After two weeks of preparation, Liu Qiao Qiao was seated on one of the single seats in the minivan, on her way to the set.
She held the worn our script on her lap. She was carrying out a last-minute review of her lines. The previously fine print scripted was now wrinkled and worn with word scribbled at the sides and a few lines highlighted.
On the other single seat next to hers, Shi Xiaotong was on her sixth phone call within an hour. She had been on the phone non-stop for the past few days, running interference with the crew and the company's management team.
While Her new assistant Yi Yan was seated on the passenger seat next to the driver. Yi Yan was hired a few days ago but had quickly adapted to the dynamics of the team.
Though it wasn't her first time on the set, Liu Qiao Qiao's felt very nervous.
She had gone in two times in the two weeks. The first time she had been called in by the wardrobe team for a fitting.
The second and final time had been for her character photos. During both times the crew had been very welcoming.
"Hey, Qiao Qiao" Shi Xiaotong said tapping her arm gently.
"mm," Liu Qiao Qiao murmured looking up from the script.
"I just spoke with the assistant director, there's been a change of plans. Chang Qiu has an activity at H city in two days. To meet up with the schedule, a few of her scenes have been moved forward, Including yours.
"Li Na's sudden leave extended the Filming schedule, which is why this is happening. It can't be helped, we just have to bear with it.
"Since the news was so suddenly, the Director has given you thirty minutes extra, to go through the script before filming"
"alright"
"Uncle Dong please increase the speed. We are almost running late" Shi Xiaotong said seating forward.
"okay Miss Shi," the driver said nodding at her through the rare view mirror.
Ten minutes later they arrived at the set. Liu Qiao Qiao got down from the minivan together with Shi Xiaotong and Yi Yan.
Liu Qiao Qiao headed over to the wardrobe with Yi Yan, to change into her custom. While Shi Xiaotong went off to meet with Director Zhu.
After getting dressed Liu Qiao Qiao walked into the studio and sat on a stool next to the assistant director. A scene was currently being filmed involving the two main leads Yao Delun and Chang Qiu.
The two were very talented actors with a few awards under their belt. She was so amazed at how relaxed, they were with their roles.
Their chemistry was off the charts. They brought their characters to life. She observed their scenes, taking a few pointers from their performance to incorporate into hers.
The scene was over in just one take. Chang Qiu's manager ran over and draped a coat over her shoulder. While Yao Delun walked over to discuss his next scene with director Zhu.
Soon it was time for Liu Qiao Qiao's first scene. Her first scene was with the Yao Delun.
Yao Delun had just gone in to change while Liu Qiao Qiao stood next to the Director going over the scene.
At the side, Chang Qiu sat on a seat memorizing her lines while her assistant held a mechanical hand fan to her face. She had been seated for some time and was feeling a little stiff. she brought her hands up and flexed her neck gently.
"Huh, Sister Xie this is....." Chang Qiu said to her manager of over a decade, looking straight at Liu Qiao Qiao.
"oh, that's Liu Qiao Qiao. Li Na's replacement, she just joined the cast today"
"Liu Qiao Qiao, that sounds familiar. Where have I heard that name before"
"She was a former Idol, Her group was really popular back then. I think they were called pretty girls"
"Yes, that's where I heard that name. They performed at an award ceremony. They were pretty good"
"yes, they were. Too bad they got disbanded and right when they were starting to get more popular"
"That's no surprising sister Lin. It is quite common with idols. Since she got cast as Kaili, she must be at least decent" Chang Qiu said setting down her script to watch the scene.
She was someone that only recognized talent. If she was going to work with a Rookie like Liu Qiao Qiao, she must at least be able to carry a scene properly.
Working with rookies was tiring, they had a lot of NG. Which tasking on everyone else since that meant that the scenes had to be retaken.
She wasn't in the business of carrying along with someone else. She had barely tolerated working with such a mediocre actress like Li Na.
* * *
Everyone was already in place. Yao Delun had changed out of the previous costume and into a new one. He stood next to Liu Qiao Qiao looking through what looked to be the script.
He seemed to be giving Liu Qiao Qiao some pointers. A few seconds later Director Zhu shouted from behind the camera.
"Everyone please get in position. We'll start filming in three.....two....one...and ..ACTION" He said hands raised, gesturing such number as he counted until zero.
On Director Zhu's marks, they resumed the shoot. Before filming, Liu Qiao Qiao and Yao Delun had already discussed the scene with the director.
A short while later the scene was done. It had taken then two takes to get the scene done. Which wasn't bad, considering this was Liu Qiao Qiao's first acting role.
In the first few scenes, Liu Qiao Qiao's acting had been a bit stiff. There were a few NG's here and there but nothing too serious.
However, after a few more scenes, she was a lot more relaxed.