Model to Holywood

"Scene 12, Shot 4, Take 1, Action!"

At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, the crew officially started filming Luca's scenes.

Luca plays Ron Hammond, the third male lead in the film, a wealthy young man who enlists in the army after World War II breaks out. He meets the female lead, Ellie, in a field hospital where she works as a nurse.

He boldly confesses his love and pursues her.

Their first scene takes place in the field hospital.

In a spacious ward, more than twenty beds are lined up, occupied by ten or so soldiers with severe injuries. Some have lost limbs, others have head wounds.

The lighting in the ward is very dim, creating an oppressive and sorrowful atmosphere.

In the corner of the room, a patient is fully wrapped in plaster, with a bandage wrapped around his head. His face is covered in scars, looking like a mummy.

This complex makeup was a challenge. To make it look realistic, Luca worked with the makeup and prop artists all day yesterday.

This morning, he got up early at six to apply the makeup, rehearse with Rachel, and listen to the director's guidance. He's been busy all morning.

When filming began, Luca lay motionless on the bed. Although he wasn't in the shot yet, he still had to embody his character—a seriously injured man.

"Luca, get ready!"

The assistant director, John, called out as the camera panned smoothly to the right, following Rachel's steps.

Rachel approached the bed and glanced at the patient's log.

"Ron, I'm going to help you sit up now. Are you ready?"

Rachel bent down, holding his shoulders, and asked.

Luca kept his eyes closed and remained unresponsive.

"Alright!"

Rachel gritted her teeth and forcefully lifted his upper body.

Luca subtly helped with the effort; otherwise, it would be tough for someone as petite as Rachel to lift him.

"Good, just like that. Now, I need to lift this leg over here."

Rachel lifted his plastered legs and placed them on a stool, preparing to change his bandages.

"Miss, may I ask you a question?" Luca asked as he sat on the bed.

"Mmhmm," Rachel replied, holding a cup with a straw to help him drink water.

"I noticed you're not wearing a ring. I wanted to ask if you'd go out with me?" Luca slowly opened his half-closed eyes, looking at the woman in front of him. His face was injured and expressionless, but his eyes had a hint of intensity. This was a close-up shot.

Behind the monitor, Director Nick Cassavetes stroked his beard, watching the scene intently without saying a word.

"What?" Rachel looked puzzled.

"A date," Luca said slowly.

Rachel froze for a moment before standing up and tidying up the medicines on the table.

"Before you turn me down, I want you to know that I'm a great dancer, and I definitely don't have pure intentions towards you. *Cough, cough*," Luca coughed lightly.

A faint smile appeared on Rachel's lips. "Alright, Casanova, let me help you lie down. If you want to go on a date, you need to get better first, okay?"

Luca was gently laid back down.

"Cut!"

The fourth shot was completed. Director Nick frowned as he reviewed the footage carefully.

Everyone on set remained quiet, waiting for the director's instructions. No one moved because Nick was strict, and he never let a shot pass easily.

"Nervous, Luca?" Rachel blinked at him beside the bed.

Luca, still in his mummy-like costume, squinted his eyes and moved the corners of his mouth slightly.

"A little."

"Haha, don't worry, you did better than I expected."

"Oh? What kind of performance were you expecting?" Luca opened his eyes slightly, glancing sideways at her.

"I only knew you as a model before. You made quite a splash during Fashion Week," Rachel chuckled.

"So, you thought I was just a pretty face?" 

"A pretty face?" 

"Yes, like a vase on the table, filled with flowers—nice to look at but with no acting skills."

"Good-looking? Are you bragging?"

"Yes. Am I not good-looking?" Luca pointed at his plaster-covered body and scarred face.

"Haha, you look beautiful!" 

*Cough, cough* 

As they joked, a cough came from the side. Luca looked left and right but saw no one.

He followed Rachel's gaze upwards and saw a shadowy figure reflected in the window above—Ryan Gosling, standing there like a ghost.

"What the heck, Ryan? What are you doing there?" Luca asked irritably.

"I'm just watching you guys act. Is that a problem?" Ryan replied casually.

"There's no kissing scene today. Do you really need to be here?" Luca said, exasperated.

"I told you, I'm just here to watch your acting. Not to supervise," Ryan explained.

"Damn it, Ryan, why are you there?!" A furious shout suddenly erupted in the room. Director Nick Cassavetes stormed over.

"Nick, what's wrong?" Ryan asked, puzzled.

"Dammit! I knew something was off with that shot. I watched it twice and then saw a shadow in the window! We're filming *The Notebook*, not *Ghost*! What the heck are you doing there?!" Nick yelled angrily.

Ryan looked embarrassed. "Nick, I was crouching. I shouldn't have been in the frame."

"Bullshit! The light in here is dim. Don't you know your eyes reflect light?" Nick shot back.

"Sorry, Director, I'll leave now," Ryan said, scratching his beard and awkwardly leaving the window.

"John!" Nick waved his hand and called to the assistant. "Get someone to keep an eye on Ryan. He's not allowed near Rachel and Luca when they're filming."

"Got it, Director!" John chuckled and walked away.

Others on the set laughed quietly.

*Sigh* 

Rachel covered her face, looking defeated.

Luca smirked. This guy brought it upon himself. Rachel was pretty, but compared to the likes of Kate, Lima, and Brittany, there was still a gap.

"Rachel, Luca," Director Nick turned back to them after scolding the lead actor.

"Luca, you're seriously injured. Your voice should be more restrained, without much change in tone. Your eyes need to be dimmer. You're wounded; your eyes shouldn't be that bright, understand?"

"Understood."

"Rachel, when you bend down to help Luca up, your faces need to be closer. Damn it, did you see Ryan earlier and get worried? Remember, we're filming!"

"I'll pay attention, Director," Rachel said with a light smile.

"Alright, get ready to shoot the second scene!"