On May 6th, in the suburbs of Los Angeles, several European-style villas stood.
At this moment, outside the outermost villa, several large vehicles with lion head logos were parked, and Neill Blomkamp was directing staff to load and unload filming equipment.
Today was the first day of filming for "blue is the warmest color"; after several months, the preparatory work was finally complete.
In fact, the conditions for starting filming had been met long ago; Eric could have started more than half a month ago with just one command.
However, since Eric intended to direct, one of the important prerequisites for starting filming was to find a reliable assistant director with solid fundamentals, who was also obedient and had strong execution skills, otherwise it wouldn't be convenient for him to be a hands-off boss.
A week ago, this candidate was finally found: MGM had scouted Andrea Arnold, a British female director, for him.
However, although she was a British female director, she actually studied directing in the United States and was a career changer, transitioning from a host to a director.
She had been in the industry for over a decade, only starting to direct her first short film, "Milk," in 1998, and completing her second short film, "Dog," over a year ago.
After Eric interviewed her, Andrea Arnold gave him a very grounded feeling; her personality was relatively moderate, her fundamentals were solid, and she was an excellent executor.
What was particularly commendable was that she also had her own understanding of art, yet she wasn't the type of person who was eager to express herself.
Her ability to suppress her desire for expression was better than Patty Jenkins, so the position of assistant director ultimately went to her.
At this moment, she was communicating with the villa owner's family not far away, telling them the necessary precautions, the most important of which was confidentiality.
Fortunately, the filming conditions this time were different from transformers; it wasn't in the city.
The crew only faced a few households; the current household had signed a confidentiality agreement, and usually, there wouldn't be any problems if the surrounding households were monitored well.
"Eric, Elizabeth asked us to tell you that she is very grateful for your recommendation for her to audition for a role in "a quiet place,"" the Olsen Sisters said as they walked over.
"It's nothing; I thought it suited her, so I chose her. The audition was just a formality."
"By the way, has little Elizabeth registered with the guild?"
"She registered as an actress when she was 7, but unfortunately, she could only play minor supporting roles, and only on the small screen. "a quiet place" is her first big-screen role."
"She's already registered? What a pity. It seems I'll have to pay another fee. I thought I could exploit child labor," Eric joked, feigning regret.
Mary, with her lively personality, pushed him: "You, why are you always thinking such strange things!"
"Actually, you don't know, little Elizabeth once really wanted to be in "Spy Kids," but she was rejected. The casting director said some things she didn't like, which gave her quite a blow. Mary and I couldn't help her much on the big screen."
"So, now besides being her idol, I've gained another halo as a benefactor?"
Mary nodded: "That's right. Actually, after receiving the crew's notice a few days ago, our whole family was very happy. Ashley and I discussed it with Mom and Dad for a long time."
"Discussed what? How to repay me?"
"Yes, the result of our discussion was for little Elizabeth to make you her godfather!"
Pfft!
Eric spluttered a mouthful of water onto the monitor: "The machine, the machine! Quickly wipe it dry!"
Then, seeing Mary's teasing expression, he knew he had been tricked by that little brat.
What kind of international joke was this? He was 22, Elizabeth was 14, less than a full cycle apart. It would be more appropriate for her to make his dad her godfather.
"Get out! Get out! Go squat in that corner and memorize your lines!"
Eric waved his hand to shoo her away, but Mary grabbed it, pressing herself against him and whispering into Eric's ear: "Isn't godfather good? Think about it, a pretty little girl calling you Daddy!"
Eric flinched, but before he could react, Mary was pulled away by Ashley.
"Mary, how could you say such a thing? That's too much!" Ashley glared at her sister, complaining.
"What's wrong? I was just teasing him. Didn't you see his expression change? He looked like he was stunned, hehehehe."
"I think you just wanted to flirt with him."
"Eric? No! He's not my type. You know I like muscular tough guys; he doesn't even have prominent biceps."
At this moment, Eric was still sitting in front of the monitor, savoring Mary's words.
Damn, the European and American circles are really exciting!
"Hey, what are you two talking about? I think I heard a sensitive word."
Behind him, Judy, like a shark that had smelled blood, silently appeared behind Eric. She was the producer of this play.
When Eric wasn't around, she was responsible for overseeing the set.
"Nothing."
"No, I think I heard Da~d-dy!"
Judy bent down and whispered into Eric's ear, specifically emphasizing the last word.
Eric flinched again and pointed at the villa: "Get inside! Go set up the background for me inside!"
"OH! Is Daddy angry?" Judy's tone was seductive.
Eric glared at her: "Don't talk in that tone."
"Ah! Does Daddy want to spank my bottom?"
Looking at her expression like a startled fawn, the shadow of a succubus appeared in Eric's mind. If nothing else, at least that face met the succubus's standards.
"Fu... why are all these women like this!"
"Daddy wants to Fuck who?"
"Stop, otherwise you take this seat, and I'm leaving!"
"Hehehehe."
Judy then left with a strange laugh. When other girls laughed like this, it felt cheerful, but with her, it had a peculiar feeling.
"Neil, report the situation!" Eric said into his headset.
"The indoor set has been arranged."
"Sharon, report the situation!"
"The makeup team has finished applying makeup."
"Kylefu, what about your camera crew?"
"Director, the equipment has been installed and debugged, ready to shoot at any time!"
"Luna, tell me about the lighting."
"The lighting has been adjusted into place, Director."
"Chavez, is the recording ready?"
"Yes, Director."
Andrea walked over and nodded: "I've checked all the details, no problems."
Eric stood up; there was no need for a megaphone for indoor scenes.
"blue is the warmest color, Scene 45, action!"
With a clap from the clapperboard, the first shot of the film officially began.
This scene was not complicated; it was simply one of the female leads, Emma, played by Mary, inviting the other female lead, Adele, played by Ashley, to her home as a guest.
Since Emma's family was very harmonious and her parents supported their daughter's sexual orientation, they welcomed Adele's arrival, and the family enjoyed a meal together in harmony.
The difficulty of the scene was not great; the key lay in the hint of envy and worry Adele had to show amidst her happiness, with minimal emotional fluctuations.
Eric specifically chose this scene to check if the Olsen Sisters had prepared well. If they could pass within 5 takes, the film's shooting schedule could probably be compressed to within a month and a half.
At this time, Mary's hair had been cut short and dyed indigo blue. With the makeup artist's work, her hairstyle made her chin appear sharper, giving her a more assertive look.
Ashley's personality was already introverted, and for most of this film, she was required to be barefaced. With the makeup artist's touch, she also had to deliberately expose her forehead, making her look no different from an ordinary passerby girl, like everyone's neighbor in real life.
The Olsen Sisters in the play were completely different from how they usually appeared in interviews.
Especially Mary, if one didn't look closely, it was almost impossible to find any trace of her former self.
The lighting was adjusted to a warm tone.
Click!
The door opened, and Mary walked in with Ashley.
The camera zoomed in, and the two actors playing the parents immediately stood up, their smiles gentle rather than enthusiastic.
These were two very experienced old actors, but they didn't have outstanding looks or good luck, yet they didn't want to leave the industry. Actors like this usually ended up like this.
"Welcome, welcome to our home, Adele."
Mary turned to Ashley and gave a wink, meaning, "See? I told you so, my parents are very friendly."
Ashley, on the other hand, had a somewhat flattered expression, with an unnatural curve at the corner of her mouth, showing her inner nervousness.
"Very good, let's do another take. Ashley, this time, make your expression a little more restrained."
Ashley made an OK gesture.
"blue is the warmest color, Scene 45, Take 2, action!"
This time, the curve on Ashley's mouth disappeared, replaced by a slight twitch of her cheek muscles.
"Very good, Ashley, this time add a blinking action, the kind of subtle blink when you're a little uncomfortable inside, still keep it subtle."
"Okay, Director!"
After Ashley did it for the third time, Andrea and Eric watched the monitor together.
Andrea suggested: "Or we could add some action to Ashley's feet. When people are nervous, they subconsciously shift."
Eric nodded: "Good suggestion, Ashley, let's do another take!"
A not-so-complex shot was filmed five times, and each time Ashley could show subtle differences, all expressing nervousness, but in the directors' eyes, the feeling presented was different. Which one to use in the end still needed careful consideration.
"Ashley, well done. It seems you've prepared thoroughly for this film."
Eric gave encouragement at the right time. He wasn't Cameron or Stephen Chow, not a set tyrant, but preferred an encouraging stimulating approach.
"Because you're directing, I wouldn't dare to be negligent," Ashley said with a smile.
"Haha, what's going on here? Why do I feel like everyone starts flattering me when I sit in this chair? Wait, you're not worried that my skill level is too poor, so you can only try harder yourself, are you?"
The crew immediately burst into laughter.
Mary spread her hands: "Director, if we keep laughing, I'm going to lose my feeling."
"Okay, everyone stop, let's continue!"
The next shot was more exciting: the four of them drank and chatted, and the parents' teasing made Emma excited and happy, leading her to directly hug and kiss Adele.
"blue is the warmest color, Scene 4...
The lighting changed from warm tones to a more vibrant yellow and blue mix.
Emma's father took a sip of white wine, excitedly describing the first time his daughter realized her sexual orientation.
"Do you know, Adele, she was terrified and very confused. I still remember that look clearly."
"Later, she cut her long hair and often dyed it, just like you see now."
Ashley's eyes revealed envy; Adele yearned for this kind of family atmosphere. She still hadn't dared to confess her sexual orientation to her parents.
Ashley smiled slightly and lowered her head shyly.
"Cut!"
Eric stood up and pointed at Ashley: "Adele is a very sensitive person. She's very envious of Emma's family atmosphere now, but while it seems harmonious, her sensitive nature still can't adapt."
"Ashley, recall the storyboard I drew. Faced with Emma's sudden move, Adele shouldn't be shy; her subconscious reaction should be a bit at a loss."
"Imagine, your boyfriend's parents are right there, and this is your first time meeting them. How should you react?"
Ashley nodded: "Okay, Director, I understand!"
"blue is the warmest color, Scene 4...
Ashley instantly leaned back slightly, her pupils dilated, and her expression changed from a slight smile to a stiff look. That feeling of being at a loss immediately came out.
"OK, that take passed!"
Many male staff around immediately showed disappointed expressions. They should have filmed more takes; they weren't afraid of hard work.
Especially Judy, her face instantly fell.
Looking at these bastards, Eric naturally understood what the perverts were thinking. How many men don't like this kind of thing?
In fact, deep down, was Eric really directing this film purely for artistic pursuit?
Yes, absolutely!
But a few seconds later, his mind began to wander.
"Hmm, did they two practice in private? Otherwise, why are they so skilled at kissing? They must have practiced many times."
"Damn, what am I thinking?!"
"Art!"
"Daddy?"
"Get out of my head!"
After a busy day, the dining scene was filmed, and the crew wrapped up.
Looking at the missed calls on his phone, Eric called back.
"Boss, the viewership for "the walking dead" Episode 4 is out: 10.5 million subscribers."
"Hmm? Is it lower? Why do I feel like it's less?"
"Yes, the last episode was 11.7 million. The main reason is that this episode has fewer big scenes."
"Okay, I understand. That's still a very good result."
It's normal for viewership to fluctuate, as it's impossible for every episode to have exciting big scenes. The budget can't sustain it. Maintaining over ten million is already a huge success.