Chapitre 234: MV wrapped up, and marketing

In the apartment building where Lucas's music video was being filmed, curious tenants couldn't help but notice the commotion. Jenny, one of the residents, observed the bustling activity and approached her friend June, whose apartment was at the center of the hubbub.

"June, why is your place so lively today?" she asked, raising her eyebrows inquisitively.

June's eyes sparkled with excitement as she lowered her voice, "They're shooting a music video here!" she whispered, nodding towards the door of her apartment. Curious onlookers from other units peeked out their doors, equally intrigued by the commotion.

"Oh, really?" Jenny feigned indifference, trying to mask her own curiosity.

June nodded, her excitement evident. "My mom owns this apartment building, you know," she said, her voice filled with pride. "She lent out my place for the video shoot, and I was annoyed at first. I mean, why mine and not one of the other tenants'? But then I found out it's for my idol! Can you believe it?" June's eyes sparkled with admiration, her initial irritation long forgotten.

Jenny raised her eyebrows, feigning indifference. "Your idol, huh? Who might that be?"

"Taylor Swift!" June's voice was filled with awe. "She's the one shooting her music video in there!"

Jenny's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but squeal. "No way!"

June nodded, grinning from ear to ear.

"Can we... can we go ask for a picture?"

Jenny asked, trying to sound casual.

"We can try," June said, glancing at her watch. "They've been filming in my apartment for hours now. They should be wrapping up any minute."

---

Inside June's apartment, green screens stood in place of actual walls, ready to be edited later. Lucas and Taylor Swift filmed a heartwarming scene, portraying the epitome of a perfect couple. They laughed, they danced, and their chemistry was undeniable.

However, as the shoot progressed, the mood shifted. The once-happy couple began to argue, their words laced with venom and hurt. The intensity of their performance was palpable, even through the lens of the camera.

"Cut! That was great!" Lily, the young director, applauded. She couldn't believe her eyes. "Lucas, you're something else when it comes to acting."

Taylor, who had been immersed in the scene with him, dabbed at her teary eyes with a towel. The raw emotion he'd evoked in her was unexpected, but she knew it would translate beautifully on screen.

It was clear that Lucas wasn't just a talented singer and songwriter; he was also just that talented in acting. As the scene wrapped up, he sat down next to Taylor, who dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

"You know, you're really good at this," he said, grinning. "You were actually crying."

Taylor laughed through her sniffles, "Well, it helps when your partner is so convincing."

Lucas feigned a wounded expression. "Oh, so it's my fault you cried?"

"No, no," Taylor quickly clarified, playfully nudging him. "I'm just an emotional person, alright?"

Lucas laughed, "Got it. You're as sensitive as… as my… as my guitar strings after a breakup."

Taylor couldn't help but chuckle at Lucas's joke. The production resumed, and they filmed a scene of Lucas strumming his guitar and singing, the sound of his voice filling the room. Although his live performance wouldn't be used in the final cut, his acting was on point.

An hour and a half later, they finally wrapped up filming in the apartment. The reason for the extended shoot was due to the improvised storyboard and filming sequence, which allowed for more creativity.

Both Lucas and Taylor had also ad-libbed during some scenes, making the final product even more relatable. The exhaustion from the long shoot was evident on everyone's faces, but the energy in the room was still high.

As the production wrapped up, Lucas and Taylor were engrossed in a lively conversation when two starstruck women approached them, their faces flushed with excitement.

"Taylor Swift! I'm a die-hard fan!" one of them squealed, her hands trembling as she held out her album for an autograph.

Lucas and Taylor, accustomed to such encounters, isn't surprised. Taylor turned to greet her fans with genuine warmth. "Hi there, ladies, how are you both doing today?" Taylor asked, flashing her megawatt smile as she took the album.

The two fans couldn't believe they were actually speaking to the rising star in person.

"We're feeling on top of the world right now, that's for sure!" the other woman gushed, fanning herself to cool down.

"I'm so glad to hear that," Taylor said, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she signed her name on the album. "What's your name, hon?"

"I'm June," she replied, blushing profusely. "And this is my friend, Jenny."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both," Taylor said, writing their names on the albums with a flourish before handing them back with a radiant smile.

"I can't wait to see your new music video, Taylor!" June gushed, bouncing on her toes.

Jenny nodded in agreement, grinning at her friend. "Yeah, and I'm excited to see June's apartment getting some screen time too, hehe."

June blushed, but she couldn't help but chuckle along with them.

Taylor, sensing their excitement, turned to Lucas and then back to the two fans.

"Actually, it's not my music video we're filming here," she said, causing their faces to fall slightly. "I'm just featuring in it. This talented guy right here is Lucas Knight, and it's his music video."

Lucas, who had been observing the exchange, removed his cap and sunglasses, revealing his smile. "Hi there, ladies."

Recognition dawned on their faces as they looked at him more closely. They'd only seen him in tv series and on films, never expecting to meet him in person, let alone on the set of his own music video.

"Wait, Lucas!" Jenny shrieked, her eyes widening in recognition. "I can't believe it's you! I'm a huge fan!"

June's jaw dropped, equally starstruck. "You mean, you're filming your music video here? This is surreal!"

While they were both die-hard Taylor Swift fans, they knew who Lucas was. His songs had been dominating the charts lately, and his recent rise to fame in the US had eclipsed even Taylor's. The public had rallied behind him after the release of his diary entries, which exposed the hardships he'd endured, including his strained relationship with his stepmother. Now, it was she who was drowning in bad press thanks to her false accusations against Lucas.

"Wow, can we also get an autograph?" June asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

Lucas grinned and took the pen Taylor handed him. "Of course!" he said, signing their albums as they chatted for a few more minutes.

Finally, it was time for them to leave. "It was so nice meeting you both," Taylor said, hugging June and Jenny goodbye.

"Yeah, see you around!" Lucas added, waving as they headed back to their respective cars.

June and Jenny couldn't contain their excitement as they rushed back to their respective apartments, eager to share their incredible experience on Twitter. They gushed about how they'd just bumped into none other than Lucas Knight, who was filming a music video in June's very own apartment, and guess who was starring in it? The one and only Taylor Swift!

As expected, most of their followers were skeptical. After all, it was just text, and where were the receipts? While some of Lucas's fans were intrigued by the tweets, they too soon dismissed it as an attention-grabbing stunt.

However, June and Jenny didn't let the naysayers dampen their spirits. They knew the truth, and that was enough for them. They'd not only met their idol, Taylor Swift, but also got to meet and greet the rising star, Lucas Knight, and even managed to snag autographs from both of them.

---

As the days flew by, Lucas was consumed by the production of the second music video, "Viva La Vida." The majority of the filming took place in a soundstage, where he knew the footage would require extensive editing. Meanwhile, both music videos were sent for post-production, but it was clear that "Viva La Vida" would take longer; the intricate visuals and storyline demanding a meticulous touch in the editing room.

In the meantime, Lucas seized the opportunity to meet Liza and visit the children at the cancer ward hospital. Arriving with gifts in hand, he couldn't help but smile as their faces lit up upon seeing him. The kids rushed to hug him, their tiny arms wrapping around his waist. Liza followed closely behind, sharing a warm smile with the nurses. As Lucas handed out the presents, squeals of delight filled the room. He strummed his guitar, serenading the children with a heartfelt melody. Nurses discreetly recorded the touching moment, but respecting Lucas's privacy, they decided not to share the videos on social media.

***

As Lucas lounged on his couch, his phone buzzed with a notification. The trailer for "Midnight in Paris" had just dropped on YouTube, and the production studio and distributor had reached out, requesting him to promote the film. He reluctantly unlocked his Twitter account, which only had two posts: one photo with the "Hunger Games" cast and crew, and another of a serene Los Angeles park.

Scrolling through the replies, he chuckled at the netizens' comments.

The lack of activity on his account didn't escape netizens' attention. "Wow, does Lucas even have a PR team or social media admin?" they joked. Despite the jokes, both posts had garnered hundreds of thousands of likes and thousands of retweets.

Lucas hesitantly tapped away at his phone, deciding to have some fun with it. "Hey there, guys! So, Sony Pictures called me up and was like, 'Yo, Lucas, we need you to promote this lil' indie film you're in,' and I'm like, 'Mmm, I dunno, I'm kinda busy being a couch potato here.' But then they were like, 'But you're the main guy in it!' and I was like, 'Oh, when you put it that way…' So, check out 'Midnight in Paris'—I act the character of Gil in this film! Trust me, it's gonna be good."

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Chapitre 235: Successful promotion and screening

Lucas Knight's Twitter feed lit up like a Christmas tree, notifications flooding in by the second. Thousands of retweets, comments, and likes poured in mere minutes after he posted about his latest project. "Hey there, guys! So, Sony Pictures called me up and was like, 'Yo, Lucas, we need you to promote this lil' indie film you're in,'" he'd written, mimicking a casual conversation. "I'm like, 'Mmm, I dunno, I'm kinda busy being a couch potato here.' But then they were like, 'But you're the main guy in it!' and I was like, 'Oh, when you put it that way...' So, check out 'Midnight in Paris'—I act the character of Gil in this film! Trust me, it's gonna be good."

Netizens and fans alike couldn't help but chuckle at his laid-back, self-deprecating humor. Retweets and comments flew in from all corners of the platform, praising his relatable personality and anticipating the release of the film.

"Haha! I didn't think LK was this funny!" one fan tweeted, accompanied by a laughing emoji. "And making Sony Pictures sound like his buddy, I can't handle it."

Another user couldn't contain their excitement, commenting, "Okay, couch potato! Since you put it that way, my interest in your movie is piqued! I'm buying tickets now!"

"This is why I love Lucas!" one user wrote.

"Can't wait to see 'Midnight in Paris' now!" another added.

A user retweeted Lucas's post and added, "Lucas, or aka, Mr. Couch Potato, is so busy on the couch, huh? Interesting..." The user continued, "We're still waiting for your songs, buddy." Then, the user added a winking emoji, "Kidding aside, I'm really intrigued about this 'Midnight in Paris' film of yours!"

The internet buzzed with excitement, propelling the indie film into the spotlight, all thanks to a single, hilarious tweet.

"Wait, Woody Allen directed and wrote this?" One user's avatar frowned. "Isn't he the one who…?" They trailed off, but their disapproval was clear. "Well, I'll still watch it—for Lucas, but I don't condone Woody Allen."

On the other hand, another fan gushed, "God, I can finally watch Lucas Knight in a lead role again! I've missed him on the big screen. Such a talented actor, he deserves more attention!"

The mixed reactions flooded in, but one thing was clear: Lucas Knight's presence in the film was enough to pique the interest of even the most skeptical moviegoers.

---

A few hours after Lucas posted on Twitter, his feed was still abuzz with activity.

Neil stepped into Lucas's apartment, a grin plastered on his face.

"Lucas, you've done great!" he exclaimed, clapping his friend on the back. "That tweet of yours has the internet buzzing. Great job promoting 'Midnight in Paris'!"

Lucas chuckled, "I was just having fun, man. I didn't think so many people would fall for it."

Neil's smile widened. "Well, I can certainly say that Sony Pictures is thrilled. You've got them eating out of your hand, buddy."

The two friends shared a hearty laugh as they settled down to discuss the unexpected success of Lucas's lighthearted promotional tweet.

Lucas grinned mischievously. "Well, I wanted to support the movie too, so I bought us tickets for tonight. Wanna join me?"

Neil raised an eyebrow, but shrugged. "I'm not busy, so sure, why not?"

They called Shawn from the living room, and soon the three of them were in Lucas's car, headed to the cinema.

Lucas had changed into a casual outfit, donning a pair of sunglasses but forgoing a cap this time. "No need to hide too much," he thought. "It's New York, after all. I'm not as famous as Michael Jackson."

The trio arrived at the IFC Center, blending in with the crowd. Despite his fame, only a few observant moviegoers recognized the rising star, but to their credit, they kept quiet and returned to their seats. They didn't want to cause a commotion, preferring to enjoy the film in peace. After all, one fuss could lead to dozens of fans swarming in, ruining the experience for everyone.

Shawn discreetly handed Lucas and Neil popcorn and cola as they settled into their plush seats. The audience around them buzzed with anticipation, excited for the movie to begin.

Meanwhile, blending in with the crowd was Ava Thompson, a renowned film critic from the New York Times. She had heard about the social media buzz and wanted to see what the fuss was about. Her notepad and pen at the ready, she prepared to jot down her thoughts on the highly-anticipated indie film.

The lights dimmed, signaling the start of the show. The chatter died down, replaced by the rustling of popcorn bags and the clinking of ice in drinks. All eyes were glued to the screen as the opening credits began to roll.

The film began with breathtaking shots of Paris, accompanied by a soulful, yet youthful voiceover. "This is unbelievable—look at this," the man marveled. "There's no city like this in the world. There never was."

A woman's voice interjected, "It's become so touristy."

"Well, that's just the awful era we live in," the man countered, his enthusiasm undeterred. "But can you imagine what it was like before? Even with all the fast food joints and traffic, you can't imagine how it was years ago."

"Well, you like cities," the woman observed.

"I really do," the man gushed. "I love big cities, with all the crowds and the action."

The conversation between the couple continued, and soon enough, the camera panned out to reveal Lucas as Gil, locked in a passionate kiss with his on-screen fiancée. As the film progressed, the audience quickly grasped Gil's character: he was reserved and old-fashioned, only opening up around his fiancée. However, even during their conversations, Gil's disdain for Inez's male friend was evident.

As the movie progressed, the audience's dislike for Inez, Gil's fiancée, grew. She scorned and disrespected Gil at every turn, evoking whispers of disapproval from the crowd.

"I can't stand Lucas's fiancée in this film," one woman whispered to her friend. "She's such a bitch."

Her friend nodded in agreement. "I know, I hope Gil steers clear of her."

As Gil reluctantly let Inez (his fiancée) go off with her friends, a few audience members frowned.

"I've got a feeling those friends of his fiancée will be a bad influence," a man whispered to his girlfriend.

An older man seated nearby chuckled, "Well, this is a Woody Allen film, after all. I wouldn't be surprised if she cheats on him and leaves him by the end." He added, "It's a common theme in his movies. Most protagonists face that fate. It's practically his signature."

The young couple exchanged glances, clearly unfamiliar with Woody Allen's work.

"Well, it seems like Woody must've been hurt in the past," the young man mused.

"Yeah, he must've had a rocky relationship," his girlfriend agreed.

Lucas, who was seated nearby, couldn't help but overhear the conversation. He chuckled to himself as Neil nudged him and whispered, "Did that guy get it right?"

Lucas smiled but remained silent, much to Neil's frustration.

"Come on, tell me!" Neil urged.

Lucas sighed, not wanting to spoil the ending. "I can't do that, man. Just watch the film."

Neil and Shawn exchanged knowing glances, deciding to let it go as they refocused on the screen.

As the film progressed, it delved into the fantastical, just as the trailer had teased. Gil (Lucas) found himself lost in the streets of Paris, waiting at a specific spot when a vintage car passed by, its passengers clad in old-fashioned yet classy attire. They invited him inside, and soon, he was whisked away to a different era—one where people dressed with a certain neo-classical flair.

Lucas's character, Gil, even struck up a conversation with a fellow writer, their professions mirroring each other's. The audience was entranced by the surreal, dreamlike quality of the film, transported to Paris alongside the protagonist.

Gil's heart raced with excitement as he sat across from the renowned writer, Ernest Hemingway. The conversation flowed effortlessly, and Gil could hardly believe his luck when Hemingway offered to introduce him to Gertrude Stein, a prominent figure in the literary world. Eagerly, Gil agreed and rushed back to his own time to retrieve the manuscript of his novel. He returned to the vintage car at the appointed time, accompanied by Hemingway, and together they made their way to meet Gertrude.

Upon meeting the esteemed lady, Gil's hands trembled slightly as he handed her his prized work. In that very moment, Gil's eyes met those of Adriana, and it was as if time stood still. Her beauty left him speechless, and even the most oblivious of onlookers could see that he was smitten.

As the night progressed, Gil found himself drifting further from his fiancée, consumed by his seemingly newfound infatuation with Adriana. His secretive actions, like buying her a pair of exquisite earrings, only widened the rift between them. The audience watched intently, captivated by the unfolding drama, as the film began to delve deeper into the complexities of Gil's relationships and the choices he would be forced to make.

The audience's emotions were a tumultuous sea as they witnessed Gil's fiancée's infidelity. Initially, they saw fault on both sides, given Gil's growing attachment to Adriana. However, a pivotal moment came when, through Lucas's nuanced performance, it was revealed that Gil had been in denial about his fiancée's infidelity long before he met Adriana. In a poignant conversation with a museum guide, the truth emerged: he had known all along.

As the realization dawned on the audience, they realized that his attraction to Adriana was a mere distraction, a way to escape the harsh reality of his crumbling engagement. It was clear that their relationship had been on borrowed time, and Gil's budding feelings for Adriana only served as justification for the inevitable split.

Lucas's heart-wrenching portrayal of Gil's inner turmoil left many in the audience in tears, moved by the raw honesty of his performance.

The film continued, and the audience's attention was drawn to a pivotal scene where Gil, now single, reunited with Adriana in the charming streets of 1920s Paris. The rain gently cascaded around them as they shared a passionate kiss. To everyone's surprise, Gil began to sing a catchy tune, his voice echoing through the cobblestone alleyways. The bittersweet feelings surrounding his recent breakup with Inez started to dissipate, replaced by hope for a brighter future with Adriana.

As the story progressed, it seemed that Gil would indeed find love with Adriana, and he even contemplated bringing her back to the present day. However, he soon realized that she too was enamored with the past, just as he had been. In a poignant moment of self-awareness, Gil recognized his own folly in clinging to bygone eras and attempted to convince her to join him in the present.

However, Adriana's heart remained firmly rooted in the past, and she declined his offer.

As the credits rolled, the audience was left with a bittersweet aftertaste as Gil's relationship with Adriana crumbled before their very eyes. The film ended with Gil finding comfort in the arms of the museum guide, a character who had been present throughout his journey but never quite at the forefront of the story. The audience couldn't help but feel a pang of longing for the might-have-been romance between Gil and Adriana.

The movie's ending song, beautifully sung by Lucas himself, played in the background, its melody a poignant reminder of what could have been.