[F.S.T.T.S] [004]

[Chapter 4: An Epic In The Making (IV)]

Last time on Chapter 003 of [From Shadows To The Spotlight] —

"I really do not want our project to suffer the same fate as theirs and as such we had to enforce all the measures we could to not let anyone find out what kind of film we will be working on here and that we are even here shooting." Alex chuckled mischievously as he continued. "The paps actually still think that I'm in California shooting the action film that we already wrapped up filming last month."

"Now, I wont talk about why I'm so emotionally invested I am in this project, and what it means to me. Let's talk numbers because that's the kind of thing that's more easier to wrap our heads around. This project that we will be working on is a series of film, a trilogy in fact, that we will be filming in one go."

Now Continuing —

"This is going to be the most expensive film project that has ever been created in Hollywood to date. I'm talking about over 325 million dollars, and that is just the production budget that the studio has allotted us."

To say the crew members were shocked would be an understatement, quite a few of them had their jaws hanging in shock after hearing the number, proving Alex's earlier statement's validity about the human mind.

After pausing for a few seconds to let his crew digest the news of the enormous budget, he quickly moved on, "We will be here for quite a few months, it may even take more than a year for us to wrap up the filming. Now think about how hard and grueling that will be on you, both mentally and physically. It already looks like an insurmountable task, right?" 

Quite a few of the crew members, old and young, subconsciously nodded at Alex's statement. After all, usually a film's shooting wraps up in about 2 to 3 months, at most, some films take 4 months to complete shooting. But to work on one single project for over a year almost sounded like insanity.

It made them realize just why did Alex suddenly offered them such a lucrative pay for their new project with no definite timeline.

"Now imagine you being constantly harassed by tourists and the paparazzi that will come over here in droves to see the "fun"." He scoffed as he said the last word, "It won't just be distracting or troublesome, but it will also slow down our progress by a lot. Just look at what happened with the Titanic.. it has been over a year, and its filming still hasn't been completed yet."

"And that's just one movie, while we are talking about doing three over here. The studio and I personally have a lot riding on this project, and we cannot afford for it to be canned or go into "production hell" like all those crappy movies we joke around about at the dinner table."

"This has been one of the major reasons for the secrecy we've maintained, and will be maintaining in the future as well, until it's the right time to release the news of our activities to the public. Another reason would be the potential effect it could have on the box office."

"If the people knew about the project we're filming too early on, it would negatively affect any hype we could generate for the movie later on through marketing."

"The people would feel like we were taking too long and lose interest. Instead of that potential marketing disaster, we decide the right time for the public to be informed." He looked thoughtful for a second and then continued.

"It will probably be after we are almost done with the filming of the second movie and open up the sets and props to visitors. Until then, I hope you guys will be careful and not leak information, as it will only make your working conditions more tough than they already are." He finished in a severe tone that gave the listeners goosebumps in fear.

But his demeanor and body language changed the very next moment as he clapped his hands and smiled. "Let's talk about a lighter topic now. Sorry if that frightened anyone of you."

Alex continued, pacing a little as he spoke, his hands gesturing with controlled passion. "We're here to create a story that's larger than life, but also grounded in something real. It's not just about heroes and battles; it's about the people who face overwhelming odds, who lose as much as they win, but keep going. This story is for everyone who's ever faced a struggle and found the strength to keep pushing forward."

Sam could feel Alex's words resonating through the crowd, a powerful reminder of why they were all here. The director's voice was steady, but now it seemed like there was a fire in his eyes—a determination that said he believed in every word he was saying. And as he spoke, the surrounding mountains seemed to hold the weight of his words, as if the land itself were listening.

"And yes," Alex went on, a slight smile breaking through his serious expression, "we're in New Zealand, a place that doesn't really have much in terms of cinematic legacy. But we're here to do just that... we're here to create something Unforgettable—a story that's timeless yet unique, epic yet deeply human."

Someone in the crowd murmured, "A fantasy epic…" and Sam noticed Mike suppressing a grin, as if to say, I knew it.

Alex glanced toward the hillside, where the art department was arranging a massive tapestry adorned with intricate symbols. "I'll be honest with you," he said, "this is a massive undertaking. We've spent over a year working on this project's pre-production, I've personally spent even longer researching and writing its screenplay, and now finally we're here."

"Each one of you has a vital role to play. From the lead actors to the extras, from the set designers to the costume team—you are all a part of this world we're trying so hard to build."

He paused, allowing his gaze to sweep across the group. "But I don't just want you to be here as actors, as crew members, or even as fans of fantasy stories. I want you to feel like you're part of this world. I want you to lose yourself in it. Because when you do, that's what the audience will feel too."

A hush fell over the group. Sam noticed one of the lead actors, whom he recognized from several historical dramas, looking as captivated as everyone else. It was a rare thing, Sam thought, to have a director who spoke to everyone on set as equals, no matter their position.

"Now," Alex continued, "I know some of you have been trying to piece together what exactly we're filming here." He chuckled softly. "And I have to give it to you—you've been good sports about it."

One of the junior assistant directors, Sarah, stepped up beside him, holding a large leather-bound tome, worn and aged, with its cover intricately detailed in gold filigree. Sam's breath caught as he realized it wasn't just a prop—it looked like a carefully crafted artifact, something that looked as if it belonged to another age entirely.

"This," Alex said, gesturing to the tome, "is a key to our story. Each of you will have access to different versions of it, as it contains the background, lore, and history of the world you'll be inhabiting."

"We've created it specifically for you, the one you'll be receiving will be differentiated by your role in the crew and your part in the story, so you can understand your place in this world."

Sam felt a thrill as he looked at the tome. It was the kind of detail he'd only dreamed about—immersing himself in a role so deeply that he could truly feel like a part of another world.

One of the production designers, an older woman with sharp, discerning eyes, held up a hand. "So, are we allowed to know the title yet?" she asked with a smile.

Alex grinned, a mischievous spark in his eyes. "That you can find out for yourselves through reading this.. it was created by the hard work and diligent efforts of our supervisory team, working alongside the prop department."

"Please give a round of applause for both teams to thank them for their hard work." He replied with a smirk, much to the group's groans, laughter, and applause.

"But I promise, by the time you finish the book you'll be provided, you'll know exactly what we're bringing to life here and what your role in that is. And if you ever find yourself doubting or second-guessing your presence on set, just remember that every single one of you is here because I believe you can help make this vision a reality."

He held up his hands, looking around at everyone with a serious expression. "We're going to face challenges. The days will be long, the nights will be cold, and the work will be exhausting. But I promise you this: when we're done, you'll be proud to say you were a part of it."

Sam felt a shiver run down his spine. He could see that everyone around him, from seasoned crew members to newcomers like himself, was just as moved. He turned to Mike, who nodded with a knowing glint in his eyes.

"That's Alex for you," Mike whispered. "He can make even the toughest project feel like something you can't wait to dive into."

As the crowd began to disperse, Alex called out, "Alright, everyone, get back to work and quickly finish setting up sets 1 through 4 for the shoot. Tomorrow, we write a new epic!"

The group slowly broke up, with people talking excitedly, and Sam found himself replaying Alex's words in his mind. He knew this was going to be the experience of a lifetime—a project that would test him, inspire him, and leave him changed. He looked out over the verdant hills with the sunlight peeking through the clouds, feeling the weight of the moment sink in.

Just as he started to head back, he heard Alex's voice again, this time softer, more personal. He turned to see Alex standing nearby, talking quietly with a few of the lead actors. Sam couldn't help but wonder if, one day, he'd get the chance to work with him more directly, to learn from him firsthand.

Mike clapped him on the back, bringing him back to the present. "Come on, kid. Let's grab some breakfast. You're going to need your energy."

Sam nodded, still lost in thought, but he followed Mike back to the base camp, where the smell of food and the buzz of conversation awaited them. As they walked, he felt a sense of belonging he hadn't expected, as though he were stepping into something far greater than himself—a world waiting to be born.

As Sam and Mike made their way to the dining area, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Everyone seemed to be buzzing and chatting about Alex's speech, exchanging theories about the film's storyline and potential scenes.

Set designers talked in hushed tones about concepts they'd been working on, while costume designers debated color schemes and materials. Even the grips and lighting crew were speculating about the types of landscapes and lighting setups they'd get to work with.

Sam overheard one of the junior assistant directors, Sarah, discussing logistics with the location manager about tomorrow's shoot, and he realized how much was yet to come—the early mornings, the rehearsals, the set builds. And he found that it positively thrilled him.

As he found a seat with Mike, a few other crew members joined them, and the conversation drifted from the project's intensity to the beauty of New Zealand.

With each passing minute, Sam could feel himself becoming part of this world, a cog in the intricate machine who every single major component had honed and tested by Alex himself, now they only had one objective and that was bringing Alex's vision to life.

Then, just as the meal was winding down, Alex himself entered the dining area, mingling casually as if he were just another crew member. He approached Sam and Mike's table, giving them a nod of acknowledgment.

"Hope you're all as excited as I am," Alex said, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Tomorrow's just the beginning—we've got a long road ahead of us, but it's going to be worth every minute."

Sam smiled, feeling the director's words resonate once more. As Alex moved on to chat with others, Sam exchanged a glance with Mike, who looked just as eager.

"Get ready," Mike murmured. "This is going to be one for the history books."

-----------

The early morning sunlight was faint as it filtered through the mist clinging to the grass and cast a soft glow upon the small village of trailers that was the crew's home on wheels. The hum of the set gradually came to life, and voices and footsteps drifted through the air as people hurried to their stations.

It was at six o'clock when Alex Masters finally stepped out of his trailer right on schedule, feeling well rested after a good night of sleep in the warm embrace of a seductive vase [1].

He felt fully refreshed after last night's romp and felt ready to conquer the day, he was dressed simply in jeans and a comfy t-shirt with a rugged jacket thrown over it to combat the morning's cool air.

His hair was slightly disheveled, but his eyes were sharp and alert as he took in his surroundings. A sense of energy rippled through him—a heady mixture of nerves, excitement, and purpose.

Crew members greeted him as he walked through the set, each one with respect and a quiet sense of awe. While there was a core crew that Alex had with blood, sweat and tears over the years, he knew that they simply wouldn't be enough to handle a project this scale all alone.

So he had called in quite a few favors to cherry-pick the best of the best from his friend's list of recommended crew members, and allowed the rest to be selected by the CAA and studio reps, because of which they now owed him a huge favor.

The result? He had a production crew of over two thousand crew members and over five thousand background artists at his beck and call, it would have caused any other amateur director to feel a heady rush of power to suddenly have control over so many people.

But he only felt the nervous excitement of the momentous occasion, his experience of working right alongside these people for over a decade and a half had truly humbled him, and it was something that always kept him grounded and sane.

While his core crew members treated him normally, the newcomers, being all industry insiders, knew exactly who he was and what he stood for. They had all heard stories of the legendary Alex Masters, the man who had managed to breathe life into some of the most iconic films of the past two decades.

And yet, for all his accomplishments, this was the first time he'd be taking the helm alone as a director, and they felt blessed to get the front seat to see him in action.

Note [1]: In filmmaking, the term "vase" is used metaphorically to describe a character, typically a beautiful female character, who is included in the film primarily for visual appeal rather than for her role or depth in the story.

Such characters, are often called vase characters, and exist mainly to be looked at, much like a decorative vase, and usually lack meaningful development, complex motivations, or influence on the plot.

– To be continued...

{2.4k words}

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