Who says Beijing Film Academy has no great directors? (2002)

Chen Yan has been traveling frequently for work in the past two months, first finalizing a cooperation agreement with Sony.

Subsequently, Chen Yan began inviting American actors to audition one by one through James. And it must be said, the title of a Cannes three-time Oscar-winning director was really useful.

I rarely refuse invitations sent out by my own company; the few I do decline are those who have other jobs to do and can't get away.

Even so, he made a special trip to call Chen Yan to apologize and said he looked forward to the next collaboration.

Anne Hathaway had no work throughout September, so she arrived at Chen Yan's rented office early.

At that time, Anne Hathaway was still very young and exuded a sweet and youthful vibe. 2003 was also the year she became a sensation with "The Princess Diaries," and her salary doubled.

"Hello, Chen, it's an honor to audition for your film." Anne Hathaway gave Chen Yan a warm hug, but there was no hint of ambiguity. Instead, she appeared gentle, generous, and well-mannered.

"You can take a look at the script first. You'll be playing the White Queen. Just a friendly reminder, it might be a little different from the Alice in Wonderland you've seen before." Chen Yan handed her the script.

"Thank you." Anne Hathaway took the script.

Soon after, Anne Hathaway watched her audition footage: "Oh my god, this is completely different from the original book and the anime I've seen before."

But her eyes kept being drawn to Alice in the film. She glanced up at Chen Yan, wondering why this strange Chinese boy hadn't invited her to audition for Alice.

Of course, Anne Hathaway at this age would also fit the Alice character design, but Chen Yan has already given this important role to another girl.

Anne Hathaway's audition was a little raw, but the flaws didn't detract from her overall performance; she was still capable of portraying the elegant White Queen.

"Sure, filming will start in January next year. See you then," Chen Yan concluded.

Anne Hathaway covered her mouth, saying, "Every little girl has dreamed of playing a fairy tale princess, and now being a queen isn't so bad either."

"Thank you, Chen."

Chen Yan saw Anne Hathaway off, but his heart was bleeding. Hollywood actors were just too expensive; even a supporting role like this cost $80.

Helena Bonham Carter, whom Chen Yan met next, was even more impressive.

She wore a retro-style outfit, had smoky makeup, and her messy curly hair was casually scattered, making her look very unrestrained and free-spirited.

Chen Yan finally understood why the Harry Potter production team chose Helena Bonham Carter to play Bellatrix Lestrange; she was neurotic at heart.

This neuroticism would also be applicable to playing the Red Queen in "Alice in Wonderland".

After a brief exchange, Helena Bonham Carter casually pulled out a lighter and started smoking, her eyes often glazed over as she read the script.

It felt as if you were falling into it while watching.

"Oh, this role is so captivating, Chen, please, I absolutely have to play it."

Chen Yan swallowed hard; this was truly the first time in his life he had ever seen such a crazy woman.

"certainly!"

After seeing Helena off, Chen Yan realized just how clear-headed, restrained, and easy to get along with Anne Hathaway was.

Chen Yan ultimately signed the role of the Red Queen for $50.

So, the only important character missing is the Mad Hatter.

Chen Yan held another thin script in his hand, which was only two pages long, one of which was a storyboard.

He wrote this in a spare moment yesterday; the English strokes are very messy.

He still hasn't decided whether to invite Johnny Depp. Right now, he's at the peak of his career, and James has told him that Depp's offer has soared to $1000 million plus bonuses.

This is far beyond what my small film crew can afford. Even considering my status as a Cannes triple crown director, Depp probably wouldn't lower his price, because my film is a fairy tale.

They won't win any awards at all.

However, there was still a way. Chen Yan was determined to talk to Depp because, after much consideration, he realized that the Mad Hatter role was extremely important.

Only Johnny Depp could capture the essence of this role; even if Leonardo DiCaprio were cast, Chen Yan felt that the character would lack a certain charm.

Chen Yan instructed James to arrange an afternoon tea with Depp, and out of respect for the director Sanjin, Depp's side quickly replied and agreed.

Because Chen Yan said he had a script about a movie star that he wanted to show him.

Johnny Depp is currently aiming for his first Oscar for Best Actor, though Chen Yan knows he hasn't succeeded this time.

"Edward Scissorhands," "Bonnie and Joan," and "Ed Wood" earned him three Golden Globe nominations, but he lost each time. "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" only earned him an Oscar nomination.

It wasn't until 2007, with "Sweeney Todd," that Depp won his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.

Therefore, he must be eager to win a major award, and I, as a director who has won three Palme d'Or awards in Cannes, would be his best choice.

When Chen Yan first met Johnny Depp, he felt that he was completely out of place with the crazy persona he portrayed on the big screen. If he really had to say, he was a bit like Edward Scissorhands, both of them were extremely socially awkward.

Even his first handshake with Chen Yan was somewhat cautious, and his personality was completely opposite to Captain Depp's.

"Hello, Depp."

"Hello, Chen..." he smiled shyly.

"I wonder which script you're talking about that could get me the Best Actor award?" Depp glanced around, his eyes brimming with tension and excitement.

Chen Yan handed over the script of "Alice in Wonderland". Depp glanced at it and then looked up at Chen Yan in confusion.

Chen Yan gestured for him to finish reading first.

Depp continued watching, and after a while, he was unconsciously drawn to the fantastical world within, especially the Mad Hatter scene.

After a long silence, he put down the script, looked up at Chen Yan, and said, "I don't understand."

Yes, although he is not a director, he has been making films for so many years and knows that fairy tales cannot win him a Best Actor award.

No matter how imaginative the script is.

"Take a look at this one." Chen Yan pushed another one over.

Depp frowned upon seeing the first line of text after receiving the letter, because the protagonist was buried in a coffin right at the start of the story.

His heart began to tremble with excitement; this was his physical reaction when he received a great script.

After reading it, beads of sweat appeared on his cheeks, as if he had just been buried in that dark and damp coffin along with the male protagonist of the story.

"But unfortunately, I can't afford to hire you, Depp." Chen Yan clasped his hands together and smiled slightly.

He's about to start using PUA!

Depp immediately rallied his spirits: "No, I can take a pay cut for this!"

He had a feeling that this would definitely win him the Best Actor award.

Chen Yan said slowly, "But my 'Alice in Wonderland' play is still missing the most important soul character, the Mad Hatter."

If this project becomes uncertain, I can't start any other film project, if...

"If you could make a cameo appearance, I can sign a contract with you for 'Buried' right now."

It's just a guest appearance, so if I don't get paid, it doesn't count as a price reduction.