I'm A Baller - Chapter 419
Chapter 419: Audition
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
An Xiaofang, Wang Muye, Wang Yan, the assistant director sent by Yida Film Company, the supervisor of Zhongying Film, and two miscellaneous staff made up today’s audition panel.
The audition venue was Xin Guomao Hotel, located in the center of the CBD business circle, directly facing Central TV’s Big Underpants. It was a very convenient place.
The meeting room was very large. Half of the space was cleared for performance with Wang Yan and the others sat on the opposite.
Among the five main team members, Wang Yan sat in the middle. The title of producer and screenwriter was simply printed on the nameplate.
The rest of the members were lined up on both sides, giving sufficient respect to the first investor.
It felt cool to sit in the middle…
What was even better was that Wang Yan’s opinion would be sought for the confirmation of all the roles.
Not only was Wang Yan the first investor, but he was also the chief director and chief screenwriter of the movie. The five parties had completely confirmed this matter and were about to begin executing his will.
The camera was set up and the information was sent to each member. The scene attendants called for people to enter.
The first person to enter was Ms. Zeng. The role for the audition was a female scientist, Dr. An.
This surname was decided by An Xiaofang. It was to add a little bit of humor to the boring work of the script team.
Ms. Zeng was very beautiful. She looked particularly capable in a lady’s suit. She gracefully bowed to everyone and introduced herself.
“Hello, teachers. I’m Zeng Li. I graduated from the Level 96 undergraduate class of the Chinese Opera Performance Department. The character I’m auditioning for is Dr. An.”
Oh, so now Wang Yan became a teacher?
It sounded nice…
Wang Yan had never gone through an audition before, so he was watching quietly. An Xiaofang took the initiative and asked on behalf of Wang Yan, “What do you think of this character?”
“Dr. An was crazy, sick, self-confident to the point of being paranoid, but there were some inherent weaknesses in her heart. Her position in the story was…”
She continued to explain. Some were refined from the script, and some were self-developed.
Wang Muye nodded and reminded the newbie Wang Yan in a low voice, “She did a good job on her homework. She put in a lot of effort in writing the biography of the characters.”
Wang Yan was no longer a pure and naive person. He understood very well the preparatory work that a good actor had to do.
The script she received was incomplete. There was only information related to Dr. An, so she did not explore too much about the character’s relationship. She put in a lot of effort in learning the character’s personality.
The assistant director of Yida Film was very knowledgeable, and he asked a professional question.
“How do you think you should display Dr. An’s characteristics in your appearance? How would you rate yourself for your appearance today? And why?”
“I think…”
While Ms. Zeng was replying to the question, Wang Yan paid close attention to the other party and tried hard to refine the traits that belonged to Dr. An.
A normal director couldn’t determine the image of a character in the film in advance.
A written script could only describe the concept. It was a complex systematic project to apply the written concept to a living character.
Any character could have many kinds of interpretation techniques and forms of expression.
Different actors acting in the same role would have different effects in the end.
Good or bad, it was not only the expression of the actor, but also the director’s aesthetic, interpretation, and imagination.
The audition work, to put it bluntly, was to pick out the one that suited what the director had in mind, and then molding and strengthening the actor to fit the character.
Therefore, in many cases, the actor who had strong characteristics was more likely to create an impressive character.
For example, Jason Gouda, before he became bald, would act like a big-sized comical character.
Once he became bald…
“I would only need a punch to destroy you.”
He became domineering and terrifying.
Then there was Captain America. Chris Evans had a fit body and was upright and handsome. It was simply a match made in heaven.
Could you imagine what kind of disaster it would be to use Little Li as Captain America?
Take a deep breath, exhale and read the lines…
With a small belly popped out, the uniform was stretched out in a round arc.
Tom Cruise would have been even more miserable, standing next to the Black Widow…
Hey, without tiptoeing they were about the same height!
Ms. Zeng faced the problem of not having enough characteristics — beautiful, but it was mediocre.
There was enough affinity, but at the same time, it was lacking impact.
A deep foundation in acting could not make up for her natural shortcomings. When he saw her acting clips, Wang Yan had already crossed her out in his heart.
She was a good actress. Her professional attitude and professionalism were impeccable. However… she was not suitable.
He politely said goodbye to Ms. Zeng and the group began to discuss their opinions.
Without Wang Yan’s emphasis, everyone unanimously decided that Ms. Zeng acted very well and was full of explosive power, but her appearance was lacking.
Okay, next.
There were not many interviewees for Dr. An to begin with, and number two was Wang Haiou.
Wang Yan picked up the information. Born in 1982, graduated from a specialized program in folk dance, became a model at age 15. In 2003, she won the first championship. In 2009, she was selected by the film channel and acted in a TV movie series with Wu Qilong.
Then she began a long career in bad movies. She had a job every year, but she was far from becoming famous.
This year could be considered her lucky year. In the historical blockbuster “Mace” which debuted on oriental satellite TV in September, she finally entered the public’s field of vision because she played the highly intelligent tactician Qin Banruo.
On the forums, it would be flooded with the comments of the good-looking and sleepy otakus from time to time.
Soon after, she acted in a spy movie as an important supporting actress. Not long after the filming was completed, she was invited by Mango TV’s reality show “Everyone Is Speeding Up” and her appearance was flooded with comments.
It was around this time that she entered An Xiaofang’s field of vision.
The relationship between President An and Mango TV was very mysterious and complicated. Wang Yan did not probe into the details as it was taboo in the industry.
However, President An’s evaluation of Wang Haiou was very interesting — cheap and easy to use. The new drama was produced by Dongyang Noon. It had the possibility of hitting big, and it was worth it.
How cheap would it be?
While Wang Yan was thinking about it, Wang Haiou came in.
He had seen her at the Huayi’s celebration party before. Wang Yan knew that she was very beautiful, but seeing her again today, he was still amazed.
She wore a suit paired with gray trousers, a conservative style.
Under that blazer was a clean and simple large collar silk white shirt, orthodox and dignified.
Her hair was carefully coiled, revealing her long neck and full forehead.
Until now, everything was normal. It was just the style of a good actress who understood the role well.
The amazing part was her makeup.
She went with a natural makeup style and made herself looked pale.
Her eyebrows were arched, and the space between her eyes was pulled open. She had cold smokey eyeshadow.
The nose bone and the brow bone were highlighted.
The corners of her eyes lengthen, her lower eyelids rendered a natural bluish color.
The lip glaze was Amani Red Tube 201 smoke rose, on the middle of the lip, it was dark to purplish black.
A pale blue multi-layer medical mask covered her chin, turning her face into a sharp triangle.
When she wasn’t smiling, her expression was as cold as a queen’s.
At the same time, her face revealed her natural tiredness. Mixed with the light in her eyes, she looked like a powerful and crazy female scientist.
Wang Yan, Wang Muye, and An Xiaofang looked at each other with surprise.
“Please stand closer and show me your side profile.”
Wang Yan was the first to speak. Wang Haiou looked in the direction of the voice and was slightly stunned. Then, she turned obediently and looked at Wang Yan sideways, raising her eyes to cast a sidelong glance.
Her acting skills were not bad, and it was interesting.
But there was still something missing. Wang Yan couldn’t figure out what it was at the moment.
Wang Muye was sharp enough to order the lighting master, “Give me a half-light.”
The movie lighting equipment was limited, they were unable to get the exact lighting from the movie set but it was enough. Once the half-light was cast, she immediately presented a mysterious and seductive beauty.
Like a poppy blooming in the night.
That’s it, it was her!
Auditioning was a very free thing. There was no set pattern and it was entirely up to the director’s will.
Wang Yan decided to choose her, so he simply skipped all the details and made a request that was considered overboard.
“Remove your makeup!”
To an ordinary actress, this was practically a public execution, but Wang Haiou readily agreed.
“Okay Director, please give me three minutes.”
The scene manager brought a basin of water, and she took out bottles and jars, removing her makeup on the spot.
After removing all of it, Wang Yan waved his hand, “Stand closer.”
After examining it carefully for a while, he nodded his head in satisfaction.
Needless to say, her bare face was not bad. Her condition was so good that she did not look like she was in her thirties and was still in full bloom.
After confirming it, Wang Yan pulled Wang Muye and began to mutter.
What Wang Yan wanted to discuss was how to shoot Dr. An’s last scene.
It was the scene where the female lead gave her a violent beating and then the mercenary captain shot her in the head.
Originally, that scene needed Dr. An to look ugly. She was crazy, her face was covered in dirt, and she looked miserable. This was to release the emotions of the audience.
However, Wang Haiou’s image was unexpectedly seductive and beautiful this lead to Wang Yan with a new idea.
“We would make changes to the last scene. Let her die most seductively. Let’s smash the vase and show the audience!”
“Then we would have to change the lines.” Wang Muye’s first consideration was the script.
“Change it!”
Wang Yan decisively picked up the knife and hacked at the script he had made.
“There was a special quality about this actress. We have to make use of it and not waste it. Dr. An was strong enough, so the plot tension would be strong enough!”
Wang Muye looked at Wang Haiou and nodded.
“Her foundation was good. Let’s change it…”
As an audience member, he might not understand the importance of an actor’s foundation.
They would need to put on makeup anyway?
This mindset was not right.
Simply put, the actress could not put on makeup according to the scene and the progress of the story.
At that moment, Dr. An had to do special makeup. It had to show a natural paleness, weakness, slight injury, and dirty effect. Otherwise, the audience would be out of the play.
For example, wouldn’t it be awkward for the soldiers in the drill to comb their hair with bangs and apply two kilograms of hair gel?
It would be awkward.
With a sense of recognition, once the audience decided to drop the movie, they wouldn’t be able to pull them back.
Similarly, Dr. An, who had been beaten up, couldn’t possibly maintain a flawless face that was about to attend a banquet.
She had to wear special makeup, and she would inevitably sacrifice her bare face, which would not be much better.
At such times, the importance of an actor’s background would be highlighted.
Wang Haiou was the kind of actress who looked beautiful with her bare face and also with special makeup.
She was so beautiful that Wang Yan was willing to change the script for her.
After the two of them finished whispering, the second female lead was decided.
However, they couldn’t announce it on the spot. Those who came to audition will continue to audition.
“Okay, Ms. Wang. Your audition has ended. Please wait for our contact and be at ease.”
An Xiaofang opened her mouth and left enough hints to end her audition.
A trace of joy flashed across Wang Haiou’s eyes. She bowed to everyone, looked deeply at Wang Yan, and turned around to leave.
Why was she looking at him?
The pay discussion was Director An’s job. What happens next would have nothing to do with me…
Wang Yan’s heart moved, but he didn’t take it seriously and let it go lightly.
The interview for the second female lead was just a formality. The other actresses none of them were more suitable than Wang Haiou.
The male lead, the security captain, was temporarily named Han Li. There were seven or eight people who signed up for the audition.
Everyone was here to accompany Zhang Jin in his studies.
After putting on a suit, Zhang Jin’s upright, proud, and flamboyant aura immediately spread out.
With just a slight adjustment, he could act out the fierceness of a lone wolf.
This time, An Xiaofang did not leave any leeway. She directly told Zhang Jin, “Send your manager to discuss the contract.”
Zhang Jin smiled appropriately and expressed his gratitude to the few teachers. He then took a special look at Wang Yan.
It couldn’t be helped. A handsome man would be at the center of attention.
Next was the remaining three members of the devilish brat group of four.
Big Bear was Chi Ming, played by Zi Tao. Wang Yan had specially given him a name that was both artistic and beautiful, it was for his fans.
The third and fourth bear was the muscular brothers. They didn’t have any difficulty in performing. As long as they knew how to act cool, they would be fine. They did Yida Film a favor.
Only the second bear had to be selected.
The character was a little girl, codenamed Xiao Duo. She did not have many lines and was bloodthirsty and crazy. It was a perfect contrast to her name.
In terms of choosing people, everyone’s idea (Wang Yan represented everyone) was to pick a little girl who looked weak. The more innocent she looked, the better. It would continue to create a contrast.
They were not satisfied with the first few actresses.
Their appearance wasn’t up to par or they were too good at acting.
The character was designed as a small thin girl, so the actor can not be more than 16 years old, it was difficult to find.
The highlight of Zhongying Film’s movie — the female casts of Bala Bala Little Magic Fairy.
Was it called the Balala Fairy?
Who cares!
No matter how Guunara, the God of Darkness tried, she can’t turn into Gulinaza…
Let’s get back to the audition.
While flipping through the materials, a small actor entered.
Lang Jinmai was only 13 years old this year, right?
Wang Yan looked at the little girl that was in front of him carefully. She was about 1.5 meters tall and had just started smoking. She had a big head and was thin and small, but her amber eyes were full of spirit.
The little girl didn’t have any stage fright. She jumped to the middle of the meeting room like a little deer. Without looking at the camera, she bowed to the judges.
“Hello, teachers. My name is Lang Jinmai. I’m 14 years old this year and I’m studying at…”
As expected of someone who had filmed Balabala Little Magic Fairy before. She introduced herself with more than 200 words, memorized them in one breath, and didn’t stutter at all.
Looking at this girl, Wang Yan was extremely satisfied.
He had a big sister and a beautiful woman but he was still lacking a lolita.
The age difference allowed her to have no conflict with Fu Yushi, so there was no possibility of her stealing the spotlight.
A violent lolita, just thinking about it was so exciting!
No, he had to change her weapon!
What about a straight-edged long knife that was equivalent to her height?
During the climax of the fight scene, she carried the long knife and flew into the air. Her body dodged the bullets that filled the sky, and the eagle swooped down. With a bang, the long knife pierced through the enemy’s chest and stabbed deeply into the brick floor…
The fat otakus would go crazy, right?
Definitely!
Wang Yan was happy thinking about it, and he had a passionate gaze. The little girl who was answering the question suddenly shivered.
Crap!
The producer seemed to be a pervert!
The little girl’s eyes were filled with a deep vigilance, but Wang Yan did not realize it — he did not even think about it.
After exchanging opinions with Wang Muye and An Xiaofang, they compared the acting skills and appearances of all the actors, Xiao Duo’s role was settled for Lang Jinmai.
At this point, the main roles were all settled. The remaining minor supporting roles could be handed over to the casting director.
Wang Yan stretched and asked Wang Muye, “Would you be coming back this afternoon?”
Wang Muye replied cautiously, “I don’t have anything important to do right now. I could, why?”
It meant that he could choose not to come.
An Xiaofang suddenly turned her head and smiled meaningfully at Wang Yan, “You wouldn’t need to come back this afternoon. I’ll keep an eye out for you. There won’t be any problems. You could go and work on other things…”
But he didn’t have anything else to do?
Wang Yan was very puzzled. Just as he was about to ask, he received a text message.
“Producer Wang, I’m Luna, the actress who participated in the audition. I’m waiting for the news in Room 404 on the 18th floor of the hotel. Could you spare some time to tell me about the problems during the audition just now? I believe that you’re a kind and warm-hearted person. I’m looking forward to your reply in fear…”
What the heck!
How did she get his cell phone number?
Wang Yan was a little confused for the first time. It took him three seconds to remember who the girl was.
In short: 91, 93, 77.
She didn’t want her points anymore, right?
In three days, believe it or not, he would make it less than 70, such as 70-1?
After thinking about it, Wang Yan turned off his cell phone.
77 was a little low, it was not worth the effort.
But the text message was like a signal, it opened the pandora’s box and his phone kept vibrating.
