When will I be the queen

Chapter 458 Casting
"Even when cinema chains started offering online cinemas, they were already struggling to attract audiences. Fortunately, the allure of the big screen is irreplaceable, so even though the competition for seating capacity is becoming increasingly fierce and the methods are becoming more and more varied, the market is still hard to decline. But for TV dramas, since the rise of the short video era, viewers' patience has been getting shorter and shorter. What a 40-minute drama tells in a short drama can be told in three minutes. This kind of stimulation is huge for viewers."

How could an audience refuse to get forty minutes, or even more, of happiness in just three minutes?

"Many surveys have shown that modern people's attention spans are gradually declining, with some people's attention spans lasting only a few seconds."

The immortal pointed out several short drama platforms, "But even on the big screen, the golden moments are still only a few seconds long. It's just that long dramas have a build-up, filling the audience's expectations. For example, in revenge dramas, what the audience likes to see most is the moment of revenge, and the process is just creating a sense of hunger for the audience. The core concept of short dramas is to efficiently feed the audience to their heart's content. Otherwise, the audience is already full, but there's always something to eat, and in the end, they're the most full. As for whether the food is good or not, that's another matter."

Cai Cai took the video and watched the short drama that the immortal had casually clicked on for her. She did have that feeling, but, "Why does it all feel flat? It's like reading a comic book." Everyone can understand the fun of children's books, and these short dramas felt just like children's books to Cai Cai.

The Immortal Lord was very satisfied with Cai Cai's keen insight. "The stimulation of the visuals is far greater than that of the action. For example, in a certain period of film and television works, every martial arts move was frozen in time, even 360 degrees. It was one thing to make the fight look bad and save time on filming, but the key is that the visuals can better highlight the characters and stimulate the audience's vision. And this stimulation gives the audience a space for subjective and independent imagination, allowing them to have rich interpretations."

The charm of a masterpiece lies in its ability to captivate viewers for a lifetime – an interpretation.

"Therefore, the best shots in movies and TV dramas are mostly silent."

Cai Cai nodded, stopping watching the short dramas. In her opinion, the scene composition was terrible, and the acting was even worse. A few actors had decent faces and conveyed a sense of story, but their delivery of lines sounded like reciting memorized texts, and the emotional fluctuations were off-key. In short, she couldn't bear to watch them.
“It’s normal not to be able to watch it, because many short dramas aren’t designed for viewers to watch. The storyboard design is poor, but it has a simple sense of story, which makes it easy for viewers to know what the plot is about whenever they glance at it.”

Cai Cai understood. Yes, the simplest storyboard is that the main character occupies two-thirds of the frame, and the rest is for supporting characters. There's no background or props, just people. They can stand in front of or behind each other, or diagonally. Several of the short dramas I just glanced at used diagonal positioning. If they're all main characters, then they can stand side-by-side, facing each other.

"The biggest advantage of short dramas is that they allow the audience to understand the plot at all times. In long dramas, unless the main character is very good-looking, the plot is also based on positioning and styling." Cai Cai feels that short dramas take the most essential parts of long dramas and then ruin them.

"." That's not wrong, it just sounds awful.

Cai Cai also noticed that, "Short dramas tend to stereotype actors, so viewers can't remember who's who, right?" This means that even if a short drama actor is good-looking and has memorable traits, they will be erased from the picture. Long dramas pay extra attention to enhancing certain qualities of actors, creating memorable traits, but short dramas not only don't care about memorable traits, they completely erase them.

"Let's not even talk about how many of the actors entering the short drama market have any memorable qualities or unique characteristics. The rise of short dramas wasn't even about promoting actors," Xianjun said, banging on the table. "Saying it's just for money sounds harsh; everyone has dreams and ideals. But the basic strategy of the short drama market is all about viewership and money. As a result, actors with memorable qualities are at a disadvantage. Because they're no longer useful. Once they're used here, they can't be used there. So it's developed into what it is now, deliberately erasing the actors' inherent qualities."

Cai Cai fell silent after hearing this. What a pity.
"Some short drama actors have noticed this, but there's nothing they can do. Some have broken free, but eventually went back. Long dramas are excluding short drama actors not just because they're blocking the market, but because many short drama actors have picked up bad habits. These bad habits exist both on and off screen. No matter how bad the long drama market is, there are still some basic standards. But while there are some standards in short dramas, they're not nonexistent either."

The immortal opened the profiles of the six actresses. "These six all broke free from the short drama market and climbed back up from the bottom of the long drama market. That's why they cherish every opportunity to be on screen. Because no matter what, it's never much better than having no work at all."

"If the long-form drama market doesn't need them, they can't go back to the short-form drama market either. The only way out is to become an internet celebrity and a live-streaming e-commerce host. But with all the entertainment industries crowded with people, once you fall behind, it's very difficult to get back up."

Cai Cai didn't understand. "Why can't we go back? Actors in the long-form drama market going to the short-form drama market, according to you, isn't that like descending to earth?"

The Immortal Lord looked at Cai Cai, "Because the competition in the short drama market is a hundred times fiercer than in the long drama market." With lower barriers to entry and lower requirements, even more people squeeze in. "They've already reached the top in the short drama market, and that's truly the top. No matter how well they act or how hard they try, they won't have any further development. All they can gain is money. If they leave yesterday, someone will automatically fill their place today. The audience won't care who's missing; as long as there's something to watch, that's enough."

To put it bluntly, actors in the short drama market are not valuable and are not indispensable.

"Think about it, in the long-form drama market, when audiences think of a good person, many names and faces of many actors automatically pop into their minds. But in the short drama market, audiences can't think of any of them. Actors in the short drama market won't be remembered. This is a devastating situation for an actor. So the turnover of actors in the short drama market is very fast. Short drama award ceremonies are held once a month. You can see the current situation of short drama actors from the frequency of these award ceremonies."

Cai Cai felt bad just listening to this, "At least there's still money to be had."

The immortal smiled faintly, "If being an actor is just for money, then you're too happy."

Cai Cai was stunned. Ah, this is even more cruel.

"For actors in short dramas to enter the long-form drama market is like rebuilding their very bones; if they succeed, they're already very good actors." Xianjun was quite satisfied with the six people he selected; they truly had endured hardship to achieve success. "Those short dramas that become wildly popular are actually condensed long dramas, shortening the length of a long drama and lengthening the length of a short drama. The fans of these dramas cry out that they're better than long dramas, that short dramas surpass long dramas, and that short dramas should be nominated for mainstream awards—they're just pretending to be ignorant. How could drama fans not know what a real short drama is like?"

"Therefore, short dramas participating in mainstream awards will likely have time requirements in the future. Three to five minutes is absolutely out of the question. According to the discussions I've heard, the minimum requirement is 20 minutes, not including the opening and closing credits. And that's the minimum requirement; short drama projects that don't meet that requirement still won't have a chance to be nominated."

The immortal thought this was a good thing, "A little stimulation to the long-running drama market is a good thing. Otherwise, even if there aren't many padded dramas now, there are still plenty of random, lengthy shots used to pad the runtime. Some actors are just acting according to the allotted time."

Well, okay, there's always this feeling that all crows are black.

Cai Cai believes, "As long as the audience wants it, it will inevitably exist and develop. Maybe in a few decades, short dramas will become mainstream."

"That's a really bad future. Let's talk about it after we're both in our graves."

Continuing to look at the resumes, the immortal said that none of the six actresses had any bad habits.

"Number one is good at folk dance, with a good figure and posture, but her lines are a bit weak. Number two is the best looking, with a very typical palace maid face." The Immortal Lord said, looking at Cai Cai, "You understand what 'palace maid face' means, right?"

Cai Cai nodded, “Loyal looks, sycophantic demeanor, more imposing than a maid, but less attractive than the master.” There are many palace maids in the empire too, “Foreign palace maids mostly have cunning faces, looking clever and quick-witted, but lacking loyalty, even seeming like they might stab their master in the back at any moment.” These aren’t derogatory terms, just simple general descriptions.

"Cultural differences. Foreign palace maids were all nobles, while the real slaves and servants were people of color. Some people of color naturally have honest and loyal appearances, but most of them have villainous appearances. Early foreign films often featured honest-looking characters. Later, when films and television dramas starring Black actors appeared, it was a milestone. It was then that films and television dramas featured a large number of people of color with villainous appearances. Although many of them were villainous roles, it was not a bad thing that these kinds of faces entered the industry and had acting opportunities."

As for the social impact in reality, that's another matter entirely.
"Number three has the best lines; she can even speak a dialect and has some comedic talent. Because the specific character settings for the palace maids depend on the casting, each of these six has its own character design direction."

Cai Cai understood that number one was a gentle, older sister-like palace maid, number two was a loyal and resolute palace maid, and number three was an optimistic palace maid who could make herself look silly and funny. The Immortal Lord felt that Cai Cai had really grown up a lot; communication was becoming much smoother. Thinking back to how unruly and unreasonable she was as a child, it was truly...
"Where's number four?" Cai Cai noticed that the Immortal Lord was in a daze, so she urged him.

"Number four is the oldest, and you can see her maternal qualities right away. Can't you see them?"

Cai Cai examined it carefully for a moment, then watched the introductory video repeatedly. "Um, is this motherhood?"

"..." What kind of mother is Ms. Cai Jinhui? Even though he wasn't familiar with his own mother, he could tell it was maternal instinct. "What do you see?"

Cai Cai scratched her face, "Feminine charm."

The immortal lord was taken aback and subconsciously apologized. How did he end up seeming like someone who had insulted a woman?
Yes, motherhood is what makes a woman.
"You don't think she's suitable to play a palace maid?"

Cai Cai nodded, "Wouldn't a palace concubine be more suitable? An empress isn't quite right, but a palace concubine, I think, is acceptable." Mei Zhang had previously mentioned that the actresses who weren't selected as palace maids would play empresses and consorts; the selection wouldn't be in vain. Because the palace maid role carries the anchor of the Ninth Princess, there are requirements for acting skills and other aspects. Those who applied but weren't selected could choose whether or not to play empresses, consorts, or other less important female roles. Of the six who weren't selected, those who weren't would play other more important female roles. No one should be wasted.

The Immortal Lord listened to Cai Cai's suggestion, took out the fourth order, marked it, and sent it to Huang Xin and the others.

Continuing, "Number five has the most expressive eyes, has studied Kunqu Opera for many years, and has excellent looks, delivery of lines, and physical presence—the best overall. The only drawback is a slight lack of personal distinctiveness." She looks too much like an ordinary person and needs very striking makeup and styling. However, the palace maid is an important role, so a special design could be created for her.

Cai Cai nodded, signaling the Immortal Lord to continue.

"This last one, number six, is a martial arts practitioner, all muscular and very capable. She used to be a bodyguard for female celebrities, then entered the stunt double industry. Because of her good looks, she signed with a company and became a short drama actress. To escape the short drama market, she returned to being a stunt double. She has a very strong personal style, like a chivalrous woman from the last century. A palace maid with high martial arts skills would also be good." He paused, "The company is planning to sign her."

Cai Cai watched the introductory video carefully and thought it was indeed good. The industry is lacking this kind of chivalrous female style, but actresses with this style can't get leading roles now.

“Her contract is a bit troublesome.” Xianjun valued this No. 6 quite a bit, thinking of signing her and putting her in several of the company’s projects. She was the kind of person who could attract audiences. “She initially signed with a foreign influencer company, which also had business in China, for ten years. The penalty for breach of contract was quite high. Later, she became a short drama actress, and her original company transferred part of her contract to a video platform, which then signed several more sub-contracts with her. So if the company wants to sign her completely, it will have to negotiate contracts with at least five companies.”

Most contracts in the industry end amicably; the few that go to court either indicate the company wants to close down or the artist wants to quit. Anyone who wants to survive in this industry tries to maintain a respectable, amicable breakup. Because both breach of contract penalties and breaches of contract can be negotiated. But negotiating with five companies at once is quite troublesome.

"The company's artist management and legal departments analyzed the situation and felt it wasn't worthwhile, so they're hesitant." Although Xianjun is a major shareholder of the company, he wouldn't risk his professional staff's efforts for an artist who wasn't signed and was destined to remain a supporting actor. After all, the talent agency had done a lot of work and scientific analysis.

Cai Cai also found it troublesome, "Why did she sign so many company subcontracts?"

"It's all for fame." That's normal. The more you want to be famous, the more trouble you'll cause, the more trouble you'll create, and the more trouble you'll create, the harder it will be to become famous.

"The best solution now is to let her exploit the loopholes in the contract, breach the contract, and become a defendant, with the company providing support. However, this will have some negative consequences. Since her original company is overseas, if she enters that country's customs due to a lawsuit, she could easily be detained. She should also be cautious about traveling to countries with certain agreements with that country."

Even if this person wants to work and develop their career in China for the rest of their life, things are different now. Going abroad is very convenient. If the situation worsens and she is never able to leave the country again, the loss will affect her entire life, not just her career. This person definitely cannot bear the consequences.

"Not to mention her family members are all abroad."

Cai Cai sighed. There was no other way. "So you insisted that all my contracts be with Wanqian in the first place, just to prevent me from signing separate contracts?"

Xianjun nodded, "It's normal for artists to sign separate contracts to make it easier for them to control their careers, but everything has its pros and cons. When everything goes smoothly, then everything goes smoothly; when things don't go smoothly, then everything goes wrong." After explaining briefly, he asked Cai Cai which of the six made the best initial impression.

"Number two, please. Very much like a palace maid, won't break the audience's immersion. Even if we don't pair well, it's still a safe choice." It's a very safe option.

The Immortal Lord wasn't surprised that Cai Cai chose this role; she had a director's mindset. "Does number four still need to audition?"

Cai Cai nodded, "Yes, they all went to so much trouble to get this role, and then they weren't even given a chance to audition. It's too cruel."

Okay. After seeing very few actresses, there are only 130 actors left.

"Oh right, Cai Cai forgot," she said, "which role did Cao Xin assign?" The emperor definitely wouldn't be him, nor would the other three princes-in-law and the guards; his acting wouldn't be up to par. That leaves the master, senior brother, junior brother, the richest man, the tenth prince, and the young swordsman. "The tenth prince probably won't work either; he definitely can't portray that self-righteous, sleazy air. After ruling out the master, that leaves the senior brother, junior brother, and the young swordsman."

"Young hero," the immortal lord revealed the answer directly.

Cai Cai clicked her tongue, thinking it made sense. Since Huai Shi had agreed, and with Cheng Ming's support, Cao Xin would definitely get a good role; at the very least, his appearance would be a big plus. The young hero was exactly that kind of role.

Because the Ninth Princess was instructed by the Immortal Lord to film the story in a more serious direction, the character of the young hero wasn't the kind of young hero found in fantasy dramas, but rather a young hero from a martial arts world, emphasizing the word "hero." His appearance wasn't about being exquisitely beautiful, but rather good-looking; his character was dashing and righteous, and he would rob the rich to help the poor and speak out against injustice.

The company's styling references early martial arts dramas, including characters like Lu Xiaofeng, Chu Liuxiang, Murong Fu, and Duan Yu. The main message was to have it all.

Upon hearing what the Immortal Lord said, Cai Cai laughed in anger, "Each of these roles is exceptional, not to mention the actors themselves are top-notch, even the character's temperament is something Cao Xin couldn't portray, right? Can't you be a little more discerning? Trying to do it all will only lead to disaster. It would be good enough if he could portray one clean and crisp performance."

"The investors should really be allowed to act alongside artists like Cao Xin themselves." She'd acted with Cao Xin before, so she knows Cao Xin's capabilities all too well. Cao Xin is the kind of person who doesn't even know where to begin improving; it's a miracle she doesn't regress.