by Rick Lakin
“Call Thomas. Jenna Seldon has an appointment with the inventor, and he's expecting you.”
Jennifer entered a laboratory from the nineteenth century. She expected it to be dry and musty like a museum, but this was very contemporary with the sounds of a nearby machine shop and the smells of many different materials and chemicals, but not as well-lit as a modern laboratory. At a bench was a very busy older gentleman in a black-vested suit and what looked like a bow tie. When he turned toward her, she recognized the snow-white hair around the distinctive square face of Thomas Edison.
“Welcome to my main laboratory, Miss Seldon. I have been told that you need advice on a project and that you want to pursue some business and management courses.”
“I believe that I need to form a team to pursue my idea of a flock of mini-drones that can photograph a large scene on a remote motion picture location,” Jenna said.
“I'm familiar with your proposal. Besides the drone, you require a mobile control room, data, and power networked wirelessly and the hardware and software to support the endeavor.”
“That's the simple description, but I know that the project is very complex.”
“I agree, Jenna. I'm not the lone-wolf in a lab with a white coat, I'm a collaborator. I understand that you are a quick study,” Edison said.
“Yes, Mr. Edison. I can read, memorize, and write rather quickly.”
“My great-grandniece, Sarah Miller Caldicott, studied my work very intensely and wrote a book called Midnight Lunch. I suggest that you read it soon,” Mr. Edison said. “Sarah suggests four keys to managing a collaborative team. Let me explain.” And he did.
“You have given me a lot to think about, Mr. Edison,” Jennifer said. “I'll read the book tonight and begin forming a team tomorrow. I look forward to collaborating with you on this project and gaining skills as a business and technology leader.”
“Young lady, it's the scientists of the past who provide the tools to young inventors of the present, who build the future we'll live in. Good luck, Jenna.”
“Good night and thank you, Mr. Edison.”
Jennifer spent the next hour reading the book that Edison recommended. Sleep was an evasive prey as she chased down the new ideas she came up with on this day.
Nine
Sound Stage One
On Monday, Jennifer reported in to Grayson at Information Technology, checked her presentation, and went to the safety office for the meeting.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you are familiar with the Safety Buddy App that I created. I added some modifications to the app. It's now networked with Tovar’s back office system. The pads will automatically report medical or injury events and call for medics in an emergency. It'll collect data on high-frequency safety issues and request or recommend solutions. Finally, I recommend that you develop software and hardware to link up with all of the autonomous mobile vehicles and equipment,” Jennifer said.
Her presentation was well-received, and afterward she answered questions. The Vice-President of Operations welcomed her to Tovar Studios and congratulated her on having a substantial positive impact on safety in just a few days.
At nine-thirty, Jennifer reported to the set of Brilliant and her supervisor, Harper Jennings.
“Good morning, Jennifer. The effects people love the upgrades. They say the HTVR system is much more snappy and responsive. I sent you the continuity photos for our first scene. Please do a once-over on the set to verify that there's nothing out of place. When we roll, I'll be Stage Right, and you'll be Stage Left with Brooke Nascimento, the AD. You and I will communicate via HoloPad, and you'll inform Brooke of any problems. Do you have any questions?” Harper said.
“No, ma’am. "
“Jen, do you know how much of my paycheck I spend to look thirty? Call me Harper. Do the walkthrough and then grab your caffeine overdose.”
“Thanks, Harper. Have a good shoot.” Jennifer reviewed and memorized the photos and then did a slow and thorough walk-through of the set. She spotted two items slightly out of place. She informed Melinda, the props master.
“I looked at that twice. You're right. Good catch, I’m Mel,” the props master said.
“Hi, Mel, I'm Jennifer. I'm the intern assisting Harper.”
“You are the HoloPad guru, right?”
“Yes, I am.”
“I'd like to chat between shots. After I saw what that toy could do, I started thinking about how it could help my crew,” Mel said.
“Message me when you have a minute. I'll be here all day.”
Jennifer went over to the Starbucks machine. “Hello, Starbucks,” Jennifer said.
“It’s Jennifer, right,” the smart machine said.
“Yes, very good.”
“Double-shot caramel Frappuccino, right?”
“That’s the one. Thanks, Starbucks.” Jennifer picked up a croissant while she waited, and a voice came from behind.
“Starbucks, after you give this girl her valley girl drink, make me a large coffee with cream.”
Navvy startled Jennifer as she was standing in line mumbling to herself and running checklists in her head. She turned and said, “Good morning, Mr. Kelrithian.”
The Starbucks machine said, “Yes, Navvy.”
“Hear that, Jennifer. My set, my rules. Call me Navvy.”
“Yes, Navvy, and thanks.”
“Jen, you look overwhelmed and somewhat nervous.”
“Yes, Sir, a little bit of both. I arrived at my dream job.”
“Today you may trip over something, you may be challenged, and It's highly likely someone will yell at you. Just remember, a bad day making movies is better than a good day doing anything else.”
“Yes, Sir. Have a good shoot.”
“I remember that your grandfather used to say that. He's a good man.” Navvy turned on his heel and moved toward the chair that bore his name. As he did, the pace and the intensity increased, but the clatter and the noise went down. Everyone knew it was time to start making a movie.
Jennifer took her place next to the Assistant Director and took notes. She reported minor script deviations to Brooke and Harper. After several takes, the Director called a fifteen-minute break, and the stage crew redressed the set for the upcoming scene.
Jennifer again reviewed the continuity photos and did a walk-through on the set. She reported a couple of problems to Mel. “Do you have plans for lunch?” Mel said.
“No, let’s chat in the cafeteria,” Jennifer said. “I have been thinking about some ideas for a Props Buddy app,”
“Give me twenty minutes after we break for lunch so I can direct the stage crew to get ready for the afternoon.” Many of the stage crew took their breaks and lunch during the shooting so that they could prepare when the cast and crew were off the set.
On the second take of the new scene, Jennifer noticed the problem that she spotted on her rewrite of the script over the weekend. The actor on the science station, Eiji Noguchi, was pressing the wrong keystrokes and the display was giving the incorrect result for the situation portrayed in the scene. It wasn't a critical mistake, but it was one that would have the Brillians on social media calling it out as a technical mistake when the movie came out. “Harper, the actor on the science station's pressing the wrong keystrokes for the current scenario, and it results in an incorrect display in the background.”
“Is it serious?” Harper asked.
“The Brillians will be all over it on social media when the movie comes out.”
“Tell Brooke; I'm coming over.”
“Brooke, there's a technical problem with this scene,” Jennifer explained the problem and what might happen if it wasn’t corrected.
Brooke nodded and turned to the director, “Arturo, can we hold the next take? Our Script Assistant found a technical problem. Jennifer, explain it.”
She quickly explained the problem to the director. “Navvy has the final call. We need to go to him.” They walked over to the producer. “Navvy, our new
bie Script Assistant has found a mistake in the script for this scene. Explain it, Jennifer.”
“Navvy, Eiji on the science station calls up the long-range scanner in this scene. The correct procedure in the manual in section 12.36 is to call up the close-range weapons scanner and let Owwie track the target. I'm afraid that if this scene makes the cut the Brillians on social media will get all bent out of shape as they typically do when they spot a mistake in the movie.”
“Can someone show me the scene?” Navvy asked.
“Here, Sir.” Jennifer held up her HoloPad. “Sami, call up the last take and zoom into the science station.”
The scene arose from the Pad, and the problem area was shown and highlighted.
“I still don’t see the problem,” Navvy said.
“Sir, when did you finalize this part of the script?” Jennifer asked.
“We reviewed in April. I specifically remember going over this scene.”
“Navvy, you updated Section 12.36.3 of the Brilliant Tech Manual on May third. That change addressed this issue. Based on Brilliant system upgrades, the scanning procedure was changed. I found this when I did a rewrite on the script over the weekend.”
“Some sci-fi author named Jenna-something sent us a snotty letter about that. She was right, so we made the change.”
“Guilty as charged. Sorry for the nasty part. I had just broken up with my last boyfriend. My pen name is Jenna Seldon,” Jennifer said.
“So, you're saying you started shaking things up before you even got here?” Navvy said.
“Again, sorry….”
“It’s okay. Shaking is good. How fast can you train Eiji to do it correctly?”
“Five minutes.”
“Arturo, let’s take ten. Jennifer, go straighten this out. See me before you break for lunch.”
“Yes, Sir.”
Jennifer went to see Eiji at the science station.
“Eiji, I am Jennifer Gallagher, the new intern. I pointed out a procedural error in the script and Navvy asked me to go over the correction with you,” Jennifer said.
“I went over the procedure in the script and it is correct,” Eiji said.
“Unfortunately, the script was based on an earlier version of the Manual. The new procedure is slightly different, and I'm afraid that Brillians like me will see the mistake when the movie is released.”
“Jennifer, you're just an intern. How do you know this stuff?” Eiji asked.
“I have been a Brillian since I was six years old. I finished reading the Brilliant Tech Manual when I was twelve, and I keep up with revisions.”
“You sound like you have it memorized.”
“I do, but let me show you the updated section.”
She set her HoloPad down on the surface. “Sami, bring up the revision.”
They spent the next five minutes going over the proper procedure. Jennifer watched the actor rehearse the correct actions.
“You're the supernerd that has been going around creating the amazing HoloPad apps, aren't you?” Eiji said.
“Correct.”
“Wow, let me know if I screw up again, preferably before the cameras roll,” Eiji said.
“Will do.”
Lunch was called at noon. As the crew was breaking for lunch, Jennifer walked over to Navvy. “You wanted to see me, Sir?”
“Yes, you are THE Jenna Seldon, author of the Logan Jones novels?”
“Yes, Sir. I'm trying to work on the arrogant streak.”
“You said you did a rewrite on the script?"
“Yes, I saw some technical issues and some issues with dialogue and consistency with past movies. I also have some ideas on the battle scene. I'm working on some technology that might reduce costs and improve the look. I haven't completely tricked out that scene yet. I included notes to advise on minimizing necessary re-shoots.”
“May I have a look at your script?”
“Yes, but please remember, I did it for practice and to analyze costs. It's my first attempt at a screenplay. I can have it on your computer in a few minutes.”
“Jen, if we have an earthquake, could you raise your hand to let me know if it’s you or the San Andreas Fault?
“Sir?”
“Keep shaking, young lady.”
“Thank you, Sir.”
During her walk to the commissary, she chatted with her HoloBuddy. “Sami, Navvy wants to read my rewrite. Check me off on this. I did the rewrite and included notes on recommended re-shoots, budgeting, and shooting schedule?”
“Check.”
“Is it noted where it requires collaboration with his writing team to finish?”
“Check.”
“Are there notes where I need to flesh it out further?”
“Check.”
“Can you do another copyedit pass?”
“Done.”
Ok, Sami, here goes. Make sure that the significant changes are in Bold Red. Address it to Navvy and cc: Kathy.”
“Ready.”
“Send it, Sami, and wish me luck.”
“Done, and sent.”
“Next, Melinda, the Props Master wants to meet with us. I want to do a Props Curator app. What data do we have on the props inventory?”
“After a century of filmmaking, Tovar has an immense inventory,” Sami said. "Over the last five years, they updated their inventory for twenty percent of the stock to actual photos, provenance, and repair data.”
"Sami, use the Big Data from the lot to create a Props Curator app that will assist the Props Master and Grips with inventory, maintenance, repairs, continuity placement, scripting, and scheduling,” Jennifer asked.
“Are you aware GGG maintains the Big Data for props for all the SoCal Studios in what's called the Props Collective? Tovar is a founding member of this group. So, what do we want the app to do?”
“Good call. Use the best source of data,” Jennifer said. “There's Melinda.” Jennifer waved and then grabbed a tray of food and carried it over.
“Hi, Mel,” Jennifer said.
“Hey, Jen. Have you made progress?” Mel said.
“Yes. Sami, my HoloBuddy, did a search of work logs, public communications, and documents about the duties of the Prop Master. She is now integrating Big Data from all of the Hollywood sources.”
“What did you and your HoloBuddy come up with?”
“The Props Curator app will maintain inventory, keep record of purchase and rental costs, and repair status for all items relevant to a project. The data will be available for all items held in the database. It'll maintain placement and inventory based on detailed photos and rushes. In pre-production, it'll recommend a props list based on scripting descriptions and history. Props Curator will facilitate communications between your crew, your office, and the above the line positions on the set. Finally, it'll coordinate autonomous delivery vehicles for on-time delivery and return to storage.”
“Does it fetch coffee?” Mel asked.
Not sensing the sarcasm, Jennifer replied, “I'm sure that we could set up an interface between the Starbucks units and the ADV’s that bring the props.”
“Just kidding about the coffee. During the strike at the end of the picture, we inspect and inventory all the pieces and refer them to cleaning and repair. We do that at the Props Shop.”
“Sami?”
Sami popped out of the HoloPad, “Boss, we don't have complete capability now. I recommend that we send a referral to JennaTech for an upgrade to the Autonomous Delivery Vehicles to conduct a pre-inspections en-route and triage the props returning to the shop.”
“Timeline?” Jennifer said.
“It's a hardware-intensive project. We don't yet have staff in place. Four months to beta implementation if the process goes smoothly.”
“Good call, Sami, let’s put that in motion.” She turned to Melinda. “Any other ideas that we could include?”
“What is JennaTech?” Melinda asked.
“JennaTech is a company I started to manage
all my technology projects.”
“Do you sleep, or do you have your assistant do all your work? Is it possible for my assistant to pop up on the HoloPad as yours does? Wait, You’re just an intern. How do you have an assistant?” Melinda asked.
Sami and Jennifer both laughed. “Sami, introduce yourself,” Jennifer said.
“Hello, I'm Samantha, Jennifer’s virtual assistant. Jennifer and I got to know each other about nine years ago when Jennifer started taking classes at UVN. I started out as a virtual student advisor, but we have worked together on many things since. We have become good friends, and we now work together on many of Jennifer’s projects.”
“So, where is your office?”
“My source code and computation power are hosted primarily at the University of Van Nuys, but I have data shared at GGG, Tovar, and HumanAI. I am a virtual HoloBuddy.”
Mel did a double-take. “Jennifer, could I have a HoloBuddy like Sami?”
“Of course, it's a part of your initial setup.”
“Perfect. When can my crew and I get their HoloPads?”
“How many?”
“My Brilliant crew will need four. Other shoots on the lot will require fourteen total.”
“Okay, I’ll bring you four by the end of day and let you know when the others will be available,” Jennifer said.
“Thanks for your help. Lunch is on me,”
Jennifer's mind had been in high gear since she arrived on the lot at seven-thirty. She needed some quiet time. With time before the afternoon call, Jennifer took the scenic route through the backlot. Some of sets were over a century old, but the false fronts looked like they had been built yesterday. Of course, her favorite sets were the ones created for the early StarCruiser Brilliant pictures. With her memory and vision, she could walk among the stars in the scenes as they occurred in the movie.
Like a magnet, her walk drew her to Brilliant.
Jennifer passed through the access gate and came face to face with her ship of dreams. According to the Brilliant Tech Manual, when not occupied by crew, the ship was tended by the Artificial Intelligence crew members.
