Chapter 45: A Story of the Past
A cacophony of voices surged outside the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Reporters packed the space beneath the domed entrance and its white pillars. The crew's press officer gripped a microphone, shouting desperately to maintain order, but the swarm of journalists remained a chaotic, surging mess.
Duke stood behind his three lead actors. Although he had answered a few questions, the three men in front of him were the media's true focus—a fact reflected by his physical position. Duke deliberately stepped back. He had officially entered his shooting mindset and didn't need the press fracturing his focus.
As much as he wanted to emulate James Cameron and start filming in absolute secrecy, Duke cooperated with the promotional plans laid out by Warner Brothers and the production team. He had to consider the movie's marketing.
"You're unbelievable," a voice with a slight nasal tone murmured from behind him. "Spacing out at an event like this!"
"I'm just thinking about today's and tomorrow's shooting schedules." Duke's mind was indeed entirely consumed by the production. "I'm a director, not a star."
Seeing the microphones and camera lenses locked firmly onto Ed Harris, Nicholas Cage, and Christopher Lee, Duke took another step back. This small press conference for the opening ceremony had dragged on too long. Any further delays would disrupt his schedule.
"Director Rosenberg," a reporter suddenly called out to him. "This is your first time directing an A-list blockbuster. Are you confident?"
"Of course I am." Duke instantly flashed his brightest smile. "Next Summer Season, you're going to see a thrilling, explosive action blockbuster."
After answering, he shot a look at the press officer. Only then did the Warner Brothers representative reluctantly announce the end of the press conference.