1

“Okay, okay! Everybody off stage! That was just… That’s just terrible. I can’t. Roll back, we need to redo the entire shot.” After that initial statement there was a collective sigh coming from the entire cast, not only had they been here all day and it was way past 8, this particular scene had already been shot 15 times. Visual Cue is a very talented although extremely picky director and he’s in charge. With no other remedy, every extra, every actor, every camera man jumped off stage to make adjustments. The cast headed over towards the makeup artists and the cameramen headed off to clear their lenses and readjust the take once again. “Hey Rivers! I need you to come over here!” Mr. Visual Cue calls over, waving a hoof dismissively. Upon hearing his name called Gray’s throat immediately tightened. “Yes? Is there anything—“ “This is not going to work, son.” Visual scoffs and signals Gray to remain quiet. “Oh.” Gray frowns. “It’s not your fault, this script is just…. Blergh!” Visual shuffles through the pages with disdain and shows some to Gray. “I mean look at this shit! Who’s going to watch this? Nope. No, no, no. We’re dropping this dog shit.” Visual continues, with Gray getting a little nervous beside him. “Yeah it does get a little cheesy but I mean, it’s supposed to be a family show.-” “It’s lame Yuri. It’s lame and I see it in your eyes, you think so too.” Visual glares. Gray’s eyes widen slightly, he forces a smile. “Hah, I guess you do have a sharp eye for these things Mr. Cue.” He responds although truth be told he found the script pretty funny and light-hearted, not bad at all. “See? I knew you’d get it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still pulling this project through but I’ll be making some changes. Luckily you made the list.” Visual smirks and lightly prods Gradient’s shoulder. “I’m just going to need you to make a few adjustments to your uhm… character. Okay?” Gradient sighed in relief at that moment, he’s really not in a position to lose a role. “Thank god--- I mean! Sure! Anything!—Well not like anything ‘anything’ I mean… not like ‘desperate’ anything…” he rubs his shoulder and scoffs awkwardly. Visual Cue continues to smirk a few more moments until he finally retires his piercing stare from Gray’s soul to focus on a cigar he was shuffling out of his pocket. “You’re going to walk on a tightrope, son.” “I WHAT!?” Gray shrieks. “It’s going to be on fire, just a heads up.” Visual continues and Gray’s jaw positively would’ve hit the floor if that had been possible! “Oh my god.” he stutters. “Alright everyone, change of plans!” Visual stands up from his glorified chair and calls everyone on stage, every face turning his way. “Don’t worry, I already spoke with your agency and they hired some clowns who will train you. I’m sure you’ll master it in no time, you kind of have the face of a clown yourself!” Visual laughs loud and obnoxiously as he usually did. Gradient joins in a worried laugh. “Hah, y-yeah…” He’s terrified of heights. “This new show’s going to need to have a lot more action! I think it fits your type better, Rivers.” Visual remarks cocking a brow as Gradient nods. “Good! Karen, help the man get into his strap, we’re doing this! Rivers you’re gonna have to up your act if you want to stay on board, now go!” Visual jokes one more time before sitting down again and reclining as Gray’s dragged off to put some security equipment on, shaky legs and all. “Is this really necessary!?” but Mr. Cue is already done talking, he simply signals Gray to zip his mouth. “We’re doing this! 3, 2, 1…” Fall! “Cut!” Trip! “Cut!” Bend! “Start over!” Twist! “I want everybody off the stage!!!” Director Visual Cue’s yelling resonated like thunder across the warehouse which had been repurposed as a stage with some scenery, including a tight rope, a ‘firey pit’ which was merely a hole filled with foam and a safety net and some trapezes. This stage was a lot different from the ones Gradient was used to work in, none of this was familiar. Right now he was entangled into some net after losing balance for the 50th time. “I’m so sorry…” Gray lifts his head and looks over at the tired cast as they casted long stares towards him. He understood they weren’t completely mad at him, but they were tired and hungry after all. The director only stands up without even looking at him, turns around and leaves. Gray frowns, everybody’s picking up their things now. He goes to stand up and dusts himself, some ponies are sighing and mumbling in annoyance as they walk past him towards the door to finally end their shift. As for himself, he needs a couple moments to breathe and recover… He’s the last one out. The very next day Gray was standing in his own living room watching some videos on TV. The oddest thing was that as he was watching, he was also balancing himself on 2 hooves at a time on top of the couch’s back. His balance was just… off… and it was clear from the sweat and the wrinkles on his forehead that it was costing him a lot just to remain in this uncomfortable position. He couldn’t stop twitching! He watches the recordings from the day before and tries to pin point his errors, it’s his balance... He’s no circus pony after all! But a gig’s a gig…