Lord of Entertainment

Chapter 92: Wild West Epic Film Wrapped Up

(3rd Person POV)

In a twist that left everyone astounded, Arthur didn't just punish the ghosts - he hired them. The specters, desperate to avoid another spanking, reluctantly agreed to help with production.

To everyone's surprise, these ethereal beings proved invaluable. They handled seemingly impossible tasks with ease, perfecting lighting and achieving camera angles that would've been unthinkable without their spectral assistance.

The quality of filming improved dramatically, though not solely due to the ghostly help. Arthur's {Cinematic Vision} skill played a crucial role in elevating the overall direction. He found himself grateful for the {Phantom Touch} skill, realizing it allowed him to fully harness {Cinematic Vision}'s potential with the ghosts' aid.

Despite their usefulness, the ghosts' presence still unnerved some actors, especially when the spirits were invisible during filming. But as days passed, the cast gradually grew accustomed to their supernatural co-workers.

***

While "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly" production flourished, Arthur was putting the finishing touches on Chapter 10 of "Dragon Ball".

For months, he'd been sketching during his downtime, his artistic skills improving with each stroke. Though filming now limited his drawing time, his increased proficiency meant he'd likely complete "Dragon Ball" Volume 1 within a few weeks.

Meanwhile, as Arthur immersed himself in his projects, his book "Harry Potter" caught the eye of Mark Stark, a businessman who owned a publishing company in the Leaf Kingdom.

Mark, impressed by the plot after reading it, planned to contact the writer and publisher about distributing the book in the Leaf Kingdom, situated in the Evros Continent.

However, when he saw the publisher's name - "Hellfire Stories" - it struck a chord.

The "Hellfire" part reminded him of "Hellfire Studio," creators of "The Demonfather," a film that had left quite an impression on him. They'd even released another blockbuster recently, "Lord of the Rings," which was all anyone seemed to talk about these days.

"Could this Hellfire Stories be connected to that studio?" Mark mused, his curiosity piqued.

He doubted it initially. Surely that ex-prince who owned Hellfire Studio would be too busy with filmmaking to run a book publishing company on the side. And "Harry Potter"? It seemed unlikely.

But when Mark visited Hellfire Stories' headquarters to discuss licensing rights with the CEO, he was in for a surprise.

"Sorry, but I don't have much say regarding the selling of licensing rights," the CEO told him apologetically.

Mark frowned, confused. "Aren't you the CEO?"

The demon before him shook his head. "Um... actually, no. The true boss is Arthur Morningstar."

Mark's jaw nearly hit the floor. It seemed the ex-prince's reach extended further than anyone had imagined.

***

(Arthur POV)

Two weeks into filming, and things are running like clockwork. Lei's nailing it as Angel Eyes, really selling that cruel outlaw vibe. Sure, I've had to nudge him along with {Heartstrings} here and there, but he's coming into his own. Benny the dwarf, though? He's been getting a lot more help from my little emotional manipulation trick.

But Clint? He's a natural as Blondie. Kid's so good, I haven't had to waste a single {Heartstrings} on him. It's like he was born for this role.

That's not to say Lei and Benny aren't improving. Benny, especially, is really sinking his teeth into the part. Maybe it's my {Heartstrings} working its magic, or maybe his time in Aztec is paying off, but damn if he isn't bringing his A-game.

Take that scene in the firearm store. Benny, as Tuco, handled that prop gun like a genuine Wild West outlaw. When he pointed it at the old man owner and asked, "How much?", I swear I saw real fear in the old timer's eyes.

And when Tuco robbed the place? Benny slapped that "closed" sign on the old man's mouth, and I could practically feel the poor guy's shock. It was perfect.

Benny's really coming into his own. I barely need {Heartstrings} for him anymore. He even nailed that scene where Blondie shoots the invader. Benny, leaning out the window as Tuco, delivered that line pitch-perfect: "There are two kinds of spurs, my friend. Those that come in by the door," - he did the sign of the circle - "those that come in by the window."

Gotta hand it to him, Benny's got Tuco down pat, right down to that Solarus faith circle thing. Maybe there's more to this old dwarf than I first thought.

And of course, Lei wasn't about to be left behind. He's really leaning into Angel Eyes' ruthlessness. It's fascinating, really. While all three main characters are morally ambiguous, Blondie's the least of three evils, and Angel Eyes? He's cold as ice, no mercy for anyone.

Watching these three grow into their roles as we shoot... it's something else.

Clint and Benny, though? They're hitting it off, on and off camera. That scene with Blondie weak in bed and Tuco by his side? Pure gold.

Benny, faking a cry, nailed it: "You're all alone, huh? Like me, Blondie. We're all alone in the world. I have you, you have me."

Sure, their characters are at each other's throats half the time - hell, Blondie even splashed a drink in Tuco's face - but there's this undeniable chemistry between them. It's like watching a dysfunctional friendship unfold.

Benny's facial expressions, I gotta say, are top-notch. Eli Wallach would be tipping his hat if he could see this.

***

(3rd Person POV)

While Arthur managed to capture most of the crucial scenes within the VFX Studio, some exterior shots and long-distance travel scenes still required on-location filming.

As time progressed, the production neared completion without facing the hurdles that had plagued "Lord of the Rings". They filmed the tense standoff between Blondie, Tuco, and the troops with exceptional detail.

Arthur's direction brought out the nuances - the troop leader casually dusting off his uniform, Benny and Clint's loaded silence as they faced the soldiers. The subsequent capture scene felt raw and authentic.

Arthur's directorial prowess shone in the scene where Tuco endured a beating. He masterfully captured the anguish, even using his {Heartstrings} skill to coax a tear-jerking performance from the violin player in the background.

Over time, Clint and Benny's relationship began to mirror their characters' complex dynamic. This chemistry came through brilliantly in the final standoff, where Tuco and Blondie's takedown of Angel Eyes felt organic and unrehearsed.

The production was nearing the end of filming, capturing Tuco's struggle as he hung from the tree. This scene resonated deeply with Arthur and the crew, evoking strong emotions.

Even as the director, Arthur had to hand it to Benny for his portrayal of Tuco. That final scene - Tuco's tear-filled eyes as he desperately reached for the money, his short stature and the hanging rope adding to his struggle - Benny had truly outdone himself.

The film concluded with Blondie's pinpoint shot, severing the rope and sending Tuco face-first into the dirt. As Arthur called the final "Cut!", a wave of emotion washed over him.

After an intense four weeks of filming, they'd finally wrapped their Wild West epic.

The experience had been a masterclass in directing for Arthur. By stepping back from acting and focusing solely on his role behind the camera, he'd gained invaluable insights into managing actors and honing their performances. He'd watched Benny and Lei grow into their roles, revealing depths of talent he hadn't initially anticipated. Their potential was undeniable, and Arthur knew they'd be valuable additions to his agency.

Looking around, Arthur couldn't help but notice how Benny and Clint had bonded over the course of filming, their friendship mirroring their characters' complex relationship.

Riding the high of their success, Arthur extended an offer to both Lei and Benny to join Hellfire Agency. It was an easy decision for them both - they accepted without hesitation.

As the dust settled on the project, Arthur found himself thrust into a new opportunity. Word came in about an international book publisher interested in distributing "Harry Potter".