I'm not just a director

Chapter 330 Audition Story
  "Crack! Finish work!"

Yangcheng, half past eleven at night.

A young man who didn't look outstanding dragged his tired body back to the staff dormitory.

He took a basin of foot-washing water and put his feet into the hot water. He shivered suddenly, as if the fatigue of the whole day had been washed away.

Picking up the landline phone on the table, the young man dialed a number skillfully.

A beep sounded from the phone, and the other party answered immediately.

"Hey, Songwen."

"your get off work is done?"

Zhang Songwen, who was only [-] years old, asked with a smile.

"Hi, I'm just a teaching assistant. I got off work early. Why don't I just watch TV boringly and wait for your call?"

The other party said indifferently.

"Yes, it's easy to be a teaching assistant, but it's a pity that you don't act anymore."

Zhang Songwen felt sorry for the other party.

"It's not like I'll give up acting for the rest of my life. I want to adjust my life. After graduating from college, I did everything for the past two years to make a living.

I have worked as a camera pusher, a recorder, a speaker, a host, a skit for other companies, a voiceover and a group...

From the autumn of 2002 to the spring of 2003, I went to almost all the crews filming in Beijing, but none of them were successful.

I finally understand that no matter how good the show is, it is still difficult to get away without connections and background. "

The other person said slowly.

Zhang Songwen changed the way he held the phone and comforted:

"Hold on. As long as you persist, there is hope. I'm just as hopeless as you. Come on, Yiwei."

Opposite him was Zhou Wei, Zhang Songwen’s college colleague, roommate and good gay friend.

The two used to work together, and when they went to the same set at the same time, a certain director pointed their noses at them and laughed at them.

A person with a big head and a sausage mouth will never be an actor in his life...

Sure enough, the director's words came true. A few years after graduation, the two of them have always been tepid and have not caused any splash at all.

By pursuing the career of being an actor, I often end up eating too much.

The two "poor people" hugged each other for warmth and often called each other late at night for "conversation therapy."

Actors in the early days lived in real poverty, and there were many people who couldn't afford to eat just to act.

"So I'm going back to Nortel as an assistant coach. Let's wait for the opportunity. How are you doing in Yangcheng?"

"It's okay. Southern Television invited me to participate in a local sitcom "The Strange Son-in-law Riding the Dragon."

When they saw that I graduated from Nortel and had been an acting teacher, they asked me to be the performance director of this TV series. "

"Holy shit, you're so awesome, brother, your life is about to end."

Zhou Wei said with heartfelt blessings.

Zhang Songwen waved his hand and said:
  "It's just a regional dialect sitcom. It's very limited and the pay is not high. At most it can cover your daily life. I'll recommend you to the director in two days and come and play a role."

"Goodbye. I understand your kindness. I don't speak Cantonese. I'd better continue to stay in the capital. By the way, the capital is very lively during this time."

"Tell me, I don't have much information here, and many of my former classmates have lost contact."

Zhang Songwen asked curiously.

Zhou Wei said excitedly:

Director Feng Xiaogang's "A World Without Thieves" is currently looking for actors. It is said that the cast this time is very impressive.

The actors that can be confirmed now include Ge You and Liu Dehua, and it is said that there are several big names behind them. This lineup is really strong. I also went to the crew for an interview two days ago.

I was auditioning for a role called Sha Gen, but I was rejected in the first round. The casting director said I was not suitable to play a fool.

He also said that I looked like a smart person pretending to be a fool. Damn it, I'd like to see if they really find a fool to play the role after the movie is released. "

Hearing this, Zhang Songwen laughed and said:

"You really don't have the temperament of a fool, brother, try changing your role."

"Dude, I didn't change roles, I just changed movies. Director Zhang Yimou's "House of Flying Daggers" has also started recruiting actors.

This one is even more heavyweight. Following the great success of "Hero" at the box office last time, Director Zhang once again challenged the ancient costume martial arts film, which is very exciting. "

"Although "Hero" directed by Zhang Yimou did not have a good reputation, the box office has proved his success.

To be honest, if you still look at today's movies with the same eyes as before, it would be too limited.

Movies are no longer just for a small group of people. Movies that make audiences buy tickets and go to the theater are good movies. "

Zhang Songwen commented.

"Yeah, bro, I think so too, but Director Zhang doesn't want me, but it's right to think about it. We have no works and no connections, so we just want to compete with Jin Chengwu with this not-so-handsome face. It doesn’t make sense to eat.”

Zhou Wei said discouraged.

"Don't be disappointed. There will always be a day when you will succeed. Is there any other news?"

"Gone……"

Zhou Wei thought for a while and suddenly said:

"By the way, there is another news. Director Jiang Peian, do you know about it?"

"Of course I know. A director in his twenties punched Zhang Yi and kicked Feng Xiaogang when he first debuted. That is to say, Director Kai Ge has not had any films in the past few years. Otherwise, the three major directors Feng, Chen, and Zhang would all be under him. Broken in front of me."

Zhang Songwen sighed.

"Yes, so whether you are an actor or a director, you need talent. Otherwise, at his age, even if someone started directing from the womb, he probably would not be able to reach the heights he is now."

Zhou Wei nodded.

"What's wrong with him? Is he going to make a new movie too?"

"Yes, don't you know? Some time ago, he reached a strategic cooperation with Bernard and co-produced a new movie, which caused a lot of noise. Don't tell me you haven't heard of it?"

Zhou Wei said in surprise.

"Not really. I don't have much information on the crew. In addition to studying scripts and directing actors in filming, I don't have time to read the news."

"No wonder, the casting for his new movie "Painted Skin" has been announced. The five leading actors have basically been decided, and there are also some other small roles. How about we brothers try our luck?"

Zhou Wei suggested.

"I might not be able to leave, time is still tight here."

Zhang Songwen thought for a while, the crew of "The Strange Son-in-law Riding the Dragon" had just been set up, and the actors also needed him to watch their performances. Thinking of this, Zhang Songwen said helplessly.

"It sounds like you've already chosen the role, man, this is Jiang Pei'an's movie.

Even if you show your face in it and have some lines, it is better than playing supporting roles in other movies. If both of us have roles, it will be a big success.

Besides, didn’t your crew just set up now? "Painted Skin" won't start filming now. By the time "Painted Skin" starts filming, your crew will probably be on the right track. What are you afraid of? "

Zhou Wei continued to confuse him.

"No, why do you have to let me go to the capital? Could it be that you want to have a drink with me again? You know I don't drink."

Zhang Songwen asked with a smile.

"Hi, I haven't seen you for a long time. Let's get together as brothers. Do you still remember that when I was in college, I got drunk with others and you helped me back to the dormitory? I even vomited all over you at that time... "

"How could I forget? I remember that I was wearing newly bought clothes at that time. I think you did it on purpose."

"Hahaha……"

It was already past one o'clock in the morning when I hung up the phone. Zhang Songwen was lying on the bed staring at the ceiling in a daze. He stayed at the school to teach after graduating from Nortel. During this period, many students asked him for advice on problems they encountered on the set.

But he had no acting experience, so he was confused about the students' questions.

In order to answer students' questions, he decided to make a movie, but the reality was more cruel than he imagined.

With no theory and no experience as an actor, he ran into obstacles everywhere.

Like many new actors, I have no resources and no background, so it is difficult to even join the group.

Over the course of three years, Zhang Songwen was rejected by hundreds of crews.

If it were any other actor, not to mention hundreds of rejections from the crew, even 10 rejections would be a heavy blow.

The reason is simple, because his professional performance is not recognized.

During the most difficult time, he couldn't even pay the rent, so he had to go to the vegetable market to pick vegetables in order to eat.

I had no choice but to eat one meal instead of three meals a day.

Even when he finally joined the crew, Zhang Songwen suffered a lot of unfair treatment.

For example, being called a dwarf by the director...

This time he came to Southern Television to be the leading actor. This was his first time as a leading actor. Although it was a local sitcom, he was also doing various jobs seriously.

Facing Zhou Wei's invitation, he was a little shaken, and it wasn't because of the movie "Painted Skin".

It’s because he really hasn’t gotten together with his good buddies for a long time...

It’s decided, head north!

……

"Painted Skin" has started a month-long casting process.

In addition to the five main protagonists, there are more than thirty characters announced to the public.

These are just the supporting roles in the movie that have conflicting lines. As for the supporting roles, there are hundreds of extras who show their faces.

One advantage of living in the capital is that it’s easier to choose supporting roles.

The several film and television academies in Beijing are naturally the top priority for casting, and there are also several art troupes that also have many good talents.

Naturally, Jiang Pei'an didn't need to keep an eye on the casting for this part. He could occasionally go to the audition site a few times to see if there were any good talents worth cultivating, or actors who would become popular in the future but are still unknown now.

The development of Spark especially requires actors with strong acting skills.

Actors are not equal to stars, no matter how tall, short, fat or thin they are, as long as their acting skills are passable, Xinghuo will vigorously train them.

After all, with an appearance like Huang Bo, Xinghuo is willing to sign a contract and send him to Nortel for training. What else can't be accepted?

This is very different from today's entertainment companies that only sign contracts with handsome guys, beautiful girls or famous actors...

"director."

"Hello Director Jiang!"

"Damn it! Director Jiang is here in person!"

When Jiang Peian appeared at the casting scene, it caused a huge sensation.

Many actors who came to audition shouted Jiang Pei'an's name loudly.

For them, who are all in their twenties, Jiang Pei'an is simply their future goal and idol.

"Hello."

Jiang Pei'an nodded to everyone and walked towards a room where the audition was taking place.

"Painted Skin" has opened three audition venues, namely at Nortel, China Theater, and Xinghuo Building.

He had just come out of the office and wanted to come over for a walk to see if he could meet future famous actors.

Looking at it, there really are a few...

Good guy, that stupid guy in the crowd with a big head on his head, isn't it the big-headed Lei Jiayin?
  There should be another one named Sun Jian, right? Jiang Pei'an's impression of him should be "You Fei" starring Zhao Baozi in later generations.

Um? The Jiaqian layman is also here, good guy, he really has a sausage mouth.

After taking a glance at the commotion, Jiang Pei'an walked into the audition room, where the audition was taking place.

Sure enough, where there are money-making lay people, there must be fish sellers.

In the room, Zhang Songwen was auditioning for a play. When Jiang Peian walked in, he didn't even look at it, he was concentrating on the performance.

Jiang Peian took a look at the role he was auditioning for, and it was Xia Houxiang.

The staff stood up and greeted Jiang Pei'an, who waved his hand to signal him not to interrupt other people's performances.

Frankly speaking, Zhang Songwen's performance at this stage is far less natural than in later generations, and the traces of his performance are still relatively heavy if you look closely.

After all, there are still many limitations in transitioning from an acting teacher to a real actor.

Being able to teach acting does not mean that you will definitely be able to act. There are so many acting teachers from China National Theater and Nortel, and not every one of them can be a leading role.

Similarly, an actor who can act may not be a good teacher.

Although it is not natural, it is more than enough to play the role of Xia Houxiang.

"My performance is over, Director Jiang, teacher."

Zhang Songwen looked at Jiang Peian and the staff in charge of the audition and said.

"It's pretty good, but your performance needs to be improved. Don't bury yourself in studying theory.

It's best to practice more in acting. It will be more helpful for you to think about and perform the same scene from different angles several times. Come on. "

Jiang Peian patted his shoulder and said with a smile.

Zhang Songwen was a little flattered. In his opinion, a young and famous director like Jiang Pei'an must be a genius who is proud of his talents. He didn't expect that he would pat him on the shoulder to encourage him.

Although there is a certain age difference between the two, they never rely on their age when it comes to filming, and they are not doctors.

"Thank you, Director Jiang, for your guidance. I understand, thank you."

"Haha, let's go back and wait for the news."

"Hey, okay."

After Zhang Songwen left, Jiang Peian glanced at the staff member responsible for the audition. He was putting Zhang Songwen's resume in a red box.

There are two boxes on the table, one red and one green.

Red means elimination, green means entering the second round of auditions or alternates.

"Put that person's resume in the green box."

Jiang Pei'an said with a smile.

The staff member looked at Jiang Peian in surprise.

Jiang Pei'an smiled and said:
  "Although there are flaws in his performance, the flaws cannot be concealed. Let him enter the second round of auditions first."

"Alright Director Jiang."

As for the good brother who sells fish, Jiang Pei'an doesn't intend to specifically let him enter the re-examination. Let's just watch his own performance.

……

After a month of selection, the casting for "Painted Skin" is finally over.

The half-month script reading for the five protagonists and the crew also ended successfully.

The movie "Painted Skin" has finally started filming...

(End of this chapter)