Huayu Entertainment: You have been directing for three generations, are you comparing your qualifica

Chapter 154: Auditions for "Lust, Caution" and Filming for "Pacific Rim" Wraps Up!
At 10 a.m., Tian Xiaole, accompanied by her assistant, prepared to fly to Shanghai.

When Tang Yan arrived at the airport, she was already chatting with her senior, Zeng Li, and they were having a pleasant time talking and laughing.

As one of the lead actresses in "The Thieves' Alliance," Tang Yan is going to walk the red carpet at a film festival; female celebrities crave exposure.

As for the lead actress, Fan Binbin, she arrived in Shanghai several days in advance; she wouldn't be absent from such an event.

Zeng Li's film "The Hairdresser" was nominated, and she also received a Best Actress nomination.

"Brother Le, (Director Tian)."

Upon seeing Tian Xiaole approaching, Tang Yan and Zeng Li simultaneously called for help.

"Let's go, the announcement is calling for boarding."

Wearing sunglasses, Tian Xiaole called out and walked towards the boarding gate first.

All three were in first class, and their seats were next to each other.

Zeng Li and Tang Yan chattered on and on, mostly about the movie.

"Tangtang, I really envy you. Your first film was nominated for Cannes."

Zeng Li glanced at Tian Xiaole next to her; the latter was sleeping with an eye mask on.

As an actress with a somewhat artistic bent, she has always wanted to act in art films and, more importantly, to win awards.

Tang Yan smiled; she also felt very lucky.

"I don't know if I'll ever have this kind of opportunity again."

After saying that, she glanced at Tian Xiaole as well. As her fame grew, more and more women were trying to get close to her, and Tang Yan felt that she was about to fall out of the running.

After a two-and-a-half-hour flight, the three landed in Shanghai.

Stepping out of the airport, you can feel the humid temperature in the southern air.

The organizers were already waiting.

Film festival posters were everywhere as soon as I exited the airport.

The Shanghai Film Festival was a grand event this year, inviting many international filmmakers and starting its promotion well in advance.

Today is the opening ceremony, and many Chinese and foreign media outlets have come, as well as many domestic actors and celebrities, who are dressed in their finest attire.

They boarded the arranged car and drove to the opening ceremony venue, where security personnel were maintaining order, and a large number of fans and moviegoers had gathered around.

The passenger handed over the pass before the vehicle was allowed to enter.

In the red carpet waiting area, there were many familiar faces: the two Binbins, Ren Quan, Chen Kun, Jiang Wenli, Brother Hu...

There are also foreign actors, including Hugh Jackman, Edward Norton, and Catherine Deneuve...

"Director Tian."

"Director Tian, ​​you've arrived!"

Many people greeted her, and Tian Xiaole smiled and nodded in response.

"You timed it perfectly, didn't you? You arrived right on time for the red carpet event."

Ning Hao jokingly said that he brought [Extreme Pro] to promote it.

Tang Yan and her staff went backstage to change into their dresses.

"Wow, quite a grand display. It really seems like they're expanding internationally."

Tian Xiaole said with a hint of sarcasm.

"Of course, even Li An, who just won the Oscar for Best Director, was invited."

Ning Hao's tone was somewhat sour; the achievements of this Chinese-American director are something that many domestic directors can only look up to.

···
On the red carpet at the opening ceremony, Chinese and foreign stars walked one after another, all dressed in their finest attire.

Ning Hao, along with the main cast of "Extreme Pro," walked onto the red carpet first.

The Thieves' Guild was placed in a later position.

At this moment, Tang Yan changed into a formal dress, a black off-shoulder gauze dress with a semi-transparent skirt, revealing her long, slender legs.

"Brother Le, how's this outfit?"

Tang Yan lifted her skirt, showing off her ample figure.

"Well, not bad."

Tian Xiaole praised him, giving him affirmation.

Fan Binbin deliberately puffed out his chest, completely crushing the previously arrogant Tang Yan.

She wore a white, sheer, deep-V dress, paired with an Australian white pearl necklace, and sported a delicate, alluring makeup look.

"Director Tian, ​​what about this outfit of mine?"

"It's not bad."

Tian Xiaole nodded in agreement.

"Hmph! You worm!"

Tang Yan is drawing circles again.

···
The Thieves' Guild walked the red carpet, instantly attracting a large number of media outlets. Flashes were constantly going off and camera shutters were clicking non-stop.

As the crew of the highest-grossing film and television production in China, they are always the target of media attention wherever they go.

"Director Tian, ​​I heard that you declined the film festival's invitation for the first time. 'The Thieves' is the highest-grossing film in Chinese film history. What were your thoughts?"

The host's question drew the attention of the rest of the crew, who were unaware that Tian Xiaole had previously refused to participate in film selections.

"Because 'The Thieves' is a purely commercial film, film festivals probably won't like it."

As for why I participated in the selection? It's because I received so many invitations, so I figured I might as well give it a try.

Tian Xiaole's response provided the media present with material for their reports.

The red carpet host was stunned, and then Tian Xiaole continued:
"Please pay close attention to [Extreme Career], which I have invested in."

The venue was packed with people.

At a glance, it was clear that quite a few big-name directors had arrived.

Li An was a special guest invited by the organizers, and Feng Xiaogang was the vice chairman of the competition section, whose chairman was French director Luc Besson.

Lao Tian, ​​Chen Kaige, Gu Changwei, and Jiang Wen, these directors from the Beijing film circle, gathered together.

Directors from Hong Kong, including Wong Kar-wai and Tsui Hark, were also present.

Tian Xiaole cursed his bad luck under his breath and saw Lu Chuan not far away.

"Director Tian, ​​are my scenes coming up soon?"

Liu Dehua walked over with a glass of champagne and said.

"You can join the crew in the next couple of days after you finish attending the film festival."

Liu Dehua's role is small, and filming will only take a few days.

Tian Xiaole greeted Lao Tian and left the venue; making a brief appearance was enough.

They had to rush back to the capital overnight to film the next scenes.

···
The next day, when Tian Xiaole arrived at the film set, she saw Hu Jun, Huang Xiaoming, and others gathered together, discussing something.

"What are you talking about?"

"Brother Xiao Le, let's talk about Director Li An's new film again."

Jing Tian answered first.

"Li An is casting for the female lead in his new film in China. He's a director who has won numerous awards. This is going to keep the actresses up at night."

Jiang Wu remarked that the news had garnered a lot of attention.

Tian Xiaole glanced at the reports and realized that his speech on the red carpet yesterday was listed at the end.

Some criticized him for being arrogant, saying he left after attending the opening ceremony, showing a lack of respect for the organizers.

Li An's new film, "Lust, Caution," adapted from the novel of the same name, will be cast in the country.

For actresses in the industry, a series of accolades such as Oscar Best Director, Best Foreign Language Film, and Venice Best Director can be a meteoric rise to stardom.

Today, all the major entertainment news headlines are filled with reports about casting.

Tian Xiaole clapped his hands, attracting everyone's attention:
"This has nothing to do with us. Everyone get ready and start filming immediately."

After Tian Xiaole finished speaking, she noticed that Liu Yifei was still standing there, staring at the casting announcement.

"What, you want to act too?"

"Who wouldn't want to act in a film directed by a great director?"

Liu Yifei said without any attempt to hide her feelings.

"I'll just act in Brother Xiao Le's movies."

Jing Tian spoke softly, making her stance clear.

Tian Xiaole flicked her forehead: "Then you'd better improve your acting skills as soon as possible."

"Oh, I know."

Jing Tian rubbed her forehead, feeling a little guilty. During this period of filming, she had been the one dragging the team down, and the one who was talked about the most.

"If you keep doing this, Tian Tian will be driven crazy by your knocking."

Like an older sister, Liu Yifei shielded Jing Tian behind her, glaring at Tian Xiaole.

"What, you think you're a great actor?"

Seeing Tian Xiaole roll up her sleeves, Liu Yifei quickly ran away, her courage lasting less than a minute.

"I'm going to change my clothes first."

"I'm going to change too."

Jing Tian ran away too; if she gets knocked on again, she'll really go crazy.

···
Tian Xiaole shouted "Action!" and the camera moved forward.

Looking at his research data, Ge You laughed ecstatically, as if he had gone mad.

Calculations revealed that the opening of wormholes is periodic, and the frequency of monster attacks is also related to Earth's pollution.

Meanwhile, the professor played by Li Xuejian, through biological research, can enable the two pilots of the mecha to briefly communicate, making their cooperation more seamless.

Another layer of meaning in "Pacific Rim" is to remind people to cherish the Earth and reduce environmental pollution.

These "noble" topics are themes that self-proclaimed environmentalists abroad like to advocate.

Tian Xiaole wanted to tell them that this wasn't their exclusive right, and that anyone could shout slogans.

The amount of water a wealthy person uses to maintain a golf course once is enough for an average family to use for a year.

"Crack!"

They are all veteran actors who rely on their acting skills, so playing these expert and professor roles is not difficult for them at all.

Hong Kong Island has returned to its former bustling state, with busy crowds on the streets. Many tourists have come to Victoria Harbour to visit the buildings damaged by the monster.

Suddenly, the alarm sounded.

Shu Chang, playing the role of the announcer, once again issues an urgent report, alerting the public to abnormalities at sea.

Meanwhile, a considerable number of monsters were moving along the seabed.

The camera uses an overhead shot to maximize the sense of oppression and tension.

Then, the scene switches to a distant view.

Hu Jun and Liu Ye piloted the Avenger, slowly descending from the sky and hovering one meter above the ground.

Following closely behind were [Flame Fangs] and [Great General]!
The three mechs hovered in the air at the same time, forming a triangle, giving people a strong sense of security.

···
The outside world has reported on the demands made by the female lead in "Lust, Caution".

"Age between 19 and 23, height between 164 and 170 cm, must have a hot and graceful figure, possess classical Eastern beauty, and also have a pure and scholarly air..."

Among them, the most striking requirement is that the undressing should be natural and smooth.

The casting requirements were announced as soon as they were released, and they swept through the film and television industries in mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Even the ongoing Shanghai Film Festival and the news of "Ip Man" grossing over 100 million yuan at the mainland box office couldn't generate as much discussion as "Lust, Caution".

Several top art schools in China, as well as all eligible actresses in the industry, are eyeing this role.

The Oscar for Best Director is still fresh in everyone's minds; this is a rare opportunity to go international.

···
"Crack!"

"Today's filming is finished. Thank you all for your hard work."

Tian Xiaole led the applause.

As filming progressed smoothly, even Jing Tian, ​​whose acting was the worst, and Liu Yifei, whose acting was only average, improved their performances.

Surrounded by award-winning actors, one should learn a lot from their presence.

However, Tian Xiaole did not praise the two girls, fearing they would become arrogant.

Because the filming took place at the Beijing Film Studio, none of the lead actors stayed in hotels; they went home after filming wrapped.

When Liu Yifei returned to her home in Dazhuangyuan, Shunyi District, Liu Xiaoli did not immediately welcome her home. Instead, she sat on the sofa, flipping through a book in her hand, her brows furrowed.

"Mom, I'm back."

Liu Yifei wrapped her arms around Liu Xiaoli's neck from behind and rested her chin on her shoulder.

"You kid, did the filming go well today?"

Liu Xiaoli looked at Liu Yifei with eyes full of doting affection.

"Mom, what book are you reading that you're so engrossed in?"

"The original novel of director Li An's new film, 'Lust, Caution'!" When Liu Xiaoli saw the casting requirements announced by Li An, she strongly suspected that they were tailored for her precious daughter.

That's Lee An, who's won so many awards. If she really gets to play the female lead in his new movie, she'll be one step closer to Hollywood.

I immediately found the original novel, "Lust, Caution," and poured cold water on her enthusiasm, as it contained explicit scenes.

Based on the audition requirements that have been released, there will definitely be scenes where characters have to take their clothes off.

Liu Xiaoli hesitated, torn between the opportunity and the consequences.

"Sisi, would you like to act in Director Li An's new film?"

"Yes, I do. He's a great director; so many people want to act in his films," Liu Yifei answered without hesitation.

Liu Xiaoli sighed and handed over the original text in her hand:

"Let's finish reading it before we talk."

···
The winners of the Golden Goblet Award at the 9th Shanghai International Film Festival have been announced.

Apart from "The Dog" winning the Jury Prize, the awards for Best Music and Best Film were all given to foreign films and actors.

The Best Actress award, which has been given out for 8 consecutive years out of 9, has already been presented.

【The Thieves】received no awards. In Tian Xiaole's opinion, it was undoubtedly a commercial film, and the judges felt it lacked artistry.

The barber also received nothing, which made many viewers feel indignant.

In the words of the organizers, the Shanghai Film Festival has truly gone international.

The ridicule and sarcasm from netizens followed.

"The Shanghai Film Festival has truly groveled before the international community; its groveling behavior is unprecedented."

"Foreign actors who arrive just hours before the awards ceremony can still win awards; we don't need this kind of way to go international."

On the set of Beijing Film Studio.

Looking at Zeng Li who had returned to the film crew, Liu Ye comforted her.

"This year's film festival is acting very strangely, otherwise 'The Barber' would definitely deserve an award."

Zeng Li shook her head and smiled bitterly: "It is quite a pity, after all, it is Director Chen's last work, and it does not have a happy ending."

Huang Xiaoming reads the comments from netizens;

"Inviting 'The Thieves' to participate in the selection, and then not giving them an award, the Shanghai Film Festival really knows how to do things like that."

"How can they go international if they don't grovel and fawn over their idols!"

Tian Xiaole mocked him mercilessly, and Hu Jun, Huang Xiaoming, and the others dared not respond.

They're just actors; if word gets out, their acting careers will definitely be affected.

Tian Xiaole is different. In addition to being a famous director, he is also the owner of a film and television company, so he is not afraid of being blacklisted by local authorities.

"Little Le, you can't swear," Jing Tian said softly.

Everyone stared at her as she said this. The director was the most powerful person in the entire crew, and she dared to interfere in the director's affairs.

unless……

A group of people suppressed their laughter and turned their faces away.

"Sister Sisi, did I say something wrong?"

Jing Tian asked, holding Liu Yifei's arm.

"Huh? What did you say?"

Liu Yifei was somewhat absent-minded before she came back to her senses.

She read the original novel of "Lust, Caution," which contains many explicit scenes, and she didn't want to miss out on a great director like Li An, especially a film with such an intellectual and artistic flair.

However, the explicit scenes put her in a dilemma.

···
The special effects team set up their equipment, the actors took their positions, and the lighting and script supervisors were all in place.

"Action!"

Several people piloted upgraded mechs and landed on Hong Kong Island.

Liu Yifei's distracted performance resulted in her mispronouncing her lines several times, which made Tian Xiaole frown.

“Crack!

"Junior Sister Liu, what's wrong with you? Why are you so distracted?"

"Director Tian, ​​I'm sorry, I need to adjust my state."

Liu Yifei quickly apologized, realizing that she had dragged the team down.

After the last great war, humanity learned that monsters can be defeated.

This film also hides a subplot.

From beginning to end, it is humanity that is destroying itself, because the environment is damaged and large numbers of trees on Earth are cut down.

Only humanity itself can save itself.

···
After a day of filming, Liu Yifei found Tian Xiaole.

"Senior Brother Tian, ​​if you had a rare opportunity that required you to give up something, what would you choose?"

"That depends on whether you can bear the loss."

Liu Yifei asked directly, "Senior Brother Tian, ​​do you think I should try to get the lead role in 'Lust, Caution'?"

That's right. Liu Yifei meets every single requirement that Li announced for the female lead. Anyone who didn't know better would think that the role was tailor-made for her.

"As a renowned director, Li An's requirement for actors to accept explicit scenes is definitely not as simple as just taking off clothes. It depends on whether you can accept it."

Tian Xiaole recalls that the play was boycotted in China, suspected of defaming martyrs, and had a bad reputation.

"I know what to do, thank you, Senior Brother Tian."

"Okay, try to get yourself in the right state of mind as soon as possible," Tian Xiaole reminded him.

The influence of the internationally renowned director has undoubtedly stirred up the industry, with the hottest topic being speculation about which lucky person will be selected.

Li announced that the production team was ready, the male lead had been selected, and they were just waiting to select the female lead so that filming could begin in September.

When Liu Yifei returned home, she was immediately taken in the hand by an excited Liu Xiaoli.

"Sisi, I submitted your resume, and I didn't expect you to pass the preliminary selection directly. Let's wait for the final results. If you are selected again, we can talk about the scale of the explicit scenes."

Liu Yifei shook her head and said firmly, "I refuse. I don't want to play this role."

Liu Xiaoli was taken aback. She knew that her precious daughter had an artistic heart and had always wanted to act in art films, but she respected her choice.

"Alright then, I'll get back to them right away."

···
In the movie Pacific Rim, the fall of Tokyo and the defense of Hong Kong Island are combined with scenes of urban prosperity.

Tian Xiaole used monsters to destroy and trample, just to create a visually stunning cinematic experience.

The final battle in Shanghai does not signify the end, but rather the beginning.

The monster, traveling along the Huangpu River, suddenly landed in Shanghai, threatening to crush the Oriental Pearl Tower under its foot.

A black dot appeared in the sky, quickly approaching from afar; it was the Avenger, piloted jointly by Hu Jun and Liu Ye.

A laser beam shot out from afar, piercing straight through the monster's foot.

Also appearing at the same time were [Flaming Fangs] and [War God].

Compared to the newly upgraded mechs, the monsters are far too clumsy and can only take a beating.

The invading monsters were quickly dealt with.

After discussions, the countries decided to use at least ten nuclear bombs to bomb the wormhole located on the seabed of Little Day.

The final scene shows the panda using a state-of-the-art aircraft to drop a nuclear bomb.

Tian Xiaole had already imagined what it would look like for the post-production team to be tangled up in the mud; the mushroom cloud special effects would definitely be time-consuming and laborious.

Meanwhile, the base received requests for assistance from other countries.

This can be seen as foreshadowing a sequel.

"Crack!"

Tian Xiaole shouted.

The studio filming for Pacific Rim has ended, and the location shooting was handed over to Guo Fan and Lu Yang.

That "cut" sound also meant that the actors had finished filming.

"It was my first time filming entirely in front of a green screen, and it felt quite unique. Director Tian, ​​if there are any suitable roles in the future, I'll be there whenever you need me."

Huang Xiaoming said with a smile, and gave Tian Xiaole a tight hug.

"Yes, there are suitable roles available."

Huang Xiaoming is a very capable actor. His acting skills improve when faced with strong opponents. He is also very perceptive and knows how to handle situations. Tian Xiaole might consider giving him a chance.

"Brother Xiao Le, I can come whenever you call."

Jing Tian, ​​dressed in a black, fitted combat suit, had just come out of the simulated mech room, her forehead still covered in sweat.

Her words brought a good-natured smile to everyone's faces.

"Haha, then you should work on improving your acting skills first."

"Finally, we can have the wrap party. I need to eat more to make up for all the weight I lost."

Liu Yifei happily said that she had to be suspended by wires almost every day for this film, which caused her old ailment from filming "The Return of the Condor Heroes" to keep flaring up, and she had to grit her teeth and persevere until now.

"It'll definitely be a big event, so don't worry about saving me money."

From the initial planning stages to securing funding, this project faced numerous skepticism.

Can sci-fi films be made in China? Should special effects be done in China? And so on.

Nine months have passed since the actors auditioned and trained.

The filming time, originally scheduled for three months, was shortened to just over two months.

Since the actual filming portion wasn't included, the footage shot in the studio is already ready for post-production special effects.

The news that filming for Pacific Rim had wrapped up couldn't be kept secret, and Tian Xiaole didn't intend to hide it either.

The news spread that very day, quickly sparking a discussion that overshadowed the news about "Lust, Caution".

Many netizens questioned: How could a movie be filmed in just two months?

Someone downstairs quickly explained: live-action shooting of sci-fi blockbusters doesn't take much time; post-production is the key. For a film of this caliber, if the special effects were made in China, the release date would be uncertain.

The Capital Hotel was the venue chosen by Han Sanping, who placed great importance on the arrangements for the wrap party.

The main creative team will definitely be present, along with several investors, and even Yang Shoucheng himself will be there. A large number of media outlets will also be invited.

The theme of the wrap party can be summed up in one word: food!

Amidst the clinking of glasses, the atmosphere reached its climax.

A group of reporters came, not just to eat, but also with the mission of digging for news.

The topic everyone cares about most is the movie's release date.

Tian Xiaole didn't intend to hide it and directly said that he was unsure and would only release the movie when the level of special effects in China met his requirements.

Apart from China Film Group, the other investors all wore helpless, wry smiles upon hearing this response.

Jing Tian is a newcomer. When asked about her acting skills, she only said that the crew took good care of her and the other actors also gave her a lot of help.

Liu Yifei, Hu Jun, Jiang Wu, and others also said many nice things about her. Who wouldn't like a girl with a sweet tongue?

Liu Yifei received the most questions because news leaked that she had been selected as the female lead in "Lust, Caution" but then declined the offer.

Why did Yi Fei refuse the audition for the female lead in "Lust, Caution"?

"Today is……"

"It's okay, I can answer."

This is the wrap party for "Pacific Rim". Liu Yifei wanted to refuse to answer questions about the film, but Tian Xiaole didn't mind. He mainly wanted to hear what she thought.

"After reading the original work, I felt that I was not suitable, so I will not cause trouble."

Liu Yifei's answer was concise and clear.

The following questions all revolved around Tian Xiaole and the post-production of the film, with even more questions than those asked at the project approval meeting. After all, this is a film with a budget of 500 million yuan.
During the banquet, Yang Shoucheng came over. The great success of "Ip Man" made this veteran of the film industry, who had spent half his life in the military, quite envious.

"Director Tian, ​​there's no rush for the sequel to Ip Man. Let's focus on Pacific Rim first."

Tian Xiaole found it somewhat amusing; he clearly cared a lot, but pretended not to.

"I plan to write it in two more days. Since Chairman Yang isn't in a hurry, let's wait a little longer."

"Haha, Director Tian is joking. Since you have an inspiration, it's best to write it down first."

Yang Shoucheng cursed under his breath, "Little fox, you've got him figured out."

"Then wait for my notification. Let's rest for a few days after we just finished filming."

Tian Xiaole cursed under his breath, "Old fox, you're so stubborn about saving face."

···
"Director Tian, ​​thank you for taking care of Tian Tian. If your projects ever need investment in the future, just let me know. But you won't lack investment, haha."

Lu Zhen, holding his wine glass, spoke with an air of wealth and arrogance.

"Tian Tian's acting skills are still quite immature. The audience of 'Pacific Rim' is watching the mecha, so acting skills aren't that important. But if you want to go far, it's better to pay more attention to this aspect," Tian Xiaole kindly reminded her.

"I've already contacted the admissions officers at the Beijing Film Academy. With my experience acting in your films, getting into the Beijing Film Academy shouldn't be a problem."

Lu Zhen smiled and thought he would have to use his money, but unexpectedly, the admissions officer from Beijing Film Academy took the initiative to come to his door and offered relatively generous conditions, as long as he didn't go to the Central Academy of Drama next door.

Tian Xiaole didn't say anything more, clinked glasses with Lu Zhen, and then went to greet the other guests.

(End of this chapter)