Chapter 195 If Only She Had Some Self-Awareness
Chapter 195 Self-Awareness
At the new drama's launch event, Donna arrived fashionably late, but fortunately, she made it in time for the opening ceremony.
In this drama, Jessica and Donna were the two leading actresses, and Kevin Martinez, a rising star who became popular earlier this year due to a web series, was the leading actor.
The supporting cast was also quite well-known.
Donna and Kevin's ardent fans brought many gifts to the event to show their support. Dozens of fans held up KT boards and light signs, cheering them on, making the entire scene lively and vibrant.
When it was time for the three leads and the director to start the machine, Donna had already appeared next to Jessica. The two seemed to have a tacit understanding at this moment; no one spoke, and they didn't look at each other, cooperating with all the procedures of the event.
Half an hour later, all the lead actors and crew members left the venue by car and headed directly to the filming location.
The storyline of "Honey Ferris Wheel" revolved around two best friends who were new to the workplace and rented a place together. They each strived in their careers, gradually growing from rookies to workplace elites, achieving both career success and love. It wasa very positive story.
There were many scenes between the two female leads. Most of the scenes in Sunshine Bay City were outdoor shots, and the first scene was an argument between Jessica and Donna at a resort.
Donna couldn't get into character; she either forgot her lines or couldn't find the right feeling. After more than twenty takes, the director was a bit angry. However, since Donna was the goddaughter of the investor and was favored by a big shot like Carl, he couldn't say much. He just asked Donna's acting coach to work with her more and then went to the rest tent to cool off with some coffee.
Jessica had a lot of lines in this scene and had to repeat them over twenty times, wasting all her energy and emotions. Her work demeanor was different from her usual self, and she was particularly angry inside. Although she didn't show it on her face, when she returned to the trailer, she put down the script in a grumpy way.
Mackenzie was on the phone in the trailer. Seeing Jessica come in and throw the script, she immediately put down her phone and looked at Jessica sympathetically. "The first scene isn't done yet?"
Jessica rubbed her temples. "Donna really can't act."
Mackenzie looked outside and saw Donna talking to her acting coach, but it was clear she wasn't focusing on her acting. Soon, Donna took out her phone and sat on the sofa chair outside her RV, holding her phone horizontally. It was unclear whether she was watching a video or playing a game.
It was indeed infuriating.
"After all, she joined the crew with investment. No matter how much the crew indulges her, they can't keep stalling. Filming still has to go on, and the director will definitely find a solution," Mackenzie consoled.
Jessica leaned back in the seat for a while, closing her eyes. "I know. I'll just take it as a test of my will and patience. If this drama doesn't get made in the end, it's not my responsibility. The crew and her godfather will bear all the losses. What do I have to be afraid of?"
After resting for over an hour, they resumed filming.
This time, Donna finally memorized her lines and added a bit of emotion. But it was just like a grade-schooler reciting a text with a little bit of feeling, completely out of sync with the required performance and the storyline.
The director frowned and called out, "Donna, you need to find the right feeling. This isn't working. You two are disagreeing with a bid document for which both of your companies are competing. You've been best friends for years, and this conflict arises because of work. Your emotions shouldn't be like this. You are friends, not enemies. The argument can have anger and frustration but not hatred. Your emotions are completely off!"
"Sorry, Director," Donna quickly apologized, taking the script from her assistant, who had run over.
Zoey hurried over to put on a coat for Jessica, as the weather was very cold. Jessica was wearing a modern outfit that was not warm because the scene was set in spring.
"Jessica, do you want to go back to the van and rest for a bit? Don't catch a cold," Zoey asked.
Before Jessica could respond, Donna's assistant shot them a mocking glance and said with undisguised disdain, "Standing here for one scene could catch a cold? So pampered."
Zoey immediately glared back. "Just one scene? The first scene of the entire drama has taken several hours and still isn't done. Our Jessica hasn't made a single mistake. Who's the one making her stand here in the cold? I care about my actress and want her to rest in the van for a bit. How does that bother you? She's a female star, yet she love to gossip and spread rumors, and her acting is terrible. We haven't said anything, so how dare you talk nonsense?"
"You..." The assistant was about to speak.
Donna put down her script and turned to glare at Jessica and Zoey. "Who are you calling a terrible actress?"
Zoey had long been fed up with her. The Facebook incident was caused by Donna. She was ready to stand up for Jessica, but Jessica held her back.
Jessica grabbed Zoey's wrist and gave Donna a cold glance. "If you had any self-awareness, you wouldn't even ask that question."
Donna sneered, "My acting skill is none of your business!? No matter how many mistakes I make, you have to deal with it!"
Jessica was indeed very picky about her work partners. Deborah from the last drama, despite her low emotional intelligence, at least had some acting skills. Even if she wasn't outstanding, she worked hard to establish herself in her acting career.
But Donna was clearly here to mess around.
Jessica didn't hide her displeasure and said bluntly, "The contract states that the filming period is ninety days. If we can't finish filming in three months, all the crew members, including the actors, will have scheduling conflicts. After the contracted filming period, the cost of continuing to shoot will increase. All these losses will be borne by the investors. Are you sure you want to keep messing around? Are you hurting me or yourself? Maybe you should think it over."
"The Nelson Group has money and doesn't care about these expenses. I'm new to acting and need time to adapt. If you can't stand it, you can choose to terminate the contract yourself!" Donna said, turning her head towards Jessica, confident that Jessica was furious but couldn't do anything about it.
"Donna, if you keep this attitude, we might as well not shoot today."
"Suit yourself. If you don't want to shoot, leave. There are plenty of actresses in the industry who would love to play this lead role."
Zoey couldn't stand it anymore. "You could spend this time reading the script instead of throwing a tantrum. Do you have any professional ethics at all?"
Donna's assistant suddenly stepped forward and pushed Zoey. "Shut up! Who do you think you are to speak?"
