Hollywood Flirt - Alexa Aston Page 0,72
for this project. I created elaborate storyboards for the film and know this story the way I know my own. I’ve been involved in every aspect from casting to scheduling to budgeting and selecting locations for exteriors. I grew up on movie sets so I’ve absorbed a lot over the years.
“Many of you have worked with my dad on previous films and you’re already a well-oiled machine. I’ll be leaning on your experience with him and your shared vision in order to complete this project. Our screenwriter, Cassie Corrigan, is willing to guide me as far as characters and motivations go. I hope that you’ll accept me in this new role. Support me when I ask for your help. Share your opinions when I ask for them. And work with me to make No Regrets a movie we’ll all be proud of, including Monty Revere.”
Sydney took a deep breath. “This will be a collaborative effort on all our parts and will prevent shutting down production indefinitely. I want it to be business as usual. I’m asking each of you to give me everything you’ve got. We’re family . . . and family sticks together through thick and thin.”
Applause erupted. Dash saw that those gathered had smiles on their faces. They would be able to do the job they were hired for with no break in salary. Monty’s film crews were known for being especially tight. Dash believed the people here were professionals who would work together to ensure that filming met with success.
He was also proud of the poise and confidence Sydney had shown as she spoke to the assembled cast and crew. If anyone could tackle this job and bring in a great movie on time and under budget, it would be the woman he loved.
“All right.” Sydney’s cheeks were flushed as the applause died down. “Thank you all for coming. Please refer to today’s call sheet. Let’s get ready for our first scene. Dash and Marlyn, please head to makeup and wardrobe.”
Dash wasn’t looking forward to the first scene of the day. It was several pages of dialogue between him and Marlyn that ended with some pretty intimate moves at the end of the scene. He wished it could be any scene other than this for Sydney’s first outing as a director.
Marlyn fell into step beside him. “I see your ex-girlfriend wormed her way to the top pretty quickly.”
He stopped and gave Marlyn a penetrating look. “Sydney couldn’t have predicted her father would have a heart attack. And for the record, I’m the one who suggested to Ron that she take over the shoot. No one is more familiar with this screenplay and production than Sydney.”
Marlyn wrinkled her nose. “I think she’s bitten off more than she can chew. At least I know what my character’s about and what to do today.” She gave Dash a look that told him she was ready to devour him in a single bite.
As Paul, he would push back. That’s what Dash would do—let his character handle the situation. Paul wouldn’t put up with any bullshit from Rachel. Neither would Dash.
He hoped Sydney was strong enough to do the same.
When he was ready, he went back to the soundstage. Sydney was discussing something with one of the sound technicians. He waited until their conversation finished before he approached her.
“You did really well,” Dash told her. “You were positive and confident.”
“People like having a paycheck. Practically everyone on the crew has worked with Dad on multiple films. From a technical standpoint, things will run smoothly. It’s the cast who’ve been brought together for the first time that might cause me a few blips. Not you. You’ve been amazing as Paul.” Her brow creased in a frown.
“You’re thinking about Marlyn.”
A determined light came into Sydney’s eyes. “I’m ready for Marlyn. If it’s a contest of wills, she’s already lost.”
“God, I wish I could kiss you,” he whispered.
She pursed her lips. “Maybe later.”
Now she was talking.
Marlyn arrived and everyone took their places. Sydney functioned as both first AD and the director, calling out instructions.
Finally, she said, “Quiet, please.” After several beats she added, “Action.”
They got a third of the way through the scene before Sydney called, “Cut.” Marlyn gave a drawn out, dramatic sigh. Sydney waved the actress over.
“Marlyn, you’re coming on too strong. You need to pull back. Think less is more.”
“I’m trying to show my passion. You’ve got to understand that Rachel is a very passionate woman.”
“You can sizzle with passion at the