"Hello, Miss Diantha," Vincent Stone greeted Diantha at the filming location after she had just finished her makeup.
Given Diantha's age, some makeup was necessary for her to convincingly play the role of the stepmother in "Dead Silence."
"Hello, Mr. Stone. I'm very happy to be part of your project," Diantha replied with a smile, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as she studied Vincent. Though young, the scripts he wrote had left even her deeply impressed.
"You're too kind, Miss Diantha. I've seen many of your works, and having an outstanding actress like you join us is an honor," Vincent spoke with refined elegance. As the youngest son of the Stone family, he had received proper etiquette training from his parents since childhood.
When Vincent chose to, he could converse with anyone in a way that made him appear graceful and poised.
However, Vincent wasn't just being polite. He truly had seen some of Diantha's works. As a superstar and a Champion-level Trainer, she carried immense influence in the Kalos region. Even in Hoenn, Vincent had come across many of her advertisements, movies, and TV dramas.
"Mr. Stone, I'm curious—how did you come up with such an excellent script like 'Dead Silence'?" Diantha's eyes brimmed with intense curiosity.
Originally, she hadn't planned to participate in this Hoenn-based film. But coincidentally, she had been in Hoenn shooting a commercial these past few days and happened to see that "Dead Silence" was holding auditions. She decided to check out the script to gauge its quality.
After reading it, she immediately agreed to take the role.
Vincent scratched his head. The crew was still setting up the scene, and since Diantha was available, Vincent had decided to shoot the scenes where the male lead first meets the stepmother and her subsequent appearances first.
Since preparations weren't complete yet, chatting with Diantha for a bit wasn't a problem.
"Actually, the inspiration came from some horror movies I've seen, but I always felt they weren't scary enough..." Vincent was skilled at improvising.
After all, this world didn't have the classic horror films from his past life. Even if he claimed the idea came to him in a dream, no one would find it strange.
Diantha nodded thoughtfully, her gaze at Vincent carrying a hint of something unreadable.
As a renowned actress in Kalos, Diantha had a good eye for scripts. This horror film would likely achieve decent box office success, and this young man would soon rise as a promising new director in the Pokémon League.
With that in mind, Diantha decided to build a good relationship with Vincent. As an actress with ambitions, she wanted to star in more outstanding films.
After a brief chat and exchanging contact information, the filming set was finally ready. Vincent began preparing to shoot Diantha's first scene.
Sitting in the director's chair, Vincent observed the world through the camera lens.
Unlike what the naked eye saw, the world through the lens appeared more unique. The dim lighting perfectly matched Vincent's vision—"Dead Silence" was meant to be filmed in a cold, oppressive palette to amplify the audience's sense of dread.
"Director, the weather team is ready," Fa Wu whispered beside Vincent. Vincent nodded. He understood what Fa Wu meant.
One of the biggest advantages of filming in the Pokémon world was the ability to control the weather. Rain, snow, sunshine, even sandstorms—everything could be arranged as needed.
"This weather is already perfect," Vincent signaled. The camera started rolling, first focusing on the male lead, Jamie, before pulling back to reveal a gloomy, eerie mansion.
Vincent watched intently.
The actor playing Jamie was indeed skilled. Vincent had shown him the script—this scene required Jamie to convey complex emotions: grief over his wife's death and his return to his hometown to investigate the legend of Mary Shaw.
The camera zoomed in as Jamie knocked on the door. Soon, light footsteps could be heard from inside.
Vincent raised an eyebrow. Diantha's footsteps were an interesting touch, but he didn't comment. The shot was going well so far, and no retakes were needed yet.
"Jamie! I'm so sorry about your wife's passing..." Diantha opened the door, her eyes flashing with delight. Her smile was sincere, making anyone feel her genuine happiness.
"Cut!" Vincent called out, slightly frustrated.
Diantha's performance was flawless—her expressions and demeanor perfectly captured Ella's initial attitude toward Jamie. But the problem was Jamie's actor.
Perhaps it was his first time working with a top-tier star like Diantha, but the usually competent actor turned red-faced and awkward, like a shy teenager.
"Jamie, right now you don't look like a man who finds this woman baffling and doesn't recognize her. You look like a lovestruck boy," Vincent said, exasperated.
In the shot, it almost seemed like the male lead and stepmother had some unusual relationship. But Vincent wasn't directing a niche adult film.
"S-sorry, Director! I'll adjust!" Jamie's actor immediately apologized, taking deep breaths and slapping his cheeks to calm himself.
Vincent didn't press further, only reminding him to stay focused before reshooting the scene.
Diantha adjusted effortlessly. The second take was even more captivating—her micro-expressions and glances were spot-on. Vincent couldn't help but admire her. A top-tier actress like Diantha was practically a guaranteed award-winner, even in his past life.
Though the Pokémon world had its own prestigious film festivals, the most prestigious was the annual "League Film Festival" hosted by the Pokémon League.
"...You could say I'm your stepmother," Diantha explained gently. This time, Jamie's actor performed professionally, his confusion and skepticism perfectly portrayed.
"Cut!" Vincent called again. This time, the acting was fine, but the lighting was off—Jamie's face looked like it had a spotlight on it.
(End of Chapter)