Page 97 of Christmas at the Movies
She wished the journey would last for ever, but soon they were pulling up the long drive to Merricourt Manor. The extras were herded into the dining room of ‘Pine TreeInn’, which would rival Santa’s workshop for festive vibes. It had been festooned with pine garland and poinsettias. Fairy lights twinkled around the windows looking out onto the frosty garden. It looked beautiful – no wonder Noa had chosen this for the movie’s location.
‘Dad and I got married here, you know,’ said Mum.
‘Sarah!’ called Noa, beckoning Mum over to him. ‘Can you please have a look at tomorrow’s pages – I still don’t think they’re working.’
Mum took the script he was brandishing. ‘Will you be OK if I work in the hotel lobby where it’s quieter?’ she asked Holly.
‘Of course,’ said Holly, rolling her eyes. When would Mum stop thinking of her as a kid?
They were filming the scene when Eve first arrives at the inn after a long absence. Most of the extras were instructed to sit around tables set for breakfast, with flowery china teacups and silver toast racks. A props person handed Holly a tray and a notepad.
‘Extras playing inn guests, pretend to be talking to each other,’ instructed a petite woman wearing a headset. That was Kirsty, the second director, Holly guessed.
Holding her notepad as if she were poised to take a breakfast order, she hovered by the table where Ian and Hermione were sitting. They weren’t pretending to talk – they were deep in conversation.
‘My ex virtually lived in hotels because he had to travel so much for work,’ said Hermione.
‘That must have been lonely for you,’ said Ian sympathetically.
‘Yes, it was,’ confided Hermione. ‘He never wanted me to come with him, and I now know it’s because he was having affairs.’
‘Well, he was obviously a fool,’ remarked Ian, placing his hand over hers. ‘And you’re better off without him.’
The sound of Noa shouting drowned out Hermione’s response.
‘Where the hell’s my matcha!’
‘I’m really sorry, Noa,’ said Aaron, stepping forward nervously. ‘It spilled on the bus.’
‘Are you serious?’ Noa looked annoyed. ‘I thought you wanted to make it in this industry, kid?’
‘I-I do,’ stammered Aaron, looking terrified. ‘More than anything.’
‘Well, that’s never going to happen if you keep screwing up,’ snarled Noa. ‘Go back to base and get me another. Now!’
Holly felt terrible. It was her fault Aaron had been reprimanded. The only reason Noa’s drink had spilled was that Aaron had been trying to keep her safe.
Holly tried to catch Aaron’s eye as he hurried off, but his head was lowered in shame. She hoped he wouldn’t hold it against her – on the minibus they had been vibing.
After a flurry of last-minute make-up and lighting adjustments, they were ready to start shooting. There was an excited murmur when Mia Winslow appeared in the dining room, holding a suitcase. The actress was tall and willowy, with honey-blonde hair – and, yes, perfect skin.
‘Right, everybody,’ said Kirsty once everyone was in position. ‘DON’T LOOK AT THE CAMERAS. Pretend they aren’t there.’
‘And … action!’ called the cameraman.
As she’d been directed, Holly pretended to write down a breakfast order on her notepad. Mia – playing Eve – came into the dining room, holding her suitcase, and gazed around the room, eyes shining with emotion. ‘It’s goodto be home for Christmas,’ she said, setting her suitcase down on the ground.
They did the scene several times, trying different camera angles. Holly thought Mia was giving a great performance, but Noa wasn’t satisfied.
‘You’re not giving me anything,’ he complained to Mia. ‘Your character hasn’t been back at the inn since splitting up with her ex. Her grandmother has just died. She should be overwhelmed with emotion.’
‘I’m trying,’ Mia said.
‘Well, try harder.’
During a break in shooting, Aaron returned with a new cup of matcha. Noa took it without a word of thanks. He had a sip and pulled a face. ‘It’s cold.’ He handed it to his assistant, who whisked it away.
Rude,thought Holly. But maybe that was just how things worked on film sets. Everyone on the crew seemed really busy – perhaps there wasn’t time to be polite.
