Huayu Entertainment: Starting with Exorcising Evil from a Film Queen

Chapter 34 Filming Begins, Folklorist, Double Pay

Three days later, the filming of "Chinese Paladin 3" officially began.

At the opening ceremony, an incense table, offerings, and cameras were all set up, and the lead actors and main cast members were all present.

As the investor and producer, Cai Yinong stood at the front. She looked around and finally fixed her gaze on Zhang Ze, and spoke with a smile.

"Zhang Ze, you'll be hosting today's opening ceremony."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes were focused on Zhang Ze.

Hu Ge and Yang Mi knew that Zhang Ze was truly capable, and they had expressions of anticipation for a good show.

Meanwhile, the rest of the crew, unaware of what was going on, were in an uproar and whispering amongst themselves.

Why have an actor host the opening ceremony?

Is he a newcomer who has just gained some fame?

Isn't this ridiculous?!

Zhang Ze, however, found it amusing.

This is a perfect match for my major.

He didn't refuse and walked forward confidently to the incense table.

He first washed his hands, then lit three incense sticks and respectfully bowed three times to the heavens and the four directions, chanting incantations clearly and in a steady tone.

The process of lighting incense, offering wine, and reciting prayers was meticulous, with each step performed with fluid and natural movements, full of an indescribable sense of rhythm.

From start to finish, the entire process was smooth and seamless.

The crew members, who had initially approached the film with a sense of schadenfreude, had long since lost their playful expressions, replaced by astonishment and awe.

Director Li Guoli, standing to the side, was completely dumbfounded.

He originally thought that what President Cai and Yang Mi said about Zhang Ze being a master was just a joke, after all, what master could have acting skills like Zhang Ze!

To my surprise, it was actually true!

His proficiency and the proper ritual he performed were far superior to those so-called old masters he had previously hired at great expense!

After the ceremony, Zhang Ze stepped aside.

Li Guoli then came to his senses. He rushed to Zhang Ze, grabbed his hand, and was so excited that his face was flushed.

"Zhang Ze!"

He was completely convinced and immediately made a decision.

"Zhang Ze, I formally invite you to serve as our production team's folklore consultant, specifically responsible for guiding all aspects of the drama related to Taoist practices and etiquette!"

Li Guoli became more and more excited as he spoke.

"Don't worry about the salary! You'll definitely be treated well!"

He held up two fingers and announced the numbers with unwavering certainty.

"The combined salary for both the actor and consultant positions is 200,000!"

Two hundred thousand.

This price isn't much. Compared to the seven-figure salaries that Hu Ge and Yang Mi often command, it's far less. It's probably about the same price as Liu Shishi, who just finished filming "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and hasn't become a big star yet.

However, Zhang Ze didn't mind at all.

Are you kidding me? This is way more than what he used to earn as an extra in Hengdian, exposed to the elements.

Moreover, it's the pay for two positions, one effort, double the salary—a huge profit.

The crew quickly got into the formal filming schedule.

The first scene is a scene between Zhang Ze and Yang Mi.

Outside Yuzhou City, Jing Tian, disguised as a disciple of Mount Shu, encounters Xu Changqing, the true chief disciple of Mount Shu.

When Zhang Ze changed into a white outfit, tied up his hair with a crown, and walked out of the dressing room, the previously noisy atmosphere on set froze for a moment.

Even though we had already seen him once at the opening ceremony, when he actually appeared on camera as Xu Changqing, his otherworldly aura still caused everyone present to be momentarily stunned.

"All departments, prepare!"

Director Li Guoli's voice rang out through the loudspeaker, waking everyone from their daze.

"Scene 1, Shot 1, Action!"

With the crisp sound of the clapperboard, filming officially began.

Yang Mi plays Tang Xuejian, dressed in red, lively and pretty. She is pretending to be a "pig" and follows behind Jing Tian, who is pretending to be Xu Changqing. She is pointing at the map of Yuzhou City with a smug look on her face.

Meanwhile, Xu Changqing, played by Zhang Ze, walked slowly from the other end. His steps were steady and his posture was upright. Even a simple walking motion exuded the rigor and solemnity of a prestigious family.

The moment he appeared, he firmly captured the atmosphere of the entire scene.

"stop!"

Zhang Ze uttered two words, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Yang Mi and Hu Ge, who had been playfully fighting, stopped instantly.

With Zhang Ze's [intermediate acting skills], he seemed to be Xu Changqing himself.

The rigidity and integrity cultivated through years of Taoist practice naturally flowed from his every move.

Yang Mi was still a little out of sorts when she met Zhang Ze's calm and unwavering eyes, and her heart skipped a beat. The nervousness and apprehension that Tang Xuejian felt when she met the real disciples of Shushan in the script suddenly came flooding back.

She felt as if she wasn't acting, but truly facing a highly accomplished Taoist master from Mount Shu.

Driven by this powerful aura, Yang Mi's performance became exceptionally relaxed and fluid. She hardly needed to act; her body naturally produced the most fitting reactions for the character.

The entire sequence, from their first meeting to their confrontation, and finally to Jing Tian's embarrassing moment when his identity is exposed, unfolds smoothly and seamlessly in one long take.

"Click! Pass!"

Behind the monitor, Li Guoli suddenly stood up, his face filled with undisguised excitement.

"Great! That's wonderful!"

He slapped his thigh hard, his expression towards Zhang Ze filled with surprise.

Zhang Ze's performance was perfect, which was within his expectations. However, he did not expect that under Zhang Ze's influence, Yang Mi and Hu Ge's performance would also improve to a higher level.

Zhang Ze, in particular, not only portrayed Xu Changqing's otherworldly demeanor, but also gave the character a unique soul.

Beneath that asceticism and rigidity, a subtle, almost imperceptible compassion is hidden, instantly bringing the character to life.

Li Guoli had a strong premonition.

This time, "Chinese Paladin 3" is definitely going to be a hit!

His regard for Zhang Ze immediately rose to a new level.

"Xiao Wang!"

Li Guoli waved to a production assistant not far away, pointed to a young man in his early twenties, and said, "Starting today, you won't do anything else. You'll be solely responsible for following Teacher Zhang. You'll handle all the big and small matters in the crew, making sure Teacher Zhang has no worries!"

The young man named Xiao Wang was stunned for a moment, then ran over with a happy expression and bowed respectfully to Zhang Ze.

"Hey Ze! My name is Wang Chao, you can just call me Xiao Wang!"

Zhang Ze was also somewhat surprised, but he still nodded.

Is this what you call having an assistant?

I finally got to experience what it's like to be a star on set.

After filming a scene, it was lunchtime.

The crew's boxed lunches had long been piled up in the corner, the metal lunch boxes stacked high.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, the boxed meals delivered this morning are already cold.

Upon opening the lid, a faint sour smell wafted out, instantly killing one's appetite.

Hu Ge took a couple of bites and put down his chopsticks, looking utterly dejected.

"Brother Ze, Sister Mi, want to go out for a meal?" he suggested listlessly.

"Walk!"