#also it's so cool seeing the director or anyone working on the film liking fan art and it brings a smile to my face

[mdhwrites]

My Thoughts On the Pilots Being Leaked

For an ongoing work, I am against leaks PERIOD. I have unfollowed artists for Star Rail who shared leaks because not only do I not want to know what's going to happen, I think it's damaging to both fans and creators. It splits people, often causing some fans to feel like they have to hide from the fandom to not be spoiled. It can sometimes ruin a moment, or even make it be misinterpreted without context, which destroys the work the creator put into it. It can damage the success of a work by ruining the cycle of marketing and hype for it. It can also be EXTREMELY rough for creators emotionally because what was meant to be a moment of celebration has suddenly turned into damage control.

Leaks are fucking awful... For ongoing projects.

What has been leaked for Disney cartoons over the past decade and a half, potentially further I don't know, has all been for things that either never got released or are finished works. They are also content that would have, 99% of the time, never seen the light of day without being leaked. There is no hype cycle for them to ruin. There is no damage control that the creator needs to do because of it being put out there and the network wanting them to help repress it. Not knowing about scrapped media for a work is okay fandom wise so fans don't have to hide from it or split amongst themselves for whether they've seen it or not. It can't be misinterpreted against the creator because we know this isn't what they went with, very explicitly since it never aired. All the problems for an ongoing project aren't here.

In return, we get glimpses into how the animation industry works, how these creations go from concept to fruition, things that are kept pretty arcane to the vast majority of people. Disney especially loves to curate their personal image and only let out certain stories about their works, hence why they don't like letting the documentary about The Emperor's New Groove's making, which is BRUTALLY HONEST about the creation of that movie with responses from animators and staff while the film is in progress, be seen by ANYONE if they can help it. It also helps aspiring directors to see what they need to do in order to potentially get their projects out there instead of just having to follow vague advice for what a pitch bible looks like or even thinking that it needs to be the absolute final draft of their project, rather than a living document like it appears to be more commonly.

The only real downsides I can think of are A: they do allow concepts to not be reused as surprisingly by a creator but these are pilots. Their jobs are to setup a story and so if a creator still reuses a concept here for a full work, that just means that now they get to explore it properly. B: It's embarrassing for the creators because it is old, sometimes unfinished work. That... shrug I sympathize with that.

C: It causes fans to question why certain elements weren't used instead. I've already had to do a blog about how the pitch bible for TOH is actually not much better than what we got and the clear reasons why TOH likely made the changes they did as what was portrayed by the pitch bible would have meant an even larger scope than in the show we got. You know, the show that always struggled under the weight of its scope and cast size. But a lot of people have been looking at it and the pilot and thinking that it would have been strictly better than what we got which can cause some parts of the fandom to potentially be cruel to parts of the work they wouldn't have otherwise. It also means creators may be bothered by questions about the pilot when the pilot isn't actually important to the work itself. It was scrapped for a reason and while it's cool to see where it came from and can be educational, it shouldn't be used to condemn the show simply for now not having an element from the scrapped content. That's not fair to the work or the creator.

I am personally on the side that the educational and insight value from these pilots outweighs these problems but I could see myself changing my tune if I start hearing about fans leaning into this last problem. Treating scrapped content as only okay if it is objectively worse than what we got. That's not fair, especially since what a creator decides to include is a very delicate balance of a lot of elements, a lot we can't usually see without the broader context of the next steps beyond the concept as presented. How it actually needs to function in execution.

This is your constant reminder that the only perfect work is the one that is never made. It's a lot easier to pitch the perfect concept than it is to write it, so don't let this stuff be the end all be all for what would have been 'best'. Let them simply be the educational curiosities that they are instead.

See you next tale.

======+++++======

Don't think all of this just applies to corporate work btw. I have stuff I haven't published myself, including an entire novella, because it didn't work and so had to simply be thrown away. The reasons for each are pretty complex, ranging from just how it all came together, how it would damage the rest of a work or how I decided that my audience clearly weren't interested in the thread I was pulling so ending it one chapter faster was probably for the best. It's complicated and we should remember to be respectful of that.

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

A Twitter you can follow too

And a Kofi if you like what I do and want to help out with the fact that disability doesn’t pay much.

[saltylemonade13]

Edit: I am afraid that I may have spread some misinformation, and a lot of the information in this post is technically wrong now. So please PLEASE check the comments! someone left a link to a post on twitter explaining how Hobie’s age is up to opinion, and I think everyone should look at that first. I will still be keeping this post up to to provide a link to the interview if you want to watch it yourself, and I also want to see what other peoples opinions are on the subject! (Please keep it friendly) However, if you are curious to read the psa, go ahead, but keep in mind that it isn’t exactly accurate anymore.

———————————————————————

PSA FOR PUNKFLOWER FANS

WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS FOR SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER- VERSE

———————————————————————

Yall I think we messed up. Hobie could be an adult and we all were wrong about him being 16. My evidence comes from an interview with co-director Kemp Powers. In the interview we get a short mention on Hobie Brown, and that includes his age. [Timestamp: 1:02:21]

And the quote is as following: “… We need to make that character look like a dork. And the character that makes that character look like a dork is Spider Punk. Y’know he’s- he’s nineteen- twenty, six foot three inches tall real thin…”

As far as I am aware this is the best conformation of his age that I have found. HOWEVER this could possibly be referring to the comic version of Hobie, and how the directors found him and all of COMIC Hobie’s details, as we know that in the comics- he’s an adult. But its important to not this because, on every other site I check- they say he’s around 16, and maybe a little older than Gwen. But I’m hesitant because all of those sites have little to no confirmation, and aren’t a stable source of evidence.

ALSO if Hobie really is 19-20 that makes the whole “love triangle” thing with Gwen REALLY weird. I’ve seen a lot of people say that the love triangle was a joke and wasn’t a serious plot point, but again, the interview says other wise.

“ …but wonderfully as we were working on the film he became integral to the plot. And I think that’s-that’s really whats key. ‘Cause it starts with like- well this is kind of a cool character this idea of you know Mile’s starting to have feelings for Gwen and being uncertain about this other boy so punk like immediately filled in that slot. ” [Time stamp: 1:01:40]He then goes on to talk about how over time punk’s character develops more past that and blah blah blah.

The genuine idea of Mile’s being jealous about Hobie and Gwen seems weird to me if Hobie really is an adult, but that fact that he is mentioned to be 19-20 scares me. Powers never mentioned if he was talking about comic or movie Hobie or if they even are different, but it’s very possible Hobie is an adult in the movie.

I could definitely be looking into it WAY to much and if thats true I apologize, but for all my Punk-flower fans out there, maybe it’s best if we hold off on the ship until someone gives out an official age? Or we should at least be careful. I am aware that some of my information and opinions here aren’t clear and I am so sorry for that. And I am also aware that most sites say that Hobie is around 16 but unless we can confirm that, better safe than sorry y’know?

This does not mean any punk flower enjoyers are now like pr0shipers or something- especially because we don’t really know much, and I don’t intend to make anyone feel bad, I only intend to inform everyone on how punk-flower could very possibly be an accidental pr0ship- and if it is we should take it down as quickly as possible. BUT TAKE EVERYTHING I SAY WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.

Have a nice day, and I love you all 🫶

#punkflower #spider punk #miles molares #miles x hobie #spiderverse spoilers #spiderman across the spiderverse #hobie brown #into the spider verse #spiderman #i am so sorry for ranting #important please read #psa #spiderverse fanart #i really hope this gets reach i spent like an hour writing this #spiderverse fanfic #Youtube

[joe9cool]

Collide-Justin Herbert-26

A/N: I do not know or associate The Chargers or anyone affiliated with them. This is fanfiction. Also you do not have permission to copy or post my work anywhere else. Thank you

Abu Dhabi was an interesting place. 

Sara met her team on the plane and they began the long flight. Everything had been cleared by security and their visa's were approved. That was the nice thing about having a manager and assistant.

When they arrived. It was early morning, and while normally they would have time to settle in, Sara was rushed to the set where she had an introduction to everyone. (She hugged Timothee hard) then the director came and asked her if she had any questions about the script. He wanted her to go over a bit with Austin Butler. She had to laugh when he came to her trailer to introduce himself to her and Erika, as her best friend was trying hard to keep her cool.

They went over their lines before they were called to do some testing photos for promotion. The movie's pr team wanted them to give the appearance of a family friendly set. As Sara and Austin spoke, Timothee joined them, as the set photographer took photos for them to post on their social media.

Then it was a dress rehearsal to make sure Sara's costumes fit. Since she was going to be playing a princess, her outfits ranged from simple and elegant, as well as regal and extravagant. Some minor alterations had to be fixed as Sara's training for the fashion show made her body more toned.

In between fittings, Sara was flipping back and forth between the script and trying to figure out when the game vs the Broncos would be on. It was going to be difficult, but Sara was determined to make it work. She remembered to message Justin that she landed, however it was probably late in Los Angeles, so he wouldn't see it until she was probably asleep.

This was going to be a test of their relationship.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------

Message from anon: Did you see this post? From deumoxi instagram 

Blind item: big time Hollywood actress from steel city is involved with an NFL quarterback in California. Wonder how her business focused family is taking this?

I think Sara Wozniak is seeing Justin, or at least there is/was something going on. They both follow each other, have the same group of friends.

Answer: Jeez anon, we've talked about it. It's a follow, all evidence we've seen has linked him to Taylor. As a matter of fact Taylor just posted she's rooting for the Chargers.

Anon: oh my god let it go. He's not seeing Sara, she isn't his type. She's obnoxious and fame seeking.

Answer: I can see her not being his type, but I don't get the fame seeking? She stays pretty lowkey compared to another ex of his. 

Anon: the fact that everyone treats this as another girl. She's SARA WOZNIAK, Oscar nominated, funny, smart woman. She has tons of friends, is a social butterfly. She does tons of charity work. She is wayyyy out of his league. She doesn't want a homebody, twenty four year old fuckboy. Her ex is Harry Styles, talk about a downgrade if she was with Justin.

Answer: . That's all I'm going to say.

—----------------------------------------------------------------------

Sara was exhausted.

It was 1:40am and she was in her hotel room watching the game. She got back from another long day of filming. They were doing the difficult scenes first. So it was physically and mentally tough on her. She got back to her trailer at 11pm, closed her eyes for an hour, and then got up to eat a snack and turn on the game on her phone.

She still wanted to support the guys, even though in her personal opinion it was stupid to play the starters when they really had nothing to play for. Justin didn't like hearing that, but it's true.

So far seeing Mike carted off and Joey limping, Sara shook her head. She liked Staley, but she could understand the fans frustration with him. Joe had no problem expressing his anger while she was texting him. She was fighting off sleep, even though she would regret it when her alarm went off in a few hours.

The game was now tied and she was upset that Justin was still playing. Why would you risk getting your star quarterback injured? It was probably Justin’s doing as well, the man was committed to football and didn't want to go off the field for nothing, even during injury.

Even millions or miles away she wanted to kill her boyfriend.

She dozed off somewhere during halftime. Her alarm woke her up and the knock of the door signaling the driver was there to take her to the set. In a hurry, she got up and jumped in the shower. Running around, she managed to get to the set on time for hair and makeup. Her phone was dead, so she handed it to Erika to charge.

Unfortunately her tiredness interfered with her work. It was an off day for her and the director expressed frustration with certain faces she made, a couple times she found herself fighting off yawns, which Unfortunately were caught. At one point Alex pulled her aside. "You need to get it together, you don't need any distractions. I don't know why you were up late, but you might need to go back on sleeping pills.

She was right, as much as she loved Justin, he was probably focused on his career,and she needed to be focused on hers. During a quick break, she quickly downed a black coffee and took a caffeine pill, her heart was racing and sure it was stupid and dangerous but she needed this.

It worked though, as the drug kicked in she found herself filming her scenes with ease, and the production team improved. During lunch Austin approached her. "Hey good job, don't worry about it earlier. Timothee got bitched out twice because he kept forgetting the desert scene." She laughed "yeah that sounds like him. I'm fine I just stayed up late, the time different just got to me."

Austin smiled. "The good news is that we are ahead of schedule. So maybe we get to go home a little earlier than expected."

She laughed again. "Yeah but I'll be back in LA with the fashion show at the end of the month, and then in February I will be in Paris doing press work." Austin nodded in understanding. "Our job never ends." They laughed, soon Timothee joining them for some more set pictures.

Once Sara got back to the trailer she was ready to drop. Erika handed her phone back and she opened all of Justin's messages. It was the usual talking about the game, he updated her on Mike and Joey's status. She replied back, even though he would be sleeping, that she missed him and loved him, and that he made her proud despite the loss. Surprisingly he messaged her back that he loved and missed her and promised he'd give her updates on Bosa and Williams. She smiled as Erika rolled her eyes in a teasing matter.

—---------------------------------------------------------

Taylor stared at the screenshot of the deumoxi post. There was only one quarterback that popped up in her head. There was no way The Sara Wozniak was seeing Justin. Granted, she was at Chargers games, but her good friend had a private suite and was a season ticket holder. Plus what about the blonde's he had been spotted with. No offense, but girls like Sara wouldn't be okay with a guy playing the field.

Maybe she was putting too much thought into it. There was Jimmy G, who had the hearts of millions of women. He was close in age to Sara, and more her type. So that would make more sense. It has to, Jimmy would fit the persona of a Hollywood starlets boyfriend. He would be on her arm at the red carpet events, not Justin. Justin would never date someone who had that level of fame. That's right, it made more sense that Sara was seeing Jimmy.

However as Taylor sat in her office, she had a feeling that she was wrong. She grabbed her phone and clicked on Sara's follow list. There was Justin, but not the 49ers quarterback. She did notice that there was Kenny Pickett, Joe Burrow, and some others in her following. She went on Justin's profile and saw that he was following Sara as well as the rest of the shows cast.

That doesn't mean they are dating though, they share mutual friends. She is at games, they probably haven't spoken to each other. Sara only knows him as the Quarterback. Taylor thought

Still, if Sara found him attractive she could easily get any man. But Justin wasn't any man.

"Taylor, any new reports?" Taylor broke her trance and looked up at her co-worker, who was staring at her in confusion. She laughed. "I'm sorry, I spaced out."

"Are you okay?" She nodded. "I'm just tired." He nodded, she continued. "So far nothing yet."

He walked away and she took a sip of coffee. "Focus Taylor." She whispered.

There was no way Justin and Sara were a thing. She is everything he is against.

She didn't feel confident in the reasoning

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"How is Abu Dhabi?" Justin had her on speaker as he was getting ready to head to the facilities. Despite the 12 hour time difference they still manage to squeeze in phone calls in between the texts messages and photos they would send. Of course, Sara's photos were alot more interesting than his. The scenery was gorgeous. She made him swear to secrecy that he wouldn't release any set photos she snuck of her in her outfits, he rolled his eyes at that, which he knew she knew. "It's gorgeous, but warm, you know I hate that." He laughed, his girlfriend never failing to vocalize her taste for hot weather.

"I know you do, trust me, it's not fun practicing outside when camp starts." She hummed. "I'm sorry you have a shortened schedule this week. I don't think it's fair."

"Yeah, but that's what the league wants, and we just have to adapt, but I'm confident in the team." From all the way across the world Sara rolled her eyes. "I see you're in media mode already." He laughed as he got in his car. He sent a message to his manager to make sure to check on Nova, although she would probably be busy in her tower. As if his girlfriend knew the Bengal was on his mind. "How's Nova been?"

"She's been good, she misses you though. But she's been getting plenty of exercise on the wheel. Although I had to put it downstairs so I don't hear it at three am." He muttered and she laughed. "Well I was reading up on the breed and they are high energy cats. They are close to a dog you know." He smiled. "I know, I think that's why I subconsciously chose that breed."

"Oh you need a dog!" Justin groaned. She had been pestering about a dog since she became obsessed with Dylan. "Why don't you get a dog." He told her. She sighed. "I mean, I thought about it, especially during the pandemic. But I think with this upcoming schedule I have to put it off til next year."

"I don't think a dog will really ever fit in my lifestyle with the schedule and games."

Sara tried not to let her mind wander to the future, maybe one day they could own a dog together. "I love Golden retrievers." She admitted. Justin laughed "I like labs, good, hardworking dogs you can take fishing."

"Well they have retriever in them, so they are good helper dogs." After a pause she laughed. "I was on a dog's 101 YouTube page." Justin laughed. "You and your YouTube rabbit holes." He would always glance at her screen and find her watching the most random things. Sometimes he found himself telling her to connect it to the television so they could watch together.

The rest of the phone call she explained other deep dives she went on, before she was called to set. "I'll call you tonight." He smiled. "Promise?" She laughed. "Promise. I love you."

"I love you too, have a good day on set."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So wait what happened?" Justin was laughing as Sara retold the story. Timothee apparently blurted out the wrong line, and the director didn't notice until he and others pointed it out.

He was getting ready for bed while she was on break. The time difference seemed to work out well so far. It had only been a week, but Justin was counting down the days when she would be back in Los Angeles. The fashion show was Sunday the 5th of February, and her plane was landing on the 27th, however she would be in rehearsal and the Amazon cameras would be following the process of the fashion show before going live. Sara did find a couple times where she could break away to see him, but it would have to be at her place. Which was fine, but Erika would be there as well.

"Can you bring Nova over?" Justin rolled his eyes. "You're only coming home to see my cat?" She laughed. "And what about it?" "Get your own cat."

"Wait a minute, first we discussed a dog, now a cat? Are we making an animal shelter?" The comment had an innuendo behind it. She didn't mean to, but she was curious about what he would say. "I mean, we both love animals." It made her smile. "I think I want a Bengal like Nova."

He snorted. "Good luck, they are a pain in the ass to train." He looked over at the cat on his pillow and scratched her head. "Isn't that right?" Sara laughed.

He decided to switch topics. So are you ready for the fashion show?" She sighed. "I'm nervous. It's live, and if I make any mistakes there's no redo. Plus I'm walking with models! Justin, actual supermodels like Bella, and AnnSophie, and Gigi."

"But there are some others. Kelce's ex is supposed to be there." He paused. "I looked up the list."

"Yeah he's supposed to be there too, so I don't know if he's an ex or what. A couple of other football players are going since one of the programs is teams. " there was a pause and justin had to ask "Is anyone else for you going?" He knew her family was out of the question. She sighed on the other end. "Alisha is going, as well as Samira, but that's for me and AnnSophie, she has her parents cause Lexi is with George for that week. So to answer your questions, no I don't have anyone."

Justin paused. In a split decision he blurted out. "I could maybe go hangout with Kelce and some other guys if I'm not still in the playoffs."

He couldn't see, but Sara's jaw dropped. Him attending a public event? Where people might speculate if they even look at each other? "Justin, I'd love it if you came! I can make sure you come in through the back way and we don't even have to attend the after party." Justin smiled. "I don't want you to miss it because of me. I know you love the people performing." She laughed. "Justin, I can see them anytime. Come on, it will be fun, we can sneak away" He smiled. 

"I'd love that."

—----------------------------------------------------------- 

"Erika, do you have midol by any chance?" Sara was groaning in her set chair waiting for the director to call for her scene. She had woken up this morning to her monthly gift. She was always early or on time, except that one time in October where she was two days late, she almost had Erika run to the rite aid only for it to come the next day. She hadn't told Justin because he had been on the road, plus it worked out so there was no reason to alarm him.

Erika came running into the room. "I got something wayyyy better she squealed!" Sara looked over confused. "A doctor to rip my uterus out?"

"Oh my god sis, have you not checked your messages? Oh wait only if it's from Justin." Before Sara could bite back Erika kept with the point. "Your agent called! Anna Wintour wants you to be on the Cover of June Vogue!" Sara got up faster than usual and screamed, catching the attention of those around her. "No fucking way" Erika nodded and the best friends tightly hugged. "I'm so proud of you Sara, I know how much you wanted this." It was true, while she had been on the covers of international vogue, this was a big deal. It was Vogue magazine, something she dreamed of when she was in college, her first acting gig, when things took off and people began noticing her. She pulled back and Erika was still smiling. "That's not all!"

Sara was confused. What else could there be?" As on cue her phone rang and she pulled it out of her friends hand to see it was the producers of her show. She answered it and put it on speaker. "You're on speaker"

"Oh good I did the time conversion correctly." She laughed, Finn was one of the main producers, a man in his fifties who had been pitching shows for a while with no luck until now. "You could have just Googled it." He laughed. "That isn't a challenge."

"Is there something important about the show?" Finn laughed. "Why I'm calling to inform you and the rest of the cast that the nominations just dropped for the SAGs and guess what baby! We are nominated! And you Missy, is nominated for Best Actress in a Dramedy!"

Sara screamed again. After discussing the details of the awards which her team was working on as well as a schedule to make a dress. (Designers were already reaching out about making a dress) her castmates all called her as well. She just got a message

I'm proud of you baby- Justin

She teared up. I miss you, I love you.

She couldn't wait til the 27th

"So I hear you are a fellow SAG nominee," she looked up and saw Austin smiling at her. She nodded, "yes and congratulations to you too Mr. Presley." He laughed, he had been down since the death of Elvis' daughter, who he just attended the Golden Globes with. It was nice to see him smiling again.

Before anything else could be said they were called back to set.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So far the twelve hour difference was working out as well as one could hope.

Sara was up at 5am waiting for the game to start. She sent her usual 'good luck' message to Justin then Patrick was messaging her.

It was such a good game so far. She managed to get to halftime before she had to get to set. They were flying through the scenes and they were ahead of schedule. Of course, anything can happen, but right now it was looking good.

As Erika and Sara arrived on set she was glued to her phone. So much so that Timothee kept trying to get her attention "hey!" Sara looked up and Erika snickered. "She's absorbed in her boyfriend's football game"

Sara's eyes widened as Timothee smiled. "Get out. Sara you're seeing someone?" Before she could respond he laughed. "I knew it! Those guys' clothes in your closet when we were getting ready for Virgil's party."

"So who is he?" Timothee came around to look at the screen." Sara pulled away, looking around to see if anyone was near she whispered "He is the quarterback."

"The what?" He whispered back. She rolled her eyes. He didnt know shit about football. "Just don't say anything. Unlike a big mouth." She glared at Erika who was sheepish. "I'm sorry! I can't keep up with who knows or not."

Sara shook her head. She was getting nervous. The Jags were catching up and this Lawrence dude was better than the first half. Unfortunately, she had to put the phone down to head into hair and makeup.

Deuxmoxi instagram

Word on the Dune 2 set is that an A list actress who signed on for the sequel has a new boyfriend she is trying to keep on the DL. He is athletic.

Taylor Biscotti on twitter.

The hair is flowing between Justin and Trevor on this Saturday night game! Who you got?

Twitteruser1 @/TaylorBiscotti your guy obviously

Twitteruser2 @/taylorbiscotti wish you were there to cheer him on. —---------------------------------------------------------------

Sara was going to be sick

How the fuck did this team blow a lead, she checked the score on a break and it was down to the wire.

She held her breath while looking at the Google updates. It was 3 seconds. Do or fucking die.

The kick was good.

The Chargers were out. The Jags came back.

Sara wanted to cry. She didn't know what to do. She knew Justin was nowhere near his phone and he wouldn't be for a while.

She just kept it short

When you need me I'm here, I love you and I'm proud of you no matter what.

Warning, the drama will kick off next chapter. I don’t think you guys are going to like me much once the next chapter drops. 

#Justin Herbert #NFL #Justin Herbert imagine #NFL imagine #Alexa writes collide

[wonderfulworldofmichaelford]

Is It Really That Bad?

I don’t think anyone would call 2006’s Silent Hill the greatest horror film ever, but it’s hard to deny that it is one of the better early attempts at a video game adaptation. The film has some really baffling changes to the plot, sure, but it’s honestly pretty faithful in regards to the visuals and the atmosphere. Sure, some of the symbolism is thrown in to look cool—what the fuck is Pyramid Head doing here, for one—but it’s readily apparent that this film was made by someone who gets the games, who understands the appeal. The result is a film that, again, isn’t beloved like some video game adaptations but most definitely commands a lot of respect and has a respectable fanbase in and of itself.

The same cannot be said for the 2012 sequel, Silent Hill: Revelation.

This movie killed the career of director MJ Bassett, relegating her to television work since then with her only upcoming project the eternally-stuck-in-development-hell reboot of Red Sonja. It also killed any momentum the franchise had, with it taking 11 years for another film to begin development, and who knows if Return to Silent Hill will even come out (I’d love for it to, especially if it really is adapting the second game).

On top of all that, fans weren’t exactly receptive to it. In fact, they were so unperceptive that this film barely registers in discussions of bad movies at all; if I wasn’t a big Silent Hill fan I probably wouldn’t remember it even exists. But maybe people were too harsh on this film; maybe it’s yet another hidden gem among video game movies. Something you may not know about me is I am a huge video game movie apologist; aside from enjoying the obvious stuff like the recent Sonic and Mario movies, I also enjoy the 90s Mario movie, Street Fighter, both takes on Mortal Kombat… Sure, I’ve seen some garbage like Max Payne and Doom, but the reputation of video game movies as unwatchable garbage is greatly exaggerated in my opinion.

So with all that said, I promised to take you to that town I see in my restless dreams and figure out if Revelation is really that bad, or if the hole of negative reception for this movie is gone now.

THE GOOD

Well, the practical effects are all still pretty good, with some really creative monsters. And there are a few scenes here and there with cool and creative imagery. 

What else... oh! Adelaide Clemens is actually genuinely good as Heather. I mean, the writing for her is as bad as the writing for everyone else, but by god is Clemens really giving it her all. She manages to outshine veteran actors like Malcolm McDowell, Sean Bean, and Carrie-Anne Moss. So props to her!

The soundtrack is pretty decent… No complaints there. Fuck guys, I’m really trying... Hm... Oh yeah! Pyramid Head is here for some fucking reason! It makes no goddamn sense, but I’m ultimately a simple man. I see Pyramid Head, I am happy.

Yeah okay I’m done trying to be nice.

THE BAD

This film is just ass from start to finish.

Here’s something a lot of people don’t understand when it comes to adaptations: Sometimes it’s best not to be completely accurate to what you’re adapting. The first film has the respect it does because it’s a loose adaptation that tells a familiar story with unique elements to it while keeping the core elements that make the series so beloved—the emotional moments, the horror, the atmosphere, the visuals. This film, on the other hand, swings into being way too faithful and trying to shoehorn the plot of Silent Hill 3 into the continuity of the films, which does nothing but rip a dozen plot holes open and comes off as desperate course correction that wasn’t needed at all. I’ll give it this—the movie is putting in a lot of effort to keeping this movement towards accuracy to the games from feeling too contrived.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to appreciate the efforts the film is going to due to how legitimately bad everything is. The acting is undeniably worse all across the board, even from legendary actors like Malcolm McDowell; the script is amateurish and ludicrous, with stupid twists and unbearably bland or bad dialogue in nearly every scene; and the CGI is just not up to the standard the first film set. In a way, this film is the original The Rise of Skywalker in how it dumped everything from the contentious film before it and tried way too hard to course correct to disastrous results, all while the previous film began to get a second look due to the catastrophic failure of the newer one.

The director said she wanted to deliver a continuation of the first film first, and an adaptation of the third game second, but with all the clunky retcons in a desperate attempt to emulate the game we’re left with a poorly-paced mess of a movie that is cramming way too much into a 90 minute runtime. The film is just a fifty car pileup of bad ideas, and genuinely there’s not much else to say. Revelation is so bereft of anything resembling good ideas that there is so little I could say that was positive and everything bad about it is so broad that it’s just not enjoyable to talk about, since what’s the point of singling out a bad element when all the other elements around it suck ass too?

IS IT REALLY THAT BAD?

This is genuinely, truly a bad movie, but honestly? It wasn’t a painful experience.

Like this movie pretty obviously sucks. It’s an abject failure at portraying the story of the game it is ostensibly adapting to the silver screen, it has terrible dialogue, it wastes its actors, and it seems more focused on gory visuals and cheap jumpscares than actually trying to be atmospheric or engaging. I don’t know if you noticed, but there wasn’t a lot for me to talk about here, and that’s because this film is so dull and unoriginal that there’s really not much to say. I hate that I couldn’t really dive deeper into how much it sucks, but it just sucks in the most tepid, uninspired ways, ways that don’t invoke much besides an annoyed eyeroll from me. It is genuinely like if Michael Bay tried to make a horror film.

Ultimately, though, that’s the very thing that “saves” this; it is just so dumb that I can easily see how someone could mine entertainment from this in a “so bad it’s good” way. Sure, I didn’t like this film and was bored watching it, but I didn’t feel vitriolic hate for it or anything. I just thought it was a subpar horror film that can’t live up to the games or the previous movie, which is a tall order to begin with. And really, is being a subpar horror film that much of a crime? I’d say it’s better than being as dogshit as Slender Man, Smiley, The Bye Bye Man, or any of the other genuinely abysmal horror films I’ve had to sit through. Horror is a genre of extremes, where typically you’ll either see one of the best and scariest films of your life or the most tedious waste of time imaginable that will have you calling for the director’s head. To find a horror film that’s just perfectly and stupidly mediocre is genuinely impressive. I’m gonna say that 4.9 score is entirely completely fair; the movie is just below average, and while it’s certainly shitty there’s no denying that it has some value as mindless entertainment.

Again, this is a bad film. I am not in any way recommending watching this, especially when you could watch the first film (or better yet just play the games). But when you consider some of the crap I’ve had to sit through for this show, I’ll take a bad movie that only gets me mildly annoyed over a bad movie that makes me legitimately angry or offended like Land of the Lost. And as piss-poor as this film is, it’s still a better adaptation than Ratchet & Clank was!

#Is it really that bad #IIRTB #review #movie review #Silent Hill: Revelation #Silent Hill #horror #horror movie #video game movie

[sambinnie]

1. Solstice again. Creeping from the still house into cool air, then a run to smooth waters where even the dogs and their walkers haven’t yet rambled. We swim in almost-silence for a while, like steady kayaks, with a chiffchaff serenading us and the last of the willow fluff dusting the surface of the water, fish occasionally glopping upwards to grab a passing insect.

Home to pick a posy for the table. I must not fall asleep as soon as I sit down. I fall asleep instantly.

2. This spring has been wonderful. Besides the puffs from the willows along the river, the chestnut trees drip sap onto the pavements so our shoes click with every pace, and the ducklings, goslings and cygnets gather around their beady-eyed parents. Dragonflies and damselflies drone over the river. Huge poppies have grown in the chaos of the garden, I assume where I threw the seeds from pavement poppies last summer, and bees roll around among the stamens like playing puppies. I drive past the supermarket and see several people tending to a horse in the neighbouring scrubland.  

3. Have you finished Succession yet? This final series has been my favourite yet, for possibly obvious reasons — my stress levels were lower than my enjoyment levels for the very first time, so I could fully savour exactly how brilliant every single aspect is. Cast, crew, production, script — everything is perfect, and yet how hard to communicate why a programme about the world’s worst people is not just watchable but probably the best TV this year. This Vanity Fair clip with the director of the scene on Connor’s wedding boat is excellent and describes so well how TV like this is a kind of alchemy.

4. A brief sojourn to a foreign city, where the cathedral left me chilled but a record store was so exactly like the ones from my teens that I welled up and had to be pulled away. How do smells cut through all barriers and transform us so completely to our previous selves? I wanted to stay for hours and flick through every single album, and end up buying four, two I’d love immediately and two I’d hate, but would stick with because albums are never cheap, and the two that were harder work would become my favourites and stick deep in my brain forever. I thought myself too cool to be a Feeder fan at the time, but watching this video now I want to weep at how normal we all looked then, how clunky and average and awkward, how anyone who grew up in the 90s would recognise those bedrooms, that wallpaper, those lampshades, and how humans are so dumb to grieve things we didn’t even want at the time. 

But sometimes, for brief moments, like when you are standing at the stove making lemon and courgette risotto and listening to Head Like a Hole at full volume, your teen self and the adult self you thought you might be meld perfectly and all is well with the world. 

5. We read this book in bookclub recently, and I was struck at how we all struggled to verbalise our feelings about it. Was it good? Bad? Confusing? Funny? Unsettling? It was all and none, the live example of imagining a colour you’d never seen before. I was reminded of these two videos the algorithms had fed me, on Outsider Music and how audiences misunderstood the film of American Psycho when it first came out. Weirdness is so challenging, so aching and unsettling and new to brains which generally thrive on conformity and predictability. In the latter video, the film’s director Mary Herron says, ‘I have to always remind myself, sometimes I don’t get it, you know, when I first see something… particularly if it’s unfamiliar, it can be quite… there’s something uncomfortable or disturbing or it seems boring or like it does’t work, and it’s also because you’re just not attuned to it yet and it’s just sometimes you take time.’ Like those albums as a teen, the best, weirdest, most brain-engaging stuff often takes much longer to chew, but it’s almost always worth it.

6. (We also watched Mustang, which I recommend to literally everyone, although it does nothing to disprove my theory that all good woman- and girl-based films are secretly also horror films. But it’s brilliant, so please watch it if you haven’t already.)

7. I intend to make this tonight for the Solstice feast’s dessert. Happy summer, pals.

[canmom]

Animation Night 109: Short Film Night!

Hey friends! It’s the time of week where we watch animation!

Tonight is something of a successor to Animation Night 9: web animators and 48: independent/web animators 2, as well as 99: Love Death and Robots.

For there has indeed been a new chapter of Blur Studio and friends’ animation festival, and I’ve been holding off watching the new entries to enjoy them with you~ There’s also been a new crop of CalArts student films, and I thought it would be fun to dig into those as well, plus show a few more gems of the web. And if that’s not enough of a runtime, I still need to show you Belle after we didn’t have time two weeks ago...

So, Love Death and Robots! Honestly, as much as I have found many entries in this series underwhelming compared to classic package films like Robot Carnival, Memories and Short Peace, and the approach to sexuality and violence frequently unimaginative despite the effort to be shocking, I am glad the series exists. There are very few ways for shortform animation to reach a wide audience, and it is good to see these studios get to make something under their own direction rather than to promote a franchise.

No Robert Valley this time, alas. Hopefully that’s a sign he’s doing some more exciting things elsewhere. We do have some enemies that suggest some fascinating imagery, like Alberto Mielgo’s film Jibaro about a deaf conquistador fighting a siren:

Mielgo directed one of the ‘artier’ entries in the first season, The Witness, in which a man pursues the witness to a murder he committed through a city streets and a sex club, trying very forcefully to explain his innocence. I’m not sure if we knew what to make of it back then; it fell rather awkwardly in the running after Blur Studio’s very goofy and heavy-handed Sonnie’s Edge and the polarising Three Robots, so ‘benefit of the doubt’ was in short supply. Nevertheless, it definitely established that Mielgo has quite the visual library and approach to expression and colour, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he does this time around.

For traditional animation fans, the main attraction this year seems to be Jennifer Yuh Nelson’s film Kill Team Kill, which seems to follow in the footsteps of Studio La Cachette’s film Sucker of Souls in season 1 in seeing (stop me if you’ve heard this one before) a bunch of soldierly types fighting a scary monster. Visually it’s going for a very 80s vibe...

For all that it’s a familiar story, it absolutely is the case that Titmouse have some seriously talented animators, so I’m sure it will have quite a lot of appeal visually. As for Nelson, she’s had quite a career; she’s probably best known for directing the Kung Fu Panda movies at Dreamworks, but the one that jumps out at me is that she was story director for Ralph Bakshi’s bizarre horny sci-fi series Spicy City. Her entry in Season 2 was a dystopian noir film leaning heavily on Blade Runner, about a world of immortals in which a cop shoots anyone found to have kids but has a last-minute change of heart upon finding a nice little family, which was... ok, I can’t really defend that premise on a thematic and metaphorical level, but a fascinating window into some sort of anxiety.

Another promising entry is the cel-shaded CG adaptation of a Swanwick story, The Very Pulse of the Machine, directed by newcomer Emily Dean with Japanese CG studio Polygon Pictures - known for their work with Mamoru Oshii on films like The Sky Crawlers (Animation Night 38) and GitS 2: Innocence (Animation Night 39). As a CG studio, they have a bit of a mixed legacy: I can’t say I love their work on Knights of Sidonia or Ronja, the Robber’s Daughter, but a lot of that might be the pressures of TV animation production so it would be good to see what they can do with more time to work on their animation. The clips of this one definitely look cool, at least!

Also returning is Jerome Chen, who in season 1 directed Sony’s very reserved mil-sf film Lucky 13, which invited you to feel sad about the tragic death of an aeroplane - something which honestly worked a lot better than you’d expect, if only because it was one of the few films that didn’t rely on squick factor to sell its beats. This time around it seems that he’s once again returning to that territory, with a bunch of space marines fighting some kind of eldritch abomination. We’ll see.

Oh and, if you’re one of the side who liked Three Robots last time (and, I’ll admit, I feel like I was too harsh on it), there’s a sequel to that! And, of course, Blur themselves have a lot of entries. In all honesty, I think it will be like the last two seasons: one or two absolutely standout entries and a lot of others that are just so-so, but that’s always the risk you run with original short films, and I’d rather try and fail than not!

For our second block, we’ll be making use of this helpful playlist of every CalArts Character Animation student film this year.

To briefly introduce for those unfamiliar, CalArts in California is one of the most prestigious three international animation schools, alongside Gobelins in France and Sheridan in Canada. All of these schools are ridiculously selective and demanding, but they are also one of the surest routes to a job in the animation industry (typically these days in work like storyboarding and character design). In the past we’ve watched a lot of Gobelins films, but this time let’s take a look at what’s going on in @mogsk​‘s neck of the woods~ <3

Like Gobelins, the students make a short film each year; unlike the Gobelins approach where the students generally divide into small teams, at CalArts the rule seems to be that each student makes their own film, typically around 1-2 minutes long, for which they do all the animation (typically not music or voice acting). So the animation may not be as ridiculously polished, but also that means more possibilities for people to try out novel things.

I haven’t yet watched more than a few of them and won’t have time before tonight, but here are a few I’ve enjoyed so far...

Operago by Rayna Buxton: two girls whose design resembles a medieval tapestry battle a gigantic opera singer. Extremely cool visual style and the action choreography is very well handled; not surprisingly this one has been blowing up on Youtube.

After the Rain by Chelsea Yijia Li; a sweet atmospheric animesque film about a migrant returning to see her friend in China. Strong voice acting and direction; I like the bilingual dialogue.

Mahou Shouject. This one’s cute. An egg (or maybe a boymoder...) sees a magic butterfly and does a magical girl transformation sequence.

The Pretty Duckling - fun little musical one, you can see the twist coming but it’s nicely executed. Also technically another entry for ‘hard vore night’.

Opera by Janelle Feng - this one fully feels like a Gobelins film, and not just because they also made one about performers preparing for a show. Anyway, the dialogue is really strong, and the character animation has a lot of subtlety; those simple eye movements do a lot to expressing the main character’s performance, and it does a great job showing the many different feelings of a group of Chinese opera performers performing for a foreign audience without really knowing on what level their performance is received.

...and with that I’ve reached the video limit for my post, RIP. But do also check out NOHARM_INTRO by Wesley Joseph for some very fun stylised dance animation - not sure if rotoscoped or just closely referenced.

That’s barely scratching the surface, and I’m looking forward to digging into the whole list. Since I would like to continue posting Youtube videos, let’s put this out now and continue in a reblog~

#animation night

[limmastyles]

What the whole Olivia thing showed me is the fact that she never liked Florence. We all know that she wanted to play Alice but the studio told her no. There’s no way that she would have given this up if the studio didn’t tell her to. She is upset that the studio wanted someone younger and more relevant and she’s had problems with Florence since day one. She was upset that Florence didn’t wanna work with Shia because of his method acting and how problematic he can be on a set but also Anyone could’ve looked him up and seen his allegations even before the FKA twigs allegations were put out. He’s had a bad past before. She was also upset that she didn’t wanna be a part of it anymore and he probably didn’t really care for the script and she was insulted so she went with the narrative of the fact that she fired him. Do you know assholes policy is something that Shonda Rhimes created. During her time on Grey’s Anatomy she had a couple of actors who extremely problematic and she started vetting people that she worked with. Actors, producers, crew, directors. No one got on her side if they weren’t someone that was good to work with or If they had any type of problematic tendencies or allegations against them. This was something that Shonda Rhimes created. Olivia took that and went with it because it was the narrative that was going to make her look better. The stunt/ relationship (whatever you want to believe) in my opinion is something that a lot of the crew probably didn’t know about and it made Florence uncomfortable because It caused a lot of tension and issues on sad but not only that Olivia was still engaged to Jason at the time and Jason is friends with Zach and Zach is Florence is ex-boyfriend. It just put the entire crew and cast and everybody that worked on that movie in a very uncomfortable spot. I do believe there were times that other people had to take over for Olivia and I feel like she didn’t do her job properly and that’s also where another bit of Florences annoyance comes from. So from the gecko she did not treat for and the way that she deserve to be treated and had an harbour resentment towards her because of the fact that she got the lead role. after the movie wrapped Florence started To distance herself from the film and it wasn’t something that people picked up on until just a couple months ago. If you follow Florence or are a fan of hers you know that she is really into promotions always promote the projects that she’s a part of because she genuinely likes them and cares if they do well. She’s very specific with the projects that she picks and wants them to do well and wants everyone to do well. So the fact that she wasn’t posting about don’t worry darling or interacting with Olivia or Harry with something that was a tell sign in my opinion. And in Olivia’s variety interview not only did Florence decline to comment or give an interview Olivia went on and try to paint the picture as if her and Florence were cool and how she saved the day and was the hero by getting rid of Shia and in my opinion she just should’ve just shut up about that and not said anything because I came in with receipts and proof that not only did Olivia not fire him, she begged him to stay but also through Florence under the bus and did not care that her main actress was uncomfortable working with someone like him. The fact that she wasn’t at the concert yesterday says a lot and we know that she’s in hiding because now the Internet has turned on her. There is actual proof that she begged Shia on multiple occasions to stay a part of the film. The fact that she was OK with casting him in the first place but also not caring that her main actress was uncomfortable working with him and Completely contradicted herself and what she said in her variety interview. Now what happens after this we will see but I know Venice from festival is going to be hilarious and I can’t wait to see it everything that goes on. Not only is her reputation in shambles right now, I doubt there’s gonna be a lot of studios would work with her.

#fauxlivia

[jimsmovieworld]

SCREAM 3- 2000 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The most divisive film in the scream franchise. Sydney is now in hiding under a new identity in the middle of nowhere. A new ghostface starts killing people associated with the new movie "Stab 3" in order to draw her out. This starts with Cotton Weary...

As far as openings go this certainly isnt the best one but it is very fun. Love Cotton now being the host of his own talk show "100% cotton".

Its at the start of the film we are introduced to one of the main points people dislike.

Ghostface now has a voice changer than can perfectly imitate anyones voice and not just the classic ghostface voice weve heard.

Now this technology doesnt exist in real life so is a bit silly and im glad they never kept this in the long run, but just for this movie its a bit different and doesnt really bother me.

Sydney isnt in Scream 3 nearly as much as the previous movies as only had limited time on set due to working on other projects like the awful movie "Drowning Mona".

I really enjoy the Hollywood setting for Scream 3 as its different than anything weve had before. Also get a bit of Woodsboro through the sets that were built for Stab 3.

I really like all the added backstory for Maureen Prescott. Its very sad but it explains what happened to her and why she ended up how she did. However, Maureen appearing to Sydney is another very controversial point as leans into it being supernatural when Scream is a slasher franchise very firmly rooted in reality.

Again, so glad this is done for this movie only but its never bothered me that much. The scene above used to really scare me. And could possibly be explained by her dreaming or something....

Scream 3 has a few cameos, Jay and Silent Bob appear at Sunrise Studios as does Carrie Fisher. The best is Jamie Kennedy who reprises his role as Randy via a tape he made prior to his death incase he didnt survive. He clarifies the rules for a trilogy and makes us chuckle a few times.

This is also where we are introduced to his sister Martha (Heather Mattarazzo) who is very sweet.

As for the killer. Roman Bridger. Director.

First time only one ghostface which i liked. I think he sold his backstory and motive really well and was very believable as a psycho.

Although many fans dont like him being Sydneys half brother but i think it works. And i love when she takes his hand as he bleeds out.

Lots of peoples main issue with Scream 3 is it focusing too much on comedy at points, have seen many fans say it isnt funny.

I completely disagree.

"You think this wasnt a message?"

This was my first time ever watching Scream 3 in a cinema where as id got to see the others a few times each. Was in 35mm which was cool.

While i love Scream 3, i will acknowledge theres points of it that make little sense, or dont really fit with what youd usually expect from a Scream film. This can mostly be attributed to this not being written by Kevin Williamson who was already commited to many other projects.

Scream 3 was written by Ehren Krueger who ignored Williamsons story outline and did his own thing, sometimes only completing scenes just before they were shot.

Wes Craven was unhappy with the quality of the script and did his own rewrite.

Enjoyed Patrick Dempsey as Detective Mark Kincaid. In the most recent Scream when Dewey is on the phone to Sidney he asks "hows mark?" Implying Sydney and him are together now.

Now lets talk about Parker Posey Palooza....

This would have been the first time i ever saw her in a movie and always loved her in this.

Parker plays Jennifer Jolie, a high maintenance actress cast as Gale Weathers in Stab 3.

She' s so funny in this i cant describe it. She starts with being at odds with Gale which is brilliant. But then when she teams up with her its even better. She thinks that will keep her alive as the killer would rather kill the real Gale than her, but even while theyre working the case she cant help but mimic her movements and act like she does. Many great lines in the movie.

"My. Lawyer. Liked. That."

"Youre obsessed with her and you're obsessed with her daughter!"

Parker is fantastic in this from start to finish and i think its one of her best roles. Shes sassy, silly and very sexy.

Looking good Parker!

One of my favourite movies.

#scream #scream 3 #scream movie #ghostface #movie #film #horror #2000s horror #sequel #movie review #horror review #woodsboro #parker posey #sydney prescott #neve campbell #wes craven #kevin williamson

[penny-nichols]

Ok. Penny headcanons post here we go

-disaster bi

-half Japanese half Ashkenazi Jewish

-let cody into the studio actually. Intentionally leaves the vent uncovered because just like Maya, she feels bad for them. Literally only covered it up when she was told to and even then did a shitty job at it

-Adrian Andrews's cousin

-Adrian put in a good word for her at Global and that's what helped her land the job.

-Part Time (at least before AAI2, maybe after as well) going to college for film

-wants to be a director but would probably literally be fine doing anything except acting

-Stage Fright and Camera Shy

-Definitely has a crush on Maya

-Maybe has a crush on Matt (pre reveal, anyway). Literally she's just like "but he seems like such a nice guy!" While Adrian and Cody are just telling her that this man is Red Flag Central

-big of heart, dumb of ass

-Was kinda nervous around Will before 1-3 not in a like "he's scary" way but in a "he's cool and I look up to him" way. Literally after 1-3 realizes that he's Just Some Guy. Will absolutely talk about him casually forgetting that he's famous.

-probably goes on friend dates with Will and people are like "awww are you two dating?" And they just look at each other. And then say no. Because they're not

-literally though her and Will are besties. Would literally have a teen slumber party if they could

-was the person who had to explain to Cody's mom that he kinda sorta saw a murder.

-"hey I heard you like bad girls, because Im bad... At everything" *tries to do a cool lean but misjudges where what she's trying to lean on is and just collapses*

-strong but built like a twig.

-Will literally just wipe her glasses on her sweater if she needs to clean them

-cosplayer

-was the steel samurai for every year for Halloween once it came out. Would've been the Copper Samurai (one of the brothers from the Nickel Samurai) Halloween 2018 and was already starting to plan her costume out before 2-4 happened at which point the Nickel Samurai was soured

-Pretty ok at sewing and crafting in general, and can get pretty creative with things sometimes. Hot glue is her best friend

-Will talk about studio drama but also doesn't like saying mean things unless the person is like. SERIOUSLY bad. So the studio gossip is just funny stories that happened on set. Like "WP accidentally got the Steel Samurai costume stuck on. It took us a solid 20 minutes to get him out without destroying it"

-that being said she WILL shittalk Matt, Dee, Jack, and eventually Sal

-initially she's really inspired by sal and a big fan but as she becomes less starstruck and a bit more critical of the media she consumes she's just like "oh wow he is uh... Really leaning heavily into the misogyny here huh. Okay then."

-Sal is just some guy (derogatory) now and if she wasn't so polite she would try to explain why some of what he's doing is maybe not the best. She wouldn't even explain it impolitely she just cannot talk to people especially those in positions of authority over her

-Has anxiety (runs in her family, Adrian also has it) but WILL go "Excuse me! He asked for no pickle!" If something happens to WP. If something happens to her she's just sitting there like "if I tell anyone about this I will explode"

-her and Blackquill are besties actually. Went to the same high school and they are Absolute Nerds. Probably both quiet kids so they sat in the back of the class together. Solidarity

-they still kept in touch after HS but didn't really see each other. When she found out about his conviction she just felt... Not exactly betrayed but disappointed that there was yet another person she thought was a cool chill dude who committed murder

-she starts working on the Steel Samurai and is SO struggling not to spill the entire plot to Simon because she KNOWS he'd love it she fucking KNOWS

-anyway after DD Penny FINALLY gets to see him again (she does NOT pay attention to the news though someone had to tell her "hey did you know there's a prosecutor called the twisted samurai") and she just runs up to him and hugs him. He's like a full foot taller than her.

-also she's a great hugger. Not making this up Capcom told me

-Anyway they get boba and talk like once a month it's nice they're chillin

-WILL ramble and go off on tangents if you let her. The only reason half of Turnabout Samurai ISN'T a Penny Monologue is because she's just internally like "must not bring up my blorbos this is a murder investigation"

-Clumsy as hell. If Adrian hadn't been the one to break Ami's urn, she would've.

-could probably eat eldoons without flinching honestly. Basically lived off packaged ramen in high school and now doesn't CARE about the salt as long as it's real ramen

-will casually name drop celebrities but she's not even trying to brag or anything she just forgets that other people know them.

-"yeah I was talking with John the other day and he said-" "who the fuck is John?" "The kid at work. Not Cody, the other one." "...Marsh?????" "Yeah, so you do know him!"

-literally idk who she'd be talking to in that scenario though. Her friends are like. Work friends, Simon, and Maya

-although literally most of the prosecutors office is like. Neutral airing on the side of positive to straight up positive about her (at least those who remain prosecutors). Paynes Don't care. Simon is her bestie actually. Klavier definitely did SOMETHING at Global during 7yg and she wasn't like... Weird about him being famous? (Although he probably barely remembers her), Sebastian is just like "oh yeah, that lady John works with. I remember everything about her" (<lies. He does feel like she's a good person though because John isn't like. Actively bitching about her which he will do about people he hates. #courtneysibs). Edgeworth is in a Steel Samurai forum with her. She has no idea who he is but he definitely remembers her and is just like "Steel Samurai... Good". Basically the only current Prosecutor who DOESN'T like her already is Nahyuta and that's because they got into an argument on the Steel Samurai forum about the Plumed Punisher.

- will be a 30 year old involved in shipping discourse but she's NOT on the bad side unlike so many 30 year old shipping discoursers. She's just like "fiction can affect reality. Die mad about it"

-I wanna hope that eventually she does get to direct. I want the ultimate steel samurai fan to run the series she deserves it

-also trying to get into shipping discourse with her would be extra funny if she ran the series.

-you think she's some rando who occasionally posts Steel Samurai news and art but she tells you "I did NOT introduce a fifteen year old for you to ship him with a whole ass grown man". You just got called out by the current showrunner of the steel samurai. #ratio

-sorry for slipping into second person now anyways Im gonna post

[j2memories]

The TV Addict article (April 10th 2007)

On the Set with SUPERNATURAL Stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles

APRIL 10, 2007 BY THETVADDICT

When you’re walking onto the set of the CW’s spookfest SUPERNATURAL, you can’t help but have the Boy Scout motto – Be prepared! – ringing in your ears. Yet, as I slipped into my role as a seasoned television reporter and stepped onto the soundstage to watch the filming of an actual scene between stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, I’d have to admit that my “play it cool” veneer probably did a pretty poor job of hiding the excitement radiating from just about every pore of my being.

There they sat at an ordinary kitchen table, Sam and Dean (Padalecki and Ackles, respectively) discussing recent events. While I’m not at liberty to reveal the topic of their conversation, suffice it to say that tempers were flaring. As voices raised, so to did emotions. Dean was, of course, in protective mode, while Sam did what he does best: bristled.

And then things took a most unexpected turn.

Sam and Dean gazed lovingly – dare I say longingly? – into one anothers eyes. Standing, Dean moved closer to Sam, raising his arm and reaching out as if to touch him softly, when suddenly…

“Cut!” yelled the director. “Okay, boys, now let’s do it seriously this time,” he said, no doubt relegating any footage which might bring to life some of the more lurid fan fiction lurking on the internet to the cutting room floor. (Or, perhaps, if we’re lucky, a future DVD blooper reel!) The talented thespians had, in fact, been ad-libbing a scene while the behind-the-scenes crew worked out the all-important details involving camera angles, lighting and sound. And given the emotionally-charged nature of the two-part season finale, bringing a little laughter to the set is definitely a good thing.

“I had some pretty heavy stuff last night,” admits Ackles between takes. Probably the most emotional stuff that’s been jam-packed into one scene. I was pretty done by the end of the day.” And what of his on-screen brother? “Jared had it easy, just lying there with his eyes closed. Jerk!”

Obviously, the lighthearted banter and genuine affection that bonds the Winchester brothers also exists between their portrayers. As the actors exchange compliments, it quickly becomes clear that the young men – both of whom grew up in Texas – have formed a mutual admiration society forged on the set but cemented in genuine affection.

Given how frequently one hears about backstage discord (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, anyone?) and co-stars who aren’t likely to pal around after hours (see: GREY’S ANATOMY), the fact that Ackles and Padalecki actually enjoy working together is a major plus… especially since they spend about 10 months of the year putting in 16 hour days on a surprisingly small soundstage.

“We definitely know how fortunate it is — the chance to work with someone who you get along with,” admits SMALLVILLE grad Ackles. “We’ve both been on shows and on projects where not everyone gets along, where somebody’s got a temper or an ego, but we’ve been very lucky and appreciative of the fact that we get along very well on and off set.”

Former GILMORE GIRLS guy Padalecki concurs. “We both – I mean, I say this all the time – we have similar interests and similar hobbies and similar manners. I’ve definitely worked with my share of people who – and I know Jensen has as well – but it’s all about drama. Like, if there’s not some sort of conflict going on in their lives or on set, then they’re just not happy.”

Okay, I’ll admit that I was dying to know which of their former co-stars were being dissed, but being the professional that I am – and with all of you SUPERNATURAL fans in mind, I focused on what was of utmost important: Spoilers! (If you don’t want to know what’s going to happen in the weeks to come, skip the following paragraph. Consider yourself warned!)

“This is the big show,” revealed Ackles of the much-anticipated season finale. “This is what we’ve been building toward for two seasons. All the problems that set the entire show in motion are culminating in this one episode.” Ackles says that grateful fans have one person to thank for not only the episode, but the overall direction of the show: creator Eric Kripke. “He doesn’t like to keep those long, drawn-out storylines with loose ends. He likes to tie things up and create new problems, which I really like. There are a lot of shows out there that kind of continually roll on, never solving problems.” But that’s not the case with SUPERNATURAL, as will be proven in the finale. “In this episode, we’re going to deal with the demon that took the Winchester brothers’ mom; We’re going to deal with their dad’s death; we’re going to deal with making deals with the devil.” But wait, there’s more! “We’re going to deal with Bobby, Ellen, Jo and the people in the roadhouse. We’re going to deal with the occult and devil’s traps and all of the stuff that’s been playing out over the season. It’s all coming together in this episode.” As if realizing that the episode is beginning to sound more “final” than “season finale,” Ackles quickly sets us straight. “That’s not to say everything is wrapped up, because in wrapping up that storyline, so much else is created which is really cool. It’s definitely going to give us somewhere to go for season three and however long we go!” 

Link to the article

[letterboxd]

In Focus: The Mummy

Dominic Corry responds on behalf of Letterboxd to an impassioned plea to bump up the average rating of the 1999 version of The Mummy—and asks: where is the next great action adventure coming from?

We recently received the following email regarding the Stephen Sommers blockbuster The Mummy:

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to you on behalf of the nation, if not the entire globe, who frankly deserve better than this after months of suffering with the Covid pandemic.

I was recently made aware that the rating of The Mummy on your platform only stands at 3.3 stars out of five. … This, as I’m sure you’re aware, is simply unacceptable. The Mummy is, as a statement of fact, the greatest film ever made. It is simply fallacious that anyone should claim otherwise, or that the rating should fail to reflect this. This oversight cannot be allowed to stand.

I have my suspicions that this rating has been falsely allocated due to people with personal axes to grind against The Mummy, most likely other directors who are simply jealous that their own artistic oeuvres will never attain the zenith of perfection, nor indeed come close to approaching the quality or the cultural influence of The Mummy. There is, quite frankly, no other explanation. The Mummy is, objectively speaking, a five-star film (… I would argue that it in fact transcends the rating sytem used by us mere mortals). It would only be proper, as a matter of urgency, to remove all fake ratings (i.e. any ratings [below] five stars) and allow The Mummy’s rating to stand, as it should, at five stars, or perhaps to replace the rating altogether with a simple banner which reads “the greatest film of all time, objectively speaking”. I look forward to this grievous error being remedied.

Best, Anwen

Which of course: no, we would never do that. But the vigor Anwen expresses in her letter impressed us (we checked: she’s real, though is mostly a Letterboxd lurker due to a busy day-job in television production, “so finding time to watch anything that isn’t The Mummy is, frankly, impossible… not that there’s ever any need to watch anything else, of course.”).

So Letterboxd put me, Stephen Sommers fan, on the job of paying homage to the last great old-school action-adventure blockbuster, a film that straddles the end of one cinematic era and the beginning of the next one. And also to ask: where’s the next great action adventure coming from?

Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz and John Hannah in ‘The Mummy’ (1999).

When you delve into the Letterboxd reviews of The Mummy, it quickly becomes clear how widely beloved the film is, 3.3 average notwithstanding. Of more concern to the less youthful among us is how quaintly it is perceived, as if it harkens back to the dawn of cinema or something. “God, I miss good old-fashioned adventure movies,” bemoans Holly-Beth. “I have so many fond memories of watching this on TV with my family countless times growing up,” recalls Jess. “A childhood classic,” notes Simon.

As alarming as it is to see such wistful nostalgia for what was a cutting-edge, special-effects-laden contemporary popcorn hit, it has been twenty-one years since the film was released, so anyone currently in their early 30s would’ve encountered the film at just the right age for it to imprint deeply in their hearts. This has helped make it a Raiders of the Lost Ark for a specific Letterboxd demographic.

Sommers took plenty of inspiration from the Indiana Jones series for his take on The Mummy (the original 1932 film, also with a 3.3 average, is famously sedate), but for ten-year-olds in 1999, it may have been their only exposure to such pulpy derring-do. And when you consider that popcorn cinema would soon be taken over by interconnected on-screen universes populated by spandex-clad superheroes, the idea that The Mummy is an old-fashioned movie is easier to comprehend.

However, for all its throwbackiness, beholding The Mummy from the perspective of 2020 reveals it to have more to say about the future of cinema than the past. 1999 was a big year for movies, often considered one of the all-time best, but the legacy of The Mummy ties it most directly to two of that year’s other biggest hits: Star Wars: Episode One—The Phantom Menace and The Matrix. These three blockbusters represented a turning point for the biggest technological advancement to hit the cinematic art-form since the introduction of sound: computer-generated imagery, aka CGI. The technique had been widely used from 1989’s The Abyss onwards, and took significant leaps forward with movies such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Jurassic Park (1993) and Starship Troopers (1997), but the three 1999 films mentioned above signified a move into the era when blockbusters began to be defined by their CGI.

A year before The Mummy, Sommers had creatively utilised CGI in his criminally underrated sci-fi action thriller Deep Rising (another film that deserves a higher average Letterboxd rating, just sayin’), and he took this approach to the next level with The Mummy. While some of the CGI in The Mummy doesn’t hold up as well as the technopunk visuals presented in The Matrix, The Mummy showed how effective the technique could be in an historical setting—the expansiveness of ancient Egypt depicted in the movie is magnificent, and the iconic rendering of Imhotep’s face in the sand storm proved to be an enduringly creepy image. Not to mention those scuttling scarab beetles.

George Lucas wanted to test the boundaries of the technique with his insanely anticipated new Star Wars film after dipping his toe in the digital water with the special editions of the original trilogy. Beyond set expansions and environments, a bunch of big creatures and cool spaceships, his biggest gambit was Jar Jar Binks, a major character rendered entirely through CGI. And we all know how that turned out.

A CGI-enhanced Arnold Vosloo as Imhotep.

Sommers arguably presented a much more effective CGI character in the slowly regenerating resurrected Imhotep. Jar Jar’s design was “bigger” than the actor playing him on set, Ahmed Best. Which is to say, Jar Jar took up more space on screen than Best. But with the zombie-ish Imhotep, Sommers (ably assisted by Industrial Light & Magic, who also worked on the Star Wars films) used CGI to create negative space, an effect impossible to achieve with practical make-up—large parts of the character were missing. It was an indelible visual concept that has been recreated many times since, but Sommers pioneered its usage here, and it contributed greatly to the popcorn horror threat posed by the character.

Sommers, generally an unfairly overlooked master of fun popcorn spectacle (G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra is good, guys), deserves more credit for how he creatively utilized CGI to elevate the storytelling in The Mummy. But CGI isn’t the main reason the film works—it’s a spry, light-on-its-feet adventure that presents an iconic horror property in an entertaining and adventurous new light. And it happens to feature a ridiculously attractive cast all captured just as their pulchritudinous powers were peaking.

Meme-worthy: “My sexual orientation is the cast of ‘The Mummy’ (1999).”

A rising star at the time, Brendan Fraser was mostly known for comedic performances, and although he’d proven himself very capable with his shirt off in George of the Jungle (1997), he wasn’t necessarily at the top of anyone’s list for action-hero roles. But he is superlatively charming as dashing American adventurer Rick O’Connell. His fizzy chemistry with Weisz, playing the brilliant-but-clumsy Egyptologist Evie Carnahan, makes the film a legitimate romantic caper. The role proved to be a breakout for Weisz, then perhaps best known for playing opposite Keanu Reeves in the trouble-plagued action flop Chain Reaction, or for her supporting role in the Liv Tyler vehicle Stealing Beauty.

“90s Brendan Fraser is what Chris Pratt wishes he was,” argues Holly-Beth. “Please come back to us, Brendaddy. We need you.” begs Joshhh. “I’d like to thank Rachel Weisz for playing an integral role in my sexual awakening,” offers Sree.

Then there’s Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bey, a member of the Medjai, a sect dedicated to preventing Imhotep’s tomb from being discovered, and Patricia Velásquez as Anck-su-namun, Imhotep’s cursed lover. Both stupidly good-looking. Heck, Imhotep himself (South African Arnold Vosloo, coming across as Billy Zane’s more rugged brother), is one of the hottest horror villains in the history of cinema.

“Remember when studio movies were sexy?” laments Colin McLaughlin. We do Colin, we do.

Sommers directed a somewhat bloated sequel, The Mummy Returns, in 2001, which featured the cinematic debut of one Dwayne Johnson. His character got a spin-off movie the following year (The Scorpion King), which generated a bunch of DTV sequels of its own, and is now the subject of a Johnson-produced reboot. Brendan Fraser came back for a third film in 2008, the Rob Cohen-directed The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Weisz declined to participate, and was replaced by Maria Bello.

Despite all the follow-ups, and the enduring love for the first Sommers film, there has been a sadly significant dearth of movies along these lines in the two decades since it was released. The less said about 2017 reboot The Mummy (which was supposed to kick-off a new Universal Monster shared cinematic universe, and took a contemporary, action-heavy approach to the property), the better.

The Rock in ‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001).

For a long time, adventure films were Hollywood’s bread and butter, but they’re surprisingly thin on the ground these days. So it makes a certain amount of sense that nostalgia for the 1999 The Mummy continues to grow. You could argue that many of the superhero films that dominate multiplexes count as adventure movies, but nobody really sees them that way—they are their own genre.

There are, however, a couple of films on the horizon that could help bring back old-school cinematic adventure. One is the long-planned—and finally actually shot—adaptation of the Uncharted video-game franchise, starring Tom Holland. The games borrow a lot from the Indiana Jones films, and it’ll be interesting to see how much that manifests in the adaptation.

Then there’s Letterboxd favorite David Lowery’s forever-upcoming medieval adventure drama The Green Knight, starring Dev Patel and Alicia Vikander (who herself recently rebooted another video-game icon, Lara Croft). Plus they are still threatening to make another Indiana Jones movie, even if it no longer looks like Steven Spielberg will direct it.

While these are all exciting projects—and notwithstanding the current crisis in the multiplexes—it can’t help but feel like we may never again get a movie quite like The Mummy, with its unlikely combination of eye-popping CGI, old-fashioned adventure tropes and a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble of overflowing hotness. Long may love for it reign on Letterboxd—let’s see if we can’t get that average rating up, the old fashioned way. For Anwen.

Related content

How I Letterboxd with The Mummy fan Eve (“The first film I went out and bought memorabilia for… it was a Mummy action figure that included canopic jars”)

The Mummy (Universal) Collection

Every film featuring the Mummy (not mummies in general)

Follow Dom on Letterboxd

#the mummy #brendan fraser #stephen sommers #action adventure #fantasy adventure #action adventure film #the green knight #david lowery #dominic corry #letterboxd

[imthepunchlord]

What would change if Chloe was the transfer student instead of Alya, while she and Marinette are a part of the established students in Origins?

Oh man, this is a thought that occurred to me, a what if Audrey did take Chloe with her back then, was her only parental figure in life hence forth, and doesn't return until Style Queen.

Which I guess is what we'll do here, unless we want to roll with that Andre went with her and he pursued his passion as director instead of politics. And they return sooner for Origins.

But for sure, class wise with no Chloe there at all, here are the changes I've thought of:

- Marinette is more confident and thriving, and she's the more residential popular girl, the one everyone knows is going to be a solid leader and you can go to her for anything and she'll help you out no matter what. She's known to be reliable and very loved. Best friend wise I don't know yet but I don't think it'd be Alya, what sparked it off was Marinette needing help against a bully that had Alya stepping in; but that's not happening here. They'll be on good terms, but not best friends.

- Alya's best friend is actually Sabrina. No Chloe, Sabrina is able to thrive and come into her own. And with it, a passion for justice and all fairness, and the best symbol of is Majestia! She and Alya are best friends through a mutual love of Majestia and the ideal heroes fighting for the greater good! Sabrina still likes to be a follower and that's what has her clicking with Alya, not just a shared interest and love, but the factor that Alya likes to take charge in her relationships and to be the one to call the shots.

- Mylene and Nino are actually best friends. No Chloe, no Mylene feeling a need to sit by Alix to discourage Chloe from targeting her. And with a shared interest in film, Mylene and Nino connect really well, with him being director and her his main lead actress. They're also a big help to each other. Nino helps Mylene calm down when she starts panicking and she was able to help him through mourning when he lost his brother.

- No need to sit by Mylene to ward Chloe off, Alix goes to sit by her buddy Nathaniel.

- Ivan isn't so feared by the class as Marinette went out of her way to make sure he was more included and the class got to see that he's a big softie. Because of this, Myvan happens sooner as Mylene isn't scared of Ivan and approached him when she noticed he was being weird around her and wanted to check on him.

- Everyone else is pretty much the same, Juleka may be better about being heard but still on the quiet side. Ultimately though, no Chloe, the class is more relaxed and thriving.

- With Adrien, with no Chloe to see all that often and she wasn't always available to talk as she's off in NYC, he's even more lonely so when he goes to school, he desperate to latch onto the first person he can connect with. He also heard from Chloe that she's coming back to Paris and they'll be attending the same school so is doubly excited. Potentially he sits with Chloe, or with someone else that he connects with first. Most likely, it will be Marinette he connects with first as she's very friendly and personable and would be the first to welcome him. It could go either way if Adrien sits with Marinette or Chloe. Depends if you want more Chloe-Adrien issues addressed or more wholesome Marinette-Adrien friendship that may be strained a little depending on Chloe.

Now with Chloe, there are two options. Either Audrey solely raised her alone or Andre was also there. If the latter, Chloe is essentially the same as canon as Andre is there to spoil her and make up for Audrey's harsher parenting (and like canon, she just gets to a point to give up and pursue her work, potential set up of a divorce and remarries Mr Lee).

Andre Chloe:

Is coming in ready to dominate, but she has no political power behind her as her dad isn't the mayor but a director.

She's immediately met with a lot of resistance as it's her vs the whole class that have no established unease with her.

Adrien is swift to distance himself from her as the friend he was looking forward to reconnecting with is being unreasonably mean and everyone is clearly against her and he's the new student that doesn't want to be the odd one out. He's even more certain as Chloe likes to climb all over him and he doesn't like it at all.

So she's the bully who doesn't have a lot of grounds for being a bully and is going to be forced down a road of redemption as the class isn't going to have a lot of patience for her.

Could potentially tease Chlonino or Zonino, as Nino is a fan of Andre's films, but his fav director's daughter is just impossible OR his stepdaughter is actually pretty cool and they hit it off well.

Audrey Chloe, raised with no Andre in her life post Audrey leaving, but he is still mayor:

While still quite mean, she's actually quite diligent and effective, she actually does her own work and aims high in life, ready to succeed. Biggest difference is that she doesn't go out of her way to be mean for her own amusement. You have to irritate or catch her attention first.

The class still warily regards her, but it's not because she's a bully, but just ruthlessly honest. Alix kinda loves it as now she's not the only one and the two like to verbally go at just for fun.

Adrien and Chloe are equally excited to see each other and can both relate to being so busy and both wishing to have people they can connect with. Audrey and Gabriel are both interested in swaying the two to get together and neither are exactly opposed to the idea. There are some definite strains though as Adrien's more goofy than Chloe would like, and he's not so good at owning up to his actions.

Chloe actually has a lot of admiration and respect for Marinette, and deems her a fitting rival in the fashion industry. Only thing that's unimpressive is that Marinette is such a giver and let's people walk all over her. Chloe can see Marinette's potential, but can also see how she's not going to get far with that.

Things are strained with her father as he wants to give her gifts to help reconnect, and while she adores getting gifts, it also rubs her wrong a little as it feels like he's trying to buy her love. Things aren't perfect with her mom, but Audrey feels like she knows she's worth Chloe's time. With this gifting, Chloe feels like her dad is setting himself up as beneath her and that doesn't make her so interested in him.

With Fu and who has what miraculous wise, ultimately, it comes down if anyone wants this change up to effect where Fu does his two tests.

But for sure, with transfer Chloe au, there's no gum incident, no umbrella scene, no anxious self conscious Marinette, and no drama. Stoneheart isn't even the first akuma. Potentially could be Chloe (Andre present) or someone else at random.

#ask Punchie #arrival swap au #transfer Chloe au #chloe bourgeois #ml au

[yn-x-animeboy]

Jungkook x y/n (as a famous artist) Pt. 1

request: mine, my brain made me write this

pairing: reader x Jungkook

genre: fluff, romance, for entertainment purposes

BTS x Fem Reader

sinopsis: You are a popular artist in America, pretty famous, loved and well-known by the general public (actually you were one of the top 10 artists in the world but you are pretty humble and naïve to realize your popularity), one day during one of your fan meets you talk about how much you love BTS, and not only how you wish to meet them and work with them but how Jungkook is one of your celebrity crushes. During the meet you fangirled with other ARMYs in the crowd; video clips of you fangirling and talking about BTS at your meet where posted and reposted all over social media. This obviously broke the internet because you were not only a famous singer but you also were always accepted and loved by ARMY and this made a lot of people happy. Suddenly it felt like everyone wanted you to meet the seven handsome and talented idols and collaborate, but you could only wish, you believed they didn't even know who you were...or so you thought.

Pt. 1- Introduction. Your fan meet

Basically every couple of months you like to organize small get-togethers with your supporters as a way to have a closer contact with them, to get to know them, as a fanservice and to just thank them in a way. Lately you have been noticing one specific group of fan pages dedicated to you who have been really interactive and supportive on twitter; 

promoting your latest music video and the recent EPISODE of: y/n’s camera roll uploaded to your oficial platforms (your team uploaded a weekly video=episode to your channel; almost like Run BTS. Each episode had a different theme and your fans loved it)  this group of fan pages is constantly on your main page, so you decided to contact them and fly them out for a day in L.A. for one of your infamous meets so you could meet them.

You don't normally film your fan meetings, they are normally just a one on one gatherings between you and your fans,  but your team thought it could be a good idea to record today’s meet and upload parts of it for your weekly EPISODE, these were greatly appreciated by your international fans and other fans who wanted to see a little more into your personal life.

You were currently hanging out with the small group of fans you invited over. A group of around 10 boys and girls were currently sitting on the fluffy carpeted floor and some were sitting on plush chairs randomly spread in front of you. (a/n i imagine this setting like the Zach Sang Show, for the Ariana Grande interview episodes) 

You were sitting in front of them on a small white couch for two. Once everyone was comfortably settled in, you introduced yourself and invited the others to do so as well, one by one telling you their name, username, pronouns, age, and fun facts about them. You smiled wide, happy to be able to meet such amazing people and also making mental notes to remember their names and facts. 

After the personal introductions your camera crew was set up and ready to start, you told your fans sitting in front of you about how today's meet was going to be recorded and asked for their consent to upload said video; and then proceed to open for the camera; 

“Hello everyone welcome to another episode of…. f** I don't even know what we call these videos, jajajaja” 

Your fans sitting in front of you stated the name of the youtube series in a heartbeat;

“Wait what?... jajajajaja omg guys thank you, I'm so sorry, yeah you heard them, welcome back to y/n’s camera roll, I can’t believe I forgot that, anyway today’s episode is a little different……” you proceed to explain what the episode was about and thanking the future viewers for tuning in and watching the video. “Waw what a long introduction, so, before we actually go on and have the meet while you guys at home enjoy, I want to introduce you to the lovely group of people who I have invited here today….” Again proceed to introduce your fans to the camera by name, trying to not miss anyone and not butcher any name in the process.

After the introduction is done you porcede to carry out the fan meet like you normally do, you normally have scheduled sections of activities during your meets to make them fun; For today’s meet you all played games and did a couple challenges with your fans; then you recorded a couple of tik toks and instagram stories your fans asked you to be in, and casually all hung out. After a while of comfortable chatting and laughter, you wanted to hype up the mood. You turned down the lights, turned on some color  LED lights and had a dance party with everyone invited, dancing and going all out to popular music.

After being all drained from the heavy physical activities, you ordered a variety of food for your fans, like pizza and pasta, sushi, tacos, snacks, etc. and had a muckbang/eating section for the episode as well.

You were having so much fun, you looked around while eating and just by looking at their excited and happy faces you couldn help but feel complete and thankful for all of your fans.

After filling up on food, you carried out the Q&A section of the meet, allowing fans to ask you personal questions and conversing on various topics. The camera director gave you instructions to proceed with the questions, you nodded and thanked him and the staff for their hard work, turning on your heel and sitting back in your spot you tuned to the main camera: “Hi, quick update, sorry I haven't been so interactive with the camera in this episode for everyone watching at home, but I have been having so much fun and I am not used to having a camera crew for my normal fan meets, I’m sorry. Anyway now we will move on, I am going to answer some questions and hopefully this is entertaining enough  for the EPISODE hahaha” the crew and fans present chucked as you finished the small interruption.

And the questions began. A girl sitting in the back, raised her hand and spoke; “yeah um, I’m sorry I wanted to  see if I could start the questions, idk if the others are okay with that”. The rest of the group nodded sweetly at her, others replied with short “yeah’s”. She then proceeded nervously “thankyou g-guys, um I’m sorry before my question, is there anything we cannot ask you or..?

You sweetly smiled at her shyness and consideration, you tried your best to make her comfortable, “You are so cute, hahaha, thankyou for being considerate, but I really can’t think of anything that I am not allowed to answer or talk about, let me ask my manager...do I Sam?” you shifted your upper body to the side where the crew was standing, your manager Sam shook his head, you don't really have any tea to be spilled anyway so he is pretty confident and comfortable allowing you to be 100% in control. 

“Okay if Sam says it’s cool, it's okay  jajaja. You can ask me anything”

The girl then proceeded to ask her question, and waited for you to answer.

Time went by, and it was pretty cool to see what your fans were interested in learning about you, after some time the group continued asking you questions like “who is your biggest inspiration? favorite song?, favorite thing about being on tour? what would you do if you weren't a singer? etc.

One of the boys in the group spoke; “Hi, y/n, can I ask you another question?” you nodded and signaled him to proceed; 

“I saw that you liked an instagram post about BTS a while back uploaded by a fan account and I also saw that you actually follow their personal twitter account. ALSO in your behind the scenes video for your music video shoot you can be seen in the background dancing the Boy with luv choreo. So I wanted to ask if you were an ARMY and if you know them personally? and like should we be expecting a collaboration soon?”

You chucked at his talking speed, curious questions and great detective skills.

 Before you answered you mentally told yourself to hold back and not go all cRAzY fAnGirL on them, you inhaled and answered:

“OMG hahaha I love you so much, what an amazing question, Okay so first off no I don’t know them personally and sadly no plans of collaboration are on sight. Oh wow I have never been asked if I liked BTS before, I’m excited hahaha. Yeah I am an ARMY, I love them so much I am one of their biggest fans, and they are also one of my biggest inspirations when it comes to work ethic and professionalism, listening to them or watching them gives me motivation to keep doing what I love, which is this. 

anyway I am rambling I should stop; you guys can say y/n stop whenever I start rambling okay? hahaha''

The group in front of you laughed and added some extra comments on your response.

After a couple comments back and forth you realized something… and asked out loud, 

“Wait so, how many of you guys here are actually ARMYs?”, 

all of the sudden the 10 fans sitting in front of you raised their hands. 

“So you guys are telling me literally everyone of you is a fellow ARMY and didn't tell me until now?” everyone chuckled and looked around surprises at the coincidence 

You were already feeling shy after talking so much about yourself before so you redirected the activity, “Guys should we actually talk about BTS for a bit? hahaha” you asked your fans

This made a girl raise her hand and ask: “Can I ask you a BTS question then? Okay so, who is your favorite member?

You loved the new conversation topic. You answered truthfully: “Well first off, I don't have a favorite member. I really mean it when I say this. I love them all equally and I love them all as a group. I don’t prefer one over the other or like one better.  I really do support them equally. I mean there is nothing wrong with having a bias, as long as you also respect the other members, hope that all made sense lol” Everyone seemed moved by your support towards them and nodded.

“Y/n so you don’t have a favorite, but do you have a crush on any of them?, like if you could date one of them right now, which one do you pick?” A fan asked.

You looked at her and really thought about how to answer said question in the best way possible; “okay...well...Like I said just to be clear I don't have favorites amongst the group members, but I do have a type…. I consider one of them to be my celebrity crush” you answered, starting out slow and finishing by blurting out the last part.

Your fans in front of you went crazy, they leaned over their seats wanting to feel closer to you and not miss anything you were saying as you took a breath to continue speaking.

“So in that case, if I had to pick someone that I would date in real life...i would say…. Jungkook'' The room was filled with surprised remarks, small comments and squeals.

“Omg guys chill hahaha, breathe, it's just a crush I don’t know him and it's not going to happen. It's just that I find him really attractive and he is my type.”

The fans kept raising their hands to ask you various questions about BTS,

the camera director and manager signaled you to get your attention after you finished answering other questions and told you you only had time for one more question before the fan meet was over.

“Okay guys so apparently we have time for one more question, so make it a good one, it can be about anything, shoot” you said as you leaned over to reach for your water bottle, swung the bottle and pointed to someone on the corner of your eye who seemed to have one last question, as you drank some water they asked: “I have a last BTS question if you don’t mind y/n” 

Still gulping water you moved your hand indicating them that is was okay and to go on,

“okay, um I just thought about this, do you have like a specific fantasy or make up scenario about BTS that you could only dream could come true; like I wish i could walk into a café shop and suddenly meet V, realizing we were reading the same book and covering for hours”

That was such a deep and personal question, you had never once thought anyone would be interested in what your fantasies where; you thought it might be boring for your fans if you went on and on about  stupid make believe scenarios that live in your head rent free. But seeing everyones approving faces over the question and the intrigued eyes they were shooting at you, you spoke: “I love that question, and your scenario is so cute, you should write a tumblr post about it, (a/n wink wink) well yeah I obviously have created fake scenarios in my head about BTS, past crushes, fake arguments even hahaha, there are so many BTS fake scenarios in my head…. hmm oh I know which one, okay so this fantasy of mine is about how I would meet them irl and work with them, I will make it quick”

You kinda chuckled at yourself, playing with the cap on your water bottle, you felt as if you were about to say something really cringy and embarrassing. You took a deep breath and started the narration of the sinopsis of your personal fanfic created by you. 

“Okay so, my literal fantasy is to one day meet them at a talk show, you know how hosts like will surprise their guests with something/someone they like?, I believe Ellen has done it multiple times where she surprised a guest with their idol or celebrity crush, you know?” The group nodded, invested in your fake scenario “Well i would be invited to like the Jimmy Fallon Show, where he would just randomly surprise me with BTS. Then I would be given the opportunity to introduce myself and tell them how much I love and support them. I would also be able to show them my Korean speaking skills, I learned Korean and Spanish back in school and I have never been able to actually use either them, lol, anyway...well after that we would all become really good friends, and we would collaborate and put out one or multiple songs for you guys. I mean that's basically it, I wish I could meet them, and become their friend and write songs with them, even produce songs with Suga or RM if I could'' you sighed as you ended your mini narration.

You continued; “But well, that's just a fake scenario I repeat, it's not real and it's not gonna happen, EVER. For now I will keep supporting and loving them with you and the rest of ARMY. I really doubt they even know who I am, anyway” you closed the conversation at that. Your fans seemed like they wanted to say something but your camera director called you over before anyone could say something else. You excuse yourself and walk over to the cameras and lights set up where the staff is.

*your fans were really confused, and this you didn't know, but your fans knew for a fact that BTS knew very well who you were. The fans even knew which member has continuously admitted to having a platonic crush on you for years now, ever since you first blew up, back when you were 16 and he was 17. Your fans knew how you are one of BTS’s favorite artists, and this was no secret, you could literally look all this information up... 

They didn’t understand how you could have no idea how famous you actually are* They talked amongst themselves about this while you talked to your team.

Your manager and camera director indicated you to do an outro for the video’s footage and other instructions. You nodded your head and smiled, you took a step back and bowed your head towards the staff behind the cameras and thanked them for their work.

You then walked towards the group of fans and told them you had to do an outro for the camera if that was okay with them; you then sat with them on the floor while side hugging the two fans next to you, you directed yourself to the camera:  “Okay guys so sadly today’s meet is now over, I am really sad I wish we could hang out for longer, thank you so much for coming and making today so fun and special” you then turned to the camera “And for my other amazing supporters who are going to watch this on youtube, today was just a little scoop into my life like the other y/n’s camera roll EPISODES, in case you are interested in other videos like this one you can visit head to the channel where this video was uploaded and watch more! hopefully you guys had fun with us! I adore you all, thank you! Please Spread love always, y/n out” you waved as the camera director said “CUT” and the crew cut the cameras.

Your manager then stood up and directed everyone to get ready to leave, also thanking them for always supporting you and taking care of you, you smiled at your amazing manager and looked back at your fans while they picked up their stuff, smiling sadly.

You said your goodbye to everyone one-by-one as they headed out.

After lots of farewell hugs, kisses, selfies, and gifts, you went home with a smile on your face for the amazing time you had.

You went to bed, turned your phone on silent mode and looked at your ceiling,  reliving that fake scenario you talked about a few hours ago, oh how you wished it could become real (a/n hehe wink wink). Finally dozing off and resting for the work-packed day you had tomorrow unaware that your social media was currently going crazy and how they yearned for your new weekly EPISODE to come out.

Part 2- Jungkook’s POV --------> here

thank you so much, please interact with me to let me know if you like this :) Xx

#bts x reader #bts #bts x y/n #bts imagines #bts scenarios #jungkook #jeon jungguk #kookie #jungkook x y/n #jungkook x you #jungkook imagine

[1ddiscourseoftheday]

Mon 15 March ‘21

FIRST TIME GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ARTIST HARRY STYLES!! From the bottom of the stairs to the top of the fucking world baby, get itttt!! He won Best Pop Solo Performance for smash hit Watermelon Sugar-- the other two categories he was up for went to others but he was a dark horse for any of them so getting one is awesome! Yeah the grammys are shit but I’m so happy for him to see him receiving validation and acclaim from the industry that has never appreciated what he (and his bandmates) are and can do as artists, it’s a fucking start you know? We can enjoy the moment! Harry did! His acceptance speech was short and it feels like he was blindsided and forgot everything (including not to swear on TV and as pro as he is you know that means he was absolutely reeling, I love that) but later he said “I want to thank my fans for giving me an environment to be free to make the music that I want to make and supporting me along the way the last ten years”, yes that’s right we have helped you find a place to feel good, and “this is an incredibly sweet icing on the cake of what I get to do everyday so thank you.”

But that’s not all! He also performed, and wore things! Say what you want about Harry (or better yet please DON’T at least to me but that’s a losing battle) we always get so hyped up about even just seeing his outfits and he does not let us down! BLACK LEATHER, TITS FULLY OUT, DICK BANANA CHARM, AND A MUPPET BOA? Yeah he did that! Shirtless under a patent leather suit, I mean: wow. Very glam rock, very… well listen it’s just very GAY in like so many different ways??? Harry Lambert said they wanted “something darker, sexier, and more unexpected” which is definitely about that look I’m assuming and not the pastel thrift store rummage bin hodgepodge he wore later, unless Harry(s) and I have very different ways of interpreting “darker”. (Harry L also said “free the nipple” and we can all see that he MEANT it.) Harry red carpet-ed and accepted his award in a lavender muppet boa, tits slightly less out but still cleavagey, and with a seemingly random collection of other garments YES BABY OKAY you just WEAR THAT THEN! About that Harry L said, “we wanted to do something that felt British and eccentric, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll and a little bit camp,” but the people have spoken and they said ‘we think he looked like Cher from Clueless’ so, sorry Harry(s)! Esquire struggling to describe the look-- “the kind of thing that Styles seems to make wearable” klasjdlk the doubtful ‘seems’ is sending me. Either way we can definitely all agree on the camp part, and that the matching face mask (as seen in the audience shots and in adorbs pics of him camping it up with Lizzo backstage) is amazing, love that (even if he does spend way too much time nervously pulling it on and off omg just LEAVE IT) and it even went also with outfit number THREE (or at least it did as well as any of his anything went together lol) which was a big floppy orange coat and plaid pants and a THIRD BOA, a dignified (haha JK NOPE it’s still a muppet) black number this time.

It seems the performance was filmed in advance rather than done live-- there were clues suggesting this might be the case, but the real giveaway was when a picture from it leaked before the broadcast, lol. Way to make it so we “can’t even tell if it’s live or not” Ben, and why is he STILL so obsessed with trying to gaslight us anyway my god just say what’s prerecorded it’s fiiiine. ANYWAY Harry played Watermelon Sugar and only WS; well after all it is his GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SONG. Plus it was a really nice version, all smooth and funky, with a highlight of the night being Harry’s full on 60s girl group choreo move with the backup singers, omg. Those backing vocalists were the duo G.A.W.D., and there was extra accompaniment by fellow nominee Devonte Hynes aka Blood Orange (who also directed the performance and no I do not know what that means) and “Spencer and Josh” on horns (the closest I can find to someone crediting them so, apologies guys). Anyway! All of them (regular HS band included) were decked out in matching gucci black leather too and looking good. And Harry looked so happy to be up there performing, just beaming like a lighthouse, so overall- good good stuff, I just keep on dancin!

The real bombshell of the performance though was subtle and needed confirmation after for the excitement to really hit-- it was Sarah drumming  decked out in tight black leather and visibly pregnant!! That’s right, band drummer Sarah Jones is PREGNANT by (Grammy Award winning) guitarist Mitch, there’s a HARRY STYLES BAND BABY on the way!!!! WHAT A NIGHT! It wasn’t enough for Harry to find love in his own band, he’s somehow cupid-ing that energy all over the place and spreading it around, AMAZING!

And Liam comes through with not just a sweet congratulations for Harry (“what a huge moment, proud to be your brother” awwww) but also the final word on the performance look- goddammit it IS one of the rejected Best Song Ever video looks, LMAOOOO. But did he tag HSHQ instead of Harry directly in acknowledgment of how the awards system really works and that they are all to be congratulated or simply because it was easier? We will never know.

Additional tidbits-- bassist Hynes was apparently playing creative director Molly Hawkins’ dad’s bass- did we know her dad was a famous bassist who played with Fleetwood Mac and many other 70s stars?! If I did I had definitely forgotten! And more Molly news-- she’s also pregnant!! Harry will soon be surrounded by quarantine babies, dreams really coming true huh? Harry posted a pic of himself with Mitch and Devonte looking very cooool, we saw the ceramic watermelons label execs were sent for the WS release last year, and Rebecca Ferguson who knows 1D from way back when (and has recently drawn attention for talking frankly about how fucked up the industry is and about having seen unnamed boy band members literally slammed against the wall by their management) congratulated Harry and posted a couple of baby pop star Harry pics, cuuuute. Louis’ merch handlers, in response to no complaints whatsoever, sent out emails apologizing. They say they’ve run out of lanyards which were meant to be sent out so they will “be adding a freebie which we know you’ll enjoy” to affected customers’ orders. That is sucky about the lanyards but that’s customer care! Niall posted about his cool bright limited edition merch to remind that it will be gone gone gone tonight and also shared a pretty and touching picture from a the large anti violence rally held in London to protest the killing of Sarah Everard today. And finally some good advice from Bebe Rexha, loved by larries; she says she loves us right back but please don’t kill anyone for not streaming her new song! Yes good plan.

#grammy award winner #harry styles #liam payne #niall horan #louis tomlinson #CHASM baby (chaby) #also having a good day-- haylors! don’t begrudge them their excitement they haven’t been fed in like 8 years #let them carry on about Harry and Taylor actually sharing the same space and not being rude to each other especially if it continues to prod #the genuinely rofl hilarious analyses coming out of last night about them sending secret messages to each other in their performances #(which the other was definitely not present for whenever a celeb was present for another artists performance they did react cutaways) #15 mar 21 #harry lambert #molly hawkins #mitch rowland #sarah jones #ben winston #long post #sorrrrry

[whereisten]

True Love

A Jeno fic that’s a part of our Halloween Series!

Summary: You, an employee at an entertainment company, are immune to the charms of their biggest star Lee Jeno.

Pairing: Rockstar! Jeno x female reader

Genre: romance, drama, fantasy, suspense

Warning: alcohol use, smut mention, stalking, manipulation 

Word Count: 4.3k

(A/N: Hiya! I’m so sorry for the delay! It’s been so hectic lol! Thank you so much for your support and patience! Hope you enjoy! And shoutout to Krys for keeping me sane and for all of her love and support. I love you! :D)

___

To everyone in the world, Lee Jeno was the epitome of perfection and rock royalty. He was a gifted musician from the very young age of five, having specialized in several instruments in his childhood. However, his heart gravitated to the guitar. He became a trainee at LCF Entertainment and along with four other trainees, they became the world famous rock band, Temptation.

He was ranked in the top 23 in World Magazine’s Sexiest Men Alive this year. He was a walking and talking Adonis with a heartwarming smile.

Jeno was a man of many talents but he certainly didn’t let it get to his head. He was a humanitarian, a UNICEF ambassador, fostered shelter animals, was the proud owner of three cats even though he was allergic, a great family man (funding his siblings’ college tuition and providing for his parents so they could retire early), etc. He did it all and he had it all.

How could anyone be immune to his charms?

People wondered who would be the queen that would reign beside him when he settled down. Frankly, one couldn’t be anything short of a supermodel on the verge of sainthood. So many hopeful contenders were discouraged from pursuing him.

Jeno’s dating life was non-existent, the paparazzi dreaded to inform.

But you were an employee of LCF Entertainment so you knew the truth, as well as the true nature of the famous Lee Jeno. He was basically like any other young man with an inflated ego. He was cocky, a huge flirt when the cameras were off, very picky, and demanding. But no one ever dared speak a word of his true nature to the paparazzi. And you always wondered why. Someone had to bring him down a few pegs.

You were the staff photographer and videographer, in charge of capturing Jeno’s good and “relatable but still unbelievably glamorous” sides. When the camera was on, that was when you felt at ease.

It didn’t help that Jeno liked you either. Although you’d been working with Temptation and the individual members for a few years now, it was only recently that Jeno really was set on it pursuing you.

When you switched off the camera after the recording of Jeno’s backstage vlog, he sat comfortably at his makeup chair and proceeded to ask, “Y/n, will you go out with me now?”

You answered immediately, “No.”

Jeno gave you a sad puppy dog face. “Why not?”

“We’ve gone over this. I would get fired.” You wanted to spare his feelings so that was what you always said when he asked you out.

Jeno groaned. “You would not. I wouldn’t let that happen.”

You snorted. “You think you have that kind of power, Lee?”

He liked when you called him by his last name. “That’s because I do have that power, y/n. The new company building is funded solely out of my earnings from my last solo album.”

You whistled. “There’s that humility I’m always reading about in O!What Magazine…”

Jeno smiled. “You read articles about me?”

“I do when my name is in the article, boss.” You started packing up your equipment, ready to call it a day and head home.

Jeno got out of his chair and stood over you. He smelled of Dior Sauvage, cologne from his latest brand endorsement. He wore his stage clothes from his solo concert rehearsal. A sleeveless jean jacket top that parted down the middle to show his abs. Along his abs, silver chains dangled and added a nice glimmer effect when he was on stage. The entire team was thrilled to see how the audience would eat it up.

He whispered into your ear, “Y/n.”

Truthfully? He was attractive. You’d always had a little crush on him but it was of a shallow nature. You liked him for his looks. Not so much for his personality. You’d known too much.

If Jeno had been any other regular guy, you would’ve been open to a one-night stand.

But Jeno wasn’t just any regular guy.

You tried to hide the fact that shivers ran down your spine. “Stop.”

He chuckled. “But I can see you through the reflection, y/n...You're crossing your legs…”

You’d hoped he wasn’t that perceptive but it turned out he was. You hid away the fact that you were turned on. Your panties were damp but you’d be damned if he ever knew that.

You met Jeno’s perfectly lined eyes as he looked at you unapologetically. Everyone else from the staff already left. Jeno’s manager was waiting downstairs to take him to the radio station J-423 for his upcoming interview.

You were breathless now. “Jeno, you’re going to be late-”

He pulled you into him and kissed you, easily slipping his tongue into your mouth and working magic against yours. You couldn’t help but return his kiss. His mouth was paradise and you wondered what else he could do with it.

He let you go after a few minutes and cupped your face. “So are you going to deny that there’s something going on here?”

You tried to catch your breath as you wiped your lipstick off of Jeno’s mouth. “No, I guess not...But this is where it stops.”

Jeno frowned. “Y/n…”

“I know where I stand. And you know it, too. And Jeno, I don’t like you that way...I’m sorry.” You caressed his face and grabbed your things, leaving Jeno with an unreadable expression on his face.

___

As a member of LCF Entertainment, your ultimate goal was profit. That was what you had to know from the very beginning. There was no such thing as LCF Family or truly prioritizing the idols. Everyone was after themselves. Whoever brought the most money to the company would get the most attention and special treatment. And that was Jeno.

And you, an aspiring film director, were thankful to be on his team because this experience could open doors for you in the future as a director. Sure, Jeno was a diva and he couldn’t stop flirting with you, but the experience wasn’t all that bad. And yeah it was frustrating that the media and the public perceived Jeno to be the nation’s sweetheart. But in the end, he wasn’t hurting anyone.

He was only hurting people’s wallets.

Temptation’s merchandise always sold out quickly but Jeno’s individual merch was always the first to sell out. And it was the first to get resold for twice and sometimes even triple the price. The fanbase was very merciless and selfish with each other. However, the scalpers were the true evil. That was less money going to your company, after all.

Even though frontman Jeno was the most popular member of Temptation, it was Temptation’s drummer Xiaojun that you had a massive crush on for a long time now. You even accumulated a secret collection of his merch. You were two photocards away from completing your Xiaojun album photocard collection.

Xiaojun even admitted to liking you back but you both kept it a secret from everyone else in the world, especially LCF. You two weren’t about to compromise your jobs. However, since Temptation was the biggest moneymaker in the game and the boys had been with the company for quite some time now, their dating ban was lifted.

Which explained why Jeno had been asking you out all week, not caring who listened and it freaked you out.

If Jeno’s fans ever found out he asked you out, they would pin the blame on you.

A week had passed since you told Jeno you weren’t interested in him. You felt bad for hurting him but you were also worried about his mood. He had the power to get you dismissed. You refused to believe he would be so cruel.

And up until this point, you were right. You were still employed and Jeno spoke with you like any other day, talking about camera angles and new concepts for upcoming shoots.

The end of another work week and Xiaojun surprises you on your way to the bus stop.

“Y/n,” Xiaojun pulls up beside you in his Porsche. He looked so elegant in a pale blue sweater and blue jeans. His face was concealed by a mask so he could leave undetected. But you’d recognized those eyebrows anywhere.

“Hey. What are you doing here?”

“I...I think we should finally talk…”

“About?”

He smiled. “About dating.”

You nearly dropped your phone out of your hand from the shock. “Really?”

He said, “Get in so I can drive you home!”

You nodded fervently and got into his passenger seat. Was this really happening?

On the drive home, Xiaojun told you he wanted to take it slow and have indoor dates with you first. You couldn’t agree more. He even surprised you with a brand new pair of AirPods after you told him that your brother took them from you.

The first of many gifts, he told you.

You got home that night and screamed excitedly into your pillow so as not to frighten your roommates

___

It has been a month since you and Xiaojun started seeing each other. You were on cloud nine. He would visit you at your apartment and would play with his dog Bella. Bella loved you a little more than she loved Xiaojun so you two would always bicker and end the night in each other’s arms.

Jeno noticed the spring in your step as you filmed his cooking vlog. He was showing his fans how he cooked breakfast for himself when he had down time. He was in a plain white T-shirt and a pair of drawstring trousers. He looked relaxed and for many, delectable, as his hair was wet from a shower. He was trying very hard to get your attention once again.

He anticipated you averting your eyes and stuttering at the sight of him but nothing. You whistled while you adjusted the tripod’s position.

“What’s got you so happy?” Jeno asked.

You nearly jumped at his question. You decided to be upfront. “I’m seeing Xiaojun.”

Jeno’s cool facade nearly cracked before your very eyes. “Oh?”

You apologized. “I’m sorry, Jeno. I should’ve told you that I liked Xiaojun…”

Jeno was furious. What the hell did Xiaojun have that he didn’t? Jeno was more muscular, taller, more talented, wealthier, more attractive...He was superior to Jeno in every way and everyone else knew it, too.

He honed his acting skills and replied evenly, “Why are you apologizing, y/n? So you like someone else...I’ll live.”

You realized maybe Jeno didn’t like you as much as you thought so you felt relieved to hear his dismissive tone. “Right. Good. I just...thought you should know…”

You and Jeno continued the shoot. He acted like nothing had happened and even behind the scenes, he joked with you and asked you which of the female trainees he should ask out. You berated him because female trainees were not allowed to date and he knew this very well. Jeno was back to his arrogant self and you were relieved.

___

You got a text from Xiaojun that he was finishing up a filming schedule with his bandmates. You wouldn’t be able to see him today because the schedule was running overtime.

He told you to go to dinner with some friends at Osaka Moon. His treat. He was good friends with the chef, apparently. You were on your way to the restaurant to meet your friends.

You were shocked at how down-to-earth Xiaojun still was after achieving so much fame and then he would do things like this. It gave you whiplash but you were having the time of your life with him.

However, you noticed him across the street. Xiaojun always wore different wigs and masks for his disguised outings with you.

But this time, there were no disguises. His side swept blonde hair and his thin framed glasses. There was no mistaking that it was him.

Was the filming for the show at the Downtown Hotel?

You were about to call his name when you saw another woman wrap her arms around him and squeeze his ass. She had long wavy brown hair and a slender frame. She could’ve been a model or a singer. They both entered the expensive hotel. Very bold of him to take her out so publicly when he was still intent on hiding you.

You felt like someone knocked the breath out of you. You shook your head in disbelief.

Immediately, you dialed Xiaojun’s number and there was no answer. You called four more times and nothing.

Son of a bitch, you thought.

He played you. You should’ve known he was no different than any other dickhead A-lister.

You decided to call his bandmates. It turned out that the filming they’d done today wrapped up over two hours ago.

Haechan had no idea where he was. Jisung didn’t either. Jaemin was equally perplexed. Last but not least you called Jeno.

He answered. “Hello?”

At this point, you couldn’t hold back your tears anymore. “Jeno…”

“Y/n? What’s wrong?”

“Do you know where Xiaojun is?”

“Not specifically...he did mention he had a reservation at the Downtown Hotel…”

You sniffled. “He did?”

“I thought he was meeting you…”

“No, he wasn’t…”

“Oh...Oh, shit, y/n. I am so-“

“It’s okay...Thanks Jeno. I’ll see you on Monday…”

You told your friends to have dinner without you and to make sure to spare no expense because your so-called boyfriend was buying. You told them Xiaojun finished at the last minute and wanted to take you dancing.

A total lie so you could wallow at your local bar.

You sat right by the bar and downed a few glasses of beer. Just to feel anything else besides the betrayal you felt.

A half hour later, you were even more buzzed now. A young man sat beside you at the counter.

He started, “Hello, gorgeous.”

You looked at the young man. He was stunning. Another face that belonged on television. Another one of those who was capable of seducing you and tossing you away the very next second.

You flipped the bird. “Bite me.”

The young man scoffed and tried again, “Feisty, aren’t we?”

He got closer to you and you began to feel uncomfortable. “Please leave me alone…”

“Tsk tsk. A beautiful girl like you in tears? You need someone who will bring your smile back.”

“And you’re the man for that job?” Someone interrupted.

You were shocked to find Jeno here. He looked gorgeous in a black leather jacket and dark jeans. His hair was slicked back the way you liked it most and wow, you may have had one too many drinks...A few customers recognized Jeno and started whispering and taking their cameras out.

“Jeno?” You nearly lost your balance as you got up from your chair.

Jeno grabbed you immediately before the other guy could.

The stranger said, “Why do you get to put your hands on her? Just cause you're some pretty boy with mediocre music...I’m sure she’s nothing compared to who you’ve bedded before-“

Jeno socked him in the face and escorted you out of the bar. The stranger cursed you both out as you left. Jeno led you quickly into his manager’s car that he borrowed for the night. You felt a little dizzy.

Jeno fastened your seatbelt.

You smiled at him. “Thanks.”

He looked at you in concern. “Are you okay?”

You shook your head. “Why are men scum, Jeno?”

Jeno sighed. “I’m so sorry about-“

“Don’t say his name...I...never want to see him again...God, now I have to sell all of his merch…”

Jeno frowned in confusion and continued, “I’ll take you home…”

You didn’t want to face your roommates. “No...Can I…Spend the night with you?”

It took all of Jeno’s might not to get out his car and raise his fist in the air. But he composed himself. “Are you sure?”

You nodded, wanting to forget all about Xiaojun and have one thoughtless night with Jeno. “Yes.”

Jeno drove you two to his penthouse suite. He was cautious around you and you were ready to shrug away your inhibitions.

Jeno helped you remove your coat at the entrance. “Take a seat. I’ll get you some water.”

You sat yourself on the couch and opened your legs wide, exposing your panties underneath your skirt. “Jeno, fuck me right now so I can forget his sorry ass.”

Jeno hesitated then but seeing how irresistible you were...He couldn’t help himself.

He asked again. “Are you sure?”

You nodded. You were buzzed but not that buzzed. You wanted to spite Xiaojun. You wanted to acknowledge the part of you that longed for Jeno for so long, too. You’d be stupid to deny that you fantasized about a night with him.

You hesitated before but now you said, why the hell not?  

You and Jeno made love that night. Jeno was over the moon that you were finally in his arms. Sure it was a rebound but the look in your eyes when he was inside you had to mean something. There was a promise there and Jeno held onto that glimmer of hope.

Jeno took you home the next day and he was very cool about the whole night. Right before you returned home. you reminded him about how this was a one night stand and thanked him for a wonderful night.

You were resolute in dumping Xiaojun and simply going back to work. Thankful you only ever worked for Jeno anyway. And as expected, Jeno was his usual self: cocky, flirty, sending his food back for random reasons.

Xiaojun came under the fire for going to a hotel with a potential prostitute. The identity of the woman he was seen with remained a mystery. He tried convincing everyone that the woman was not a prostitute but he couldn’t remember how he met her or what she looked like. That night and along with how crazy Xiaojun sounded caused the company to encourage him to leave. Xiaojun’s contract with LCF Entertainment was terminated.

The week after you and Jeno made love...You started catching feelings for him. Every glance. Every fleeting touch. It drove you mad. And suddenly that one night stand was something you wanted again. And again. And again.

You accompanied Jeno and his manager as he attended a gallery opening. You were in charge of his photos for his social media. He looked extremely dapper in his red suit. You just wanted to rip his clothes off and make love to him in front of all of the guests. Becoming a work of art yourselves.

These thoughts you’ve been having used to scare you but now...you owned them. Tonight, when you got him alone, you would tell him how you really felt. You hoped you weren’t too late.

Jeno’s manager excused himself to get some refreshments. Jeno observed a painting while you took some more photos.

“Stunning,” you said aloud.

Jeno’s eyes grew at your words. “Wow, y/n...All the years we’ve worked together and you’ve never made a comment about my looks…”

Your face grew warm then. “I’m feeling a little bolder these days…”

He grinned. “Is that so?”

“Jeno, I won’t beat around the bush…I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that night…”

“Y/n…”

“I know I said it was a one night stand and...You’ve moved on…”

Jeno started, “I haven’t…”

You were shocked to hear it. “Really?”

He moved closer to you and moved the camera away from your line of sight. “What are you saying, y/n?” His voice was dangerously low.

“I’m saying...that I want to be with you, Jeno.”

Jeno’s smile looked so gorgeous then. He was the true work of art at the gallery. “Well, y/n, I’ve made my feelings abundantly clear for a while now…”

He kissed you then. And the cameras started flashing.

You were on cloud nine. You finally released your suppressed feelings for the rockstar before you.

___

You’ve been together for two years now. He made you feel safe and loved. He showered you with gifts and trips to the most beautiful parts of the world.

As for the response from netizens and the company? Jeno had all the power and he could handle a few naysayers. Your job as his photographer and videographer remained intact. And you were well on your way to transitioning to your own film projects: your dream.

You and Jeno had become a couple to root for. They called you The Prince and The Pauper Turned Princess. You hated your label but whenever you looked at Jeno’s eyes, any anxiety or anger quickly faded.

Jeno had a solo performance in your city tonight and you were seated in a private booth. He was performing so well, moving from instrument to instrument. Driving people to tears with his long low notes. And then he surprised everyone with his announcement.

“Before I perform ‘Changed Your Mind’, I want to give a shout-out to the woman of my dreams, y/n, who is here with us tonight.”

The stadium roared in excitement and many heads turned to you. Your eyes never left Jeno.

“Y/n, I love you so much. We’ve come so far, baby. And I want us to never stop. Which is why…”

He got down from the stage and was escorted by security down to the crowd. He ran his hands past adoring fans as he made his way to you.

He entered your booth with his camera crew and security close by. “Y/n, will you marry me?”

You cried out, “Yes!”

Jeno picked you up and spun you around. You kissed passionately. The crowd’s roars thundered now. It was a celebration. You didn’t care that all eyes were on you now, as well. All you cared about was Jeno. And he loved you more than anything else in the world.

You truly found your soulmate and you couldn’t be happier.

___

Jeno finished his show and was backstage cooling down with a bottle of water.

“Good job tonight,” a woman said as she stood at the door of Jeno’s dressing room.

“Thank you, sis. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Jeno’s older sister Yeeun sat on the couch of the dressing room. “How does it feel to have her in your clutches now?”

Jeno smirked. “Pretty damn great.”

“And I’m here to collect my payment, little brother.”

Jeno sighed. “Really? It’s been two years.”

Yeeun looked at her manicured nails. “I’ve been busy.”

Jeno laughed. “Screwing over taken men? I’m sorry, I meant screwing taken men?”

“Nope. That task was a one-and-done deal. How is that poor boy doing these days?”

“Xiaojun? He’s back at school getting his master’s...He’s happy.”

“Has he tried to contact y/n since then?” Yeeun asked.

Jeno chuckled. “No. Why would he?”

She smiled at him. “They were sweet together. And you tore them apart because you couldn’t take no for an answer, could you?”

Jeno rolled his eyes. “And what about it? I have a right to get whatever I want. Do you know who I am?”

Yeeun sighed. “Yes, you repeatedly tell the family group chat who you are every week. And we all take it because you pay us well…”

Jeno and Yeeun had conspired against you and Xiaojun. Jeno stole Xiaojun’s phone and Yeeun charmed Xiaojun to join her for a night at the hotel. Jeno planned for you to go to Osaka Moon so you could see Xiaojun and Yeeun together.

Jeno watched you as you broke down in tears, calling each of his bandmates. He made sure he was far enough away by the time you called him. He played the part of a concerned friend very well. He had to take up acting, another field he would surely dominate. And with you as his director? It made him hard just thinking about it.

Jeno didn’t coincidentally find you at the bar. He’d been tailing and that stranger who hit on you was only an added bonus. Jeno could play the unsuspecting hero and you would eat it up. And that you did. He was satisfied to know that you wanted to sleep with him. He didn’t care about being a rebound.

Even so, he wasn’t going to take any chances. So after you left his penthouse the next morning, he took the bedsheets you came on and the strands of hair you left behind and got to work.

Did you really think Jeno amassed such success and wealth all on his own? He had a little help from his family and their friends from Hell, of course. Jeno’s family came from a long line of Satan-worshipping witches. Jeno was the youngest of the descendants.

Human sacrifice was only a small token of the Lee family’s appreciation to Lucifer. So Jeno’s deception of Xiaojun was almost nothing in the list of gruesome things Jeno has done to reach the top of his game.

Yeeun was able to literally charm Xiaojun with her own special concoction. Once she and Xiaojun had sex, she wiped his memory of that hour and left him alone at the hotel. Confused. Disoriented. Worried.

As for you? Well, you were the most irresistible creature in this world. Your immunity to his charms was only the first step in his growing feelings for you. You were brilliant and talented at your craft, always capturing his best features on camera. You were gorgeous. He was surprised you didn’t become an idol at LCF yourself. You were warm and sweet and giving. Even if the company was cutthroat, he saw how you’d be with your coworkers and the other idols. You were just a pure, loving girl. And he desperately needed you. Desired you. Craved you.

He simply had to call you his.

With your samples, he was able to create the perfect spell to make you his.

Forever.

That was what Jeno called true love.

[Fin]

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[freddyfreebat]

Jack Dylan Grazer Discovers Who He Is in Luca Guadagnino's “We Are Who We Are”

After supporting roles in the It and Shazam!, the young actor shifts gears with his turn as a capricious army brat in the Call Me By Your Name director's new HBO series.

by Iana Murray / Photography by Nik Antonio  —  September 14, 2020

A few years ago, Jack Dylan Grazer took a trip to the movie theater. He was in Toronto and it was one of his days off from filming Shazam!, the DC comedy in which he plays the shape-shifting hero’s foster brother. He decided to watch Call Me By Your Name, and he immediately fell for it. Grazer took note of the director’s name that appeared in the credits—Luca Guadagnino—and turned to his mother.

“I want to work with him,” he told her. With eerie prescience, she assured him: “You will.”

Whether Grazer, now 17, has a knack for manifestation, or it was all just happenstance, his wish came true in the form of We Are Who We Are, Guadagnino’s coming of age drama which follows a group of army brats living on an American military base in Italy. Thematically, the show is something of a spiritual successor to Call Me By Your Name: Grazer plays Fraser, a tempestuous 14-year-old with a pair of headphones constantly plugged in his ears. He’s the new arrival at the base with his mothers (Chloë Sevigny and Alice Braga), and quickly forms a deep bond with his neighbour, Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamon), as they both wrestle with their sexuality and identity in the midst of domestic troubles and teenage debauchery.

“He’s an enigma to himself,” Grazer says of his character. “He doesn’t really understand a lot of the things he does but he’s so forthright so he convinces himself that he knows everything. He feels like other people don’t deserve his intelligence. But he’s also very volatile and aggressive at times, and not because he’s coming from an angry place but because he’s constantly questioning who he is.”

If Fraser is just beginning his coming of age when we first meet him, Grazer is inching closer to the end. Starring in enormous blockbusters including IT, he became the Loser Club’s resident hypochondriac at age 12 and a superhero’s sidekick by 15. His films have grossed a combined total of over $1.5 billion. Suddenly the stakes are multiplied tenfold during what are ostensibly, and horrifyingly, the most awkward years of your life. Every misstep is now being monitored, examined through a microscope of millions. (See: His 3.8 million fans on Instagram, to say nothing of the countless stan accounts.) Child fame is a disarming transaction like that: a stable career and all the other perks of being a celebrity, but at the cost of normalcy. That unalleviating pressure forces a kid to mature fast.

Grazer is acutely aware of this fact, admitting outright that he’s “not a normal person.” But he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I became 70 when I was 7!” he laughs. “I don’t know if I really had much of a childhood. But I didn’t want to. I wanted to grow up really fast.”

Nevertheless, he’s still 17. When we meet over Zoom, his shoulder length curls are damp and disheveled (he just got out of the shower), his black painted fingernails contrast with his brightly-lit, white bedroom as he rests his face on his hand. It’s a Saturday morning and he looks tired: It’s his first week back at school, which has traded classrooms for hours of video calls reminiscent of the one we’re currently on. “It feels like the days are shorter because the teachers don’t want to torture their students by keeping them on a computer for six hours a day,” he tells me. “You do miss the social aspect of being at school.”

If you were to judge Grazer by what’s out there on the internet, you’d expect an anarchic and relentless bundle of energy. A quick YouTube search brings up results like “jack dylan grazer being a drama queen” and “jack dylan grazer being chaotic in interviews for 4 and a half minutes straight.” He trolled a YouTube gamer on Instagram Live. His TikToks are inscrutable.

But here, he’s incredibly earnest, as he excitedly talks about his skateboarding hobby (a skill he picked up after auditioning for Mid90s) and his attempts to learn the flute (“I need to learn how to read sheet music, but it’s like reading Hebrew!”). He’s calm and thoughtful, as if this project we’re discussing requires a shift in sensibility.

For Grazer, acting had always simply been fun. While other kids might take up a sport or get hooked on video games, he performed in musical theater with the Adderley School because he “just wanted to play.” His roles so far have been reflective of his carefree approach to the job: Up until now, he’s portrayed best friends with biting one-liners, or the younger version of the protagonist in a flashback. IT is a prime example of both. In the horror franchise, Grazer plays a neurotic germaphobe running from a fear-eating clown, but in reality, the film felt like “summer camp.” Both films never felt like work; he just learned his lines and got to hang out on extravagant sets with his best friends. Likewise, school amounted to being pulled off set by a teacher in between takes to cram in the mandatory hours.

But with We Are Who We Are, he steps into his first leading role, one that required him to convey longing and confusion through Elio-like physicality and subtext. It’s abnormal to talk about the show as a turning point for an actor who isn’t even a legal adult yet, but Grazer explains that the show required him to radically change his approach to acting. He spent six months in Italy (“It felt like I was in Call Me By Your Name.”) and built up the character beyond what was on the page in collaboration with Guadagnino. “His philosophy is that we know our characters better than anyone else—even the writers—because we are the characters essentially,” he explains.

In many ways, Grazer absorbed that philosophy entirely. He describes the experience less as a performance and more like a “rebirth”—perhaps even an attempt at method acting. Over those months in Italy, the distinctions between actor and character gradually became indistinguishable. “I had no other choice but to act and surrender to Fraser entirely and throw Jack Dylan Grazer out the window,” he says. “I would go out and get a coffee as Fraser and walk like Fraser. That was just me trying to get into [character], but then I slipped at some point and just became Fraser.”

One day on set, he looked at himself in the mirror, and the hardened kid standing there with a bleach-blond dye job and oversized shorts was unrecognizable to him. He could only see Fraser. While talking about his character, he seems to unintentionally switch pronouns, from “he” to “I”, as if the two still remain one and the same.

The process was so transformative that it forced him to re-evaluate himself entirely. “I never really struggled with identity before,” Grazer tells me. “But I think the show opened up my eyes to question myself. Being Fraser forced me to question what I wanted and what I stood for and what I believed in. At some points, the show bled into reality.”

When asked how he has changed, he takes a pause and a pensive swivel in his armchair, unsure of how to answer. “I think I was more ignorant before I did the show,” he says, and he leaves it at that.

Coming of agers are a particularly well-trodden genre, but there’s a naturalistic, raw energy to We Are Who We Are that is distinctive from what we’ve seen before. Each character quietly struggles with their own problems and growing pains—for Fraser, it’s his sexuality. Caught in a fraught relationship with his lesbian mother and an infatuation with another man, his story doesn’t tick off the familiar beats. His personal discovery is instead internal and intimate. "I think every single person born as a boy has this guard. It’s this guard that they don’t even realize they have, where they’re initially like, ‘Being gay? I could never.’ But we’re all born as humans who are attracted to whatever we’re attracted to," he says. "I think that’s how Fraser interprets it as well. Yes, he’s reserved and nervous about it in the beginning because he’s unlocking this new idea for himself. He’s figuring it out, and that’s what you see in the show: him coming to terms with this idea."

As our conversation winds to a close, I ask him if Martin Scorsese ever visited the set—his daughter, Francesca, plays the confident cool girl of the show’s teen cohort—and his eyes widen. “That was actually a really stressful day,” he divulges. Still, he revels in the memory, speaking so fast it’s like someone has put him on 2.5x speed as he shows off his impersonation of Guadagnino. The director was so nervous about Scorsese’s presence that production halted that day.

“Luca was like, ‘I cannot do this today because Martin Scorsese is on my set. I don’t know what to do, this is not good for me. I will have a panic attack before the day ends,’” Grazer says in his best Italian accent. “It’s like if you’re a painter and Van Gogh shows up.” 

Admittedly, Grazer is also a self-proclaimed superfan of the Wolf of Wall Street director, and afterwards, he got to spend several days with his idol, as they went on lavish restaurant outings in Italy and talked about anything and everything.

He takes a second to compose himself. A giddy, Cheshire cat smile spreads across his face. The kid in him comes flooding back.

“...Oh my god!” he yells. “I met Martin Scorsese!”

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