Page 42 of Persuading Penny
The next day was perfectfor shooting the wall scene, heavy dark clouds hung low with only a few breaks of faint sunlight.
We set up at a portion of the ancient wall that had once fortified the city. It was a quieter portion with fewer tourists, and an appealing view of the waterfront.
“I think you all know the delicate nature of this scene,” Keely said. “We do not have stunt people on the payroll, so this is all a play of the camera and the proper angles.” She glanced at Cliff who nodded.“And, of course, some very fine editing.”
“Here is how this is going to go,” Keely called to everyone. “We’ll have you and you below the wall.” She pointed to Anne and Frederick. “And all of you will be up on the wall, simply walking. One by one, you will come down here to ground level. Got it?”
Everyone nodded except Louisa.
Keely turned to the young actress playing the ill-fated character. “I know you’re nervous about this scene, but don’t worry. I would never put you in harm’s way. We’ll get a shot of you up on the wall, you’ll act silly and call for Frederick to catch you. That’s all.”
The actress nodded but remained uncertain.
“Then we’ll cut to Anne who hears the thud and the commotion that follows. That’s the magic of movies. All smoke and mirrors, and no one gets hurt. Are we all clear?”
The crew prepared for the shot, getting the proper angle of everyone on the wall. With only Louisa remaining, they captured her attempt at her line.
But the actress froze, unable to speak.
“Cut.” Keely went up to her. “Would you prefer to come down here where it’s only five feet off the ground?”
She nodded and was helped down to the lower level.
“Okay,” Keely cried again. “Let’s try this one more time. Action.”
“I don’t get it,” Bridget muttered. “This is a dull way of shooting the scene. I mean, you don’t even see her fall...not one bit.”
Louisa stood on the lower portion of the wall, barely five feet off the ground and the cameras were put in position.
“Okay,” Keely said. “You’re happy. You’re giddy. You want to play, and you want Frederick to play along. Got it?”
The actress nodded.
“And...action.”
“It’s too high,” Frederick called up to her.“Don’t jump. You’re being too silly now.”
“I am determined I will,” Louisa shouted with a giggle. “And you will catch me.”
“Cut. Great. You did a good job.”Keely told the young actress.
“No. No.No,” Bridget called out clearly unsatisfied. “That was not good at all. That was horrible.” She quickly climbed up the five-foot wall.”
“Bridget come down,” Keely ordered.
“You are all coddling that poor girl. I’ve climbed higher walls when I was a child.” She walked along the edge of the wall, her arms out as she feigned losing her balance. “Ooh,” she said with laughter.
All eyes were on her, fearing a misstep.
“This isn’t funny, Bridget,” Cliff said, clearly concerned. “Please come down.”
“Oh, but it is quite fun.” She looked at Keely. “How about I do the scene instead of Louisa.” She tilted forward. “Come on, Cliff. Catch me.”
“No,” he shouted as he ran beneath her. “Bridget.”
She took a step closer to the edge, her foot catching in the hem of her skirt as she fell to the ground.
“Oh, my God,” Keely let out as she ran to her. “No!”
