Chapter 304: 304

“Action!”

As the days passed, the temperature in Vancouver gradually warmed, and the shooting of “Firefly” continued, except for the weekends. The filming location was still inside the Flame Studio, where the crew was busy completing all the indoor set scenes before moving the camera to the green screen stage. “Heath” Ledger had not yet appeared on set, while Michael Pitt, who played the doctor Simon, had been on set for many days, adding another player to the studio’s acting face-off.

Compared to the slightly green performance in “Juno,” which was somewhat overshadowed by Natalie Portman’s brilliance, the now more mature Michael Pitt was full of presence, not only “competing in handsomeness” with Robert Downey Jr. but also forming an excellent chemistry with Ellen Page, portraying an unkempt genius doctor and a simple, stubborn repair girl.

Jessica was clearly not destined for a reputation as an acting prodigy, especially when facing a group of mature and young talents. Although she could be said to be the hardest worker on the set, as Joshua had mentioned “torturing oneself,” she still topped the list for the most NG (no good) takes in drama scenes. Trudy and Torres had too few scenes, while the other main actors were too talented. Not everyone is a genius, and with more NG takes than others, Jessica still managed to deliver a Rive satisfactory to Wang Yang.

River’s drama scenes didn’t have much in terms of facial expression changes; it seemed that just pulling a grim face would suffice. However, how could such a sweet, angelic and deeply ingrained image of Sweetheart be turned sinister? To depict occasional neurotic outbursts and sometimes portraying naivety as if unexposed to the world, besides makeup, camera, and colour there was a direct relationship with her performance. Jessica was also the champion of NG takes in action scenes, but this was no surprise as she had the most fight scenes, the most complex and challenging actions, often requiring wirework.

River was the Serenity’s top fighter. Her first action scene was bursting out of a crate and instantly knocking Mal and several others down, about to strike Kaylee when she suddenly faints. Her second scene was saving their lives. After completing the train heist, Mal and his crew arrive in a city, bringing the cargo and River, who is like a wooden doll, to a gangster for delivery. To their surprise, the longtime acquaintance and independent gangster boss said, “This is not the cargo I wanted,” and an argument broke out with Mal, eventually ordering his henchmen to kill everyone on the Serenity.

At that moment, River suddenly erupted, massacring all the gangsters. Following closely, Simon used a secret code to subdue the out-of-control River. However, when Simon decided to leave with his sister, Captain Mal felt that River was a super humanoid weapon capable of protecting the Serenity and insistent, he decided to keep River; on one hand, reluctantly, and on the other, eager to avoid the Alliance’s bounty, Simon with River joined the Serenity’s crew.

The studio’s warehouse set, the gangster’s delivery point, was now being used by the crew to shoot the scene of River’s sudden outbreak, sweeping through her enemies.

With a bang! Followed by the amplified “OH!…CUT!” Jessica, jumping from the wooden crate, crashed heavily to the ground, immediately wincing in pain with barely audible cries: “Oh, Lord…” The stunt actors playing gangster members, Robert Downey Jr. and others serving as background, along with the production team and the action team, all looked at her. The director and several assistants walked over to check if she was injured.

“Jessica.” Seeing her take such a hard fall, even if she were just an average friend like Emily Blunt, Wang Yang would still be concerned. Not to mention, she was his beloved wife. His heart felt like it had taken a hit too. He quickly walked over and asked, “Are you okay?”

Yet another mess-up! Hearing the anxious inquiries from Wang Yang and several others, Jessica bore the sharp pain, promptly propping herself up to stand and, rubbing her elbow, forced a smile: “I’m okay! Not injured!” She took a swig from the water bottle handed to her by a female assistant, smiled at Wang Yang holding the microphone and storyboards, showing her teeth to signal she was fine: “I’m good! Ready to continue shooting, let’s go again!”

“Hmm…” Wang Yang looked at her deeply, noticing her blue sundress, her loose long hair, pale makeup, lifeless complexion, yet her eyes were still captivating. He nodded, walked back to the camera mounted on the moving dolly on the rail, and spoke into the microphone: “OK, everyone get ready, we’ll do it again!” Instantly, every department was back to work, the main and supporting actors took their places by the camera; Jessica took a deep breath, stepped back several paces, looking at the row of boxes, ready to charge and leap upon the “Action” cue, before stepping off and jumping down again.

“Action!”

Due to director Wang Yang and action director Donnie Yen’s realistic combat techniques and the fierce kung fu style, River was a character who had fought invincibly across the world. Her fight moves were designed to be concise yet splendid, smooth yet thrilling, striving for an explosive feel full of power, speed, and impact. To capture the best and most authentic effects, they needed to go all out with punches, kicks, and jumps… A fall was not a rare occurrence this time.

Despite the grueling nature of the shoot, Jessica had not a hint of complaint or coquetry; she fought valiantly, which gave the crew confidence. Now, it was just a scene with extras, but later there would be even more intense fights against raiders and those with blue gloves, requiring wirework and green screen technology.

“Your movements are still too slow. That won’t do. You need to kick very fast, without any hesitation. I know you can do it!”

After completing a series of shots that included jumps, they encountered a problem: a vicious and domineering series of spinning kicks. After knocking down an enemy in front, River was to spin and kick a wooden crate to smithereens, followed by a kick that sends a gang member flying from behind the box. However, Jessica’s performance during the kicking of the crate was never satisfying; her moves were too gentle, lacking the usual explosive force.

The props and set design crews were setting up the scene again, and Donnie Yen demonstrated the moves for the stunt performers. Meanwhile, Wang Yang placed his hands on Jessica’s head, gave it a few rubs, and looked into her eyes, seriously saying, “The reason you can’t do it is not that you’re incapable, but because you fear that crate! You haven’t broken through your mental limits. You still think you’re an ordinary woman, and that kicking the crate would be impossible without getting hurt. As a result, your movements slow down as a self-warning. Your consciousness is controlling your body, understand?”

“Yeah, I noticed that too,” Jessica panted and nodded, tired after the constant action-packed shooting of the half-day. If she continued to waste energy on failed takes, this scene might need an additional day to shoot, and she didn’t want to hold up the crew’s progress! Looking around at the busy or waiting crowd, she asked for help, “Yang, I might indeed be a bit afraid. I’ve told myself to smash it hard, but I’m still too slow. What should I do?”

“You need to break your limits, let go of your caution, you are River!” Wang Yang encouraged her, patting her shoulder. Sometimes he really wished he could take her place and perform the moves, unless he could use transformation magic. How useful was mere encouragement? Seeing that the props team was ready again, Wang Yang suddenly had an idea and smiled at her, “Hey, watch me do it! If I can do it, you can do it because I’m passing my courage to you, trust me!”

Jessica looked stunned for a moment but then saw him smiling, clapping his hands as he walked away. “I need to demonstrate to Jessica how to kick the crate! Harry, get this on camera for the blooper reel; this is my cool moment!” Jessica let out a breath and laughed, quickly following him.

Whoosh! The sound of cutting wind abruptly rose, and in the camera operated by assistant cameraman Harry George, which was surrounded by spectators, Wang Yang could be seen ferociously spinning with one leg, his left foot pivoting as his right leg lifted. Amidst gasps from the crowd, he slammed his foot onto a crate as high as his waist with bear-tiger like momentum. The sheer force and speed showed everyone what the director’s daily talk of an “explosion” meant; the crate instantly collapsed from top to bottom, splintering into pieces, with prop bullets scattered all over the ground.

“Ha!” Without pause, the right foot that had just landed became the pivot as Wang Yang ferociously kicked up his left leg, clad in jeans. Without exerting full power but with great speed, he relentlessly struck the muscular stunt performer, nearly lifting him off the ground with the kick.

Struck by this series of powerful kicks, the burly stunt performer winced in pain, sweating profusely and inhaling sharply through gritted teeth. It was tough making a living like this! It was one thing to be hit by actors, but now the director. And he wasn’t even an action director!

“Wow! Wow!” The crowd shamelessly burst into applause, cheering for the director’s furious, whirlwind-like display of elegant, consecutive kicks. Even Jessica, who had grown accustomed to watching him fight from a young age, could feel her heart pounding wildly at his awe-inspiring fierceness. She clapped her hands excitedly, as even Ellen Page couldn’t help but let out an impressed “Wow” and shouted with a laugh, “Magical Yang, that was really cool!” Seeing Susan Levin also smiling and clapping, Robert Downey Jr. couldn’t help but say with a touch of envy, “Director, I can do it too! Why don’t you give me action scenes like that?”

Harry George, who was filming the behind-the-scenes footage, stopped the camera. Donnie Yen, who had watched up close, felt a bit emotional. He could tell that Wang Yang hadn’t used his full strength, but with such exaggerated speed, it seemed he couldn’t have matched him even in his youth—and now that he was older, he was even less capable. Moreover, with his physique and appearance, Wang Yang’s move was full of aesthetic appeal. Daniel Wu shared the same thought; he had long felt that if “Magical Yang” weren’t a director but instead went to Hong Kong to act, he’d definitely have a pile of film offers.

“Hoo!” Wang Yang caught his breath and thanked the supportive crowd with a fist salute. He had not thought too much about it. Turning to Jessica with a smile, he raised his eyebrows to give her an encouraging look, “You can do it too!” Jessica clenched her fists and nodded with fierce determination—she could do it! There would be countless more difficult and dangerous stunts in the future, and she was determined not to lose to a mere prop crate! Silently, she shouted to herself, “I am River, Yang has given me strength! For the Lich King!!”

Soon, the props team had reset the set, and everyone was ready. Jessica gave the front crate an evil glare, then turned away with a cold face—she was not that married little lady; she was the Tauren chieftain, River! The familiar “Action!” was heard, and with a yell, she spun around and kicked fiercely, as ordinary cameras and high-speed film cameras captured it all on film.

With a bang! Her dress fluttered gracefully as her slim leg came down forcefully, her booted foot smashing heavily onto the crate, causing half a box of prop bullets to clatter to the ground. Jessica had fire in her eyes, seemingly possessed by Wang Yang’s spirit, and let out a loud “Ha!” as she shouted, her right foot steadying just in time for her left leg to swing up and kick towards a gangster thug. The burly actor cooperated perfectly, letting out a bleak “Ah!” as he flew backwards—her whole series of movements executed seamlessly in one go!

“CUT—! GOOD!! Beautiful, very good! Take a break! Set up the next shot.” Wang Yang praised her loudly, emphasizing his voice. She had indeed delivered power, speed, and weight with a beautiful, sexy explosion. He let out a breath of relief, hoping she could maintain such fearlessness in the future!

At the director’s satisfied “CUT,” those who were free started to clap, offering Jessica, who was beaming with a radiant smile, some encouragement before they began to adjust their equipment and prepare for the next shot. Seeing her smile, Wang Yang returned the gesture, intending to walk over to her side when he was called by Valerie Fister to discuss something, “What’s up? …”

“Huff, huff…” Having finally completed the shot, Jessica was indeed physically taxed—the boxes weren’t just made of paper. Her breathing grew heavier, and as she relaxed, she felt weakness and soreness in her limbs. The sharp turning had left her with a bit of pain in her waist. Gently rubbing her stomach on the left side, she walked to the actors’ seats on the side of the set, slightly frowning and muttering softly to herself, “Now I’m back to being a little woman again, oh dear, drained of all my strength…”

“Come on, have some water.” Just as Jessica sat down, the on-set production assistant Joshua passed her a bottle of water with a smile, giving her a thumbs up and exclaiming, “Sis, you were so cool just now! Like The Incredible Hulk! Godzilla!” Jessica rolled her eyes in mock annoyance but couldn’t help but giggle crisply, “Really? Really? Was I cool?” As she spoke, she put down the water bottle and took out a delicate and exquisite wedding ring from her handbag, sliding it back onto her left ring finger. Though it was just a short break, she loved putting it back on.

Joshua nodded affirmatively, both stating a fact and teasing her, “Yes! It will definitely be even cooler on the big screen!”

The shooting of “Firefly” was bustling every day, and following “Brokeback Mountain,” Flame Film had another major project that has recently wrapped up. It’s not “The Hangover 2,” which is set to premiere on June 25th this summer—the sequel has long since been completed and has entered its final promotional phase; “Saw II,” which is slated for release every Halloween, is also in post-production. The film that has just wrapped is “Mr. Hughes 2: Power, Money, and Madness,” directed by Christopher Nolan, set for release on December 10th this year.

“Mr. Hughes 2” and “The Hangover 2” both began filming late September last year, and Nolan is notoriously slow when it comes to filming. If not for Emma Thomas’s tight budgeting, the forecasted $90 million budget would definitely not have been enough. However, it remains to be seen how the movie will fare, as it has just entered post-production.

But everyone knows “money is not an issue”, this film may not be Flame Group’s most profitable movie this year, it’s highly anticipated for its critical acclaim, awards, and becoming a classic. Since Brokeback Mountain was scheduled for a 2005 release, Mr. Hughes 2 is currently the only film Flame is pushing for next year’s awards season. The money spent on promotion will definitely be substantial, not to mention the production costs. As Wang Yang told Christopher Nolan, “There’s only one thing you need to do, and that’s to make a good movie.”

As time gradually moved into late April, theaters were about to welcome the full-scale opening of the 2004 summer blockbusters, and many big hits and dark horse contenders were eagerly awaiting their chance. As Flame Movie’s vanguard this year, Ice Age 2 had already been released in several foreign countries on April 23rd. The first weekend box office numbers had not yet come in, but exit polls showed an exceptionally hot response, with an audience approval rating of 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the critics’ reception seemed to continue its “losing streak” with only 65%.

But what of it? Fans of Ice Age didn’t care about that at all, seeing the eager foreign audiences exclaiming “funny and entertaining”, even the children viewers were somewhat discontent, why wasn’t it premiered in North America first? However, this also served to whet their appetite, making them eager to see it.

It’s quite normal to be casting while still shooting, and Firefly still had a host of important roles to fill, decisions that couldn’t be made by the casting director alone. At present, Wang Yang was poring over the profiles of several child actors for the casting, having already confirmed one, Jaden Smith, Firefly needed two adorable 5- or 6-year-old girls, one for the Blue Glove massacre scene; the other one for the most crucial scene with the crew of the Serenity.

Both girls had to be cute and beautiful, especially the latter, whose eyes had to be absolutely pure and innocent, her smile full of childishness representing the most wonderful things, moving and unforgettable.

Sharp and mature like Natalie Portman would not do, nor the too silly Jessica… In the quiet office, Wang Yang looked over the profiles of the young actors one by one. Their appearances and heights were all about the same, the children who were ruled out were because their temperament wasn’t suitable. After a long while, he finally selected some kids to be invited for auditions. Then, thinking of the Blue Glove, he suddenly said to himself, “What has Heath been up to recently?” He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

“Hello…” To his surprise, the call was actually answered, revealing Heath’s deep voice. Wang Yang was amazed; he had called several times in almost a month, each time forwarded to the voicemail box. If it weren’t for Heath’s agent saying he was fine, Wang Yang would almost have filed a missing person’s report. Wang Yang laughed and said, “Buddy, I thought you had disappeared.” Heath responded indifferently, “Not at all… I’m just, at the hotel, studying the Blue Glove.”

Hearing Heath’s somewhat eerie tone of voice, Wang Yang raised an eyebrow in confusion and asked, “For a whole month?” Heath on the other end chuckled and said, “Yes… that’s right.” Wang Yang suddenly realized what he had been busy with for the past half month, and laughed, “So you’ve become the Blue Glove now?” Heath chuckled again, “Yes, thank you, I am very, very happy.” Leaning back in his chair, Wang Yang chuckled, feeling as if the guy might be going a bit crazy. He wasn’t getting too deep into the role, was he?

Getting deeply into the role on set was a good thing, but off set, not so much, especially when the role was someone like the Blue Glove with abnormal human thinking. Wang Yang shook his head, then firmly invited, “Come out and play tomorrow!” Heath answered, “No, I can’t.” Suddenly, Wang Yang shouted, “Please! Heath, Heath! Come out! Let’s go have some fun!” It seemed like Heath was jolted awake, “… Uh.”

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PS: Asking for monthly tickets, I’m begging for monthly tickets! We’re only 7 tickets away from breaking into the top ten of urban genre rankings, let’s go for it! 7 tickets isn’t much, it’s all in your hands! (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to Qidian to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)