Chapter Two: The Bad News
Most ponies loved surprises. Oscar didn’t. Surprises always caused him problems. Once he found himself a few days from the start of shooting, when lawyers informed him the studio neglected to obtain the film rights to the play. Another time a screenwriter quit without turning in a draft, forcing the director to write the script as he filmed. And on a recent film a heavy door closed on an actor, breaking his leg and delaying shooting by months. The list of the problems he had faced almost read like a big-budget disaster film... fires on sets... torrential rains... sick actors... striking crew members... production going way over budget... the list went on and on.
So why did Oscar continue to work in the film industry? There was the money. Serving as a big-shot Hollywood producer not only paid the bills but provided him with enough bits to lead an extremely comfortable lifestyle. There was also the awards. He appreciated the recognition the industry gave him and proudly displayed his small golden statues in his corner office back in Hollywood. But most of all, he loved movies. Ever since he was a colt all he wanted to do was work for a major studio, and after getting his film merit badge he earned his cutie mark. But still, he would enjoy his job a lot more if he didn’t have to deal with surprises.
Oscar sat in his private trailer looking over the budget for the movie when a knock on the door caught his attention. “Come in,” he commanded.
The side door swung open to reveal a yellow unicorn with a brown mane. “Hello Mr. Oscar,” he said somewhat hesitantly, stepping inside.
“Cast,” he replied cautiously, noting the younger pony’s hesitantancy. “Please take a seat.”
“Thank you sir,” Cast said, sitting down directly across the desk.
“How are things going on set today?” Oscar asked.
Akwardly, the unicorn stated, “Well - very well actually. Spellbound is happy with today’s takes.”
“Good,” replied Oscar. Suspecting there was some bad news coming, he prodded, “So, why are you really here?”
Cast ran his hoof through his mane, unsure how to deliver the news. “It’s about Chestnut Magnifico.”
“Has she arrived from Hollywood?” the producer asked.
“Actually,” taking an extra-long pause, “she’s not coming.”
“She’s not! Why!” demanded Oscar.
“Well, it turns out the rumors we’ve seen in the tabloids are true. She discovered her husband in bed with a younger mare and she’s demanding a divorce. She needs to stay in Hollywood and fight for custody of her children during this process,” explained Cast.
“I don’t care! We have a movie to make and she’s our one of our biggest stars! We have a contract and she needs to be here!”
“Sir, we’ve received word from her agent. He says that Chestnut doesn’t care and will pay all the penalties listed in her contract. But nothing will drag her away from Hollywood until the divorce is finalized.”
“Humph!” Oscar grunted. “Tomorrow Spellbound is going to start filming at the farm. We need to fill that role and fast,” he thought out loud.
“I can take the next train back to Hollywood and hold a casting session,” suggested the unicorn.
“That’ll take too long. No way we’ll get an actress here in time.”
“So what are we going to do?”
Turning his chair around, Oscar gazed out the window thinking when suddenly he was hit by a brilliant idea. Spinning around, he said, “I’ll tell you what we’re going to do. You’re going to get out there and cast one of these locals to play her part.”
“I am?” asked an astonished Cast.
“Yes. Everypony wants to be a movie star. It’ll be easy,” came the reply with a wave of his hoof.
“But what about the actor’s guild? They’ll never stand for us hiring a non-union actor.”
“We’ll pay all the fines. The important thing is to keep our film on schedule. Now get out of here and find me a replacement!” ordered Oscar.
“Yes sir!” said Cast, scrambling out the door.
Oscar leaned back in his chair. He hated surprises. Trying to get a replacement actress so quickly was a major hassle. Yet he had already put together an ensemble cast, so one major star dropping out wasn’t going to ruin the picture. And he had seen far worse emergencies over his long career.