Kapitel 101: Chapter 101: Blow Up the White House
The white building complex sits beneath the sky, composed of the main building and the east and west wings, featuring a distinctive neoclassical style. The stars and stripes flying above the main building lend it an imposing, elegant, and grand appearance.
It is rumored that the ghost of Abigail Adams, John Adams' wife, once washed clothes in the East Room; Dolly Madison's ghost enjoys wandering in the Rose Garden; Lincoln's bedroom is a frequent haunt of "Honest Abe"; and Marilyn Monroe is said to have traversed a secret passage to meet the President here.
This is the political center of the United States, the self-proclaimed most hospitable presidential residence in the world—the famous White House!
Today, this building is about to be completely blown up by Duke under the gaze of dozens of people, surrounded by nearly ten cameras!
"Everyone, step back! Step back!"
Standing on the stable shooting platform, Duke shouted into the megaphone, "Do not step on the grass in front of the White House! Mr. Ben Watts, if you disturb the grass and trees again, I'll tie you to the White House and blow you up together!"
Duke's loud warning was directed at a photography assistant introduced by Naomi Watts. After being personally inspected and approved by John Schwartzman and Duke, he joined the crew and is also the older brother of the Australian actress.
"The White House is ready!"
"The Oval Plaza is ready!"
"The Kennedy Garden is set up!"
"Lafayette Square is arranged!"
An "OK" signal came from the set, effects, and model team, followed by Jos William's fireworks team entering to begin wiring the explosives pre-set beneath the White House.
Of course, this is not the real White House but a scaled-down model specially replicated by the crew. This model exceeds seventy feet in length, and the model team has nearly realistically restored all the buildings and scenery in front of the White House according to its current layout.
"Has there ever been a scene in a Hollywood movie where the White House is directly blown up?"
Sitting on the shooting platform, Duke asked Robin Grand, who was standing beside him, "Or something similar?"
"There should be," the production manager nodded, then shook his head, "but very few have made a lasting impression."
"Robin," Duke rested his chin on his hand, "what do you think about using the image of blowing up the White House as the promotional poster for our film?"
"I had the same idea with Charles," Robin Grand clearly agreed.
"Perhaps once we produce the trailer…"
Having gone through the marketing of two films, Duke had more considerations. "We can send it to the White House for the Clinton family to watch. No matter how they evaluate it, it can serve as a promotional point, right?"
"Good idea." Robin Grand jotted it down in his notebook.
As the on-site setup gradually approached completion, Duke stepped down from the shooting platform and walked around the White House, confirming everything was in order. He returned behind the monitor, waiting for Jos William's team to finish the final preparations.
"Fireworks, ready!"
Hearing the voice from that side, Duke shouted to the crew, "John, lower the boom, and Camera One will shoot according to the plan."
Wide-angle shots, medium shots, and close-ups from a mixed upward angle are Duke's forte when filming explosive action scenes. He had settled on the specific positions and shooting methods with John Schwartzman as soon as the set began.
Adjusting the monitor, Duke carefully observed the effects from each camera position, made a few minor adjustments, and took the megaphone to shout at the White House, "Clear the area! Last call, clear the area!"
Even though they were shooting in a model studio, military-grade explosives were still being used. Duke didn't want anyone to foolishly bump into anything and cause an accident, attracting unions and other troubles.
"Clearing complete!"
A deputy director shouted.
"Jos…" Duke aimed the megaphone at the fireworks team, "Countdown twenty seconds to detonation!"
The area around the White House grew eerily empty, as if aliens had truly descended, shrouded in darkness, creating a chilling stillness—this was no longer the presidential residence but a hell inhabited by executioners.
"10, 9, 8…"
The countdown from the fireworks team was especially loud, reminding everyone that a major explosion was about to occur.
"3, 2, 1, detonate!"
A bright fireball shot up instantly, reducing the White House to rubble. The grass in front of the White House cracked open and flew into the sky as flames rapidly spread, engulfing the garden trees. The administrative center of America was utterly destroyed by Duke!
"Great!" Duke stood up from behind the monitor, shouting in satisfaction, "Well done! The first shot of the film has been successfully completed!"
The site erupted in enthusiastic applause as dozens of people celebrated the successful demolition of the White House.
"Transition!"
After the firefighters extinguished the flames, Duke shouted, "Next target, the Capitol!"
The director is the chief commander of a film crew and the soul of the production. A director's qualities often influence the entire team. Without a doubt, after sharing the effort, Duke's team could relatively easily and excellently accomplish the filming of explosive and visually impactful scenes.
In half a day, Duke led the crew through continuous operations, successfully destroying the White House and the Capitol. After an hour's rest, they arrived in front of the Empire State Building.
However, the Empire State Building was no longer an independent structure but connected to the entirety of Manhattan. The crew's target was the economic lifeline of America and the financial center of the world.
"Duke, we have some issues."
While others were still setting up, Jos William approached, "According to our plan, the explosion should center on the Empire State Building, with flames spreading outward. However, most of the fire after the explosion rises upward, making it difficult to spread to the surroundings."
"What if we blow up all of Manhattan at once?" he tentatively asked.
"No, no…"
Duke shook his head. According to the design, the explosion flames spread from points to surfaces, and Industrial Light & Magic's effects team had already begun producing computer-generated effects for the laser weapons. If they made sudden changes, it would overturn much of the preliminary preparation.
Even with the best preparation, various problems would still arise during filming.
Walking to the Manhattan model, Duke and Jos William frowned, clearly deep in thought about a solution as they looked at the model fixed to the base.
After circling the model base, Duke called over several department heads.
"Let's fix the camera positions on the model base," Duke said while gesturing with his hands. "Then lift Manhattan up using a boom, still using the Empire State Building as the explosion point. After the explosion, the flames should shoot up; we will only film the upper half of Manhattan above the Empire State Building…"
Duke walked to the model, pointed at the Empire State Building, and slid back, "Once lifted, the lower part of the Empire State Building should be suitably shaded, highlighting the explosion and flames of the upper half."
"That method is feasible." Jos William said to ensure smooth filming, "I'll take people to conduct an experiment using other abandoned models first."
Even for the scaled-down model, to save costs, there was only one version of Manhattan made.
About half an hour later, Jos William reported the results of a feasible experiment. Various departments resumed work, and three small cameras were fixed at different angles on Manhattan's base. After Jos William personally arranged the explosives, the crane slowly lifted the model.
As per routine, the area was cleared. After Duke called for the start, a thunderous roar shattered the air as the Empire State Building turned to ruins, and half of Manhattan was engulfed in roaring flames.
Sitting in front of the monitor, Duke watched the filming results back and forth twice. Although they differed somewhat from his expectations, it was acceptable.
"Let's call it a day," he announced, "Clean up and feel free to clock out!"
One by one, people started to leave. Duke remained seated in front of the monitor, reviewing the footage from the day's shoot. When he saw the recent explosion of Manhattan again, a monotonous nasal voice came from behind.
"The alien laser column explosion causes flames to spread out instead of shooting up; it's too unreasonable. How will you explain it?"
"Why do we need to explain?" Duke turned to look at Sofia Coppola. "This is alien technology, weapons hundreds of years more advanced than Earth; we don't need to explain at all!"
If every problem had to be explained, then action and sci-fi movies would never be made. Not to mention other examples, the famous screen hero Rambo would have died countless times according to logic.
"When did you get back?" Duke asked.
"This afternoon," Sofia pulled a nearby chair and sat down beside Duke. "I came straight here after landing from London to Los Angeles."
"You've worked hard." Duke picked up the coffee pot, found a new cup, and poured her some coffee. "Was everything smooth?"
"You know about New York," Sofia took a sip of coffee before replying. "We secured it, but since Broadway is planning to restart the show, it took a bit of effort. The costs were higher than expected, totaling $2 million."
They had discussed these matters over the phone, and Duke nodded, "What about London?"
"Not very smooth," Sofia sighed. "Your Duke Studio is just a shell, with no influence. It's too difficult to acquire the rights to that masterpiece."
"Then…" Duke fell into thought for a moment before saying, "Continue negotiating with them and maintain appropriate contact. Perhaps after the release of 'Independence Day things will change
If "Independence Day" can achieve the expected results, he will be a first-rate commercial film director in Hollywood, and even be among the top ranks of commercial films. Then his reputation will be even more famous.
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