American Entertainment: Starting with playing the role of Little Beaver

Chapter 14: My first day on set, I have to play Hermione!
"Good morning, Director Chris!"

"Oh, Isa, good morning. Why are you so wet? Did you run into trouble on the way?"

“Yeah, it rained today and the roads were very congested, but luckily my mom chose to take the highway. We came from Heathrow Airport, otherwise I might have been late on my first day on set.”

"This is a wise decision, but things won't be delayed today because there's no filming today."

Columbus smiled at the little girl and asked, "Did you bring a change of clothes?"

"Of course, it's with my mom."

"Okay, go change. It's uncomfortable to wear wet clothes. After you're changed, just come find me. Our task today is very simple, so simple that you can't even start alone."

In the Hollywood industry, an actor joining a production crew usually means the start of filming.

However, this is just the general procedure, and it must be for adult projects.

For a film primarily featuring children, the first task for everyone on set is actually to get to know each other.

After all, children's social skills are not as good as adults'.

When adults meet, even if they don't know each other, they can still put on a smile and pretend to be friendly. But children can't do that. If children aren't allowed to get to know each other beforehand, the sense of unfamiliarity that surrounds them will cause endless disasters to be captured by the lens that magnifies everything.

Therefore, having a tea party before officially starting filming is the most important thing for Chris Columbus, the newly appointed kindergarten principal, to do. And when Isabella changed out of her wet clothes and reappeared, Ron was already there.

Not only that, he and the director were having a great chat.

"Yay~ I played Peter Pan in a school play."

"But I don't actually like him that much because he's too perfect. He'll never grow up and will always live in his own world. That ability is wonderful, and I like it a lot, but at the same time, it's impossible for it to exist, isn't it?"

Rupert and Columbus faced each other across the table.

He spoke fluently and confidently, more like a well-behaved child or a good student.

but……

"Oh~ Rupert~ What happened to you?"

Isabella walked over with a smile, greeting Columbus as she said, "If I remember correctly, you didn't talk like this when we first met. You made me the center of attention with a scream that day."

"Isabella?? When did you arrive???"

The place where the tea party was held resembled a classroom.

The room was rectangular, and the director was sitting with his back against one wall, surrounded by tables and chairs.

Isabella entered from the back, and unless she made a loud noise, it would be difficult for the people on one-on-one with the director to notice her.

Therefore, as soon as the question was asked, Rupert jumped up like a startled rabbit.

But the next second, he returned to normal.

“Isa~ I told you that day~ it was an accident. I really didn’t expect to meet the legendary person on the final day, so…”

"Oh~Okay——"

Seeing that the other person was about to repeat what she had said that day, Isabella decisively interrupted:

"Rupert, can we talk about something? Could you please stop bringing up things you've never met before the final interview? Because saying things like that might make people think I'm a nepotism hire."

"Although... I have pretty strong connections, even Aunt Rowling likes me."

Isabella winked at Rupert.

"???"

The little guy was stunned by the self-destructive words.

He admitted that his surprise that day did indeed contain elements of unexpected emotion.

After all, it's too absurd to only hear their voice but never see them.

Everyone else is going through the casting process step by step, and you end up in the final round?

Wow~
What's the difference between this and someone who was born with 'CHOSEN·1' tattooed on their back?

Isn't this the chosen one?

But even if he had such thoughts, his upbringing wouldn't allow him to say such things, but now...

Why did you just blurt it out yourself?

This made him a little embarrassed.

Rupert was momentarily at a loss for words, while Columbus rested his chin on his hands and chuckled silently.

That's the greatest significance of a tea party.

Both Rupert and Isabella are lively, but Isabella is noticeably more mature than Rupert.

Columbus believed that if Rupert were an adult, he would certainly have been able to handle Isabella's self-deprecating remarks, but now... well, it's all about getting to know each other.

The pause in the scene prompted Columbus to pick up the conversation, making a few witty remarks to Isabella before starting a new topic. As the atmosphere in the room heated up again, the third group of people arrived.

That's Eggsy and Maggie Smith.

These two came in together.

At first, Isabella thought it was a coincidence.

But after the two sat down, Isabella, who overheard their conversation with the director, learned that Daniel Bryan and Maggie Smith had known each other for a long time, many years ago.

“Uh…yes…we’ve known each other for many years. Daniel’s mother works at the BBC, and like Susie, she’s a casting director. We’ve had frequent professional interactions before…”

"Then, didn't Daniel star in the BBC-funded 'David Copperfield' last year? In that movie, he played the young Copperfield, and I played his great-aunt."

Since this wasn't a secret, Maggie Smith spoke freely.

But Isabella, upon hearing this news for the first time, began to wonder to herself—

'My goodness! A boy who survives such a close call is a pureblood, whether on set or in the movie!'

Despite her surprise, Isabella didn't show it on the surface.

He smiled and reached out his hand to Dan Niu.

"Hello, I'm Isabella Heywood. I play Hermione Granger in the movie."

"Hello, I'm Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter in the movies."

Daniel wasn't intimidated. As he shook hands with Isabella, he smiled and said, "I've heard Grandma Maggie talk about you. She said you're great, you learned acting much faster than me, and you're very thoughtful and have a lot of ideas."

"It is my honor to receive Maggie's recognition."

The old lady's praise made Isabella beam with joy, but at the same time she added, "So you call Maggie Grandma, right?"

“Yeah~ What’s wrong?” Egg Girl didn’t understand what Isabella meant.

Isabella looked worried and said, "Oh no, oh no, now it's all messed up."

“My name is Teacher Maggie, but you call her Grandma? Does that make me your Auntie?”

"Don't call me Aunt Granger anymore, it'll make me feel awkward."

"???"

Even though Dan Niu had seen a lot of things, he was still stunned at this moment!

Rupert, who had intended to greet Eggsy politely, stared wide-eyed, looking as if he had seen a ghost!
Dan Niu is a film producer, the original author, and a big shot in the group!

And the first thing you said was, "I'm your aunt?"

Oh!

My!

God!

Are you trying to be on equal footing with the director?
Rupert was speechless, while Columbus and the old lady sitting beside him were almost laughing through their tears.

They exchanged a glance and instantly reached a consensus—

Given Isabella's mischievous personality, there shouldn't be any major conflicts within the production team in the future.

Because Isabella can turn any problem into a joke.

As everyone chatted, other people gradually arrived.

Then, Isabella met a bunch of people with connections.

It's not meant to be derogatory; it's purely a neutral term.

For example, Tom Felton, who played the young master, knew Chris Columbus.

He entered the industry in 95 and played the lead role in Pete Hewitt's "The Lodger" in 97.

Because of his good acting, he was introduced to Andy Tennant, and then played the son of the female lead in Andy Tennant's film "Anna and the King." Yes, that's the movie starring Chow Yun-fat and Jodie Foster.

But the collaboration between the two is not the real focus. The focus is that Andy Tennant started his career as an actor, playing minor roles for most of his early career, until he met Steven Spielberg in 1979 and filmed Spielberg's "1941".

"1941" is a script by Robert Zemeckis.

Yes, the young master's resume went directly to the director.

Furthermore, the young master initially met Harry Potter as well, but he wasn't given the same priority as Haley Osmont.

For example, Sean Bigstaff, who played Oliver Wood, the captain and goalkeeper of the Gryffindor Quidditch team who had a lot of screen time in "Harry Potter," came with Professor Snape.

Because Snape was his teacher and also his agent.

As the saying goes, how could a society made up of people be devoid of human relationships?

However, even though HP does consider personal relationships, most of the characters are still selected through general elections.

Like Rupert, who played Ron, he was a regular cast member in Harry Potter;
And Bonnie, who plays Ginny, is the same...

In addition, HP also refused to speak to anyone, namely Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore.

Anyone familiar with Harry Potter knows that this old man only took on the role of Dumbledore because his granddaughter liked Harry Potter.

Furthermore, in order to fulfill his granddaughter's wish that "the whole family should act in Harry Potter," he also wanted to get a role for his niece.

Because his niece is also interested in HP.

Unfortunately, even though Rowling personally invited Richard Harris, she did not agree to his request.

Therefore, he brought his niece along today, hoping to give her a taste of her own medicine.

In her past life, when Isabella heard this gossip, her first reaction was that Dumbledore's niece was really no good, otherwise why would the production team not even give her a supporting role? That doesn't make sense, right?
In this life, after hearing the old man's regrets, Isabella felt something was amiss.

This wasn't just because there were connections within the Harry Potter crew. If the director and Snape could bring people along, how could Dumbledore not? It was also because after making eye contact with Dumbledore's niece, she suddenly felt that the other person looked somewhat familiar.

Go up and greet them, then cautiously inquire.

Isabella was even more confused when she learned that Dumbledore's niece was named Annabella Wallis.

Because this girl was actually an actress in her past life, and even starred in blockbusters. She played Mia, the female lead in James Wan's "Annabelle" movie, and Tom Cruise's girlfriend in "The Mummy".

Although these are all her future works, the fact that she can act in them at least proves that she has talent, so...

Why didn't HP open the door to her?

Isabella couldn't understand it.

"That's because Joanne is wary of me."

Today, Columbus's primary focus is on Isabella.

After noticing the guy who brought everyone so much laughter standing there dumbfounded, he immediately walked over, put his hands in front of him, and said frankly, "Anna was born in England, but she immigrated to Portugal with her parents when she was one year old, and she's still there now."

“If Joanne accepts Anna, the crew will become impure; Anna will be no different from the Portuguese.”

Isabella understood.

So it all comes down to a power struggle!
At the same time, Isabella was also somewhat embarrassed.

Although the whole world knows that Columbus and Rowling had a conflict, isn't it a bit inappropriate to talk about these things in public?

Not to mention, she, Isabella, was someone J.K. Rowling pushed.

And you, Chris Columbus, were a party involved in the incident!

So?

"Oh~ You're definitely more mature than I imagined~"

Isabella's silence made Columbus smile.

He stopped talking about those awkward things and got straight to the point: "I'm talking to you because I want to ask you for a favor."

"What kind of help?" Isabella replied decisively, "Director, don't worry, as long as it's within my power, I'll definitely help."

"Of course you can do it..."

Columbus said, "I heard from Sir Maggie Smith that you've finished reading the script?" "So, can you become Hermione Granger right now?"

"Next, I'd like to show everyone around the script..."

Previously, Maggie Smith had mentioned when giving Isabella some extra help that the script for Harry Potter differed somewhat from the original novel because movies and novels are two different things. Movies have limited narrative time, so side stories unrelated to the main plot need to be streamlined.

Isabella was already very familiar with all of this; she had done her homework beforehand to familiarize herself with the role. Now, Columbus hoped that she could cooperate with him and lead everyone to catch up on their studies.

That's right, Columbus was going to explain to the young actors the differences between the script and the original story.

The reason for doing this is simple: all the actors present had read Harry Potter, or rather, those who hadn't read the original work wouldn't pass the first audition. So, if the differences weren't explained before filming, the production team might end up with a ton of questions.

This is not unfounded worry.

This is a lesson learned the hard way in Hollywood.

If you don't satisfy the children's curiosity, the filming might not be able to continue.

Especially when you know many of the children, it's not easy to say 'No' to their curiosity.

According to the original plan, this explanation would be a collaboration between the film's screenwriter and director, who would explain why from the perspective of cinematic narrative. If the young actors still had questions, then Rowling would be consulted.

But now, Columbus feels he can change his partner...

“Let’s play a game now. It’s a quiz with prizes. For every question answered correctly, the person who answers correctly will get one point. Finally, the person with the highest score can make a wish to me. For example, I like Harry Potter, so I want to take the costume of the character I played home as a souvenir. Okay, no problem, I agree. You can wear it after filming is over.”

Once all the invitees had arrived, Chris Columbus, the kindergarten director, had everyone take turns introducing themselves.

Then, he played some games with everyone, and the rewards he described made everyone's eyes light up.

"Oh~ I want to know if I can make any wish?"

Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville Longbottom, was the first to raise his hand.

“You can make a wish first and let me hear it,” Chris Columbus said with a smile.

“I want all the wands, is that okay?” Neville asked.

Before Columbus could even answer, the young master rolled his eyes and said, "All the wands? I still want Hogwarts! If you take the wands, the first person to panic won't be the director, but Warner Bros., because they won't be able to make any more movies."

"Hahahaha~"

Those elected through popular vote may not know that David Heyman wanted to make seven films, but those with connections do.

Therefore, the young master's words made everyone burst into laughter.

Neville was a little embarrassed, but Columbus liked the atmosphere. "Okay, if you get first place and insist on making this wish, then I'll let you take your own wand home, is that alright?"

“Oh—Yeah~” Neville was delighted.

Seeing that he was seated, Columbus continued, "Then, let the game officially begin."

"My first question is, can anyone tell me the title of the first chapter of the first Harry Potter book?"

Swah——

Before he finished speaking, a forest suddenly appeared in the huge hall.

This problem couldn't be simpler for everyone.

however--

"The Boy Who Lived".

While everyone was still hoping that Columbus would call on them, the blonde little girl sitting at the very front had already given her answer.

This situation stunned everyone, but it also made Columbus nod in satisfaction.

“That’s right, it’s ‘The Boy Who Lived’, Ms. Heywood, one point.”

He clapped his hands, indicating that he had made his decision.

Before he could finish speaking, a murmur arose. Before anyone could question him, Columbus, who knew what the child wanted to say, added, "However, since Ms. Haywood did not raise her hand before answering, five points will be deducted and she will receive a warning."

"If you continue to act recklessly like this, I will disqualify you from the competition."

Clapping again, like a yellow card.

Isabella looked disappointed, while the children around her thought it was perfectly okay.

The approving look on his face made Columbus and the adults who had guessed his intentions chuckle to themselves.

Next, Columbus asked a few simple questions, calling on different people to answer them. This egalitarian approach piqued everyone's interest and allowed Columbus to reveal his true colors.

"Now, can anyone tell me, from whose perspective is the chapter about the boy who survived the ordeal told?"

As soon as the question was raised, countless hands appeared on the scene.

This question wasn't difficult for anyone, but unfortunately, Columbus called on four people in a row, and they all answered it wrong.

"No, not Dumbledore."

"No, not Professor McGonagall."

"No, she's not Harry's aunt."

"No, and he's not Harry's uncle either."

The continuous denials left everyone confused.

"Wait a minute, director—there were only a few of them among the boys who survived, so what's the answer?"

Rupert, who plays Ron, was quite puzzled.

Looking around, Columbus's boundless curiosity led him to focus his gaze on Isabella, who hadn't raised her hand since being penalized.

"Miss Haywood, do you know?"

"If you say that all their answers are wrong, then there is only one answer."

The blonde girl said calmly, "I guess you want to hear about the Dursleys."

"Because the beginning of The Boy Who Lived is described by J.K. Rowling in the third person, describing the Dursleys."

"Yeah~"

Director Columbus was very satisfied and exclaimed, "Congratulations, Miss Haywood. Correct answer."

This acknowledgment caused everyone to frown; they couldn't understand why the answer was so abstract.

Don't Harry's aunt and uncle belong to the Dursleys?

This is just nitpicking!
Columbus explained, "The reason I asked this question is because this part of the story will not appear in the movie. In the novel, Rowling's description of the Dursleys was only to emphasize their dislike for Harry, but these details could be shown in later parts of the story. So, after discussing it with Rowling, we removed the repetitive scenes."

"Oh--"

Everyone understood.

"So that's it?"

"I think I've figured out how to really play this game."

The kids were eager to keep climbing the ranks.

Unfortunately, the questions that followed were increasingly tricky.

For example, Harry and the young master first met at Madam Malkin's robe shop.

This part of the plot did not appear in the script.

Normally, Columbus only needs to ask about the location of their first meeting to reveal the differences between the script and the original story.

But he deliberately didn't do that; he wanted to strengthen everyone's memories, so he asked—

Does anyone know what Dracula's first words were when Harry and Dracula first met?

Young Master can answer this question himself.

"Decora asked Harry if he was also going to Hogwarts!"

"No."

Columbus shook his head.

"what?"

A gasp of surprise rose from below.

Columbus looked at Isabella—

"Hey."

Isabella returned with a relaxed and carefree attitude.

“Yeah~ it’s ‘hey’.”

Columbus was very happy.

“Lorin’s Malfoy is a rather arrogant child, at least in the first book. He has a sense of superiority no matter who he meets, so ‘Hey’ is the answer I want.”

"The reason I asked this question is because this part of the plot will not appear in the movie. The reason is the same as other deleted plots: it's repetitive narration. In the novel, this is to strengthen the character, but in the movie, it's a bit redundant."

"And I believe everyone can understand this approach."

"..."

The children who are chosen are not stupid.

After Columbus mentioned the cuts several times, everyone understood his intention.

This is a script reading.

Although Columbus was doing something important, we should listen carefully.

But many people's attention was still drawn to the young girl who was cooperating with him.

At that moment, Isabella simply leaned back in her seat.

Her posture was certainly not ladylike, or rather, it had nothing to do with elegance, but everyone could still sense her nonchalance.

Especially when answering Columbus's questions, her relaxed and carefree demeanor made it seem as if she had written the script herself.

She knew all the differences between the script and the original novel!
And she seemed to know why they were different!
This……

"Wow...did they really find a Hermione?"

"Could she have dissected the script before filming even started?"

The young master was stunned.

He complained in a low voice.

The next second, Professor Snape, who knew what the director was doing and had also worked with children, turned around and said in his signature British accent, "Draco Malfoy, if you don't understand, please listen carefully. Do you want Slytherin to lose points?"

His direct immersion in the role left the young master speechless.

Isabella, who witnessed all of this, curled the corners of her lips into a smile.

Yes, she is the one who started all of this; she's the one who caused the young master to be bullied by the professor.

But she didn't think there was anything wrong with what she did.

Even she herself felt that Columbus's behavior was a bit too meticulous in a commercially focused place like Hollywood.

Because he was not only explaining the script, but also helping everyone get into character. This approach seems out of place in the film industry, but who doesn't want to do something with the utmost care?

If she doesn't like Harry Potter, then she might find Columbus a bit annoying.

But the problem is, she likes it.

So……

"I now declare that Ms. Haywood has won the game. Let us congratulate her."

"Whoosh whoosh-"

The game ended at noon.

When Isabella went on stage to accept the award at Columbus's invitation, she could clearly see the children's eyes sparkling with admiration amidst the thunderous applause, while the adults...

Many of them had smiles on their faces.

This situation made Isabella feel radiant.

What made her think that being Hermione might be quite interesting?

It feels great to be noticed, praised, and admired!
　Thank you to "I am Pure Water Keke" for the donation.

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　　thank you very much
　　
　
(End of this chapter)