Chapter 18: Journey to Hawaii and Aerial Views of Nubra Island!
Chapter 18: Journey to Hawaii, Aerial Filming on Nubra Island!
As soon as the words left his mouth, everyone present was taken aback.
The director actually knew Scarlett’s boyfriend?
What? He was an assistant director?
So that meant he was also part of the entertainment industry.
No wonder he could be with Scarlett.
Josh withdrew his gaze, looking at Qin Feng with suspicion.
Qin Feng was also momentarily stunned. “Director Miller, how do you know me?”
“Heh...” Frank Miller smiled. “When your film started shooting, Universal Studios invited me as a guest. There were so many people then, we never met face to face.”
“But when Spielberg introduced you as the assistant director, I took notice, so I had some impression of you.”
“Oh.” Qin Feng understood. “So that’s how it is.”
“You’re still so young and yet working alongside a great director like Spielberg. To be honest, I’m a bit envious!”
“Director Miller, you flatter me. Your filmmaking and artistic skills are renowned in the industry.”
As they chatted, those nearby listened intently. So Qin Feng was an assistant director, and such a young, handsome one at that.
Given time, he would surely become a great director himself!
It seemed Scarlett had chosen a promising star.
Josh’s heart jolted, but he quickly resumed his defiant expression.
“Hmph! He’s only an assistant! To become a real director, without relying on others, there’s still a long road ahead.”
He then glanced at Scarlett. “Isn’t that right, Scarlett?”
Scarlett turned her head away, no longer bothering to respond.
Qin Feng looked at him calmly, serene in demeanor. “You’re right. To be a true director, I need to keep working hard.”
“But for myself, and for Scarlett, I will never slack off!”
Scarlett looked at him, warmth flooding her heart, her eyes filled with tenderness.
Her friends overheard and exclaimed, “Ah, we can’t take it! We’re dying of envy!”
Josh snorted coldly, glanced at Scarlett, and walked away.
Frank Miller watched Josh’s retreating figure, chuckled, and said to Qin Feng, “Young people with drive and boldness are wonderful. When I attended your opening ceremony, and today at your wrap party...”
He extended his hand. “Eh, as you say in China, it’s fate. Qin Feng, welcome!”
“Thank you, Director Miller.”
“Hope we get to work together sometime.”
“Absolutely.”
Qin Feng shook his hand.
---
The wrap party was simple. Everyone shared cake and pizza, then took a group photo.
Qin Feng did not join the group photo.
Afterwards, Josh took off in his sports car.
Scarlett quietly said to Qin Feng, “Sorry for putting you in an awkward spot earlier.”
Qin Feng smiled, recalling a phrase from his past life’s internet lexicon, and said, “No worries. As long as you’re not embarrassed, the awkwardness belongs to others.”
“Oh? Heh...” Scarlett laughed.
At 5 p.m., the crew packed up, and the wrap party ended.
Production vehicles gradually left the site.
Frank Miller hugged the actors as they said farewell.
“Scarlett, see you at the premiere.”
“See you there, Director. It’s been an honor to be in your film.”
They embraced gently.
Frank Miller said, “You acted wonderfully. Hope to work with you again.”
Then he turned to Qin Feng. “Qin Feng, keep it up. I’m looking forward to your sci-fi film. I’ll definitely watch it.”
“Thank you very much, Director Miller.”
...
The two exited the studio.
Scarlett’s work was temporarily done, and she felt great.
More importantly, that gentleman Josh probably wouldn’t come looking for her again.
It seemed inviting Qin Feng to the wrap party had been a wise choice!
She smiled softly at the thought.
“Qin Feng, what do you want to eat tonight? My treat!”
Qin Feng joked, “Hmm? Are you really going to keep me?”
Scarlett playfully scolded, “Just dinner, no keeping you!”
“Well... I still prefer Chinese food. Eating burgers and chicken on set every day is making me sick.”
Scarlett took a few light steps, arms outstretched.
Her graceful figure spun twice, as if embracing the whole city.
“Let’s go! Chinese food it is!”
...
Several days later.
Qin Feng flew to Hawaii with the crew.
---
Hawaii is an archipelago state, composed of 132 islands, boasting stunning scenery and a mild, pleasant climate year-round.
Among them, Kauai Island lies at the northernmost tip of the archipelago, covering over 500 square kilometers, making it the oldest island of the group.
After preliminary scouting by the location team, this was chosen as the film’s most important outdoor set, representing the fictional Nubra Island in the script.
Here, rolling valleys, lush peaks, and interlaced cliffs have, over centuries, formed tropical rainforests, crisscrossing rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
The crew rented several large boats to transport personnel, filming equipment, and mechanical models from Hawaii’s capital to this location.
Upon arrival, the prop and model teams began intensive setup, while Qin Feng coordinated the various departments.
The crew also deployed a helicopter and a drone.
The helicopter was integral to the storyline.
The drone was used for capturing panoramic aerial views of the island.
After three days of preparation, filming of the first scene on Nubra Island officially commenced:
The main actors sat aboard the helicopter, teasing one another and chatting.
From afar, the drone followed the helicopter as it approached Nubra Island.
The waves layered gently on the sea’s surface, cliffs on either side lush and verdant, waterfalls plunging downward.
Mr. Hammond said, “The wind’s strong. We’ll make a rapid descent. Hold on tight... it might get bumpy.”
The actors fastened their safety harnesses one by one.
Amid their astonishment, the helicopter slowly landed on the helipad nestled in the valley.
The camera panned down as Mr. Hammond stepped out first, followed by the others.
The scene shifted to an off-road vehicle bearing the Jurassic Park logo pulling up nearby, and the cast boarding it in turn.
The helicopter flew away; the camera cut to reveal the metal fences inside the park.
The final shots showed park staff manually closing the metal gates as the safety locks engaged automatically.
Qin Feng held a walkie-talkie and a large notebook, coordinating on-site.
This sequence employed numerous perspectives: expansive aerial shots, medium-range views.
The full array of equipment—helicopter, drone, crane arm, off-road vehicles—were all deployed, and the crew filmed for three full days.
Spielberg wore a large sunhat, appearing intermittently on site and before monitors.
He orchestrated everything with strategic precision, calling “Cut!” whenever the shots and performances met his satisfaction.
“Cut! Excellent work, everyone!”
Director Spielberg raised his hand, waving to the actors and crew members.
He then said to Qin Feng, “Tomorrow, we’ll film the dinosaurs—their first official appearance in the movie!”
Qin Feng replied excitedly, “Yes, Director. I’m really looking forward to it!”
(End of chapter)