Huayu: Serious director, who's eavesdropping on your thoughts?

"The male lead is the focal point of the entire play; he has to be shrewd, cunning, and funny."

But at crucial moments, one must also possess the kind of deep emotion and explosive power that convinces the audience; striking the right balance is difficult.

Zhao Huaiyuan shared his thoughts.

Han Sanping searched his mind for a list of available options:

"Then we need someone with real talent. Ge You? He's unavailable, and I don't think he'll be a good fit. Liang Tian? His image is too fixed, which is a bit lacking. Hmm? No, neither of them are good-looking."

Han Sanping snapped out of his daze and immediately rejected the idea.

This is the Lunar New Year film season. When people go to the cinema during the Chinese New Year, they all want to see something enjoyable.

"How about Liu Ye? 'Lan Yu' just became a hit, he's very popular, and he looks upright. Or Chen Kun? He has a patriotic and concerned-for-the-people quality."

Han Sanping's thinking is typical of blockbuster movies; he believes that a big IP and big stars equal a box office guarantee.

In his view, using a handsome male lead to protect national treasures is a very safe commercial formula.

Zhao Huaiyuan did not deny it.

It must be said that Han Sanping's words make a lot of sense.

In any era, an actor's good looks are definitely a plus, and can greatly attract the audience.

The original short film "The Eagle Museum" also featured a very handsome man.

But why use a handsome guy in the original version?

Zhao Huaiyuan has done an analysis.

Because in the future, in the era of short videos where you need to grab attention in three seconds, good looks are everything, and good looks are the key to success.

But it was 2002, short videos had not yet appeared, and people's threshold (zhi) had not increased significantly.

In the movie theater, during the 90 minutes in darkness, what the audience often needs is not a pretty face.

"President Han, Liu Ye and Chen Kun are both good actors, but they are not good enough for this film."

"Why? Are you worried about the pay being too high? Don't worry about that, China Film Group can handle the negotiations." Han Sanping was somewhat surprised.

"It's not about the money, Mr. Han. Please think about what the male lead's character should be like."

He is a marginalized person who can't make a living in a foreign country and resorts to cheating and swindling to survive, spouting nonsense. His face should have a weathered look and a sense of hardship.

If a very handsome actor were cast, the audience would subconsciously feel that he's in a romantic relationship with Xiao Yuhu, which would change the overall feel of the story.

Zhao Huaiyuan shook his head and continued:

"I don't want the audience to have that kind of thought, not even the slightest bit."

I think the male lead should be quite ordinary, like any ordinary person struggling to make a living. He's not perfect; he has his flaws and shortcomings.

Han Sanping nodded thoughtfully.

Zhao Huaiyuan continued:

"Also, the celebrity can't be too famous, otherwise the audience will subconsciously think that this is just an elite person returning cultural relics to their hometown, and the audience will feel that this is something a hero should do, something that should be taken for granted."

But if it's an ordinary, even somewhat pathetic, lower-class person...

A face never before seen by the public, yet at a crucial moment, for the sake of China's dignity, he risked a bloody head to send her home.

"Mr. Han, only now can we tell the audience that those who protect our national treasures are not celebrities or superheroes, but millions upon millions of ordinary Chinese people!"

Han Sanping listened quietly the whole time.

He looked at the young man, who was not yet twenty, and his eyes showed increasing admiration.

This young man is really insightful. He didn't follow the crowd to cater to the so-called "looks-obsessed" market at all, but instead firmly grasped the deepest level of human nature.

Han Sanping laughed; he'd actually been taught a lesson by a mere brat today.

"Now that you mention it, if I insist on using a handsome guy, it would make me, as the leader, seem vulgar. Okay, I'll listen to you! Let's find someone down-to-earth to play the role."

Zhao Huaiyuan smiled.

These important figures, when you actually get to know them, are actually quite approachable.

Of course, this is on the premise that you can win the other party's favor.

Han Sanping asked, "So, do you have someone in mind right now?"

Zhao Huaiyuan shook his head, indicating no.

He had considered Huang Bo for the male lead role and was convinced that Huang Bo was suitable for the role, but Huang Bo was not the only option. He preferred to go through an open audition, a fair and just process.

Besides silencing Han Sanping and the investors and preventing them from giving the bad impression of nepotism, more importantly, he was planning another top-notch publicity campaign with zero cost!

It's important to understand that in an era before the rise of grassroots idols, the greatest temptation was to give everyone a dream of instant success.

You must make everyone who considers themselves ordinary feel that they have a chance to be the protagonist, then you will create this momentum.

Zhao Huaiyuan knew very well that when thousands of ordinary people submitted their resumes and countless eyes were watching who would be the lucky one, they were no longer bystanders, but participants.

Only in this way, when the movie is released, will the audience feel an unprecedented sense of resonance when they see the unassuming male lead on the screen.

Look, that's not some unattainable superstar, that's one of the millions of us who could have been chosen!

Every discussion and every submission sparked by this audition was actually a prelude to the emotional outburst at the end of the film.

Of course, he wouldn't say these things to Han Sanping, otherwise he would inevitably give the other party the impression that he was too calculating.

Besides, this kind of open selection is fair, just, and transparent, and it's perfectly reasonable!

Of course, if Huang Bo doesn't ultimately emerge victorious, then he won't resort to any underhanded tactics; things will be as they are.

"What about the female lead? The little jade pot?" Han Sanping asked.

"The female lead has the opposite requirements; we can't be too lenient. If just anyone could play the role, the audience would think that national treasures are worthless. The selection criteria must be strict. One in ten thousand isn't enough; we must select one in a million, or even one in ten million," Zhao Huaiyuan replied.

Han Sanping suddenly said, "I see you have a good relationship with that Liu Yifei. That girl should fit the bill, right? Isn't she your go-to leading lady? Why aren't you casting her this time?"

"Mr. Han, she is indeed my best friend, but she's really not suitable this time." Zhao Huaiyuan shook his head, not considering it.

"Oh?" Han Sanping raised an eyebrow. "Avoid suspicion? There's absolutely no need for that!"

"It's not about avoiding suspicion. She's currently playing Wang Yuyan in the 'Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils' series, which is a major production for Director Zhang. My film is aiming for the Lunar New Year release, which is only a matter of a few months. Letting her take on multiple projects at once would ruin her career and be irresponsible to the production team."

"There's also the issue of character design. Xiaoyuhu has been cooped up in the museum for hundreds of years. After escaping, she should be crazy, wild, lively, and even a bit neurotic. She should be like a little animal just released from its cage, capable of crying, laughing, and making a fuss."

Liu Yifei's current acting style is too restrained. She'll struggle with this role, and it's impossible to teach her in a short time. Even if she did, her acting would still be affected. I need someone with a natural talent.

Zhao Huaiyuan was telling the truth. Liu Yifei's beauty is static, making her perfectly suited to play the role of Wang Yuyan, that wooden beauty. This quality will be fully showcased in "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils" and will shape her future career.

After hearing this, Han Sanping couldn't help but look at Zhao Huaiyuan with newfound respect.

Even if the other party forces their own people to join, he won't say anything, as long as they are suitable for the role and the quality of the film is guaranteed.

But it's truly remarkable that this young man can remain sober in the face of such a great opportunity and focus on finding the most suitable role.

"Well, since no one else is available, let's have an open audition. By the way, this film is trying to break into the Lunar New Year season, and you don't have much experience. To avoid unnecessary trouble, let's put my name in the executive producer section." Han Sanping finalized the decision.

"It is my honor," Zhao Huaiyuan replied neither humbly nor arrogantly, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

In the film industry in 2002, the name Han Sanping carried immense weight. With his name on the poster, any censorship or obstruction from theater managers would be a breeze.

This is called using someone else's name to make a big deal out of them; it's incredibly satisfying!

Han Sanping picked up the internal phone on the table, dialed the publicity department's number, and spoke in an authoritative tone:

"This is Han Sanping. Pass the message down: activate the highest level of casting plan. Contact all major newspapers and film and television channels; I need to issue a joint recruitment notice."

Furthermore, I'm the executive producer this time. Tell everyone below that anyone who dares to put connections in the casting process is fired immediately.

Zhao Huaiyuan thought for a moment and added, "President Han, besides the actors, I'm also short-staffed. Since it's an open audition, why not expand the behind-the-scenes team as well? I need a few quick-witted and resourceful assistant directors and some assistants. I'd like to add a recruitment notice for the crew to the announcement."

"Approved. Whether you're herding one sheep or a flock, it's all the same. Add both!"

..

China Film Group is very efficient.

That afternoon, China Film Group issued a notice.

"China Film Young Director Support Program Key Project - Nationwide Casting Recruitment for the Film 'The Eagle Museum'".

"Seeking male lead: Appearance age 20-45, no restrictions on major, background, or appearance."

The role requires extensive life experience, the ability to handle complex emotions, and the capacity to represent the joys and sorrows of ordinary people.

"Recruiting the female lead: 15-19 years old (ID card required for verification)."

Height requirement: 158cm-165cm, petite figure, graceful demeanor.

1. You must be completely bare-faced during the interview. Foundation, colored contact lenses and any eye makeup are strictly prohibited. Before entering, you must pass a test by wiping your face with a wet towel. Your skin should be fair and smooth with no obvious acne scars or blemishes.

2. Must have more than 3 years of professional classical dance, folk dance or opera skills, high flexibility, and must demonstrate backbends and other flexibility movements on the spot. Walking, sitting and lying down must have ancient style of demeanor.

3. Must have a standard photogenic small face (palm-sized face), with harmonious proportions of the three sections and five eyes, possessing typical oriental classical charm, and strictly prohibited from dyeing hair, tattooing eyebrows, tattooing, and any traces of plastic surgery or minor adjustments.

4. The eyes must be clear and bright, with a strong expressive power. A static performance test without dialogue is required on site.

Note: All of the above conditions are required. Applicants who are not from professional institutions (such as Beijing Dance Academy or Chinese Opera Academy) or who are not extremely talented should not apply.

...

That evening, on CVT-6's "China Film Report," the host delivered a clear and articulate report:

"China Film Group has launched a support program for young directors. Their new film, *The Eagle Museum*, breaks with convention by holding open auditions for male and female actors for the first time. Han Sanping stated that this will be a bold attempt to find ordinary people who can become film stars..."

..

soon.

Almost simultaneously, printed copies of the notices were posted on the bulletin boards of major universities across the country, including Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, Shanghai Theatre Academy, and even PLA Academy of Arts.