Chapter 160
“Benjamin, you made it.”
Kevin rose from behind the camera, “Everything’s set up for the shoot. Just waiting for everyone to get here and we’ll be rolling. I’m thrilled to be working with you on this one!”
“Director Smith, you’re too kind.” Benjamin smiled, “To be able to work with you, such an illustrious director in the industry, I feel honored. By the way, where’s Xan? She’s got the big opening scene today.”
“She just called; said she’ll be here in ten minutes. She should be here soon.”
“Great, I’ll wait for her in the lounge.”
As Benjamin made his way to the temporary actors‘ lounge, April approached him, extending her hand. shyly, “Hello, Benjamin, I’m April from Starlight Media. I’m playing Vivian in this movie, and I’ve been a huge fan of yours for years!”
“Hello.”
Benjamin gave her a slight nod but didn’t take her hand, leaving April to awkwardly retract her own. She pressed on, “I have a scene with you later, my first time acting with my idol. I’m a bit nervous. Could we possibly run lines together?”
“Don’t be nervous. Just treat it with calm.”
Benjamin’s eyes scanned the lounge for a place to sit. April quickly pulled out a chair, next to her, but he headed straight for another spot, where a nameplate read “Xanthea“.
True to his reputation, he kept his distance from fellow cast members, particularly actresses. His professionalism was probably why he’d managed a scandal–free career over the decades.
Still, April wasn’t easily dissuaded. Catching up to him, she ventured cautiously, “Benjamin, I’m playing Vivian this time, and we’ll have many scenes together, and I know you expect a lot from your co–stars. I’m worried I haven’t grasped the script thoroughly and might not meet your standards. Could I buy you lunch and get some pointers?”
She used the script as a pretext, yet Benjamin still declined, “If the director cast you, he believes you’re the right fit. If you’re unsure about something, the scriptwriter might be the better person to ask.”
Rejected thrice, April stood awkwardly, unsure whether to stay or go.
Assistant Jason, used to seeing actresses trying to make an impression, was about tointervene when Xanthea arrived.
*Ben!”
“Xan!” Benjamin’s face lit up as he saw her; he stood, pulling out a chair, “You’re here: Come, have a seat.”
“Thanks. Am late again?”
“Not at all, just got here too.”
Xanthea had barely sat down when she noticed April standing off to the side. She got up to greet her, “Hi, I’m Xanthea from Oli–hea Media.”
Hi I’m April, playing Vivian.
1/2
Chapter 160
April was still reeling from the cold shoulder when she was taken aback by Benjamin’s evident warmth towards Xanthea. Was it because she was the lead actress?
“Xan, you’ve got a big scene today- the mall shootout. It’s Phoenix’s first appearance and it’s a doozy with all the action. Are you ready?”
“Yeah.” Xanthea nodded, “I’ve done a lot of research and even took some lessons. Should be good.”
“Actual filming is different from rehearsal and watching films, especially fight scenes. It’s easy to get hurt. if you’re not careful.” He opened the script on the table, laying it out in front of her, “Let’s go over some safety points before we start shooting.”