Chapter 117: Transformation

The morning's shooting, with the Scorpion King as the protagonist, went smoothly. Most scenes were completed in one or two takes, and the planned work was finished before eleven o'clock. The crew took a temporary break for lunch before reconvening to continue shooting scenes featuring the Scorpion King.

However, the afternoon's shooting focused primarily on close-up shots of the Scorpion King.

As in the morning, the shooting progressed smoothly. Under Stephen Sommers' direction, four scenes were completed between one and two-thirty. Three of these were perfect on the first take, and the one requiring the most attempts was completed in just four takes.

During a brief rest, Stephen Sommers sat behind the director's monitor, reviewing the footage. He was in a good mood, as the day's shooting had exceeded expectations. He had anticipated that integrating a new actor might slow progress, but Matthew Horn's performance was unexpectedly outstanding, catching him off guard.

"Such a state can only mean..." Stephen Sommers, an experienced director, reflected, "Matthew Horn has prepared extensively for this role and is inherently suited to this type of character."

He sighed, acknowledging that while Matthew's acting was average, his temperament and physical condition were perfectly aligned with the Scorpion King's character, as if he was born to play such roles.

Suddenly, Stephen remembered seeing on Matthew's resume his roles as formidable warriors in Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" and in "Band of Brothers," produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.

The fact that two productions had cast him in similar roles was likely no coincidence.

What if Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson had been cast instead? Stephen found himself contemplating. The answer was clear: one was all physique with no acting experience; the other was not only physically fit but also had rich experience in such roles.

Stephen stopped pondering and began wandering the set to stretch after working non-stop for an hour and a half. Most of the crew were resting or relaxing in their own ways in the quiet studio, except for one area where shouts could be heard.

Curious, Stephen approached and first saw his fight choreographer, then Matthew Horn in Ancient Egyptian warrior attire.

"You're doing great!" the fight choreographer praised Matthew, who was practicing with a shield, "Yes, just like that! Your sword strikes need power!"

Stephen watched as Matthew executed several shield and sword maneuvers, demonstrating not only strength but also excellent coordination, much like a seasoned warrior.

"Indeed, well done," he nodded in approval.

However, Matthew seemed unsatisfied and asked, "Can we make the movements more fluid, Felipe?"

Stephen watched from the outskirts, intrigued by their conversation.

"Your footwork, focus on your footwork!" the choreographer advised. "You've just completed two months of boxing training, use those steps!"

This revelation made Stephen realize why Matthew's physique had improved; he had undergone two months of training after signing the contract.

How many young actors show such dedication? Stephen thought, comparing Matthew to many young actors he had encountered, shaking his head in disappointment.

After watching a while longer, Stephen returned to his director's chair, contemplating the upcoming shooting schedule.

Initially, he had planned to use CGI for the Scorpion King's monstrous form, fearing Dwayne Johnson might struggle with green screen acting. But after today's shoot and Matthew's makeup test, he reconsidered. Matthew's performance was solid, perhaps a blend of actor and green screen effects would be better and more cost-effective than pure CGI.

This adjustment would save funds for enhancing post-production effects.

Stephen frowned, thinking about effects production. Matthew had been on set for less than a day, yet everything seemed to work out conveniently with him.

From a budget perspective, casting Matthew as the Scorpion King had already saved a million dollars in salary for post-production enhancements. Using actor plus green screen could save even more.

The fight choreographer approached, "Director..."

"What's up?" Stephen asked.

"About the next scene," the choreographer began concisely, "Matthew Horn suggested performing all the action scenes himself, without a stunt double."

"Can he handle it?" Stephen inquired.

The choreographer was confident, "I believe so. Matthew underwent systematic boxing training before joining us; his coordination is excellent!"

Stephen pondered, then decided, "Let's try one scene. If it doesn't work, we'll revert to the original plan."

After the break, shooting resumed smoothly. Matthew, maintaining excellent condition and showing professionalism, won praise from many.

Even Stephen's perception of him changed.

Over the next two days, the shooting of the Scorpion King's human form proceeded nearly twice as fast as planned, thanks largely to Matthew's thorough preparation.

Sometimes, Matthew felt he was naturally suited to such roles, which relied more on physicality and presence than on acting skills.

Following this section, Stephen decided against using pure CGI for the Scorpion King's monstrous form, opting for a combination of actor and green screen.

This change required preparation, delaying those scenes to focus on the main characters' parts. Meanwhile, Matthew stayed on set, learning from the performances.

During this time, Matthew used his strengths to familiarize himself with key cast and crew members, building a positive reputation within the harmonious atmosphere of the production.

Ten days later, as shooting for the Scorpion King resumed for the film's climax, Matthew's continued excellence dispelled any doubts, solidifying his place in the production and changing Stephen's view of him.

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