Chinese entertainment: Top stars have no holidays

Chapter 82, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," has begun filming!

"Jiang Bai, 'A Love So Beautiful' is incredibly popular in Southeast Asia."

"You might need to add a few more overseas trips to your itinerary!"

Xu Xu spoke quickly on the other end of the phone, his joy and excitement barely concealed.

"A Love So Beautiful has become a massive hit in Southeast Asia, far exceeding all our expectations!"

Jiang Bai was slightly taken aback when he received the call, and asked softly, "What exactly happened?"

Xu Xu quickly organized the data and work summary at hand, and said in a clear and organized manner: "Currently, the broadcast data of 'A Love So Beautiful' on mainstream TV stations and video platforms in many countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore has been soaring, and its performance is leading all other dramas broadcast at the same time in these countries."

"Especially in Thailand and Vietnam, the ratings are far ahead, firmly securing the top spot for dramas in the same time slot."

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"It has surpassed local dramas and other imported dramas in popularity, and its reputation, viewership, and buzz have all exploded."

9

Just like in the previous life, as the drama "A Love So Beautiful" continued to be a hit, its popularity overseas exploded.

In just half a month, Jiang Bai's popularity overseas skyrocketed, with new overseas fans spread across Southeast Asian countries. Even his Weibo posts have seen comments that appear to have been written using translation software.

Not only him, but Tian Xiwei's popularity overseas has also skyrocketed.

The on-screen couple formed by the two became a sensation in Southeast Asia, spawning a massive overseas fanbase.

Countless overseas netizens have spontaneously created fan-made edits, translated plot clips, and written their thoughts on watching the series.

The related topic has consistently topped the trending lists on Twitter in multiple countries, maintaining a high level of popularity.

"This matter is being hotly discussed in the industry right now," Xu Xu said with a touch of emotion.

"Since 'My Fair Princess' became a hit in Southeast Asia and swept across the Asian market, almost no other drama in the Chinese entertainment industry has achieved such a popular overseas influence over the years."

"A Love So Beautiful" is a re-creation of the overseas success of "My Fair Princess" after many years.

The overseas popularity of "A Love So Beautiful" has directly led to a qualitative leap in Jiangbai's overseas commercial value and brand awareness.

Local mainstream television stations, entertainment media, and variety show production teams have all taken the initiative to contact the studio, extending a large number of cooperation invitations.

"We have a lot of offers right now," Xu Xu continued.

"Several leading television stations in Thailand and Vietnam have invited you and Tian Xiwei to be guests on their top television program interviews."

"Some local brands also want to collaborate with you and invite you to attend some business events."

"However, they can't afford a high price."

After the team discussed and screened the samples overnight, the team finally got to know each other.

Xu Xu finally settled on the optimal plan, intending to strike while the iron was hot, thoroughly solidify Jiangbai's overseas market foundation, and pave the way for long-term overseas development.

"The company has tentatively decided that you and Tian Xiwei will travel to Bangkok together to hold an offline fan meeting exclusively for overseas fans, as a way to thank the local fans for their support."

"Recording two interview programs at the same time will take about three to five days in total."

"The team is currently working urgently with the production crew to adjust your schedule as much as possible so as not to delay the filming progress of 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'."

"If all goes well, we can leave as early as next week. I'm letting you know in advance so you can be mentally prepared."

Jiang Bai listened to all the news quietly, without the slightest surprise.

This is exactly the kind of achievement that "A Love So Beautiful" should have made.

In the past, Chinese entertainment industry, especially youth campus dramas, was able to sweep the Southeast Asian market!

What ushered in this era of Southeast Asian expansion was the trilogy of "A Love So Beautiful" and its sequels, "Meteor Garden" and "Put Your Head on My Shoulder".

"No problem, just coordinate the schedule. I'll do my best to cooperate." Jiang Bai replied calmly. "Try to keep the schedule short and quick, so as not to delay the core filming schedule of the crew."

Maintaining the overseas popularity of "A Love So Beautiful" is important, but its domestic fanbase is even more crucial.

"Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" is a sure-fire hit to take over the current idol drama market next year, and its importance is even greater than that of "Legend of Yunxi".

Even if there's only a one in a thousand chance that "Legend of Yunxi" will flop, at worst it will just mean a setback in expanding the market for period dramas.

But if "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" isn't filmed well and flops when it airs, then Jiang Bai won't be able to maintain his position as a top star; he might end up like Li Xian and Gong Jun, receiving only a limited-time top star experience card.

Therefore, Jiang Bai didn't want to lose the big picture for the small gains.

"Understood, we will control the pace." Xu Xu replied.

After briefly explaining the details of follow-up coordination, visa preparation, and itinerary planning, he hurriedly hung up the phone.

Next, he needs to call the producer to discuss requesting leave and adjusting his schedule.

Fortunately, this drama is an internal production of Huace Media Group, and the producer is one of their own, so it's easy to negotiate.

Putting down his phone, Jiang Bai abandoned his work and immediately immersed himself in the game, forgetting everything else and just having fun first.

The following morning, Qingdao was sunny and breezy, a perfect day to start up the equipment.

At 8:00 AM, the opening ceremony for "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" was officially held at the high school campus where the crew was filming.

The opening ceremony was simply decorated, with a clean blue background displaying the title of the drama and the full cast and crew list. Festive red flower baskets were placed on both sides, a red carpet was laid out, and fruits, incense, candles, and offerings for the start of filming were neatly arranged, creating a strong sense of ceremony.

It's at least much more elaborate than the one in "A Love So Beautiful".

At 8:30, all the crew members and main actors arrived.

Jiang Bai was dressed in a simple white shirt and black trousers, wearing a mask, keeping a low profile.

Li Yitong, on the other hand, wore a light-colored casual dress, looking gentle, lively, and full of youthful charm.

The other main actors, including Li Xian, Chen Duling, Guo Junchen, Wang Yuwen, and Li Mingde, also took their places, and all of them looked great.

The opening ceremony proceeded smoothly and simply.

Director Li Qingrong was the first to step forward to offer incense and pray for a smooth filming process, a huge ratings success, and the safety of everyone involved.

Then Jiang Bai and Li Yitong led the main actors in offering incense and bowing in prayer.

After the incense offering was completed, the staff, who had been prepared in advance, began to give each member of the film crew a red envelope.

The money in the red envelope isn't much, usually just five or ten yuan, just for good luck.

Holding red envelopes, everyone smiled and together unveiled the red cloth marking the start of filming. The camera captured a group photo of the entire crew, and enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted on set.

After the opening ceremony, the crew did not have much time to rest and quickly entered the formal filming stage.

Staff quickly cleared the area, set up camera positions, adjusted the lights, and tidied up the props.

According to the pre-arranged shooting schedule, the first scene to be filmed was a daily campus scene between the male and female leads.

It's also a light scene that fits the opening plot and allows for quick immersion into the character, used to warm up, get used to each other, and find the right shooting rhythm.

This scene being filmed is a high school classroom scene.

Lin Beixing, reborn and back in her senior year of high school, was not yet fully accustomed to her new life after the time travel. In a daze, she subconsciously turned around and happened to meet Zhang Wansen's cautious and tender gaze from the back row.

Upon being discovered, Zhang Wansen panicked instantly, lowered his head shyly, and pretended to be engrossed in doing his homework, instantly creating an atmosphere of innocent, unrequited love.

This scene is short and simple, with no complicated dialogue or intense emotional outbursts. Its strength lies in its delicate details and rich atmosphere, making it extremely suitable as the first scene of filming, helping actors quickly get into character and get used to the rhythm of their scenes.

The scene then shifts to an indoor teaching building, where the two lead actors change into school uniforms that have a distinctly private high school style.

The script supervisor snaps the clapperboard, lights are in place, camera position is locked, and filming officially begins.

The classroom is bright and sunny, with sunlight streaming through the glass windows and onto the desks, perfectly replicating the atmosphere of a high school campus.

Of course, it's a high school from an idol drama.

Li Yitong, who plays Lin Beixing, sits at her desk, her eyes showing the bewilderment and helplessness of returning to high school for the first time.

Her eyes were slightly vacant, carrying the bewilderment of an adult after rebirth, perfectly portraying the character's detached state at the beginning.

A few seconds later, Lin Beixing seemed to subconsciously sense the gaze behind him and hesitantly turned around slowly.

The next second, the camera cuts to Jiang Bai in the back row.

He lowered his eyes slightly, seemingly looking down at the exercise book, but his peripheral vision kept quietly falling on Lin Beixing in front of him.

Without exaggerated expressions or deliberate movements, Jiang Bai merely revealed a side profile and a fleeting glance, yet it was clear that this boy was paying attention to Lin Beixing, and his eyes held a touch of tenderness and affection.

It can only be said that his naturally captivating eyes are a huge advantage.

The moment Lin Beixing's gaze met his, Jiang Bai's eyes widened in panic, his pupils contracted, and he quickly lowered his head, his fingers clenching the pen in his hand tightly. He pretended to be focused on doing his homework, but his ears secretly turned red.

There are no lines throughout the entire performance; all emotions are conveyed through eye contact, micro-expressions, and subtle movements.

But in those short, silent scenes of just over ten seconds, Zhang Wansen's cautious and unspoken crush was portrayed, creating a powerful atmosphere.

That kind of affection hidden deep in one's heart can be clearly felt even through a screen.

"Cut! Perfect! One take!"

Director Li Qingrong, behind the monitor, instantly smiled with satisfaction and shouted "Cut!"

She put down the monitor and couldn't help but praise repeatedly, "You're in such great shape!"

"The chemistry between you two is amazing, exactly what I wanted!"

"This natural, youthful innocence and naivety perfectly matches the script!"

Although Jiang Bai and Li Yitong had a good understanding of their characters during yesterday's script reading.

But no matter how well you talk about it, you still have to try it out to know your true skill level.

Now Li Qingrong is truly relieved. Both of the main characters are quite good, and she is very satisfied.

This film, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," will definitely achieve the effect she wants.

Some challenging performances that she wanted to film but was worried about the male and female leads not being able to deliver seem like something she could give it a try.

"Great, let's secure one more!"

Director Li Qingrong said with a smile.