Chapter 39: Making a Friend

Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Making a Friend

In early September, Irene should have been in Los Angeles attending classes at USC, but because of her second film, she was in Toronto, Canada.

Perhaps out of habit, or for better tax incentives, they were shooting in the same location as in her previous life.

So even with a new crew, the place felt familiar.

Early morning in Toronto, the air still held the night’s cool dampness.

The halls of Etobicoke Collegiate Institute were already lit, artificial sunlight from high windows making the floors gleam.

Irene stood behind the monitor, confirming lighting and camera positions with the cinematography team again.

"Irene, we’re ready." Assistant director Jack Harris spoke beside her.

She nodded and walked to the set.

Reese Witherspoon wore a plaid shirt and jeans, carrying a large canvas backpack, standing quietly.

Her eyes showed a mix of curiosity from the African savannah and awkwardness, with a trace of unease.

"Good, hold that feeling. Katie is entering here for the first time. Everything is different from her previous life.

This is an unfamiliar culture. Your eyes should show caution, not fear; interest in the unknown, and confidence you can handle it." Irene didn’t overdirect; she trusted Reese could play the role.

Reese looked up with bright eyes, nodded, and gave a tentative smile that fit Katie.

"I understand, Director. Like walking into a big, talking zoo."

Irene smiled. Working with capable actors was easy.

She returned to the monitor, sat in her director’s chair, and said evenly, "Roll camera."

"Camera A rolling."

"Camera B rolling."

"Slate it. Mean Girls, Act One, Scene One, Take One."

The clapper snapped, like a starting signal.

"Action!"

The camera moved, tracking steadily down the hallway.

Katie Heron emerged from the backlight. Her walk was hesitant, hands gripping her backpack straps, eyes taking in groups of made-up girls in unfamiliar fashions and boys discussing weekend parties, her expression confused.

She had no dialogue, but her eyes conveyed it: confusion and awkwardness separating her from the noise.

Irene watched the close-up on the monitor. This was it: innocence and awareness, mixed, on Reese’s face.

She didn’t call cut, and filming continued until Katie entered the classroom.

"Cut!" Irene said. "That’s a wrap on this take."

The first shot went smoothly.

The first scene passed in one take, a good start, thanks to Reese’s preparation.

Next came Katie’s interactions with new classmates and teachers.

Then Lucy Liu’s scenes. Unlike the original version with heavy makeup and odd behavior, she played a different Janice—reserved but kind.

Unlike her first shoot, today moved quickly. Interior shots, no major issues, and Irene had rehearsed problems in her mind already.

Also, everyone was professional, so day one went smoothly.

As Irene finished and prepared to leave, Lucy Liu came out of the dressing room.

She initiated. "How was today?"

Lucy Liu kept a modest tone.

"Very good, Director. Everyone is nice."

Compared to other sets, Irene’s crew had more people of color and less disparity in treatment.

Except for Reese, who had a separate dressing room as lead, other supporting actors, including Lucy, shared a room and makeup team.

Meals and lodging were equal; no case of white actors in five-star hotels while others were in basic ones.

That was uncommon in Hollywood.

"If the set assistant can’t help with an issue, go to Vera Cecil. She’s my assistant. As long as it’s reasonable, she’ll handle it."

Lucy didn’t know how other directors treated actors, but since joining, she’d felt supported.

"Thank you, Director. The treatment here is the best I’ve had in Hollywood."

"Oh? Our crew is low-to-mid budget, and what we offer is standard," Irene said, puzzled.

"Didn’t you do Charlie’s Angels? That blockbuster is higher-end than ours."

She didn’t know Charlie’s Angels’ exact cost, but the three leads were major stars, and the film had car chases, explosions, choreographed fights, and global locations. The budget was clearly high.

She’d direct films like that later, but for now, she needed to finish this one.

"If I said the Charlie’s Angels set was less comfortable than here, would you believe me?" When Lucy mentioned Charlie’s Angels, her expression wasn’t as bright as expected.

"I don’t quite understand. Did the producers treat you poorly? But you’re a lead."

"Lead actresses have tiers too. And believe it or not, on a big commercial film, no one cares about your character’s logic or psychology. It’s not better than a small role in a teen movie." Lucy’s tone held disappointment about Charlie’s Angels.

Irene understood. It was about bias, common in Hollywood. She patted Lucy’s shoulder. "At least the pay is good, right? You have to be seen first before you can choose roles."

"My agent says the same. I have to get there before I see roles I want."

"Exactly."

"I haven’t properly thanked you, Director. Thank you for choosing me as Janice." Lucy stopped and met Irene’s eyes, sincere.

Irene smiled easily.

"Don’t thank me. Thank yourself. Your work made me notice you, and choose you."

"Director, do you have plans tonight? Let me buy you dinner."

"Sure, I’m interested in your Charlie’s Angels experience. A director who doesn’t want to make blockbusters isn’t a good director. Can you tell me more?"

"Of course, Director."

"You don’t have to keep calling me Director. Call me Irene. I think we’re friends, aren’t we?"