Thomas thought he was arriving on the set for the first shoot of the film but wondered why
there was no makeup and wardrobe yet. The set seemed right, a big sciency looking
laboratory. But the people also didn't seem right. First, there weren't enough. Thomas
didn't see any of the actors that he knew would be making the film with him and he only
saw a handful of the cast and crew, primarily the producer and a few of his assistants.
The film was going to be based on the Incredible Shrinking Man but the writer's had
already taken many liberties to rewrite the story. The main character would not be married
but would have a girlfriend. He would be a bit of a loner so that when he started shrinking,
he wouldn't have so many caring people looking out for him. The main character would
have to face his shrinking issues on his own and have to watch out more for the neighbors
and others who knew him but weren't so fond of him.
The producer came up to Thomas, "I'm glad you're punctual. I understand that you're just
getting started in the business and it's good for your reputation."
Thomas said, "I've done several movies now. I'm no rookie."
The producer said, "I do research on all my promising hopefuls. I know about all the
movies you've done. You show promise but really, you've only had bit parts and most of
the movies you've done were flops. In fact, the only movie you did where you appeared for
more than five minutes of screen time wound up never being released into theaters. But
don't worry, this movie will make you famous."
Thomas asked, "So where's the wardrobe so I can get ready."
The producer said, "We're doing things a little different here due to a discovery I made
while traveling in Asia. This will give you a chance to do some research for the role so you
can make a better performance."
Thomas said, "I don't understand. I've been doing research. I've watched every shrinking
movie I could."
The producer said, "You'll find out. anyway, this first scene is a nude scene anyway so
there's no wardrobe."
Thomas was still confused but knew enough to expect nudity. Although there was very
little nudity in previous films, he knew that the writers had to go to great lengths to explain
where the smaller clothes came from and in some cases, the writers had gotten lazy and
allowed the clothes to shrink with the person. But really, that doesn't make logical sense. If
a person is going to shrink, either he's going to be in some enclosure that shrinks
everything inside including clothes or only his body will shrink leaving him naked. You
can't have a guy take a pill, be hit by a ray gun, or be exposed to a mysterious fog and
have him and his clothes shrink but nothing else. So Thomas got undressed.
"A full nude scene?" Thomas asked.
The producer answered, "Yes. Now step over to that mark."
"I don't see any large props." Thomas said.
The producer said, "I'm sure you've read the script and know that the shrinking occurs
gradually. The scene we'll be doing today is from when you first start to shrink."
Thomas said, "I don't recall nudity at that point in the script. It makes more sense to just
have over-sized clothes."
The producer said, "We're still making slight changes to the script as we go along. This is
the scene where the scientist friend helps to discover why you're shrinking. So we decided
it makes sense for him to give you a physical and just to give the audience some eye
candy, why not a naked physical. We'll give the audience a side shot so they don't see
anything but they'll know you're naked. Would you be okay getting a prostate exam on
camera. That will really get you noticed in the movie industry."
Thomas just glared at the producer.
Just then, something poked Thomas and he jumped, "Hey, what was that."
The producer answered, "That was what I discovered in Asia. You are now going to get
some research for the role. You are going to shrink and I have complete control of your
size. I can make you be five feet tall for those scenes in the movie or I can make you 1 inch
tall for the other scenes in the movie. This will save money on sets and special effects.
Let's start with six inches."
Thomas felt a rush go through his body and he shrank quickly. He screamed as he lost an
inch per second. After about a minute, he was only six inches tall and looking up at the
producer.
"Hey, what did you do to me?"
The producer bent down and looked at Thomas. Thomas was aware that the producer's
face was larger than Tom's whole body.
"Well, Tom Thumb, I shrunk you. I think I'll keep right on calling you Tom Thumb."
The producer quickly scooped Thomas up in his hand and stood up. The producer placed
Thomas on the counter. Thomas was dizzy but unhurt.
"Wow, this is scary. Change me back. I don't feel safe." Thomas said.
The producer said, "Well, remember how I said this would be good research for the role.
Remember that in this movie, the main character has to face this horror by himself with the
people around him being neutral at best and hostile at worst." The producer gently
grabbed Tom's little hands and lifted them up over his head so that Tom was stretched
out. "What better way to understand the role than to experience the life."
Thomas said, "You're not going to hurt me, are you?"
"No, Thomas." the producer said, "Don't worry. I truly intend to make this movie and so I
need to keep you safe." The producer lifted Tom up by his hands and lowered him into a
nearby jar. The jar was skinny and just the right size that Tom couldn't do anything but
stand inside the jar as the producer fastened the lid on the jar. "You'll be safe in there and
I can keep an eye on you while we make this movie. This will be your home for a year. I'll
let you out during filming and also, who says we can't have a little fun. Several of my
friends can't wait to measure your body and see just how small you are."
Thomas asked, "Can I get some clothes at least?"
"Why?" the producer asked, "Much of the fun will be seeing you standing naked beside
things that are bigger than you."