14450/The Count of Monte Cristo: And Action! The Count Revealed

The Count of Monte Cristo: And Action! The Count Revealed
Date of Scene:	22 April 2023
Location:	Chateau du Lude - France
Synopsis:	While waiting for filming to start on the scene that introduces the Count to the world, Belinda, and Crush are introduced to uncomfortable fashion, Caleb finds out about French King names, Nick scares an extra, and Rick gets an odd picture sent to his phone.
Cast of Characters:	Michael Hannigan, Xiomara Rojas, Belinda Gutierrez, Caleb Dykstra, Richard Stadler
Tinyplot:	The Count of Monte Cristo

---

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Situated in the Loire Valley, Chateau du Lude has been under the ownership of the same family for well over two centuries. It is a loved estate and there appears to be no signs of this family planning to part with the location EVER.

Well, except maybe for a few days here and there when the price is right. Such is the case today as the beautiful grounds have been taken over by the cast and crew of The Count of Monte Cristo. What was originally a fortress was converted into a residence in the mid 1400s. And it is still standing today. Coupled with the grounds, and the general production agreement that some location shots would be done in France and Italy, this was a location manager's dream spot for what they were planning today.

In some aspects it has more of a Tale of Two Cities vibe to it, particularly today. It was a place of battle. It now is a place of rest. It was the prettiest of sceneries, it was the ugliest of sceneries. It was the time of elegant building structures. It was the time of temporary structures parked in the distance for costume changes and what not.

Either way, the portions of the view that would be picked up by the camera would be considered of the beautiful aspect. The scenery is mostly set. A gathering outside on the side of the chateau that overlooks the gardens, when facing the building, a bridge that goes over where the moat should be is to the left. Scattered about are persons of various styles of dress strolling about, some of them, while of period, most decidely not of European descent or style.

And just off camera where even more costumed persons are situated, is a refreshment table . It appears that they are between shots at the moment as what looks to be an overly elegant hot air balloon basket with ropes attached to the side is carried in. The hot air balloon itself appears to be missing.

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
It hadn't really taken much in the line of convincing to get Crush on board with the idea of playing an extra in a big film. All that was needed was being asked, which wasn't as hard as some might expect. Trip to France, no big deal... she wouldn't be there long enough to answer the one question she had about the place. Being paid, again not a big deal, but no one could turn down money.

Costume. It might not be common knowledge but in the era of the movie there weren't a whole lot of six foot, four females and so the debate in the wardrobe department began early over just what the hell to with her. It would be decided by time to get ready but for now Crush was staying close to Belinda and enjoying the excitement and tension being behind the scenes could off.

"I'll bet they got some good food at that table over there," she mutters to Belinda, not about to call it craft services, it just was not going to happen.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
"Yeah, but they don't have any good salsas over there," Belinda counters to Crush, nose buried in a small pamphlet. "And no bacon either. Nothing spicier than dehydrated milk. Already checked." Grumbling settled with a last, wistful sigh, she continues her perusal of the booklet's contents, using the last rays of the evening sun to skim through the subject. "Written by Alexander Dumas, 'The Count' has been made into at least fourteen different audio/movie adaptations, eight sequels, and more television shows than you could shake a stick at...."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
And, standing next to the two young women, thanks to someone's pull of strings - apparently, Mike's -, is Caleb, who in costume is covering his head and face with a hood as much as possible for some reason - which, might actually get the coaches to say that the hood needs to come off, the occasion would call for a face to be revealed.

On a side note, that catering table is looking pretty inviting. "I could grab a bite right about now", he murmurs.

He has of course, noticed the two students (with Xiomara standing like a giant with so great a like for Black Veil Brides she has their style all over her face, it would be hard not to), but has really said nothing so far. Until now. "How long we supposed to be standing here?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Kristy Ramos, the redhead mainly in charge of the female wardrobe selection is no joke. If she can handle the height discrepancy between the leading man and leading lady, she can handle this. Crush's present complexion, dark hair, and the fact that they don't have anything stitched that would readily fit her, presented a challenge. After a quick google search to confirm an alternative was possible with the storyline, there's a blur of movement as she moves from the 'good signal' area to head wardrobe. Looks like she's got an idea!

There may not be bacon on the table but there is IMITATION bacon bits. It's just like the real thing. HONEST!

...

Yeah ok that's a lie.

A woman, not dressed in period clothing but instead suitable slacks and a polo shirt is near the refreshment table. Considering the nature of what's going on, that she's not dressed like the extras is a little confusing. She definitely has a look to her that should put her in front of camera. But, to those who know her as Naomi Winters understands that's not why she's here. Naomi looks over to Belinda, giving a smile before turning back to the table to collect one of the prepackaged salads and taking a moment to use the imitation bacon bits. Well. Guess someone likes them.

Oh how cruel. It looks like Naomi is going to EAT in front of the poor starving extra.

Up towards the building area, there is a visible struggle as the un-attached over the top balloon basket gets shifted a little to the right, a little to the left, a little to the right...

This might take awhile. One of the principal cast members takes this moment to break away from the waiting crowd, moving towards the refreshment table, long hair a fluttering along with the dark cloak that hangs loosely from his shoulders. Cold, cruel eyes fix on his targeted location with an expression of intense focus. As an extra skitters aside, one could just imagine the sound of a record scratching as the dark expression toting man halts, and turns to the startled extra. The expression shifts quickly to a friendly smile as he starts to apologize.

Seems Nick forgot to turn the look off when going on break.

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
"Beli, did you think I wouldn't come prepared?" Crush replies, then reaches into her pack to pull out a bottle of Original Cholula Hot Sauce and a jar of Goya Pico de Gallo. "Gotta heat things up around here, all this cheese and no real excitement. As for bacon... we'll get some at the hotel."

Heading for the crafts table, she still won't call it that, she looks over what is being offered and settles on some random sandwich with beef and cheese... of course cheese, it's France. She adds some of the hot sauce to it, then chooses herself a bottle of Coke to drink.

It was entirely possible that there were exceedingly famous people some where in the area, but she wouldn't know the difference. She didn't watch many movies, unless someone suggested one, and there wasn't time for television either. "They got a lot of people to get into costumes," she offers to Caleb with a slight shrug. "An we ain't filmin until after dark, so... a while?"

Sure, this Naomi person was supposed to be watching over Belinda, but Crush oddly felt responible for her fellow student and friend as well. It was part of that new 'protective' thing she had going recently.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda glowers at the table, sniffing at the air. Stomach growling, angrily; there is FOOD there, and it is not being eaten immediately! Now! Never fed, EVAR.

"Hush you," the girl mutters to her midsection, refusing to be tempted by *imitation bacon*. How gauche. But the day is saved!

"My hero," Belinda says dreamily, giggling laughter as she snaps her book closed with a joyous air. "And without all the crazy city air to give it an odd taste...." She rubs her hands together gleefully, shoving the booklet in her pock--

She pauses. No pocket. No *pants*. Only an era- appropriate dress, frilly and lacy and just HUGE. Not too fashionable as to upstage the actors, but perfect for an extra.

"Oh, right," she says with a dark grumble. She folds the booklet under her arm, glowering sourly. "Nobody said ANYTHING about having to wear a dress at this!"

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
And of course, if people are going to the food table, Caleb will be no exception. Ham and cheese sanwich, juice and a croissant (so french!) will be his saviors for this troubled moment of stomach grumbling. "Well, it comes with the eras...", he says in a chuckle to Belinda. He looks at Xio, "That's a lot of waiting time. I need to flex my legs, otherwise I'll grow roots." He looks around, "Is there a table somewhere...?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
The wardrobe trailer door bangs open causing for a blond man standing nearby to jump. "HEY!" He shouts in protest, safe from admonishment himself since there was no active filming going on just yet.

"Sorry Neil!" Kristy exclaims as she rushes by, scanning the crowd to go find her- well, BIGGEST project yet on the set. "I've got an idea!"

Neil watches the red-head skitter off into the crowd, jaw dropped for a few moments before he shakes it off. "...nope." He lifts up his clipboard to look to it, "-too easy."

"Coming through!"

Naomi glances up, eyes widening as she sees the Ramos bullet barreling through. Soon, in the efforts to avoid the costumer chaos, her salad ends up tossed. But to Naomi's credit it was because she shifted over to block the path to Belinda.

Damn these people take their jobs seriously.

Kristy comes to a stop near Xiomara, beaming as she cranes her head up to look to Crush. "I found it!" She gushes, "Oh you're going to have one of the best looking female extra outfits out there." The smile fades as she sees the food. "Well, swing by after you're done eating. We got some work to do!"

With a bounce, Kristy is about to head off before she catches sight of Caleb wearing the hood. "Hood down when filming." She reminds before giving a wave and starts heading back to the trailer.

Naomi cleans up her salad, grumbling as she closes the container "...That woman needs decaf." She declares before heading towards one of the nearby trash bins.

Having made things right with the extra, Nick Drago makes his way to the table to collect his own sandwich. Having gotten out of character, he finds himself drifting over towards the extras that he recognizes. "Hey guys. Still getting ready?"

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
Crush was already heading toward the conveniently placed tables and chairs, sandwich and soda in hand, when Kristy came barreling at her like a red headed bullet. For once hot second the Czarnian's fight or fight instinct thought about being triggered, but she kept it in check. Someone should have warned the staff to approach with caution... maybe she should wear a sign?

"Sure... uh, I'll eat up quick and come over," she offered to Kristy, then finished her way to a table.

"Costumes Beli, we all gotta wear em. Think about it, people in this time period were totally messed up in what they thought and wore, including that dress... but," she winks to her friend. "I won't tell no one."

Glancing to Caleb she takes a moment to look him over, perhaps attempting to judge him a little, before she says, "I'll go quicker than you realize." And then the devouring of the sandwich begins.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda glowers sourly (and enviously) at Crush's sandwich, gazing forlornly at a gathered selection of fingers foods and tiny chewables and dainties...

"Dios. It is a wonder they did not all starve to death back then more than they did, eating food such as this." That said, she shuffle-steps-manages her way towards the table, reaching out to grab a handful of grapes.

"And corsets!" she says, growling fiercely. Biting her lip-- no, absolutely no shifting even a little bit! "....when this is done," she vows to the air. "I am going to find a forest or a beach or something anywhere *open* and just wear a bikini!" She waves her arm as best she is able, sighing regretfully.

And with a sudden ear to the Promise of Costumes!

"...you're doomed," she adds for Crush's benefit, nodding somberly. "So doomed."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Caleb gasps as he's caught with the hood up and is told to lower it, to which he slowly nods... And pulls it down. "And I thought the hood was in for the season...", he comments to the people he's with. Then, he presents himself, "I'm Caleb, by the way."

He nods, "Corsets... Also known as rib-breakers and were women's number one form of torture while they tried to keep up with style and society's standards of feminine beauty."

He does notice Xio's silent evalutaion of him, but he says nothing - he's used to being stared at.

Looking at the approaching Nick, "Hey there. Oh, I needed to get some food in me, or I'd pass out. But other than that, I'm okay to go."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Nick nods, "Good. Best to eat when you can. Sometimes when we're on a roll we just do take after take after take..." He pauses before looking over to Xiomara and Belinda, "I see you met some of the Happy Harbor group." Nick comments, looking over to Caleb. "They're pretty close in age with you so I figured you might have a few things in common." He looks over to Crush and Belinda, "Hope you don't mind."

Having acquired a seat at the same table as the trio, Nick assesses the food before him, shrugs, and takes a bite.

It's quiet amongst the film crew around the food table.

...

TOO QUIET.

...

Ok fine that's because everyone else nearby is busy eating.

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
Starting into the sandwich, Crush was prepared to concentrate on devouring when she finally took full notice of Nick. Blinking a few times, she stared at him, tilted her head one way and then the other and finally she busts up laughing. This Nick guy was Mike, but why the name change and that look... was that all for the movie? It didn't matter, she was laughing too hard to ask.

Finally managing to get herself together, she wipes her eyes then tears her sandwich in half to offer Belinda half. "Er uh... Nick," she sort of nods toward him, trying not to lose it again. "Nice to meet you." She had no idea if this was all an act, if Mike cared, or whatever so she'd play the game.

"Names Xio," she then says, offering her hand toward Caleb. "Most people just call me Crush."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda accepts the offered sandwich half with due grace and care and gentl--

That is a lie.

She seizes the offered sandwich, taking just enough care to leave fingers behind before she devours it in two bites, digging in wholesale. The effect is almost horrific, but eased by the slight burp that follows, and the dabbing of lips with a napkin.

"'scuse me," she adds, almost daintily. Manners!

"Crush is security!" Belinda cheerfully exclaims, ticking off her fingerss. "Also construction, extra, and mad animal wrangler for elephants or rhinos or anything untowards and frisky that rears its grimy head." She grins, glancing at the table... Deciding not to press her luck vis a vis the dress. Stiff as a board! "I am so glad this is only for the day," she adds, grimacing. "Stupid costumes and costumers and actors wanting everything appropriate and perfect and--"

GRUMBLE.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"No, I'm okay with it", Caled says to Nick. "Always good to know y..."

Xio starts laughing hard, and Caleb gets interrupted. And Belinda devours that sandwich like there's no tomorrow!

He looks to Nick, and shoots him and awkward look of '...okay'.

When Xio is done and presents herself, Caleb extends his hand for a shake (though idly wondering why Crush is called Crush - and if his hand is safe). "Really, all those things?", he comments to Belinda. "Im-pressive."

Still to the werewolf girl. "Hey, who said their job was ever easy? We don't see it much, but it has to be a logistic nightmare."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mouth full of sandwich, all Nick could do was tilt his head curiously to Crush's pause. When she acts like this is the first time meeting him. The side of his mouth tilts up for a moment before lowering once more to finish chewing.

There's a lot one can observe when not actively talking. While Crush introduces herself to Caleb, the musician makes a mental note to tell Crush about the practice of stage name registration. That's a story for another time.

As Belinda touts the merits of Crush to Caleb, Nick grins upon being free of the bite of food. "Sounds to me like she'd be an amazing person to have in your corner." He comments.

Nick glances to Caleb for a moment before looking back to Crush, "I bet if anyone tried to cause problems for any of the classmates in the school dorm that they'd be regretting it."

Belinda's complaint about costumes gets a chuckle from the musician. "Well, there are worse things than costumes. For one film I was practically coated in stage blood. But, on the bright side, you're getting a taste of what it's like to be in a movie production and meeting people you might not have met otherwise."

He lifts up his sandwich once more. "Outside of this table have you guys met anyone interesting?"

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
Finishing off her half of the sandwich, Crush eyes Belinda with a grin. That was in fact a long list, but the werewolf wasn't wrong about any of it. "I try to be helpful where I can," she comments, then notes she should probably go find out what sort of costume magic is going to take place.

Standing up she pauses to look at Nick, once again having to keep herself from laughing. "Mostly the students, yeah... that school saved my ass, so I protect the building, the teachers and the students. Someone comes around causing trouble, I'll handle it if Ms. M or the teachers don't." While talking she looks between Nick and Caleb, then offers both a broad grin. "What can I say? I'm protective... but hey, I'll be back. Gotta get into costume and all that."

Heading off toward the costume department, she's actually glad that Nick-Mike is there, she doesn't feel quite as bad leaving Belinda alone for a minute that way. No, he wasn't a teacher, but she knew he's keep her safe it needed.

In the end Kristy went with the only possible costume that would work... she put the half Czarnian in a kimono. Comprised of many folds and layers brightly colored silks, such as the soft yellows close to the skin, and blues with greens on the outer most robe, and a bold wave pattern in gold sewn across the outer robe to finish it off. Normally her feet would be tapped into a pair of wooden slipper that click-clacked when she walked, but the best possible alternative was a pair of simple slippers, no one would see her feet anyway. At long last a magnificent wig of thick black hair pulled up, wrapped, folded and held in place with combs and decorations was placed on her head and one Japanese Geisha was ready for the camera.

She had agreed to wear whatever it was they wanted to put her in, but she did not agree to like it. Never in her life had she worn something so restrictive. She was wrapped up like a present, and even a obi bow to finish it off. As she walked back toward the table, she looked both a little dazed and a little grumpy. There was something in her expression that was daring anyone to say something, anything about the choice of costume she'd been put in. Belinda had been complaining about her dress but this... this was a whole new level of hell.

"Don't... say... shit," she muttered toward Nick, one eye narrowing slightly. Revenge, this was his change to get some for her laughing.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda passes the time with idle chit-chat, table-grazing (against better judgement, trying the imitation bacon bits), and glancing at her booklet again. "So, were the French kings really all named 'Louis the Somethingth'?" she comments absently, flipping along the pages. "I mean, surely they werte more imaginative than that..."

She trails off as she catches sight of the geisha girl entering-- taking a second look in wide-eyed shock as she realizes who it is!

"...sangre de dios." she murmurs, shaking her head in wonderment. "I take back everything I said before," she adds, grimacing in sympathy. Pausing. "Except for the corset. Surely she did not put one of those on you, did she?"

Don't laugh, don't laugh, oh god it hurts *don't laugh*...

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
The teenager ooks at Nick when he replies about Xio being someone to have in his corner, and his comment about problems for the classmates. And nods, "Yeah, I wouldn't want to run into someone who would literally do what their nickname says." He recalls a slap from Edgar 'Brick' Danello, given to him a while back under circumstances too dark to bring up.

Besides, a recent run-in with Shazam and Lightspeed recently in Happy Harbor's campus grounds was enough of a scare as it was. Ahem!

As Crush goes to get dressed, he looks at Beli, "You know, you're right... I can't think of any other name for a french king." He shrugs sarcastically, "I skipped out on french history."

Back to Nick, "I haven't had the chance to meet anybody else y..."

Interrupted. Because Xiomara enters stage. Dressed as a geisha.

And he hasn't been warned about not laughing nor saying anything.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Interesting question indeed. "Hmm. I think they got to pick their names when they became king and the first Louis was someone most wanted to be like." Nick pauses, trying to think of other names. "Charlemagne maybe?" The tone is uncertain, but it kind of sounds familiar enough to be true.

There's a thing about an outfit of that nature. It just stands out. It stands out to the point of, making her own line in the credits instead of being lumped in with the rest of the extras. So as Crush walks over, there is plenty of time for a smile to creep onto Nick's features, growing larger and larger as he shifts in his chair.

For a merciful second, Nick glances down for a moment, seemingly giving Crush a bit of a break. But when she gives her warning, he glances back up. Simply smiling and nodding. The work issued phone lifts up, pointed to her before he taps something on the screen. The phone lowers and Nick gives the most innocent of expressions while Caleb voices enough amusement for the both of them.

Richard Stadler has posed:
And from behind Crush, there's the sound of a phone beeping with a text message. And then a clearing of a throat. "Well. That's something I didn't think I'd see outside of a tea ceremony.".

You couldn't expect students from the school to be here /just/ with Mike watching them, could you? Even if he wasn't busy with the production of the film, he wasn't official school staff, and Rick wasn't about to turn down a chance to sleep on an airplane for 12 hours and visit Bellau Wood. So here he was, making sure none of the students had a Taken done to them, and it sometimes led to dangerous life experiences like this one.

He moves to carefully circle Crush, taking the costume in completely, including the wig. "It... does work. I would think, with the way your skin looks. Though I don't think you need to worry. I'm sure this will only be on..." He trails off, looking to Nick. "What, 2, three thousand screens?"

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
While getting into the costume, or rather having the costume wrapped around her, Crush had come to terms with the fact that she would never live this down. She kept repeating over and over just how important it was that the world accept diversity, and not merely those of other cultures and skin colors of this planet. In her mind, she as doing this for all the young mutants, metahumans, werewolf, vampire and alien babies yet to make their way into this world.

Arriving at the table was in fact the act of stepping into hell. Nick-Mike did well not to laugh, she could see that Belinda really wanted to but held it back, and then Caleb just lost it. For one heated moment her eyes flashed red as fire and then Mister Stadler was speaking behind her and the humiliation was complete.

"Well fuck," she mutter-grumbled, then snatched up her bottle of Coke from the table for a drink. "Laugh it up pretty boy," she then added, but there was something on her face that no one could have expected... a smile.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda giggles softly, bowing her head the table. She quivers for a brief moment, rising again with a determined exhale. "So..." she adds, eyes twinkling with mirth. "Do you think this is what Batpeople feel like when they wraps themselves into bodysuit armor?" She leans over, conspiracy rising to wicked glee. "Am told they do not actually have hair. When preten-- when going out to be among people, they have to wear wigs and contacts and sunscreen."

She offers a touch with her elbow to Crush's, not even her usual ribbing.

Because she can't move enough to do so. Huff!

"Good evening, Mr. Stadler!" she exclaims, brightening with cheer. "....it was a dare," she adds, glancing everywhere. Geisha outfit for Crush. The simply *gargantuan* Victorian dress on Belinda. So girly.

"...don't you dare take pictures."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
The laughter gradually - but slowly - dies down. "Oh god..." Gigglefit. "...Joker gas..." Gigglefit.

It stops - eventually -, but he keeps his face hidden at the table he's sat at.

A deep breath...

Okay, begin! "Seriously, were there many japanese in France at the time of the 'Count of Monte Cristo'? Or is this some avant-garde way to shoehorn a minority into the production?" He looks at Xio, mouthing 'Sorry...'

He looks at Belinda, when she speaks about the Batpeople, "You read too much into fan-fiction. Or you're drawing from Guillermo Del Toro's 'The Strain'."

To Richard, he waves a greeting. "Hello." And resumes eating. Before the 'Crushing Geisha' decides to crush him.

(Yeah, it's gonna stick.)

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Nick takes the imposed vow of silence Crush bestowed upon him seriously for a few more moments, simply lifting up his hand to gesture for Stadler to go higher while he slides his phone back in pocket. But there's only so much one can do without talking. "International releases." He points out, "But if it's consolation, with your height, you will likely be positioned further back than most others to help you blend in more if you're really concerned about the outfit.

How much can she blend in more? Well, best not go too much in detail. She is walking around as a Geisha after all. "Also, it does look nice on you. So you got that going for you."

To the warning from Belinda about taking pictures, Nick quietly looks over to Rick. "...I put my phone up already."

So don't worry. He won't take pictures.

Anymore.

He glances over to Caleb, "Japan started sending ambassadors over to France around that time period. Also Geishas were predominantly female by that point and were commonly hired to show up for parties and celebrations. Plus the count is well traveled and had gained friends outside of the country. Plausible. Also the source material the musical was based off also had japanese in it."

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
Standing there with soda in hand, Crush realizes that the concept of sitting down on a chair or bench was lost. The way the kimono was bound in place, stitched, wrapped, there was no way she was going to be able to sit. So she did the next best thing. Grabbing a table clothe off the table next to theirs, she spread it on the ground and knelt down, just like the Japanese did. Talk about playing the part.

"I don't care how many people see it," she states plainly with a snort. "Or where they put me, or how much I blend in... I've never blended in, why would I start now?"

The compliment from Nick-Mike isn't missed, she simply doesn't have a response to it. She's not a pretty woman, she knows that, she accepted that the first time a red neck called her a freak. She has her good qualities and has come to realize that appearances weren't everything. All of this of course was with no experience in the dating department, so really she was blowing smoke up her own ass.

"I like the color," she finally states a little more firmly than might have been needed, but she was looking for anything good in the this exact moment of time. Future, helping the future, did not aid her uncomfortable embarrassment.

Richard Stadler has posed:
Stadler simply shakes his head when it comes to pictures. "Oh, there's pleanty of camera's on set already. I suppose I'd /have/ to buy the blu-ray, wouldn't I? Still, this is some rather good costuming. On both of you." He says, indicating Belinda in her large victorian dress. Hey, it was true, and she deserves some recognition for the costume... that and that smile on Crush really made it a good idea not to press the subjecct excessively. Caleb, at least, makes a very good point on if Gieshas were actually in France, to which Nick comes up with a properly eloquent answer. "I... suppose I should have expected historical accurcy. It's one of those... background details that I'm certain will sell the versmilitude to the right critics. Not that I'm exactly a cinemaphile, but." He notes, before looking over to Belinda. "In terms of batpeople, not certain. Most armor is a bit on the heavy side and doesn't breath, though; you wouldn't have it crushing you like that. Not exactly the best way to fight. At least from what I've read."

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
"The what?" Belinda asks Caleb curiously, tilting her head with a quizzical expression. She giggles helplessly, sighing as she looks down with envy. Can't sit, can't kneel, can't even manage to lean...

"French nobility must have been glutons for sadism," she remarks, nodding her agreement with Mr. Stadler.... staring absently, cluelessly. Mega Big Words! Sigh. "Well, at least I don't have to worry about such things, barring my joining the military or police or something." She raises her arms to waist level, quivering as she tenses every muscle-- stretching as

"...alright, it *is* pretty. But dios-- so restricting! I swear, after this-- jogging. For HOURS."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
The teen looks at Nick, not like he's mocking or dismissing his answer, but like he's taking in something new. "Hmm... good point, man."

To Xiomara, he looks at her, now that the shock subsided. "No, it looks okay on you. Really. I just wasn't seeing how it would fit into the theme." He shrugs, "But if there's a bit of rebellion to it, I guess the costume department hit right in the red." He smiles a little, "If rebellion's your thing, Crush, may I suggest some Black Veil Brides?"

He looks at the werewolf girl, "'The Strain'", he reiterates. "There's a book trilogy, and they even made a series out of it." He adds, "In the series, some had to use the elements you just described to pass for human."

He looks at Richard, blinking at his complex answer. "What can I say? Maybe it's a director's signature to it?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Nick nods, watching as Crush adjusts her positioning to kneel down. He nods to the comment about the kimono. The color did stand out, even in the slowly dimming light of day. "I don't know. I kind of get the Kiss vibe from her." He chuckles."

Off to the distance, there is the the sound of a bullhorn cracking open with a simple request "Calling in Edmond, Jacapo, Gerard, and Valentina. Places." Nick takes in a deep breath before he starts to get up. "Well, it seems we now have the light levels just right." He gives a nod to quartet. "Have fun. And I'll do my best not to contribute to the sessions going longer than expected."

Empty wrapper in hand, the actor moves over to a trash can, tossing it in before heading back towards the hot-air balloon basket missing the actual balloon. The strides are as they were coming to get food, causing for the parting view of him to be of his cloak and lengthy hair whisping about from the force of movement.

Richard Stadler has posed:
Stadler hears the bullhorn, and takes a step back. "All right, then. It looks like you folks have a scene to shoot. I'll be in the background here, if anything happens." He notes. Like he was just going to leave for the coast when some of these kids would find themselves immortalized, at least for a brief moment, on camera. "Come on, folks, it's cumbersome clothing, but wearing it and keeping mobile builds endurance and character." He says, moving to bring a hand down to help Crush up from her kneeling position... and holding it there to pass the awkwardness of her certainly not needing it. "And to be honest, the color does look very good on you. Standing out makes you memorable, and I'm certain that's what you'll be here. What you'll both be here." He notes, as they move off to the stage, and Rick is busy hunting for a chair to sit down in.

"Director's signature? Perhaps. I do love it when an artist shows their work." He mentions.

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
"Kiss, BVB, both good bands," Crush offered as she accepted Richard's help to stand up again. She could have gotten up on her own, but he was there and being nice, and she actually /liked/ him so... "Thanks Mr. S, don't you worry, we'll be as good as can be expected."

As she starts talking she looks to the young man who had joined them earlier in the day, "An Caleb, I define rebellion in how I think, look and act. I don't come from this planet, and I'll never be a true part of it... but that won't stop me from doing everything I can to help the people who are here and ensure that I never become my sperm donor. I'm sure you've seen his picture around, fighting Superman..." deeeeeep breath, out slowly, no anger. Huh, even that was getting easier. "I'm at Happy Harbor, come by some time and we'll go do lunch, talk about all kindsa things... for now, let's go make this movie better than it was before we got here."

Cocky attitude meant acceptance that she would likely forever be known as that Geisha in that movie. Following instructions, she grumbled and complained about the costume right up until the word 'action' was called. In that moment she was instantly in character, holding her fan just right, body posture perfect for a Geisha, eyes turned toward the sky to watch the not really there balloon descending toward the ground. Whether she was actually in a shot or not, it didn't matter, she played the part as best she could while standing out in the crowd like a dot of red in a field of white. And she nailed it... Crushin Geisha was immortalized.

Belinda Gutierrez has posed:
Belinda turns her head towards the announcement, bites lip against a moment of nervousness-- pre-stage jitters! "We will have to see those beaches," she exclaims to Mr. Stadler, smoothing her hands across her front needlessly. She grins at Xiomara, offering a fistbump as she grins. "Hey, if Big S can be accepted, surely you can too. Totally accepted just like everyone and everything else. We are all star-stuff, no?"

A giggle (nervous tic), and sweeping up to her place at the screen. And... an extra. Bland, nondescript.

...not habit forming! But fun. And after---

Normandy!

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Caleb looks at Nick, "Take a good look at her and tell me if you think", and he sings, keeping his voice down - and yet, in tune -, "'I was made for loving you, baby, you were made for loving me', or you think, 'Rise up and celebrate your life, we're not alone in our ritual. Sing for what you feel inside, becoming one with our ritual.'"

Yes - Caleb can sing.

He looks at Xiomara, listens to her, and smiles, "And, I rest my case."

Then, he says a little about himself, "I've had to fight aliens - heck, I've even had to kill them to survive." He's honest about this. "I might judge myself for a racist bastard, at times, but I judge but what was done, and whomever's on my shitlist, to get it right - they'll have to make up for it with a shit ton of good before I even consider them off the hook. Call it a character flaw, if you will, but I've seen a lot of how the world works - in Gotham, no less - to get the PhD on trust. And trust is not an easy thing to come by, even if there are others out there to inspire it."

He looks at Belinda, "We're all star stuff, and yet a lot of star stuff out there means us harm." He looks back to Xio, sheepish smile. "Present company excluded, of course. You're okay on my book."

He shrugs, "Just needed to get this off my chest, since we're being honest. Honesty, way I see it, is a path to acceptance."

He gets up and starts moving towards the set, finishing his meal. "Let's kill it out there."