14973/TCOMC: From The Top Sing Me A Song

TCOMC: From The Top Sing Me A Song
Date of Scene:	30 June 2023
Location:	Shaw Studios
Synopsis:	Phoebe and Caleb visit Shaw Studios and end up getting suspicion from Larry the security guard and a tour of the place from the studio owner, Wade Shaw.
Cast of Characters:	Michael Hannigan, Phoebe Beacon, Caleb Dykstra
Tinyplot:	The Count of Monte Cristo

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Michael Hannigan has posed:
Wow has time flown by! With July looming in the near future it is amazing just how far the production of The Count of Monte Cristo has gone. With most of the principal filming done, the more musically inclined factors of the large scale efforts have moved on to a different type of studio for the music recording process. For a musical movie, this is not something easily settled in one day and has instead been split up over several sessions and several locations.

Today's efforts are taking place at the Shaw Studios location situated in the East Side of downtown Manhattan. While not as flashy as the resort studio with the residential rooms, pool, and other home like amenities, the original Shaw Studios building is not lacking. This two story building, while having an upstairs area for offices, is mostly focused on the lower level when it comes to making the magic happen and for today, three of the session rooms have been reserved for the movie production. Two are used for live recordings while a third one is being used for warm ups. And conveniently enough, field trips for those students who feel inclined to touch random piano keys while others are playing music. As things are, the recording session rooms are currently in use, with a bright red light indicating to those in the hallway to stay away should they have no good reason for going inside.

But it's not all music music music here. Situated in the lounge area, several musicians are currently helping themselves to refreshments at a table that's been set up for them.

Off to the main entrance, a security guard is seated at the front desk. The nametag upon his shirt declares his name to be 'Larry'.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    And among the touristy types, Phoebe Wayne is poking herself around a little bit, being nosy. She'd never been in a recording studio before -- never was her interest, and she didn't think she was a good enough musician for it with her 'Church Camp Guitar Skills', but was happily trading pleasantries in a practice for less casual meetings with more hoity-toity people.

    She did jokingly bring her guitar; it's in a gigbag, but a second-hand Gibson guitar wasn't going to be very impressive to the folks hanging around here, so she just mentions that she and Mike keep crossing paths.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Just as Phoebe brought her guitar, so did Caleb bring one of his own. It's one of these 'fad' guitars nowadays that seem to be coming back in force and finding their own niche: a headless guitar. There's actually no brand for this one, except maybe what you could call a pyrographed 'signature' on the body, then filled in gold sparkle paint to stand out against the dark walnut body: Dykstra.

Being one of the first to be at the studio, Caleb presented this guitar to Wade, as a thanks for the hospitality he's been providing for him and his family. As a working guitar or really just a decorative piece, it is catchy to the eye. Perhaps... A prototype? Who knows.

And, just as there is an electric guitar, there's the matching set for a bass, in the same materials and color.

So, Caleb is quietly basking in the moment for this, wondering what Wade will do - he tested them, he knows they got a kick. For him, they're an accomplishment - the first ever since escaping Vittorelli.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
As Phoebe goes into his quick explanation for why she's here, Larry's brow raises suspiciously. Phoebe wasn't on the list. And as she's not on the list, it becomes clear that Larry doesn't believe her. But on the off chance he's wrong, Phoebe was shown a seat in the lobby to wait at until her right to be here could be confirmed.

At least the seats look comfortable.

Moments tick away and the security guard pinches the bridge of his nose. His job would be so much easier if they didn't make so many last second add ons to the guest list and people trying to take advantage of that.

The wait is not long. After about 15 minutes of Wade being alerted, there was enough of a stopping point to get the questions he needed asked answered.

Then there was a matter of receiving instruments, giving some thanks, promising to take a closer look after handling a situation, handing the instruments off to a secondary guard to take up to the office for later review, and then moving back to the mission at hand.

Down the hallway there is the click of a door shutting followed by footsteps. Eventually the view of a mid-30sish man, about 6 feet tall with short blond hair comes to view. His attire is rather relaxed, and somewhat unnecessarily expensive. Jeans and a blue tee. Both designer. There's first a glance over to the guard, giving him a nod before he glances to the lobby area. He stops, looking back over to Larry. "...Next time get the last name. Get a guest pass ready." He states before moving over to Phoebe, giving a smile. In the background there's the quick whrr of a printer. "Welcome. I'm sorry Nick couldn't come out but he's in the middle of a session with our leading lady. Come on, I'll show you back there." As he turns, he reaches over to the desk to receive the freshly printed and timestamped sticker pass. He offers it over to Phoebe.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Moments tick away, and although Phoebe had introduced herself, I mean, c'mon, do you always use the correct name when introducing yourself to a security guard and being nervous?

    Well, Phoebe gives a bright smile, standing up in her jeans, designer T and very much designer and expensive jacket.

    "You must be Mike's saner half, Wade, right?" she smiles, introducing herself "Nice to meet you in person, Mike's told me all about how he truly appreciates the effort you put into keeping him on track and not on fire." she jokes, accepting the sticker pass.

    "Thank you, Larry, can't ever be too careful my man."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Spotting Phoebe, Caleb moves from his spot and heads to Phoebe. "Heya, Phoebe." He looks around, "You're looking for Mike? I think he's recording..." But with this much logistics - or organized chaos, depends on how you want to see it - hanging in the air, he's not sure.

So he looks at Wade, hoping to know for sure.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Wade gives a half smile to the comment regarding Mike. "Manager. Friend." He amends, dodging the 'half' title. "And I do what is needed. He's- driven when it comes to certain things. But generally speaking when someone focuses a lot of time somewhere, something loses out."

Caleb's comment about Mike causes for Wade to look over to him. "Ah. Mike's currently working under his stage name. So when I refer to Nick. I'm referring to him. He's in a session with Miss Olivie at the moment. But I am free to show you two around until his next break."

As Phoebe puts on the pass, Wade sneaks a glance to Larry, nodding to the compliment. "Yes. Larry and Gary are vital members of the studio team. I'm sure you understand it's worth a little inconvenience up front to avoid a big one later on."

Once Phoebe has her pass, Wade starts to walk back from whence he came, adjusting his pace to allow for her and Caleb to keep up. "It is good to meet more of Mike's friends."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "Oh, it's not an inconvenience. I mean, look at where I'm from. It's just nice to see a security guard not behind shatter proof glass!" Phoebe replies with a smile. She has her gig bag and carries it herself.

    "I'm going to be heading out to Hell's Kitchen after this -- have a long standing appointment with a closed down bar."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Weah, shatter proof glass tends to happen a lot back in Gotham...", Caleb comments. "Me and my dad used to mod vehicles all the time for... Well..." He shrugs, "That life's kinda over, but oh boy, the flashbacks."

He looks at Phoebe, "Oh?" Curiosity sinking in, "Looking to invest outside of Gotham?"

He can't help but look at Wade, "So, Mr. Shaw, I was meaning to ask, since creator's curiosity and all... What did you think of those instruments?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
To the mention of how Phoebe normally sees guards. Wade smiles, "...What do you think the windows in the entranceway are made of?" He gives a bit of a wink,"You're not the only one from Gotham."

Moment of amusement aside, he glances over to Caleb. "The instruments look nice. But I'd like a chance to try them to see how they sound before making my final judgement." He pauses for a few moments before continuing, "You know, if you are interested in making that a career choice, I could look into getting you into some certification programs that could get you a better starting position within the industry."

As the group moves down the hall, nearing one of the doors with the red light on, a pair of men stand outside quietly talking. One of them is of a similar height to Wade only thinner with a darker, somewhat whispy short cut. To those who had reason to go to France for a shoot, he may even seem a bit familiar. The other, a bit plumper with a close to platinum hair coloring is a little less familiar. Wade glances to the pair, giving a curious look. "Is it that time already?" Wade inquires, starting to pull out his phone.

"No. A bit early." The platinum haired man comments, "They've only got about two more takes of Everyday."

"Really now?" Wade comments, sliding his phone back into the pocket. Giving a nod, Wade looks over to Phoebe and Caleb, "They're making good time. If I didn't know this was her first singing role I'd assume Miss Olivie was a seasoned vet. I'd give them about 15 minutes until Nick is on break."

He glances back to the men in the hallway, "How are you two doing? Enough in the lounge?"

"Oh yes, we're good." The dark haired man comments. "We only have Story Told today."

Wade tilts his head up in thought before giving a slight smile, looking over to Phoebe, "You should tell Nick about the bar plans in Hell's Kitchen when he gets out on break."

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe gives a small smile to Caleb as they follow behind "Not really an investment. The building's owned by someone else. I just tresspass every once in a while." she jokes to Caleb, and she gives a shrug. "Kinda like how I handle some of my weird thoughts, just go sort them out in a ruined bar and --" she looks up to Wade, and she shakes her head "Uuuunfortunately I think Nick's seen me maudlin enough. This bar is where a lot of stuff went down. Kinda deeply personal. My kinda-'dopted dads died there." she explains.

    Gotham Gothic indeed.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Thanks on the offer, Mr. Shaw, but the truth is, I haven't really decided on a career. Or any single career." He ellaborates, "To be completely honest, I felt this urge to do it, mainly to see if I could. And I did." He considers that option, "But with the right sponsorship, that brand could become a household name, given time." He daydreams. "Hmm... 'Dykstra Guitars'... It has a nice ring to it."

But he's swooped back to reality by Phoebe's life story. "...Shit!" He tilts his head down slightly, "Sorry."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
"Yes, but the right sponsorship needs the right assurances that they're not going to get backlash for sponsoring a lemon." Wade responds, matter of factly. "But, I'll try out the instruments when I get a chance to see how they sound. They do look nice so at the very least you have some art pieces."

To the explanation, Wade's smile vanishes as he steps forward, seemingly ushering the pair away from the waiting singers before continuing the conversation. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize." He pauses, considering Phoebe, "You don't have to answer but- Is this an anniversary thing or more to feel like you're talking to them?"

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    "It's all right, you think Bruce Wayne adopts kids with *happy* stories?" She questions, and she thinks back... no, none of her 'brothers' or 'sisters' in arms have *good* stories.

    She holds up her hands a moment

    "Really, really it's all right. You guys didn't know, it wasn't fair of me to spring that on you. It's kind of both. I go, I look around the ruins of a condemned building, I yell at God, I leave."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"No point in yelling at whomever's not listening", Caleb says plainly. "Unless the general order of the day is 'toil in my shit while I sprinkle you with my piss for my own perverted amusement', I'd say the guy's ship has left the dock a good while ago." He shrugs, "Dark ages, after all..."

"But yeah, I guess I can understand Bruce Wayne adopting you. I mean... Crime Alley, after all." He shakes his head. "I can't even imagine how hard it must've been for him." He adds, "And I can relate some; if it weren't for Sheila having been born..." He shakes his head, "I just cen't picture her out of my life, you know?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Wade nods as Phoebe confirms it to be both. "I know someone a bit like that." The manager doesn't offer much more regarding the who but glances down the hallway from whence the came. "...Alright. So we have a few minutes, shall I show you two around the studio being used for rehearsals? It's a similar layout as the ones in session. He glances back to the men waiting outside. "I would assume they'd be in there warming up but the third of their trio has a small part in 'Everyday A Little Death'.

Phoebe Beacon has posed:
    Phoebe smiles, and shakes her head, her lips forming a defeated frown. It'd be so much easier if she didn't know for sure.

    And she has choice words for the beings that made it possible to know for sure.

    "Yes! A tour! Sounds fantastic. Let's do that!" Phoebe comments brightly, forcing a segue.