Chapter 312: The leading actress is replaced?
Zhang Chen was overjoyed at Ma Xin's visit.
He has always been aware of the limitations of the drama industry and has been trying to transform Happy Twist into the film and television industry, but he is worried that there is no suitable opportunity.
Although drama has a very high artistic status in the literary and art circles, it does not make as much money as film and television projects.
Even if a large theater is packed with people, the audience will only be a few hundred or a thousand people.
How can it be compared with movies and television that face millions or even hundreds of millions of viewers? The economic benefits are vastly different.
The entertainment industry is now booming like never before, and those investors and celebrities are making tons of money. Zhang Chen is naturally jealous, but he had previously run into obstacles several times due to a lack of connections, so he had to give up temporarily.
Unexpectedly, the opportunity came as a result. The director of Tengda Culture, the largest giant in Beijing circle, actually came to him and invited the actors of Happy Twist to star in the movie. Isn't this the opportunity?
"Director Ma, please come in. Chen Teng is in the room."
Ma Xin was enthusiastically led by Zhang Chen into the backstage lounge, where a group of actors had just finished their performance and were chatting.
Zhang Chen coughed, attracting everyone's attention: "Let me introduce you, this is Director Ma Xin from Tengda Culture."
Everyone in the lounge was smart. A director came to visit at this time. Looking at the boss's happy face, they thought he was here to cast.
So I quickly stood up and greeted him, trying to leave a good impression in front of the director.
"Oh, I was wondering why the magpies in the trees in the yard kept calling when I came to the theater today. It turns out they were welcoming Director Ma." Chen Teng clapped his hands, and his words were filled with a sense of humor, cleverly breaking the slight restraint of the scene.
Ma Xin nodded slightly, his eyes falling on Shen Teng. With close contact, he could feel Shen Teng's light-hearted and humorous comedic charm that seemed to be born with him.
He observed for many days and found that Shen Teng's comedy style included both exaggerated and funny performances and delicate emotional expressions. He was able to skillfully blend humor with the warmth and absurdity of real life.
"Hello everyone, I am here today to invite you to star in the new movie I am directing." Ma Xin said straight to the point in a gentle voice.
The director's words stunned everyone, and then they started whispering to each other.
"Is this true? They actually invited us to make a movie. Is this pie in the sky?"
"It's probably a guest appearance by a supporting actor, otherwise why would they invite everyone to join us?"
"I've heard of this director Ma Xin. He's a leader among the new generation of directors. He directed Lady Golden, starring Fan Bingbing."
Chen Teng reacted quickly, with a smile on his face: "Director Ma, do you need us to make a cameo appearance? No problem. It is our honor to work with Director Ma once. Everyone will definitely cooperate with us."
Ma Xin shook his head slightly, his eyes swept over everyone, and he said seriously: "It's not a guest appearance, Chen Teng, you are the male lead, and everyone in this room, I want them all."
After saying that, he seemed to remember something and added, "There may be one or two actors who don't have suitable roles."
As soon as these words were spoken, the lounge instantly became lively. Everyone looked surprised and stared at the director.
Chen Teng winked and said in a funny way: "Or you are a great director who can make movies. Your vision for selecting people is first-class in the world."
Ma Xin was also amused by Chen Teng. He laughed out loud and admired him in his heart, saying that he was indeed an excellent actor who had appeared on the Spring Festival Gala. His cleverness and infectious performance were truly outstanding.
"Take a look at the script first." After saying that, he took out a script from his briefcase and handed it over.
Chen Teng quickly took it with both hands, lowered his eyes to look at the cover of the script in his hand, and couldn't help but read out loud: "Charlotte's Troubles."
When he saw the signature on the side, his pupils shrank slightly and he was very shocked: "Director Ma, is the screenwriter the Song Ci I know?"
"What do you think? In Tengda, besides Mr. Song, there are still a few Song Cis!"
"Mr. Song's talent is obvious to all. I must read his masterpiece carefully." Chen Teng complimented him, then collected his thoughts and began to read the script carefully.
When the others heard that the script was actually written by the famous screenwriter and the richest man, they were also very curious. They gathered around and stood on both sides behind Shen Teng, secretly glancing at the script.
Most of the people in the room would become actors in the future, so Ma Xin did not stop them from reading the script.
"Director Ma, let's sit down and talk. Hey, Xiao Ai, go get Director Ma a glass of water."
"Please come in, Mr. Zhang."
Ma Xinke followed the host's wishes and sat down with Zhang Chen to chat.
"Director Ma, is your film still in need of investment?"
"No, the filming funds are already in place."
Ma Xin understood what Zhang Chen meant. Which company in the circle would not want to rely on Tengda Culture's production team and publicity and promotion capabilities to try out the depth of the film industry? Unfortunately, not everyone can easily get on the giant ship of Tengda Culture.
Zhang Chen’s plan failed, so he settled for the next best thing: “Director Ma, it’s an honor for Chen Teng and his team that you have taken a fancy to them, and the remuneration and other things can be discussed.
Even in Happy Twist, there are several young people who are very eager to make movies. I wonder if they can join your crew to do odd jobs after filming starts, to learn and gain some experience? "
Ma Xin knew that this requirement was one of the hidden conditions for those who wanted to use Happy Twist, so he readily agreed: "No problem."
Zhang Chen's face lit up with delight when he heard that, and he began to think about which reliable confidants to send to the crew to learn from them, so as to accumulate experience for Happy Twist's future entry into the film industry.
How could Ma Xin not see Zhang Chen's thoughts, but he didn't care. From the establishment to the completion of a film crew, there are so many tricks and twists in the middle, which cannot be figured out by just sending a few odd jobs.
While the two were chatting about this and that, Chen Teng had already roughly read through the script. The story was very interesting and he couldn't get enough of it.
"Director Ma, do you want me to play Charlotte?"
"Yes, I think you should be able to handle this role easily."
"Thank you for your affirmation." Chen Teng looked at Ma Xin with admiration and was ecstatic. Even as a drama actor, he also yearned for the big screen.
He subconsciously looked at the company's boss Zhang Chen, and when he saw him nod slightly, he understood that the boss and Ma Xin had basically reached an agreement.
Chen Teng stood up immediately and responded, "Thank you Director Ma for thinking highly of me, Chen Teng. I'll take the role."
"Okay!" Ma Xin was relieved that the leading male role was successfully decided. "As for the details of the salary, the producer will discuss it with you. We at Tengda have always been fair and will offer a suitable salary."
Tengda Culture has always been open and aboveboard in its work and enjoys a good reputation in the entertainment industry. Chen Teng is not worried at all that the crew will suppress his pay. He is more concerned about the roles of other actors, especially his golden partner of many years, Mali.
"Director Ma, I just read the script and found that the image and temperament of the leading female role Liu Xuemei are very suitable for Ma Li. Can you give her a try and see if she can do it?"
After Chen Teng finished speaking, he turned his head and looked at his good partner who was standing quietly beside him: "Ma Li, why are you still standing there like an idiot? Why don't you come and give Director Ma a few clips."
His friend shamelessly rushed forward, and Mali knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He was about to step forward to communicate with the director, but Ma Xin spoke first.
"The actress Liu Xuemei has been chosen. Mali, I've seen your performance and I really like your stage style. Let's work together again next time we have the chance."
Ma Xin felt a little regretful. He also felt that the role of Liu Xuemei was quite suitable for Ma Li. Unfortunately, as the director, he could not make the decision. Tangren Yijie was the empress dowager who could give orders to the entire crew.
Ma Li's smile froze instantly, his face changed slightly, he was stunned for a long while, and smiled bitterly: "Thank you, Director Ma."
Seeing that the director didn't give Mali a chance to speak, Chen Teng still didn't give up and wanted to fight for his friend.
"Director Ma, can you please tell us who the leading actress is?"
"It's Liu Shishi, the number one lady of the Tang people."
Seeing this, Chen Teng thought that Ma Xin chose Liu Shishi as the leading actress because he saw the popularity of the four young actresses, so he tried his best to persuade her:
"Director Ma, movies are a great test of your acting skills. Please consider Ma Li again. Her acting skills will definitely not disappoint you."
Ma Xin's silence made everyone think that the director was considering something. In order to increase the weight of choosing Mali, Chen Teng gritted his teeth and tried:
"Director Ma, Ma Li and I have been partners for many years and have a great understanding. If she doesn't play the leading female role, I won't be used to it if someone else plays it. I might have to reconsider whether to participate."
When Ma Xin heard this half-threatening remark, a hint of sharpness flashed in his eyes, and his tone was cold:
"Chen Teng, if you want to use this to control me, then you are making a wrong calculation. There are so many people who want to act in my movie, and you don't have to be the No. 1 male star.
Looking back at history, many people in this world are not lacking in talent, they just lack an opportunity to show themselves. If you are not willing to play the leading role in my movie, someone else will naturally cherish you. "
Ma Xin's sudden change of attitude caught Chen Teng off guard. He sat in his seat in a daze, losing his usual alertness and not knowing how to respond.
"Director Ma, I am angry about the news. Chen Teng just spoke out of turn for his friend. I hope you can forgive me." Zhang Chen tried his best to persuade Ma Xin and calm him down.
Ma Li was touched by Chen Teng's courage, but also worried that he had angered the director. As a close friend of Chen Teng, she understood her friend's yearning for the big screen.
Although there is an unwritten chain of contempt in the entertainment industry, drama actors look down on movie actors, and movie actors look down on TV actors.
But when it comes to a drama actor stepping onto the big screen and showing off his talents in front of millions of fans, how many of them can refuse this coveted opportunity?
Now the director has taken the initiative to invite Chen Teng to play the leading male role, and it is a movie produced by Tengda Culture. If you miss such an opportunity, you will probably regret it for the rest of your life.
Ma Li acted decisively and said to the director sincerely: “Director Ma, I apologize to you on behalf of Chen Teng.
He was confused for a moment, please don't take his words seriously. I know what he is thinking, he is definitely eager to act in your movie."
After saying that, Ma Li kicked Chen Teng fiercely: "What are you still standing there for? Apologize to Director Ma quickly."
The boss and good friends tried their best to speak well of him, and Chen Teng didn't want to let them down.
He sighed helplessly, stood up, and bowed slightly to Ma Xin: "I'm sorry, Director Ma, I was impulsive and spoke without thinking. I hope you can forgive me."
The atmosphere in the lounge was a bit depressing. Ma Xin lost interest for a moment and waved his hand to signal everyone to sit down: "Let's sit down and talk.
Chen Teng, I know you are unhappy and resentful about why I don't use Mali, who has a better understanding with you and a better acting skill.
But I can tell you clearly that for this film, the producer can be changed, the leading actor can be changed, and even I, the director, can be changed, but the leading actress must be Liu Shishi. "
Ma Xin's words made everyone confused and puzzled. Chen Teng was very puzzled. The entire crew, from the producer and director to the actors, could be replaced, but it was unreasonable for Liu Shishi to control them like this.
"Did Liu Shishi join the group with money?"
“Yes, but that’s not the main reason.”
Chen Teng was even more confused: "Director Ma, why? I really can't think of which person Tengda Culture needs to be concerned about in the entertainment industry?"
Facing the question from the male lead, Ma Xin had the urge to reveal Liu Shishi's identity, but he held back and just responded vaguely:
"You will understand later why Liu Shishi can be called the number one actress, while other companies' top female artists do not have this title."
Ma Li seemed to be thinking about something. Although Ma Xin did not say it explicitly, she vaguely knew the value of Liu Shishi's title of "No. 1 Sister".
In the past, she was curious about how such a domineering title as "No. 1 Sister" for Liu Shishi came about, and how it was gradually recognized by netizens. Now, seeing Ma Xin's serious expression, she understood a little bit.
"Chen Teng, as the saying goes, a forced melon is not sweet, and today's time is indeed tight, so you need to think about some things carefully.
This is my business card. If you have thought it through before the end of the month, please call me. Mr. Zhang, I am sorry to bother you. Goodbye.”
"I'll see you off." Seeing that Ma Xin insisted on leaving, Zhang Chen could only stand up and see him off.
A moment later, Zhang Chen returned to the lounge and saw Chen Teng staring at Ma Xin's business card in a daze. He said angrily, "I'm disappointed with you."
"You, you, where is your usual cleverness? Are those words you just said appropriate for a first meeting like this? Who do you think you are? A superstar, an award-winning actor? You're even threatening the director!"
Ma Li tried his best to ease the atmosphere: "Mr. Zhang, calm down. Old Shen is doing this for me. Director Ma left his business card, which proves that he still thinks highly of Chen Teng."
At this moment, Chen Teng secretly regretted it, but fortunately the director appreciated his talent and left his business card, so the situation could still be turned around.
"Mr. Zhang, please don't be angry. I regret it too. I wanted to test Director Ma, but I didn't know that Liu Shishi was so important! Oh, how could she be so awesome? I haven't heard about her background on the Internet."
Zhang Chen spat: "You know shit! A beautiful woman's face is her background, plus the aura of a star, so many rich people flock to her.
Wait a day or two, then call Ma Xin and finalize the matter. Even if you don’t act, don’t hinder your brothers’ future.”
After hearing this, Chen Teng looked around at his brothers in the drama club. Seeing that everyone was staring at the business card in his hand with hope, he felt more regretful. He thought he should not have been impulsive and should have thought more about his brothers.
(End of this chapter)
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