C. Lou Le Sexec leaned back and took a sip of brandy. “So,” he said. “We’re going to need actors for this new Sword of Vengeance show, I guess.”

“Yes, unfortunately the CGI actor program developed some glitches,” Bill from Marketing commented regretfully. “On the other hand we sold the story to New Line Cinema for a nice bit of change.”

“We need a leading man who can spearhead a proactive leadership appropriate for a change agent,” Susanne added. “Someone who can implement best practice team building.”

“From a Marketing standpoint it would be best if we can get someone with popular name recognition,” Bill from Marketing said. “As that would guarantee a minimum audience draw.”

“How about Keanu Reeves?” Lou suggested. “I think he’s a great actor, way overdue for an Oscar.”

“Unfortunately he’s committed to his motion picture career, and I don’t think the budget could cover his salary demands in any case,” Susanne replied.

“Aston Kutcher has a proven record on television,” Bill from Marketting suggested. “Perhaps him for the role of, um,” he checked the precis. “William Wallace?”

“I think he’s doing a project for MTV.”

“What about Patrick Stewart or Sean Connery for King?” Susanne offered. Lou grimaced.

“Both have sworn never to do television again,” he said.

“Brad Pitt would be good for Wallace,” Bill from Marketing stated. Lou shook his head.

“No, he’s too gay. I’d like Vin Diesel, but he’s doing XXX the Series.” Lou thought aloud. “I wonder if we can get Rosario Dawson or Cameron Diaz for Princess Maria. That role will need a Hispanic actress.”

“I think you mean Roxanne Dawson,” Bill from Marketing told him.

“Close enough. I’d like to cast Armin Shimmerman or Jon Stewart for the role of the German Chancellor. I was thinking we could call him Heinrich.”

“Stewart is signed for another project. Armin might be available.”

“Maybe Ben Afflick, Matt Damon, or Tom Cruise could be Wallace,” Susanne finally commented. “For a future-proof business silo.” Lou rubbed his forehead.

“Denzel Washington would be good for the role of black gay sidekick.”

“No, no.” Lou shook his head. “Let’s be realistic, we need to keep costs down.”

“True. Is Gary Coleman available? He’s cheap.”

“He’d be good, I agree. Unfortunately he’s already committed to the series Pint Sized PI on UPN. I think we’re going to have to cast unknown actors. We can pay them minimum wage.”

“That would be lean and mean,” Susanne concurred.

“I’ll send a list of actors and actresses over to Angela for the Lazy Dog people to audition,” Lou finally concluded. He pressed the intercom button. “Clara, assemble the latest headshots and resumes, so I can send them to the Lazy Dog people.”

“Yes, of course, but my name is Tim, sir.”