Hollywood (我就是好莱坞) Part I

CHAPTER 65 - TURNING POINTS

On January 7th, in a villa in Beverly Hills, the shooting of Pretty Woman officially started.

Like they said it so well in the east, don't let one's own fertile water flow into others' field (féi shuǐ bù liú wài rén tián). Many of the supporting roles were given to UTA's signed actors since, as Kapoor had pointed it, these people were talented, all they lacked was an opportunity.

Even if all they got was a few lines in the Home Alone's director new movie, these young artists were amply satisfied.

Eric hadn't bother rectifying their views, once Pretty Woman was released, those actors and actresses would find out exactly how lucky they were. In his past, the movie had been so popular that even the small roles had received some kind of recognition.

Since no one in UTA could come close to Edward's lawyer (Philip Stuckey) image, Eric decided to contact the original actor, Jason Alexander.

At this moment in time, Jason Alexander was an ordinary Broadway comedian. Although his acting was excellent, his external appearance didn't play in his favor, and so far, he had only played minor roles in movies and TV shows. Hearing he could get a supporting role in Eric's new movie, the actor didn't hesitate to jump ship, dropping his now former agency to join UTA.

As long as Jason Alexander was successful in the future, no one would berate him for 'betraying' his agency. Rather, they would more likely envy his good fortune.

At the villa, all the actors were in place. Eric sat behind the monitor and made an OK sign at the 2nd a.s.sistant camera [1] to signal the start of the shooting.

"Pretty Woman, scene one, take one. Action !"

After the clap of the slate[2], those in front of the camera began moving.

The camera focuses on a magician saying his lines while skillfully handling a coin.

"No matter what they say, it's all about money...."

The magician pulls out a coin from Edward's former girlfriend's ear as Philip Stuckey appears in the frame, smiling. He inquires about Edward's whereabouts while he watches the magician perform.

This was a nearly one minute long take which required more concentration and therefore put an actor's ability to play to the test. It had been rehea.r.s.ed a lot though.

Jason Alexander didn't let Eric down, in front of the camera, the man was leisurely smiling, each of his lines were freely flowing out, and his body language fitted his character to a tee as he mingled amongst his guests.

Jason kissed the cheek of a female guest, and Eric shouted with satisfaction: "Cut !"

Jason Alexander put down the gla.s.s of champagne in his hands and smiled to Eric: "Director Williams, how was it ? Do you need me to do it again ?"

Eric gave him a thumbs up, and praise: "No need, that was perfect. We're getting off on the right foot."

Several members of the crew couldn't help but gather behind the monitor as Eric replayed the scene. It was obvious for all who saw, that Jason Alexander's performance was indeed flawless.

Once the replay was over, Eric confirmed that there was no need to re-shoot anything. He clapped his
hands and said: "Alright everybody, prepare for the second take."

Everyone dispersed, including Jason Alexander who went to find Al Pacino to prepare for the next take.

On the villa's second floor, in a room that was converted into a meeting place, Al Pacino had been going through pages of doc.u.ments. He couldn't remember how many times he had read the data.