"Once we got the scene down, we were told to improv"

In this quote, actress Eva Mendes is describing a moment on set where the actors had rehearsed a scene and were then instructed to improvise. This means that they were given the flexibility to come up with their own discussion and actions in the moment, rather than following a scripted version. This type of improvisation is often utilized in acting to add a sense of spontaneity and authenticity to a scene. Mendes' usage of the expression "got the scene down" recommends that the stars had already practiced and improved the scene, and were now being challenged to believe on their feet and bring something new to the efficiency.