The next day, the young director arrived at Starlight Amusement Park with a whole crew – equipment and all – in five vans.

  "Props team, stay put and assemble the props! Await my instructions!"

  "Actors and camera crew, hop on the cable car with me! Let's scout the location!"

  Though slight in build, the director was decisive.

  He quickly brought order to the chaotic mix of people and equipment.

  The director led his crew from the cable car to the platform, where Jake and Mike were waiting.

  "Director, what do you think of this location? Does it meet your expectations?" Jake asked, gesturing to the winding river below with a subtle smile.

  "Let's see!"

  The director walked to the edge of the platform and peered down.

  Lush vegetation lined the riverbanks, with glimpses of small, lively animals darting through the undergrowth.

  "Sigh."

  Despite being mentally prepared, the director couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

  It was still a bit different from the pristine jungle he had imagined.

  But better than nothing; it was still better than artificial landscapes.

  "Actually... never mind, it's pointless to say anything." The director hesitated.

  After going over the contract details with Jake again, he turned to his own tasks.

  "Actors and camera crew, listen up!" The director clapped his hands. Once everyone was quiet, he continued, "We'll run through the scene first. Once the props team sets everything up, we'll start filming for real!"

  "Got it!"

  "No problem!"

  "Let's get to it!"

  The rest of the crew knew they only had one day, so every minute counted.

  The camera crew pulled out drones equipped with high-definition cameras.

  These drones would follow the raft, capturing the actors' reactions from every angle.

  The three actors – two guys and one girl – boarded the raft and began putting on safety gear under Mike's guidance.

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  The two guys were Hayden and Leon.

  The girl's name was Ava.

  All three were performing arts students at Riverdale Arts University.

  Mike chatted with them.

  "So, what kind of movie are you guys making, anyway?" Mike asked curiously.

  "A survival flick. Think 'Jurassic Park' on a shoestring budget!"

  "Basically, we're stranded in a primeval jungle, hunted by prehistoric creatures, and barely escape by river."

  "No way!" Mike blurted out.

  "What's so special about that?" Hayden asked, turning to look at him from the raft.

  "Nothing, I just think that you've come to the right place!" Mike said with a chuckle.

  "The right place?" Leon chuckled. "I wouldn't say that."

  "Look, since your boss isn't here, I'll be honest: we're here because we're broke. Otherwise, we'd be shooting in the Amazon or at Shennongjia, which would be way better, right?"

  "Yup." Ava nodded. "Look at this place. Not a single big tree. The effects team will have to add some trees later, otherwise there is no sign of a jungle!"

  Mike just smiled.

  Sure, they didn't have the giant, thick trees of a real jungle, but they had something better!

  Things that you can't find even in the Amazon.

  They'd soon see why he said they'd come to the right place.

  "Everything's good here. Cut the ropes and let them go!" Mike called out.

  "Hold on!" The director walked over, squatted by the raft, and spoke to the three actors.

  "Even though this is just a rehearsal, I want you to give it your best shot! "

  "Act naturally!"

  "Especially you, Ava. Stop widening your eyes every time something happens. Use your hands and feet, too!"

  "And..."

  The director spent a while explaining acting tips.

  He was worried about their acting abilities.

  They were rookies who hadn't been in any movies or TV shows, so their acting would probably be rough around the edges.

  If he had the budget, he wouldn't have cast these three.

  "Okay, let's get started!" The director took a sip of water to wet his throat and said to Mike.

  Mike nodded and cut the raft's ropes.

  The camera crew scrambled to operate the drones, which followed the raft downstream.

  The director stood near the telescope, ranting into the walkie-talkie.

  "Drone number four, what are you doing up there? There's nothing up there! What are you filming?"

  "Ava, please! You're smiling like you're on a date! You're supposed to be escaping!"

  "Hayden, your performance is good, but dial back the expressions! You look like you're constipated!"

  "Okay, that's enough adjustments. Just go back to how you were; the more you adjust, the worse it gets!"

  The director looked desperate.

  He knew their acting wasn't great, but he didn't realize it was *this* bad!

  Luckily, this was just a rehearsal to familiarize everyone with the process.

  "Director, it's not our fault! Look at these beautiful mountains and rivers. We can't get into that panicked 'escape' mode!" Ava's displeased voice came through the earpiece.

  "Yeah!"

  "We're doing the best we can!"

  The other two guys chimed in.

  The director sank into his chair, looking defeated.

  The trio had a point.

  But what could he do?

  The budget was limited!

  If he had money, he'd be shooting in the Amazon! If he was lucky, he could film a real-life scene with a giant anaconda!

  "Fine, whatever. When the props team is ready, see if that helps you find the feeling!" The director said weakly.

  The three actors looked relieved.

  Just then, someone from the camera crew shouted.

  "Director, isn't the props team ready?"

  "Ready?" The director looked at the camera crew, puzzled. "No, if they were ready, wouldn't I know?"

  "Huh? If the props team isn't ready, then what are those things in the shot?"

  "Let me see?" The director stood up, raised his binoculars, and looked down.

  The next moment, he saw the "props" the camera crew was talking about.

  "This..." The director's face turned white. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, and a chill ran down his spine.