When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 172: Seas of Deception - Scene 6

Chapter 172: Seas of Deception - Scene 6

Marcos turned to the staff, pointing toward the set pieces already being adjusted by the crew. "Make sure the wind machines are calibrated correctly and double-check the water rigs. I don’t want any surprises once we start rolling."

Marcos’ tone shifted, his enthusiasm breaking through. "This scene is going to be intense, so I need everyone at their best. It’s not just the effects—it’s the emotion that has to sell it. We need the audience to feel like they’re in the middle of the storm."

He glanced at the cast, his expression softening slightly. "Actors, remember your marks and timing. The chaos has to look real, but the choreography has to be tight. If anything feels off, let me know before we start rolling."

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The set was chaotic, but in a controlled way. The sound of thunder boomed through the speakers as the crew prepped for the next scene. The wind machines were positioned on either side of the ship’s deck, whipping the cast and crew with gusts of artificial wind. The boat was rocking gently in the water, the crew steadying themselves as they prepared to film the storm sequence.

Ryan Kim, who played Daniel, adjusted his shirt, glancing out toward the horizon where the fake storm would soon hit. His face was tense, but there was a spark of determination in his eyes. Trish Watson, playing Alex, stood next to him, taking a deep breath as the wind hit her face. She wiped her hands on her wet costume, preparing for the chaos to come. They had already shot a few scenes but this would be their most intense one yet.

"Let’s go over this again," Zinnia said as she walked over to Ryan, her clipboard in hand. She glanced at the cast and crew. "We need full immersion here, everyone. The rain will be real, so stay in character. Remember, this isn’t just about the action; it’s about survival, about pushing through the worst of it."

Ryan nodded, his voice steady despite the nerves that might have crept in. "Got it. Let’s do this."

Katherine Lee, the casting director, walked by, inspecting the scene. "Everyone looks great," she called out. "Trish, Ryan, you both look perfect for this scene. Make sure to keep the energy high, and remember, Alex’s strength is what holds Daniel together. We need to see that."

Trish smiled, though it was tight. She was ready. Her muscles were sore from yesterday takes, but the adrenaline was kicking in, and her focus had never been sharper.

Michael Zhen, the stunt coordinator, walked up to them with a clipboard of his own. "We’re using real water effects here, so expect a lot of splashing," he said, looking serious. "I’ll be guiding the boat when it’s time to shift it for the waves, but make sure you all stay in place. The boat’s going to be rocking, and we can’t afford any mistakes."

Ryan clapped his hands once, signaling that he was ready. "Let’s get this over with. We’ve done the prep work. Time to execute."

The rain machine was activated, and within seconds, the set was drenched. Water poured down from overhead, soaking everyone. The actors braced themselves, and the crew adjusted the cameras to catch the full intensity of the storm. Sophie Tran, the producer, checked in with the crew, her eyes sharp despite the conditions. "Everyone stay focused," she said, her voice calm despite the chaos around her.

The first wave hit, and the crew held their breath. The boat rocked, and Ryan’s body swayed with it. He gripped the side of the boat, his knuckles white as he looked out toward the horizon, scanning for any sign of land. His face was drawn with tension, the grim determination of Daniel shining through.

"Action!" Marcos, the director, shouted. His voice rang clear above the storm, and the cameras started rolling.

"Everyone hold on tight! Keep the boat steady!" Ryan’s voice cut through the chaos, steady despite the rising wind and crashing waves.

Trish snapped into character, gripping a makeshift paddle, her arms straining against the artificial waves. The camera zoomed in on her face, capturing the raw strength and focus she needed to keep the boat steady. Her lips were pressed tight, her eyes locked on the water ahead.

"We can’t let it tip!" she shouted over the storm’s roar, her voice barely making it over the noise. The boat rocked violently again, and she shoved the paddle into the water, her muscles screaming with each stroke. Every movement counted.

Sophie watched the scene unfold, her brow furrowing. She adjusted her headset and checked the monitor. "Keep the lighting strong," she instructed the team. The stormy atmosphere had to feel real, not just look real. She glanced at Marcos, giving him a nod of approval.

Ryan continued to deliver his lines, the intensity of the scene gripping him. "Ethan, focus! Stay with us. Can you do that?"

Tom Ellis, who played Captain Harding, was already in action. His movements were calm, a sharp contrast to the storm raging around him. He grabbed a small bucket and started bailing water out of the lifeboat with practiced precision. His steady presence was just what the crew needed, even if it wasn’t what they wanted to hear.

"Keep paddling!" Tom called out to Trish. "We’ll stay afloat!"

The crew worked seamlessly, the actors feeding off each other’s energy. The pace quickened, and the storm only grew more intense. The waves were bigger now, slamming against the sides of the boat, tossing it like a toy.

The camera focused on Ethan, played by Leo Taylor. His face was pale, his eyes wide with panic. He clung to the side of the boat, shaking, his grip slipping. "This isn’t happening," he muttered under his breath, his voice small against the roar of the storm.

Ryan’s character, Daniel, turned to him. "Ethan, focus! We’ll get through this, but I need you to stay with us. Can you do that?"

Ethan swallowed hard, fear still shining in his eyes. But he nodded, his voice shaking. "I’ll try," he whispered. His hands tightened, and his gaze steadied, forcing the panic to the back of his mind. He had to survive. He had to.