Special Action Scene Design

Chapter 68 Special Action Scene Design

As time went on, more cast and crew members joined the pre-production preparations. In addition to rehearsing his dance, Martin also practiced vampire attacks with the action director.

Of course, not the slow-moving zombies from Resident Evil and the Living Dead series, but something closer to vampires.

The brilliance of the script lies in the life-or-death battle between the male and female leads.

The female lead also had to join the training; Catherine, an old acquaintance of Martin's and his rival in the play, got the role.

In terms of figure and appearance alone, Catherine is absolutely stunning, which is the key reason why she stood out from the crowd of candidates.

Benjamin personally brought her to the set and specifically instructed Martin: "She's never done this kind of action scene before, so please take good care of her."

Martin understood: "Catherine and I are old friends."

In front of many people from the crew, Catherine held Benjamin's arm tightly: "Martin and I have great chemistry."

The female lead and the director have a very close relationship, which may already be negative.

In film and television production teams, it is actually a responsible approach to make the relationship clear from the start.

The prop master then came over and asked the male and female leads to try out the props.

Martin went into the warehouse next to the temporary film studio and immediately saw claws that looked like Wolverine's. They fit him perfectly when he put them on.

Action director Maurice said, "For all the action scenes, you're wearing only shorts, fighting with claws and teeth, dealing with prey, specifically biting the chest and neck."

Besides being the lead actor, Martin also served as the production manager, giving him a say: "Wouldn't it be a bit much to start like this? Should we add some scenes of taking off clothes to the action sequences? Like my character, pulling off his shirt to show off his muscles."

He used to be a stunt double in his previous life, and struck a cool pose: "I used my claws to take off my opponent's clothes. In the end, all that was left on both sides was clothes that could maintain an R rating."

Director Benjamin followed in and said, "Martin, you've captured the essence of B-movies!"

Martin won't steal the director's job: "It's just an idea, Ben. Whether it's suitable or not is up to you."

"You're the production manager, so feel free to speak your mind." Benjamin knew very well that his importance in the crew was about the same as Martin's: "What's the most attractive thing about a B-movie going to theaters? Clichéd jokes, splattered blood, and explosive hormones. As long as you do these three things well, the movie will definitely sell."

Catherine readily agreed: "I want both top and bottom?"

"No, darling," Benjamin said simply, "We're making an R-rated film, not a 17+ one."

Morris, being Benjamin's man, noticed that he seemed somewhat at a disadvantage against Martin, so he adjusted his position and mindset: "I'm good at directing action scenes between men and women, like the scene where you're lying on the ground, that was designed by me."

Martin held a higher position in the crew than Maurice, but he was very tactful in his interactions with people: "Dude, I've finally found the culprit. You know what my friends are saying about me? They all say I'm the most tragic corpse ever."

Morris couldn't help but laugh heartily: "I'm honored!"

"Tell me your thoughts, Martin." Ultimately, it's Benjamin's decision whether to use them or not.

Martin did have some ideas: "Wouldn't the action scene where the male lead Matthew kills the female lead's sister Maria, involving simple blood-sucking, be too monotonous? Should we make that scene more spectacular?"

This was also for his own sake, after all, it was the male lead's play: "Death is still placed on the stage, dying in the male lead's hot dance, that's how I think it is, an iron chain hangs down on the stage, the male lead grabs the iron chain, and dances wildly with Maria in the air, in the crazy machine gun dance, the male lead sucks Maria's blood dry."

Benjamin could picture it instantly: the dance reaching its climax, the male protagonist pulling Maria through the air, spinning and leaping across the entire ballroom, engaged in a frenzied battle…

In Martin's eyes, what's the point of a B-movie if it doesn't exaggerate a bit?

Benjamin snapped out of his reverie and said to his assistant, "Notify producer Dave to call a meeting with the heads of casting, costume design, choreography, props, and cinematography departments. Immediately!"

The assistant director quickly went to the side to make a phone call.

Benjamin couldn't help but exclaim, "Martin, I absolutely knew I hadn't misjudged you! You're a genius!" He sincerely admired him, "I can only design a horse-riding vortex, but you've even come up with a flying vortex!"

Martin told the truth: "I saw it on the videotape."

Benjamin, thinking he was being modest, said, "This scene is sure to be a hit! I've prepared a formidable opponent for you; do you know who it is?"

Martin said in a serious tone, "Of course it's Julia Roberts, Georgia's biggest star."

Benjamin looked constipated.

Martin added, "Could it be Holly Hunter? Although she's a bit older, she's still an Oscar-winning actress, so I can accept it."

"I couldn't afford their salaries even if I sold my ass." Benjamin nearly coughed up blood, then suddenly grinned maliciously at Martin: "My old classmate helped me get Jenna Jameson!"

Martin asked, "You're not kidding?"

Benjamin said, "Jenna heard that she could make a cameo appearance in a theatrical film for only $5000."

It's already a cheesy B-movie, its quality is already below par, bringing in Queen Elizabeth II won't make it any worse, and it'll just create some hype.

Not long after, all the department heads, including producer Dave, arrived.

Benjamin was in charge of the filming process, and he chaired the meetings.

Martin drew the scene he had just described on the whiteboard.

Cinematographer Jackson added, "The scene will only be truly impactful if the theater is packed with people, all under the watchful eyes of the audience."

Casting director Andrew chimed in: "I've spoken with the club, and they've issued a notice that many of their regular customers have volunteered to act as background spectators for free."

There were some things he didn't say: the Wild Things House will be charging admission fees.

Benjamin was in high spirits, having gained some insights: "Anyone can offer suggestions regarding set design and action scenes."

Inspired by Martin, action director Maurice suddenly had a flash of inspiration: "I think the final battle between the male and female protagonists can be divided into two parts. The male protagonist is extremely powerful, and it's almost impossible for a mortal female hunter to defeat him. What do you think? The male protagonist's greatest strength is also his greatest weakness. The female protagonist takes care of his strength, and his power will be greatly reduced..."

Producer Dave understood his meaning and pointed out an important point: "For a film to be shown in theaters, it definitely needs to obtain an R rating, but we don't have distribution capabilities. Our priority is to make the content attractive to film buyers. How the MPAA rates the film is something they will do after they buy it."

Martin racked his brains, trying to recall and think: "The first part is a big battle between the male and female protagonists. The female protagonist defeats the male protagonist, causing him to be weakened for a period of time, and then the female protagonist takes the opportunity to kill him?"

Morris nodded. "That's exactly what I meant."

Martin said, "How about giving Maria and Anna a special talent? For example, they could absorb energy, but with a drawback: if she reaches the peak first, her essence will be drained by her opponent."

Benjamin pondered, "This is interesting."

He said, "Let's change the scene where Maria flies through the air. Maria doesn't die from Matthew sucking her blood. She has the same talent as the female lead and loses to Matthew in the big battle."

The meeting lasted until late at night. After Benjamin returned, he and his assistants worked through the night to redesign the scenes for several plays.

(End of this chapter)