On another ordinary workday, Stephen Sommers arrived early at the Pine Forest Film Studio, entering the photography studio designed like a pyramid and began his routine check.
Reviewing the shooting site first thing in the morning had been his work habit for years.
Although the official start time was set at 8 a.m., some departments began working around 2 or 3 a.m. By the time Stephen strolled through the studio, many crew members were already busy.
He approached a shooting area surrounded by green screens when he heard Felipe, the action director, speaking inside.
"Don't expect every actor to be like Matthew Horn. Actors as dedicated as him are rare!" Felipe seemed to be briefing the stunt team, "I've spoken to most actors yesterday. Like always, Matthew doesn't need a stunt double. For other main actors with difficult action scenes, you'll have to step in. Let's start preparing now!"
Stephen didn't linger and moved on.
Not far away, near the studio's side exit where the temporary medical room was located, he heard hurried footsteps. A girl with black mid-length hair, seemingly unaware of his presence, walked past him and entered the medical room.
Stephen paused to watch as the girl found the crew's doctor.
"Doctor Raymond," the girl's voice carried from the open door, "do you have Matthew Horn's medicine?"
The middle-aged doctor replied, "Here's the ointment. Tell Matthew to apply it to his wounds. It'll reduce swelling and disperse bruises."
He added, "He's had too many minor injuries lately. This ointment is just a temporary solution. It'd be best if he rested for a couple of days."
"I've said the same…" the girl responded, "but he won't listen. He says the scenes being shot are crucial, and if he stops, the whole crew would have to pause. He claims these small injuries are nothing and don't affect the shooting."
The girl sighed, "Fortunately, it's just for today. If all goes well, we'll finish shooting this morning. Doctor Raymond, are all actors as committed as Matthew Horn?"
"All actors?" Doctor Raymond's voice carried a hint of disdain. "The older generation, maybe, but the young actors these days…"
Although Stephen didn't catch the rest, he agreed with Raymond's sentiment. In his recent experience, few young actors around twenty were as hardworking as Matthew.
After circling the studio, Stephen arrived at the main entrance just in time to see Rachel Weisz and Freddie Bush, who played her son, entering the studio. He greeted them, "Good morning, Rachel. Good morning, Freddie."
"Good morning, Stephen."
"Good morning, Mr. Director."
Rachel and Freddie briefly acknowledged him before continuing inside, with Freddie pleading, "Rachel, please talk to my mom. Let me join the party tonight, okay?"
Their conversation was loud enough for Stephen to hear, sparking his curiosity about the evening's gathering.
"Freddie, you want to go too?"
"Of course!" Freddie sounded eager. "You're going, so are Brendan, Arnold, and John. Why can't I? Matthew has helped me a lot. I have to thank him, right?"
"Alright! I'll talk to your mom. Matthew is leaving London tomorrow, and who knows when we'll see him again…"
Stephen stepped outside, watching the sunrise. It seemed most of the crew considered Matthew Horn a good actor.
Was Matthew Horn a good actor? Stephen asked himself, though the answer was already clear.
In terms of the Scorpion King role and the overall shooting process, Matthew had been nothing but beneficial. Stephen hadn't seen any downsides.
He felt somewhat relieved he hadn't insisted on casting Dwayne Johnson.
As the studio filled up, Stephen returned to direct the preparations. By 8:30 a.m., all actors were present, and shooting began on time.
The crew had been running smoothly recently, and today was no exception. By 10:30 a.m., all of the Scorpion King's scenes were completed.
However, Stephen didn't disband the crew. Instead, he reviewed the footage, ensuring no defects, especially since Matthew was leaving London tomorrow.
Producer Sean Daniel joined him, watching the playback.
"Things have been going well lately?" Sean finally spoke.
Stephen acknowledged, "The Scorpion King's scenes were finished three days ahead of schedule."
"Matthew Horn did well, didn't he?" Sean looked towards the set where Matthew was being helped out of his costume. "I've heard many say Matthew Horn has performed exceptionally."
"For the Scorpion King...," Stephen admitted, "Matthew Horn is a good actor."
To Stephen, Matthew had perfectly embodied the Scorpion King, making him forget about Johnson.
Stephen stood up, his expression serious, "On this matter, I owe you an apology, Sean. Your insistence saved me from making a mistake."
Sean was gracious, "We're all here for the work, for the film. You wanted the best for it."
Stephen smiled ruefully, "Anyway, I was wrong about both Dwayne Johnson and Matthew Horn."
He then announced loudly, "That's a wrap for this morning! We'll start again at 1 p.m.!"
Matthew was saying his goodbyes, unlikely to return. Though invited to dinner by a few actors he got along with, only a few made the offer.
After bidding farewell to Felipe, Doctor Raymond, makeup artist Sasha, and others, Matthew took a water bottle from his assistant Mira and drank half of it.
"If you're ever in Los Angeles..." Matthew told the Chinese-American girl, "you can call me."
Mira nodded.
"Do you plan to continue in this industry?" Matthew asked.
"My education limits me," Mira was frank. "I can't find a better job for now."
"You've been a great assistant," Matthew joked. "I'm very satisfied! I'd invite you to continue as my assistant, but I'm just a small-time actor and can't afford a salary."
Despite her mixed heritage, Mira's typical Asian appearance made Matthew feel a kinship. He wrote down a number, offering her his agent Helen-Herman's contact if she wanted to pursue opportunities in LA or the film industry.
"Thank you!" Mira appreciated his help.
Matthew smiled, then approached Stephen Sommers, who was waiting for him.
"I'm leaving London tomorrow," Matthew told Stephen warmly. "I wanted to thank you personally. Your guidance has been invaluable."
"Hmm," was all Stephen replied.
Thinking Stephen still disapproved of him, Matthew added, "I won't keep you. Goodbye, Director Sommers."
"Goodbye," Stephen said, unchanged.
As Matthew turned to leave, Stephen suddenly called out, "Wait."
Matthew looked back, puzzled. Stephen, still stoic, said, "Matthew. You're a good actor."
Surprised, Matthew smiled, "Thank you! Your approval means a lot. Thank you, Director Sommers."
Feeling his efforts had been recognized, Matthew experienced a satisfying sense of accomplishment.
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