Hollywood: The Greatest Showman

Chapter 235: Mutually Beneficial

Seeing the expression on Drake's face relax, everyone else breathed a sigh of relief.

Renly seemed not to notice this subtle change and continued with the previous topic, glancing back at Jennifer. "During the performance just now, both of us deviated a bit from the script's details. I wonder how the final effect turned out."

This scene seemed very simple, but its content was incredibly rich, mainly depending on the actors' performances. There was a small detail in Jennifer's performance that successfully moved Renly:

Sam knelt down, looking up at Jacob. From this small detail, it was clear that in this relationship, Sam was the weaker one. She gave her all, longing for a response. She loved Jacob wholeheartedly, even willing to lower herself.

This detail moved not only Renly but also Jacob.

Such small details couldn't be found in the script, nor had the director made any requests. They were entirely based on the actor's understanding of the character. In the previous life, Jennifer hadn't done this; now, it seemed many things were changing. Renly believed this was a positive influence, but he couldn't be sure if things would develop as expected, as the facts he knew were no longer applicable.

"Very good," Drake nodded affirmatively. Then he realized his own disheveled state, the wetness on his cheeks not yet wiped clean. He helplessly spread his hands, "Isn't anyone going to give me a tissue? Can you continue talking to me while I look like this?"

This self-deprecating remark made everyone laugh, and the atmosphere lightened up again.

Drake used his sleeve to wipe away his tears and continued, "This scene was actually very good, perfect. I couldn't like it more. But, Felicity, could you come over too?" Drake called out.

Felicity walked over and stopped beside Renly. They exchanged a glance and both smiled, the atmosphere harmonious and full of tacit understanding.

After the out-of-line behavior on the first night of shooting and the intimacy and heat over the past few days, there was still some ambiguity between the two of them. However, both had somewhat restrained themselves, avoiding too much interaction outside of filming. Their relationship was harmonious and not awkward.

"Based on this scene, we need to adjust the previous scene as well. I mean, the scene to be shot in London. The farewell scene between Anna and Jacob at the airport needs some adjustments in the performance. After this passionate meeting, deep down, they both realize they are drifting apart, on different tracks, and that breaking up is the right choice, though neither wants to admit it."

Drake's thoughts were inspired by the previous scene, and his mind was now active. His expression was somewhat forlorn, yet excited.

"So, after Jacob returns to Los Angeles, they struggle for a while, finally breaking up reluctantly. We won't film this part, but I hope it can be reflected in the Heathrow airport scene in London. Knowing it's over deep down, but refusing to admit it, that mix of emotions—I need you to make some adjustments in the upcoming script practice, okay?"

Drake said, looking at Renly, then at Felicity, and finally at Jennifer, smiling and answering himself, "Look at me, of course, you don't have any problems, right?"

This made the actors laugh heartily.

"Wait a moment. I'll review the previous scene to see if we need to supplement any angles." Drake turned and walked toward the monitor, getting busy.

Felicity enthusiastically followed. Honestly, she didn't get a clear view of the previous scene but could still feel the intense emotions. She needed to watch closely behind the monitor and learn seriously.

Renly was about to follow but felt two burning gazes on his shoulders, even feeling the heat through his T-shirt. He turned and saw Jennifer's determined and excited eyes. "Your performance just now was excellent," Jennifer said.

Jennifer was being honest. As the other actor in the scene, she could clearly feel the subtle emotional changes, which constantly influenced her performance rhythm, making it difficult for her.

She had to portray Sam's total immersion in the relationship. A woman in love tends to ignore details and misinterpret looks and actions, meaning her performance rhythm didn't align with Renly's. In Renly's strong performance aura, maintaining her own rhythm was not easy. The act of kneeling and looking up at Jacob was a spontaneous move derived from Renly's performance.

Only by experiencing the scene could one feel how nuanced and vivid Renly's performance was. His emotions were hidden in his expressions, the conflicted pain and restraint subtly moving the viewer. It seemed like he said nothing, yet everything was expressed.

This made Jennifer's heart surge! She was fired up!

Renly smiled, "I benefited a lot too." This wasn't a courtesy.

In the previous scene, Jennifer didn't have much room to showcase, as it was just Sam's entrance to establish her relationship with Jacob. However, Jennifer's use of space impressed Renly.

In performances, actors often focus on themselves—their expressions, actions, lines, and forms—while neglecting the use of space. In film, the spatial contrast between actors and themes matters.

For instance, sitting in a chair, whether in the lower left corner, presenting the overall space layout; in the center, equally dividing the visual; or occupying the left side, leaving the center and right, conveying visual oppression.

Usually, directors present these details, making actors overlook them. However, the positioning and movement between actors affect the performance, especially in confrontational scenes.

This small detail showed Jennifer's talent.

"I'm already looking forward to the next scene," Renly said with a smile.

Unexpectedly, Jennifer raised her chin, her eyes glimmering, "I'm already looking forward to the next collaboration."

After speaking, Jennifer walked toward the monitor. She needed to review her performance under Renly's strong influence, which she felt might still be rough.

Simply put, Renly's controlled performance was effortless, but Jennifer's was more raw and impulsive, lacking refinement, making her emotional expression more singular and outward. Since Sam was such a character, Jennifer wasn't too worried. But what about other roles with different styles and types?

Watching Jennifer's back, Renly raised his eyebrows and smirked, satisfied. Being valued by the new generation's top actress was a form of recognition, right?

As for future challenges, let's wait and see. He wouldn't stand still and let things happen. He welcomed more acting showdowns and was even eager for them!

Renly followed Jennifer to the monitor to review his performance.

The shooting of "Like Crazy" was smooth. Renly, Felicity, and Jennifer, the three actors, were in top form. Each was stimulated, focusing on every scene and dialogue, filling in the script's blanks, making the atmosphere on set vibrant!

Not only did the filming progress exceed expectations, but the content presented was also delightful. Drake couldn't be more satisfied.

Afterward, the crew headed to the airport for the final scene in Los Angeles, the largest investment since the start. They went to Burbank Airport, spending $3,000 to rent two hours of time, only a corner of the airport.

The ideal location was Los Angeles International Airport, but that was out of the crew's budget. Burbank Airport, though a private airport, met Drake's requirements and was cheaper than renting a studio.

This was the biggest challenge since the start, with time constraints and extras. The crew couldn't afford to reshoot, needing to finish quickly and with quality, or all efforts would be wasted.

Fortunately, the actors delivered, completing the shoot within the time limit and successfully finishing the Los Angeles part, making the crew cheer.

But this was just the simpler part. The London shoot was the most arduous and challenging.

After completing the shoot, Jennifer accompanied the crew to Los Angeles International Airport, seeing them off to London while she stayed behind.

If London's progress and quality were maintained, Drake estimated wrapping up in two weeks.