I was just thinking about taking the arts exam and you said I've been playing supporting roles

Chapter 393 Venice Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Best Actor, Terrifyingly So!
The following day, filming officially began for Chen Jin's scenes in "Grandma's Grandson".

Because the other actors were all working out of Chen Jin's schedule, apart from Wu Yanshu, the other actors had to finish filming their scenes first.

The longest commitment was made by Yongmei, who played Chen Jin's mother, with a week-long commitment; while the others were basically on commitment for 2-3 days, and had few scenes with the main character, Chen Jin.

They only have a few or a dozen scenes, and only the grandmother is featured. This was scheduled to coincide with Chen Jin's schedule.

Fortunately, Wu Yanshu doesn't have many engagements at the moment, so she has plenty of free time.

The other actors have all been scheduled for their next projects; although they are not the male or female leads, they are all important supporting roles.

Good actors don't have to worry about finding production teams; they just have to choose their scripts. On the contrary, some popular celebrities and stars are struggling to make ends meet. If their movies or TV series flop, they become scapegoats because no investors want to hire them.

The greater your fame, the greater the backlash and resource allocation you must bear.

In fact, whether a show is good or not has little to do with the actors; it mainly depends on the skill of the screenwriter and director.

An actor has already accomplished their task by playing their role well.

But most viewers don't really understand this.

Of course, young male or female actors with no acting skills are even more shameless in their actions.

This situation certainly doesn't exist in Chen Jin's drama. On the contrary, Wen Muye is worried about whether the two young actresses, Chen Jin and Zhu Yanmanzi, can play the two roles in the script well.

Especially Chen Jin, who won the Venice Film Festival Best Actor award, but Wen Muye was very worried when he saw him yesterday.

The character Ah Jin, although an adult, is actually a child who hasn't grown up.

Having just entered society, he still possessed the naiveté of youth; but Chen Jin, by all accounts, was a "successful person," and leaned more towards maturity.

It might be even better if it were Chen Jin before filming "Life's Big Events" or during the filming of "Under the Hawthorn Tree".

At that time, he could have easily played the role of Ah Jin himself.

Now, with increased experience and achievements, the youthful spirit has gradually faded from Chen Jin's image.

Moreover, this situation applies not only to Chen Jin, but to all actors.

Even if you asked Wang Baoqiang to act in "Mr. Tree" or "Blind Shaft" now, he wouldn't be able to do it; because after that period of time, the charisma he naturally possessed has disappeared.

People are changed after gaining experience and life experience.

The casting director was initially drawn to Wang Baoqiang's down-to-earth quality; his acting skills were secondary.

There's a truth in the field of acting: no matter how good your acting is, it can't beat playing yourself.

That's the charm of authenticity.

Chen Jin's age may match that of Ah Jin in "Grandma", but he... is no longer the Chen Jin of yesteryear.

He's now more often referred to as Actor Chen, Director Chen, Boss Chen, or Brother Jin.

The only thing that's no longer... Chen Xuesheng!

Wen Muye had actually wanted to ask about it during dinner yesterday, but after thinking about it, he decided to have a proper discussion about it during filming today; if there are any NGs due to the role, Chen Jin can get a feel for the role as soon as possible.

People like Chen Jin can still be saved, and Wang Baoqiang is also an option; he should spend more time living in the countryside and observing people.

Chen Jin mainly focused on getting to know and connect with recent graduates of his age and background.

"Good morning, Uncle Lei. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Brother Li, have you gained weight again?"

"..."

Wen Muye sat on his work kit, listening to Chen Jin greeting the crew outside, and quickly got up.

They're filming an outdoor scene today, and it's an ensemble piece. Apart from Zhu Yanmanzi, several main actors will appear in the same shot.

It's not about showcasing acting skills, but ensemble scenes are the most demanding in terms of acting ability, and each actor can't afford to have too many takes, so as not to affect the others.

If a scene is repeatedly reshot due to the actor's own mistakes, even if the other actors don't say anything on the surface, they will still have their own thoughts.

In some serious cases, they might never film with you again.

Veteran actors are qualified to know who the lead actors are and to choose whether or not to accept a role; it is true that they are supporting actors, but many top-notch supporting actors are sometimes more qualified than the lead actors in terms of status and position.

"Brother Jin, you're here!"

Wen Muye smiled and waved to Chen Jin. Chen Jin was stunned. He had already arrived early, but he didn't expect the director to arrive before him.

Chen Jin has always been very aware of her role when filming, and she always arrives early for filming.

Because of the location shooting, the bus couldn't easily drive into the cemetery, so there were set times and everyone had to choose their own mode of transportation.

He had no idea that Wen Muye had barely slept in order to help him play the role well.

"Brother Wen, you're here so early?"

As Chen Jin drank her soy milk, she subconsciously prepared to walk into the dressing room.

Wen Muye stopped him abruptly, saying, "Brother Jin, I need to talk to you about something!"

"you say!"

Chen Jin took a bite of her steamed bun, glanced up at him, but Wen Muye pulled her aside and said, "About this role, Jin, I'd like to discuss it with you!"

"Oh?"

"What's wrong with the character? Should we change the character design?"

"No, no, how about we film a few solo scenes first to get familiar with things? I'm worried you might not be used to it since you're new to the crew!"

This is already a very euphemistic way of putting it.

Wen Muye knew that Chen Jin should be able to understand.

He initially talked about the role, then mentioned filming a solo scene; many production teams would try to get actors into character by having them film simpler scenes, as solo scenes are the easiest and less likely to offend other actors.

Of course, there are also difficult solo performances, but directors usually arrange suitable scenes, with the main goal of getting the actor into character.

However, Chen Jin was in a hurry to join the crew, and everyone else had already finished filming, so in order to make up for everyone's schedule, they filmed group scenes on the first day.

The idea of ​​overall planning is certainly good.

Chen Jin's acting is okay, so filming can wrap up after the other actors finish.

At the time, Wen Muye didn't really think too much about it. Chen Jin's status as the Venice Film Festival Best Actor speaks for itself, and his acting skills are beyond question. But after seeing Chen Jin this time, he had some concerns as a new director.

Young people are getting carried away, there's a wall of new faces... even actors have these kinds of things, so he has to ask.

"Ha ha!"

Chen Jin clearly understood, and patted Wen Muye on the shoulder: "Senior, don't worry, I guarantee your debut won't be ruined by this performance—"

"No, that's not what I meant..."

Wen Muye, of course, wanted to make this movie well, even exceptionally well, so that he could become an overnight sensation.

Young directors all have this kind of ambition.

This is his first time directing independently, and its importance is self-evident.

For a new director like him, this is a major test in his life, a crucial matter concerning whether his future directing career can continue, and he cannot afford to be careless.

This is why many directors' debut films are often masterpieces.

Jiang Wen's "In the Heat of the Sun" and Zhang Yimou's "Red Sorghum" are examples of this.

Wen Muye naturally wanted to follow the same path as his predecessors.

"I see!"

"real!"

Chen Jin clenched her fist and tapped his heart: "Finish your makeup first, then we'll see!"

"..."

Seeing Chen Jin's confident expression, Wen Muye nodded, adjusted his black-rimmed glasses, and hummed in agreement: "Okay, looking forward to it!"

Looking forward to it~~~
Chen Jin was unaware of this guy's thoughts.

He's been through it all, though not for long; he directed his first film just six months ago. He understands the struggles a new director faces, wanting to be perfect in every aspect and considering all sorts of things every day. A debut film is always the most exhausting. Chen Jin's advantage is that he directs, stars in, and writes everything himself, so he's confident.

Wen Muye only needs to be a director, so of course he will be anxious about gains and losses.

Chen Jin walked into the dressing room as Wen Muye watched her go.

The young lady in the dressing room was a familiar face. Seeing Chen Jin, she couldn't help but laugh and say, "Brother Jin, are you doing the magic trick again?"

"Ha ha!"

This incident has even been reported in newspapers and online.

I don't know if it was her, another makeup artist, or someone from the crew who leaked it to reporters and paparazzi.

Chen Jin is a completely different person when she enters the dressing room and when she comes out.

He likes to "transform into a new person" while putting on makeup, that is, to switch roles.

"Yes, I'm here again!"

Chen Jin sat there, having already finished breakfast, and closed his eyes while the young lady did his makeup.

He was completely immersed in the system, experiencing the movie "Grandma's Grandson".

He had, of course, experienced it many times, but to put Wen Muye at ease, he decided to go in again, so that the director wouldn't lack confidence in him when filming started.

It seems that the title of Venice Film Festival Best Actor is of little use!
Should young people be questioned?

Chen Jin closed her eyes and experienced the process, while the makeup artist observed her intently. There were also assistants and makeup helpers beside her. She wasn't the only one in the dressing room, but without exception, everyone's gaze was fixed on her.

The production team of "The Founding of a Republic" reported on Chen Jin's "magical transformation" trick, and it was also mentioned in "Life's Big Events".

It is said that "The Hawthorn Tree" is also one.

Anyway, there are many rumors circulating about Chen Jin.

Actually, the character of Ah Jin doesn't need too much elaborate makeup; the main thing is to make her look young, like a college student who has just graduated.

But as the makeup artist worked on her, she could clearly sense a genuine change in Chen Jin.

It's amazing.

It's even more fun than the "disappearing person" trick, because it's watching a person's demeanor transform into that of another person.

This young lady has done makeup for quite a few actors, but Chen Jin is unique in that she likes to close her eyes and ponder the character while getting her makeup done. Of course, there are many actors who use makeup to find the feeling of a character, but in fact, many actors are reading the script or writing their own character biographies.

Chen Jin was contemplating with her eyes closed, as if imagining in her mind what was happening next.

Well, how should I put it? It's awesome!
A sense of déjà vu that is both incomprehensible and impressive.

Otherwise, out of so many young actors in China, how come Chen Jin was the only one to win the Venice Film Festival?

That's their talent.

Soon, the makeup artist, Ah Jin, finished her makeup. She whispered in Chen Jin's ear, "Brother Jin, it's done!"

"Well, thank you!"

Chen Jin suddenly opened her eyes and smiled slightly at him. Her cheerful and sunny appearance surprised even the makeup artist.

Is this the same Chen Jin who was just sitting there?
The big star has turned into the boy next door?
After Chen Jin changed into Ah Jin's costume, she looked exactly like a student who had just graduated from university.

A smile, white teeth, and a slightly youthful face—this is the effect of makeup and micro-expressions.

Chen Jin, wearing sneakers, with her hands in her jeans, hummed a song as she walked out of the dressing room.

The dramatic transformation of a person into a living being is being staged once again.

Wen Muye stood on the cemetery set where they were going to film later, directing the prop master to set up the props; what they were going to film was a scene of a family sweeping the grave of their deceased relative.

This is actually a scene from the beginning and the end, echoing each other.

Grandma Mingzhu sweeps the graves of her husband and parents. Finally, Ajin brings her family to sweep the graves of her and her family members.

There has been a change before and after.

It's not that the grandmother is missing, but rather the transformation of Ah Jin, played by Chen Jin, from a naive young woman to a working professional.

For an actor, portraying such a change in character vividly is actually quite difficult.

In particular, Chen Jin experienced Ah Jin's life. To be honest, he is now a mature "Ah Jin". He has the feeling of Ah Jin in the early stages. This is the performance of his acting skills. He is thinking about the state of Ah Jin in the early stages.

It comes from their acting skills.

If actors follow the plot and continuously evolve their characters, that's actually fine.

The difficulty lies in the fact that Chen Jin has to film both the beginning and the end scenes involving the cemetery today.

Today's main filming location is also here; we need to finish filming the scenes about the cemetery in the script in one day.

Several scenes, several personalities; from being naive to becoming sensible.

Moreover, this requirement is only applied to Chen Jin; the requirements for Wu Yanshu and Yongmei remain largely unchanged.

Since both scenes involve visiting the graves of loved ones, Wu Yanshu only filmed the beginning of the storyline. At the end, her character passed away, and the scene involved visiting her grave, so she didn't need to film anything.

Chen Jin's roles should be different in several scenes.

This really tests acting skills, especially the changes in eyes and expressions.

"This offering won't do. The roast duck looks too fake. Go buy a fresh one!"

Wen Muye was inspecting the props when he looked up and saw several people staring in one direction. Curious, he turned his head.

He immediately saw Chen Jin walking towards him.

Many people were obviously watching him.

The props and lighting were quite surprising to Chen Jin, who looked completely different when she greeted them earlier.

Wen Muye's mouth... involuntarily opened wide.

I rely on!

How can a person change so much in such a short period of time?
The Chen Jin in front of me had a slight smile on her lips, exuding both friendliness and youthful charm.

Ah Jin in the script is such a young man who always has a smile on his face. Although he is mischievous at first, he is a very good person at heart.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have suddenly realized the complex transformation from utilitarian calculation to genuine expression of feelings.

"How about it, is it okay?"

"That's amazing!"

These words were not spoken by Wen Muye, but by Wang Jingchun, who was standing to the side.

Several veteran actors rushed over upon hearing the commotion, and the moment they saw Chen Jin, everyone knew that this drama... was a sure thing!
Venice Golden Rooster and Golden Horse Best Actor winners, terrifyingly so!
No wonder she was crowned emperor in her twenties. With her grasp and control of this role, she could easily outperform her peers, let alone actors 10 years her senior. Many young actors in their thirties are no match for Chen Jin.

A truly skilled actor can tell whether someone has acting skills just by looking at them once—their eyes, micro-expressions, and overall demeanor are things that not every actor can pull off.

The Chen Jin standing before them was exactly the Chen Jin that Wang Jingchun and the others felt had stepped out of the script.

This role really belongs to him.

"Awesome, Brother Jin!"

"You're really amazing, hahaha!"

Wen Muyue was completely dispelled of his previous gloom and became quite excited.

"That's great, she's exactly like Ah Jin in the script!"

Wu Yanshu also looked around at Chen Jin, her eyes filled with admiration for the younger generation.

She had heard countless people praise Chen Jin's acting skills, but seeing it with her own eyes now, she still felt that what others said was not as shocking as reality itself.

Everyone here has seen what Chen Jin was like last night.

But Ah Jin right now is someone I've never seen before.

After not having honed her acting skills for several months, Chen Jin's experience... brought her back to life, all her old skills returned!
It is this feeling.

This feeling made Chen Jin's blood boil with excitement as she prepared to film a movie!
(End of this chapter)