For the last time on this project, the television crew sat patiently waiting for their producer to arrive. This time, however, there was a light, jubilant atmosphere of a congratulatory kind, as opposed to the tense, nervous ambience from the very first meeting. The final meeting was one that consisted only of last checks, thanks and farewells, so they didn’t have anything to worry about. These meetings were notoriously upbeat and with it falling at Christmas-time, there was an extra joyful lift.
Until, that is, Marcus came in, looking moody as always. It had an immediate effect on the rest of them. Viola sat up straight. She was particularly wary, not knowing yet if the deleted footage had been noticed. Judging by Libby’s usual pleasant demeanour, she suspected not. Marcus, however, looked a little temperamental, but then again, that was nothing new.
‘So,’ Marcus threw his clipboard down on the table, ‘let’s take stock.’ He looked straight at Viola. ‘I’ll need all the research, notes, contacts and details sending to me.’
‘You have most of it already, but I’ll make sure you get everything,’ she responded.
He then turned to Len. ‘All the rushes gone to Libby?’
‘Yes, Libby has it all.’
Libby confirmed, ‘I’ve reordered all the visual and audio material collected on each shoot to tell the best story. I’ve also assembled scenes for you to view.’
‘Good. We’ll start work on the rough cut after Christmas. I aim to get the first cut finished by early February.’
Libby’s eyebrow rose. This was asking a lot, but wasn’t unachievable. Marcus’ talents lay in the selection and sequence of each scene, from its proportions, structures, rhythms and emphasis. From that would evolve the fine cut, paying attention to the details of each and every shot. Once that was agreed between Libby and Marcus, the sound designer, music composer and title designer would join them. Sound effects and music would be created and added to the final cut. Once everyone was happy with the final cut, an exact copy would be made.
It was a long and comprehensive process, one that would normally give Marcus a buzz, but a niggling doubt was holding him back this time. What had started as pure revenge was now morphing into something that could change everything. The words of that clairvoyant taunted him once more: Your revenge will not be sweet. Choosing to ignore his reservations, he carried on. ‘Right, we’re done here then.’ He glanced round the table. ‘Thanks, and have a great Christmas.’ Turning to Libby again, he finished, ‘We’ll meet at the studio early January.’ With that he marched out of the dining room and walked straight into Dermot.
‘Can I have a word, Marcus?’ Dermot looked serious. Jeysus, he hadn’t seen him sneak into Finula’s bedroom, had he?
‘Er… yes.’
‘This way.’ Dermot led him over to a nearby alcove. ‘Let me come straight to the point. The thing is, Marcus, I’d like you to stay here, with us, for Christmas.’
‘Oh… right.’ Marcus was touched. In truth, he had hoped Finula would join him in Shropshire, but realising she would never leave her dad, he was grateful for the invitation. The last thing he needed was a Christmas all alone. ‘Well, that’s very kind Dermot. I’d love to stay.’
A look of relief crossed Dermot’s face. ‘Good, that’s settled then.’