This director is so innocent.

Chapter 185 Little Fan Will Become Big Fan

Zhao Shan returned to her office, called Jiao Junyan over from school, and then called Gao Lu back to the company.

Zhao Liying didn't need to be called; ever since she returned from Bangkok, she had been slacking off at the company.

After joining Jianmu Media, Zhao Shan never let her go to Hengdian to work as an extra, and even if she wanted to go, Zhao Shan would not allow it.

How can an artist from Jianmu Media go out and play minor roles? That would not only embarrass her, but also Su Jin.

Thirty minutes later, Jiao Junyan and Gao Lu arrived at the company one after the other.

"Oh—Sister Lu, you're back?" Jiao Junyan said in surprise.

"I've been back for a week now." Gao Lu smiled slightly and asked, "Were you also called back by Sister Shan?"

"The same to you?"

"Um.

""

"Why did Sister Shan call us over in such a hurry?"

"I don't know, we'll find out when we get in."

As they spoke, they pushed open the door to Zhao Shan's office and said, "Sister Shan."

Zhao Shan nodded slightly, stood up and said, "Please sit down, I'll call Li Ying in."

A moment later, Zhao Liying came in and was a little surprised to see Gao Lu and Jiao Junyan there as well.

Then, she greeted the three of them warmly.

After Zhao Liying was seated, Zhao Shan said, "You've all heard of the TV series of the same name, 'Painted Skin,' right?"

"Yes." Gao Lu and Jiao Junyan nodded at the same time, while Zhao Liying looked a little confused.

She arrived at the company a little late, and since the TV series "Painted Skin" was a confidential project, she didn't know about it.

Seeing Zhao Liying shake her head, Zhao Shan didn't explain, but continued, "Painted Skin was a huge hit, and the boss has already agreed to start a TV series adaptation of it."

Gao Lu and Jiao Junyan exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.

Zhao Shan specifically called them back to the company, probably because they have roles in "Painted Skin".

Zhao Liying had spent over two years playing minor roles, and it wasn't for nothing; she naturally understood the meaning behind Zhao Shan's words.

"The storyline of the TV series and the movie 'Painted Skin' is very similar, and the characters are still the same few."

Zhao Shan paused here, and seeing the expectation in the eyes of the three of them, she smiled slightly.

"Originally, the boss wanted to give the roles of Xiaowei, Peirong, and Xiabing to outsiders, but after my strong argument, the boss finally agreed to give them to our own artists."

"The boss ultimately decided on you, Gao Lu, for the role of Pei Rong."

"Thank you, Sister Shan," Gao Lu said immediately, her face full of smiles.

Zhao Shan smiled, turned her gaze to Jiao Junyan, and said, "Junyan, you have a lively personality, so the role of Xia Bing is very suitable for you."

"Thank you, Sister Shan." Jiao Junyan was extremely excited.

"As for you, Liying—the boss gave you the role of 'Xiaowei.'"

Zhao Liying was completely stunned, with an expression of disbelief on her face.

She thought she could get a third or fourth role this time, but then she heard something and the role of Xiao Wei was given to her.

What kind of international joke is this?

Gao Lu and Jiao Junyan looked at Zhao Liying in surprise. They thought they were lucky enough, but they didn't expect there to be someone even better.

But why?

Xiao Wei made a mistake; she actually gave it to a newcomer.

Could it be that Zhao Liying slept with her boss in Bangkok?

They couldn't think of any other reason besides this.

The TV series of the same name as "Painted Skin" already had a strong foundation for success, so the role of "Xiao Wei" would never be given to a newcomer.

Zhao Shan could tell from their expressions that they had misunderstood, so she explained, "Don't get the wrong idea. The role of 'Xiao Wei' was originally meant for Asa, but she didn't want to act in the TV series, so she quit."

The boss couldn't think of anyone to play the role right away, so I suggested Li Ying, and the boss agreed.

Gao Lu and Jiao Junyan exchanged glances, this reason sounded a bit too simplistic! Was there really no shady deal involved?

If Zhao Liying knew what they were thinking, she would definitely say, "No, not at all."

When she was in Bangkok, she had thought about this: would Su Jin take advantage of her while she was alone abroad?

She was both afraid and excited, caught in a dilemma. But even after filming was finished, Su Jin didn't touch her at all, not even a hint.

In fact, let alone any hints, they didn't even exchange more than a few words.

After finishing filming, Su Jin would either gather the crew every day to discuss how to film the next scene, or discuss martial arts moves with Zhang Jin.

This caused Zhao Liying to start doubting her life, feeling that she was not good-looking and not attractive to Su Jin.

If she were as beautiful as Fan Bingbing, Su Jin would definitely take advantage of her.

Zhao Shan took out three scripts and handed them to the three of them, saying, "These are the scripts for the TV series 'Painted Skin.' Familiarize yourselves with them carefully. Filming is expected to begin in two months."

"The roles of Wang Sheng and Pang Yong are also played by people from our company. Luo Jin was cast as Wang Sheng, and Lu Fangsheng was cast as Pang Yong."

"Alright, Gao Lu, Junyan, you two can go out now."

"Goodbye, Sister Shan," Gao Lu and Jiao Junyan said as they stood up.

The two women glanced at Zhao Liying sitting there, which made them even more certain that there was a shady deal involved.

After Gao Lu and Jiao Junyan left, Zhao Shan said, "Liying, spend the next two months studying the script carefully. If there's anything you don't understand, go to the scriptwriting department and ask the scriptwriters for help."

Also, I'll hire a teacher for you to give you some intensive acting training.

"Okay, Sister Shan, I will definitely study hard and live up to your and the boss's expectations." Zhao Liying nodded emphatically, her face serious.

Although she was still a little confused and didn't know why this opportunity had fallen into her lap, she was determined to seize it, even if it came at a price.

After two years of playing minor roles, she understood all too well the disadvantages of not having any powerful connections.

Zhao Shan chatted with Zhao Liying for a while longer before letting her leave.

Then she picked up the phone to contact her teacher, and then contacted the Central Motion Picture Corporation to try to get her staff members the opportunity to star in "The Founding of a Republic".

The casting announcement for "Mulan" caused a sensation in the industry.

With a production cost of $1500 million, it's definitely a blockbuster.

With the director being Su Jin, a highly sought-after and talented director, it would be strange if things didn't turn out crazy.

Looking back on his directing career, his first film grossed over 100 million yuan, his second film grossed over 200 million yuan, and although his third film has not yet been released, it should be no problem for it to gross over 100 million yuan.

As a well-known story, "Mulan" was born with the potential to gross over 100 million.

Most importantly, this is a work featuring a strong female lead.

Those familiar with the film and television industry know that, apart from art films, actresses in movies are generally just decorative figures and rarely have memorable roles.

Huayi, Artist Management Department.

Upon learning the news, Li Xue quickly went to Li Lianhua's office.

"Sis, you know they're casting for the lead role in 'Mulan,' right?"

"I just found out," Li Lianhua said calmly.

"How can you be so calm? 'Mulan,' just from the name, you can tell it's a leading lady role."

"I'm not calm, I'm wondering why Su Jin would release the casting information."

"Is there even a question? It's obviously for publicity!"

"So, do you think this casting is real or fake?"

"It's highly likely to be true. I've never heard of Jianmu Media contacting actresses privately."

"Forget about high probability. Let's find out. If it's just hype, we'd better not get involved," Li Lianhua said calmly.

Great directors always tease a bunch of actors before casting, but they've already secretly decided on the actors long ago.

"OK." Li Xue reflected to herself that she had been a bit too hasty this time.

Zhou Xun has primarily starred in art-house films and rarely appears in commercial films, so her box office appeal remains to be seen.

She wasn't worried about Zhou Xun; in fact, with her position as artist director, she could easily suppress Zhou Xun.

Things are different now. The huge success of "Painted Skin" has proven that Zhou Xun can also carry the box office.

It's possible, probably, maybe, that the box office results have little to do with Zhou Xun, but the audience won't think that way, and neither will the brands.

All they knew was that "Painted Skin," starring Zhou Xun, was a huge hit, with 300 million yuan in box office revenue just around the corner, and it might even become the top-grossing film.

Many brands have already contacted Zhou Xun, wanting her to be their spokesperson.

However, Zhou Xun did not agree, presumably she will only agree when "Painted Skin" regains its box office champion status.

At that time, her net worth will definitely skyrocket.

Another point is that both Wang and Wang seem to be allocating resources towards Zhou Xun.

Actually, all of this is fine and acceptable, after all, Zhou Xun's status is only slightly higher than Li Lianhua's.

Most importantly, Xiao Fan, who was previously outmatched by them, has gained momentum, which is intolerable.

Think back to when Xiao Fan was at Huayi, she was completely suppressed by the two sisters. Otherwise, why would she have gone out and opened her own studio?

Opening a personal studio is nowhere as convenient as having the backing of a big company like Huayi.

Just look at the resources Xiao Fan has had since he left; let alone blockbusters, he hasn't even had a film by a slightly big-name director.

If it weren't for her incredible luck in getting involved with Su Jin, a wealthy man, Xiao Fan wouldn't even be a threat to them.

Xiao Fan is really Xiao Fan, not someone with a perverse sense of humor.

The two kings call Fan Xiaopang "Xiao Fan" and Li Lianhua "Bingbing".

Li Xue made several phone calls in front of Li Lianhua, and the calls were not finished until half an hour later.

"Sister, it's confirmed. The female lead for Mulan wasn't decided privately. Su Jin is really going to choose the female lead."

Li Lianhua's eyes lit up, and she stood up abruptly. She slammed her hand on the table and said in a deep voice, "Find a way to contact Su Jin. I'll treat him to a meal."

OK.

""

At the same time, Zhou Xun's agent, Yu Guangzhao, also received the news and immediately called Zhou Xun.

"Xiao Xun, is there any hope for Mulan?"

"No, I asked Su Jin privately, and he explicitly rejected me, saying that my image was not suitable."

"Then let Li Bingbing get this role?"

"Not necessarily. Liu Yifei and Su Jin have a good relationship, so she might get the role."

"Liu Yifei? That can't be! Her image isn't really suitable!"

"There's nothing wrong with it. Even if it's not suitable, it's still more suitable than me."

"What about Fan Bingbing?"

"She probably won't be a good fit either; she's too alluring-looking. Su Jin probably won't choose her."

Fan Xiaopang was unaware that Zhou Xun had said she couldn't do it; she was on the phone with Su Jin at that moment, discussing "Mulan" in the movie.

"Why can't I do it?" Fan Xiaopang said angrily.

"Your appearance is not suitable; you're too glamorous. Mulan is a soldier, so her appearance should be more heroic and spirited."

"Su Jin explained."

Upon hearing this, Fan Xiaopang immediately thought of her nemesis, Li Bingbing, whose appearance was more of the heroic type.

Do you think Li Bingbing is suitable?

"Yes," Su Jin replied honestly.

It really is Li Bingbing.

Fan Xiaopang frowned and said, "Can we not choose her?"

"Sure!" Su Jin said with a smile.

"Really?" Fan Xiaopang said in surprise.

"Fake."

"Su Jin, you bastard!" Fan Xiaopang angrily hung up the phone. She was really stupid to believe Su Jin's bullshit.

Su Jin looked at the phone that had been hung up and smiled.

There are very few mainland Chinese actresses who would be suitable for Mulan; you could count them on your fingers.

The "Four Dan and Two Bing" (referring to four top actresses and two top actresses in China) also include Liu Yifei.

In terms of fame, all five of them are suitable.

In terms of appearance, Zhou Xun is a pass; her voice and stature are too short.

Zhang Ziyi's voice is suitable, but she is short and thin, so she's a pass.

Xu Cai Ren's figure and voice are suitable, but she has an artistic face and looks a bit weak, which might distract the audience.

Fan Xiaopang goes without saying; his appearance is too flamboyant.

Zhao Zhetian is undoubtedly the most suitable of the five, but he is not popular with readers.

That leaves Li Lianhua and Ya Huazi. Both are suitable, but the only drawback of the latter is that she looks a little too young and not mature enough.

But it doesn't matter much, you can do makeup later.

If it were a 30-year-old with prominent teeth, she would undoubtedly be the most suitable.

Don't say that Mulan was big and strong, with arms big enough to run a horse; that's art, not reality.

If we really cast the actors like this, who would watch it?!

Thank goodness we went to my maternal grandmother's house.

Chaoyang District, Hongxingwu Entertainment.

Chen Jinfei sat in the boss's chair, looking rather thin, indicating that he had suffered during his six months of intensive training.

"Jin Fei, can you help Qianqian get the lead role in 'Mulan'?" Liu Xiaoli looked at Chen Jinfei hopefully.

"Xiaoli, you really think highly of me. Su Jin didn't even pay tribute to Huayi. Do you think he would respect me?" Chen Jinfei said with a wry smile.

If it were last year, he might have been able to help Sisi get the role; at worst, he would have spent money, even if it was tiring. But that's not possible now.

During the six months I was studying, I lost contact with many friends.

With the outbreak of the financial crisis, his assets shrank by more than half, and he could no longer afford to invest money.

"What should we do? Qianqian hasn't had any acting offers for almost a year." Liu Xiaoli was very worried, which made Chen Jinfei feel very distressed.

He wanted to take Liu Xiaoli into his arms and comfort her, but then he decided against it.

"Isn't Sisi on good terms with Su Jin? Tell her to go and beg Su Jin."

"They have a good relationship, but you know Qianqian's personality. She would never ask Su Jin for help." Liu Xiaoli felt angry just thinking about her daughter's personality.

"That's hard to say. You were the one who stopped her before, but now she's grown up and it's time for her to find a boyfriend."

"Boyfriend? Do you think Su Jin would be interested in Xixi?"

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