His days were spent between playing guitar and rehearsing acting scenes with Andy Serkis, who was teaching him the method to become a skilled motion actor—how one must use their body to fully express themselves. Meanwhile, the long takes tested his patience, and as the extended filming days went on, the absence of his new partner left a void. He ignored Scarlett's calls and, frankly, called Avril every day just to hear what her mind might suggest, though he couldn't help but try to get into Naomi Watts's pants.
She was a cold front, a wall against any advance—a display of experience. She knew every way Billy might cause a problem. But during the dance rehearsals, which they both knew by heart, she made no effort to hide her gaze at his small, tight backside. She would glare at him through the mirror, and he just shrugged. He wasn't bothered by the discomfort, though he knew better than to push things into strange territory. Instead, he asked the veterans for ways to refine every trace of his performance.
From facial expressions to the way he had to always be aware of his posture when running, talking, or eating—charm came as a full package.
–You're pretty good for someone who claims to be a rock star. I once worked with a rock star, and she was so full of herself it was frustrating to film with her,– said Mark Hadlow.
–Well, I'm acting, not singing... if I were singing, I'd be so full of myself it'd be unbearable. I don't like to say I'm demanding. But I don't play around either,– Billy replied with a big smile. He found it refreshing to be one of those people who could live between two worlds—not entirely separate, but definitely distinct and often forgotten by some. For example, Mark was also a photographer—and a good one.
–Still, you never stop surprising me. But drop that roughness; diplomacy always helps,– Mark countered.
–The kid's something else. I've heard his records went platinum in over ten countries—he's breaking real records,– Andy added, promptly introducing him to the old crew. –And he plays piano like a true master.–
–Do you play the piano?– John Sumner joined the group.
–I'm fantastic. I teach Andy piano in exchange for acting lessons—it's a win-win. He's preparing for a role,– Billy said. Thanks to Spencer, he knew all the music theory, because when it came to acquiring knowledge to become a star, the kind of knowledge needed to be a musician made him a true genius. Math? Physics? Finance? Sports? He could learn them, but he'd never be great. With music, though, everything seemed so easy—playing piano, reading scales, learning languages, singing, playing instruments, and reading tempo. The great thing about music is that when you're on stage, you offer something that's not even yours. Even when he felt like he was drowning, he could deliver in a second. Acting was unrelated, but his acting method gave him enough to stand out—he just needed practice, and more practice.
–Then I suppose it's a steep price to pay,– said Sumner, the elder, who seemed a little less bitter.
–Acting is fascinating. Money can go to hell—acting is thrilling, and the context behind it captivates me. Being someone you're not... It's always mesmerizing,– Billy said.
–Then don't waste any more time, kid,– said Evan Parke. –Just enjoy yourself and follow the director's lead. You've got one of the greats who might call you up for a role down the line—maybe even cast you in his next mega-saga. Plus, he's a producer too, so doors could open.–
–Thanks,– Billy replied to the man with the dark skin—of all the actors, he was the one Billy interacted with the most. He always said chemistry was crucial for these kinds of roles, and whenever possible, it was essential to include a support role—a small opportunity for both of them to contribute something modest but worthwhile.
The bells signaling another production stage rang out, and everyone grabbed their scripts. It was November 1st, and everything was moving ahead. Trying to minimize risks, filming would start the following week, but everyone moved with precision. Even now, Billy could perform his motion steps while everything around him played out on a green screen and some man-made sets. Funny how the world can become so astonishing when it tries.
The turbines roared—a mistake had been made installing the production rig. The planes cut through the jungle ambiance, rumbling with each approach, forcing production to pause, both due to distractions and because the sound would ruin the recording and require reshoots.
–I don't have many scenes,– Billy murmured, realizing he had only a handful on the boat, and then it would all be over for him. For now, coming here had been more of a luxury than a necessity.
***
–Billy doesn't usually answer his phone when he's focused on something. You could fly to Australia and prove he's doing just that, but I fear something might be distracting him—maybe a new song stuck in his head,– said Jerry, trying to calm Scarlett.
–It's always hard when it all feels like a lie,– Scarlett replied.
–He's tough, but he always surprises you when you least expect it. What if I send for him? I heard he's needed in March after wrapping the jungle scenes,– Jerry suggested.
–Then it'd be great if he picked up the phone,– Scarlett replied, losing her patience.
–Sweetheart, take a breath and calm yourself. It's not good for an old man's blood pressure,– Jerry said, trying to avoid glancing around. Many would assume the worst—him with such a young girl, her yelling like a lover… well, she was just trying to get attention.
–I'll do what I can.–
–I landed a role—it's called The Island. It'd be nice if Billy showed up. Filming starts in December. They're still casting—it's mostly young romance,– said Scarlett.
–So you think he could act in this movie?– asked Jerry. –The studio is Warner, right?–
–I don't know, honestly. It's with director Michael Bay.–
–I'll do what I can, but thank you for being so considerate of Billy,– Jerry replied, now staring directly at her. It seemed Billy's manipulations regarding the girl and the roles weren't entirely off the mark. She took a deep breath and looked at her barely touched meal, a few tears in her eyes, but decided to take a bite.
–I need to make a call. Give me a second, darling. Then I'll give you instructions about something Billy mentioned—something you may or may not like– Jerry said.
The Los Angeles weather, as always, was suffocating, driving them into the shade while he pulled strings, called in favors, and collected on others. If this film turned out to be good, there'd be no complaints.
It was manipulation on both sides.