*
Three weeks later, Miranda was growing frustrated with her film. “Lexi, would you take a look at this? I’ve already spent countless hours on postproduction, and it’s just not working. I wish I could figure out why.”
“Sure. I’m no film critic, but I’ll take a peek.” Lexi sat down in front of the laptop, where Miranda was studying the video clips.
“Keep in mind it’s only the rough cut,” Miranda said. “In addition to being on that helicopter, I filmed the horses as they came into the traps, so I’d have dual perspective. I also have some great stills of wild horses that I’m going to edit in.”
“You’ve got some gorgeous video here,” Lexi remarked. “Some of this desert scenery is breathtaking…but…”
“I know.” Miranda grimaced. “It feels flat and passionless, doesn’t it? There’s nothing special here. Nothing to evoke any real emotion. Even the attempt to save the foal seems somehow lacking.”
“If you wanted to tug on the heartstrings, why didn’t you follow that story through?” Lexi asked.
“Because they wouldn’t let me. The pilot didn’t think I’d be strong enough to hold the horse. He said it was too dangerous, so I went out after the strays with Keith instead.”
Lexi grinned. “Can’t blame you there. As a semiemployed actress, I have to ask what you’re going to do about narration?”
“I’ve been thinking about that. For the most part, I’d planned to use archived interviews with Wild Horse Annie. She’s the one who started the whole mustang conservation movement.”
Lexi gave a big theatrical yawn. “Sounds dry as the desert. What about music? Maybe you can do something cool with that?”
“I’m still looking for what I want, but haven’t found it yet.”
“If you really want to stir emotion, you could use ‘Ride of the Valkyries.’ Start it right when that chopper pops up.”
Miranda snorted. “And remind people of Apocalypse Now? I don’t think so. This whole topic is already controversial enough.”
Lexi smirked. “You said you want to be evocative.”
“Not in that way.” Miranda sighed. “I need a unique angle, something to connect with the audience and make this feel more personal.”
“Honey, what you need is your hot Indian wrangler.”
“Keith? What do you mean?”
“I’m saying that he’s your angle, and he looks incredible on camera to boot. Didn’t you say he had his audience at that clinic eating out of his hand? He’s the ideal connection between those horses and your viewers. You need to ask him to narrate this.”
Lexi was absolutely right. Keith’s passion had come through in so many ways. He’d even risked his life to go after the runaway horses. Miranda advanced to the clip to where he rode down the cliff. “Take a look at this.”
Lexi gasped. “Was that for real?”
“Yes. Incredible, isn’t he?”
“Oh yeah. No doubt about it. You need to change your whole angle. He’s your real story.”
Miranda shook her head. “I don’t think he’d do it, Lex. I don’t even dare to ask him after what happened with him and Bibi.”
“Randa, honey, you asked for my opinion, and I gave you the perfect answer. Now all you need to do is find a way to persuade him. Seems to me you have all the right weapons in your…er…arsenal,” she replied with a wink.
“But Keith was one of Bibi’s clients. If I ask him and she gets wind of it, she’ll toss me out like yesterday’s leftovers. Or worse, she’ll try to sue me.”
“Can she?” Lexi asked.
“I don’t know.” Miranda shrugged. “Maybe. There’s a noncompete clause in my contract, stating that I can’t enter into any other project or endeavor that competes with the interests of Starlight Productions. Given that they produce documentaries, I have only two choices. I can trash the project and keep the job I hate…or…”
“Or?” Lexi prompted.
Miranda’s stomach tightened. “Or quit the job to pursue my real dream.” She’d known from the start that there was a possible conflict of interest, but she refused to give up on the film.
“It’s not as simple as all that,” Lexi replied. “If you cross Bibi, you might as well pack your bags. You’ll never work in this town again.”
“I know, Lex, but maybe this is exactly the wake-up I needed. Since I came back from Nevada, nothing seems to make any sense anymore. I didn’t get into this field for fame and fortune. I’ve always wanted to use my camera to make a difference. Now I have a chance to do that. If I quit with Bibi, I’ll have no reason not to see my project through.”
“You’d better consider this carefully,” Lexi warned. “You’ve worked hard. I’d hate to see it all blow up in your face. If Bibi has any sway, which we all know she does, you won’t be able to do anything with that film.”
“There are other opportunities besides Hollywood.”