directing.”
“Yes, we’ve only been shooting for a few weeks,” Sydney said. “What’s the best and worst case scenarios, Dr. Barbosa?”
“I discussed those with him. Best case, he’s home in a few days and builds his strength back slowly, with lots of rest built around rehab. I gather a movie set is a pretty intense work environment. If that’s the case, he’ll need to ease into it. He could go back to work anywhere between two weeks and three months. Rest will be paramount, whether he’s working or not. I’ll know more once he’s in recovery and then has started rehab. I wish I could be more specific.”
“I’m happy he’s in good hands,” Sydney said. “We can always find someone else to direct the film. Just don’t tell him.”
“Mum’s the word,” the doctor said. “I’ll have the nurse escort you from the ER to another waiting room. I’ll visit with you after his surgery and update you on his condition.”
“Can I see him now?”
“No, he’s about to go into the OR. After he’s out of recovery and placed in a room, you’re welcome to see him. You can even stay the night if you’d like. There’ll be a pullout sofa in his room.”
“Thank you, Dr. Barbosa.”
The cardiac surgeon left. Sydney breathed a sigh of relief. Her dad would live. She still had him. It made her more determined to make up for the lost years apart.
Ron Sampson spoke up. “I don’t want to shut down production on No Regrets. Everything’s gone very smoothly, Sydney. I’d questioned Monty about you sliding in as first AD but you’ve done a fantastic job of predicting how long it takes to shoot scenes and really streamlined everything. I know there’s only twenty percent footage in the can but I don’t want to send everyone on hiatus while we wait on Monty. It would cost a fortune.”
She swallowed hard. “I understand, Ron. It’ll hurt Dad that he can’t finish the film but I realize it’s a business decision. Do you have anyone who might be able to step in on such short notice?”
“I have a few names in mind. I’ll reach out and see what I can do. We might be able to let the second unit director film the car chase or the fight scenes this week so that we don’t lose too much time while a new director is brought up to speed.” Ron glanced to Dash. “Have you worked with the stunt coordinators, Dash? Do you have the fight choreography down enough to try and film those sequences in the next day or two?”
“No,” Dash admitted. “We’ve blocked everything out but we haven’t begun rehearsing it yet.”
Ron frowned. “Then maybe it’s best to go forward with the car chase. Give the cast and most of the crew the rest of the week off, Sydney, and then start fresh on Monday. Dash, do you think you’d be up to speed on the fights by then?”
“I’ll do whatever it takes, Ron, but there’s an obvious solution staring you in the face. We could resume the exact shooting schedule tomorrow without missing a beat.”
The studio exec looked puzzled. “Who do you think would be directing, Dash? Movies don’t get made without directors.”
“Sydney can take over,” Dash said. “She knows the script forward and backward. She did all the storyboards. She’s worked with Monty every step of the way regarding production.”
“That’s right,” Cassie chimed in, joining them. “She was even involved in casting. I’m willing to be on set every day to help in any way I can with the screenplay.”
Ron shook his head. “Are you both nuts? Sydney has no directing under her belt. I can’t trust a multimillion dollar production to some neophyte.”
“She’s knowledgeable about every aspect of the project, Ron. She knows the material better than anyone. She’s already got the respect of the entire cast and crew. You wouldn’t have to lose any sleep if you put Sydney in charge. She can pick up right where we left off today without missing a beat.” Dash added, “I’d feel comfortable with Sydney helming the project. Supported by Cassie, of course.”
The studio head gave her an apologetic look. “Sorry, Sydney. As much as I’d like to turn the reins over to you, I can’t do it.”
Before she could assure Ron that she understood, Dash said, “Then I’ll walk.”
Ron’s jaw dropped. “You’ll what? No, you won’t, Dash. If you try, I’ll sue the pants off you. I’ll make sure you never work in this town again.”
Dash