988/PSA: Do Your Best!

PSA: Do Your Best!
Date of Scene:	05 April 2020
Location:	Avengers Mansion - Training Facility
Synopsis:	Director Rutherford films a PSA with Steve and Thor while Carol aids in directing from off-screen. Something's funny, but nobody can put a finger on what precisely. Regardless, hard work deserves a steak dinner.
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Steve Rogers, Carol Danvers

---

Thor has posed:
    Rutherford Hawkins is a man with a vision. He's a man who has lived much of his life creating music videos and clever clever vines, little bite-sized pieces of amusement and humor to enter into the cultural zeitgeist and create the memes the internet is best known for. He is a man who is likely as alien to Captain America as the man from the 30s and 40s is to him. Assuredly it will all go smoothly as he embarks on this latest task. A PSA starring the Avengers.
    The shoot had begun when the film crew had arrived at the mansion. Moving with a hustle about the facility and presenting the two principals with their scripts. They were small things, considering the medium. Captain America's was barely a page. And Thor's... an index card.
    But they had been given the information, a young woman with large glasses and tight jeans peers at the heroes in the middle of the hustle and bustle, then decides, "I have just the right costumes for you." And off she goes.
    And through it all, Thor occasionally looks over at Cap, confused by the influx of activity and motion with all the people rushing about while they wait there in the main training hall. The Thunderer quirks an eyebrow and asks, "Was it e'er like this when you filmed those other ones?"
    To which Rutherford interrupts, "Course not, Thor, buddy. We're doing things differently this time. Professional-like."

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve glances up from reading over his script as he remains by Thor in a form of silent companionship. The bustling of the crew around him isn't a novelty by any means; if anything, it brings back memories of his time in the USO and proudly striding about the stage proclaiming that every bond put a bullet in your best guy's gun. Not all of the memories are fond, but there are little wellsprings of wisdom to draw from the experiences.

"Different company was involved with a different purpose 'nd audience," he replies evenly, his attention more on Thor than on the director himself. "Similar premise, with the equipment 'nd staff. Won't take overly long. I filmed the other ones in segments, got 'em all done over the period of a day. This probably won't take but a few hours at most."

Carol Danvers has posed:
Well Carol decided to stop by the Manor and check up on people, also to let them know that she hasn't been taken out or go MIa. This. Well this is not what she expected.

She carefully makes her way through the various production crew like she belongs and it isn't like anyone is liable to challenge Captain Marvel being here right.

"What is all this?"

Thor has posed:
    Flicking his index card against his hand, Thor nods a little as he ponders the moment, the industriousness of the mortals gathered. It causes him to quirk an eyebrow in reflection as he lets his gaze wander one way, then the other. "I had no idea such effort went into the creation of your televised theater."
    The tall blond man makes a small 'hnh' of sound. But then his attention is drawn to Carol as she appears, as if she were a life-preserver of normalcy amongst all the chaos. "Ah, Lady Danvers." Falling back to the title granted for some reason, he lifts his chin. "The good Captain and I are to participate in some message with positive merit meant for the children of Midgard."
    That said he nods solemnly, "I am honored to be so given this task."
    Meanwhile, the head of costuming returns and holds up a pair of boxing uniforms, looking more like what competitors wear in collegiate or scholastic efforts. Bright satin trunks, Chuck Taylor sneakers, long white socks, and white sleeveless t-shirts with red trim. All with an /A/ logo for the Avengers.
    "Here you go fellas, put these on then..." She looks at Thor as Rutherford comes over, "Oh yes, Thor. Get up in the boxing ring?" He points over in that direction, then rushes over to stand behind the camera.

Steve Rogers has posed:
"It's sometimes a show in itself," agrees the Captain wryly to his fellow Asgardian Avenger. His script, that single piece of paper, is now folded in half and tucked into the back pocket of his jeans against loss. He turns as Thor calls out to Carol and she's offered a small, somewhat rueful smile.

"PSA," Steve further explains, lifting a hand off one hip to gesture at the crew. "Only one of 'em, so they'll be here 'nd gone quickly enough instead of on the property all day. Nice thing is it'll be on the television verses the shorter clips I filmed a while back."

Yes, those PSAs -- so, you got detention.

"Not that those didn't get spread around like -- " The man is interrupted by the arrival of their costumes and he takes his own with a brow wrinkled in bemusement. "Right. Better go change." Both Thor and Carol get a winning smile clearly meant to cover any awkward feelings about the whole affair. He's in and out of the nearby locker rooms quickly enough and returns frowning down at the sneakers in particular. "How do these things even stay on...?" comes the grump, sotto voce, though loud enough that his teammates will surely hear it. Also comes the practicing of the lines he read off the single-page script in that undertone only soft enough for standard ears:

"Hey kids. I know in this day and age, the problems of the world can seem imposing. But I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't give up. You should push for your goals. Because sometimes, you never know what will happen. Hey Thor, look, over there!" All of this as he steps over to and slips into the boxing ring. "No...more like, look, over THERE. Kids like the emphasis," he murmurs, rubbing at the back of his neck.

Carol Danvers has posed:
Carol listens to the explanations then carefully removes herself somewhere off to the side. You know off out of the way there so she can watch but not possibly intefere or god fucking forbid have anyone attempt to wrangle her into the actual PSA.

In the end she ends up settling into one of those fancy set chairs for the stars or the director and just watches Thor and Cap give there PSA, fascinated by the production really of it all.

Thor has posed:
    As for Thor he had wandered off as well to change, after a brief instant where he had started to pull off his t-shirt right in front of the crew, only for a timely clearing of the throat to likely save him that brief moment of embarrassment. He does emerge, wearing a larger version of the same costume as cap. Boxing gloves, boxing trunks, the red A on the t-shirt. Perfect twins.
    Rutherford pipes up as he moves the camera along to the side and resets the tripod. "Alright fellas, here's the deal. We got three cameras for the angles we need. Gonna try and get it in one take. Thor you come in after Cap says the word 'imposing' and say your line." He turns to look at Cap, "Captain, you then continue through with your lines while approaching Thor, and after the last line you throw a punch when Thor looks away? Right? Right."
    Only for one of the assistants to clear his throat and he says quietly, "Umm, Mr. Hawkins. Would Captain America really take a cheap shot at someone while they're looking away? That doesn't seem to fit the character."
    Rutherford rounds and squints, "Who is this man I just fired? This guy who just spoke up? He's so fired I did it in the past and only just now realized."

Steve Rogers has posed:
Carol absolutely gets one of those side-glances beseeching her to do more than sit there and let them both be subjected to their fate under the bright lights and camera and action. It's either that or a polite request not to blackmail the hell out of both of her fellow Avengers because somewhere, someone would get a big laugh out of the costumes even before the PSA makes the main media scene.

Steve folds his arms as he stands there beside Thor, looking between the director and the assistant. "Man's got a point. Not in anyone's best interest to be teaching kids to hit somebody unawares, including our own. None of us present here believe in cheating." He thumbs towards Carol seated here she is, including her in her status as fellow Avenger. "Might be better if the line's changed to something like, 'You never know what'll happen if you face your problems head-on' and I swing when Thor's looking." A glance over at the Asgardian silently asks for thoughts on matters.

Carol Danvers has posed:
Carol is only willing to get pulled in so far into this cat rodeo. She looks very comfy in her set chair lounging there in uniform and watching the production shoot.

She does speak up though finally in Cap's defense, "Defintely no low blows, no below the belt, no dirty tricks... or sand in the eye.. also that guy is so not fired unless someone likes to find out what being fired from a canon is like.."

The threat so firmly chipperly stated.

"Honestly I like Cap's write on this one."

Thor has posed:
    Rutherford's eyes widen as a tremble seems to hit his eyes, causing them to twitch and for his tiny hands to clench while he shakes a little. His jaw sets, tendons bunching, grimacing as he looks to the side at first the assistant that challenged him, only now to look at Captain America and he grimaces.
    "It's a metaphor. You're not representing yourself, and Thor does not represent himself. Thor is the cruel merciless reality of a world that's bigger than most people, that's insurmountable unless you somehow get an edge. You represent the underdog, the every man. This isn't /hard/ people!"
    But Thor then nods slowly as he looks to the side, "Aye, I can understand the author's sentiment. Though if you strike me directly..." He uncurls his boxing gloved hands, "No one would imagine you would survive such a clash, Captain. Their suspension of disbelief would be utterly destroyed."
    When did Thor pick up the term Suspension of Disbelief?
    But the assistant clears his throat, "You could have someone else distract Thor..." And then his gaze slips over towards Carol.
    To which Thor nods, "That is believable. Perhaps Carol off screen says something and I look over, granting that illusion that perhaps even then Cap could possibly win, however woefully unlikely it may be."

Steve Rogers has posed:
Those broad shoulders shrug agreement with Carol's support. He gives her a sneaky thumbs-up in his boxing gloves in passing, though someone might have caught the gesture. Of course, the director fusses, and patiently, Steve looks back at the man. There's a facet to his gaze which very quietly begs the man to stop arguing against what the Captain considers to be sound logic in matters.

Thor does get a sharp glance. "Suspension of disbelief," he echoes again sotto-voce with undertones of wry amusement. His eyes roll to Carol and, again, he shrugs good-naturedly about the whole affair.

"Head-on is still the message we should be telling the kids." This is for the whole room. "That, 'nd teamwork. Maybe instead of distracting Thor, there's a call-out of support instead. Teach 'em they don't need to go it alone as well."

Carol Danvers has posed:
"I gotta say I am with Steve on all this as far as message for kids goes... I mean sure corporate America is all about politics and making sure you come out first... but is that really the message we want icons giving kids.

Carol just shakes her head.

"We need to be positie, focus on teamwork and unity, and confronting problems head on.. you don't run from alien invasions and you don't run from bullies either right?"

Thor has posed:
    Rutherford's brown eyes twitch with the indignance of the moment, him being talked down to by some old fossil and some costumed do-gooders. MADNESS! But he executes a picture perfect face palm, and sighs softly. "This is my vision. It's important I maintain some aspect of creative control."
    But then Thor's hand rests upon the man's shoulder as he says amiably, "Ah, but you see, we must be ourselves. Best not to compromise for your theatrical vision, would you not agree, Captain?"
    But as Thor offers that angle, the assistant says, "That would destroy the premise however, since there's no real helping each other in a boxing match unless..." The young man with the ideas looks over toward Carol and then back to Steve, "Maybe we start the scene with her giving him advice in his corner and he takes that advice?"
    Only for Rutherford to snarl, "Didn't I fire you?!"
    Yet the crew around them, they seem to be at an impasse, not sure who to follow through with or to consider. It seems like the moment may well be critical in the production.

Steve Rogers has posed:
"Director." Steve's voice remains eviably calm in the room's divided atmosphere. "We're not trying to compromise your vision. If your point is to tell the world to stand up 'nd fight, your message won't be lost even if there's something like a pep talk 'nd a punch seen coming. That, or...keep the premise of the whole thing 'nd instead of me swinging at Thor, I swing at the camera. Let the audience decide how the blow went down. That's a more nebulous concept in comparison to the clear message of teammwork and support in times of difficulty."

He glances around the room again, especially to Thor and Carol. "Imagine the amount of revenue 'nd additional offerings from broadcasters that might come about if the message appealed to both those who know Captain America from their own childhood after the war 'nd who wanted to see their children tackle problems head-on."

Carol Danvers has posed:
Carol pipes in "Especially when it is an underdog tackling a literal god of myth... the whole give up..tackle problems head on.. even if the problems seem insurmountable."

She pauses.

"Very inspiring message I'd think."

Thor has posed:
    Rutherford Hawkins just shakes his head and seems to quiver with a suppressed anger, though he grimaces and looks around, "I should have stuck to instagram."
    But that having been said he takes a deep breath. "Fine, FINE! Do it how you want." For some reason he seems more amenable now, perhaps surrendinger to the ideal or the situation. His jaw clenches as he tightens his features, tendons bunching a little but then he adds again, "No fine."
    "PLACES!" The director announces and the crew snaps back into motion. "We'll run the lines as given, and then instead of the distracting thing we'll just do another take with Cap punching at the camera. Good? Good. PLACES I SAID!"
    Thor spares a look for Cap and Carol, then shrugs a little as he steps over to that boxing ring and hopping in between the ropes, smacking his boxing gloves together and stepping to stand on his mark, looking down at it pointedly then across the way at the camera.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Carol gets a curt nod from where Steve already stands inside the ropes of the boxing ring. "Thanks, Danvers," he says just loud enough for her to hear. Her support also garners her a little white grin, there and gone again, before he glances over and returns his focus to the entire set suddenly in action like a kicked anthill.

Finding his own mark on the boxing ring floor, he sets up. It's far too tempting: he runs through a few jabs, a hook or two, a few jabs followed by a cross. His expression is quietly pleased for his little bit of funning. He even looks Thor dead in the eye and mimes a jab at him with a theatrically thunderous frown.

Carol Danvers has posed:
Yeah no, Carol isn't getting into the shot. She isn't going ringside as someone's boxing coach. She is here by sheer happenstance to watch the PSA Shoot and provide backup and moral suport for the two avengers having to deal with this abomination.

She shoots them both thumbs up though encouraging them both and then leaning back tucking oen of her arms off the back of the chair there.

Thor has posed:
    For his part Thor affects a grim visage, 'pointing' at his face with one glove, then pointing at Cap with the other, letting him know he sees him and sees him most sternly so. But that done he gets to his mark and then allows his features to slip more open, to the casual way he holds himself and nods a bit when someone comes by to 'puff puff puff' a little bit of makeup on his features, causing him to cough a little.
    "Quiet on the set!" Yells an assistant.
    "Alright, roll camera!"
    "Rolling!"
    "Cue sound."
    "Sound rolling."
    "And... action."
    The cameras all swivel to focus on Captain America, focusing as the set goes quiet
    Behind him Thor seems to lightly tap his gloves together, shifting from foot to foot, looking somewhat menacing.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve too gets a puft of make-up and, in a pragmatic corner of his heart, is glad that this doesn't involve any oiling up or anything sans t-shirt. That stuff is a mess to clean up, he's learned over the years. He eye-points back at Thor with his grin a quick flash before he assumes the Very Serious Captain America face the media world has come to know well.

"Hey, kids." A small smile for the camera, cajoling and friendly, absolutely approachable. This is indeed also the Captain America voice, almost corny in its jovial strength compared to Steve's more easy-going nature day to day.

"I know in this day 'nd age, the problems of the world can seem imposing." He waits for Thor to begin his approach, given 'imposing' was the word to move upon. As he does, Steve sets up into a firmly defensive stance, gloves upheld. It has a scrappy feel to it despite the classical boxing posture.

Carol Danvers has posed:
Carol takes a deep breath and mutters under her breath "JARVIS.. would it be disruptive to get a stiff drink right about now."

God Carol had forgotten the Captain America PSA voice. How could she forget that voice and the whole attitude. If he wasn't so damn earnest and sincere about it all it would be utterly painful. Yet Steve is always so .. genuine with all this.

And so she watches.

Thor has posed:
    As Captain America proceeds through his steps, working his lines, Thor nods along and seems to settle in at his spot in the boxing ring. The director watches the monitor like a hawk as the camera moves along to keep Cap in frame perfectly while the man, like a professional, executes exquisitely.
    The lines are delivered, then it gets to Thor's and he clears his throat before offering in that bombastic tone of voice of his, "Lo, Captain, I am Thor and I represent the ominous insistence of the future! Join me, it is time for our battle. I demand your attention!"
    Which then abruptly causes Rutherford to squawk abruptly, "CUT!"
    Then sharply, "What the fuck was that?"
    To which Thor responds. "I... thought it best to be clear? Children do not always understand metaphor?" And, to his credit, the Thunderer does look a touch sheepish, looking to Cap and then Carol for moral support. He does not find it with the rest of the crew.
    Rutherford scowls, "Look, buddy." He manages a smile, softens his tone. "Just read the line as it's written, we'll fix it in post if needs be."

Steve Rogers has posed:
Rutherford's voice slices through the production take as any director might worth his salt and Steve straightens, momentarily confused and set to frown at the man. Then, as he hears the complaint, he realizes that to his experiences, that was perfectly normal coming from the blond Asgardian across the ring from him.

"<<He is assuming the parents will explain, which they will if the children ask.>>" It's in Gaelic, again sotto-voce for super-ears, sure to translate easily to Thor with his All-Speak. "<<You are in the right, you do represent that.>>"

Stepping back to his mark, the Captain pops his gloves off themselves twice before shaking out his arms. "Magic of film," he opines for the whole room, his smile supportively aimed at Thor.

Thor and Carol both will absolutely catch that dry and steely undertone, knowing Steve as they do. He's not impressed with the director thus far. LANGUAGE.

Carol Danvers has posed:
Well hell. Carol was definitely not expecting Thor to go all Lo and Hark and all of that stuff for a PSA to get through to Gen Z as it were.

Thank goodness she isn't drinking anything or it would be an utter spit-take off camera from her as Thor makes the director have a melt down.

In Gaelic, thanks to a Kree universal translator Implant <<This guy should have definitely stuck to Instagram...>> though the last word is sadly very much english. How does one translate instagram to Gaelic after all.

To the director she says aside helpfully, "I think when you are dealing with America's sweetheart and a literal god you need to work with the material you are given. A true artist will work the wood with the grain and create a masterpiece right?"

Thor has posed:
    It's clear that the director had enjoyed his time as a big fish in a small bowl. To be out and about here, making a PSA, it perhaps does not fit him. But he nods to them, ignoring the comments in other languages, even when he hears that tell-tale 'instagram' coming from Carol. He holds up his hands.
    "You're right, of course, you're right. Just... please, Thor. We'll add a few things here or there, and it will come out flattering for both of you. Just please..."
    A pause and it seems like the man wants to say something else. Until finally he resolves to just say, "Please say the f-- the finely written lines. Please."
    "PLACES!" The assistant bellows, and the litany begins again. Lights, camera, action!
    This time, however, Thor seems intent on delivering the line exactly as written. Hopefully.

Steve Rogers has posed:
Steve would have pointed at Carol's wisdom, but it comes out as a gesture of his boxing glove in her direction instead. He shoots Thor another grin before he composes his face into a more neutral set. The assistant bellows and the camera begins rolling.

Again, here comes the classical, enthusiastic, over-the-top Captain America voice. "Hey, kids!" Smiling into the camera, the man takes the wattage of it down to something supportive. "I know in this day and age, the problems of the world can seem imposing."

This time, Thor's right on cue. He approaches as directed earlier, stating in his stentorian tones, "Attend me, Captain, I demand your attention!"

Now the boxing gloves come up and while Steve doesn't lose that cheery smile, it hardens appropriately. "But I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't give up. You should push for your goals." Now the two appear headed for the inevitable collision by their mirrored forward steps. "Because, sometimes, you never know what'll happen!"

And he pauses appropriately, readiness to bring his arm back frozen given he's not //actually// throwing the punch.

Carol Danvers has posed:
Carol gives the two in the ring another double thumbs up from her purloined director or acting chair, she still isn't sure whose name is on the back of the set chair she absconded with.

She also makes sure to give the director Mr. Rutherford an encouraging nod and a thumbs up of his very own as well.

Then she settles in to watch this take and see how it all plays out this time.

Honestly she didn't think directing a PSA would be this fun.

Thor has posed:
    "Cut! Nice work!" Rutherford taps the camera man's shoulder even as they both look into the monitor. "We can work with that, excellent." That said he then stands up. "Alright we'll go for the front on shot, you throwing the punch into the camera, and from there..."
    He leans over and starts to look at another monitor, the laptop flipping open on top of it as he gauges what they've gained from that shot then looks over at the assistant. "You need me for this, Barry?"
    "Nah, boss." The assistant who had been fired but suddenly apparently isn't so fired gives a nod, "I can get what we need and take a few establishing shots maybe, enough for the computer people to make something out of composite."
    "Right! Thank you for your help ladies and gentlemen!" He claps his hands together and then points at one of the crew, "Break everything down, if CJ calls tell her I'm en route to the airport."
    And with that the director starts to make his way out, being trailed by only a handful of people this time instead of the crew.
    It leaves Thor to look a touch surprised as he looks over at Cap, "That was not as enjoyable as I had imagined."

Steve Rogers has posed:
Front-on shot finished (and Steve pulled the glove to a halt a centimeter before the camera for good measure), the man then steps off to one side in the boxing ring beside Thor. He gives the Asgardian a quirk of brows and then Carol as well before looking to the departing director's back.

"No joke," he replies to Thor under his breath, loud enough for Carol's sharp ears to hear. "Glad I told JARVIS to make a file on everyone who showed up 'nd record the whole thing. Working with the crew who filmed the school PSAs was more like a walk in the park compared to dealing with that guy." He takes a moment to shed a glove and flex his fingers. "Don't get why he was so insistent about the cheap shot. I get his perspective as an artist, but using the Avengers' good name to do it? 'm not impressed."

Carol Danvers has posed:
Carol looks after the director then looks back at Thor and Cap. "AAaand Cut.." she claps her hands hopping out of her chair now that the other guy is gone.

"Good job everyone... " she snap points to Steve "Good integrity and staying on Message."

Then to Thor "Good ... being noble and selling the Thor thing. It really worked for the camera."

She pivots and points to Barry "Excellent work Barry, no firing. Totally professional and I'm sure you have it. What establishing shots do you need?" yeah she is enjoying this way to much.

Thor has posed:
    Barry laughs as Carol starts to do half his job and he murmurs, "I'm thinking a rolling shot moving into the room, just to get a feel for where we are. Maybe something with the Avengers logo prominent for the first few seconds? Something like that." He grins at the heroine and starts to move amongst the rest of the crew.
    Folding his arms over his chest as the crew starts to break everything down, Thor does not seem to be too out of place or uncomfortable in the boxing costume, even though those gloves and their bright colors don't really go too well with his usual look. He crinkles his nose and murmurs, "Artists are e'er temperamental, Captain. But I must admit..."
    Thor frowns, his charitable tone sharpening slightly, "This man did not please me, something about him. It mislikes me." That having been said he steps over to the ropes in the ring and holds them apart for Cap to get out should he so wish, if he doesn't then Thor will hop out on his own.
    Once down and upon the training hall floor he starts to undo the gloves, pulling at the laces with his teeth. He catches Carol's eye and smiles across the way, "Perhaps if you ever choose to leave this field of endeavour you could become a director yourself, Carol."

Steve Rogers has posed:
"Thanks, Danvers." Steve grins despite himself as he too exits the ring, given the ropes are held open by his fellow Avenger. He lands on the training room floor and straightens, still shooting a flat look in the direction of the departed Rutherford.

"It mislikes me too, friend," he replies to Thor. His other glove is removed with laces picked by fingernails, its mate set on the edge of the boxing ring on its lonesome given the man removed it earlier. "Thinking it'll have been a good thing to have JARVIS with his ear on things. Next time, PSAs for the New York school system," he promises Thor and shoots Carol a grin. "You want in, Danvers? Tell the kids about how doing homework's important to their future?"

Carol Danvers has posed:
She snap points at Brad "Let us know if you need any help or guidance on these shots okay. I am sure we would be happy to help you." left unsaid, unlike that tool who just left.

Somehow though it is said, if unsaid.

She turns back to Steve and Thor. "And no Thor.. no." amused though before lookng to Steve. "Probably not considering the missions I do for SHIElD.. I have some cognitive dissonance trying to be a role model like that when I am occasionally called on to disinigrate someoen threatening our Blue Marbles safety.. also I am pretty sure that people don't know me like they know the two of you." and she would be a bit wrong, she definitely has a hefty following.

She just doesn't have Stark's marketing data on her brand appeal yet.

Thor has posed:
    "Well." Thor says succinctly, "This was an experience." And indeed it was. "I am going to go change, and then perhaps we should find a place we can go and enjoy the rest of the evening? I have had a desire for steak these last few days."
    With that said he starts toward the locker room to change back into his normal garb.

Steve Rogers has posed:
"No time like the present to make a good impression with the youngin's."

Steve tells Carol this with the most saintly expression he can muster wearing the ridiculous boxing outfit he's not yet shed. Plucking up the other boxing glove, he then tosses his head in Thor's direction and adds, "Steak sounds good. C'mon, Danvers, a hard day of directing deserves a good dinner. We worked up a sweat, after all," he jests as he turns to walk to the locker room.

Steak on the town somewhere it will be, for what better meal to close out a night dealing with the difficulties of the quixotic and artistic both?