One Take Only, стр. 19
“Guys, shall we chat before we start?” Margot called us over. I wasn’t sure who I was expecting, but Margot didn’t fit my assumptions. She was younger than I imagined, looking to be in her late twenties. She had bright red hair that was pulled back in a sleek ponytail. She wore tight black trousers and a hooded top. Pink and black trainers and long red nails made her look like a regal pop princess. Gold hoop earrings and little makeup made her look fresh. I imagined her dressed up outside of work, all polished perfection. “So, when Robson said you were thinking about making your own film, I was intrigued.”
“I’m guessing this doesn’t happen often?” I replied.
“Oh, we get plenty of chancers wanting to watch.” She smiled. “We have to be careful who we let in.” She pointed her long red nail towards me. “I’ve done my research. Verified you volunteered at the LGBTQ+ sexual health clinic in Brighton, like you said.” She nodded at Will. “I know he’s a journalist, but I don’t think he’ll be writing any seedy stories for his photography magazine.”
“Unless it’s based on catching the right light for the money shot,” he replied as I nudged him with my hip.
Margot laughed before ushering me forward. “What’s your aim for all this?”
“I want to use the film as a tool to support young people to understand their sexuality, keep themselves safe and have a realistic view of sex.”
She studied me for a while before nodding. “I like the message,” she replied, “but you do realise that’s kind of what I do here.”
“I’ve seen some of your films and you’ve been an inspiration.”
“You’re stealing my gimmick,” she replied, cracking a bubble and chewing vigorously.
“Not stealing–”
“Hey, listen, Skye. I’m down for whatever helps young people struggling with their sexuality. In fact, I’m all for it, but I think you’ll find my films don’t fit the stereotype of seedy porn. I’m an artist at the end of the day. I like beautiful, sensual images because bodies are beautiful, bodies coming together are beautiful. I just didn’t find that when I was looking for the porn I wanted to watch myself.”
I turned to Will, his mouth was open slightly and he appeared transfixed by Margot. I nudged him in his ribs this time and he jerked forward. “Erm…is that why you went into porn then?”
She smiled and folded her arms. “I saw a gap in the market.” I nodded a bit too enthusiastically, understanding her completely. “You could say I like filling holes.”
Will laughed and pointed to her. “I see what you did there.”
“You’re not the only one with the jokes, Will.” She clapped her hands together. “So, are you ready for some hot sex?”
“Now?” he spluttered, and this encouraged more laughter.
“Right now.”
“Holy fuck,” he replied, rubbing his hand across the back of his neck.
“It’s a closed set,” Margot said. “Do you realise how privileged you are to be here?”
“Yes,” I replied. “Of course we do.”
“I like your ideas and your intention.” She grabbed a bottle of water from a table behind us. “Take what you need from tonight, guys. Any questions just ask. Strictly no photos and please be respectful of the actors.”
“We appreciate it. Thanks for having us.”
“I wouldn’t have just anyone,” she said softly. “But you’ve been hanging out with Mickey and he’s a doll, so I’m happy you’re here.”
“Can I just ask a couple of questions before you start?” I asked, trying to order my thoughts and learn a craft I knew nothing about. “What’s the storyline for today’s shoot?”
“It’s based on a novel,” Margot replied. “I’ve tapped into the indie romance community. It’s huge and well-loved with readers who are voracious and committed. I’m a binge reader and I’ve read so many indie books with great storylines and amazing sex scenes. I saw an opportunity to work with authors to bring their characters and scenes to life.” She pulled off her hooded top to reveal a crop top and tanned abs. “Have you heard of the romance author Caroline Dixon?”
“Yeah, I loved her To Be Continued series,” I replied. “Her sex scenes are fantastic.”
“I contacted her over social media a few months ago and we’re working together on a series of short stories she’s writing specifically to be turned into future films.”
“That’s amazing,” I replied.
“I went to meet her at Karensa, the wedding venue she owns with her husband, Drew. She’s really on board with what we’re doing here. She keeps full control of what the films look like, but she trusts me, which is fab. I’ll send her the edits from tonight’s shoot, and we’ll work together on what she does and doesn’t like.”
“Has she been to a shoot?” I asked.
“The first one we did,” she replied. “I think she was disappointed that Drew hadn’t come over with her.” She winked and gazed over to Will who was standing awkwardly with his hands on his hips. “So, you’re going to be the camera guy, Will?”
“Technically, I’m just a journalist…”
“Yes, he’s the camera guy. As a photographer,” I added, stopping his words and rolling my eyes at him, “he has many transferable skills.”
“I bet he does,” Margot drawled. Will’s mouth dropped open slightly before he cleared his throat. “Shall we get started?”
“Let’s,” I replied, tugging Will with me.
“What?” he asked.
“Stop staring at her.”
“She’s staring at me,” he whisper-shouted.
“Let me introduce you to the people who are going to bring the magic this evening.”