The Greatest Showman #1424 – Step by Step

"The lighting team, come over! The lights are too bright. Turn off the hall lights, leaving only the lights on the counter and aisle."

"Costume team? Where's Renly's coat? The black one."

"Melissa's makeup is too heavy—she looks too perfect. What's going on?"

"Wait, props team, props team, where's the microphone? The radio mic?"

"God, what is happening here?"

...

The crew of Boom Drummer has officially begun, and today marks the second day of shooting. Clearly, the team hasn't fully settled in, and there's still a sense of disarray. The coordination between departments is a little chaotic.

But this is to be expected. The crew is very small—what they call the lighting, props, and costume teams are all actually just one person each, handling all the tasks for the entire production. It's no surprise things are a bit rushed.

What's even more disorienting is Renly's presence. Everyone's still adjusting to the idea of him being here. They're all hustling around, and then they'll suddenly stop what they're doing and think: "Is this really happening? Is Renly—the one who just won an EGOT—actually filming in this tiny crew?"

Then they glance over and see him sitting quietly, reading the script, and only then does it sink in: yes, it's real.

This feeling of disbelief happens over and over again, and Renly feels it too. The stares from all directions are overwhelming, a kind of simmering excitement that he's never felt before. It's an entirely new experience. But it's his reality now. He knows he has to learn how to take it in stride. He has to recalibrate, focus, and immerse himself fully in his work once more.

He breathes deeply, his gaze returning to the script in his hands.

The shooting of Boom Drummer is progressing quickly. Although yesterday was the first official day, they've already filmed scene 23 today. Of course, these scenes are short and straightforward—nothing too long or complex. Yesterday's shoot went smoothly, and they didn't encounter any significant challenges.

Today's scene is special for Andrew.

Since entering the academy, Andrew has dreamed of joining Fletcher's jazz band—the most elite group in the school. Anyone who earns a spot there is a star. If he could just get in, he'd be on his way to legendary status.

But there's a problem: even in the school's average band, Andrew is just a backup drummer. Ryan, the core drummer, holds the spotlight, and the rest of the musicians don't think much of Andrew. They believe he lacks talent and that his efforts are futile.

As a result, Andrew lacks self-confidence. He's trying to improve, but he doesn't know how.

Then, unexpectedly, Fletcher notices Andrew's potential and invites him to join his band.

For Andrew, this is the best day of his life. Finally, he can hold his head high. He can join the band of his dreams. He envisions a future where he becomes a top drummer, rising to fame and leaving a mark on history.

With a newfound confidence, Andrew decides to ask out Nicole, the movie theater conductor he's been crushing on.

Nicole, played by Melissa, is the object of Andrew's affections.

In this scene, the lines aren't difficult, but the subtext is what makes it challenging. The scene is about the awkwardness and shyness Andrew feels. It's not just about the interaction—it's about Andrew's first love, his nervousness, and the purity of his feelings.

For the first time, Andrew is a bit of sunshine.

As the story progresses, he will slowly fall into darkness, becoming obsessed and eventually severing ties with Nicole. This marks the beginning of his descent into Fletcher's control.

This trope—where a symbol is broken, pushing the character into a downward spiral—is a common dramatic technique. For Andrew, Nicole represents the last piece of light in his heart. Once he loses her, there's no turning back.

In today's scene, Andrew, the quiet and reserved young man, is nervously heading to the cinema. He's been here many times before but never had the courage to speak to Nicole. Today, however, with the boost of confidence from Fletcher's approval, he takes the leap.

Andrew is youthful, nervous, introverted, and unsure, yet hopeful—this is the essence of his first love.

Renly takes a moment to settle his emotions, reading the script over and over. The seemingly simple lines carry great weight, representing a moment of hope in Andrew's soul.

"Renly, the crew is ready."

Renly doesn't respond immediately. He sets the script aside, stands up, and walks calmly over to the camera.

Today's scene isn't difficult. For Renly, who has faced many challenges on set, it's almost effortless. All of the scenes, from yesterday to today, have gone smoothly—each one short and simple.

Still, Renly doesn't take it lightly. He sticks to his routine, prepares meticulously, and fully immerses himself in the process.

After four months of rest, Renly cherishes every opportunity to perform. He relishes the process of creating a character, building a life from scratch, giving it depth and meaning.

Once the final preparations are made, Damien announces, "Action!"

Andrew stands at the entrance of the cinema, nervously adjusting the hem of his jacket. He tries to appear neat, using small movements to ease his tension. He steps forward and, after a few steps, sees Nicole behind the counter. His pace falters. He straightens up, takes a deep breath, and continues walking.

"Hey," Andrew's voice cracks slightly. After speaking, he nervously reaches up to touch the back of his neck.

Nicole smiles warmly, "Hey, how's it going?"

"You... you're good? How are you?" Andrew stammers, unable to control his nerves.

Nicole smiles, amused by Andrew's awkwardness. "I'm good, thanks."

The conversation halts. Andrew's eyes drop, staring at the counter. He's stiff, unable to relax.

Nicole, still trying to be professional, asks, "As usual?"

Andrew hesitates. He raises his eyes quickly, meeting Nicole's for a split second before looking away. He takes another deep breath, gathers his courage, and looks at her again.

"No, I mean... I see you here a lot, and I think you're... um... beautiful. Would you, uh... would you go out with me?"

Finally, the invitation is out.

Andrew glances at Nicole's face, waiting for her response, but she's frozen.

Nicole is completely stunned. She's speechless, unable to form a reply.

Andrew swallows nervously and asks again, "So... what do you think?"

Nicole opens her mouth, trying to say something, but nothing comes out. She's paralyzed by panic.

"Cut!"

Damien's voice rings out. He's already noticed something's wrong. After Andrew's proposal, Nicole should have responded, but Melissa hasn't said a word. Renly, however, remains calm.

Still, Melissa doesn't respond.

Damien can't take it anymore. "Melissa? What's going on? Did you forget your lines?"

Melissa stares at Renly, her mouth moving, but no words come out. Renly watches her silently.

"God, what is going on here? Someone tell me what's happening!" Damien exclaims, his frustration growing.

Renly doesn't speak, only watches Melissa intently.