15290/TCOMC: One More Time - The Do Over

TCOMC: One More Time - The Do Over
Date of Scene:	15 July 2023
Location:	Gotham Cable Studios
Synopsis:	Things are busy at Gotham Studios as the cast and crew scramble to knock out several scene reshoots. Crush is extremely useful with setting up the set and Caleb has extra duty. Mike is late.
Cast of Characters:	Michael Hannigan, Xiomara Rojas, Caleb Dykstra
Tinyplot:	The Count of Monte Cristo

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Michael Hannigan has posed:
It is interesting just how much time goes into making just one film. There's the pre production stuff, trying to get funding. The casting. Scouting out locations, Costume design, fittings. So when the actors show up and the shots are filmed, one would think that would be it.

Not so. For once the first recordings get taken up for editing purposes, and people investigate the footage a bit more, there's usually something that turned out to not be what they thought at the time of filming.

And thus, we have the reshoots.

As part of the production that has been set up to benefit the three large cities of New York, Metropolis, and Gotham with a bit of an economic boon, Gotham Cable Studios has a studio earmarked for the shoots involving The Count of Monte Cristo. The scheduling has been made to be as efficient with the actor's times as possible.

Currently the studio is in a transitional stage. The morning had been spent doing reshoots of select prison scenes. The most recent one being Abbbe Faria's parting scene. But now it's time to tear down those prison walls and make the set a bit more festive! Fortunately the prison walls are on rollers. The platform that the stone floor is on? Not so much.

As the prison set makes its departure and the dining room set is making its way in. There is an odd mix of costumes milling about near the refreshment tables. Prison outfits and ballgowns. What a sight! A rather petite woman, with her hair done in curls has shifted off to the side, hanging around a young man with a high collar. What they speak of is hard to hear but from their occasional glances to the entry way, they seem to be waiting for another.

Mike, who was involved with the previous scene is nowhere in sight. But considering his attire from before, it is likely due to him having to go through a drastic change in appearance.

Over near the refreshment table, Wade Shaw stands. He is not in costume but instead has helped himself to a bottle of water.

It is quite busy in the studio.

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
Summer break, the time most students vacation, enjoy the sun and try not to count down the days until school starts again. For Crush however, this summer was the first one in which the next year lead to university instead of high school, and she was using it to earn as much money as possible... just in case.

In Gotham at the studio, she was working with the crew to move scenery for the various shoots. What this really meant is that someone told her 'pick that very large, way to much for one human to carry thing up, and move it over there' and that is exactly what she was doing.

After the set up of the prison scenes, she joined the other crew off set for some snacks and iced tea, and managed to not shoot a guy who was attempting to tease her white skin. Luckily for him, she was in a good mood and choosing not to listen, and also luckily for him, the scenery needed to be moved again.

While most of the crew handled the little things, she choose to carry the table in and get it set in the right spot, then go collect as many chairs as she could carry to bring in. Let the humans moves the little things, she got the big stuff.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
And Caleb? Well... He is here, and dressed for the reshoots - though in the very back of his mind wondering if this was a good idea at all. After all, he /is/ back in Gotham, which is basically what he considers to be the maw of the wolf. Instinctively, he keeps his head slightly down when he sees people he doesn't know passing by, to and fro.

By the catering table, Sheila is helping herself to some refreshments; she too observes people passing by, so she clearly shares the same concerns as his brother.

He spots Xio, and waves to her. "Hey there."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Wade, who the trio have already met, catches a glimpse of the others. Bottle in hand, he makes his way over near Caleb. He is quiet for a few moments as he watches Crush easily bring in the larger set pieces. "...Making record time with that." He comments aside to Caleb regarding Crush's performance before he glances to Caleb. "How're you holding up?"

As the table is set in place, a props master runs out to quickly roll out a lengthy table cloth while several assistants follow after, candelabras in hand. A cart full of intricate looking dishware is rolled soon after.

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
The table and chairs have to be just so, to match their locations in previous shots and so Crush is very careful to match each part to their marks. Stepping back to look at the table, she starts the process with the chairs.

Pausing a moment, she offers Caleb a return wave as she says, "Hey man, how the hell ya doin?" Then goes back to making sure the chairs are in the exact locations. When that is finished, she gives the thumbs up and moves out of the way toward Caleb and Wade to let the others start putting in place settings.

"Course we're making record time, I'm... skilled," she says to Wade before offering him a 'gun' show with her arms.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"In all honesty...?" Caleb takes a deep breath, and what he says can apply to both Wade and Crush, "Just breathing this city's air is putting me on edge." His voice almost stammers. "I heard some shit about Scarecrow's dust, but if I were to inhale that right now, I think it would just get me high, you know?" Nervous chuckle. Glance to Sheila. Someone approaches her he doesn't recognize, his eye twitches.

Until it registers as some familiar face from the cast, and he lets up - no, not really. "The people from this studio... How well you know them?", he asks Wade.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
With the heavy duty stuff settled with, the table is quickly set. Tablecloth, candles, rose petals, and fancy dishware are put into their places. An assistant goes down the side of one table, putting a deep red liquid of varying levels into each glass while another goes over to essentially plate the food.

Wade considers Caleb's question and glances to those present. "I know them well enough to know that they won't do a thing to jeopardize a project they put so much funding into." Wade responds, looking back to Caleb, "You should consider the studio a safe zone. Also none of this is being filmed live. No one outside of here will even know you've been here until you're long gone from the city."

As Crush comes up to the gathering, Wade smiles to Xiomara, "You know, if you're looking for money when classes aren't in session, I think people would love to have you working with a tour. Loading and unloading equipment, setting up stages... Or just keeping the overzealous fans off the stage."

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
The remainder of the set is small things that the others are bringing in and placing where it all needs to go, so Crush was free for now. She intended to remain exactly where she is... near Sheila and Caleb, and keeping an eye out for trouble.

"Listen Caleb," she says quietly toward the young man, not caring if Wade hears or not. "No one is going to touch you or your sister while I'm here. I give you my word that is anything happens I'll just grab you both and we'll be through that roof and out of here before anyone can blink. So relax, enjoy your shoot, let your sister enjoy herself.... I got your back."

Now she shifts her attention to Wade, lifting a brow. "I still work construction for Mr. O'Connail," she states first. "And I'm training for proper security work for Happy Harbor next year... but if they need someone local, sure, give em my number. I'm always willing to help out."

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
Caleb nods after a thought, "...Maybe you guys're right", he says to both. "Maybe I should lighten up." He chuckles nervously, "Heck, it's not even for me, it's more for her, you know?"

He looks at Crush, "So, if shit ever hits the fan... When it comes to Sheila's safety, it's you, /then/ God." A slight pause, "And I don't much trust God to save anyone - if He did, no-one would ever die except of natural causes."

After that, he sighs. "I need a drink."

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Seeing Caleb's struggle to do what is advised. The manager gives a knowing nod. "Habits die hard." He observes, "I've known others who have come from- difficult situations. And I am aware of the struggle to adjust to a new environment, even if it's considered improved. But over time, it'll get easier to remember to take time to breathe. And until you do, make sure to have people who can remind you nearby."

The studio owner gives a glance to Crush, silently charging her with that responsibility before nodding to Crush's comments. "As for you... I'll be sure to keep you in mind for some of our more local acts." He assures, "There's always need for good help."

A glance is stolen to the woman in red, the speaking companion who looks like a young Super-Man, and then to the door. "So, how are you two getting settled? Good footing for the upcoming school year?"

Xiomara Rojas has posed:
Crush laughs, which is not a quiet sound, it's rather loud and booming and she manages to not thump Caleb too hard on his back with a broad grin. "Now you're getting it!" She laughs and wiggles her brows as him. "I mean God has his purposes, I mean... according to Caitlin he does, but he's not here and I am... so you're all safe."

Looking around for a moment her eyes settle back on Caleb before she says, "Careful sayin that sorta thing, you're underage to drink in the US."

Now that she's stated the truth of things, she settles into watching people and listening to conversations around herself. One of the nice things about being half-Czarnian is that she can literally hear every conversation taking place in the area, if she wanted to, so there would be no sneaking up on her or anyone in her general area now.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"I'll take that into account", Caleb says politely. 'But', he thinks, 'what happens once they're not around?'

"Some soda, I mean - my throat's all dried up", he says to Crush. "I don't mess with alcohol - it numbs the senses." He adds, "Never got into the powders, to be honest. I saw the pushers, and their actions." He affirms, pointedly, "/Now those/ are the ones that should be consuming their whole lots!"

He heads momentarily to the catering table, to get some soda. And a pastry.

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Crush is subjected to a selection of topics to choose from for her eavesdropping needs. But none seem to pertain to the name of Dykstra. The red liquid being poured into the glasses is apparently not wine but a mixture of juices to get the right color. Safe to drink but definitely not-alcoholic. But then again, it could be expected. It's easier to recover from someone needing a bathroom break after 10 takes than someone passing out.

The food on the plates is actually real but the joy of knowing this is impeeded by the mention of spit buckets being placed under the table. Apparently actors don't swallow food because of the potential of many takes being needed.

As for the lady in red, she is speculating with her costar about how long it'll take to get Nick out of the last round of hair and makeup to be ready for this one.

And then there is the stuff that pertains to her.

"Fuck this is heavy. I can't budge this fountain. Go find that strong girl."

While Crush is beign sought out, Wade is listening to Caleb. "There's water at the refreshment table. And if you're in need during shooting, the beverage in the scene is juice. Just don't chug that."

And like that, Wade is left alone.

And also like that, another familiar face pops into the door. Gone is the prison attire and the beard. The long hair remains but it is perfectly groomed to go with the deep red and gold attire of The Count: Party Edition.

Nick glances around, smiling to the familiar faces and giving waves in greeting.

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
All dressed up for the occasion, Caleb pays closer attention to the lady in red - Ariah. He remembers having met her once, at a diner. He offers her, not a wave, but a rehearsed bow of the epoch the play takes place in. The same to Nick when he approaches.

The only thing that's really out of place is the beverage...

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Caleb is rewarded with a soft smile and a slight bow in return from the woman in red. The man beside her glances over, gives a curious look before bobbing his head in acknowledgement as well.

Greetings given, Nick ends up near the refreshment table but ignores the food. Considering the mess Nick was in with his prison attire from a scene ago, whoever was in charge of makeup and costumes did an amazing job. Save for the friendly look offered to Caleb, the man's stance is a bit more authorative. There is no effort to correct the contrasting looks as the musician considers Caleb. "How're you doing?"

Caleb Dykstra has posed:
"Well, considering I stand in the city of my grievances, you know...", Caleb replies with a bit of sarcasm, gulping down his soda. "The usual. And you?"

Michael Hannigan has posed:
Mike chuckles at the tongue in cheek response and glances down. "Well, just recently I broke out of prison..." He responds back, making reference to the morning's reshoots, "Think they'll notice?"

There's not much time to socialize. With everything set into place and all involved with the scene accounted for. There's a sudden call to get moving.

"Places everybody!"