Thus, when everyone saw the change in Jane Sampsonās attitude towards Mona Calm, they felt it was very normal.
Those with a bit of a temper wouldnāt even bother to acknowledge her; it was only because Janeās temper was softer that she still left Mona some dignity and would respond to her.
James Chip spoke a few words over there, arranged everything, and then called everyone to their places.
Only then did Jane say to Mona, "Weāre about to start."
After which, she walked over first.
Mona followed behind Jane, quietly biting her lip, her eyes slightly red.
James Chip glanced at Mona but didnāt say anything. In any case, the scene they were about to shoot was one where the Honored Princess Consort Dawn forcefully hits the female leadās personal maid, nearly taking her life. The female lead tries to pull her maid away, but is shoved by the Consortās maid. In a burst of anger, the female lead slaps the Consortās maid across the face.
James moved to the side, gave a gesture to a few extras, and indicated that those who were supposed to be lying down motionless should not move.
"Action!" James called out and then, in a good mood, propped his feet up to watch from the sidelines.
Both Hibiscus Wood and Jane Sampsonās acting skills were no longer a concern for him. As for the other supporting roles, he had already coached them on what they had to do, so he took this rare chance to sit back and prepare to take a break.
Who would have thought that, while the scene was being performed well, Hibiscus Wood actually slapped Mona for real, smacking her down with a slap.
Not to mention James, even Jane Sampson was scared stiff on the spot, along with a few supporting actors, whose expressions were all wrong.
"Hibiscus, you..." James called out to Hibiscus.
Hibiscus then seemed to snap back to reality, her face streaked with tears and that look of hatred not yet faded, quickly saying, "Director, Iām sorry, I got too deep into character just now and couldnāt control my strength for a moment."
After deliberating, James nodded his head in understanding. Sometimes actors indeed get too immersed in their roles during acting, so he could sympathize with Hibiscus.
Then he called out to the makeup artist, "Go touch up Monaās makeup. Your expressions were off in that last scene, we need to do it again."
One by one, they stood there with their mouths agape, as if they could swallow an entire egg.
"Okay," Hibiscus nodded and then continued to lie there, gathering her emotions again, her eyes still showing traces of tears.
James stood up from his chair, "Action."
Jane quickly adjusted her emotions, returning to that overbearing demeanor and when the camera panned over to her direction, she made a hmph sound, slapped her hand, and turned to walk away.
As for Hibiscus, she remained lying on the ground level, attempting to throw herself toward the maid who had been beaten and fainted, "Bianca, Bianca... look at me, open your eyes and look at me!"
"Ah... If anything happens to Bianca, I, Amanda River, will make sure you all pay with your lives for my Bianca!"
"Smack!"
Standing to the side, James listened to the sound of the heavy slap, his eyebrows raising again.
His assistant looked over at James, and seeing that he hadnāt called cut, also gave everyone a signal to continue.
About five minutes later, the scene was finally completed, and only then did James finally call cut.
"Actors, take a break. Hibiscus, gather yourself, youāve gotten too caught up in the role," James said to Hibiscus, "Have your assistant get you some water, your voice has gone hoarse from shouting."
While James spoke, his gaze shifted over Monaās face, her eyes red. Two slaps, each one harder than the last - half of Monaās face was swollen.