[Chapter 173: Talk Show and Music Video Shoot]
On June 18th, Linton and Catherine appeared on MCA Television's talk show to promote Speed.
The show began by playing a 20-second promo featuring various explosions and high-speed chases, which caused the live audience to gasp and cheer.
The host then introduced Linton and Catherine as they walked onto the stage. When Linton linked arms closely with Catherine as they entered the studio, the crowd erupted in screams.
Shows like this always followed a formula. First, they talked about the scriptwriting process, then shared challenges and behind-the-scenes stories during filming, and finally, they touched on the gossip that viewers loved.
The host asked him, "Your last movie was Step Up, a youth musical about growing up and finding oneself. What made you switch gears to create a thriller action movie like Speed?"
"I once watched the Japanese director Akira Kurosawa's film Runaway Train, which tells the story of an out-of-control train. It inspired me to write a script about a bus going out of control because of a bomb. I thought it would be more thrilling and relatable, thus the idea for Speed was born.
To make it more intense, I added the element of speed, which shaped the whole story framework. Once the framework was set, adding twists and details became easier."
"I watch a lot of movies myself, so how do you come up with new ideas?"
"Maybe it's because storytellers see people and events from different perspectives. As a creator of scripts and songs, you need to be observant -- observe the people and stories around you, extract the genuine and beautiful, accumulate material, and occasionally inspiration strikes. Sometimes a script or a song naturally forms."
"The world of geniuses is a bit too deep for me. Looks like I'll never be a creator," the host joked.
"Don't be modest. Making tens of millions of TV viewers laugh every day is a remarkable talent in my eyes," Linton replied.
"I heard the shooting had many intense, explosive scenes. Can you share any stories?"
"Since it's an action film, it had to have plenty of car chases and explosions. As everyone saw in the clip, the movie features many explosions. I think audiences will really enjoy it. I remember the craziest explosion was when we used military-grade explosives to blow up a real villa."
On cue, the director switched the screen to footage of the house blowing up. The loud explosion and towering flames stunned the audience.
"Wow, that was actual footage?"
"Yes, we found a real standalone villa in the suburbs and detonated it with military explosives. Everyone, including me, was scared by the massive blast during filming."
"Wow, such an awesome movie, I definitely need to see it first."
"The movie will officially premiere on July 9th. We hope everyone will head to theaters; you won't be disappointed," Linton said.
"I heard there was a spark between you and Miss Jones on set?" The host, knowing what the audience loved, immediately went for the gossip.
"Catherine is so beautiful; who wouldn't be attracted? I'm just a normal man. Working together every day, it's natural to be drawn to her," Linton said.
"How did you fall for him?" the host asked Catherine.
"Linton is so talented and handsome. He's very serious and charming at work. I couldn't help but be attracted to him, and I fell for him first," Catherine replied, then kissed Linton softly.
Applause, screams, and cheers filled the studio.
"Some say you got this role through favors, is that true?"
For ratings, the host pulled out a big question, though it was a scripted line since MCA had tightened control over hosts following a prior incident.
"That's nonsense. I didn't even know Linton before. I was working in the UK, and the film crew sent me an audition invite. I came to Hollywood, auditioned, and earned this role fair and square," Catherine explained.
"Let me clarify. Catherine and I didn't know each other before, nor had any contact. I remember early last year when I was promoting my album Grow Up in England, I happened to watch a TV series called The Darling Buds of May. Her role impressed me deeply.
When we were preparing Speed, I felt her look and aura perfectly fit the female lead. So I had someone invite her to audition. Fortunately, she accepted and traveled from London to the set.
During the audition, the producers and I agreed she was perfect. There's no favoritism involved at all," Linton said.
He kissed Catherine again, and unexpectedly she held him tightly and shared a passionate kiss. The studio erupted into cheers and screams, nearly blowing the roof off.
The show was a huge success. The producer said it would air on prime time July 6th, the night before Speed's premiere.
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Linton didn't expect Monica's insatiable appetite. Every day after rehearsals, Monica would sneakily have Carter pick her up to bring her to the estate.
Together with Catherine, their combined energy was overwhelming.
Linton felt incredibly happy and content, enjoying every day without hesitation. He had intended to ask her to stop coming for a while but never got around to it.
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On June 20th, at Universal Studios, the shooting for the music videos began. The first two videos starred Monica: Makes No Difference and Just In Case.
Thanks to thorough preparation and solid dance skills from both Linton and Monica, possibly boosted by Linton's essence, Monica's performance was extraordinary.
She executed difficult dance moves with ease, grace, and fluency.
The crew worked harmoniously, and filming proceeded smoothly. They expected to finish in five days, a day ahead of schedule.
During shooting, Monica cherished her time with Linton, secretly finding Carter every night to evade paparazzi and enter Linton's estate.
By day, filming music videos; by night, teaming up with Catherine for lively gatherings, occasionally using props to spice things up -- their days were fulfilling and sweet.
*****
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