Extra's Rise In Hollywood: I Can Gain Character Skills

The set bustled with activity as Director Charles clapped his hands to gather everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone, let's focus up," he called, his voice firm but not harsh. The crew quieted down quickly, turning their attention toward him as he pulled out the script, the edges slightly worn out from constant flipping.

Liam stood toward the back of the gathered group, his posture casual but his ears perked. Though he wasn't directly involved in this part of the shoot, he knew better than to zone out. It was a chance to observe, to learn, and maybe even anticipate when his turn would come.

At the center of the group stood Damien Taylor, the film's male lead. With his slicked-back hair and easy charm, Damien looked every bit the movie star.

The crew seemed to orbit him naturally, and it didn't hurt that half the women on set were clearly smitten. But what struck Liam the most wasn't Damien's looks—it was his attitude.

Despite being the star, Damien didn't carry himself with arrogance. In fact, when Liam had first arrived on set the day before, it was Damien who had gone out of his way to welcome him.

"Hey, man, glad to have you here," he'd said with a genuine smile, extending his hand. "It's always great to see new faces around."

Liam had been caught off guard but pleasantly surprised. It was rare for someone in Damien's position to acknowledge a lowly extra, let alone treat him like an equal. That first impression had stuck with Liam.

Beside Damien stood Selena Carter, the film's female lead. She exuded confidence, her graceful features framed by loose waves of dark hair. Selena wasn't as openly warm as Damien, but her professionalism was evident in the way she carried herself.

'It makes sense, if you act too warmly others will start thinking she fell in love with them. She is probably every man's dream on this set.' He thought. 

Charles glanced down at the script, tapping it lightly against his palm. "Alright," he began, his tone brisk but engaging. "Let's quickly go over what we're shooting today."

He turned his attention to Damien and Selena. "First, Damien and Selena, you'll pull up in the car and get out. That part should be straightforward. Once you're inside the house, Selena, you'll confront Damien."

Selena nodded, her expression focused as she listened.

Charles continued, flipping to another page. "Selena, your character's pissed. You're fed up with Damien's reckless behavior, especially after the close call with the police during yesterday's chase. You're trying to make him see sense—his actions are dangerous, not just to himself but to the people around him."

"Got it," Selena said, her voice calm but firm.

Charles looked at Damien. "Now, Damien, you're not taking this lying down. You're frustrated, defensive, and you push back against Selena. You argue, but your emotions get the better of you. Eventually, you storm out of the house to blow off some steam."

Damien tilted his head thoughtfully. "And that's when I get back into the car?"

"Exactly," Charles said, pointing at him. "You'll drive off. During that scene, your friend will call you. He's the one who tells you about the upcoming race. That's where your focus shifts—you're not just letting off steam anymore; you're gearing up for something more dangerous."

Damien nodded, his expression serious but enthusiastic. "Got it."

"It should be," Charles replied. He glanced at both leads. "You two are the emotional core of this scene. If the audience doesn't feel the tension between you, the payoff later won't hit as hard. Understand?"

Selena and Damien both nodded confidently.

Liam listened quietly from his spot at the edge of the group. He didn't have anything to do yet, but he paid close attention to the dynamic between Charles and the actors.

Charles had a way of commanding respect without being overbearing, and both leads responded to him with professionalism and focus.

"Not bad," Liam thought, his gaze briefly shifting to Damien. The guy seemed like he had it all—talent, charm, and a level-headed demeanour that made him hard to dislike. "I could learn a thing or two from him."

Charles flipped the page of the script and addressed the crew. "Alright, let's get the first setup ready. Selena and Damien, head to the wardrobe for final touches. Everyone else, make sure the house interior is prepped."

As people began to move, Charles turned slightly, his gaze landing on Liam. "You'll be up soon, West," he said, his tone neutral but expectant.

Liam nodded quickly. "Understood, Director."

While the main actors headed off to prepare, Liam lingered near the sidelines, watching as the crew adjusted the lighting and camera angles inside the house.

He didn't mind waiting—driving was his role for the day, and he knew it would come soon enough. For now, he took in everything around him, soaking up the experience like a sponge.

Liam stood by the sidelines, watching intently as the first scene unfolded.

His anticipation grew with each passing second. His mind wandered briefly, the thought of increasing his Performance Value bringing a small smirk to his lips.

"This is it," he thought, hands clasped behind his back. "Every scene is a chance to grow."

The set quieted as Charles called for action.

"Action!"

Damien and Selena took their places at the house exterior, the sleek black sports car glinting under the carefully placed lighting.

The camera rolled as the car door slammed shut. Damien stepped out, his movements sharp, radiating frustration. Selena followed, her heels clicking loudly against the pavement as she chased after him, her expression a mix of anger and exasperation.

"Damien!" she snapped, her voice rising just enough to convey the intensity of the moment. "Do you even realize what you just did? You could've gotten me killed—or worse, gotten yourself killed!"

Damien turned abruptly, his face hardening. "Oh, come on, Selena," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "We got away, didn't we? Nobody got hurt. I know what I'm doing!"

"That's not the point!" Selena fired back, stepping closer to him. "You think this is all some kind of game? That you're invincible? You're going to get yourself locked up—or worse—and for what? To prove you can drive faster than everyone else?"

Damien's jaw clenched his fists at his sides. "You don't understand. This is who I am, Selena. This is what I do. I don't need you lecturing me like I'm a damn child!"

The tension between them was evident as the argument escalated. Selena's eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to a dangerous calm. "Then maybe you should stop acting like one."