Behind The Spotlight Chapter 108
The crew bustled around with cameras and lights. Some clutched coffees as they yawned, their sluggish movements showed just how many nights in a row they'd been working late.
Director Nelson adjusted his eyeglasses, his sharp gaze fixed on the church altar. In his mind, the scene was already unfolding perfectly. Nelson was the director of Bride Runaway.
The church belonged to Wash Dismay Studio, and the production was using it to film a wedding scene.
"Ten more minutes! Everyone, move along!" he called through a megaphone, jolting several sleepy crew members back into motion. They shuffled into place with renewed urgency. Nelson wasn't faring much better, his heavy under-eye bags testified to his own lack of sleep.
He glanced toward his leading actress, Jolyne Robs, and gave a satisfied nod. She wore a wedding dress with intricate lacework, though the thick fabric looked heavier than it should.
Clearly, she was uncomfortable in the stifling costume, but professionalism meant enduring it without complaint on camera. She was paid millions to star in the film, after all.
This wasn't Nelson's first collaboration with Jolyne. Their history went back to Gorgeous Lady, the film that catapulted Jolyne to stardom and turned her into a household name across the country. Since then, she had starred in numerous box office hits, cementing her reputation as a superstar capable of carrying any project to financial success.
She was considered one of the best actresses in modern Hollywood, earning about $10 million per movie. The only thing missing from her accolades was an Academic Award, something she had openly admitted was her lifelong dream.
Nelson's gaze then shifted to his leading man, Lawrence Terrence, who leaned casually against a chair, flipping through the script with an air of calm detachment.
At first, Nelson hadn't been impressed. To him, Lawrence was just another handsome actor who had gotten lucky in a few successful films. He wasn't even on Nelson's personal recommendation list. But the studio and producers had pushed for his casting, so Nelson agreed, expecting little.
Now, he was pleasantly surprised. Few actors could embody a leading role to perfection, but Lawrence had somehow gone beyond that.
Looking at his two superstars, Nelson nodded with satisfaction. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, though off-screen, it was another story entirely.
"Hey, make sure to catch me. I don't want to get injured. Honestly, I'm not sure you even have the strength to carry me. You look like a twig. Maybe we should use a double instead?" Jolyne said.
The upcoming scene involved Jolyne's character running away from the altar and nearly falling, only to be caught by Lawrence's character, if everything went according to Nelson's vision.
"Miss Robs, I think you need to shut the fuck up. You're lucky I don't hit women. I thought I'd already met the most foul-mouthed bitch in the world, but I was wrong. Your breath doesn't stink, but it brings imaginary stink because of the shit that comes out of your mouth."
"What did you say? Young man, I think you need to understand seniority. How about you kneel and kowtow in front of me ten times, and I'll forgive you?"
"Over my dead body, you old hag," Lawrence sneered.
'... Is it really normal for famous celebrities to act like this? Gosh, they are both arrogant.'
Nelson shook his head. The two were hurling insults like they were in a street brawl. It was a miracle they could act like lovers once the cameras started rolling. Their ability to switch personas so convincingly was almost frightening, perhaps that was exactly why they were such extraordinary actors.
Watching them on screen, you'd believe they were truly in love.
Scanning the set, Nelson spotted their agents. Both men were shaking their heads in shared disappointment.
...
...
...
"Hey, talk to your client. Jolyne's going too far. She should show some respect to her junior, it's a sign of maturity," Collin said to Arnold, who stood next to him with his arms crossed.
"Maturity my ass. Your client's the one causing trouble," Arnold replied, his voice tight with irritation.
"But you said earlier Jolyne's been in a bad mood lately."
"I don't remember saying that."
"You literally said it this morning."
"You're lying."
"..."
Collin could only stare at him. It was true, they'd had that conversation on the way to the set. Arnold had admitted that Jolyne had been snappish lately, ready to blow up at the smallest provocation.
"Look, she's glaring at you like she wants to stab you," Collin pointed out.
Sure enough, Jolyne was glaring at Arnold with icy precision.
"Sigh. I honestly have no idea what's going on. We were still on good terms a few months ago."
"Maybe you said something that offended her."
"Nah, she's the one who offends people."
"I can see that happening," Collin nodded.
"Are you making fun of my client?"
"You're the one making fun of your client."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"..."
Collin was left speechless for the second time. He wasn't sure if Arnold had short-term memory loss or was simply stubborn to the point of denial.
A few minutes later, the crew began filming. Jolyne ran from the altar, her wedding dress trailing behind her, tears brimming in her eyes. The raw emotion she projected captivated everyone in the fake church.
She stepped on the hem of her dress and nearly stumbled, but Lawrence caught her just in time. They locked eyes, the chemistry between them was powerful, as if the rest of the world had melted away.
"Cut!"
The moment Nelson called it, both actors pulled away, their expressions turning cold. Jolyne clicked her tongue in annoyance, while Lawrence spat on the floor in open disdain. Their animosity was unmistakable.
"We have to admit, they're both talented," Arnold muttered, watching them.
"Hey, hey, look, Jolyne's glaring at you again. Arnold, what did you do to make your client stare daggers at you?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"..."
Collin was speechless for the third time.
---
[I want to thank you guys for all of your support.]
---
If you want to read more, you can check out my Patr eon. It has:
21 chapters of Reincarnated as a Fisherman and a Dad
40 chapters of Behind The Spotlight
Patreon link: https://www.patre on.com/Puji_maki