Director of Photography Department of Huayu

Chapter 461 Casting
In late July, the sun was already high in the sky over Beijing, bringing with it a sense of restlessness and sweltering heat.

The asphalt road outside Huixin Building gleamed faintly. Reporters and paparazzi gathered around, crouching in twos and threes in the shade of the trees, holding long lenses and cameras, keeping a close eye on every car that drove by.

Early this morning, news of the start of auditions for Wu Chen's new film began to flood portal websites and entertainment gossip accounts, creating an industry storm.

"The news was right, wasn't it? Today is the audition, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's been confirmed, there's no mistake."

Whispers rose and fell
At 8:30 a.m., a black minivan quietly pulled up at the side gate of Xingchen Pictures.

The car windows were covered with dark sun-protective film, making it impossible to see the figures inside.

The paparazzi's eyes lit up, and they all raised their cameras.

The moment the car door opened, a hand reached out and pressed down the brim of a baseball cap, and a man wearing black-rimmed glasses quickly got out of the car.

He was wearing a white shirt and dark trousers, looking low-key and composed, yet he was still recognized by reporters at a glance.

"That person looks like Zhang Yi."

The paparazzi realized what was happening and started snapping photos in quick succession.

"It should be him. It seems like today might be a full casting call!"

Who else could it be?

"."

Many reporters pondered this silently and discussed it in hushed tones.

Zhang Yi didn't linger; he walked steadily and quickly into the building, leaving the media with only his battered back view.

Less than ten minutes later, another white minivan arrived.

The car door opened, and Wang Baoqiang stepped out, dressed in a similarly unassuming T-shirt and sweatpants, even wearing a pair of slightly worn sneakers. He looked even more low-key than Zhang Yi, but he still couldn't escape the reporters' eyes.

The paparazzi's cameras flashed wildly.

"Wang Baoqiang is here too?"

Are the two vying for the same role, or do they each have their own roles?

A moment later, Duan Yihong appeared wearing a baseball cap.

He seemed to have anticipated being photographed, so he simply waved to the camera, smiled slightly, and turned to enter the building.

In less than an hour, portal websites and entertainment headlines were flooded with new breaking news:

Wang Baoqiang, Zhang Yi, and Duan Yihong were spotted at Huixin Building, suspected of participating in the casting for Wu Chen's new film.

Students recommended by prestigious universities such as Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, and Shanghai Theatre Academy have begun arriving at the audition venue.

The photo features not only Zhang Yi and others, but also Cheng Yi, Bai Yu, Liu Ruilin, and others. However, compared to the aura of Wang Baoqiang, Zhang Yi, Duan Yihong, and others, they appear both excited and nervous.

Meanwhile, inside Starry Sky Pictures, the air conditioning made the sweltering summer heat feel less oppressive.

The actors split into two groups.

Zhang Yi, Wang Baoqiang, and Duan Yihong sat in the first candidate room, drinking tea and chatting casually.

Zhang Yi looked around the empty room and couldn't help but ask, "Just the few of us? There's no one else here, is there?"

"probably."

Duan Yihong responded, feeling inexplicably happy.

It seems he's the only candidate for this role, so wouldn't it be safe to say that he'll be chosen as long as his image is suitable?

There was no sense of tension on either side.

On one side were seasoned veterans, and they all knew each other;
On the other side are still "new recruits" in the industry.
Zhang Yi glanced at the next room and chuckled, "Of those young men over there, who do you think is suitable?"

"For a war drama, Director Wu probably wants actors who look like soldiers. There are probably only one or two who fit the bill, but it really depends on what kind of image the director wants."

"Hard to say."

Duan Yihong and Wang Baoqiang were exchanging words, while the casting director and staff entered the two candidate rooms to begin preparations for the auditions.

Around nine o'clock in the morning, the lights in the audition hall were bright. Wu Chen sat behind the review table, looking focused, while several casting directors sat beside him taking notes.

Zhang Yi changed into a worn-out military uniform, smeared dust on his face, and carried an old satchel, instantly looking like he had just stepped out of a battlefield.

As soon as the script supervisor yelled "Action!", Zhang Yi immediately immersed himself in his role.

Amidst the hail of bullets, he gasped for breath, his shoulders trembling slightly, yet he managed to shout out the messenger's urgent orders in a hoarse voice.

As the enemy approached, he turned back, his eyes revealing a ruthless and resolute expression.
When it was Wang Baoqiang's turn, he also came on stage in a worn-out military uniform.

He was born with a kind of honesty and stubbornness, agile movements, quick positioning, and a strong sense of tension in his body.

It must be said that Wang Baoqiang is well-suited to playing soldiers.

If it were a single male lead, Wang Baoqiang would be more suitable than Zhang Yi, but in "1939," Wu Chen felt that Wang Baoqiang was a bit lacking, making it too easy for the character of Huang Xiaoshan to become a background character.

"You acted quite well, your action sequences and military bearing were excellent," Wu Chen said, pausing before continuing, "but this role isn't really suitable for you. Would you be interested in playing a cameo role for me?"

Wang Baoqiang's expression was a mixture of excitement and disappointment. Finally, he asked excitedly, "Director Wu, are there any more roles?"

Yes, but he doesn't get much playing time.

"It's okay, director, I can act."

Wang Baoqiang grinned as he spoke, revealing his teeth.

He's not stupid. Even though he didn't get the lead role, a cameo appearance wouldn't waste much time, and he could also make friends with a big director. Why not?

"Okay, it's settled then."

Wu Chen smiled.

Compared to the auditions for Wang Baoqiang and Zhang Yi, the audition for Duan Yihong as the troupe leader was much simpler. His image, temperament, and age all met the requirements, and there was no suspense. Wu Chen decided on the spot.

The key was the selection of the role of Huang Xiaoshan. The young actors put on prop military uniforms and took turns to perform.

However, the audition results were not ideal.

From morning to evening, Wu Chen and the casting director looked around repeatedly, tapping their pens on the table more and more frequently.

Some people have decent acting skills, but when they speak, they sound like they've been trained in a professional manner, completely unlike "newbie soldiers" who grew up in the flames of war.
Some people look young, but when they stand out, they lack that wild, stubbornness.

Wu Chen's brows furrowed completely after he finished looking at the last group of people.

"Director, there are two barely usable candidates. Should we notify them to audition again?" The casting director didn't dare ask any more questions at this point.

"Not for now."

After thinking for a long time, Wu Chen shook his head.

By evening, various versions of the news had spread, and many teachers from various universities were inquiring about the results of the students who had auditioned.
"I don't know, the director just said to wait for news."

"Mainly, I changed into a military uniform and started physical assessments. There was no script; the casting director arranged the scenes on the spot for the assessments."

"I feel my expectations are extremely high, so there's probably not much hope."

"."

The rumors circulating are dubious, leaving the industry in a state of confusion.

Just as everyone was speculating, Wu Chen received a call from Han Sanping.

"How's the casting process going?" Han Sanping asked, getting straight to the point.

Wu Chen leaned back in his chair and gently rubbed his temples: "Wei Sanpao and the regimental commander are fine, but Huang Xiaoshan will be hard to find."

"Let's launch a nationwide audition. China Film Group has experience in this area, although it will take some time," Han Sanping immediately suggested.

"Hey, wait a minute, Chairman Han," Wu Chen's eyes suddenly lit up, as if he had thought of something, "I've got a great idea!"

"What's the idea?"

"Hmm," Wu Chen paused, "How about this, let's release the nationwide audition information as usual, and then I'll look at the possibility of another plan. If it's feasible, it could save a lot of time."

(End of this chapter)