Maggie's Movies: Camera, Action!/Studio Lot

This is the fifth chapter in Maggie's Movies - Camera, Action. Since Maggie left Al Junior's residence after Michael broke up with Maggie, Maggie returns to directing films.

## Level 41

* The next scene is "Prohibited Love".
* Maggie enters the studio.
* Maggie: Hey everybody... um... thank you so much for being here.
* Maggie: As you can see, we're a pretty small team, even for an indie movie.
* The technician enters the studio for delivery.
* Maggie: That means this won't be your typical set wit the trailers and a big fancy craft services table.
* Another technician enters for delivery.
* Maggie: It also means some of you will be doing double duty.
* "Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for the job..."
* "...but Al Jr. is threatening to blacklist anyone who will work on your movie."
* Technicians drop the packages.
* Maggie: Well, um, I wouldn't want any of you to jeopardize their careers.
* Maggie: So if any of you have concerns about this, you can just walk away. No hard feelings.
* Some people leave the studio.
* Maggie: To all of you that still stayed.... thank you from the bottom of my heart.
* Maggie: Now, let's make the greatest vintage crime movie ever!

### During the level

* Maggie cleans up the boxes abandoned by the crew to remodel.

### After the level

* Vicki enters the studio.
* Maggie: Vicki? What are you doing here?
* Vicki: You're making a movie and you didn't bother to call me?
* Maggie: I'm practically making this on my credit cards, and I didn't want to get you in trouble with Al Jr.
* Vicki: Oh yeah? Watch this...
* Vicki calls Al.
* Vicki: Hey, Al?
* Vicki: I quit!
* Then Vicki hangs up.
* Vicki: That's one problem solved... and look, whatever you can afford, it's fine.
* Maggie: You're serious? Oh my gosh! Thank you so much!
* Vicki: It's my pleasure - I'll do whatever you need.
* Maggie: Whatever I need?
* Vicki: I see your gears turning...
* Maggie: Vicki, WE'RE calling the shots now - not Al Jr. and the rest of the Boys Club.
* Maggie: You're an actress. It's time to get you in FROMT of the camera again.
* Maggie: I would love to cast you as the supportive actress.
* Vicki: You know what? Let's start right now!
* Vicki changes the clothing for the scene.
* Vicki: Wow, back on the stage. After all those years...
* Vicki: Please don't give me anything too ambitious right from the bat, okay?

## Level 42

* Maggie: OK. We have Italian cuisine to highlight the atmosphere of immigrant quarter in 20s.
* Maggie: But we still need to get that antique car for some of the scenes.
* Vicki: We can shoot the car scenes later.
* Vicki: Don't worry, one problem at a time, Maggie. Everything will be fine in the end.
* Catherine parts the car at the scene.
* Maggie: It's Catherine!
* Vicki: It's Catherine!
* Catherine: So, I heard you wrote, but I didn't realize you could WRITE.
* Catherine: This script... I love it!
* Catherine: You have to let me play **Veronica**.
* Maggie: The lead? Catherine... I don't know what to say.
* Maggie: You know this is an indie project, right?
* Maggie: I could offer you some equity in the film...
* Catherine: Tut, tut - we'll figure out all that boring stuff later.
* Catherine: I love that it's a small, scrappy project - gets me back to my acting roots.
* Maggie: I really don't know what to say...
* Catherine: You can say you are giving me the part.
* Maggie deals with Catherine.
* Then Maggie and Catherine hug each other!
* Vicki: Catherine... that is a very nice car!

### During the level

* Maggie plays 4 scenes.
* Veronica: Nadine, it's good to see you again! How things are going?
* Nadine: Swell! Never been better. How about you?
* Veronica: I'm really worried.
* Nadine: What's eating you up?
* Veronica: My father is in debt, and he is doing really odd things to keep this business afloat.

### After the level

* Maggie: I know we don't offer a lot of money - but the role is simply perfect for Liam.
* Maggie: If you could JUST let him read the script.
* The crew leave the studio.
* Maggie: Sure, I can hold.
* Maggie: …
* Maggie: They hung up.
* Maggie: I've called just about every agency in town.
* Maggie: It's going to be tough to make this movie without a male lead.
* Vicki: Well, it doesn't take a genius to figure out who's behind this.
* Maggie: Say, do you think we could see what YOU look like with a moustache?
* Vicki looks agreed.

## Level 43

* Frank enters the studio.
* Frank: To say I was surprised when you called, would be an understatement.
* Maggie: You're here!
* Frank: As a favor for Catherine. You have exactly five minutes.
* Maggie: I never told you this, but when I found out I'd be working on one of your movies I was thrilled...
* Maggie: I'm a big fan of your work... your EARLY work.
* Maggie: I know you've been struggling with personal problems, lately.
* Maggie: It's affected your work...
* Frank: I don't have to listen to...
* Maggie: ...you're wasting your talent on fluff!
* Frank: Maggie... I'm flattered, but I... I just can't work for peanuts.
* Frank: I'm sorry, I really am.
* Frank leaves the studio.

### During the level

* Nadine: I'm boiled up! So you are saying that some mafia bimbos have a safe house of your father's place?
* Veronica: Yes, and day by day he becomes more and more unpleasant towards me.
* Veronica: When I tried to talk with him about this he told me to dry up and called me a dumb Dara.
* Nadine: It's time to end this ballocks once and for all - I have a plan!

### After the level

* Maggie switches on the lighting. But Diego entered the studio!
* Maggie: Diego!
* Maggie gives Diego a hug!
* Maggie: What are you doing here?
* Diego: I've come to fulfill my dreams of being a big time Hollywood FX artist.
* Diego: Okay, okay - I called Sure Shot right before Vicki quit and she told me the whole story.
* Diego: I'm here to help you with your movie.
* Maggie: Are you serious?
* Maggie: Thank you so much! But...
* Maggie: ...but what about the cinema?
* Diego: The theatre made some extra money during last few weeks and Ted is renovating it.
* Diego: He said that I'm useless there.
* Diego: You know, Ted liked doing things his way.
* Maggie: Thank you, Diego - this means a lot.
* Diego: Thank YOU. I'm working on a Hollywood movie!
* Diego: This is a dream come true..
* Diego steps on the set and looks.
* Diego: Er… where's my private trailer?
* Maggie laughs.

## Level 44

* Tyler: "Is it true that Frank Curtis was your first choice for my part?"
* Tyler: "Because, I mean, wow… those are pretty big shoes to fill."
* Maggie: Tyler, don't compare yourself to Frank, because I don't.
* Maggie: Let's take the scene, from the top...
* Maggie: Ahem... Jason, yo can't tell me what I want.
* Jason falls.
* Jason: BUT DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU WANT?
* Jason: DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THEY WANT?!
* Tyler: How was that?
* Maggie: It was fine. But let's try it again - this time, a little 'smaller.
* Tyler: Oh, Okay...
* Jason: But... do... YOU... know what you want? 'Cause like... does anyone know... ya' know?
* Jason: Like sometimes I order fish n' chips...
* Jason: ...only to find out that what I really wanted was a burger.
* Jason: I thought I'd improvise.
* Maggie: Let's make a short break...
* Jason/Tyler leaves the studio.

### During the level

* Now Diego runs the studio, helping Maggie and actors.

#### Take 1

* Veronica: Jason, you can't tell me what I want.
* Jason: BUT DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT YOU WANT?
* Jason: DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT THEY WANT?!
* Veronica: I think we need to retake this scene Maggie! We need a break!

#### Take 2

* Veronica: Jason, you can't tell me what I want.
* Jason: But... do... YOU... know what you want? 'Cause like... does anyone know... ya' know?
* Jason: Like sometimes I order fish n' chips...
* Jason: ...only to find out that what I really wanted was a burger.
* Nadine: Shoot Tyler! Focus on the script, don't improvise!

#### Take 3

* Veronica: Jason, you can't tell me what I want.
* Jason: But won't you want to know anything...
* Veronica: Okay, I think we will have overtime with that scene!

### After the level

* Maggie: Cut! Cut! Let's take fifteen, everybody!
* The crew leave except Maggie and Vicki.
* Maggie: He just doesn't have it in him.
* Vicki: So now what?
* Maggie: It's not what I want at all, but I guess we have to make this work.
* Clyde and Hitchcock enter the studio.
* Maggie: Clyde!
* Maggie: What are you doing here?
* Clyde: I just so happened to be next door, directing an episode of 'My Genie is a Meanie'.
* Hitchcock comes to Maggie, jumps.
* Maggie pets Hitchcock.
* Clyde: Hitchcock desired that we dropped by and see how you were faring.
* Maggie: Not so good. My male lead is uh... er…
* Clyde: A woebegone hack - yes, I know.
* Clyde: A bit of advice if I may, from one director to another.
* Clyde: Stick to your vision and be true to yourself - everything else will fall into place.
* Clyde: Say GOODBYE, Hitchcock.
* Maggie is happy to farewell Hitchcock.
* Then Clyde and Hitchcock leave the studio.

## Level 45

* Vicki enters the studio.
* Vicki: I can't find Tyler anywhere and he stopped answering his phone.
* Maggie: I don't understand - where could he be?
* Al Jr. enters the place.
* Al Jr.: With Sure Shot, of course...
* Al Jr.: His contract had more holes in it than Pebble Ranch…
* Maggie: I want you to be out of my set, NOW!
* Al Jr.: That makes two of us.
* Al Jr.: If I were you, I wouldn't stress over losing your male lead too much...
* Al Jr.: ...your movie never stood a chance either way.
* Al Jr. kicks the box and leaves!

### During the level

#### Take 1

* Diego finds the scattered set equipment.
* Veronica: Nadine! I can't believe that! YOU are the CONWOMAN!?
* Veronica: That's the part of my job - to make people believe that I'm someone else. I'll help you!
* Nadine: Copacetic! Let's meet up tomorrow, so you can tell me about your plan.

### After the level

* "Look, we're sorry, but..."
* "...It doesn't look this this movie's going to happen."
* Maggie: Guys...
* "We can't afford to be out of work again."
* "Some of us have already taken other gigs."
* The crew leave the studio. Al Jr. enters the studio.
* Al Jr.: Another tough break?
* Diego: I think Maggie was clear the last time!
* Vicki: You are not welcome here, Al!
* Maggie: Coming to gloat again?
* Al Jr.: Actually, I've come to make you an offer.
* Al Jr.: Shut down and I'll but the script off you. For twenty grand.
* Maggie: I'm sorry - didn't I loan twenty dollars for pizza recently?
* Al Jr.: C'mon, Maggie. Even if you get your chick flick made who's going to watch it?
* Al Jr.: Do you really want to risk climbing out of a mountain of debt for the next ten years based on a passion project?
* Maggie: ABSOLUTELY!
* They're pleased!
* Al Jr. leaves the studio.

## Level 46

* Maggie: Well.. I guess it's time to throw in the towel...
* Maggie: ...that is, it would be if I could AFFORD a towel.
* Maggie looks around. There was a ghost Bill visiting the studio.
* Bill: Hey, Tater Tot.
* Maggie: Grandpa... You have no idea how much I wish it wasn't a dream.
* Bill: Me too.
* Maggie: I did the right thing, Grandpa...
* Maggie: I did the right thing in Louisiana and nearly nothing has gone right ever since.
* Bill: Honesty and integrity were the first two of the virtues I taught you - what come after?
* Maggie: Perseverance.
* Bill: If you quit, you'll never know how close you were to achieving your goal.
* Maggie: If you say so, Grandpa.
* Bill leaves and disappears.

### During the level

* Veronica: So! What did you came up with?
* Nadine: We shall set those mobsters up into a bull trap!
* Nadine: And dough is ours!
* Veronica: That sounds nifty!
* Nadine: Yes, and your father will have money to pay the debt!

### After the level

* Maggie: Look... we need to face facts... we've shot every scene we can without having a male lead…
* Maggie: ...I've got no choice but to halt the production until...
* Frank entered the studio!
* Maggie: Frank? What are you...
* Frank: Please... everyone, let me say something before I come back to my senses.
* Frank: I just quit a film where I was to be paid half a million dollars to voice a talking dog.
* Frank: This is after staying up all night to read Maggie's script...
* Frank: ...the first one that's gripped me in years.
* Frank: I suppose what I'm saying is... if you'll have me... I'm ready to work.
* Catherine touches Frank!
* Catherine: And as usual, your filming is perfect.

## Level 47

* There was a collapse on the set!
* Diego enters the studio.
* Diego: Ouch.. What a mess!
* Vicki enters the studio.
* Vicki: What has happened here?!
* Maggie enters the place.
* Maggie: Oh my gosh!
* Maggie: OH MY GOSH!
* Vicki: Who could be such scoundrel.
* Maggie: It's over... I don't know what to do.
* Diego: Let's not panic...
* Vicki: Why not?
* Diego cheers Maggie.
* Diego: Because I CAN fix this!

### After the level

* The equipment is working again.
* Maggie: How it went, Diego?
* Diego: I'm sorry, Maggie... I don't think it will last for very long...
* Maggie: Thank you, Diego. I know you did your best.
* Maggie: I need to halt the production until I can afford to rent some new equipment.
* Vicki: Forget it - you can use our salaries.
* Maggie: Thanks people - unfortunately, what I'm paying you won't buy much.
* Catherine and Frank enter the studio.
* Catherine: Maggie - a word, please?
* Diego, Vicki and the others leave the studio.
* Frank: Catherine and I are booked solid for the next several months.
* Catherine: We can't promise we'll be available in a month... Or even two months.
* Maggie: I understand.
* Catherine: That's why we want to invest in your film - so we can keep going.
* Frank: In exchange for becoming executive producers in the credits, of course.
* Frank: You can be executive producer, best boy and chief hair stylist as far as I'm concerned.
* Maggie: Thank you!
* Frank gives Maggie a hug!

## Level 48

* Maggie: Anyone seen Frank?
* Maggie: Have you seen Frank?
* Vicki: No, sorry...
* Maggie: Diego?
* Diego hasn't responded. Catherine enters the scene.
* Catherine: Maggie...
* Catherine: I saw him earlier this morning.
* Maggie: Not again!
* Maggie: This is the last thing we need.
* Maggie: Alright, we'll shoot pick-ups and background stuff...
* Maggie: ...and hope he shows up.

### During the level

* Veronica: I talked with Jason...
* Nadine: Yes - I've seen it - You always carried a torch for him.
* Veronica: I don't want to be some kind of moll...
* Veronica: I convinced him to help us, and live his life with me.
* Nadine: If you are sure that we can trust him...
* Nadine: I'm happy that he will change his life, not you.
* Veronica: An-so-lute-ly!

### After the level

* Frank's at the parking lot. Maggie enters the lot.
* Maggie: Frank! Where were you?
* Frank: That's a great question.
* Maggie: Frank, I'm confused - I thought you wanted to be a part of this?
* Frank: The WANT is there, Maggie...
* Frank: ...but for the first time in a LONG while... I'm not so sure I can, anymore.
* Maggie: I am, Frank, I am sure. I KNOW you can do this.
* Maggie: All of this fear, all of this hurt you're feeling - I need you to channel it into the scene.
* Frank: I- I don't know...
* Maggie: It's up to you to decide - we'll be waiting for you on the set.
* Maggie: We believe in you, Frank.
* Maggie heads back into the studio.

## Level 49

* Maggie: Sigh... Frank's not going to show up, everyone. Let's figure out how we can...
* Frank enters the studio.
* Frank: Apologies...
* Everyone's surprised!
* Catherine: Frank!
* Catherine: Where the heck have you been!?
* Frank: Well, I... well...
* Frank: Well, I'm a big star and...
* Frank: ...I can't possibly be expected to report to the set on time, can I?
* Everyone surprised, and Maggie laughed.
* Frank: Oh Frank, it's good to have you back!
* Everyone laughed.

### During the level

* Diego serves coffee 5 times to Frank.
* Veronica: Jason, you can't tell me what I want.
* Jason: But do you even know what you want?
* Jason: Does anyone know what they want?
* Nadine explains.
* Veronica: I certainly do!

### After the level

* Maggie: It was a great day! All thanks to you.
* Frank: The pleasure is mine, Maggie.
* Maggie leaves the studio.
* Catherine enters the place.
* Catherine: Here you are...
* Catherine: Frank, you were great.
* Maggie enters and thinks.
* Maggie: …
* Frank: You bring out the best in me, Catherine...
* Frank: ...you always have.
* Frank trusts Catherine.
* Maggie: Gosh...
* Maggie leaves the studio.
* Catherine: It's just good to have you back.

## Level 50

* Maggie, Frank, Vicki, Diego and Catherine enter the studio.
* Maggie: Last day of shooting, everyone. And we have just enough of Frank's money left to throw a party!
* Frank: Hey!
* Maggie laughs.
* Maggie: I have an announcement - out premiere will be at Bauman's Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood!
* Frank: Well, if it's my party, let's open the champagne!
* Maggie: Not yet! One more day of shooting, please. We need a few pick ups.

### During the level

* Jason: Do you hear the sirens? They pitched those flat tires!
* Nadine: Yes, our old friends will spend a lifetime in Jail.
* Veronica: And we got the money to save the restaurant. I'm so proud!
* Veronica: I love you, Jason!
* Jason: I love you too, sweetheart!

### After the level; Post-chapter

* Maggie and Vicki enter the club.
* Frank: Ah! Here you are.
* Maggie: Sorry for being late...
* Frank: No worries, your timing is perfect...
* Frank: Ladies and gentlemen.
* Frank: It's time for a special toast - to our new Rising Star...
* Vicki: Frank! It's so nice of you...
* Catherine: I'm afraid this time he means someone else Vicki.
* Frank: Yes, I do! Maggie, I wish to tell you...
* Maggie's phone: FREAKK-A-PHONE! FREAK-A-PHONE! GOT A CALL ON MY FREAK-A-
* Maggie: Sorry... What a noise... I better answer this...
* Maggie: Hello? Maggie Welles speaking...
* Maggie: Uh=huh... yes, I see... Thank you.
* Diego: What is it?
* Maggie: Grandpa's theater has a buyer.
* Everyone's down.