America: Starting with the acquisition of MGM...

Chapter 112, Part 112.

On May 6, several European-style villas stood in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

At this moment, outside the outermost building, several large trucks bearing the lion's head logo were parked, and Neill Blomkamp was directing his staff to load and unload filming equipment.

Today marks the start of filming for "Blue Is the Warmest Color," after several months of preparation.

In fact, the conditions for powering on had been met long ago; Eric gave the order, and it could have been powered on more than half a month ago.

However, since Eric intends to become a director, one of the important prerequisites for starting filming is to find a reliable assistant director who has solid basic skills, is obedient, and has strong execution ability; otherwise, it would be inconvenient for him to be a hands-off manager.

A week ago, the candidate was finally found; MGM selected Andrea Arnold, a British female director.

Although she is a British female director, she actually studied directing in the United States and was a self-taught director, having switched from being a presenter to a director.

Having been in the industry for over a decade, he only began directing his first short film, "Milk," in 1998, and completed his second short film, "Dog," a little over a year ago.

After Eric's interview, Andrea Arnold gave him a very solid impression. She had a moderate personality, solid basic skills, and was an excellent executor.

What's commendable is that he has his own understanding of art, yet he doesn't have the kind of personality that's eager to express himself.

She was better at suppressing her urge to express herself than Patty Jenkins, which is why the assistant director position ultimately fell to her.

At that moment, she was not far away communicating with the villa owners, telling them the necessary precautions, the most important of which was confidentiality.

Fortunately, the filming conditions this time were different from those for "Transformers"; it wasn't in the city.

The film crew only dealt with a few households. The household had signed a confidentiality agreement, and the surrounding households sent people to keep an eye on things, so there shouldn't be any problems.

"Eric, Elizabeth asked us to tell you that she is very grateful for your recommendation of her for the role in A Quiet Place," the Olsen sisters said as they approached.

"It's nothing. I thought she was a good fit, so I chose her. The audition was just a formality."

"By the way, has little Elizabeth registered with the guild?"

"She registered as an actress when she was 7 years old, but unfortunately she could only play minor supporting roles, and only on the small screen. A Quiet Place was her first big screen role."

"It's already registered. What a pity. Looks like I'll have to pay another fee. I thought I could exploit child laborers," Eric joked, feigning regret.

The lively Mary gave him a shove: "Why are you always thinking about these weird things!"

"Actually, you don't know, little Elizabeth really wanted to star in 'Spy Kids,' but she was rejected. The casting director said some things she didn't like, which was a big blow to her. On the big screen, Mary and I couldn't offer her any help."

"So, now I'm not only her idol, but also her benefactor?"

Mary nodded: "That's right. Actually, after receiving the notification from the production team a few days ago, my whole family was very happy. Ashley and I even discussed it with my parents for a long time."

"What are you discussing? How will you repay me?"

"Yes, we've decided that little Elizabeth will recognize you as her godfather!"

puff.

Eric sprayed water onto the monitor screen: "Machine, machine, dry it quickly!"

Then, seeing Mary's mocking expression, he knew he'd been played by that little bitch.

What a joke! He's 22 and Elizabeth is 14, less than a full twelve years apart. It's more like he should be calling his own dad his godfather.

"Get out! Get out now! Go squat in that corner and memorize your lines!"

Eric waved his hand to swat away the flies, but Mary grabbed his arm and pressed herself against him, whispering in his ear, "Isn't being a godfather nice? Just imagine, a pretty little girl will call you Daddy!"

Eric was startled, but before he could react, Mary was pulled away by Ashley.

"Mary, how could you say such a thing? That's too much!" Ashley glared at her sister reproachfully.

"What's wrong? I was just teasing him. Didn't you see his expression change? He looked like he was dumbfounded, hehehehehe."

"I think you just want to flirt with him."

"Eric? No! He's not my type. You know I like muscular guys, and he doesn't even have noticeable biceps."

At this moment, Eric was still sitting in front of the monitor, reflecting on Mary's words.

Damn, the Western entertainment scene is really exciting!

"Hey, what are you guys talking about? I think I heard a sensitive word."

Behind him, Judy, like a shark that had smelled blood, appeared silently behind Eric; she was the producer of the film.

When Eric wasn't around, she was responsible for keeping an eye on things on set.

"It's nothing."

"No, I think I heard Da~ddy!"

Judy bent down and whispered in Eric's ear, emphasizing the last word.

Eric jumped again, pointing at the villa and saying, "Get inside! Go inside and set up the backdrop for me!"

"Oh! Is Daddy angry?" Judy asked seductively.

Eric glared at her: "Don't talk to me like that."

"Ugh! Daddy, are you going to spank me?"

Looking at her frightened expression, Eric pictured a succubus in his mind. At the very least, her face met the criteria for a succubus.

"Why are all the women like this?!"

"Who does Daddy want to fuck?"

"Stop! Otherwise, you can take this seat, and I'll leave!"

"Giggle giggle."

Judy then left with a strange laugh. When other girls laughed like that, it felt cheerful, but when it came from her, it just felt odd.

"Neil, report!" Eric said into his headset.

"The interior scene has been set up."

"Sharon, report the situation!"

"The makeup team has finished applying the makeup."

"Kairf, where's your cameraman?"

"Director, the equipment is installed and tested, and we can start filming at any time!"

"Luna, tell me about the lighting."

"The lights are all set, Director."

"Cavez, is the recording ready?"

"Yes, director."

Andrea walked over and nodded: "I've checked all the details, there are no problems."

Eric stood up, and the indoor performance no longer needed a loudspeaker.

"Scene 45 of *Blue Is the Warmest Color*, action!"

The script supervisor gave the clapperboard, and the first shot of the film officially began shooting.

The scene is not complicated; it's just that Emma, ​​one of the main characters played by Mary, invites Adele, another main character played by Ashley, to her home.

Because Emma's family is harmonious and her parents support her sexual orientation, they welcomed Adele's arrival, and the family enjoyed a pleasant meal together.

The play isn't particularly difficult; the key lies in conveying a subtle mix of envy and worry amidst Adele's joy, with minimal emotional fluctuations.

Eric specifically chose this scene to check if the Olsen twins were well-prepared. If they could get it right in 5 takes or less, the filming schedule could be compressed to within a month and a half.

At this point, Mary's hair had been cut short and dyed indigo. With the help of the makeup artist, the hairstyle would make her chin appear sharper, giving her a more assertive look.

Ashley is naturally introverted, and for most of the filming of this movie, she was required to go makeup-free. With the help of the makeup artist, she was also made to deliberately show her forehead, making her look no different from an ordinary girl on the street, just like anyone's neighbor in life.

The Olsen twins in the film are completely different from the ones they usually appear in interviews.

Mary, in particular, is almost unrecognizable from her former self if you don't look closely.

Adjust the lights to a warm tone.

Click!

The door opened, and Mary led Ashley in.

The camera zoomed in, and the two actors playing the parents immediately stood up, their smiles warm but not enthusiastic.

These are two very experienced veteran actors, but they are not outstanding in appearance and do not have good luck. However, they do not want to leave the industry. Such actors usually end up like this.

"Welcome, welcome, Adele."

Mary turned to Ashley and gave her a wink, as if to say, "See? I told you so, my parents are very kind."

Ashley looked somewhat flattered, with an unnatural curve to her lips, revealing her inner nervousness.

"Good, one more take, Ashley, this time tone down your expression a little."

Ashley gave an OK sign.

"Scene 45, Cut 2, Action!" (From *Blue Is the Warmest Color*)

This time, the curve of Ashley's lips disappeared, replaced by a slight twitch in her cheek muscles.

"Very good, Ashley, this time add a blinking motion, like a slight blink that makes you feel a little uneasy, still keep it subtle."

"Okay, director!"

After Ashley did it for the third time, Andrea and Eric watched the monitor together.

Andrea suggested, "Or we could add some movement to Ashley's feet; people tend to move unconsciously when they're nervous."

Eric nodded. "Good suggestion, Ashley, give us another one!"

A simple shot was filmed five times, and Ashley was able to provide subtle differences in each take. They all seemed to express tension, but the director perceived them differently. Which one to use in the end still needs careful consideration.

"Ashley, well done. It seems you've done a lot of preparation for this film."

Eric offered timely encouragement. He wasn't like Cameron or Stephen Chow, nor was he a tyrant on set; he preferred encouraging stimulation.

"Since you're the director, I can't afford to be negligent," Ashley said with a smile.

"Haha. Look what's going on? Why does it feel like everyone's starting to flatter me now that I'm sitting in this chair? Wait, you're not worried that my skills are too bad, so you can only improve through your own efforts, are you?"

A chorus of chuckles erupted from the crew.

Mary shrugged: "Director, if you keep laughing like this, I'm going to lose all my composure."

"Okay everyone, stop there, let's continue!"

The next scene is quite exciting: the four of them are drinking and chatting. Emma is excited and happy because her parents tease her, and she hugs and kisses Adele.

"Scene 46 of *Blue Is the Warmest Color*, action!"

The lighting changed from warm tones to a more vibrant combination of yellow and blue.

Emma's father took a small sip of white wine and described with great enthusiasm the moment his daughter first realized her sexual orientation.

"You know, Adele, she was terrified and confused. I still remember that look on her face very clearly."

"Later, she cut her long hair and dyed it frequently, which is what you see now."

Ashley's eyes revealed envy; Adele longed for this kind of family atmosphere so much that she still didn't dare to tell her parents about her sexual orientation.

Ashley smiled slightly and lowered her head shyly.

"Card!"

Eric stood up and pointed at Ashley: "Adele is a very sensitive person. Right now, she envies Emma's family atmosphere. Although it seems harmonious, she is still not used to it because of her sensitivity."

"Ashley, recall the storyboard I drew. When faced with Emma's surprise attack, Adele shouldn't be shy; her subconscious reaction should be that she's somewhat at a loss."

"Imagine your boyfriend's parents are right next to you, and this is your first time meeting them. How would you react?"

Ashley nodded: "Okay, director, I understand!"

"Scene 46 of *Blue Is the Warmest Color*, action!"

Ashley leaned back slightly, her pupils dilated, and her face went from a smile to a stiff expression, instantly revealing her bewilderment.

"OK, this one's approved!"

Many of the male staff members around immediately showed some disappointment. They should have filmed more takes; they weren't afraid of getting tired.

Judy, in particular, immediately looked dejected.

Looking at this bunch of sons of bitches, Eric naturally understood what these LSPs were thinking; what man doesn't like this kind of thing?

In truth, deep down, was Eric's decision to direct this film really driven by artistic pursuits?

Yes, absolutely!

But a few seconds later, his mind began to wander.

"Hmm, did those two practice in private? Otherwise, why are they kissing so skillfully? They must have practiced a lot."

"Damn it, what am I thinking!"

"Art!"

"Daddy?"

Get out of my head!

After a busy day, the filming of the meal scene was completed, and the crew wrapped up.

Eric checked the missed calls on his phone and dialed back.

"Boss, the viewership numbers for The Walking Dead Season 4 are out: 10.5 million subscribers."

"Hmm? Has it gotten lower? Why do I feel like it's gotten less?"

"Yes, the previous episode had 1170 million views, mainly because there were fewer large-scale scenes in this episode."

"Okay, I understand. That's a very good result."

It's normal for ratings to fluctuate. After all, it's impossible for every episode to have exciting big scenes; the budget can't keep up. As long as the ratings stay above ten million, it's already a great success.

(End of this chapter)