章節 26: Chapter 26: A Serious Actor
The tall chestnut horse bore the weight of two riders, secured by a specialized saddle. As the horse shifted slightly, Martin reassured the uneasy animal and held the supporting actress tightly in his arms.
Catherine, with her stunning blond hair, played the role of the second female lead in the film. Her natural beauty and figure were captivating.
She whispered softly, "It won't stumble, will it?"
Martin put her at ease, saying, "Don't worry, I'm an accomplished horseman."
Director Benjamin called out loudly, "Martin, are you ready?"
Martin responded with a thumbs-up and confidence, "Absolutely." With the director's cue, filming officially commenced.
The focus was on capturing panoramic and picturesque shots of the two characters riding together.
After shooting a few scenes intermittently, Martin underwent a quick makeup touch-up and resumed filming. He skillfully maintained the horse at a steady trot, elevating the artistic atmosphere on set to a high level, akin to the grandeur of Cannes or Venice.
Benjamin's artistic vision for this circus scene surpassed all expectations.
The fake horse props were introduced onto the set, and Martin and Catherine transitioned from real horses to their artificial counterparts.
As the fake horse galloped, so did their performances.
Martin had worked tirelessly to execute the scene, but he had to conclude it with tears welling up in his eyes.
The rocking back and forth, along with the numerous tosses, took a toll. Martin, who could withstand the physical demands, saw Catherine nearly succumb to the jolts and jerks of the ride.
Finally, the filming wrapped up.
Benjamin's attitude toward Martin today was noticeably warmer than the previous day. He approached and inquired, "How did it go?"
Without missing a beat, Martin praised, "Director, you're a genius! This scene you designed is nothing short of a masterpiece! Fans will undoubtedly worship you and sing your praises to the heavens."
With an artist's flair, Benjamin stroked his beard and grinned, "Worship me for finding such a fine actor?"
Martin replied in jest, "Director, consider me your newest devotee. My devotion to you could move mountains and shake the earth."
Playfully, Benjamin handed him a business card, saying, "This belongs to my classmate from the Savannah Art Institute. She's currently working as a director, producer, and actress in the San Francisco Valley. If you're interested, give her a call."
Martin, feigning innocence, responded, "Director, I'm an actor through and through, a dedicated one at that."
The circus was a highly serious and artistic show, characterized by its beauty, romance, and enchanting atmosphere. Those who made random associations with it were clearly lacking in sound judgment and destined for self-destruction.
On the other side, in the rest area, the male lead, Adam Smith, sat reading a week-old newspaper, engrossed in an article detailing the conflict between the Woman Association and the Methodist Association. One of the pictures featured Martin Davis from the Hulk Mansion being interviewed by media reporters.
Adam Smith couldn't shake a growing unease. Could someone who merely played a supporting role have achieved this without influential connections or schemes?
As he spotted Martin exiting the makeup trailer and heading towards him, Adam Smith stood up and took a few steps closer. "Hello, Martin, splendid performance last night."
"Thank you," Martin replied with a polite smile. "I watched your play yesterday, and your acting skills are exceptional. You're truly captivating."
Adam Smith downplayed his success. "I've had the opportunity to film more scenes and gain experience."
"In this industry," Martin acknowledged, "experience and talent are indispensable."
Adam Smith extended an invitation. "I've established an actors' club in Atlanta. If you're interested, submit a written application, and we can explore acting together in the future."
Martin, recognizing the implication, responded with a smile, "Once this play is wrapped up."
Adam Smith nodded in understanding and didn't push further.
Later, Martin encountered Robert, who returned some items, including the gun bag. Robert teased, "You almost gave yourself away with that expression."
Martin headed toward the crew's temporary finance office and spoke about his encounter with Adam Smith. "He hinted that I should follow him, be his protege."
Robert, somewhat puzzled, reminded him, "He's the lead actor."
Martin, aspiring for a leading role himself, inquired further, "Do you know any effective ways for me to become the lead actor in the next Gray Company production?"
Robert shrugged helplessly. "I can't do anything; I'm just an actor. I can't even remember my lines."
Martin, with no one around to hear, made a bold suggestion. "You could easily eliminate that fool yesterday."
Robert gazed at the sky in disbelief and emphasized, "It had nothing to do with me! I swear, Martin! You must believe me!"
Martin, nonchalantly, responded, "You don't have to swear. I believe you. Isn't that enough?"
After settling his finances in the room, Martin was ready to leave the crew. Before departing, he engaged in a conversation with Andrew.
Andrew was in a rather good mood. His salary at Gray Company had been elevated, and he was also eligible for a subsidy from the Free Association as an external employee. Their camaraderie had grown stronger during the filming of this drama, and Andrew felt compelled to share some important news.
"A Hollywood film crew has received approval for a tax rebate from the state government. They'll be relocating from Los Angeles to Atlanta next month to shoot the remaining scenes," he revealed, having learned this from Kelly Gray's assistant, Ella. "It's a major production with a $20 million budget, starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet."
Martin recalled Jerome mentioning this earlier and inquired further, "Are you certain?"
Andrew, well-informed, replied, "One of the production managers, who's also an investor, is friends with our boss in Los Angeles. Our company will be assisting with their filming in Atlanta."
Martin picked up on the hint. "Will they be recruiting crew members in Atlanta?"
Andrew nodded, elaborating, "They chose Atlanta not just for the tax rebate but also due to the low labor costs and state government incentives."
Martin had recently shared a drink with Kelly Gray, who mentioned her connections in Los Angeles. Could this be related?
After bidding farewell to Andrew, Martin left the crew station and reached the door. He found $200 that he had prepared for Jerome. "Captain, here's the remainder of my dues."
Jerome accepted the payment and commented, "Not many folks like you who pay back their debts on time."
Martin asserted, "Integrity has always been my virtue."
Jerome appreciated his sentiment. "Some so-called friends borrow money and disappear."
Martin could relate. "Such deceitful individuals should be handed over to the gangsters in Nancheng!"
Jerome secured the money and reminded him, "Membership dues for next month are due soon. You've earned well this time, so no excuses for defaulting, right?"
Acknowledging Jerome's valuable connections and insights, Martin assured him, "No problem."
Back in Atlanta, Martin reported to work at the club as scheduled in the evening. Vincent, who was going out, entrusted Bruce with monitoring the club.
Vincent left Atlanta, driving eastward to Savannah, Georgia's largest port city. There, he met a remarkably strong woman in a private club named Sophia.
"Sophia, couldn't this discussion have taken place over the phone?" Vincent asked, taking a seat across from her.
Sophia wasted no time on pleasantries and delved straight into business. "Phones aren't secure." She got to the point, "Your business has been thriving lately, with a significant increase in patronage. How much more can you handle each week?"
Vincent pondered for a moment and replied, "About $250,000."
Most customers at the Beast House paid in cash, and with the increased foot traffic, keeping accounts was relatively easy.
Sophia, however, had a different figure in mind. "I need $400,000."
Vincent felt pressured. "I'll do my best."
He knew that increasing the patronage was essential to meet Sophia's demands, and he was willing to take on the challenge. The club was under his control, and he had more faith in it than other avenues. At least with the club, there would be no issues with his share of the profits.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票