Love In The Spotlight

Chapter Three: Caught In The Act

MR. VANCE is standing at the front of the conference room now. "Magandang Buhay, everyone. Now that we're all here, let's go over the plot of the series so we're all on the same page." he exclaimed. Habang ako naman ay palihim na pinagmamasdan ang ibat-ibang tao na kasama namin dito sa loob. Sa sobrang dami nila ay hindi ko sila magawang makita lahat.

"The series revolves around two men who meet in the heart of December. We have Darren, played by Lawrence Flynn, a simple, quiet, and peaceful young man living in a small town with his parents and sister, Daisy, played by Solene." Mr. Vance paused, letting the details sink in.

"Darren's life is unassuming, filled with the comfort of routine. He spends his time reading in a secluded spot in the town's forest, far from his town. But one day, while at his favorite spot, he encounters a man attempting suicide. This man, known as Sky, is actually Wayne, a famous artist who has fled the city for personal reasons. Ethan Faulkerson will be playing both roles, embodying the duality of Wayne and Sky."

The room fell silent, bawat isa ay taimtim na nakikinig at diretsong nakatingin kay Mr. Vance. "Sky struggles with mental illness, battling depression and anxiety, which drove him to seek solace in the quiet town. Darren becomes his anchor, his path to healing. The forest, their shared sanctuary, witnesses their growth and the blossoming of their love as Christmas approaches. However, a twist awaits. Darren discovers Sky's secret - his true identity as Wayne, a renowned actor from Manila. As the story progresses, we'll see how Sky nagivate this situation, magtatago ba siya ulit o hindi? But there's another twist - Darren harbors a hidden illness, a battle with cancer na matagal na rin niyang itinatago. The question remains: Can they find their way back to each other's hearts amidst the challenges they face, especially during the season of love and hope."

Mr. Vance concluded, his voice ringing with conviction, "For now, this is the essence of the series. I want each of you to pour your heart and soul into this project. Do you understand?"

"Yes, we do."

We all readily agreed on the direction the series was taking. After summarizing the story, he also announced that we would be flying out the next day dahil sa Negros Oriental isyu-shoot ang serye, so we needed to prepare thoroughly.

Mr. Vance immediately started talking to the actors, supporting characters, production designer, cinematographer, editor, sound designer, assistant director, production manager, costume designer, hair and makeup artist, camera operator, production assistant and designer, and other people who would handle the needs like marketing, budget, props, vehicles, and the sets.

From what I observed, these things were not new sa kanilang lahat dahil they quickly understood each other's tasks. Perhaps due to their long experience as theatre actresses, they were already accustomed to the requirements and necessities of setting up a play, movie, at itong series na first time nilang gagawin kaya naman pakiramdam ko ay hindi ako mahihirapang makisama sa kanila.

"All of you are excused. I just want the main cast to hang back for a bit. Goodbye, everyone. Thank you for your time," Mr. Vance said, checking his watch and giving a respectful nod to the people who were already standing up and heading for the door.

Glancing around, I found Ethan sitting across from me, staring right at me. I felt like I was going to fall over when he winked and smiled at me, as if we were close friends. I cleared my throat and looked away just as Mr. Vance appeared in front of me. Kaagad akong ngumiti ng matamis sa kaniya.

"Again, thank you so much for accepting this role, Lawrence," he said, patting me on the shoulder. "Pasensya na, I can't stay longer, but I can already see that you and Ethan will be perfect for this."