Chapitre 100: Lucas's proposition

The rendezvous for the "Like Crazy" cast and crew unfolded in a manner far from Lucas's expectations. Upon entering the confines of Drake Doremus' modest apartment, Lucas's eyebrow arched in mild surprise, yet he remained unfazed.

"Is this our gathering point?" inquired Lucas, his voice tinged with an unmistakable note of amusement.

Drake, visibly uncomfortable and dodging Lucas's inquisitive look, confirmed, "Yes, this is it." He attempted a sheepish smile, adding, "Apologies, it's what I can afford at the moment. It's decent, right?"

With a soft chuckle, Lucas quipped, "Decently tight, I'd say."

Drake's response came with a wry smile, acknowledging the gentle jab, "I'm aware it's less than ideal, but—"

Interrupting with a dismissive wave and a relaxed demeanor, Lucas assured, "The setting is of no concern. What captivates me is the essence of the project. It reminds me of 'Blue Valentine,' a film I watched at Sundance."

Drake's tension dissolved as they immersed themselves in the script, exploring character depths, interpretations, and their shared cinematic vision.

The allure for actors like Lucas to join his project lay in the raw, immersive experience of indie filmmaking. Such ventures diverge from the conventional, offering narratives and characters rich in complexity. This realm promises actors a voice in the creative process and fosters intimate collaborations with the director and ensemble, enriching the artistic endeavor.

As the night matured and the spatial constraints of the apartment grew more pronounced, Lucas sensed the moment for departure had arrived.

"Ben, my roommate, hasn't returned," Drake mentioned, his tone laced with regret. "We're somewhat limited on sleeping arrangements here."

Lucas, ever the reassurer, smiled and said, "Not to worry, I've secured accommodations nearby."

Their conversation took an unexpected turn as Lucas broached his potential involvement. "Rather than merely contributing my fee," he proposed, "what if I also invest in the project? A few hundred thousand could alleviate some financial strain. We'll sort out a fair box office split—I don't intend to encroach on the crew's share."

Drake was momentarily taken aback by the offer, his speech faltering. "I'll need to ponder that," he managed, wary of hastily accepting such a generous proposition without consulting Ben and the key team members.

Lucas nodded, understandingly, offering a supportive pat on Drake's shoulder. "There's no urgency. Consider it merely a suggestion."

---

In the dim light of early dawn, Los Angeles began to stir, its first rays sneaking through the blinds to dance across the hotel room where Lucas had spent the night. He was jolted awake, not by an alarm, but by the sheer force of anticipation that coursed through him, a sensation akin to a flutter of butterflies in his belly.

After a brisk breakfast, where the excitement seemed to fill him more than the food, Lucas made his way to Drake's apartment. It was a modest space, reflective of the humble beginnings many artists in the city shared. Ben, Drake's friend, co-writer, and roommate, was the sole occupant at that early hour. His eyes lit up with a mixture of surprise and warmth as he greeted Lucas. "Lucas!" His voice carried a blend of excitement and sincerity. "It's wonderful to finally meet you in person."

As Ben took in Lucas's appearance, a flash of recognition sparked in his eyes. He had been moved by Lucas's performance in "127 Hours," a film that had etched itself into Ben's memory. "You look even younger in person," Ben observed, his tone carrying a hint of awe.

Lucas, taken aback by the compliment, could only muster a chuckle and a bashful "Thanks" in response.

Ben extended a handshake, his smile broadening. "You're the first to arrive. Impressive, especially considering you've just flown in LA yesterday."

"Seems like jet lag's working in my favor," Lucas replied with a light laugh, acknowledging the unexpected advantage of his disrupted sleep schedule.

The morning light, now stronger, poured through the window, casting a warm glow over the cluttered apartment. Lucas and Ben, sitting amongst scattered papers and props, had been deep in discussion about "Like Crazy," a project that clearly ignited their passion.

However, the tone shifted as Ben's expression turned serious. "I heard about your offer to fund the project. Is that for real, Lucas?"

Lucas's response was immediate and firm, his smile unwavering. "Absolutely. I've saved up around 400k, and I'm ready to invest in our film. 200k, or all of it if needed."

A heavy silence hung in the air, laden with the gravity of Lucas's proposal. Ben finally let out a breath, a mixture of astonishment and gratitude evident in his voice. "Your offer... it's incredibly generous. Our budget's been tight, around $250k. Your support could dramatically change our scope."

Lucas's financial landscape had taken a turn for the better, much of it owing to a serendipitous alignment with the entertainment industry's giants. The heart of this financial uptick was his copyrighted song, "Perfect," which had found favor with the ABC Network, renowned for its hit series Modern Family. The network hadn't just featured Lucas's creation on multiple occasions, but had also taken to YouTube to share it, catapulting the song to nearly a million views—980,000 to be precise—in a mere week. This digital footprint not only amplified Lucas's visibility but also padded his bank account with a steady stream of royalties. But the avenues contributing to Lucas's burgeoning bank account didn't end there. His musical prowess had also left an indelible mark on the cinematic world, with his song gracing the ending credits of the film "127 Hours." This placement too had become a source of ongoing royalty income, further bolstering his financial standing. While Lucas hadn't meticulously tracked every dollar and cent flowing into his account, his rough estimation hovered around $600,000, give or take. He considered $400,000 a conservative guess, underscoring the somewhat nebulous yet decidedly positive state of his finances.

Before they could delve deeper into the implications of Lucas's investment, the door swung open, revealing Drake with a bag of McDonald's in hand. He paused, surprised to see Lucas already settled in. "Lucas? You're here early," he said with a chuckle, placing the fast food on the table. "Care for breakfast?"

Lucas offered a polite smile. "I've already eaten, but thank you."

Drake nodded, casually tossing a burger Ben's way before joining the pair. The aroma of fast food soon enveloped them, creating a cozy, albeit unconventional, setting as they resumed their script discussion, their conversation weaving through bites of burgers and the rustle of pages.

As the morning unfolded, Drake's apartment transformed from a quiet sanctuary into a hive of creative energy. The door, with its distinctive creak, became a revolving entry point for the eclectic mix making up the crew. One by one, individuals tasked with bringing the film to life—sound mixers with their nuanced ears for audio, cinematographers with an eye for the perfect shot, and extras, each with their own silent stories—stepped into the space, infusing it with a palpable sense of purpose and anticipation.

As the hands of the clock inched closer to 9 AM, the atmosphere in the apartment shifted from expectant calm to a vibrant buzz of activity. Charley Bewley was among the first to arrive, his entrance marked by a demeanor of easy assurance. Known for his role in "Twilight," his presence added a layer of recognition and excitement, his casual nod a silent acknowledgment of the shared adventure they were all about to embark on.

Not long after, the room's dynamic changed once more with the arrival of Felicity Jones. Her ascent in the acting world was marked by a blend of talent and an enchanting presence, which she carried with her into the room. There was a distinct intensity about her, a quiet force that suggested depths waiting to be explored on screen.

Lucas, for his part, was particularly keen on meeting Felicity. As the actress set to portray Anna, his character's counterpart, their interaction was crucial. Their introduction was seamless, with their discussion about the script revealing a natural rapport and a shared vision that boded well for their on-screen chemistry.

The apartment, now buzzing with the energy of assembled talent and crew, seemed to be holding its breath for the arrival of the last pivotal member. When Jennifer Lawrence entered, the energy shifted noticeably. Her approachable demeanor, coupled with a certain star quality that her roles had cemented, filled the room. Her initial interaction with Drake was followed by a moment of recognition as she and Lucas locked eyes.

The silence that ensued was brief but charged, a mutual recognition sparking a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "Lucas?" Jennifer's voice broke the silence, her expression one of genuine astonishment.

"Jennifer?" Lucas responded, equally taken aback. This unexpected reunion under the auspices of a new project drew the attention of everyone present, sparking curiosity and speculation.

"Do you two know each other?" Drake's question, fueled by genuine interest, hung in the air.

AN:

(Do you wish for the main character to join the "Seven Kingdoms" or the "Game of Thrones" Project? Which role should they choose?)

commentaire Commentaire 43

Voter

next chapter

Chapitre 101: Film project discussions

The atmosphere among the cast members shifted subtly as Lucas and Jennifer exchanged glances. This quiet moment was broken by Jennifer addressing Drake's inquiry, "Lucas and I originally crossed paths at Sundance."

Drake, seeking confirmation, turned towards Lucas, who offered a nod in agreement. This simple gesture seemed to set things into motion as Drake declared, "Now that Jennifer has arrived, we can delve into the script discussions."

The rest of the cast conveyed their agreement with nods, while Jennifer made her way into the modestly sized apartment. She settled beside Lucas and Felicity, marking the beginning of her integration into the group.

Felicity extended a warm introduction, "Hi, Jennifer. I'm Felicity Jones." Jennifer reciprocated the gesture, introducing herself in kind, marking the start of a new acquaintance.

Turning to Lucas, Jennifer expressed her surprise, "I never imagined our paths would cross again, especially as fellow cast members..."

Lucas responded with a smile, an expression of mutual astonishment and delight, "Indeed."

Jennifer's smile, though faint, was laden with a mix of emotions as she gazed at Lucas. It was as if the universe had conspired to bring her desire to fruition sooner than expected—desire of sharing the screen with Lucas, only to find that reality had swiftly mirrored her aspirations.

Lucas had long been an object of Jennifer's admiration, particularly since the Sundance premiere of "127 Hours." His performance had left an indelible mark on her, showcasing a brilliance she aspired to emulate.

In a conversational shift, Lucas inquired about Jennifer's role with a hint of playfulness, "So, you're playing Sam?" Given that Felicity was cast as Anna, it was logical for Jennifer, a significant addition to the ensemble, to embody Samantha, Jacob's complex love interest.

Jennifer affirmed with a nod, "Yes, that's right."

Lucas's teasing continued, "Did you opt for Samantha over Anna, or did Felicity outshine you for the part?"

Both Felicity and Jennifer were momentarily taken aback by his candor. Before Felicity could clarify, Jennifer interjected with confidence, "Outshine? Hardly. I chose Samantha's character because she intrigued me far more than Anna. There's a depth to Samantha that resonated with me."

Lucas and Felicity were visibly taken aback by Jennifer's passionate defense of her character, exchanging surprised glances. Felicity, with a hint of curiosity, questioned, "Really? To me, Anna seems to be the more fascinating character."

Jennifer, unfazed and with a confident, smug smile, replied, "Perhaps for you, Anna's journey is more compelling. But for me, Samantha's narrative aligns more closely with my tastes."

This piqued Lucas's interest, prompting him to inquire further, "Oh? What makes you say that?"

With a direct gaze towards Lucas, Jennifer began to articulate her perspective, "Anna is portrayed as deeply in love with Jacob, yet she quickly finds solace in another's company during their separation, which I find rather perplexing. Samantha, on the other hand," she continued, her eyes alight with enthusiasm, "embodies strength, independence, and a deliberate choice to love Jacob, despite being aware of his divided affections. The real tragedy, in my view, is Jacob's inability to see the value in Samantha—a woman of substance and commitment—"

Caught up in her fervor, Jennifer momentarily lost herself in her argument. Noticing Lucas and Felicity's attentive gaze, she paused, slightly embarrassed by her own intensity, "Sorry. I got a little too involved there."

Lucas responded with a light-hearted chuckle, "It's perfectly fine. Your perspective is quite enlightening."

Felicity, sharing in the amusement, added, "It's clear you have a deep connection with Samantha's character. That passion is admirable."

Jennifer, somewhat reassured by their reactions, simply smiled, "Thank you. I really do believe in her character."

As the group's focus shifted towards Drake, the confines of the small apartment became more evident. Despite its modest size, it held significant potential, doubling as a filming location for Anna's apartment within their indie project. Drake, with a contemplative look, began to outline the unique aspects of their production process.

"This project is indie at its core," Drake explained, his voice echoing slightly in the cramped space. "The script has been a collaborative effort between myself and my co-writer, Ben. Given our budget constraints, we're not in a position to hire a large writing team. However, this opens up a unique opportunity for you, the cast. We encourage improvisation and welcome your contributions to the dialogue and narrative. It's a chance to truly make your roles your own."

He swept his gaze across the room, making eye contact with each actor - Charley, Felicity, Jennifer, Lucas, and the others, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their endeavor.

Drake continued, "Feel free to propose ideas for scenes that highlight your character's development or backstory. We're open to integrating your creative insights into the film."

Jennifer, intrigued by the level of creative freedom being offered, sought clarification, "So, the approach to filming and development will be somewhat akin to 'Blue Valentine', correct?"

Drake nodded, "Yes, something like that."

Lucas, seizing the moment to introduce modern cinematic techniques, was determined to influence Drake and the crew with a fusion of ingenious and future filmmaking methods.

"Drake, taking a cue from 'Blue Valentine's' intimate storytelling, I suggest we mix different cinematic styles to elevate our film," Lucas said with evident enthusiasm. "Focusing on authentic, unguarded moments between characters can deeply resonate with audiences, making it feel like they're privy to private conversations."

He streamlined his thoughts to keep them timeless yet innovative. "By playing with the narrative structure and using visual storytelling, we can layer our tale to uncover the characters' deep connections and emotional complexities. Natural light and select locations will enhance the emotional landscape, creating a rich backdrop without words."

Lucas briefly touched on aesthetics. "Different color palettes and dynamic camera movements can vividly bring out the emotional highs and lows, immersing the audience in the characters' journey."

Concluding with thematic depth, Lucas added, "We're positioned to explore relationship complexities in a way that today's audience will find compelling, challenging traditional narratives and encouraging reflection."

Drake, the cast, and crew listened, visibly impressed by Lucas's vision. His concise, impactful suggestions promised a film not just visually stunning but deeply moving and relatable, capturing the essence of innovative and emotionally engaging storytelling.

As Lucas shared his vision, the cast and crew hung on his every word, their expressions a blend of curiosity and intrigue. When he finished, Drake responded, acknowledging the creativity behind Lucas's suggestions, yet he couldn't mask his concern about the financial feasibility. "Lucas, your ideas are fascinating and could indeed elevate our film. However, the challenge lies in aligning them with our budget constraints."

Lucas met Drake's gaze with a confident smile. "That's precisely why I've offered to invest in our project, isn't it?" he reminded gently, his tone light yet firm.

The room tensed for a moment as Drake's demeanor shifted to one of serious contemplation. Jennifer and Felicity, caught off-guard by the mention of additional funding, echoed their surprise in unison. "Invest?"

It was Ben, the co-writer, who clarified the situation, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and disbelief. "Lucas has expressed his willingness to support the project financially, potentially contributing between $200,000 to $400,000."

The revelation sparked a wave of astonishment among the cast and crew. Jennifer, half-jokingly, nudged Lucas, her voice laced with a mix of admiration and jest. "So, you're rich now?"

Lucas responded with a modest smile, downplaying the notion. "Not exactly rich, but let's just say the projects I've been involved with have been quite rewarding..."

A hush fell over the group as all eyes turned towards Drake, the decision-maker whose approval was crucial. The unspoken truth hung in the air: if Lucas were to invest, it would not only alleviate budgetary pressures but also likely grant him a stake in the film.

commentaire Commentaire 7

Voter