Drop some stones and reviews to help me out
Open to suggestions
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"It's challenging," Charlize mused in response to Christian's question, offering a wry smile.
"He's a typical Hollywood man. If an opportunity arises, he won't let it slip through his fingers. However, he's not the type to be swayed solely by physical attraction. Besides, this is his directorial debut," Christian explained.
"So, it all depends on how much he values this independent directing opportunity and how committed he is, right?" Charlize grasped Christian's point.
"Don't worry too much about it. Even when prominent figures seize opportunities, the heroine usually gets their attention first. You're overthinking it," Christian reassured Charlize in his unique way.
The blonde actress nodded in agreement, "You're right. Someone like me might not even catch their eye, but the opposite might happen."
"Do you mean they could be more unscrupulous when dealing with less influential individuals?" Christian couldn't help but feel a headache.
"That possibility does exist. In low-budget horror films like this, the level of impropriety among influential crew members ranks second only to independent art films. It's unavoidable due to limited power, and the production company's higher-ups don't pay much attention."
"This gives middle management in the crew the chance to take liberties.
"Large-scale commercial films, on the other hand, involve too many interests and checks and balances, leading to fewer such problems."
"Anyway, we should adapt to the circumstances," Christian concluded.
"Speaking of, Sally, although I don't appreciate it, there are many actresses in Hollywood willing to exploit opportunities. Even Julia Roberts isn't an exception. So, why do you persist in this regard?" Christian inquired, recognizing that his question was somewhat tactless.
Christian didn't believe in love at first sight or fairy tales.
Moreover, if it were love at first sight or gratitude, Charlize could have expressed it when Christian had completed the exorcism for her.
So why did her feelings become more apparent after their reunion?
Christian wasn't a suspicious person, but Charlize's behavior in the Hollywood scene had piqued his curiosity.
Was her persistence genuine, or did she have ulterior motives? He believed this was an opportunity to find out.
"What drives your persistence?" he asked.
The blonde actress seemed lost in her thoughts, her eyes clouded with memories.
"To be honest, I've asked myself that question more than once. Honestly, I've never found a clear answer. It might simply be pride. Although reality eventually shatters our pride and mixes it with our self-esteem, trampling them into the mud, I still hope I can hold on for a little longer," she replied.
"Well, I hope you can endure until the day of success," Christian said.
Although it wasn't the answer he sought, he felt there was no need to press further.
After all, whether genuine or an act, Charlize's performance was top-notch.
"Anyway, time will reveal people's true intentions. Sooner or later, I'll understand," Christian mused and shifted the conversation.
"While I may not be a major player in the crew, I can still voice my opinions. If you encounter any issues, I'll offer my assistance."
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"Who the hell do you think you are, pointing fingers at the script?" Christian snapped, his voice low and biting.
He had told Charlize the night before that he wasn't a big shot on this film, but as he sat in the preparatory meeting the next day, he realized there was only one person with real power in the room—and it wasn't him.
"You're just some newbie sent by Newline to assist," the producer, Anthony Westwood, barked at Christian.
"Your job is to sit there and shut up. You're insufferable. I should get rid of you right now."
The words hit hard, but Christian didn't flinch. In theory, Westwood, the producer, should've been on equal footing with the director.
But in reality, the power dynamic in the room was a lot more complex.
Alan B. McElroy, the director, didn't even bother to hide his disdain for Westwood.
"I'll say it again, Anthony," Alan said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"I'm Alan McElroy, not Alan Smithee—the name you producers use when you screw up and want to hide behind someone else. Don't bring that 'producer-style' nonsense into my crew."
Westwood's face tightened, trying to maintain control.
"I wasn't trying to—"
"You were trying to get in the way," Alan interrupted, cutting him off.
"Now, about the budget…"
He turned to the group, gesturing with a thumb at Westwood.
"You have any objections?"
Westwood looked deflated. "No."
Christian could feel the tension in the room.
The producer was supposed to be the authority on money, but here he was, silenced by the director's authority.
This wasn't the way it was supposed to go.
Christian couldn't help but wonder if he had stumbled onto the wrong set entirely. He watched Alan, still standing and taking control of the conversation.
"Alright, gentlemen," Alan continued, leaning forward with a slight smirk.
"As Mr. Westwood pointed out, our budget is tight. But the issues? We can handle them. First off, there might be additional funds if things go smoothly. And second, with your expertise," he looked directly at Christian, "we can save some money, especially on scenes and props. Isn't that right, Christian?"
Christian stiffened, unwilling to take the fall for something he wasn't entirely in control of.
"There are ways to save money, sure," he said slowly, "but I can't give you a concrete plan until we've seen the actual scenes. I can't say how much we'll save just yet."
It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the truth either. It was the perfect stall, buying time without committing to anything.
The department heads at the table saw through it, but they let it slide.
"Fine," Alan said, his expression unreadable.
"We'll revisit this after the location scout."
"Alright," Christian muttered, trying to hide his unease.
"Then let's talk casting and scouting locations…"
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References -
1. Alan Smithee (also Allen Smithee) is an official pseudonym used by film directors who wish to disown a project. Coined in 1968 and used until it was formally discontinued in 2000.