by JS Taylor
“Ok,” I reply, mentally placing the character. There is a young male reporter we haven’t shot any scenes with yet. But he’s quite a small character, and I hadn’t given much thought to who might play him. He only has a few lines, and they’re mostly with Camilla.
“You’ll meet him later,” explains James, “with the rest of the crew.”
“Then who do you want me to meet now?” I am confused.
“There is another person who I’ve recently cast,” he says. “I’ve written in a small part for her, and I want you to talk with her first.”
Her? He’s written in a part for another actress?
“Wait,” I protest. “You’ve written in another female character? Is that normal, once filming has started?”
“Not usually, no,” admits James. “But I had my reasons for this particular choice. I think you’ll understand, when you meet her.”
“Meet who?” I’m getting annoyed with all the mystery now.
James gives a little cough, as though he’s unsure how I’ll react.
“Madison Ellis,” he says.
Chapter 12
Madison Ellis.
James has cast his ex-wife in the movie.
Okaaay.
I did not see that one coming.
I shake my head, trying to make sense of it all. I like Madison. And I know there was no real romantic involvement between James and her. But I hate the idea that they pretended to be a married couple.
I give a little sigh, and James assesses my face cautiously.
“I cast Madison,” he explains, “so we can manage how our relationship appears to the press. If you want to go public,” he adds, with an uncertain glance at my face.
“I don’t understand,” I grumble, ignoring his last remark. “How could casting Madison possibly help how we appear to the press?”
“You’ll see,” he says. “There’s an art to this. You can’t just stay out of the press. That creates a void, and they’ll only go after you. But if you give them good stories, you get more choice over what they run.”
Hmmmm. I’m not happy about this at all.
“I’ll say one thing for you, James Berkeley,” I mutter. “You’re full of surprises.”
He laughs. “So are you, Isabella Green.”
Madison is sat demurely in the studio restaurant. Her short blonde hair is pulled into a small ponytail, and her face bears only the briefest touches of make-up. She wears plain black jeans, sneakers, and a black shirt, unbuttoned slightly to reveal a small gold necklace.
Her unassuming appearance, combined with her lack of entourage, makes her seem small. Almost timid. It’s very different from the persona she plays on screen. And I feel instantly warm towards her.
I’ve met Madison only once before, and briefly. When she visited my house to explain there was no romantic involvement between her and James.
I’d forgotten how much I liked her. She is the complete opposite of a diva.
“Hi Issy.” She waves her hand. Her nails are cut short and painted in clear gloss. “Good to see you again.”
“Good to see you too,” I blurt, amazed that she’s remembered me, and a little embarrassed at the circumstances of our last meeting.
Madison stands and embraces me, planting a kiss on either cheek. I am momentarily encircled in her clean citrusy perfume. Then she steps back and looks James up and down, smiling broadly.
“I can see Issy is taking good care of you,” she smiles at him. “You’re looking well.”
“Thank you.” James seems distracted, and I wonder if he’s uncertain how I feel about all this.
He should be. It’s one hell of a meeting to spring.
“Listen,” says James, addressing both of us. “I’m sorry this was so last minute.”
My eyes flick to Madison. I didn’t realise it was last minute for her too.
“More like last second,” she says, with feeling. She glances at me to include me in the joke. “James has a bad habit of springing last minute plans on people,” Madison adds.
Don’t I know it!
“I wanted to make sure you’re both aware of what’s happening,” continues James. “The divorce has been announced. As far as the press are concerned, Madison has a new lover. The final part of the story is that Madison and I are still good friends, and Issy, you are a friend of Madison’s.”
I am?
Madison is smiling shyly at me.
“I hope that part won’t require much acting,” she says. “I’d really like us to be friends.”
I smile back at her. She is so sweet.
“I’d like that too,” I reply.
“Then,” continues James, “when the movie launches, there’ll be no bad press for Issy. We’ll say Madison suggested I date Issy. The press will love it. And it will send a clear message that we have my ex-wife’s blessing to be together.”
“Is that important?” I ask.
“The press are very fickle,” says Madison. “You’re an unknown quantity to them. You could get lucky, Issy, and they fall in love with you on day one. Or news could be slow that week, and they could decide James is being heartless, moving on so soon.”
“So they’d make me out to be a marriage wrecker?” I conclude, finally understanding where they’re coming from.
Madison nods. “They might do. This way, we stop the slightest chance of that happening.”
Phew. This all sounds so complicated. Not for the first time, I find myself fantasising that James was just an ordinary guy. Without all the fame.
“Ok,” I agree.
“You need to be prepared for publicity,” adds James. “I’ve already hired the best in the business to train you how to conduct interviews. What not to say. That kind of thing.”
“Will that really be necessary?” I ask. “I don’t plan on being a mega star.”
James and Madison exchange glances.
“I’m not sure you’ll have the choice,” says Madison. “A beautiful girl like you. The papers will go mad when they see you with James.”
“Acting is a wonderful profession,” she adds, seeing my expression. “You’ll get used to all the attention. Most actresses love it.” But she looks a little uncertain.
Could I get used to it? I’ve never really wanted to be in the spotlight. But for James, I’m prepared to do almost anything.
“Well, it’s good to have you in the movie,” I say, smiling at Madison. I mean it, too. I think I could learn a lot from her. Not just about acting, but how to deal with the whole fame thing.
She seems to sail through celebrity life with genuine grace and dignity. I’d love to know how she does it.
Then again, she did fake her own marriage for publicity. Maybe there’s a lot more to fame than I realise.
Chapter 13
Predictably, everyone is shocked and excited to see Madison arrive on set. Callum is over the moon, embracing her in a bear hug and declaring himself beyond excited.
Will says a careful and professional ‘hello’. But he melts when Madison turns on the charm and starts asking his advice on adapting her exercise regime to the studio.
Camilla is too shy to approach, and I see her hovering in the background, sneaking glances and biting her lip. It’s not until I drag her over to Madison that Camilla introduces herself, keeping her eyes firmly on the floor and stubbing the ground with her toe.
Madison, who is clearly used to people getting nervous around her, deploys just the right amount of friendliness and promises Camilla acting tips.
I’m wondering how Natalie will deal with the new arrival. Particularly since it’s mainly her scenes which have been rewritten to include Madison.
But she’s nowhere to be seen, so I guess she’s holed up in hair and make-up, calling the shots.
When James calls for everyone to take their places, Natalie arrives like magic, looking surprisingly serene. She says a brief hello to Madison, air kisses her on either cheek, and then floats to her place on set, as th
ough nothing unusual has happened.
When the cameras start to roll, I realise that Natalie has even managed to learn her new lines for the scene. Despite having only an hour warning at best. So everything works seamlessly.
I stare at Natalie. Even after the cameras stop rolling, she stays remarkably well behaved. Her diva persona appears firmly on hold.
Who are you, and what have you done with Natalie?
It’s like she’s been body-swapped.
Another thought occurs to me.
Is this Madison’s influence?
I study their interactions carefully. I assumed that the presence of another big star would send Natalie into diva meltdown. But in fact, it seems to be having the opposite effect.
Natalie is actually behaving herself. I consider the situation. It’s true that Natalie has been much better since we opted to give her a second chance. But the diva was still very much evident. Now she’s vanished completely.
Hmmm.
Madison leaves the set around lunchtime. And like a switch has been flicked, Natalie reverts to her old bossy self. I overhear her demanding a special juice menu be ordered in from LA.
Interesting. She behaves when Madison is around. Perhaps I can learn something here.
I’m not due any scenes for a few hours, so I make a sudden decision to ask Madison’s advice. Maybe Madison understands more about the on-set dynamic than I do. She’s older and much more experienced than I am.
Turning away from the set, I head towards Madison’s chalet. Perhaps she can give me some tips for managing difficult actresses.
Chapter 14
I see a few staff, dressed in black T-shirts and pants, moving suitcases into Madison’s chalet. And for a moment I hesitate, thinking maybe this is a bad idea after all.
Then I hear Madison’s voice.
“Issy!”
She’s waving from the window.
I wave back a little uncertainly. And then she’s at the door.
“Won’t you come on in?” she says.
I walk inside, and she greets me with a kiss on each cheek.
“Please, come inside,” she says. “The chalets are lovely aren’t they?” She’s gesturing to the wider accommodation. “James sure knows how to look after his staff.”
She guides me in and beckons me to sit on the couch.
“Let me fix you a drink,” she adds. “Do you like tea?”
“Um. Yes,” I reply, a little stunned by the surreal nature of having a Hollywood legend make me tea. “Thank you very much.”
Madison has moved to the open-plan kitchen area and begins busying herself with the tea-making. All her movements are precise and completely self-assured.
“I love English tea,” she says, pouring water and stirring. “I order it for my home in LA, but it doesn’t taste the same as when I’m in the UK.”
“Probably the weather,” I joke as she moves back into the main lounge and hands me a steaming cup of tea in a bone china cup.
She smiles, seating herself across from me on the large leather couch.
“So what can I do for you?” she asks. “Is this a social call, or can I help you with something?”
Her blue eyes are rested on me more penetratingly now, though they’re still friendly.
“Yeah. Well. Yes, actually, I did come here for some advice,” I admit.
Madison leans a little closer, as if eager to help.
“It’s Natalie,” I say. “Since I’ve worked with her, she’s been a complete pain. Awful to work with. But since you arrived on set, she seems to have transformed. And I wondered…”
I pause, trying to choose the right words. It’s occurred to me I might have come to Madison with a rather silly question.
“You wondered what my secret it?” asks Madison, smiling and giving no indication the question has struck her as stupid.
“Yes,” I say, relieved she’s found my words for me.
Madison sets down her cup carefully and tilts her head, thinking.
“Well,” she says after a moment. “I’m not sure I can answer your question. But I can certainly give you my opinion on why Natalie behaves how she does.”
“That would be great,” I say.
“Natalie was very young when she became famous,” says Madison, pausing to consider. “And so she never really had parents, in the traditional sense. Her mother wasn’t around, and her father…” Madison gives a little shudder. “Her father is well-known for his obsession with becoming famous. It’s a very ugly quality.”
I remember our Berkeley Method sessions, when Natalie admitted that as a child, her father left her alone on set whilst he schmoozed her director.
“She told us a little about that,” I say.
Madison nods. “It’s quite common knowledge in Hollywood circles,” she says. “The moment Natalie got famous, her father was like a leech. He would hound Natalie’s directors for acting work for himself. And hang around set, telling Natalie how to act, making himself sound important.”
Madison picks up her cup and takes a small sip.
“It’s amazing,” she adds, almost to herself, “that Natalie isn’t more messed up than she is. And we all know she’s messed up.”
Her eyes settle on me to include me in this.
“In any case,” says Madison. “Natalie has a slightly strange relationship with the studios she works in. In many ways, she’s like a child who never had the chance to grow up. She misbehaves for attention. It’s sad really. It’s the only way she knows.”
I nod. That certainly sounds like Natalie.
“I guess when she acts the diva,” I add, “people do take care of her, in a way. But it’s not really caring. They’re just scared that she’ll fire them.”
Madison nods.
“That’s exactly right,” she says. “She’s grown up with studios as her only family. Making demands is her way of feeling loved.”
Madison taps her cup thoughtfully. “I don’t think Natalie feels happy storming around like a brat,” she continues. “She’d rather someone told her off and gave her boundaries. She needs parent figures.”
“James does that,” I say. “He’s very much like a father figure to her.”
It’s true. James treats Natalie with a real paternal kindness.
Madison nods. “Yes,” she says. “James is like a father. But she also needs a mother figure. Someone to understand her and be kind to her, as well as stopping her overstepping the line.”
It’s all becoming a little clearer.
“And she sees you like that?” I clarify. “That’s why she’s behaving better?”
“I think Natalie would see any confidant actress as a maternal role model,” says Madison modestly. “I just happen to fill the role.”
“So when you go, she’ll go back to her old ways?” I ask.
Madison puts her cup down and fixes me with a thoughtful gaze. “That depends,” she says, her eyes fixed on mine. “On you.”
On me?
“What do you mean?” I’m intrigued more than surprised. Can I help keep Natalie in line?
“You could be a mothering influence for Natalie,” says Madison. “I can see it in you. Even though you’re young, I think you’re used to looking after people.”
That’s true. I am used to taking care of others. But Natalie?
She notices the uncertainly in my face.
“You’re new to this,” she adds. “So it’s no surprise that you’ve been unsure of yourself. But you need to get over that.”
Madison puts her hand on mine to emphasise her point.
“At the moment, Natalie is confused,” she says. “She’s not sure who is top dog. You’re not making yourself important, so she just assumes the importance for herself.”
“So how can I change that?” I ask, eager to hear answers.
“You’re the lead actress,” says Madison, simply. “Step up to the plate. You should have an idea of your own worth.”
I frown.
Madison shakes her head. “It’s not about that at all. Think of all the women who want to act in Hollywood. The ones who get famous aren’t always the most beautiful, or even the most talented. They have to be nice too. People like them – and not just their fans. Actresses who upset directors and the crew don’t stay famous.”
I consider this. It’s true that Natalie’s career is floundering under her diva reputation.
“The lead actress is the most important woman in the movie,” explains Madison. “But the real stars make it their role to take care of everyone around them. I should have thought that would come naturally to you,” she adds meaningfully.
She’s right. It should.
“So I should… look out for the others?” I ask, my face showing that I’m not sure how to go about this.
Madison nods.
“It’s a female quality,” she says. “Leading from behind. Supporting without controlling. The lead actress should be someone the cast and crew can turn to. Who understands their needs and can take care of them.”
I sip my tea, thinking about this. I’ve been so unsure of myself that I’ve let James take charge of looking after the crew. But the truth is, I’d be good at the role Madison is suggesting.
My whole life, I’ve assumed the role of caring for people. That’s why I gravitate to friends like Lorna.
I nod, determinedly.
“Then that’s what I’ll do,” I say.
“Good,” says Madison, her eyes warm. “I think you’re a natural lead actress, Issy. Just be yourself. Everyone will love you for it.”
Chapter 15
I arrive back on set with my head bubbling with thoughts. I’m due to act some scenes with James in the next half hour. And I can barely contain my thrill at acting with him again. At first, I was nervous. But now I know what we can do together, I’m getting sparks of excitement shooting from my fingertips at just the thought of us reading lines.
But I also want to put Madison’s advice to good use. It’s been a revelation that I should be taking more charge as the lead actress. It also makes a lot of sense.