76

Peter Barrington sized Slythe up. “You’re filling in for Russell?”

“That’s right. I’m sorry if I’m not up to speed, but I just got the call. As I understand it, you’re filming a gunfight on an I-beam.”

“That’s right. We’re shooting the stunt up there, then close-ups later on a low beam. I’m particularly concerned with the shot up there. It’s the first shot of the day. We’ll have four cameras rolling. The villain shoots three times before the hero spins around and blasts him, and he falls. I’d like to get it in one take because it’s a huge setup and I don’t want the actor to have to do the fall twice. I need you to check the guns carefully just before the shot to make sure everything is in order.”

Slythe pointed. “Up there?”

Peter frowned. “You have a fear of heights?”

“I don’t like them. Do I have to be up there?”

Peter considered. “Well, Jackson has to be up there to set off the squib. But the guns . . .”

“Can’t I just give them to the actors before they go up?”

“They have their guns in their shoulder holsters for the wardrobe check. Tell you what. How about you check them just before they get into the construction elevator?”

“Great. Thanks.”

Slythe smiled.

Perfect.