Chapter 43: Filming Routine

Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Filming Routine

The next afternoon, Irene arrived on location.

The extras had arrived and were changing into costumes, while Rachel and Edward stood outside the door running lines.

"Hi, Boss." Edward saw Irene first and greeted her.

Irene walked over. "I should thank you again on behalf of the crew for your generosity."

For the last film, Edward lent the crew his limited-edition sports car. For this one, he lent his relative’s villa. If he’s in the next film, will he contribute his private jet?

"Don’t mention it. The villa is empty anyway. The crew handles cleanup, right? My uncle still has one maintenance credit left," Edward said casually.

"How are you two with lines? Tonight’s scene good?"

The focus tonight was the kissing scene between them in front of Katie, the catalyst for Katie’s turn.

"No problem."

After nearly two months of filming, Rachel had the role of Regina down. Tonight’s scene was straightforward for her.

But Edward looked uneasy.

"What’s with that face?" Irene frowned.

"Boss, should I tell Brit? If she sees it when the film releases and I didn’t warn her, she’ll be mad," Edward said, distressed.

Irene was surprised he was worried about this. "You should tell her."

"But if I tell her now, she’ll be mad now too. Does this scene have to be filmed?"

"Rachel isn’t complaining, and you’re a grown man making a fuss. Go get ready."

Irene didn’t want to hear more and walked off.

Two hours of prep passed quickly, and the extras were in costume near the entrance.

Because this villa was larger than the one in her previous life, her initial extra count was off.

This morning, the crew found some students last-minute to fill the living room.

"Alright, let’s test extra positioning first. Camera crew, position 1, position 2, move in."

The camera tracked in as Katie opened the door, following her view into the villa: the large crystal chandelier, the floating spiral staircase, the stone fireplace, and students in revealing outfits everywhere.

Katie, in a zombie bride costume with fangs and fake blood, looked out of place.

Her expression was hesitant but hopeful.

Ignoring odd looks, she walked toward Aaron, who invited her.

Regina, in a bunny outfit, had already seen Katie arrive.

She intercepted Aaron first, disparaging Katie.

"CUT!"

Behind the monitor, Irene spoke into the walkie. "Edward, when Regina says Katie has a crush on you, your expression is too blank. React. You’re supposed to like her a bit too, that’s why you invited her."

"Okay, Boss."

"Again. Everyone, positions. Extras, don’t just stare at Aaron and Regina. Act natural."

The second time, when Aaron heard Regina say, "You know, Katie likes you," he glanced toward Katie.

That look made Irene nod. The acting lessons weren’t wasted; at least he understood direction.

The scene continued.

After badmouthing Katie, Regina went for a stronger hit.

She stood on tiptoe, arms around Aaron’s neck, and pulled him down.

Just before they kissed, Aaron hesitated, then gave in to the woman in front of him.

"CUT! Edward, that hesitation was good, but your body was too stiff. Have you never kissed before? Don’t look like a reluctant beginner."

"Five-minute break, then again."

Seeing Edward uncomfortable, Rachel patted his arm. "Relax."

Edward frowned like it was a crisis.

"You’re not nervous? It’s our first on-screen kiss. Do I have bad breath?"

He ran a hand through his hair. "Help, my heart’s pounding."

"Take a deep breath. Pretend the camera isn’t there. You did well just now. Just be a bit more natural and it’ll work."

Edward breathed twice.

"Thanks, I feel better. You’re good at this for a first-timer. Impressive, unlike me—I took classes and still struggle."

"Maybe I just have nerve. Where did you take classes? Were they useful?" Rachel asked, curious.

If she wanted to go further, she’d need formal training.

"They helped some. I’ve been yelled at less in this film than the last. I’ll text you the contact later."

Rachel was about to reply when the director’s voice came over the speaker. "Time’s up, everyone back to positions!"

"We’ll talk after."

It wasn’t until Edward’s mouth felt numb that he heard Irene say "cut."

His only thought: he never wanted to do a kissing scene again.

After Irene checked the monitor and confirmed the take, the camera turned to Katie.

"The lighting is too dark; I can’t see Katie’s expression. Dim the surroundings and let the light fall naturally on Katie’s face."

"No, that’s too strong. I need alternating light and shadow."

"Makeup, touch up Katie’s face."

Everyone waited while Irene adjusted things to her standard.

Half an hour later, recording resumed.

It took Irene three days to finish all villa scenes, including the Halloween party and hangout scenes.

Then they moved to the Toronto Convention Centre to film the Spring Fling dance.

At the end, Katie wins prom queen, breaks the crown, shares pieces, and tells everyone to be the queen of their own hearts.

With that, the film wrapped there.

Irene held the wrap party at the Sutton Place Hotel in Toronto, in the Yorkville area, with convenient access.

They booked a banquet hall so all departments could relax.

Attending weren’t only crew, but also CAA and Fox executives.

"It seems our Irene has delivered another strong film," said Ella Walker, CAA’s leader after Michael Ovitz left, holding champagne.

Beside her was a brown-haired middle-aged man as they approached.

Although CAA claimed no hierarchy and that all agents were equal,

everyone knew whoever represented the most stars was the boss.

And Ella Walker, with Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, and Will Smith on her roster, was CAA’s central figure.

Irene had only heard of her from Shelly or others. Now she saw her in person.