Huayu: A Commercial Director

Chapter 107 Casting
The casting for "A Chinese Ghost Story" stumped Chen Shouzhe.

If there were no references, it wouldn't matter, but he has classics in his mind, and the image of Wang Zuxian is irreplaceable in his heart.

It would be difficult to find a woman in the current mainland entertainment industry to replace her.

Chen Shouzhe has already posted all the audition requirements.

The entertainment industry was in an uproar, with countless actors eager to make their move, and agents scrambling to find connections and resources.

They have a film studio but no actors, one partner Yang Mi Studio, and that's it.

All the characters were released, and none of them were designated; all the important characters were released.

The main characters are Ning Caichen, Nie Xiaoqian, Yan Chixia (a Taoist priest), Granny Tree Demon, Xiahou Swordsman, Xiaoqing, a corrupt official, and a strategist...

"The Martian" is still showing in theaters, and Chen Shouzhe's movie is already here again, and it's the ghost and monster genre that he's good at.

"Tell them to stop looking for people and just come over for the audition."

Tao Le smiled, about to speak, but now only laughter remained.

Chen Shou has been very troubled these days because he hasn't found a suitable role for the film, and he's very annoyed.

There are too few actresses who are charming yet elegant and can handle period dramas.

Chen Shou is now somewhat regretful. He should have just focused on making an animated film instead of creating something else for himself.

There are some problems with casting now; the people he has in mind are too difficult to replace.

Who can play Ning Caichen? Who can play Nie Xiaoqian? Who can play Yan Chixia?
We can't exactly bring Lu Xiaobu and his gang here, and then have Zhang Wei bring a tree demon granny instead.
That's an announcement for instant noodles, and the tree spirit in it is holding Captain America's shield in one hand and Iron Man's thing in the other.

Audition invitations have been sent out, the team has already chosen a location and started setting up the set, and they are just waiting for the casting process.

"Director Chen, the box office has already exceeded 3 billion, and the theaters have agreed to a 50% share. However, they have decided to revise the terms of our bet. The share is too high. They hope that once it exceeds 3 billion, it will be set at 50% and cannot be increased further," Tao Le said.

“Ask them if they lost money. If they made a profit, continue with this plan. If I made them lose money, then forget it,” Chen Shou said.

“How could they lose money? They just feel resentful because we make more money,” Tao Le laughed.

“Then there’s no need to talk to them. It’s not like all our movies are like this. Tell them that if they want to lower the revenue share, then add a clause that all movies produced by Shouzhe Pictures should follow that standard. If it’s my personal movie, then follow the current standard,” Chen Shouzhe said.

“Okay, I’ll reply to them like that. By the way, Director Chen, are you going to the United States next year?” Tao Le said.

"Yes, Warner Bros. contacted me. I'm going to direct a sci-fi movie next year, and I might also make one myself." Chen Shou nodded.

“Then you need to plan your trip carefully,” Tao Le said.

"The specifics haven't been finalized yet. We'll let you know in advance. Who do you think is suitable for the role in A Chinese Ghost Story?" Chen Shou asked.

"Director Chen probably already has ideas for the actresses, but what do you think of Xiaoming as the actor?" Tao Le said.

“He’s become my go-to actor, but no, his period costume look is terrible. I want that scholarly air.” Chen Shou immediately rejected the idea.

Huang Xiaoming's appearance is fine for modern dramas, which is why he likes playing domineering CEO roles. However, his appearance in period dramas is definitely not good enough for Ning Caichen. He needs a refined and timid character.

We can't exactly cast Dawei Tianlong to play Ning Caichen, can we?

Chen Kun is not bad.

At least in Chen Shouzhe's mind right now, Pan Yuemin and Chen Kun are the most suitable, especially Chen Kun, although he is currently filming Painted Skin.

Or perhaps he's now the boss, and his portrayal of Gongsun Ce is deeply ingrained in people's hearts; his period costume is also extremely handsome.

“The auditions have already been scheduled, and all the artists who can come will be here,” Tao Le said.

The next day, many luxury cars were parked downstairs at Xiaoxiaomeng's building.

The film studio was too small, so Chen Shouzhe arranged for them to come here. They have already been given the role notifications and are just waiting for them to get their makeup done and start performing.

There were many prop and makeup staff. When Chen Shou arrived, he encountered quite a few people. He didn't chat with them much, but went directly to the office where the interviews were being held, waiting for them to come and audition.

The producer this time is Zhong Lifan, and the main auditionee is Chen Shouzhe. After all, he has watched all three parts of A Chinese Ghost Story dozens of times, so he doesn't need anyone else to help him audition.

Today's audition is for male roles; the female roles will have to wait until tomorrow. They'll audition separately.

Each person can only choose one role, since the roles are very different, so everyone should be aware of that.

Chen Shou frowned as the first actor to enter.

"You still came. I told you you didn't meet the requirements. Look at your appearance now, you don't look like a scholar at all." Chen Shou sighed as he looked at Huang Xiaoming in front of him.

"Please give me a chance, Director Chen. I'd like to give it a try," Huang Xiaoming said with a smile.

"Then give it a try."

Huang Xiaoming started to get into the zone, but as soon as he opened his eyes and smiled—that signature smile—Chen Shouzhe mentally crossed him out.

"Are you free today?" Chen Shou asked after he finished his performance.

"I'm going to Hengdian this afternoon," Huang Xiaoming said. "Then forget it. I was thinking of inviting you to have lunch together," Chen Shou said.

"I understand, thank you, Director Chen," Huang Xiaoming said with a smile.

"The celebration banquet won't be until September, remember to come then," Chen Shou said.

"no problem."

Huang Xiaoming left, and the captain of Running Man came in. How should I put it, his appearance was still not suitable. His acting skills were certainly not a problem, but he lacked that scholarly air.

Tong Dawei seems quite suitable; his potato-shaped face,憨憨 (simple and honest) appearance, and small eyes are quite fitting. This one is pending.

Then Pan Yueming and Chen Shouzhe were shocked when they saw him. He had just gone through a divorce and was now a bit overweight. His mental state was also a bit off, and he looked much more depressed.

"Give it a try." Chen Shou didn't say anything and let him act.

However, Chen Shouzhe still felt it wasn't working. He had thought the man was alright before, but now he seemed distracted, clearly affected by the divorce.

A beautiful but flawed person ruined a good actor. If he can overcome this, he can become a good actor.

This ironically made Tong Dawei the most suitable candidate.

Of course, he originally wanted to cast Chen Kun, whose acting skills were excellent, but it seems he had some conflict with Pan Yueming.

Because Chen Kun and his ex-wife had a very good relationship, they addressed each other as brother and sister.

It's a pity that a good actor like Chen Shou was ruined by his marriage.

He auditioned for the role of Ning Caichen, which led him to Tong Dawei, a round-faced man with a憨憨 (simple and honest) air about him, which was quite good.

Needless to say, his acting skills are superb; he can handle the role.

Chen Shouzhe gave the role of Yan Chixia to a veteran actor.

Once the roles were finalized, the male roles were settled, but there were too many female roles to fill.

After all, Nie Xiaoqian needs beautiful women, and the entertainment industry is never short of them.

We still have to look at their appearance to judge. Chen Shouzhe even drew a picture of Wang Zuxian so that the actors could compare.

"You're not suitable. Where does your seductive charm come from?" Chen Shou said irritably when he saw Liu Yifei winking at him.

"Why can't I do it?" Liu Yifei said domineeringly.

"Go away, next one." Chen Shou dismissed Liu Yifei, who looked just like Little Dragon Girl. A proper female ghost had been turned into a fairy under her portrayal. How could she act like that?

Several more female celebrities came in one after another. I must say, Fan Bingbing is really top-notch now. She and Tong Dawei had acted together before, and they also had a similar entangled scene in A Chinese Ghost Story.

Unfortunately, she was too beautiful and too alluring, and not suitable for the role.

"The next Yan Danchen."

The currently popular actress walked in, and Chen Shou frowned when he saw her.

"Call one in for makeup, and have them do my makeup according to my instructions," Chen Shou shouted towards the door.

"I asked you to play a female ghost, not the Moon Goddess Chang'e, senior," Chen Shou sighed.

"They say I look good like this," Yan Danchen said with a smile.

A moment later, the makeup artist came in and, in front of Chen Shouzhe, Chen Shouzhe instructed her to apply makeup.

“I didn’t originally want to make this movie. But the other day I was watching Journey to the West and saw you, Chang’e, dancing during the Peach Banquet. I was thinking, could you handle the role? If you’re not suitable, then I might have to postpone this movie,” Chen Shou said.

Those present were surprised to hear this, not expecting that Chen Shouzhe decided to make the movie after seeing Yan Danchen's portrayal of Chang'e. This made Yan Danchen feel flattered.

Even Zhong Lifan, who auditioned with her, couldn't help but take a few more glances at Yan Danchen. She was undeniably beautiful, with an ethereal quality and a captivating charm.

However, it still falls short of the classic in Chen Shouzhe's mind.

Being stared at by Chen Shouzhe for so long, even Yan Danchen, who was older than Chen Shouzhe, couldn't stand it, and her face remained flushed.

"Yes, that's the feeling. Shy and charming. Senior, you should try it. It's alluring without being vulgar, seductive without being gaudy." The more Chen Shou looked at it, the more suitable it seemed. After all, he couldn't find Wang Zuxian, and besides, Wang Zuxian's acting skills were just average; she was just pretty.

"It's definitely you, senior. Filming starts in mid-August and wraps up before November. Is your schedule okay? You're a very busy person these days," Chen Shou said with a smile.

After regaining her composure, Yan Danchen smiled and said, "It's not easy to act in your movie without your help. I should be thanking you now. Do you have time? I'll treat you to dinner. I was able to play Chang'e in Journey to the West because of you. Now you're giving me the lead role back."

"Let's postpone the dinner. You can take a look at the contract then. If the first one does well, there will be two more. There will be three parts in total for A Chinese Ghost Story," Chen Shou said.

"Ah, is it a movie series?" Yan Danchen's eyes widened, surprised by this level of happiness.

"Don't tell anyone," Chen Shou said.

"Mmm." Yan Danchen was radiant and her eyes sparkled.

(End of this chapter)