Chinese Entertainment: Academic Director

Chapter 115: Is the All-Star Lineup OK?
When it comes to Casey Affleck, most people in Hollywood would be confused, but when it comes to his brother Ben Affleck, who is three years older than him, he is almost a household name.

Due to his brother's dazzling brilliance, Casey Affleck's acting career has been lukewarm. Some media even ignore his name in reports and use "Ben Affleck's younger brother" instead.

Unlike his brother who is keen on blockbuster films, he has always been in the field of art films.

It was only in the past two years that he began to play some inconspicuous supporting roles in some commercial blockbusters.

To be honest, the path of an actor is sometimes too accidental. He has always had good resources, but he just can't become popular.

Having been involved in the art film industry for many years, he certainly knew Cao Yang.

Cao Yang has a very big reputation in the field of art films, not only in Europe, but also in the United States.

When Casey Affleck learned that Cao Yang was going to shoot a biographical film in Hollywood, he kept following the news to see if there was any opportunity.

He finally got the news he wanted from the casting agency: an important supporting role, but he was gay, and there were some intimate scenes.

Casey Affleck hesitated for only five seconds before deciding to audition without hesitation.

On the day of the scheduled audition, Casey Affleck arrived fifteen minutes early. As the audition time was approaching, he found that only two people showed up. He breathed a sigh of relief as there were not many competitors and hoped that he would have good luck.

The first person called in was a tall, thin, handsome young man. Casey Affleck knew this man because he played Harry Osborn in Spider-Man, which was released in May.

Casey Affleck couldn't help but feel a little worried again. Spider-Man was a big hit, and although this guy was not the protagonist, his fame was still greatly boosted.

Besides, having had a hit movie is a qualification that directors value more.

Fifteen minutes later, "Harry Osborn" came out. He probably wouldn't tell the result on the spot, so there was no clue from his face.

"Hey man, what's going on in there?"

asked another one waiting for the audition.

Harry Osborn shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing special, just a performance."

Casey Affleck then noticed the other guy, who seemed vaguely familiar. He thought about it and seemed to have played a role in "Band of Brothers".

After a few minutes, someone came over and called out, "Tom Hardy, it's your turn."

"So this guy's name is Tom Hardy."

Casey Affleck said to himself, he’s not a very famous actor.

When Tom Hardy came out of the audition room, Casey Affleck couldn't help but ask, "Hey, man, what's going on in there?"

Tom Hardy imitated the expression of "Harry Osborn" just now and shrugged his shoulders. "Nothing special, just a performance."

"damn it!"

Casey Affleck couldn't help but curse in his heart.

Finally it was Casey Affleck's turn. When he entered, he first said hello and then secretly observed that there were four people and a video camera at the scene.

The person sitting in the middle must be Director Cao Yang, which is very easy to tell.

Director Cao Yang looks very young, but he is more dignified than his brother. He didn't speak, and no one in the room spoke.

The people from the Screen Actors Guild look like mere decorations.

After Cao Yang finished reading Casey Affleck's profile, he said, "Let's get started."

Behrman first asked: "Affleck, are you aware that the character you are competing for is a homosexual?"

Casey Affleck nodded, "Yes sir, I understand."

Behrman then asked, "Affleck, are you aware that the role you are competing for has an intimate scene with a man?" Casey Affleck nodded again, "Yes sir, I am aware."

Behrman then asked a third question, "So, are you okay with playing a gay character?"

"Yes sir, I can."

Behrman then asked the final question, "Would you be okay with a gay character having intimate scenes with other men?"

"Yes sir, I can."

Berman nodded, and he had finished asking his questions.

Cao Yang randomly pulled out a piece of paper with a short clip inside. He handed it to Casey Affleck and said, "Affleck, you have ten minutes to prepare and perform this clip."

"Okay, thank you, Director."

After Affleck finished his performance, Cao Yang said, "Very exciting, good performance, you are a very talented actor."

Well, that's actually a cliché, and he said the same thing to Tom Hardy and James Franco.

However, Casey Affleck was very happy after hearing this. He couldn't help but say, "Thank you, sir. You are a director I admire very much."

Behrman said: "Affleck, we will inform you of the results within three days. Thank you for coming today."

After the interview, the person from the actors' union hesitated for a moment and said to Cao Yang softly before leaving: "Ben Affleck said that you are a director he admires very much, and he would like to treat you to a meal if there is a chance."

After the people from the Actors Guild left, Cao Yang asked Berman with some doubt, "Is this still possible? Shouldn't the Actors Guild..."

Behrman smiled and replied, "Did he say anything? He just told me that Ben Affleck, a big star, admires you and wants to treat you to a meal. There's nothing wrong with that."

Cao Yang was silent for a moment. "Well, it is true that there is no violation. It is completely fair and just and protects the interests of the actors."

He really knows how to play it. Even if he didn't use his brother and there was no direct conflict, he could pretend nothing happened. It's much smarter than calling directly.

"Who are you going to choose?"

“Is Ben Affleck well-connected?”

"Nonsense, he won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay at the age of 25, he's a top star, and he and Matt Damon are close friends who grew up naked together. Many people are optimistic about him."

Cao Yang nodded, indicating that he understood. It turned out that he won the Best Original Screenplay at the age of 25. That was really amazing.

What awards did you win when you were 25?

Well, we won’t know until next year.

This role was played by James Franco in the original version, but he is too thin and too young now, which is a bit inconsistent with the role positioning.

The same goes for Tom Hardy, who looks too immature and young, which doesn't quite fit the role.

Casey Affleck fits the bill. This guy has been working in the art film industry, and he looks like an art guy, with a melancholy face.

If such a person came out, it would not be surprising at all and would be more easily accepted.

But there's no rush to decide which one to use.

Through his experiences during this period, Cao Yang has gained a certain understanding of Hollywood. All kinds of bad things can happen, and he has now lost some confidence in this movie.

So I got mad in my heart and thought, screw Hollywood, screw the Oscars, I don’t care whether I win an award or not. I’m not here to conquer, I’m here to destroy!

If nothing works, just make a fucking all-star gay movie, no matter if it wins awards or not, just put in more intimate scenes to leave more memories for future superstars!

(End of this chapter)