Chapter 23: Learning on the Fly

As night fell, the dining area was brightly lit. Matthew could tell that Michael Sheen was unhappy. He sighed inwardly but said nothing more; he knew that once the balance in someone's heart was disturbed, it was very difficult, if not impossible, to restore.

His phone rang suddenly. It was Helen Herman calling, and he quickly went to a trailer in the crew area for a last-minute audition for the role.

It was a minor part, and since he wasn't a union actor, the audition was straightforward. The casting director and an assistant sent by Ridley Scott looked him over and had him roar a few times, satisfied with his performance.

After passing the audition, Helen Herman handled the remaining details. Matthew walked back to his hotel in town, took a quick shower, and went to bed early, knowing he needed to wake up early the next day.

He didn't know when Michael returned. By the time he woke up around 3 AM and got ready, he was off to the dining hall, where he coincidentally met Helen Herman and her assistant Amanda. After breakfast, Helen delegated the responsibility for the other extras to Amanda and personally accompanied Matthew to the set.

Ridley Scott had given Angel Agency this role, a significant opportunity, and Helen wanted to show the appropriate level of importance—not just for Ridley but as a sign of respect.

The crew was starting early, and many were already heading out of town. Curious about his sudden role, Matthew asked while they walked, "This role wasn't in your original plan, was it?"

"It was a last-minute catch," Helen replied, wearing a smart blue-black suit, indicating she was in a good mood. "The actor originally cast had a specific clause in his contract for no fewer than five lines."

She continued as they walked, "The actor joined the crew the day before yesterday and realized all his lines were similar to the shouting you did yesterday. He was unhappy and had a dispute with the crew, so Ridley Scott decided to replace him."

"Was the actor fired?" Matthew asked with concern.

As they left the town and headed toward the woodland set, Helen explained, "No, he's a union actor. Firing him would be complicated and mean breaching the contract, which would require paying him a month's salary as compensation. His daily rate is $8,000, which is not worth it."

Matthew pondered the unpleasant possibilities, "So, the crew has a way to sideline him without breaching the contract?"

"The crew will have him play a barbarian soldier and shoot a scene with five lines directed by an assistant director," Helen explained lightly. "During post-production, they'll discard his footage, effectively sidelining him at minimal cost."

"I see..." Matthew grimaced, "That works?"

"Just a regular British actor," Helen remarked offhandedly.

Matthew understood that even union members, if they were just small actors, couldn't stand against a major production like "Gladiator."

Back at the topic of the British actor, Matthew thought he might be someone quite impulsive.

Upon arriving at the set, Matthew and Helen went to the crew's office trailer to sign a new contract, which detailed basic wage protection, insurance, and compensation for injuries. If there were any disputes, Angel Agency and Helen Herman would intervene.

After signing the contract, an assistant director handed Matthew a script with two pages detailing the barbarian chief's role. It was split into two main scenes: standing alone in front of his troops yelling at the Roman legions and being surrounded and killed by Roman soldiers—mainly close-ups and medium shots.

Thus, Matthew's makeup process in a large trailer was done by specialists, including a flamboyant male makeup artist and his female assistant. The makeup was intricate, especially the beard, which was applied hair by hair.

The attention he received was obviously different from that for extras who were just part of the background.

The makeup was extensive and lasted so long that Matthew nearly fell asleep at one point, only to be awakened by angry shouts outside the trailer.

"Who is that guy? Whose connection did he walk through?!" It was an irate voice with a London accent, presumably the British actor Helen had mentioned.

The young female makeup assistant whispered as she applied a beard strip to Matthew's face, "That Brit, thinking he's all high and mighty because he spent time at the Royal Academy of Arts. He thinks Ridley Scott would favor him because they're both British, forgetting this is America!"

Matthew chuckled awkwardly, not knowing quite how to respond.

After the makeup was done and the sun was well up in the sky, Matthew thanked his makeup artists warmly before heading to wardrobe and props, where he changed into a thick fur costume and received a totem-embellished war hammer.

As he left props, he found Helen waiting for him, a clear sign of her dedication.

"Did everything go smoothly?" Helen asked as he approached.

"Just took a bit long," Matthew replied.

 They walked to the previous day's filming location, passing through the wooded path to the clearing where hundreds of extras were gathering for the day's shoot.

Michael Sheen, leaning against a tree, noticed Matthew despite the distance. Matthew's elaborate costume and realistic makeup, especially his beard, starkly contrasted Michael's obviously fake props.

"Has he only been in Los Angeles for a few months?" Michael thought bitterly, "I've been here over three years!"

Shouldn't friends help each other in crucial times? Yet Matthew had refused to help him...

Approaching, Michael greeted, "Hey, Matthew."

Matthew, chatting with Helen, turned and responded cheerfully, "You're here, Mike."

He acted as if nothing had happened the day before.

"About yesterday..." Michael began hesitantly, "I was a bit out of line."

Matthew shook his head, "What happened yesterday? I've forgotten it already."

Michael smiled, relieved to still be considered a friend by Matthew.

Unaware of their conversation, Helen looked from Matthew to Michael.

Noticing Helen's attention, Michael quickly introduced himself, "Hello, Helen. I'm Michael Sheen, Matthew's good friend, and one of your actors."

"Yes, I remember you. You were a mover," Helen acknowledged.

"Yes!"

Pleased by her recognition, Michael grinned broadly, "I met Matthew then. We became friends through shared interests. Matthew has had a role..."

He emphasized subtly, hinting to Helen, "He had one role, and I've had over twenty. We often discuss acting together."

Behind her glasses, Helen's eyes were unreadable, her professional smile constant, "Is that so?"

Matthew smiled, his beard masking his expression.

Mixing in quickly, Michael was quite the quick study.

As Ridley Scott approached with the bearded producer, Helen told Matthew, "Director Scott might personally direct this scene. I'll introduce you."

Eager for the opportunity, Matthew followed Helen.

Michael started to follow but was stopped by Helen, "Your scene is about to start. Get ready."

Forced to halt, Michael watched as Matthew and Helen approached Ridley Scott.

"Uncle Ridley," Helen greeted first, "are you directing this scene yourself?"

"Yes," Ridley confirmed. "Your actor's ready?"

Helen introduced Matthew, "This is Matthew Horner. He had a role last month on 'Soul Transfer' and worked with Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie."

Seeing Matthew's robust and rugged appearance, Ridley Scott was reassured, instructing the bearded man, "Let's start shooting!"