Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 231 Audition
Chen Shu couldn't sleep all night after receiving a phone call.

The next day, she still didn't feel sleepy at all, but she was a little out of shape during filming and had to do many NGs.

The director is also the male lead of this TV series, named Liu Yunlong. Because of their rival scenes, he could clearly feel that Chen Shu was not in right condition. After another NG, he called Chen Shu aside.

"What's wrong with you? Are you heartbroken?"

Liu Yunlong joked.

He had always been an actor before, and this was the first TV series he directed. Probably because he had not yet developed the "dignity" of a director, he had a good relationship with many actors in the crew.

He could understand that actors' states would be affected by many off-stage factors. Of course, there were also actors who were not affected, but they were actors with great acting skills who could control their acting abilities freely. Only a few people could do that, and Chen Shu was definitely not one of them.

"No, Director Liu, I... I'm sorry, I'm not in a good state today."

Chen Shu bit her lip and lowered her head.

She didn't dare to say give me some time to adjust.

Because she knew that she would not be able to adjust to her current state in a short period of time.

"No, you must have something on your mind. Tell me if it's convenient. I'm the director. I'll help you out if I can. If I can't, I'll give you a few days off so you can deal with your own affairs."

Liu Yunlong had already said this, and Chen Shu thought about it and decided that it would be difficult for her to hide it. After all, going to the audition was something that could not be kept secret, and if she hid it, she would offend Liu Yunlong.

"Director Liu, I received a call inviting me to an audition. I want to... give it a try."

After Chen Shu said the last few words, she lowered her head again. They were in the middle of filming, and asking for leave to audition with another crew was indeed a bit disrespectful to the director.

However, if it was just an ordinary play, it would be fine, but that was Cao Yang!
Just based on the two words "Cao Yang", I believe that no domestic actor, no matter who they are, can refuse an audition invitation.

Liu Yunlong was indeed a little unhappy. You are a little-known actor, and I chose you and gave you this important role. Why don’t you focus on filming? Do you want to take over other roles?
who do you think You Are?

Liu Yunlong suppressed his anger and said with a slightly sarcastic tone: "What drama has caused you, a beautiful lady with amazing acting skills, to be out of form? Tell me so I can listen and I can give you some advice."

Chen Shu lowered her head. Her mind was full of Cao Yang's audition invitation for his new play, and she didn't understand the meaning of Liu Yunlong's words.

"Director Cao Yang invited me to audition for his new play."

Chen Shu said softly, with uncontrollable excitement in her tone.

"who?"

Liu Yunlong couldn't help but ask loudly, then realized that he had lost his composure and quickly whispered, "Who are you talking about? The Cao Yang from our Beijing Film Academy?"

He also graduated from the Beijing Film Academy. He is the face of the Beijing Film Academy and a top director in the country, so he must be very familiar with him.

"Yes, it's Director Cao Yang."

"Depend on!"

Liu Yunlong couldn't help but swear, and then looked at Chen Shu with a complicated expression, full of envy and jealousy.

""Inception"?"

Liu Yunlong thought about a lot of things in a flash. What connections did he have in school that he could use? Could the teachers he was familiar with pass on a message to Cao Yang?

He thought about these things not for himself, but for Chen Shu.

He and Chen Shu had no shameful relationship. He said he was doing it for Chen Shu, but actually he was doing it for himself.

If he could help Chen Shu get that important role in "Inception", with the popularity and influence of "Inception", Chen Shu would definitely "soar" and become a big star in an instant.

This is definitely great news for the first TV series he directed.

To be honest, because of Chen Shu's existence, the price of TV series can be greatly increased, and many TV stations will compete to buy them.

"No, it's another movie directed by Cao, called Black Swan."

Although it is not a mega production like "Inception", Chen Shu is already very satisfied.

Audition invitations like this are not like large-scale auditions. Audition invitations are usually sent to potential actors. The number of people cannot be too large, and the competition is not fierce, so there is still a great chance of being selected.

“It’s not Inception.”

Liu Yunlong was a little disappointed, but then he came to his senses, laughed at himself, and finally said to Chen Shu:
"I will adjust the shooting order in the next few days. Don't worry about going for the audition. As long as you are selected, I will focus on shooting your scenes and will not delay your participation in Director Cao's new play."

It would be fine if Chen Shu could be chosen for "Black Swan". With Director Cao's fame and influence, "Black Swan" would also be watched by countless people.

What's more, if Director Cao makes a purely literary film, it will definitely go to one of the three major European film festivals. If she wins any award at that time, won't Chen Shu become more famous?

Of course, the prerequisite is that Chen Shu is selected.

Come on, Chen Shu, this is my first TV series directed by a man who really depends on you. If you become popular, the TV series will surely become popular as well.

"By the way, Chen Shu, do you have any connections that can be of use? If you do, try your best, even if it's just to help Director Cao. Anyway, keep going, I'm rooting for you."

Before leaving, Liu Yunlong suddenly called Chen Shu again and gave him some instructions.

"Thank you, Director Liu. I understand."

Does it matter?
Chen Shu thought about it, there were indeed some indirect relationships, but she didn't know if they were useful. She estimated that they would not be very effective.

The first person she thought of was her old colleague Li Xiaoran from the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe.

She graduated from the dance school affiliated with Beijing Dance Academy in 92 and was selected to join the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe. She danced there for seven years and left only after she was admitted to the Central Academy of Drama in 98.

Li Xiaoran was selected to join the Oriental Song and Dance Troupe after graduating from Beijing Dance Academy in 93. After resigning in 96, she entered the film and television industry.

The two have been colleagues for three years and have a pretty good relationship.

The second person Chen Shu thought of was Duan Yihong, a colleague she met after graduating from the Central Academy of Drama and entering the National Theatre of China.

She has rehearsed a drama with Duan Yihong and they have a good relationship.

Li Xiaoran and Duan Yihong have both worked with Director Cao, and I wonder if they can have a say with Director Cao.

Don't worry if it helps, just give it a call and ask.

Lu Yi's situation is even worse than Chen Shu's.

She also graduated from Beijing Dance Academy, and by chance she entered the movie "Sanda" directed and produced by Xu Ke, which marked her official entry into the entertainment industry.

Then he applied for a role in Xu Ke's "Seven Swords", but was not selected.

But she felt that she couldn't give up just like that, so she applied again for the position of assistant in the crew, and this time she was selected.

In the crew, she mainly followed the stylist Chen Gufang. Because of her diligence, she got along very well with Chen Gufang.

After the filming of this movie was completed, Chen Gufang was hired as the stylist for the TV series "The Fairy From the Other World" and recommended Lü Yi to the crew.

Because of this, Lu Yi got the role in "The Fairy From the Other World", and Chen Gufang was considered her benefactor.

The filming of this TV series started at the end of February, and when Lu Yi received Ning Hao's call, it had only been officially filmed for half a month.

Lu Yi is only a minor supporting role in the TV series with few lines, and her scenes have not officially started filming yet.

However, she still came to the crew every day, mainly to help the stylist Chen Gufang and learn how to act from others.

"Sister Fang, there is something I can't make up my mind about, and I want to hear your opinion."

After helping Chen Gufang, Lu Yi took advantage of his free time and whispered.

"what's up?"

Chen Gufang asked. She was very satisfied with Lu Yi. He was diligent and hardworking, didn't talk much, and was a good director. If he hadn't wanted to become an actor, she would have wanted to take him as her apprentice.

"I received an audition invitation for a movie and I really want to go, but I'm afraid that if I'm selected, it will conflict with the schedule of "Fairy Tale".

"Nonsense!"

Chen Gufang yelled angrily, then opened the door of the dressing room, looked outside, and then closed the door again.

"Do you know what you are doing? Do you think you are a big star like Li Xiaoran, Gao Yuanyuan or Zhang Ziyi? You are just a small actor struggling to survive and having no name..."

He glanced at Lu Yi, who was lowering his head and pursing his lips, and perhaps felt that what he said was a bit harsh, so he slowed down his tone and gave earnest advice.

"Xiaoyi, think about it. You are not famous yet, and you only play minor supporting roles. Will others let you take on other roles? Who will wait for you? Also, even if there is no conflict in schedule, the director will not be happy if he knows.

You are still a young actor. If you are rumored to have double-teamed, others will think that you have a problem with your character. Who would dare to use you then? Once your character is labeled, it is difficult to remove it no matter how much you do. "

"I……"

Lu Yi bit his lip, raised his head, looked at Chen Gufang, and said stubbornly: "Sister Fang, I really don't want to miss this opportunity. At worst... at worst, if there is a time conflict, I will give up my current role."

After saying this, he suddenly realized that what he said was inappropriate. This role was obtained by Sister Fang through her connections. How could he say such things? It was totally inappropriate.

She quickly explained, "No, Sister Fang, I'm sorry, that's not what I meant, it's just, it's just... Oh, forget it, Sister Fang, I won't go to the audition."

After Lu Yi said this, he was like a deflated ball, suddenly losing all energy.

"you……"

Chen Gufang suddenly realized that the audition for this movie might be very important to Lv Yi. Otherwise, with her steady personality, how could she make such a decision? She would not be so disappointed after giving up.

“Whose movie is it?”

"It's a new play directed by Cao Yang."

"who?"

Chen Gufang's voice suddenly became louder, and then she realized that she had lost her composure, but she couldn't help asking, "Director Cao Yang? Inception?" If it was Director Cao Yang, if she could be selected, let alone a minor supporting role in The Fairy from the Other World, even if she was the leading actress, so what? There is no comparison at all.

She now understood why the steady Lu Yi acted so stupidly. This was not really a stupid act. Anyone would know what choice to make.

What made her happy was that Lu Yi was afraid of embarrassing himself and gave up the audition!

Xiaoyi really didn't let herself down.

Lu Yi nodded and shook his head, explaining: "The audition was not for Inception, but for another movie directed by Cao, Black Swan."

“The Black Swan?”

Chen Gufang was not disappointed. For a young actor who had just entered the industry like Lu Yi, getting the chance to audition for Director Cao's new play was a golden opportunity.

"Go! Don't worry, as long as you can be selected. If there is a time conflict, you can't shoot the ridiculous "Fairy From the Other World". The director is Cao Yang."

Chen Gufang sighed inwardly. It was a pity that most of the directors she worked with were from Hong Kong and it was difficult for her to be of help.

Even though there are big names like Xu Ke, Wang Jing, Wu Yusen, Liu Zhenwei, Zhou Xingxing, Cheng Long, Li Lianjie and Shen Xianfa among them, what’s the use?
Everyone is not in the same system, and what's more, with Cao Yang's current status, it's difficult for these people to save face.

Some of them, like Cheng Long, Li Lianjie and Shen Xianfa, might be trying to ask for help from others in order to appear in Cao Yang's "Inception".

Chen Gufang actually guessed it right.

Before Cao Yang started the audition, he received a call from Mr. Han.

President Han didn't beat around the bush and asked directly, "Junior brother, in order to increase the influence, for the male actor of Inception, should we choose one from Cheng Long or Li Lianjie?"

Did someone ask President Han for help?

However, the fact that President Han called and did not say anything in private proves that this was just official business.

Someone asked him for a favor, and he agreed to recommend someone, either to repay the favor or to save face, and he did it.

As for whether to use it or not, it is not up to him to decide.

"Brother, we have Johnny Depp and DiCaprio in our movie, so don't worry about the impact. I have already decided on the male actor, so we don't need Jackie Chan or Li Lianjie this time."

Cao Yang said seriously, and then added: "I have also decided on the actress, and the actors for Inception have all been decided."

Let’s block this road as well, so that Mr. Han won’t have to get into trouble and call us again.

"Okay then, Junior Brother, I understand."

Cao Yang hung up the phone, smiled and shook his head.

Although Mr. Han is in a high position with great power, in his position, he is bound to have to rely on various relationships such as favors, and many times he has no choice.

Seeing Cao Yang hang up the phone, Ning Hao whispered beside him, "Director Cao, the time is up, do you want to call someone?"

Cao Yang looked at the time. In fact, it had been more than ten minutes. He nodded and said, "Let's start."

The first person to be brought in was a girl who looked very fresh.

"Hello, director, hello, teachers. My name is Wang Likun, and I graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy."

Cao Yang looked through his resume and asked, "Did you study Chinese dance?"

"Yes, Director."

"Ballet?"

"I practiced it at school."

Cao Yang looked at Wang Likun for a while. Later it was said that her private life was a bit weird, but in the entertainment industry, it would be abnormal if she wasn't weird.

She is not called a goddess without makeup for nothing, she looks very pure.

What Cao Yang wanted to find was a role that would compete with the heroine in the movie, someone who could play both the pure white swan and the seductive black swan.

Dong Xuan is positioned as a seemingly pure white swan, who has to perform the temptation of a black swan.

The role to be auditioned for must look alluring like a black swan, but also be able to perform the purity of a white swan.

"The role you are auditioning for is one of the two female leads, but I want you to be seductive. Do you know what seduction is?"

After hearing what Cao Yang said, Wang Likun's heart beat faster. She was actually one of the two female protagonists. It was so unexpected. She thought it was just an important role.

Is it tempting?

She nodded quickly to indicate that she understood.

"Choose a dance of your own choice and perform it for a short while. It would be best if you can show your seductive side."

I don’t know what Wang Likun was thinking, but she performed a water sleeve dance that really had a classical charm.

Speaking of temptation, the twisting waist, the hooking, picking, supporting, swinging, throwing and shaking were all very charming, but the kind of overwhelming temptation that Cao Yang wanted was not directly expressed.

After Wang Likun went down, Cao Yang asked Li Xiaoran next to him, "What do you think?"

According to Li Xiaoran herself, she mainly practiced ballet when she was in Beijing Dance Academy, and later joined the Oriental Song and Dance Company, where she was still the mainstay. However, she resigned from the company because she had overgrown and could no longer dance ballet.

Cao Yang would have listened to the words "pillar" for no reason, but when she said that she was overdeveloped, Cao Yang still believed it because he had personally measured and investigated it many times.

“The basic skills are still very solid.”

Asking is like asking in vain.

"next."

"Hello, director, hello, teachers. My name is Liu Shishi, I am a student at Beijing Dance Academy, and I am now a junior."

Cao Yang took a closer look. Her eyes were dull and she had a bit of baby fat. She was not as pretty as she was in later generations and looked a little shy.

This... I'm afraid it can't show the seductive side of a woman, right?

“You studied ballet?”

"Yes."

"Then let's dance for a while."

Now that I'm here, let's see if I can escape from the temptation.

The answer is... no.

She has a good figure and a good temperament, but her face is expressionless, her eyes are dull, and her face is a bit round.

too young.

After she went down, Cao Yang asked Li Xiaoran as usual, "How was it?"

"Very good temperament, solid basic skills, very good."

Okay, it's very peaceful, but lacks allure.

"next."

"Hello, director, hello, teachers. My name is Lv Yi."

"You learned folk dance?"

"Yes."

"The character I want is someone who is very feminine and seductive. Choose a dance that you can express that," Cao Yang said again.

Lu Yi performed a traditional folk dance. It's amazing that Lu Yi, who doesn't look particularly pretty, actually danced with a unique feminine charm.

It's not the kind of coquettish temptation, but the temptation brought by confidence and dance itself.

"She is very expressive and appealing. You can see that she dances very confidently." Li Xiaoran took the initiative to comment.

The last person to audition was Chen Shu.

"Hello, director, hello, teachers."

Li Xiaoran smiled and nodded.

"You studied ballet and Chinese dance?"

"Yes, Director. Chinese dance mainly includes classical dance and folk dance."

Cao Yang looked at Chen Shu. According to their resumes, her age and Wang Likun's age were most suitable for the role.

Today, these actors are still young and cannot be viewed from the perspective of future generations.

Chen Shu's face is thinner and longer than Lu Yi and Liu Shishi at this stage, which makes her look more photogenic.

However, it does not have the three-dimensionality and refinement of later generations. The cheekbones are slightly higher, the chin line is strong, and the whole face looks more natural.

"I need you to show the seductiveness of a woman. Choose a dance of your own choice, as long as you think you can show seductiveness."

Then, to Cao Yang's surprise, Chen Shu went inside to change into suitable clothes and danced a cha-cha!

She is quite tall, with long thin legs. She twists her waist and raises her hips, looking dynamic and fashionable, and she exudes seduction in simple ways.

The temptation of a very simple mature woman.

(End of this chapter)