Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 460 Eight Hundred Million, Entering the Film History Charts - Invitation

In the early morning in Beijing, the sky was still tinged with a pale gray-blue, and mist drifted slowly between the buildings, creating a hazy, ethereal beauty.

Major media websites are already buzzing with excitement:

[Progress in preparation for Wu Chen's new war film revealed; actor selection to begin soon!]

According to sources, Wu Chen's new film is currently looking for young actors aged 16 to 18.

Following "The Martian," Wu Chen's new film has revealed more exciting news, including casting plans!

【.】

From news portals to major forums and online communities, news of Wu Chen's new film exploded like a bombshell, instantly igniting public opinion both inside and outside the entertainment industry.

Wu Chen's films are undeniably appealing, both in terms of awards and box office success.
The industry was already in an uproar last night.

Teachers and students from major art colleges, even during the summer vacation, quickly sprang into action.

Cui Xinqin called Wang Jinsong early in the morning, anxiously asking, "Old Wang, did you confirm things with Wu Chen last night? Can't you be a little more lenient about the age?"

"It's confirmed, the age limit cannot be relaxed."

Wang Jinsong smiled helplessly and shook his head: "Forget about it, we can only look among freshmen, prospective freshmen, and even high school students. Let's quickly think of who else is suitable."

"This"

Cui Xinqin sighed. She had originally wanted to give a big shout-out to her several precious disciples, but now it seemed there was no hope at all.

"It's not easy to find. Are there any other requirements, or does Wu Chen want to see everything?"

“Everyone wants to take a look. I guess he knows it’s not easy to find people in this area.” Wang Jinsong paused slightly. “I think you shouldn’t limit yourselves to universities. Look at the high schools in the lower-tier areas where students come from. Maybe there will be more opportunities there.”

“That’s the only way,” Cui Xinqin said after a moment’s thought. “We have a few freshmen this year who are the right age, such as Han Chengyu, Liu Ruilin, and Zhang Yunlong.”

“Zhang Yunlong is not suitable; he was born in 88.”

"Hey, the restrictions are too strict. We also need to check their ages."

"."

Meanwhile, the Central Academy of Drama was also busy.

Although first- and second-year students at the Central Academy of Drama are generally not allowed to take on acting roles, this rule can be broken, and special circumstances can be granted.

Wu Chen is a special case, isn't he?

"Why don't you both apply and check out Bai Yu and Cheng Yi? They're only 19, not very old, and their foundation is pretty good."

Several major art schools have been very proactive.

Everyone knows that if Wu Chen chooses her, she will definitely be the next rising star, and she will be different from ordinary famous people. She will be more like the kind of "Zhang Yimou girl" who is chosen to play the female lead.

While universities were busily casting for their new films, other actors in the industry couldn't sit still any longer.

Wu Chen's war film can't just have a main character, right? There must be at least some important supporting characters! Thinking of this, many actors began to use their connections to inquire about information.

Even Huang Xiaoming, who was already famous, couldn't help but call Wu Chen.

"Hmm, I've considered you, but your demeanor isn't quite right. I need someone who naturally exudes a soldier's aura."

Wu Chen shook his head.

The 50/50 split is not just an empty reputation.

Imagine casting Huang Xiaoming alongside a 17 or 18-year-old actor – what kind of performance would that be?
He dared not think
At this very moment, Universal Pictures released global box office information for "The Martian," causing a sudden uproar among the long-waiting media.

The Martian has surpassed $8 million at the global box office, successfully entering the top 30 highest-grossing films of all time, currently ranking 24th!

What does the $800 million mark for "The Martian" mean for Universal? It means they may have found Warner Bros.' "Nolan"!

[A major box office miracle in sci-fi film history: "The Martian" surpasses $8 million!]

Has this year's box office champion been crowned?

【.】

The Martian's box office surpassing $8 million is a major event for Hollywood.

Because "The Martian" currently has the highest box office of the year.

Although there are still films like Transformers 2, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Cameron's long-awaited Avatar that have been in development for years to come, the spotlight of the first half of the year belongs to The Martian.

Jason Blum and David Lyndon, among others, congratulated Wu Chen almost immediately.

Linda Obbs was no exception.

"Wu, congratulations! This makes me even more excited for Interstellar."

"It would be a better story."

Linda Aubus nodded in response to Wu Chen's affirmative reply.

If there were any doubts before, after seeing the humanistic and scientific spirit embodied in "The Martian," she and Kip Thorne had completely eliminated their concerns. Although they were somewhat puzzled by Wu Chen's insistence on developing a native 3D system, Universal Pictures had already begun preparations in earnest, and they respected Wu Chen's choice.

When the news reached China, it practically dominated the front pages of all major news portals:

"The Martian surpasses $8 million in global box office! Wu Chen sets a new record for Chinese-language directors!"

"Ranked 24th in box office history, 'The Martian' leads the pack in 2009!"

"."

The phenomenal success of "The Martian" quickly overshadowed the previous news about casting for the new film, but it also inadvertently increased people's attention to Wu Chen's new film.

Many actresses have come up with some wild ideas: "Since male actors are required to be seventeen or eighteen years old, shouldn't actresses also have this requirement? What if there are romantic scenes in the film?"

Quite a few people shared this idea, and it quickly became a trend in the industry. Many people came to inquire about it, and Zhou Xun was no exception.

"Are you crazy? Where did your brain go? Did it get caught in a trap?"

Wu Chen was speechless. What kind of mess was this?

What the hell is this about falling in love during the War of Resistance Against Japan?
Even if we're going to be in a relationship, this isn't appropriate!

"Director Wu, do you have any suitable roles? I'm a master at playing middle-aged women."

"Actually, using you guys to play rural aunties would be out of place and easily steal the show. I'd rather use someone from the extras who looks more like one."

Wu Chen's few words infuriated Zhou Xun.

However, when Zhou Xun realized that the person opposite her was Wu Chen, she felt helpless and could only give up with a wry smile.

In fact, Wu Chen already had a suitable candidate in mind for the role of Wei Sanpao, a "veteran," and had already extended audition invitations to Zhang Yi and Wang Baoqiang.

The pseudo-one-shot filming technique meant that the main focus was on the two protagonists, but the supporting cast remained important. The selection of the regimental commander, a key figure, was particularly prominent, especially in the opening sequence where the messenger was being chosen.

"Duan Yihong is quite suitable, let's choose him."

Wu Chen did not hesitate.

Apart from Huang Xiaoshan, there are suitable candidates for the others.

The casting directors were extremely busy, constantly screening actors recommended by various universities and those who applied on their own.

The age range of sixteen to eighteen is too strict, and there are not many people who meet the requirements. Even if the casting director thinks they are passable, Wu Chen still finds them a bit of a stretch.

"Alright, let's send out all the audition invitations to these people first, and have them all come to the venue to see for themselves." Wu Chen thought for a moment and decided to oversee the process on-site.

The news of "The Martian" costing $800 million has sparked heated discussions in the industry, and the entire circle has also become very interested in Wu Chen's new casting plan.

Everyone is curious to see who the lucky one will be in the end.

The moment Starry Night Pictures sent out the audition invitations, rumors spread like wildfire, causing a stir in the industry:
"Seriously? I'm not included again?"

"They're all seventeen or eighteen? That can't be that strict..."

"Who exactly does director Wu Chen want to cast? Why is it so difficult to get a role in his movie?"

The actors who received the invitations had completely different feelings.

Duan Yihong immediately approached Yu Feihong quietly and hesitantly asked in a low voice, "Sister Feihong, could I take a day off during the promotional period? Something came up."

"Hmm?" Yu Feihong looked at the promotional schedule and was slightly taken aback.

She had just confirmed the itinerary with Duan Yihong a few days ago; this time of year was free. How could something suddenly come up, and it seems like she absolutely had to go?
She suddenly realized something and her eyes widened: "Audition? Wu Chen's new film?"

Duan Yihong nodded upon seeing this.

“Then you absolutely have to go. Once the leave is approved, we can discuss the itinerary later,” Yu Feihong said without hesitation.

Ruining someone's future is something you absolutely must not do; it's a grave act that will create enmity.

Wu Chen's new film has top-tier resources, even on a global scale; anyone would try to get one.

"Is he the male lead?" Yu Feihong asked curiously.

But seeing Duan Yihong shake his head, I couldn't help but sigh.

Duan Yihong then smiled and said, "I'd be quite satisfied with just an important supporting role in Director Wu's movies. How could I expect so much?"

"That's true, but wouldn't it be even better if we could get the male lead role?"

Meanwhile, Wang Baoqiang also received an invitation. While excited, he hesitated slightly. While he was worrying on set, he couldn't help but seek out Chen Sicheng.

Upon hearing this, Chen Sicheng exclaimed, "Are you crazy? You absolutely have to go! This is an opportunity that so many people would kill for!"

“But I’m the image ambassador for the Zhejiang Province’s Low-Income Farmers’ Youth Care Action, and I also have to cooperate with director Gu Changwei to shoot a public service advertisement. It’s said that the time is not short. What if the time coincides with the selection?” Wang Baoqiang said with difficulty.

"How much time could Director Gu Changwei's public service advertisement possibly take? Besides, Director Wu Chen and Director Gu know each other; they could easily coordinate the time for you."

He felt that his brother was a little slow on the uptake.

The issue of time is not a big deal for a director of Wu Chen's caliber; it's not a major problem that can't be coordinated.
(End of this chapter)