Huayu Entertainment: Rising Since 1998

Zhou Yan also witnessed firsthand the talent of the "genius" director Wang Jing, who truly lived up to his reputation as the "King of Fast Films".

The scheduling was well-organized, and the filming speed was very fast.

Zhou Yan worked on four film crews: "Journey to the West II", "Little Li Flying Dagger", "Young Justice Bao", and "Seventeen-Year-Old Bicycle". Among them, "Journey to the West II" took the longest to film, while "Little Li Flying Dagger" was the fastest.

However, the director of "Little Li Flying Dagger" was much slower than Wang Jing.

Zhou Yan even estimated that "The World's Number One" could be filmed in less than four months.

Zhou Yan spoke with Wang Jing several times, urging him to make sure the film was well-made, even if it cost more money, because this was [Nanhua Film and Television]'s first production and couldn't be treated carelessly.

Wang Jing patted his chest and assured Zhou Yan that there would be absolutely no problem.

He's willing to take responsibility if anything is poorly filmed.

Zhou Yan highly recognized Wang Jing's abilities.

You should know that the other person's main job is making movies.

It's a waste of his talent to have him pull me into making a TV series.

That night, after everyone finished filming the night scenes, they planned to film the remaining scenes the next day.

The extras took their fees and left in their cars.

The staff members each performed their duties, some organizing equipment and others tidying up things.

The lead actors also went to the dressing room to remove their makeup.

Some makeup is easy to remove, like Zhou Yan's. He only wore a wig and then his clothes.

However, some makeup is more difficult to remove, such as Zhang Weijian's "Invincible Divine Skill".

To highlight the incredible power of the "Invincible Vajra Divine Skill," gold powder needs to be applied all over the body to make it look like it's been cast in Vajra, requiring a thorough cleaning of the entire body.

After removing his makeup, Zhou Yan left the film set to head to Shanghai Airport to catch a flight.

Zhou Yan asked Wang Jing for two days off, as he was going to audition for the film "Hero".

Just a few days ago, he received a call from Zhang Yimou's assistant, who invited him to audition for the film "Hero".

Zhou Yan naturally wouldn't miss it.

Fan Binbin's eyes were full of envy when she learned that Zhou Yan was going to audition for a role in Zhang Yimou's film.

This is a film by Zhang Yimou.

Many people yearn for it but cannot have it.

Unfortunately, she didn't have the opportunity to participate.

……

Zhang Yimou's films are indeed very influential. At the audition, Zhou Yan met many well-known celebrities.

For example, Chen Daoming, Zhang Guoli, Tang Guoqiang, and others all auditioned for the role of the King of Qin.

In addition, there are Zhang Manyu, Liang Chaowei, Zhang Ziyi, and others.

Zhang Manyu and Liang Chaowei were already pre-selected; they were just there to go through the motions and join in the fun.

Li Lianjie also came over in person and chatted with Zhang Yimou.

Jet Li was the first actor to be cast.

Zhang Yimou made many demands on the actor who played the protagonist "Nameless". The actor not only needed to have a solid foundation in martial arts, but also needed to have strong box office appeal.

Initially, Zhang Yimou wanted Japanese film star Ken Takakura to play the role of "Nameless," which was originally titled "Speechless."

However, Ken Takakura politely declined.

Later, Zhang Yimou invited Jackie Chan to play the role of Wuming, even offering him a salary of 7000 million yuan.

However, considering that Jackie Chan's personality and image did not quite match the character's traits and requirements, the idea was abandoned.

Ultimately, Zhang Yimou chose to invite Jet Li to play the role of Nameless, as Li met his requirements for the character in every aspect.

After reading the script, Jet Li was willing to lower his price and take on the role.

The competition for the role of "Ruyue" is fierce, with not only Zhang Ziyi, but also Miao Pu and Xiao Yanzi vying for it.

To Zhou Yan's surprise, he actually spotted "Li Binbin".

"What are you doing here?" Li Binbin was also quite surprised to see Zhou Yan and walked over directly.

"An audition? You too?"

"Yes," Li Binbin nodded, "Which role did you audition for?"

"The vast sky," Zhou Yan said without hiding anything.

"Chang Kong?" Li Binbin looked in another direction. "That person was also auditioning for the role of Chang Kong."

Zhou Yan followed Li Binbin's gaze and immediately recognized him.

"It's him," Zhou Yan realized.

This person is none other than "Zhen Zidan," the actor who played Chang Kong in the previous life.

"It seems we'll have to compete," Zhou Yan knew very well that to win a corner of Changkong, he had to defeat his opponent.

"Do you know him?" Li Binbin asked in a low voice.

"I've seen his movies; he's a trained martial artist too."

At this time, Donnie Yen was not an unknown figure. He played the villain Cao Shaoqin in "New Dragon Gate Inn" and starred in many other movies, becoming quite famous in kung fu films.

"Are you confident?" Li Binbin immediately became nervous.

"Don't worry, I'll do my best," Zhou Yan said, unaware that he had been pre-selected, and continued to comfort Li Binbin.

"By the way, which role did you audition for?"

"Ruyue," Li Binbin said.

"Then you'll face more competitive pressure," Zhou Yan said, not to put pressure on Li Binbin, but to prepare her mentally.

Xiao Yanzi, Miao Pu, and Zhang Ziyi are all vying for this role.

"I just came here to join in the fun and maybe make a quick impression," Li Binbin said, knowing his chances were slim.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this role will likely go to Zhang Ziyi.

At this time, Zhang Ziyi was very well-known in overseas markets.

Who else should we choose if not her?

"Let's go visit some acquaintances," Zhou Yan said, leading Li Binbin to Chen Daoming's side.

"Teacher Chen, it's nice to see you again," Zhou Yan greeted him.

"Zhou Yan?" Chen Daoming had also seen Zhou Yan, but he was talking to Zhang Guoli and Tang Guoqiang and couldn't leave for the moment.

Zhang Guoli and Tang Guoqiang also looked over and sized up Zhou Yan.

"Congratulations on winning the Best Actor award at the Berlin Film Festival!" Chen Daoming congratulated him.

"It's just luck."

"This isn't luck, it's pure skill," Chen Daoming thought with deep emotion. Who would have thought that the young man in front of him was actually a Berlin Film Festival Best Actor?

"Let me introduce you, this is Zhang Guoli."

"This is Tang Guoqiang."

"Hello, Teacher Zhang. Hello, Teacher Tang," Zhou Yan said, extending her hand.

"Hello," Zhang Guoli and Tang Guoqiang both extended their hands and shook hands with Zhou Yan.

"This is Zhou Yan, the Berlin Film Festival Best Actor, and this is Li Binbin, who shares the same agent as me. Please take care of him if he encounters any trouble in the future," Chen Daoming said with a smile.

"Definitely, definitely."

Zhang Guoli looked at Zhou Yan in front of him with envy in his eyes.

Zhou Yan and his son Zhang Mo are about the same age. Looking at Zhang Mo and then at his own son, there's really no comparison.

Tang Guoqiang's eyes were full of admiration as he chatted briefly with Zhou Yan.

"Jingwen is from your company, right?" Tang Guoqiang and Jia Jingwen had heard each other mention Zhou Yan when they were chatting on set.

"Yes, you know Jingwen?"

"We worked on the same film crew," Tang Guoqiang explained.

Tang Guoqiang and Jia Jingwen are both filming "Li Wei the Magistrate". Tang Guoqiang plays "Fourth Master" and Jia Jingwen plays "Yue Siying".

Zhou Yan suddenly realized what was going on after hearing this; Tang Guoqiang's reminder had indeed brought it to his mind.

Fang Mengya was the one who arranged this role and mentioned it to me briefly, but I was too busy at the time to take it seriously.

After exchanging a few words, Zhou Yan led Li Binbin elsewhere.