He had a direct gaze and radiated enthusiasm. He wore jeans and a pale blue linen shirt, loosely unbuttoned over a T-shirt with a logo she didn’t recognise. He was one of those people who appeared comfortable in his own skin, Grace thought, and she envied him that. A calm person, she decided, and gave him a mental tick. This was a useful trait for the director, who was captain of the ship on a set, juggling diplomacy with the sometimes warring factions, temperamental egos, and logistical hiccups, all in an environment where time was money.

The group at the large table began to gather up their cups, computers and phones, and return inside, saying hello to Grace on their way.

Steve led her to a small table under the shade of a large tree. ‘We can sit here.’ He pulled out her chair and then sat opposite her.

Henry walked over to them and Steve glanced up and smiled. ‘Would you like a coffee, Grace? Henry makes a mean brew. The usual for me, thanks, Henry.’

‘Yes, please. Milk, no sugar. Thanks, Henry.’ Grace looked across the garden and back to the house. ‘Do you do all your post-production here?’ she asked. ‘You seem to have everything under one roof. Is this also your home?’

‘It is. Not forever, but at the moment it suits me. I can get a lot done here, and then we’re across all the elements of every production. The crew don’t live here, though,’ he added, laughing.

‘I know your work, but I didn’t realise you’d received quite so many awards for it,’ Grace said. ‘The collection inside is very impressive.’

He shrugged. ‘Helps swing some clients to our side. And the ones who don’t know what all the awards are, act like they do!’

‘While I was in Bali I met Andy Franklin, as I mentioned in my email. He gave you a big wrap. Said he loved the doco you did on the artists of Ubud.’

Steve nodded. ‘Andy’s a great character. I suspect he has quite a story. I’ve only met him in his hippy-Aussie-seventies-surfer-dude role, though. He took me surfing to some unreal breaks while I was there. But I hear he’s a mean foodie. Interesting guy.’

Henry brought them their coffees, then Steve got down to work.

‘So, I read the material you sent me, and your notes. What else can you tell me about this hotel? It’s a new one, isn’t it?’