In the final shot of the afternoon, the scene being filmed involved a dramatic exchange between Matthew and Duff-Billie. After several NGs, it was late by the time they wrapped up. Once Matthew had removed his makeup and arrived at the press officer's office, he found that everyone was waiting just for him.
The office was occupied not only by the press officer and Helen-Herman, but also by the producer, Sean-Daniel, who oversaw all the major and minor affairs of the crew. Matthew wasn't surprised to see him, but he was somewhat taken aback to find Hu Kelly and her agent also waiting in the office.
Matthew greeted everyone before taking a seat on the single sofa next to Helen-Herman.
"Now that everyone's here," the press officer glanced at Sean-Daniel, "let's get started."
Sean-Daniel nodded without saying anything.
"The reason we've called you here," the press officer continued, "is to discuss a promotional plan for the production." He looked at Matthew and then at Hu Kelly. "We need to consult with both of you on this matter."
Matthew was curious. Normally, actors just went along with the promotional plans set by the production team. Since neither he nor Hu Kelly were A-list stars, why was their opinion being sought now?
He glanced at Hu Kelly and her agent, who also seemed puzzled.
"We'd like to ask Matthew and Kelly to stage a romance during the pre-release promotional phase. Of course, you would only need to play a couple in front of the public and the media to create buzz for the film..."
Matthew immediately understood the plan: they were supposed to fake a relationship to attract attention.
He wasn't opposed to such strategies, as movie promotions were full of various gimmicks, many of which were fabricated, like the previous press conference filled with lies alongside Sean-Daniel, Stephen-Somos, and Chuck-Russell.
However, not being opposed didn't mean he agreed.
"May I say something?"
Taking advantage of a pause, Matthew interjected, "Could I share my thoughts?"
Helen-Herman looked at Matthew without objection, knowing what he was about to say. Such matters were based on voluntary agreement; if an actor disagreed, the production team wouldn't force them.
"Go ahead," the press officer turned to Matthew.
Without beating around the bush, Matthew said, "Sorry, I can't do that. I have a girlfriend, and I don't want to cause any misunderstandings."
Britney sometimes thought in ways he couldn't grasp. It was better not to try such things.
"You have a girlfriend?" The press officer was surprised.
This wasn't his first collaboration with Matthew. During "The Mummy Returns," he served as the press officer and had never heard about Matthew having a girlfriend.
"Yes, it's true." Matthew glanced at Helen-Herman beside him. "We've been together for over a year. Helen knows."
Seeing that Matthew didn't want to mention Britney's name, Helen-Herman simply stated, "That's correct."
The press officer spread his hands, dropping the subject. He had assumed both were single, which led to his proposal. Now, with one party disagreeing, further discussion was pointless.
Hu Kelly quickly took her leave, and Matthew chatted briefly with Sean-Daniel.
Helen-Herman then spoke with the press officer. Their cooperation was crucial for Matthew's personal promotion.
Afterward, the press officer took Matthew and Helen-Herman to a nearby large office to retrieve materials from the previous day's shoot for Matthew to upload to his personal blog. Using the promotional channels of Angel Agency would be even better.
When Matthew received the USB drive, he noticed the promotional poster template the crew was designing. It wasn't meant to be a secret; the poster, conspicuously displayed on the office wall opposite the door, was eye-catching.
It was clearly a movie poster, not individual character posters. Although the title and cast names hadn't been added yet, the main actors' images were already in place.
Matthew took a closer look. As the lead, he was at the center of the poster, with Hu Kelly beside him and other actors like Clark-Bernard, Duff-Billie, and Steven-Brand on either side.
"There's a problem with this poster," Helen-Herman frowned slightly.
Matthew had noticed too. Despite being the central figure, he didn't stand out.
But they didn't voice their concerns there. It wasn't the right place, and since the poster wasn't finalized and Matthew was present, any disagreement could harm his relationship with the crew.
They left soon after.
It was late, and Matthew and Helen-Herman quickly left the production office area. They found a four-wheeled electric cart, and Matthew drove towards the studio gate.
"If the final version of the poster remains like this..." Matthew spoke directly to Helen-Herman, "I need you to negotiate with the production team."
Helen-Herman didn't hesitate, "I understand."
Matthew added, "I have some thoughts about the other actors as well."
"Let's hear them." Helen-Herman was prepared, knowing what kind of person Matthew was. "Just don't go too far."
"Absolutely not." Matthew turned the cart towards the studio gate. "Even for your sake, I wouldn't cause trouble."
Considering the movie's impact on his role as the lead, he couldn't act recklessly. If the film failed, the supporting actors would remain so, but his career as the lead could be over.
A minute later, they reached the studio gate. Helen-Herman got off first.
Standing by the cart, she assured Matthew, "Okay. If the promotional poster ends up like today's, I'll negotiate with them."
Matthew's contract included a clause that gave him the right to suggest changes to promotional materials like posters and stills involving the lead.
"That's settled then." Matthew got off the cart and waved goodbye to Helen-Herman. "Goodbye, Helen. Sleep well tonight."
Helen-Herman waved back and left the studio.
Unlike Matthew, who was harassed by reporters, she had to park outside.
Matthew drove home, uploaded the photos to his blog, and continued shooting with full commitment in the following days, leaving any issues to Helen-Herman.
As studio shooting wrapped up, the crew left Los Angeles for Nevada's deserts to start filming exterior scenes.
Matthew's first scene in Nevada involved being "buried alive."
The crew dug two large pits and buried specially designed boxes with Matthew and another actor, Duff-Billie, standing inside. The boxes were covered, leaving only their heads exposed, and then covered with sand to create the illusion of being buried alive.
This method, while simple and somewhat uncomfortable due to the heat, was safer and less expensive than using green screens.
The filming began under the scorching desert sun, with Matthew sweating profusely. Facing a lifelike skull with remnants of flesh, the scene was set for their escape.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Duff-Billie, also buried up to his head, joked about using smoke to drive out fire ants to feast on their heads.
Matthew, feigning panic, struggled against the imagined threat of fire ants.
The filming went smoothly, and by noon, all scenes of Matthew and Duff-Billie escaping their burial were completed. The nonexistent fire ants would be added later with special effects.
After lunch, Matthew, under the guidance of an animal trainer, began familiarizing himself with a specially trained white dromedary camel for upcoming scenes.
This camel, costing more than Duff-Billie's fee, was part of Hollywood's high-paying animal actors, sometimes earning as much as minor stars.
Matthew, not particularly fond of pets, was relieved that the camel was well-trained and docile, making his practice easier.
As Matthew's shooting in Nevada went smoothly, Helen-Herman in Los Angeles prepared to negotiate with the production team about the promotional poster issue.
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