Chapter 497: Such a Powerful Aura
This was something even veteran actors who had worked with him multiple times couldn’t achieve on every take.
It was all thanks to Melody Monroe’s hard work. She must have dedicated a great deal of effort to the role of Solara to understand the character so profoundly.
"Javian, while Solara is doing all this, you need to be dazed and helpless the entire time. Only when Solara goes to pull the White Banner should you show a hint of emotion. But that emotion must be one of resolve. You believe in your sister; you’ll support whatever she does unconditionally. So, when you see your sister struggling to pull down the White Banner, that’s when you step forward and help her pull it down." Director Walsh’s notes for Jenson Yates were quite detailed.
This wasn’t simple physical acting; it all had to be conveyed through emotion, placing exceptionally high demands on the actors.
"Ready. Action!"
Solara ran into the palace hall, her eyes immediately falling upon the fluttering White Banner. Without hesitation, she ran directly to the Dragon Case, pressed a Hidden Weapon, and a secret compartment appeared on the wall. Inside lay the Jade Seal of the Solara Dynasty.
She brought out the Jade Seal and placed it on the Dragon Case.
"Royal Father, I’m sorry." As the words left her lips, tears welled in her eyes, shimmering on the verge of falling.
She walked to the Dragon Case and knelt before the Jade Seal.
"Royal Father, I promise! One day, I will reclaim the Realm of Solara! I will wash away the shame of our fallen nation with blood! To save Javian’s life, I have no other choice! I will beg for your forgiveness in the Underworld, Royal Father!"
Though the Solara Dynasty had suffered the shame of being conquered, they never gave up resisting. They were people of unyielding iron will!
Solara kowtowed heavily three times, then rose and walked over to the White Banner, yanking it forcefully.
Javian watched in a daze, then immediately ran over to help.
The White Banner came tearing down. Solara raised the dagger she carried with her.
"CUT!"
Melody Monroe sank to the floor, tears finally streaming down her face.
"Excellent!" Director Walsh nodded approvingly. "Honestly, I was just hoping you’d find your footing with a trial run. I never expected you to nail it in one take."
Hearing his praise, Melody Monroe started to laugh through her tears, a look that was both pitiful and adorable.
A makeup artist came forward to touch up her makeup.
"I was completely lost the whole time. It was all you leading me!" Jenson Yates also sat on the floor, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Your emotional work was spot-on, too," Director Walsh added, not stingy with his praise.
"That’s only because I was feeding off her emotions. Her presence is just so powerful." Jenson Yates could hardly describe the feeling he had during the scene.
It was as if Melody Monroe had instantly pulled him right into that world.
"Is the fake blood ready?"
"Ready."
The White Banner on the floor was swapped for a new one, its surface covered in writing done with red paint.
"She’s all set," the makeup artist announced, giving Melody Monroe’s hair one last adjustment. Though disheveled, it didn’t look sloppy.
"Javian, you take the Jade Seal. Solara, you grab the White Banner. Both of you, run outside!"
"Action!"
The two of them sprinted out.
In the frame, her slender figure was covered in grime, her face streaked with blood. But even with her frail form, you could still sense her unshakeable, defiant pride.
The camera pushed in. All eyes were on the figure on the city wall. Time seemed to stand still.
She flung the White Banner from her hands.
The White Banner unfurled, snapping sharply in the wind as it caught on the gatehouse tower.
"I am a Princess of Solara, and this is my brother, Prince Javian of Solara."