[Chapter 70: Filming Starts]
By the time Linton stepped out of the hotel, it was already 10 o'clock. He hurried to the film set.
As soon as he arrived, Robert led the core crew in a loud cheer, "Welcome back to our Grammy Best New Artist, back with honors."
Right after, Naomi, Halle, and Tyra each presented flowers and gave him kisses, making Linton feel like a victorious warrior returning from battle. It actually felt quite nice.
Linton generously announced, "I'll treat everyone to lunch today," which was met with cheers.
...
In the afternoon, the rehearsal for the group dance continued under Anne's direction. The core crew discussed scenes together and shot promotional stills.
...
On March 15, the entire main crew gathered for a brief press conference. Since Step Up had been hyped repeatedly in the media before -- mostly skeptically -- there were a lot of reporters, a packed crowd, and they were quite lively.
Unfortunately, more than half of the questions doubted whether Linton could direct a movie well, whether Naomi could perform the lead role effectively, and some asked about Linton's recent Grammy Best New Artist win.
But Linton, Naomi, and the core crew had mentally prepared for this, and they handled it quite professionally.
After the interviews, Robert handed each reporter a promotional cast photo.
As for payment, since these media were unlikely to speak well of the film anyway, they decided to skip it.
...
The previously somewhat disorganized crew suddenly operated like a finely tuned machine, running very smoothly.
The production's schedule and the crew brought in by the William Morris Agency were professional; everyone worked methodically, each performing their duties.
Linton had expected someone to challenge his authority or slack off, so he was ready to shut them down with decisive measures. But nothing of the sort happened.
After he had easily resolved the conflict between Halle and Tyra earlier, he had earned great respect within the crew. No one dared to cause trouble again.
"Follow me," the crew agent said, leading groups of extras onto the set.
The costume designer, holding a notebook, and Zack checked each extra's outfit one by one. "This girl's clothing color is too bright, she needs to change; it doesn't match the shot's mood."
...
"Is this okay?" the sound assistant shouted to the cinematographer while holding the boom mic.
"Wait, a bit higher, that's better," the cinematographer said, watching through the camera's viewfinder.
Nearby, Linton, wearing a baseball cap and a long T-shirt (his costume for the day), was discussing the scene with George Talley, playing the second male lead, and a fat third male lead.
"Your reactions need to be quick. George, when you see the villain pull out the gun... Hey! Hey! Stay calm!"
The first scene involved Linton being threatened with a gun by a jealous gangster, then George pulling him away to back down.
...
"Step Up, Act 1, Scene 3. Actors ready, action!"
Linton handed over direction to assistant director Zack. Zack called the orders, and Step Up officially began filming. The cameraman framed three brothers from a side-back angle.
They had rehearsed before. Linton was already in character. According to the story, he had just fought Ice Cube (PJ), and though he dared not strike back, he couldn't suppress his anger, glaring fiercely at Ice Cube.
George, playing the second lead, spread his arms, urging him to back down. "Hey, come on, PJ!. Come on, Tyler, let's go. Skinny, let's go."
...
"Cut!" Zack called only after the scene finished. He gathered Linton, the cinematographer, and the assistants around the monitor to quietly discuss.
Pointing at the screen, Zack whispered, "Linton, your acting was a bit over the top just now. Tone it down a little."
"What? I think I did pretty well."
"This is a youth idol dance movie, so you have to keep your image in mind. Your expression was a bit too intense," Zack explained.
"Okay, let's do it again."
...
"Action!"
The clapperboard snapped. This time, Linton toned it down; even with a gun pointed at him, he kept a cool, suave expression.
Since this was the team's first rehearsal, there were many actors and crew involved, so it was quite tricky. Various problems emerged, and it took several tries to get satisfactory results.
In the end, Linton couldn't help but use his Soul Induction ability a bit, helping everyone focus. Finally, they completed the scene where Ice Cube (PJ) threatens him with a gun and he sneaks away.
...
Next was a scene where Ice Cube's men remind him about Linton and Tyra Banks's increasingly suggestive dance moves.
Tyra came out of the makeup room and took position, wrapping her arm around Linton. Furious, PJ rushed over, shoved Linton aside, and the two men started wrestling.
In this era, action scenes were usually straightforward, with no stunt coordinators choreographing elaborate fights.
Ice Cube punched Linton, then twisted his head following the punch. Linton lost balance and fell.
"Stop! PJ! Stop!" Tyra shouted hurriedly, pulling Ice Cube's costume to break up the fight.
...
"Cut..."
After the fight scene ended, Zack shouted, "You okay, Linton?"
To simulate being beaten up by many people, Linton inevitably took a few light punches, but the extras were careful. Plus, Linton's tough physique made it feel like mere scratches.
"This take is good, but we'll need one more backup take... Everyone!"
After discussing with Zack, Linton said, "This is the last one for today. Everyone, let's get focused."
The next day's shoot went much smoother.
...
"Everyone, prepare!" The assistant called as the clapperboard snapped in front of the camera.
This was a hot dance scene between Linton and Tyra, which they had practiced several times. Under Anne's direction, Tyra performed perfectly. Linton followed the rhythm, passing underneath Tyra and pressing close against her back. They moved their bodies in sync.
"Okay! This take's good!" Anne happily announced, and the crew cheered with joy.
...
By now, Tyra's scenes were finished. Soaking wet and excitable, she grabbed Linton and headed toward his trailer, which soon began to shake erratically...
This caused laughter from the nearby crew and made Naomi and Halle grumble silently, "That bitch."
That night, Linton held a simple wrap party for Tyra Banks.
After the party, since Tyra was about to leave, Linton had no choice but to continue the game at the hotel.
*****
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