Page 1 of The Location Shoot
PROLOGUE
June 30
Entertainment News Report
On the heels of his costly third divorce, controversial French filmmaker Jean Mercier has announced the cast for his highly anticipated new English-language film. Shooting starts tomorrow at a secret location in Sweden. Mercier, 58, famously films in remote locations, living in seclusion with his lead actors in rented homes and inns. The award winner is known for his unconventional, avant-garde approach to filmmaking, and for curating unexpected casts. He’s certainly done it again.
Leading the cast is acclaimed British actor of stage and screen Albie Hughes, 73, who is teaming up once again with the tempestuous director, perhaps hoping to score another Oscar for his collection. British actress Charlotte Reed, 40, is also set to star in the film. Reed is best known for her dramatic work, often appearing on stage at London’s West End theaters, although she has recently become a staple in the independent film scene.
Hollywood film star Finn Forrester, 42, who began his career as a teen heartthrob before growing into a formidable presence on the silver screen, has appearedin over one hundred feature films. The Mercier project is a departure for the legendary actor, who in recent years has been cashing in as the star of blockbuster action-adventure movies. American actor Michael Hennesey, 38, best known for his Emmy-winning role on Desperation and Despair, is also set to star in the unnamed film. Perhaps most surprising, American actress Willow Barnes, 28, rounds out the cast. Barnes began her career as a tween star, which she parlayed into a short-lived turn as a pop singer and scream queen. After a series of highly publicized, drunken escapades, several failed celebrity relationships, four DUI charges, and two stints in rehab, Barnes has not performed in over three years, although she remains one of the most followed celebrities on social media.
Mercier remains tight-lipped on the details of the film and his surprising casting choices. One thing is for sure: if it’s anything like his other pictures, it’s going to be a daring work of cinema that pushes the performers and audiences past their comfort zones. The film is scheduled to shoot for three months.
CHAPTER 1
“You should hear what she wrote about ménage à trois! Her section on the logistics of how it all works blew my mind. I thought that we French were the ones open about matters of the flesh, but we have nothing on our dear American friend, Ms. Ella Sinclair,” Luc said.
Everyone broke out into hearty laughter, causing other patrons in the bistro to glance over at the rambunctious group.
Simone traipsed in and dropped a newspaper on the table. “You’ll have to fill me in on what’s so funny. Sorry I’m late. I hope you ordered for me.” Luc nodded and Simone continued, “I stopped at a newsstand and flipped the paper open to the entertainment section to see if there was a mention of my upcoming gallery exhibit, but I got sidetracked. There’s a big story about Jean Mercier’s upcoming film shoot. You all know what a fan of his I am. Ella, I still can’t believe you’re friends with him. He’s an extraordinary artist, an icon, a national treasure.”
Ella smiled. “We go way back. He certainly has quite a big personality.”
“So, we shouldn’t believe all the stories about what a lecher he is?” Luc asked.
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but he’s a dear friend and a brilliant artist,” Ella replied.
“Fill me in on what was so funny,” Simone said.
“We were talking about Ella’s latest manuscript. I’m telling you, I was glad to be home alone reading it. How can I say this? It was quite, uh . . . sensual,” Luc replied.
Ella playfully rolled her eyes. “It’s a philosophical treatise on sex, not erotica.”
“It’s a multifunctional text,” Luc said. “The best ones always are.”
Ella giggled.
The waiter delivered their drinks and scrumptious food.
“Ah, saved by alcohol,” Ella said.
Everyone raised their glasses. “À votre santé!”
