Chapter 12: Progress

Chapter 12: Progress After wrapping up the opening scene, we all huddled around the projector to review our handiwork. I couldn't help but chuckle at Rocky's rare display of embarrassment as he watched himself on screen. "That was a very good start for your career as an actor," I said, nudging him with my elbow. Rocky raised an eyebrow. "Career?" "Didn't you dream of being an actor when you were young?" I asked, genuinely curious. A wistful look crossed Rocky's face. "Hehe, well, if this film of yours receives a great response, maybe my dream will be achieved after all." The crew and I exchanged smiles. Who knew our gruff old ticket-taker had such hidden depths? *** (Rocky's POV) After the review session with the young prince - er, ex-prince Arthur, we dove right back into filming. Next up: the wedding scenes. We set up shop just outside the manor, the air buzzing with nervous energy. I found myself adjusting my tie for the hundredth time, trying to channel the gravitas of Don Vito. The actress playing Connie, my character's daughter, was a succubus demon. But if you ask me, she looked about as succubus-like as a potato. Average as they come. I couldn't help but wonder what Arthur saw in her, but hey, I'm just the actor, not the casting director. As we got into position for the family photo, I cleared my throat and asked the "photographer" (really just one of our crew pulling double duty), "Where's Michael?" The guy just shook his head, right on cue. I gotta hand it to our ragtag team - they were giving it their all. The production three cobbled-together color cameras were whirring away, capturing the scene from different angles. The cast was in full swing, and our crew was running around like caffeinated imps, juggling their regular jobs with their roles as extras. And there was Arthur, decked out in his Michael soldier suit, somehow managing to direct and observe while getting ready for his own scene. The kid looked like he was in seven places at once, barking orders one minute and adjusting someone's costume the next. *** (Arthur's POV) I grinned. "Perfect. And you, Mr. Big Shot Director?" I turned to our human actor. "Remember, you're not just playing a role. You're representing your entire species' superiority complex." The guy actually puffed up his chest at that. Method acting at its finest. "Alright, guys," I said, settling into my director's chair (slightly less wobbly crate). "Three, two, one. And... action!" The scene unfolded like a demonic dance. Johnny, our Tom Hagen, laid on the charm thick as molasses, trying to convince Mr. Big Shot Director to cast Johnny Fontane. I had to hand it to Johnny - for a demon, he played a pretty convincing demon lawyer. But the real showstopper? That came in the next scene. Our human actor, sprawled across his bed, clutching a bloody unicorn head like it was his firstborn. "Ahh!!!" It was grotesque, it was over-the-top, it was... perfect. "Cut!" I called out, trying not to grin like a maniac. "That was... surprisingly good." Our human actor sat up, still cradling the prop unicorn head. "Surprisingly?" he echoed, sounding mildly offended. I shrugged. "Hey, I calls 'em like I sees 'em. Now put down Sparkles and let's review the footage." We were all set to review the scene when our human actor decided to pull a diva move. He swaggered off, not even bothering to watch his performance. Talk about confidence. "Aren't you gonna watch?" I called after him. He tossed a dismissive wave over his shoulder. "Don't need to, darling. I know I nailed it." I couldn't help but smirk. His ego might be the size of the Eden continent (largest continent of this world), but it worked in our favor. The guy had no clue we were shooting in color. Sometimes, ignorance really is bliss - for us, anyway. As the scene played out, I had to admit - his scream was something else. It sent shivers down my spine, and I'm a demon for hell's sake. In my humble, possibly biased opinion, it even outdid the original scene from my previous life. The terror in his eyes? Oscar-worthy, if I do say so myself. "Well," I announced to the remaining crew, "I think we've got ourselves a keeper."