Chapter 8: Then It’s Up to You to Continue Filming

"Kid, if you've been on set for eight or nine years like I have, you'll know there are some things you don't need to know too clearly..." 

"Uh, Mr. Candy. I didn't mean that, I just wanted..." 

"It doesn't matter. In this industry, everyone wants to be a professional. A career means taking care of your own job and not worrying about other people's business." The cinematographer liked some of Ronald's little ideas and shared some of his experience with the crew. 

"On the set, there's only one person who needs to handle everyone's business, and that's the director. The director is responsible for the overall quality of the film, and the behavior of any crew member will affect the quality of the finished movie." 

The cinematographer looked at Ronald with a half-smile: "So if you ask me as a director, I'll tell you what I know." 

Ronald realized the cinematographer was joking. He thought for a moment and asked: 

"Director Allen's health should be okay, right? Joe won't let me call an ambulance. Is there any problem?" 

"What kind of problem could there be? It's just rock-and-roll nonsense—drunken property damage, fights, drunk driving, substance abuse. The Ramones' manager knows how to deal with this sort of thing." 

"Allen used to be at Warner Records and met the manager. The Ramones signed with Warner's subsidiary and went to the Roxy Bar to check in. I went home first, so I don't know what happened." 

"Alright, I understand," Ronald set aside the gossip. "So, as the cinematographer, what do you think of the shots we filmed this morning?" 

"As a low-budget movie, it was shot well enough." 

"I noticed you always keep the camera moving and rarely let it stay still." 

The cinematographer looked a bit surprised and gave Ronald a deep glance. 

"You've got some talent. The camera is the audience's eyes. Human eyes hate static images, so every few seconds you need to find a way to move them." 

"So, how did you become a cinematographer, Mr. Candy?" 

The two started chatting about photography. When not working, the cinematographer turned out to be quite talkative. It turns out Dean Candy has worked as the cinematographer for nine films. He also starred in the last movie with PJ Soles, *Moonlight*, while serving as its cinematographer. 

… 

"Ring, ring, ring..." 

The phone rang. 

Ronald picked up the phone and said, "Hello." 

"Is this Ronald? It's Roger Corman." 

"It's me, Mr. Corman. The director, Allen, passed out, and Joe took him to the hospital. We just finished shooting the magic hour scenes this morning, and now we need a new director. Mr. Dean Candy, the cinematographer, is here with me." 

"Hold on, don't get nervous. I want to ask some details, and I'll need you to answer them." 

"Okay, Mr. Corman." 

"Allen passed out, and Joe took him to the hospital?" 

"Yes, Joe said they were sent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills." 

"Why didn't you find someone else to take Allen to the hospital? Does he have to go alone?" 

"Mr. Corman, I asked Joe the same thing, but Joe insisted on going." 

"How many shots did you do this morning?" 

"We shot according to the storyboard and are now a bit ahead of schedule." 

"Storyboard? Is the whole movie on a storyboard?" 

"Um... Mr. Corman, I drew it last night. I wanted to compare it and learn from it. Joe saw it and said it worked, so he asked me to shoot according to it." 

Ronald explained, "Mr. Corman, can you send another director?" 

"Damn, I don't have a new director available to send to the set right now." 

"Where's our second-unit director, Jerry Zucker? Can we bring him in to shoot?" 

"I'm afraid not. He took the day off to discuss his new movie with the folks at Paramount." 

"Um, can you come to the set? I know you're a great director too. I think Joe has already taken Allen to the hospital. We'll contact the hospital later to see if Joe can come back this afternoon." 

"It's 7:00 now. If we leave the house now and hit morning rush hour, we probably won't arrive until after 9:00." 

Ronald saw this as an opportunity. He could check the shots he dreamed of last night and film a few more. Maybe he could change his title from crew assistant to assistant director—or even first assistant director... 

"With all due respect, Mr. Corman. There are still 11 scenes left to shoot today. Can we take advantage of the overcast weather to shoot some now?" 

There was silence on the other end of the phone. 

"After Allen and Joe left for the hospital, I shot two scenes, and the cinematographer, Mr. Dean, approved them." 

Still no response. 

"Mr. Corman, if we wait until after 9:00 to resume filming, we likely won't finish shooting today. If we delay until tomorrow, we'll have to rehire extras and rent equipment again. The actors and crew will need an extra day's pay, which will be costly." 

"Alright, go ahead," Roger Corman finally responded. 

"I can continue filming according to the production log until you arrive on set. If the dailies don't work, I'll arrange reshoots. If the results are good, it'll mean saving money." 

Ronald poured all his hopes into his pitch. 

There was silence for a moment, and just as Ronald was about to speak again, a voice came from the other end: 

"Did you shoot all the scenes this morning?" 

"Yes, I drew today's storyboard last night. Except for the first one today, I storyboarded everything else." 

"So, Dean is next to you, right? Hand him the phone, and I'll have a word with him." 

"Okay." Ronald turned and gave the phone to the cinematographer. 

He got up and went to the water cooler to fetch some water, giving Roger and the cinematographer a chance to talk privately. 

Of course, Ronald kept his ears open, listening to the few words that came from the other end. 

"Yeah, Roger, it's Dean. Joe shot the first scene, and Ronnie shot the rest... He's got some street smarts... knows how to organize the camera, move the actors... good communication skills... also solved a big issue on set yesterday... The actors are performing well... I think there's no problem... Okay... I'll keep an eye on him." 

After finishing his water, Dean Candy handed the receiver back to Ronald. 

"Ronnie, do you know the over-the-shoulder one-two technique?" Roger Corman's voice came through the receiver. 

"Um? Do you mean shooting a master first, followed by two over-the-shoulder shots?" 

"Yes, exactly. Looks like you're learning how to be a director. Hahaha..." 

Roger Corman joked. Judging by his tone, the boss was in a good mood. 

"So, you'll be responsible for the filming until I get to the set." 

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Corman. Is there anything I should pay attention to?" 

"Communicate more with Dean, respect the actors' opinions on their performances, take enough takes, and shoot faster." 

"Okay, Mr. Corman. I'll discuss the shooting plan with Mr. Candy. Based on our progress, we should be able to film 4 to 6 scenes before you arrive." 

"Good. I'll send my assistant Gail to the set, and when I arrive, we'll discuss the next scenes. Go ahead, kid, I know you've got talent, and you won't let me down." 

"Thank you for your trust, Mr. Corman. Goodbye." Ronald was thrilled that Roger Corman had allowed him to continue filming. 

It seems all the rumors about the stingy boss were true—when you push the right buttons, you'll be pleasantly surprised. 

After hanging up the phone, Ronald asked, "Alright, shall we get back to filming?" 

"You're the director now. It's your call." 

End of chapter