Chapitre 604: Chapter 604: Temporary Director!
Brooklyn Studios, New York.
The crew of "John Wick 2" had been working here since July, capturing scenes that didn't require Martin and Mene's presence. Chad Starsky even made an appearance, taking on the role of a gangster.
Within the studio, Martin sat by the camera, directing shots featuring Chad.
"Attention, everyone!" he called out loudly. "Sound recorder, get ready."
The recorder approached the camera, ready to take notes.
With intense focus, Martin operated the camera, capturing close-ups of Chad's face.
"That man is an enigma, a legend, and a maniac. He took down three top-tier hitmen in a bar using just a pencil!" Chad didn't hide his inner fear. "He's Jonathan, a living legend!"
The men on the opposite side questioned, "So why don't we just let it go?"
The next line was crucial, echoing the explosive point from the first movie. Chad transitioned from fear to fury as he declared, "He killed my nephew. He killed my own brother, all for a dog!"
He yelled angrily, "For a dog, he took away my only family!"
The theme of dogs was an integral part of this series, with phrases like "a dog-related killing" and "messing with your dog" becoming popular internet terms. It was a global consensus not to mess with Martin Davis's dog. Real-life incidents, such as the blood-soaked "John Wick" and the Santa Monica Pier incident, served as stark warnings.
"Cut..." Martin halted filming, lifting his head from behind the camera. He shouted to Chad, "You went too intense in those last two lines!"
Chad raised his hand, admitting, "My bad."
Martin called out, "Everyone, back to your positions."
The crew got busy, and filming resumed a few minutes later.
When it came to the part where Chad had to express furious anger, Martin called out again, "You're putting too much physical force into it, and your focus is solely on your external expressions and eyes. Chad, your vision seems dull!" The third take didn't satisfy Martin either.
Martin descended from the camera slide, entered the set, and playfully teased, "Chad, did Leonardo teach you acting? You've picked up some of his habits. The intense stares, furrowed brows, and roaring – you've got it all."
Chad chuckled, "I'm better with action scenes... I wouldn't dare claim that in front of you."
Martin advised, "This is a close-up shot. Pay close attention to conveying emotions through your eyes."
Chad nodded, determined. "I'll give it another shot."
After seven or eight retakes, Martin, acting as the temporary director, finally gave his approval. Chad's performance might not have matched Leonardo's, but it sufficed for an action movie drama.
The previous director's work had been subpar. Martin had only directed a few scenes before returning to his regular role. This experience could be used as promotional material later, highlighting his limited directing talent and showcasing scenes shot entirely according to Chad's plan.
By the afternoon, Martin had resumed his role in front of the camera.
Inside the set, designed to resemble a used car warehouse, Tiger Chen issued a reminder, "Let's start with a warm-up."
Martin acknowledged and followed Tiger Chen's warm-up routine. Once they were warmed up, he received a Glock pistol from Bruce.
As a sequel to a blockbuster movie, the crew had aimed for a higher advertising deal but couldn't reach an agreement with Heckler & Koch. Austrian-based Glock seized the opportunity and secured the film's pistol advertising sponsorship. In "John Wick 2," the male protagonist, Jonathan, would wield Glock series pistols throughout the action-packed battles.
In light of the shooting incident on the "Inception" set, the "John Wick 2" crew had implemented stricter regulations regarding the use of firearms. All props and firearms were managed by dedicated personnel, undergoing three inspections before being handed to the actors. The actors themselves were checked as well, considering all the weapons used were real firearms. Safety was their top priority.
After Martin checked the firearm, he entered the set to start filming an intense action scene. The air was filled with gunshots as the gunfight scene unfolded. It remained one of the film's highlights, and Martin had maintained rigorous training. His agility, flawless tactical movements, and standard action design were nearly perfect.
Compared to the first film, "John Wick 2" featured more car chases and fight scenes. However, most car chase scenes would be completed with stunt doubles.
After completing another action scene, Martin returned to the resting area, accepting a glass of water from Bruce. He took a few sips before Marcus, the gun action guide, passed by.
Martin stopped him and called him over. "When did you return?"
Marcus, with a fuller figure, sat beside Martin and replied, "I came back to North America in early July after filming 'Lone Survivor' in Jordan. It went quite well, and we're expected to finish shooting this month."
His smiling face displayed the extra weight. "Mark Wahlberg is a great actor, and he was receptive to many of my suggestions."
Martin assured him, "I've arranged discussions about the film's release through Bian. It shouldn't be a major issue to release it next year."
Marcus nodded, saying, "This fulfills one of my major aspirations and helps Americans recognize that my teammates are true patriots. The price they paid for America."
Martin sighed in relief, "Just focus on your work."
Marcus hesitated to speak further.
Martin inquired, "Is there something else?"
"Since my autobiography was published, there have been many negative rumors about me on the internet," Marcus appeared troubled. "Some even claim I'm a deserter and more..."
Martin waved it off, saying, "Don't pay too much attention to media and internet gossip. You've seen how they've slandered me, claiming I had affairs with Leonardo and Nicholson. Ridiculous, right? Something's amiss there. Just ignore it. If anyone crosses the line, have a lawyer send them a cease-and-desist letter."
Marcus forced a bitter smile, admitting, "Maybe I'm not mentally tough enough. I always get angry when I read those things, and I want to confront them, even physically."
"At the beginning, I felt the same way," Martin shared, offering some advice. "But think about it. You're a celebrity and wealthy now. Those people crave your reaction, even a physical one. It's their shortcut to notoriety and financial gain."
Marcus, after hearing this, rubbed his head, thinking of vigilant figures like Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, and Harvey Weinstein, who were all prime examples.
He said, "I'll do my best to adjust and ignore the negative comments as much as possible."
Martin stood up to head back to the set and patted Marcus on the shoulder. "Join us for a drink at the hotel bar in the evening. I've arranged to meet with Tiger Chen, Chad, Mene, and the others."
There was no scene involving Winston today, and Mene hadn't visited the set.
Marcus replied, "I'll be there on time."
As Martin entered the set, he struck a pose, ready for action. The filming order was given, and stuntman Lewis charged toward him, wielding a wrench.
With swift agility, Martin dodged the attack, seized Lewis's arm, and delivered a well-aimed kick between his legs. Lewis howled in pain, dropping the wrench and crumpling to the ground, clutching his groin.
Martin swiftly turned, picking up a firearm from the ground and firing a single shot, ending the scene with a crisp gunshot.
He rose to his feet and looked down at Lewis, concerned. "Are you okay?"
Lewis, still recovering, managed to reply, "Luckily, I've got protective gear down there."
Martin helped him up and reassured him, "I can control my strength."
The two had collaborated since "The Mountain Has Eyes" and had a strong rapport. Lewis playfully quipped, "I'd rather not risk my only two assets for your rehearsal."
Martin chuckled, "At most, it'd be a minor inconvenience."
With the day's filming wrapped up, Chad joined Martin in his car as they headed back to the hotel.
Chad inquired, "You wanted me to reserve the roles for the female killer and Jaina. When will their actors arrive?"
Martin, acknowledging his lapse, admitted, "My apologies, I've been caught up with overseas promotion for 'Inception' and the Coca-Cola God's gathering in Washington. I forgot about this."
Chad was a bit exasperated. "Can we at least speed up the process of finding the actress?"
Bruce, who was driving, chimed in, "I've already notified Sipu, who plays the female agent. Trana is coming to New York for an audition."
Martin had indeed forgotten about this and swiftly instructed, "Call Marina Alexandrova and have her and her agent come to New York for an audition."
He turned to Chad, inquiring, "When are we shooting Gianna's scenes?"
Chad gave an approximate timeline, "The underground castle set is ready in the studio. As soon as the right people arrive, we can start shooting."
Martin expressed confidence, "Marina, with her professional background and experience in Russian TV and film, should be a good fit."
Chad added, "Gianna's role isn't too demanding. She stirs up conflicts in a few scenes, nothing too critical. We can start filming as soon as she's available."
Emphasizing the importance of preparation, he added, "However, the female Agent Ares has a significant role and requires some training."
Martin was straightforward, "Let's conduct the auditions first. If she's not suitable, we'll find a replacement."
As they arrived at the hotel, Martin reminded Chad, "Don't forget, we're meeting for drinks later."
Chad acknowledged and noticed Lily approaching from the rest area. He gestured to Martin, suggesting that they go ahead.
Martin turned to Lily and asked, "What brings you to New York?"
Lily replied, "I'm here for an art exhibition."
Curious, Martin asked, "Are your works featured in the exhibition?"
"Absolutely," Lily replied with pride. "My works are quite popular these days."
She even mentioned, "Whenever you have the time, come see my exhibition. It would be great if you could bring some friends along."
Martin proposed, "I'll treat you to dinner tonight, and we'll invite some crew members to join us. You can cover the drinks."
Lily, not one to turn down an offer from Martin, agreed, "Dinner's on you, but let's keep it under $30,000. Elena would have my head if she saw the bill."
Martin chuckled, "A few thousand dollars max, I promise."
As he reached his room, his phone rang, and it was Taylor Swift calling.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
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