Bikeriders Serenade

Day One On Set

The sun was just beginning to rise over the Australian outback as Austin arrived on set for the first day of filming. The production had chosen a remote location for the opening scenes, an old gas station nestled between the rolling hills and endless stretches of desert road. It felt like the perfect backdrop for the quirky, wild story that was about to unfold.

Austin stepped out of the car, taking in the scene. The crew was bustling around, setting up equipment, testing cameras, and adjusting lighting. The scent of fresh coffee mingled with the smell of dust and diesel in the morning air. It was familiar, comforting—a reminder of the many sets he’d been on, but with a fresh excitement buzzing beneath the surface.

Today was the first day of a brand-new adventure.

As he walked toward the set, Austin heard a familiar voice behind him. “Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour!”

He turned around, a wide smile spreading across his face as he saw Tom Hanks standing there, arms outstretched. Without hesitation, Austin closed the distance and enveloped Tom in a big, heartfelt hug.

“Tom!” Austin greeted him with genuine warmth. “It’s so good to see you again. Man, it feels like forever since *Elvis*.”

Tom chuckled, stepping back to take a good look at him. “Look at you, all grown up and leading the charge. You ready for this wild ride?”

Austin grinned, the nervous excitement bubbling inside him. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’ve missed this, you know? Being on set, working with everyone—especially you.”

“Likewise, my friend,” Tom said, clapping a hand on Austin’s shoulder. “This is going to be a blast. And you know Baz—he always keeps us on our toes.”

They shared a laugh, both of them reflecting on the whirlwind experience of *Elvis* and how it had changed their lives. But this—this was different. It was lighter, funnier, with a sense of absurdity that only Baz could pull off.

As they made their way toward the main set, Baz himself appeared, wearing his signature wide-brimmed hat and a beaming smile.

“G’day, gents!” Baz greeted them with his usual infectious enthusiasm. “Welcome to the madness! I hope you’re ready to create some magic.”

Austin and Tom exchanged a knowing look. “Always,” Tom said with a grin. “But tell us, Baz—what’s this masterpiece of yours called?”

Baz’s smile widened, and he pulled out a stack of production notes, handing one to each of them. “Glad you asked. The movie is called *Monkey Business*.”

Austin and Tom stared at the title for a moment, then burst into laughter. “Of course it is,” Austin said, shaking his head. “Leave it to you, Baz.”

Baz joined in the laughter, clearly delighted by their reactions. “It’s going to be a wild ride, boys. Now, let’s make some magic.”

**Getting Acquainted**

As the day unfolded, Austin and the rest of the cast and crew started to get acquainted. There was a sense of camaraderie in the air, that first-day energy where everyone was excited but also feeling out their roles, both on set and off. Some of the crew were familiar faces from Baz’s previous films, while others were new to Austin, but everyone was welcoming.

Austin spent time chatting with the other actors, exchanging stories, and getting into the spirit of the film. There was a buzz of excitement as they read through the script, laughing at the absurdity of the plot but also marveling at the cleverness of Baz’s vision.

Tom, ever the mentor, offered words of wisdom to the younger actors on set. He had a way of making everyone feel at ease, breaking the ice with jokes and that unmistakable warmth that endeared him to everyone.

During a break, Austin found himself sitting with Baz and Tom, discussing the characters and the story. There was a palpable energy between them, a shared understanding that they were creating something special, even if it was different from anything they’d done before.

As the sun began to set on their first day, casting long shadows across the set, Austin couldn’t help but feel grateful. This was exactly where he wanted to be—surrounded by talented people, working on a project that challenged him in new ways, and most importantly, having fun doing it.

**Reunion and Reflection**

That evening, back at their temporary home, Austin reflected on the day. He felt a sense of pride and excitement for what lay ahead, but also a deep appreciation for the opportunity to work with friends like Tom and Baz again.

As he lay in bed, Lucy curled up beside him, he couldn’t help but smile. “Day one in the books,” he whispered, feeling the warmth of her presence beside him. “And you won’t believe it, baby—the movie’s called *Monkey Business*.”

Lucy chuckled, her voice sleepy but filled with affection. “Of course it is,” she mumbled, her hand finding his under the covers. “Only Baz…”

Austin laughed quietly, feeling that familiar sense of contentment wash over him. This was his life now—filled with adventure, creativity, and the love of his family. And he wouldn’t trade it for anything.