Page 47 of Arranging Ayra
TWELVE
“Okay, people,” Keely called out. “I need everyone in their places.” She turned to the lighting guy. “Gabriel, I want you to keep artificial lighting to a minimum for this first shot.”
He nodded his understanding.
Looking out at the scene, I could almost remember word for word Jane’s description. A festive scene with music and dance.
The women, cast and extras, were all dressed in fancy gowns, their hair curled and pulled up, and their make-up minimal. The men were equally formal and ready for a pleasant night in the ballroom.
“In exactly ten minutes, the sun will be streaming in through that window,” Keely said, pointing to the window behind her. “I want to take full advantage of that golden light before relying on candles and artificial light. Everybody got that?”
The main actors as well as the extras nodded, although Barn’s nod was quick and curt.
Please don’t make Keely miss her cherished golden light, I silently pleaded. This definitely wasn’t the time to argue with her vision.
Lizzy and Mr. Darcy stood in the very spot that the sun was to light up any moment now. The extras around them took their mark. Everything was perfect.
“Music,” Keely called.
The pianist played a gentle melody that hugged the background.
Keely turned to the camera operator. “We’re going to keep it tight on them both... waist up.”
He nodded.
“Barn and Rhonda...” Keely said, as the setting sun sent a ray of light through the window and into the ballroom. It struck the floor at the pair’s feet and began its steady ascent, lighting Lizzy’s gown perfectly.
“Action,” Keely called out.
The pair stood close to one another, both bathed in that magical light. Their eyes sparkled as they gazed at one another, each saying their lines with ease.
A chill ran up my spine... a bittersweet chill. Seeing my favorite book come to life in such a magical way was what I’d long dreamed of... but... Watching Barn so close to Rhonda, that look in his eyes...
He’s just acting, I told myself. He’s a very good and convincing actor.
But still... my heart ached, just a little bit.
“Keep rolling,” Keely called out as the initial portion ended.
