[Chapter 74: Adjusting the Filming Schedule, Smooth Wrap-Up]
On May 2nd, the riots in Los Angeles had been completely brought under control. Protests in other cities across the country had gradually subsided, and order was basically restored nationwide.
The film crew arrived at the rented seaside pier, which boasted gorgeous scenery. According to the script, by this point, the lead characters played by Linton and Naomi had developed a very close relationship -- just one step away from a breakthrough. This romantic dance scene at the pier was pivotal in deepening their bond.
After discussing with Anne, Linton decided to shoot the dance just before sunset, so that the golden rays of the setting sun would bathe the scene in a breathtaking glow. This meant the filming window was very short. The crew scheduled two days to shoot this sequence.
...
At 6 PM, the sun began to set, casting a warm light. Everyone on set was in position.
"Alright, departments, get ready," Linton called out, handing over on-site direction to Anne.
As the official backing track for U Must Be by Shania Twain played, Linton and Naomi moved in perfect harmony under the sunset glow, with Baltimore's stunning city skyline visible across the harbor.
A helicopter circled overhead, and crew members released several white doves outside the frame to create a romantic atmosphere.
Having rehearsed many times, the two moved gracefully with the music.
...
"Cut, very good! Let's go again, everyone, make it count," Anne said, clearly pleased.
Because they had to capture the fleeting beauty of the sunset, they only managed two takes before the sun dipped below the horizon and the lighting completely changed.
Linton, Zack, and Anne discussed and felt it still wasn't perfect. They decided to shoot again the next day since the location and helicopter were booked for two days.
...
After the previous night's game of threesome, Naomi and Halle had openly moved into Linton's room. However, understanding that Linton was the director, who had to coordinate nightly with the production team, direction, camera, costumes, props, and lighting departments, they showed discretion.
They would study the script in their rooms before 10 PM, then come to Linton's room to play three-player games. Usually, they played three rounds, intensely competitive and fulfilling, not ending until 3 or 4 in the morning. It became their nightly tradition.
...
Only the dance scene at the pier under the sunset remained to be shot in that location. The crew rested in the morning.
Linton turned on the TV. The LA riots had been fully quelled, but the downtown area was devastated, with entire blocks burned to ruins. It was unclear how long it would take to restore normal life and work.
The good news was Baltimore had returned to normal life. After all, people needed to work and eat; there was no way they could halt indefinitely over events thousands of miles away.
Step Up filmed on location in Baltimore mainly in three places: the East side streets and African-American neighborhoods, the harbor pier, and the Maryland Institute of Arts.
The initial plan was to shoot the East side streets and neighborhoods first, then the art institute, and lastly the harbor.
Given the recent LA riots, although Baltimore's order had been restored, filming in the East side African-American community posed significant risk.
Linton and the key crew members agreed it was wiser to film the school scenes first and finish with the East side to ensure safety. The production team was sent to negotiate to try filming at the school the next day.
...
Fortunately, the weather was cooperative. Thanks to yesterday's experience, the evening scenes were smoothly completed. With Anne's clear "Perfect, wrap it up," the crew finished the pier scenes.
...
The production team's communication with the Maryland Institute of Arts went well. The school had reviewed the script beforehand and considered the film excellent promotion.
The school's board took it seriously, assigning a dedicated liaison to assist the crew fully. The crew promised the school's name would appear in the film's closing credits.
The school, however, had to maintain normal teaching. They allowed filming only from 5 PM to 9 PM daily.
The scene to be shot showed the female lead looking from her window at the male lead dancing street style in front of the secondary male lead.
...
George parked the stolen car steadily. Seeing Linton leaving with other extras dressed as students, he rolled down the window.
"Travolta, how's your training going here? Show us some moves on set..."
"I'm just a janitor," Linton chuckled, kicking the car's fender.
George got out with his fat friend, "You should show them what you really got!" He started dancing street moves to the car's music.
Linton followed, performing several difficult and flashy street dance moves.
...
Anne had choreographed these complicated, stunning moves tailored to Linton's physique and skills. Most people couldn't pull them off, but Linton danced them smoothly, mesmerizing everyone on set.
"Great, Linton, come here, let's discuss something," Zack said, concerned that although Linton's moves looked cool, they were too difficult for others to learn, hindering mimicry and popularization. Trying to imitate could also lead to injuries and legal issues.
Linton and Anne agreed. Since this was a commercial film aimed at the general public, Anne redesigned the choreography to remain impressive but easier to learn.
However, the original dance footage was preserved. Linton planned to include it in the home video release, releasing two versions: a regular one and a director's cut.
The director's cut would add trimmed content and behind-the-scenes footage, including the intense dance rehearsals and Linton's high-level moves. Fans would appreciate this.
...
Filming at the school was straightforward. With full cooperation, the crew completed the shooting on schedule within five days.
After a week, Baltimore had fully recovered to its pre-riot condition, and the local community's emotions had calmed down.
With support from the city government (with compensation), filming continued in the East side.
...
On May 20th, Linton finished a scene playing basketball with George and his fat friend on a rundown court in the East side. George dribbled past both Linton and his friend for a slick dunk.
...
"Perfect!" Zack yelled. All scenes were now wrapped. Linton announced the wrap, and the crew celebrated enthusiastically at the hotel party that night.
Though the LA riots disrupted filming midway in Baltimore, the schedule was well managed. The team worked smoothly, and everyone united, finishing just one day past the original plan.
Linton was even more pleased that expenses stayed within budget. Mary, in charge of finances, received widespread praise.
...
At the party, everyone let loose and went wild. The atmosphere had been tense during the LA riots, with the crew on edge fearing unexpected dangers.
Fortunately, filming concluded safely, so the crew celebrated crazily, ending with numerous couples embracing.
Linton didn't mind, as long as no one did drugs on-site. But soon he had no time to care.
Halle, quite intoxicated, clung to him, refusing to let go and kept asking for kisses. Naomi appeared equally lovestruck. Linton gave up and decided to retreat to his room for their three-player games.
Since they were parting the next day, and after the LA riots, Naomi and Halle intended to return home to be with family.
During their games, the three grew more engaged, inventing new tricks and strategies. The battles were especially fierce and long lasting...
*****
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