Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, I became a legend in the entertainment industry by avo

Chapter 140 Rules and Coverage

Since "The Founding of a Republic" gathered more than 170 stars, such tribute films have been known for their star-studded casts.

When Zhang Li first came, Zhang Heping thought that it was someone behind Zhang Qilin who wanted to use the tribute film to give Zhang Qilin some exposure.

He'd seen this kind of thing many times before, so he didn't take it to heart.

But Zhang Yimou's appearance made him realize that something was wrong.

Things weren't as simple as he thought.

Although neither of the characters in these two films are the main characters, they are both very distinctive.

The fact that this kid can simultaneously manage two major projects shows that his capabilities far exceed his imagination.

This put him under tremendous pressure.

Zhang Heping's gaze lingered on Zhang Qilin's face.

He knew in his heart that someone was using Zhang Qilin to set up a scheme, and what they wanted to do was definitely not simple.

No wonder this child is so talented; he must have been carefully nurtured since childhood.

But they sent people to the Beijing People's Art Theatre —

A moment later, Zhang Heping gestured toward the sofa: "Qi Lin, this is Director Zhang Yimou, and next to him is Director Zhang Li. You've met before. Director Yimou came here today specifically for his new movie."

Zhang Yi walked up to Zhang Qilin and extended his hand: "Hello."

"Hello, Director Zhang," Zhang Qilin said, shaking the other person's hands with both of his.

Zhang Yi looked Zhang Qilin up and down.

The young man in front of him had a clean and even somewhat reserved demeanor, but he was still a step away from the tough and masculine image of Instructor Li that he had imagined.

However, he has a good foundation; if he's assigned to the military for a few months, he should be able to improve.

"Sit down," Zhang Heping gestured for Zhang Qilin to sit on the other side of the single sofa. "In a certain director's new movie, 'The Flowers of War,' there's a role for an anti-Japanese officer named Instructor Li. The director thinks your appearance and temperament are suitable and wants you to give it a try."

Zhang Yi then spoke up: "I've looked at your information. The role of Instructor Li isn't the one with the most screen time, but it's very important. I need you to cultivate a soldier's demeanor before filming begins—"

He spoke with Zhang Qilin as if it were just a routine director's audition of an actor.

Zhang Qilin listened very attentively.

After Zhang finished speaking, he nodded and said, "I understand, Director Zhang, thank you for giving me this opportunity."

"Don't thank me yet," he said, looking directly at Zhang Qilin. "The role of Instructor Li requires portraying the toughness of a soldier, as well as the complex psychology before his sacrifice. Do you think you can do it?"

Zhang Qilin did not answer immediately.

He paused for two seconds, then raised his head and met Zhang Yimou's gaze with a frank expression: "Director Zhang, I dare not say that it can be done right now, but if you give me the opportunity, I will do my best to meet your requirements."

Zhang Yimou then spoke up: "In the end, to save those female students, Instructor Li detonated a grenade and perished with the enemy. In that scene, you had to control your emotions and deliver the explosive moments precisely—do you think you could do that?"

'

Zhang Qilin thought for a moment and replied seriously, "Director Zhang, the stage and the movie are indeed different. The stage relies on physical movements and voice to amplify emotions, while the movie relies on eyes and micro-expressions to convey inner feelings. But I believe that the core of acting is the same."

"Understand the character, become the character. As long as you thoroughly understand the character, you will naturally have something to say in front of the camera."

A slight smile finally appeared on Zhang Yimou's face, but he quickly suppressed it: "It's all talk, actions speak louder than words."

At this moment, Zhang Heping spoke up: "Zhang Qilin, whether it's Director Zhang Li's film or another director's film, it's not for you to gain prestige. Once you join the crew, there will be no special treatment. If you act well, the director will keep you; if you don't act well, the director will fire you. I'll continue training here. Is that alright?"

Zhang Heping is well aware that in this industry, resources can propel you up, but strength is what allows you to stand firm.

Zhang Qilin is now a member of the Beijing People's Art Theatre; his presence on the field represents the theatre's overall level.

Therefore, he could not allow Zhang Qilin to tarnish the reputation of the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Qilin nodded without hesitation and said, "No problem, Dean."

Zhang Heping looked at the two directors: "You both heard that."

Zhang Yi nodded, took out the script and handed it to Zhang Qilin: "That's settled then. Take the script back and read it. We'll discuss it again after we finish filming Director Zhang Li's scenes."

Zhang Qilin quickly stood up and took the script with both hands: "Thank you, Director Zhang. I will definitely prepare well."

Zhang Heping waved his hand: "Alright, go back to rehearsals."

Zhang Qilin bowed to each of the three men, then turned and left the office.

When only three people remained in the office, Zhang Yimou looked at Zhang Heping and said, "Thank you for your support, Dean Zhang."

Zhang Heping said unhurriedly, "It's a good thing to let him go out and broaden his horizons—"

Zhang Yi continued, "Dean Zhang, besides meeting Zhang Qilin, I've come here to discuss a few other important projects that haven't been finalized. I wonder if the teachers at the Beijing People's Art Theatre would be interested?"

Having been in the entertainment industry for so many years, he is very familiar with what's going on inside.

Even with Zhang Li speaking up for him, it would still put Dean Zhang Heping in a difficult position if he didn't offer any tangible benefits to the institute.

Zhang Heping was not surprised at all upon hearing this. He had worked with Zhang Yimou before and knew the man fairly well.

To be able to stay in the entertainment industry for so many years, one must have exceptional qualities.

Two renowned directors came to him personally to request that he grant them the green light twice in a row.

However, if Zhang Qilin cannot bring some benefits to the institute, it will be difficult for him to stay there in the future.

Now it's different. When he goes out to act, it's for the benefit of the other people in the theater, so no one can gossip about it.

Zhang Heping responded with a smile: "Yi Mou, you are an internationally renowned director. It is a rare experience for actors to participate in your film. On behalf of the actors in the theater, I would like to thank Director Zhang for giving us this opportunity."

This statement implies tacit approval and also definitively defines the exchange as the director giving the actors an opportunity.

"You're too kind, Dean. It's the actors from Beijing People's Art Theatre who have solid skills, so I feel at ease using them," Zhang Yimou replied with a smile.

Zhang Heping then said, "When would be a convenient time for you two directors to come to the theater and give our actors a couple of lessons?"

This was a personal invitation from him, and it would benefit all the staff in the hospital, which would eliminate any remaining dissatisfaction.

Zhang Li nodded first: "No problem, I'll come as soon as I finish this film."

Zhang hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

At this point, the objective has been achieved, and even exceeded expectations.

For both directors, it's over.

But for Zhang Heping, there are some things that require the three of them to coordinate their statements.

"There might be some speculation from the outside world that Zhang Qilin is able to act in both of your plays at the same time," he said, looking at the two directors. "This kid is from the Beijing People's Art Theatre. I recommended him, and that's why you two gave him the opportunity to audition. As for the result, it all depends on his own ability."

Zhang Li and Zhang Yi exchanged a glance.

Zhang Li immediately replied with a smile, "Of course, we know what to say."

Zhang Yimou nodded and said, "Don't worry, Dean Zhang. He's a member of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, and that won't change no matter where he goes."

In just a few words, the matter was settled.

Zhang Qilin was able to participate in two big-budget productions at the same time.

It wasn't because he had any extraordinary resources behind him, nor because he was so exceptionally talented that directors were scrambling to get him.

Rather, it was the training he received at the Beijing People's Art Theatre that gave him a solid foundation, and the two directors, out of respect for Zhang Heping, gave him an audition opportunity.

As for how far he can go after seizing the opportunity, that depends on his own destiny.

Zhang Heping nodded in satisfaction.

Linking Zhang Qilin to the Beijing People's Art Theatre is something he must do.

This must have been the purpose of arranging for Zhang Qilin to come to the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

An explanation that can be presented openly and accepted by everyone.

The three of them stopped on that topic and started talking about some recent developments in the theater market.

The two renowned directors then joined in the discussion, as if the conversation involving the exchange of interests among various parties had never happened.

After sitting for a while longer, Zhang Yi and Zhang Li got up to say goodbye.

Zhang Heping personally escorted the two to the office door and shook hands with them to say goodbye.

half a month later.

In the evening, half past ten.

Zhang Qilin sat at his desk, looking at the biographical sketches of the characters in his notebook.

After more than a month of intensive afternoon and evening practice, he has mastered the roles of all the supporting actors in "Wotou Guild Hall".

Of course, unlike those who completely immerse themselves in a role, he can only use acting skills to make people look similar.

I believe that with two more months of rehearsals, performing on stage will be no problem.

There are five main roles remaining.

The most difficult one was the landlord of Wotou Guild Hall, Yuan Guozhong.

He is the central character of this drama.

A small-town citizen struggling between poverty and dignity.

He was stingy and calculating, but kind-hearted, with a deep love for his son and a forbearing care for his tenants.

She's a bit like the landlady in Stephen Chow's Kung Fu Hustle—stubborn on the outside but kind on the inside.

His biggest dream is to get his son medical treatment and go to school.

This role was too difficult for Zhang Qilin. Perhaps because he lacked social experience as an ordinary person, he couldn't portray the complexity of the character.

He tried to imitate He Bing's performance, but he could never quite capture the essence of it.

He plans to ask Teacher He Bing for advice tomorrow on how to portray that feeling.

The next afternoon, in the rehearsal hall.

He Bing had just finished rehearsing a scene and was sitting in a chair drinking water when Zhang Qilin approached him, still clutching the script in his hand.

"Teacher He, I have a question for you."

He Bing looked up at Zhang Qilin and said with a smile, "So, where did you get stuck this time?"

Zhang Qilin frankly said, "I tried to imitate your version, but as soon as I opened my mouth, it felt like I was playing He Jiong's character, Yuan Guozhong, not Yuan Guozhong himself."

He Bing stood up, walked to the center of the stage, and waved to Zhang Qilin: "Come on, stand here."

Zhang Qilin walked over and stood opposite He Bing.

"You said you can't act it out, do you know why?" He Bing looked at him. "Because you want to act too much."

"Yuan Guozhong suddenly had a courtyard, but he was still poor. His son was sick, and every day when he opened his eyes, all he could think about was money. But he wasn't really greedy for money; he wanted his son's life."

He Bing's voice deepened: "So what is his body language? It's always reaching, reaching to speak, reaching to please, but he's also the landlord, the owner of this courtyard, so he has to put on airs. These two kinds of energy combined are what make Yuan Datou."

Zhang Qilin seemed to be deep in thought.

"You just said it was the version I played," He Bing looked at him, "Remember, the Yuan Guozhong I played is mine, not yours. You have to find your own Yuan Guozhong."

How do I find it?

'

"You'll know once you've acted it out, 3"

A crisp voice broke in.