Rumor has it that Reed's latest film contains unflattering portrayals of Monty's business practices, and he's threatened legal action.

A meticulous accountant and financial advisor to the stars who knows where every dollar in Hollywood goes—and where the bodies are buried, financially speaking. Penny has discovered some creative accounting in Reed's production budgets and has been quietly investigating possible embezzlement. She's also been helping Monty find ways to shut down Reed's next project.

A visionary cinematographer and production designer whose innovative camera work and set designs have revolutionized filmmaking. Art is a perfectionist who clashes frequently with directors, including Reed. He's been nominated for multiple awards but never won, always losing to films he considers inferior. Art recently discovered that Reed has been taking credit for many of his creative innovations.

A young, up-and-coming camera operator who has been making waves with her innovative techniques. Iris idolized Art Dekko but has surpassed her mentor in many ways, creating tension between them. She's been having a secret affair with someone at the party and has been using her position to gather information for a purpose known only to her. Some suspect she's actually an investigative journalist working undercover.

A scandal-hungry gossip columnist whose column can make or break careers overnight. Max has dirt on everyone in Hollywood and isn't afraid to use it. He's been investigating Reed's latest film and has uncovered information that could destroy several careers if published. Multiple people at the party have tried to bribe or threaten him into silence. Max claims to be writing the exposé of the decade.

A savvy magazine editor and publicist who specializes in controlling narratives and managing scandals. Paige has been working overtime to contain the damage from Reed's controversial film and the rumors surrounding the production. She represents several people at the party and has been juggling conflicting interests. Paige knows that one wrong move could bring down her entire client list.

A daring stunt coordinator who has worked on every major action film in Hollywood. Cliff has a reputation for pushing safety limits and has been involved in several on-set accidents, including one that ended an actor's career. He's been fighting with Reed over safety protocols on the new film and has threatened to go public with allegations of negligence. Cliff has a drinking problem that's getting worse.

A film editor with the power to make or break a film in the cutting room. Reel has been editing Reed's films for years and knows all the director's secrets, both professional and personal. Recently, Reel discovered that footage from the new film has gone missing—footage that allegedly contains evidence of illegal activity on set. Reel has been acting paranoid and secretive, as if afraid of something or someone.

A determined studio executive climbing the corporate ladder in a male-dominated industry. Anita has been pushing for more progressive films and diverse casting, putting her at odds with the old guard. She's been secretly financing Reed's controversial project against the wishes of the studio heads. If the film fails or the scandal grows, her career is over. If it succeeds, she becomes one of the most powerful people in Hollywood.

A mysterious private investigator who specializes in Hollywood cases. Pierce was hired by someone at the party to investigate Reed's activities, but he's been playing multiple sides against each other. He has files on everyone present and has been quietly blackmailing several attendees. Pierce claims to be working on behalf of justice, but his true motives and employer remain unclear. Some suspect he has personal reasons for targeting Reed.