On the other hand, things were going pretty quickly. The movie, John Wick, had its own progress with time.
Before the hassle for The Dark Knight started, Ian had done a lot of shooting with the team for the movie. But still, there was almost half the movie left for them to finish shooting.
The entire cast including the team who was working behind the cameras had their hopes high with the movie so that everyone could finally use a good vacation after an exhausting job.
“So, tell me, who’s in to discuss the rest of the scene? Don’t worry, if everyone is feeling tired, remember how we have an extra twenty-five days planned? We can take one of those and skip the next scene and call it a day!” Ian said while sitting on the ground beside Keanu, who casually had his back on the floor.
“No, I think we should just do it, you know. I’m fine taking days off after this all ends, but without… I just love shooting,” Keanu said, surprising Ian.
“Alright. But before that, I have got a question, Keanu,” Ian said and turned to face the guy.
Ian saw behind Keanu, there were already people walking and preparing for the shooting.
“Go ahead,”
Ian paused for a second. “I read your script,”
A moment of pause spread among them. It wasn’t awkward, but Ian knew that there were things Keanu had to say so that they could move on from the topic.
“How was it?” Keanu asked back.
In Keanu’s mind, there were a lot of things going on as well. In a way, Ian Renner was someone who basically helped him get to a much more stable job, a new chance in a new field, and opened his eyes to something he had never seen him doing.
But on the other hand, if there’s someone there in the world that could make his initial dream come true, it was Ian. Getting the approval, or at least the word that ‘Ian liked the script’ was enough for Keanu.
“I’m impressed. The first time you brought me the script, we had to go through discussions for like, two hours. But this… If I didn’t know better I’d say this is perfect. But of course, there are a few scenes that any director would be willing to change, but apart from that, it’s really good. I have a few recommendations for the script. I can suggest some directors who’d be thrilled to create the movie. Can I?”
The latter part of the huge talk Ian gave made Keanu smile. With his dimples popping, he flashes the biggest smile he had ever given to anyone in the same profession as him. Nevertheless, he did it.
“Yes, please. It’d be great. And thank you for all of this, it means a lot to me,” he said with a smile.
“I know…” Ian paused before looking away from him. “I know, and I’m trying my best-”
“I- I have a question too…”
“Go ahead,”
“Why? Why are you trying to help me so much?” He asked with a frown. “I mean, I’m not trying to be ungrateful because trust me, Ian, there’s no one as grateful as I’m right at the moment. I could literally just kiss you right now. But, why?”
The question made Ian smile again. ‘Good question, now, now, how to answer it? Is it because you’re practically a star in my world? In addition to being an accomplished actor, Keanu Reeves, you also seem like a really good person. At least you were, I’ve no idea how the people in two worlds work apart from being similar in faces. Oh, not to mention you also have done random acts of kindness including secretly donating large sums of money to children's hospitals. With making headlines for treating women respectfully when you used to take photos with them.
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
Now I might sound crazy to say it aloud but you’re going to play Neo in The Matrix when I make it, and being iconic is going to be your day job—basically.’
“Well, Keanu. Actually, it’s a very good question. I wish I could give you one hundred reasons, but out of respect, I’ve to tell you that you seem like a very good person. And, I’m not just saying it for the sake of saying… I see so much potential in you even as an actor, a job you didn’t like to take but took anyway just so that you can carry on following your passion.”
Keanu had tears brimming in his eyes.
“T-thank you,” he said and sighed.
“No, thank you for being a part of my journey. Anyways, apart from all the boring talk,” Ian winked at Raelynn who stood a couple of steps away. “I guess it’s time that we get back on that set, in front of the massive cameras!”
-
There was a waitress standing by to get into action. The set was tense, but Ian tried to be as calm as possible.
The reason for the intensity was that the same scene had been screwed over more than seven times. It was small, and at a point, Ian blamed himself for choosing the lady for such a small role. Although he didn’t say it out aloud, he was pissed.
“...And, action!”
“What can I get you, sir?” she asked.
“Americano, please. And a bear claw. Thank you,”
“On it, sir”
“Oh, and the bathroom?”
She turned back to see Keanu and at that moment, Ian knew she fucked up again.
“Down the hall to the left.”
“Thanks!”
“AND… CUT!” Ian said and continued to repeat what just happened. “Alright, let’s take five, and can I talk to you for a second… Tessa, is that your name?”
“U-Uh yes sir, it is…” she said and briskly walked towards Ian. She was a newbie actress and honestly, at the moment, Ian had no idea or remember any part of actually giving her the role.
“Yes, so, Tessa. I see some problems with how you portray your character,” Ian started to say in a very polite manner.
“Uh?”
She looked at him, widening her big blue eyes.
“Yes, first of all, stop repeating sir over and over again in your dialogues. I don’t even see the word in the script, and… Yes, I did once say that you could simply change dialogues if necessary, but by using sir at the moment, you’re ruining it as a whole. We can try the scene again without sir, and keep your ground a bit on the role. We’ll see once again…” Ian said with a nod, for which she agreed.
“Alright, back from the top! ….ACTION!”
“What can I get you?” the waitress asked this time, without any hesitation in her voice.
-
[At Renner Studio - CA]
It was nine in the morning, and Ian sat in his office, drinking from his favourite cup of coffee and waiting for his next appointment.
His eyes were on the computer as he read an email sent to him by some corporate company asking for his attendance at an opening ceremony.
People did that a lot—-send invitations to famous celebrities and when they come, everything the people want including big donations and flashy fame will be their gain.
“Derick Whittaker! Good to see you here, thanks for coming!” Ian stood up in respect as soon as he saw the producer of Lucifer, Derrick walk into his office with a massive smile.
“Ah, no, thank you for the appointment.”
“This is your first time in my office, how is it?” Ian asked back. “Did you find your way here well?”
“Of course, I did, thanks. Ah, it was wonderful, you know. But there’s a problem,”
The man said as soon as he sat in front of Ian. It was almost as if he wanted to spend no time explaining why he really was there.
Ian straightened up in his chair and reached forward. “Yeah? What is it?” he asked back.
“Well, the numbers have been going down. And there’s a complaint from many people—almost every person to be honest, and we think it’s the main reason that the ratings are down in this season,”
“What is it?” Ian asked again although he knew what the problem was. If there’s anything he knew about Lucifer, it was the repetition of the episodes.
“Well, Ian, not to mention, everyone just loves what Chad is doing with the series. His personality as Lucifer is phenomenal. Truly. People love it, but on the negative side, there are complaints that the story is becoming repetitive. And, I also came by to say that… You’re under no stress or pressure, but the third season is something we’d like to start working on as soon as possible.”
Ian smiled and nodded. “I’ll start working on it.” He promised but refused to acknowledge the problem that the producer had mentioned.
In his mind, he made mental notes to do the best he can with the series.