The Harsh Wakeup Call

Image courtesy of www.blogs.nd.edu

When one watches a movie, the viewer is treated to a product that has undergone so much work. The average moviegoer has no idea of the amount of effort given to a scene in a movie. The process of coming up with a movie begins with a concept that revolves around a plot or a set of talents. Then, the story is written out in a script that is around 120 pages. The script undergoes countless revisions, and these revisions can challenge the patience of writers. When the script is ready, other details have to be organized, such as schedules of stars, locations, call times, wardrobe, etc. Sometimes, a director may revise the script or drop it altogether, and the screenwriter cannot do anything. As the film is the director’s medium, he/she has the final say in any film, unless the producer steps in and insists on what he/she wants.

An actor who comes to the set should be prepared by getting into character. The preparation requires reading the script and imagining that one is indeed the character in the script. Some actors even conduct research or seek advice on ways to tackle their persona in the movie. Meanwhile, the production prepares the location, marks the blocking, positions the lights, and sets the cameras. Whereas the audience only sees the actors in the finished scene, around a dozen people are around the area and are careful not to be seen in the camera angle.

Thus, shooting a scene is not as easy as it looks. The talent has to act in front of dozens of people and keep in mind the instructions of the director. Of course, the talent has no idea of the conversations and side comments that go through the headsets, which can be disheartening. Thus, an actor requires great strength in having a strong front to counteract onsite negative reactions. Not minding the crew and other watchers, including family members or lovers, on the set adds pressure to the work of any actor.

When Proficient Actress (PA) was called for her scene, she was prepared to face the cameras once again after a long hiatus. She was raring to match wits with her co-actors. During a scene, the actors were in character and exuding emotions required for the moment. PA and her co-actors were into their characters, and shooting began. However, PA kept messing up her lines and failing to get her blocking correctly. The director (TD) had enough and could not contain his irritation. TD then screamed at PA for her inability to complete her lines and follow his instructions. TD yelled words insinuating that PA might have taken something or was scatteredbrained during filming.

The words of TD were embarrassing, as PA was subjected to speculations of getting into alleged bad habits some time ago. Worse, everyone on the set heard TD fuming at PA and could not but help shake their heads. Nonetheless, being a veteran of movies, such treatment is nothing new, and thus, PA had to grin and bear it. Instead of answering back TD, PA had no choice but to finish her scenes. The point was to get herself together and perhaps, TD felt that his words could indeed wake up PA for her to realize that she’s too great a talent to be wasted.  

“If you get a second chance, grab it with the first and second hands. Never let it go till all is done and done well. Second chances come with the last graces!” - Israelmore Ayivor

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