The studio was meticulously arranged, resembling the interior of a bank, complete with polished counters and security cameras. Suddenly, the calm ambiance shattered as four figures, clad in ominous skull masks, burst in.
Martin brandished the AK rifle, swiftly incapacitating the security guard with a forceful blow from the rifle's butt. His voice boomed across the room, commanding everyone to rise and surrender, their hands held high in submission.
Amidst the chaos, Martin advanced, the rifle poised on his shoulder like a seasoned warrior. He leaped onto a nearby desk, disrupting the bank manager's attempt to trigger the alarm, before forcefully subduing the female assistant manager, her body hitting the ground with a thud.
With an ominous threat, he aimed the gun at Alexandra Daddario, compelling the trembling bank manager to yield the key to the vault under the threat of violence.
"Cut!" Director Denis Villeneuve's voice pierced the tense atmosphere, halting the scene. A team swiftly descended onto the set, restoring order to the chaos that had momentarily engulfed the studio.
Approaching Martin, Villeneuve critiqued his performance, gesturing with the gun to emphasize his point. Martin, receptive to feedback, pondered Villeneuve's suggestions, contemplating a rougher, more primal approach.
As the crew busied themselves with resetting the scene, Martin experimented with different stances, drawing inspiration from his surroundings. With a newfound intensity, he embodied the essence of a streetwise outlaw, his transformation startling even the seasoned director.
Resuming filming, Martin's portrayal mesmerized the crew, each scene brimming with raw energy and conviction. Even obscured by his mask, Martin's presence demanded attention, his character coming to life with each passing moment.
With the focus shifting to the heroine, Martin stepped back, his hood discarded as he observed the scene unfold from the director's monitor. Villeneuve, momentarily apprehensive, was reassured by Martin's words of curiosity and eagerness to learn the intricacies of filmmaking.
As the cameras rolled once more, the spotlight now on Alexandra Daddario, the studio buzzed with anticipation, Martin's influence lingering in the air, shaping the dynamic of the entire production.
Martin's gaze remained fixed on the monitor, the camera's meticulous close-ups accentuating every curve of Alexandra's figure.
Dressed in a sleek professional ensemble, Alexandra exuded confidence with her tall stature, slender waist, and shapely legs, drawing attention even amidst the chaos of the set.
Yet, despite her captivating appearance, her acting skills were merely passable, a fact not lost on the discerning eyes of those behind the scenes. However, for the role at hand, her performance sufficed.
During a brief hiatus in filming, author Chuck Hogan sought refuge in a quiet corner, his excitement palpable as he approached Martin.
"I'm thrilled to see the film finally in motion," he exclaimed eagerly.
Martin, sensing the underlying impatience in Chuck's tone, responded calmly, "The film is slated for release next year."
Embedded within the contract between the two parties was a clause stipulating the film's release before 2015, a testament to Davis Studio's commitment to their projects, a rarity in the cutthroat world of Hollywood.
Chuck voiced his expectation, "I assumed acquiring the rights would lead to immediate production."
Martin elucidated the intricacies of adaptation, highlighting the meticulous process of script development, director selection, and fundraising, all essential components that demanded time and deliberation.
In a moment of realization, Chuck acknowledged Martin's expertise, masking his initial frustration with a sheepish smile. "My apologies, Martin. Impatience has been my constant companion lately."
Martin nodded understandingly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the film's quality. "Patience is key. Rushing compromises the integrity of our work."
With tensions diffused, Chuck bid farewell, allowing Martin to refocus on the task at hand.
As the assistant director signaled the crew's readiness, Martin reclaimed his role, the black AKM in hand, ready to immerse himself once more in the intensity of the bank robbery scene.
At midday, as the crew wrapped up for lunch, Martin and Alexandra retreated to the rest trailer, Bruce astutely ensuring their privacy.
Seated together, Martin commended Alexandra's progress, noting the improvement in her performance.
"I've dabbled in horror films before, so I've picked up a thing or two," Alexandra chuckled modestly, her vibrant eyes reflecting determination. "There's always room to grow, though."
Their exchange underscored the collaborative spirit driving the production forward, each member striving for excellence in their respective roles.
Martin chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You've got this, Alexandra. No doubt about it."
Alexandra, exuding confidence, slipped off her high heels, her stockinged feet gracefully finding their place next to Martin's. With a charming smile, she affirmed, "I'll make sure to give it my all."
Then, a flicker of concern crossed her features as she broached another topic. "Martin, do you remember Catherine?"
Martin's brows furrowed in concentration as he recalled, "Your sister, Catherine Daddario?"
"That's the one," Alexandra confirmed, her tone tinged with sisterly worry. "She's also pursuing acting, but hasn't found the right role yet. Currently, she's stuck in the background on some sets."
Understanding Alexandra's concern, Martin reassured her, "I'll keep an eye out for roles that suit her."
He observed Alexandra closely, noting the similarities between the sisters in appearance and acting style. "Roles that suit her may also suit you," he suggested.
Alexandra's eyes widened in realization, her smile softening into one of gratitude. "If there's a role that fits, please consider me first. If not, then Catherine."
Martin, ever diplomatic, nodded in agreement. "I'll assign roles based on suitability. How you divide them is up to you."
As Alexandra finished her meal, she offered to help Martin relax. "Are you tired from filming this morning? Can I help you freshen up?"
Accepting her offer, Martin settled onto the sofa as Alexandra prepared to wash his hair.
With meticulous care, Alexandra attended to Martin's needs, ensuring the water temperature was just right before proceeding.
Meanwhile, as the crew enjoyed their lunch break, envy simmered among some witnessing Martin and Alexandra's intimacy.
Jeremy Renner, intrigued, approached Martin seeking advice on matters of the heart. "Can you share your secrets to wooing women?" he asked, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I've been pursuing a Canadian model, but with little success."
Martin, ever elusive, offered a cryptic response. "I simply showcase my strengths and let the rest fall into place," he revealed, adhering to his principle of discretion. "Focus on what you bring to the table, and the right person will come along."
Jeremy Renner's brow furrowed in confusion. "Strengths? Like Chris Evans?"
Martin racked his brain, trying to place the name. "Who's he?"
Jeremy Renner clarified, "After you turned down Captain America, Marvel found someone else for the role."
Martin waved off the notion. "No one's a replacement. I never even considered playing Captain America. Kevin Feige couldn't meet my salary demands."
Jeremy Renner pieced together from industry gossip that Martin's qualities must surpass Chris Evans'.
"In what ways?" he inquired.
Martin cut to the chase. "Physical appearance, wealth, fame, and industry connections..."
Suddenly, Jeremy Renner had an epiphany. With those assets in Hollywood, who needed to chase after women? They'd come flocking on their own.
In this cutthroat world, everyone knew the price they had to pay for success.
Gazing at Martin in admiration, Jeremy Renner sighed inwardly. "There's just no comparison, is there?"
Martin offered a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "With 'Avengers' out, you too, get ready for a flood of female attention."
Jeremy Renner shook his head ruefully. "If only I were Iron Man."
Indeed, Iron Man held the mantle of the most beloved character in the Avengers ensemble, the true linchpin of the franchise.
"I don't recall any supermodels hailing from Canada," Martin remarked knowingly, drawing from his own experiences. "Trust me, if you pursue her, her attitude will change."
Jeremy Renner decided to give it a shot.
As the assistant director called them to prepare, Martin and Jeremy Renner donned their skull masks and grasped their AKMs, entering the set in unison.
Though the bank robbery scene would be fleeting onscreen, Villeneuve planned an extensive shoot spanning three days.
Filming commenced promptly.
Martin, embodying the role of the adept thief, effortlessly filled bags with stacks of U.S. dollars, akin to a seasoned shopper in a wholesale market.
Yet, the afternoon's shoot hit a snag. Alexandra's performance waned, likely due to an overly indulgent lunch. Two takes faltered as she struggled to maintain her focus.
During a crucial moment, a sudden belch disrupted the scene, a lingering reminder of her seafood lunch.
After a brief pause, Alexandra excused herself to the restroom, returning with renewed vigor. Despite the setbacks, filming progressed without significant delay, wrapping up on schedule.
Martin, ever attentive, escorted her back to their hotel room, where they shared a quiet dinner.
Just as they settled in, Alexandra's phone rang. With a smile, she turned to Martin. "Catherine's coming to visit in a few days."