hollywood system: art

Billy struggled to catch his breath. The water scenes had drained him, and at three in the morning, the icy walk back to his hotel filled him with an overwhelming urge to sleep. Still, when he thought about it, he could see James Cameron's fascination with water—scenes that brought pleasure to film, each take meticulously reviewed. With James' skills, he could easily start a production school of the highest quality, refining processes for his future series and film productions.

–I don't think I can sleep,– Kate muttered, coughing heavily. They had been drenched repeatedly over three hours of filming late into the night.

–On the contrary, I'm exhausted from the last stretch of shooting,– Billy replied. –Do you want to watch the Olympic Games footage? We could record something from it. They're in Atlanta.–

–I just want hot chocolate,– Kate said nervously, coughing lightly again. The water scenes had gone on longer than anticipated, and Billy now understood why she was sick. Her skin was ice-cold after so much exposure to the freezing temperatures.

–Actually, I've got hot tea in my room. I tend to be a little disorganized with time, but this time I planned and ordered a hot kettle, knowing I'd be freezing,– Billy said.

As they approached the hotel room, the worn blue carpet stretched beneath their feet. All the rooms on the floor were the hotel's best—practically suites. Kate's was across from his, though Cameron oddly preferred sleeping in a small trailer. Billy, however, appreciated the comfort of a proper hotel room for resting, even if it meant...

–Take me there,– Kate said, stepping into Billy's room. –Where's this kettle? Funny that Americans even have tea. Or was this just an excuse to bring me here? To be alone with me? You're quite skilled at these things, getting girls into your room.–

The spacious room had a small kitchenette with two burners and a mini-fridge on the left. The kettle was a fine brand with a steam release button to prevent gas buildup.

Billy turned on the kettle and filled it with water in one swift motion.

–Of course, these days I just leave the door open, and they walk in. Even when I don't invite them, they show up. You're decent, though; some just undress and climb into my bed,– he joked, pulling a small container of milk from the freezer as the kettle bubbled away.

Kate focused on pouring the tea with an almost sinister precision as if performing some complex chemical experiment.

–You're supposed to steep the bags for just the right amount of time for proper fusion. Since we're adding milk, I assume you brought honey,– Kate said.

–I've got honey. Even lemon. My assistant is very thorough,– Billy replied, only to get a playful slap on the arm.

–Then why did you add milk?– Kate retorted. –Tea tastes better without it. I hate milk in tea, but if you've got honey, I might forgive you.–

–I do, so stop complaining,– Billy said, pulling out a jar of honey with a red lid and strap. It was his go-to item, perfect for passing the time quickly.

–Fine. At least that makes up for this mediocre preparation. It's been ages since I've had tea with milk,– Kate remarked. –You should come to my place sometime. My nanny makes the best tea. Though, I imagine it'd be hard to convince the great Billy to visit mere mortals.–

Billy grabbed a large gray sweater he used for cold morning runs and put it on as Kate drank her tea. Her curly hair bounced as she sipped, resting and smiling with the oversized sweater wrapped around her. She subtly inhaled the fabric's scent now and then, as if it carried some magical quality.

–I think tea is the best thing to buy after a long day of work,– Kate said, savoring her drink. –Though, if it's this cold, why not invest in a coffee maker? A good one is surprisingly useful for nights like this.–

–I can't sleep after coffee. I've never been friends with it at night. Studies suggest tea has reactive effects and can keep you awake. Though that hasn't happened to me yet, it's still better than coffee,– Billy said.

Kate sipped her tea, wearing knee-high black boots and sporty black pants paired with a gray sweater that could double as a onesie. She glanced at Billy's desk, covered in blank sheets and scattered sketches. Trying to sneak a peek, she leaned too far and nearly toppled off her chair.

–Tea has never kept me awake. Maybe it's the conversations. Whenever you drink tea, you always end up talking about everything. Conversations keep you up… That's what the article should have said. Tea is perfect for good talks. I could agree with that,– Kate said, laughing.

Billy nodded, but his gaze stayed on her. He was exhausted, and her endless chatter only made it harder to stay awake. As his eyes drooped, he decided to change into his pajamas.

–Tea wakes people up,– Billy muttered, noticing it was already 4 a.m.

–Oh, I'm so sorry! How embarrassing. I always talk too much when I shouldn't,– Kate said, taking a final sip.

–Always the chatterbox. Close the door on your way out,– Billy said.

…

The next morning was a headache for Billy. Filming began at 11 a.m., but it was even tougher for the crew working with the green screen. They recreated some scenes to refine the design. Billy barely had time to finish sketches and notes for the next volume of Bleach.

–I'll never escape the water,– Kate murmured, now armed with three changes of clothes, her towel, and a hairdryer, despite being provided those things.

–You're the one who survives in the end, dear Rose,– Billy quipped, pulling Kate into his arms.

Both performed a silent dance of movements for the scene, without microphones, whispering and mimicking the gestures of the previous day. Recreating every hug, kiss, and caress was a challenge, including the iconic "Jack, I'm Flying" scene. Using Digital Domain's effects, they combined several layers of visuals.

–I'm freezing,– she whispered, clinging to him as water poured over them.

–We'll break at five. We're filming late again tonight,– Billy replied.

–Tea after filming?–

–Alright…–

They jogged delicately down the corridor, slowing to navigate the set's labyrinthine design. Though it was just an L-shaped structure with shifting perspectives, the lack of sound made Cameron's shouting all the more jarring. His insults ranged from "useless idiot" to "donkey-faced fool" for Billy, and for Kate, "terrible Brit" and "second-rate actress," with others unfit for polite company.

–A little more urgency,– came the assistant's translation of Cameron's words.

...