Santa Monica, a resort hotel.
Eric and Chloë Sevigny lay in bed, basking in the afterglow.
"Is the promo campaign for the movie already over?"
"Almost. Arthouse films don't require much advertising. The movie was released last week, but there hasn't been much reaction, and we're not expecting big box office returns. After all, I'm not the kind of actress that draws a large crowd."
"No box office, but there's always a chance for awards. We've missed the Oscars and the Berlin Film Festival this year, but Cannes and Venice are still ahead."
Eric reassured her. He wasn't the type to forget about a partner as soon as it's over. Here they were, still lying together.
"Haha, I know the film's quality isn't high, so it doesn't really stand a chance. Cannes and Venice are nice, but only the Oscars truly excite me."
"Oh right, I almost forgot. You were already nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars. You've set your sights high."
Chloë Sevigny sighed:
"But that final step could take decades—or a whole lifetime. You need a good script, a good director, good co-stars, a good crew, and you also have to hope that your competition isn't too strong and the jury isn't blind. In the end, many people spend their whole lives just gazing at the golden statue from afar."
"I'm not putting too much hope in the Best Actress title. Instead, I'd rather try to increase my box office appeal so I can get paid more for my roles."
"Haha, are you short on money?"
"It depends on who you compare me with. A waitress—no, you—yes. And besides, who doesn't love money?"
Eric rolled over and squeezed her tightly, knowing she liked it.
"Let's get back to business. If I recall, you got that Oscar nomination for Boys Don't Cry, right?"
"Not just the Oscar, the Golden Globe too."
Chloë flipped him off in mock protest.
"You just said awards don't matter."
"Yeah, but I changed my mind. Is that a problem?"
"Not at all. Hmm!"
"Damn it, that hurts!"
"Let's focus. In Boys Don't Cry, you played the love interest and cross-dressed, right?"
Chloë's hand slid lower:
"Yeah, so what?"
"I've got a script for a lesbian love story. I want you to play one of the roles."
"Another lesbian movie!" Chloë sighed.
She looked at Eric:
"You gave me a small part in Transformers, that's fine, just a cameo. But do I stand a chance at an Oscar with this one?"
Eric answered honestly:
"Maybe a nomination, but it's not guaranteed. It depends on the competition."
"Then why should I take it? Eric, I don't want to be known as an actress who only stars in lesbian films. I want mainstream roles, but you're pushing me out of it."
"Don't say that, Sev. This role won't take much time, it's more like a cameo."
Suddenly, Eric felt a stronger grip below.
"Alright, Sev. Right now, MGM doesn't have any suitable projects for you, but I promise, when they come up, you'll be the first in line, okay?"
"It's all on you!"
"I need some rest. Work starts again tomorrow."
"That's your problem, not mine!"
"Wait, I just remembered a horror project. With the right look, you could land the lead role."
…
The city of Santa Rosa, the Transformers film set.
Eric and Chloë Sevigny arrived separately to avoid gossip.
It was Monday, and to beat traffic, MGM's vehicles had driven in before the start of the school day. All preparations were complete.
Speaking of the school in Santa Rosa, there's a Hollywood story behind it. When Dimension Films decided to shoot Scream at this school, everything was agreed upon. But when the crew arrived, the school administration suddenly refused, claiming that the horror elements could harm the students' mental health.
The film crew had to search for another school, which took considerable time.
The exact reason for the refusal remains a mystery, but director Wes Craven couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark at the end of the film.
Dimension Films then boycotted the Santa Rosa school, teaching the administration a lesson. They realized Hollywood not only brings fame but also money and quickly changed their stance.
After that incident, the school became more reasonable. After all, who turns down money?
When Eric arrived, the crew was once again split into two teams: he and Patty Jenkins worked separately.
Eric was filming scenes with the main cast, while Patty Jenkins handled James McAvoy and Chloë Sevigny's scenes.
"Scene 35 from Transformers, action!"
With the call of "Action!", all the actors who had been standing still suddenly came to life—it was the extras.
"Sam, she's amazing, isn't she?" one of the extras nudged Chris Evans.
The young Captain America was staring at the younger version of Wonder Woman walking nearby, completely captivated by her presence.
"Yeah, she's the best!"
"Cut!"
Eric shouted:
"Chris, put more emotion into your eyes. I need to see desire in your gaze, got it?"
Chris Evans nodded:
"Got it, Director!"
"Let's do it again!"
The shooting restarted.
"Sam, she's amazing, isn't she?"
The camera zoomed in, and this time, there was a spark in Chris Evans' eyes:
"Yeah, she's the best!"
"Cut!"
Chris Evans quickly glanced at Eric, mentally cheering himself on:
"Chris, what's up with you today? You're a master at these scenes, relax, relax, you've done this all your life."
Eric didn't scold him. Shooting without retakes is rare, even geniuses slip up.
"Chris, the look was good, but something's still missing. Now I want you to smile slightly at the corners of your mouth, think of something sweet—not cheese—your first love, remember your first love."
"Got it, Director. But give me five minutes."
"Why?"
"I need to really remember."
The third take showed noticeable improvement. Watching through the camera, Eric finally nodded in satisfaction.
"Great, that's a wrap!"
The morning passed quickly with intense shooting. With Eric's arrival, the crew's working pace doubled. What was planned for two days was shot in half a day. The rest could be entrusted to Patty Jenkins.
"Neill, come over here!"
During the break, Eric called for the assistant director Neill Blomkamp.
"Is something wrong, Director?"
"I'm assigning you to lead a separate team."
"What? Me? But I'm afraid I can't handle it, this is too sudden."
Neill was very surprised. Of course, he dreamed of becoming a director, but only when he felt ready. As the saying goes, if you want to wear the crown, be prepared to bear its weight—otherwise, you risk burning out. He didn't want to mess things up and ruin his career.
Eric gave him a cold look:
"What are you thinking? I'm talking about sending you with a team to shoot at Hoover Dam."
Neill sighed in relief.
"Remember my requirements?"
"Yes, shoot strictly according to the storyboards!"
"Right, you can shoot other scenes too, but my storyboards are mandatory."
"Understood, Director!"
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