Rapid Capture/Story

A Robust Theoretical Discussion

Main article: A Robust Theoretical Discussion

Quest Description

Near the Fountain of Lucine, you and Paimon seem to hear someone arguing...

Petit Lumiere: Alright, here comes our main character! Get the cameras rolling!

Melies: ...Huh! No, no, that's not right! A business partnership should be like a film script. It needs a proper structure, with a beginning, middle, and end!

Melies: Typically, the first thing you do when you approach a superstar for a partnership is offer them your business card. You then follow that up with a grand introduction to properly position yourself, then pitch them your vision for the partnership.

Melies: You only start to talk about the specifics of the partnership once they show a certain degree of interest. The way you went about talking about your Flash Cuts idea? That was way too much, too soon!

Petit Lumiere: To be frank, Miss Melies, that theory yours [sic] might hold a little more water if your debut film, "Experimental Studio," hadn't been such a flop.

Petit Lumiere: Besides, you tried to approach (‍‍) back at Film Fantasyland, didn't you? But if I'm right, you didn't seem to have left much of an impression on (‍‍/‍‍) at all.

Melies: ...Everything you've said is nothing more than the fanciful thinking of a child! The adult world is far more complicated. It's not as simple as you think!

Petit Lumiere: Oh dear. How terribly superficial of you to use someone's age to debunk their argument, Miss Melies. Your behavior right now only proves my point.

Melies: What in the world are you saying? Hah! You pretentious little brat!

(The Traveler and Paimon approach Melies and Petit Lumiere)

Paimon: Whoa! Hold on, hold on, there's no need to raise your voice! Can't we just sit down and talk this out calmly?

Let's all calm down...

I'm sure whatever it is, we can work it out...

Melies: Um... Did (‍‍) and Paimon really just come to us? I can't believe that worked...

Petit Lumiere: Look, Miss Melies. It's like what I said — people care more about the eye-catching parts than a long-drawn-out setup.

Petit Lumiere: We're talking about folks so famous, you might stand in line for three days and three nights and still not get to talk to them. But now, they've approached us simply because they saw us arguing.

Petit Lumiere: And now, this is the part we pitch our proposed partnership...

Petit Lumiere: Ahem. You came at just the right time, you two. What do you think about our Flash Cuts pilot? It's a real attention-grabber, don't you think?

Paimon: Huh? What "Cut" now? Weren't you two...

Petit Lumiere: What, having a fight? Haha, no, not at all. An adult as dignified as her wouldn't get worked up over the words of a mere "brat" now, would she?

Melies: Pfft. That's true. Especially when I'm dealing with precocious brats who act like they're all grown-up.

That doesn't sound like "not a fight" at all...

Petit Lumiere: Anyway, don't you think that walking right into a high-tension scene like that would make anyone want to see the rest?

Paimon: "Anyone" would try to stop the argument, you mean.

Petit Lumiere: But what if you'd known back there that we were shooting a short films [sic]?

Paimon: Huh, you do have a point... If it's something that interests Paimon from the get-go, Paimon would definitely want to keep watching...

Petit Lumiere: And that's the USP for Flash Cuts — the viewer gets to see the most gripping, most emotionally charged content in the shortest time possible!

Melies: Not only that, unlike regular short films, Flash Cuts are designed for quick viewing — between tasks or while you're on the move. You can easily watch one while taking a break on your travels!

Melies: And you don't have to be a professional director or cameraman to make a Flash Cut. Anyone can create or watch a Flash Cut anytime, anywhere.

Melies: Content-wise, you aren't restricted to storytelling either — your Flash Cut can be about anything from a dance to just some beautiful scenery. Doesn't a format like that sound enticing to you?

Paimon: Hmm, it sure does. Now Paimon wants to shoot a Flash Cut herself too...

Melies: But of course, we'll need some star power to guarantee we get the eyeballs we need! And that means we need someone whose name is known in every corner of Teyvat!

Melies: That's right — I'm talking about you two!!!

You do know that stars command hefty appearance fees, right...?

That is, if this is a commission at all.

Melies: Oh, please rest assured that Mr. Petit Lumiere and I have, after our time at Film Fantasyland, raised enough money. You'll certainly get your appearance fee!

Melies: Besides, think about how you might become known as the (‍‍/‍‍) of Flash Cuts once we make it big!

Petit Lumiere: Not only that, Flash Cuts has truly pushed the boundaries of filmic language. With your experience behind the lens, you'll be able to narrate purely through visuals, without needing any dialogue.

Paimon: This all sounds really fun! Shall we give it a try, (‍‍)?

Cool! We'll do it.

So we'll get paid? Sure, let's give it a shot then!

Petit Lumiere: Excellent! We'll start shooting as soon as the two of you are ready. I've already selected the camera positions.

Melies: I also have the Film Kamera, props, and post-production lined up as well. All you need to do is use them as you please!

Melies: Then let's get to it!

Post-Quest Dialogue

Melies

Melies: So how was it? Did you enjoy yourself while making the Flash Cut?

It's pretty fun, yeah.

Melies: Really? Looks like I was right: there is indeed tremendous business potential for Flash Cuts...

Oh? Is there something I should know about?

Melies: Hehe, be patient, my dear partner. Right now, Flash Cuts is just a babe in arms that hasn't learned to walk yet.

Melies: If you ask me, while Flash Cuts are really engaging, we're still missing that meaningful content that actually touches the heart.

Melies: See, just like the Flash Cut we worked on together previously, although the battle scene was really spectacular, the dramatic scene was a little threadbare. That's why it ended up being just a so-so piece of work.

Melies: Who knows, maybe we can make a regular short film of better quality first, then edit the best parts of it into a Flash Cut for publicity purposes.

Melies: Or maybe, we can split the short film up into smaller units and release them one by one as standalone Flash Cuts. That should make for quite the viewing experience!

Melies: With a format like this, we might even be able to cut down on actor fees and use the savings towards props, the set, and special effects. That will improve the quality further!

Melies: But because something like this will cost comparatively less, I'll also be able to do more... We'll be able to do what might not be possible in the conventional film setting. Let's try it out and see how the market responds...

Melies: Come on, my dearest partner! Let's start shooting a Flash Cut now if we want to get a start on our bright, bright future!

I should go. Sorry to bother you.

Melies: Don't worry about it. But do come by when you have the time so that we can build up our offering!

Petit Lumiere

Petit Lumiere: Are you ready to make a Flash Cut?

Let's do it!

Petit Lumiere: Alright, the cameras are in position and our actors are also ready to go. All you have to do is to do your thing.

(Opens the event gameplay interface)

As for your plans for the future...

Petit Lumiere: In my opinion, Flash Cuts is a creative format that hasn't quite achieved its ultimate state yet.

Petit Lumiere: At the risk of sounding a little self-aggrandizing, it is worth pointing out that both Ms. Melies and I are professional directors.

Petit Lumiere: From our approach to directing and shot composition to the use of special lighting effects, we both bring a particular perspective to the table. Therefore, the quality of our work naturally stands apart from that of the general public.

Petit Lumiere: However, I expect Flash Cuts to be something that everyone and anyone can create and appreciate. I foresee it to be a format that allows anyone to enjoy the appeal of making short films, regardless of when or where they are.

Petit Lumiere: Then, once we have sufficiently grown the public's appetite for Flash Cuts, the audience for traditional short films will also inevitably expand. Such a trend will, in turn, serve to elevate the industry as a whole.

Petit Lumiere: At least, I think so...

Petit Lumiere: Having said all that...

Petit Lumiere: We may have to devise more dynamic camera sequences so that we can formulate more templates for Flash Cuts.

That all sounds like a lot...

Petit Lumiere: I apologize. I was just speaking off the top of my head. I wasn't trying to cause you any stress. Right now, all I wish is for the two of you to revel in the creative satisfaction of crafting Flash Cuts.

About the Flash Cuts storyline...

Petit Lumiere: Just as you've noted, currently we don't really have a plot for Flash Cuts. This, admittedly, diverges from the conventional understanding of what a "film" is...

Petit Lumiere: As to how we can effectively have a storyline within the constraints of a Flash Cut, this is something I continue to investigate and explore.

Petit Lumiere: I'm not sure if you recall the first time we worked together. At that time, I suggested that you only need four shots to construct the smallest divisible unit of a story.

Petit Lumiere: And based on the experiment I just performed with Ms. Melies, I now believe that we can bring that number down to three.

Petit Lumiere: That is why all the scripts I've given you all ask for three shots or fewer.

And how are the results so far?

Petit Lumiere: It remains a work in progress. As we don't have that many completed works at the moment, I have yet to come up with usable templates. As such, it'd be a great help if you could continue making more Flash Cuts.

Give me a moment.

Petit Lumiere: That's not a problem. Making Flash Cuts is all about giving free rein to your heart after all. You may begin whenever you're ready.

Popular Entertainment

Main article: Popular Entertainment

Quest Description

Petit Lumiere seems to have read something about Flash Cuts in The Steambird...

Petit Lumiere: I have some bad news. According to a street survey I had The Steambird run, people don't seem all that enthused about the art form that is Flash Cuts.

Petit Lumiere: That's really odd. I mean, everyone I talk to says they enjoyed the final cut they saw, but the moment I ask if they're interested in the production, they suddenly sound a lot less enthusiastic...

Paimon: Wait, really? But Flash Cuts are so much fun to make!

Petit Lumiere: The data shows that for most people, the second biggest obstacle is equipment. After all, not everyone is proficient in film kamera operations and post-production...

Petit Lumiere: And the greatest obstacle of them all is that people just don't see what they can get out of it, especially since it's hard to share whatever output they create with the people around them.

Melies: Sharing, huh... I know! We could put together a Flash Cuts Festival! That'd be a way for everyone to feel like their work is being seen and appreciated.

Melies: Yes, let's do that! We're going big or going home!

Paimon: Hey, hey! You can't "go big" for everything!

But very few people in an audience actually attend a festival.

Besides, a festival is something that happens only once in a blue moon.

Petit Lumiere: Like Ms. Paimon, I also think that an event like this has a barrier to entry that isn't exactly low — not just for us, but for the audience we're trying to reach too.

Petit Lumiere: Moreover, the general atmosphere and life cycle of an event like this are also a little removed from the lives of the masses. What we need are examples that cater more to the average man or woman in the street.

Petit Lumiere: And if we're talking about the average man or woman in the street... the most popular form of entertainment in Fontaine has to be The Steambird. It's just that this particular medium seems...

Paimon: Maybe we can edit everyone's works into a compilation reel! Then you can watch it with a whole bunch of friends!

Melies: That's right. And maybe we can place it at the start of other short films, just like they do with ads at the cinema. In short, I think there are plenty of platforms and media channels we can choose from!

Petit Lumiere: Looks like there's still plenty of room for Flash Cuts as an art form to grow. This is truly gratifying to know...

Melies: (‍‍), Paimon, thank you! Thank you for helping me identify my next goal!

Paimon: Hehe, all we did was to blurt out a couple of ideas, really.

Well done, us!

Just make sure we're well remunerated for this.

Melies: Please don't worry. We'll definitely invite you onboard if this works out! I also promise to put you two at the very top of our guest list.

Post-Quest Dialogue

Melies

Melies: Oh hey there, my dearest partner! Are you here to shoot a Flash Cut?

Someone's in a good mood.

Melies: Of course! Now that we've shown Flash Cuts to be a viable enterprise and have a future path, the future is bright, bright, bright!

Melies: Both the short-drama format of Flash Cuts and the ad-style Flash Cuts that was just proposed have the potential to take Fontaine by storm.

Melies: Now, all we need to do is take the plunge! We're set to become the biggest stars in all of Fontaine, no, the entire world.

Melies: And when that happens, we'll never have to worry about running out of Mora again... the crazy special effects no one wouldn't have touched before, the six-hour-long experimental films... There's light at the end of the tunnel now!

Just make sure you don't spend all your money in one go...

Melies: Oh, don't you worry about that! As Fontaine's most talented director, I can assure you my project management skills are equally top-notch. You can expect to hear good news from us!

I'll leave you to it, then.

Melies: Bye! You can come by anytime. Maybe we'll have even better news for you the next time we see you!

Petit Lumiere

Petit Lumiere: Are you ready to make a Flash Cut?

Let's do it!

Petit Lumiere: Alright, the cameras are in position and our actors are also ready to go. All you have to do is to do your thing.

(Opens the event gameplay interface)

As for your plans for the future...

Petit Lumiere: I hope to get more trustworthy partners onboard, such as my older brother, Ms. Lepine-Pauline, and Mr. Xavier.

Petit Lumiere: You see, while the potential for Flash Cuts is indeed massive, the risks involved are equally substantial. Ms. Melies and I don't possess the necessary means to pull this off by ourselves.

Petit Lumiere: Of course, before moving forward, I must keep Ms. Melies on track, lest she deplete our entire budget all at once...

Give me a moment.

Petit Lumiere: Exactly. There's no need to rush. We've already established the direction for Flash Cuts, so all we have to do now is to move toward our goal, slowly but surely.