Wandering the world of film and television begins with the golden years

Li Haoyu noticed how intently Zhang Songwen was watching. ✿.｡.:* ☆:**:. .:**:.☆*.:｡.✿

He was bored being there all by himself.

So he simply introduced the creative background of "The Storm" to Zhang Songwen.

Li Haoyu said, "Actually, I've never been a very strong fighter, maybe because of my childhood. I also projected some of my life ideals into this movie."

"Things that can't be accomplished in reality can only be achieved through the protagonist. That's probably why I make movies."

[A stable novel app that has been running for many years, comparable to the old version of the popular reading app, and a source-switching app used by veteran bookworms.]

Zhang Songwen nodded, "That's true. The reason I became an actor was very simple: I wanted to be a handsome actor like Tony Leung."

"At the time, I was hesitant until a girl next to me told me that nothing is impossible and that I could definitely apply to film school to pursue my dream."

"Because the great director Zhang Yimou was 28 years old when he was admitted to the Beijing Film Academy."

Upon hearing this, Li Haoyu's gossipy nature couldn't help but stir.

"And what about that girl now?"

A rare blush appeared on Zhang Songwen's face.

"She is now my love."

Li Haoyu patted him on the shoulder, "What's there to be shy about? You should feel lucky to have someone who supports you like this."

Zhang Songwen has already finished reading the outline.

Instead of rushing to read the rest of the script, he earnestly asked Li Haoyu a question.

"I took a look at the script and suddenly had some questions. Isn't this supposed to be a crime drama? The main character is just a fishmonger? And so much of the story is devoted to his daily life before he rose to power."

"Wouldn't that make the movie too drawn out?"

"I checked the film's positioning, and it's not an art film, but a purely commercial one. Doesn't that mean there's no need to worry about box office performance?"

Li Haoyu smiled and said, "I don't think there's any contradiction. Who says commercial films can't do this? This isn't a one-man show by the main characters."

"I want to create a flowing tapestry of life around the main characters, depicting all levels of society and the historical tides of that era."

"That way, everyone can immerse themselves in the film and empathize with the story. As for the length, don't worry about it. If one film isn't long enough, then we'll make it into two parts."

"As long as the production quality is good enough and the story is engaging enough, I believe audiences will be willing to pay for it."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Songwen couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Although I haven't finished reading the script, just seeing that the director was willing to personally visit a small actor like myself shows that he's not the kind of person who looks down on others.

Besides, he doesn't have much of a choice anymore. 👣🔥 🐍♡ The charcoal he burns at home now was bought with money borrowed from his old classmates at the Beijing Film Academy.

Our family is almost starving.

Actually, when Zhang Songwen first graduated, he had very high standards for choosing a partner. He even had a three-no-acceptance principle, but life quickly taught him a lesson.

He's now so low-key that if it's a movie shoot, he doesn't need to talk about money or be picky about roles.

Even so, he didn't get many opportunities. For nearly ten years, he went from place to place every day to audition, but what he left behind were stories of being ignored and rejected.

At this moment, Zhang Songwen was already thinking to himself.

How could I possibly win over Li Haoyu, who looked so unusually young?

Even though he himself was quite out of touch with the world, he had heard of "The Beginning." Winning over such a star producer was no easy feat.

Zhang Songwen immediately stated, "Actually, the salary is not a problem. As for the role, I can work hard and it doesn't matter if it's a small one."

Actually, this is already a very humble statement.

He practically told Li Haoyu directly that money was no object, as long as he could eat. He didn't care about being a background character either; he'd be willing to play even a minor role.

Judging from Zhang Songwen's expression, Li Haoyu knew that he seemed to have misunderstood something.

I'm here to find the male lead of "Raging Storm".

But I guess Zhang Songwen just thought he wanted to find a character actor.

Li Haoyu took another sip of water. "You don't need to rush. I've already canceled all my upcoming schedules. There's plenty of time. You've only just finished reading the outline; it's too much of a hassle."

"You go through the script roughly first, then we can discuss it in detail."

Zhang Songwen touched his head somewhat awkwardly.

He knew he had said the wrong thing again.

"That is indeed my problem; I was too impatient."

"Haha, it's no big deal. I was an intern too, and when I learned I had the chance to be in charge of a program for the first time, I was just as excited as you are."

Li Haoyu laughed loudly and looked at Zhang Songwen with encouraging eyes.

Li Haoyu's performance made Zhang Songwen feel much better. With Li Haoyu by his side, Zhang Songwen didn't say anything more. He once again focused wholeheartedly on the film script.

This time, a long time has passed.

Li Haoyu, who was standing to the side, did not interrupt him again.

I closed my eyes and rested for the entire time.

After a long time, Zhang Songwen finally made a move.

His hands gripped the script so tightly that they were wrinkled.

Zhang Songwen's lips trembled slightly. "This plot is really amazing! Besides the main storyline focusing on Gao Qiqiang and uncovering the protectors, there are many subplots. ✊🍟 6999.csm ✌♧"

"The war between thugs, then the struggle between the construction team, the contest with the Mangcun and Shahai teams, and finally the battle of wits and courage with the supervisory team."

"Chen Shuting's death, a mole within the police force, Lu Han's disappearance, Chen Shuting's death, the biggest protector..."

Then Zhang Songwen began to recommend himself, saying, "I think Li Xiang is a very good character, with his constant struggle on the edge of the law."

Especially his shock after discovering his master was the mastermind. "If I were to play this role, I think I could delve deeply into the character's inner world."

Li Haoyu waved his hand, "This role has already been cast; it's Li Jian, the go-to actor for playing police officers."

Before Li Haoyu could finish speaking, Zhang Songwen immediately began his second self-recommendation. "How about the assassin Lao Mo? I've played a lot of bad guys like that."

I also did a simple character analysis for this role.

He's actually a very arrogant person. You could even say that all the arrogance of a villain is concentrated in him; he truly starts off low and goes on a crazy rampage!

If I were to interpret it, I would immerse myself in the lives of people on the ground. Whether it's experiencing prison life or learning how to be a fishmonger at a vocational school, it's all fine.

Li Haoyu originally wanted to interrupt Zhang Songwen:

After all, he's gone off-topic again; the person he's looking for this time is the main character.

Zhang Songwen noticed Li Haoyu's hesitant demeanor.

He thought he hadn't convinced Li Haoyu.

After all, he was rejected more than 300 times in one year.

So you can't blame him for being pessimistic; at the slightest sign of trouble, he instinctively thinks of the worst-case scenario.

Zhang Songwen tried to persuade Li Haoyu, "Director, are you worried that I have no experience as a father and that it would be difficult for me to grasp the unpredictable emotions of Lao Mo, who cherishes his daughter like his own life?"

"I can personally visit the welfare home to experience and communicate with them; I believe I can do it..."

Li Haoyu could no longer hold back when he heard this.

If Zhang Songwen continued like this, I might actually be convinced. Zhang Songwen was speechless, because there really isn't a suitable actor for this role right now.

Li Haoyu looked up at Zhang Songwen's face and said seriously, "You may have misunderstood me. These roles have all been reassigned."

Zhang Songwen heard Li Haoyu's words.

He bowed his head like a defeated rooster.

His heart plummeted from his throat to the depths of despair; the familiar sense of failure washed over him once more, even though he had just glimpsed a glimmer of hope in Microsoft's future.

Now they've all disappeared again.

"Director, I actually have many more roles I can play. I hope you can give me another chance." Zhang Songwen's current state is like a drowning person grasping at the last straw.

His tone was urgent, with a hint of pleading.

This wasn't just because his family was starving; more importantly, the script for "The Storm" truly touched his heart.

Without comparison, there's no contrast; this kind of script is extremely rare for him in all his years. If he misses out on this opportunity, Zhang Songwen feels he might regret it for the rest of his life.

Li Haoyu said calmly, "There's really no need for it."

As Li Haoyu uttered these words.

Zhang Songwen felt like he had been sentenced.

His gaze towards Li Haoyu was unfocused.

The sparkle in Zhang Songwen's eyes from when they were discussing the script was gone.

Zhang Songwen is feeling very sad right now.

Li Haoyu stopped keeping everyone in suspense.

He stated directly, "I didn't come to see you for these supporting roles. While these roles are all quite important, the most crucial thing is finding a suitable candidate for Gao Qiqiang."

"The main character, the male lead, right?"

Upon hearing this unexpected answer, Zhang Songwen was so excited that he couldn't speak.

Li Haoyu said, "However, seeing is believing. You've already been reading the script for so long. Now I'll have you interpret a scene from it."

"Do you have that confidence?"

Zhang Songwen nodded excitedly, "Of course! Just tell me what you want and I'll do my best to interpret it."

Li Haoyu asks Zhang Songwen to act out a scene, suggesting that Uncle Tai hand over the project to someone else. This plot seems simple, but it actually represents a turning point in Gao Qiqiang's life.

He used to be just an old fishmonger, but after finally becoming a powerful figure in the area, he found himself still subject to others' control. This emotional shift was significant, but he couldn't show it.

This really tests an actor's ability to handle the situation.

Being too outwardly expressive would be superficial, while being too reserved would prevent others from sensing the emotions. Li Haoyu carefully observed Zhang Songwen's performance, not wanting to miss a single detail.

When he suddenly realized he had been tricked, his expression shifted from surprise to contemplation and finally to deep restraint; every emotional change was portrayed very well.

In particular, during the next segment of the performance without props, Zhang Songwen initially appeared very resistant, and then seemed to take a cup of tea from someone else's hand.

So he suppressed all his dissatisfaction, and the moment he picked up his teacup, Zhang Songwen's eyes were filled with grievance, and even a hint of tears.

Even Li Haoyu, who was standing next to him, could sense his intense feelings of grievance.

Zhang Songwen's performance in this scene truly exceeded Li Haoyu's expectations. Since Zhang Songwen was recommended by Liu Yijun, his acting skills must be quite good, but Li Haoyu didn't expect him to be this outstanding.

To be honest, Gao Qiqiang's entire growth process is quite similar to that of a melodramatic male protagonist in an online novel. If someone with mediocre acting skills were to play the role, it would be absolutely awful.

Because my own experience was indeed quite outrageous!

A nearly 40-year-old fishmonger, a bachelor from the bottom of society, with a younger brother and sister-in-law to support, marries a young, beautiful, rich, and powerful widow after reading "The Art of War." His wife even takes him to meet her godfather, thus beginning his journey to the pinnacle of life.

But a good actor can make Gao Qiqiang's transformation seem reasonable.

Zhang Songwen did indeed do it.

It took Zhang Songwen quite a while to calm down.

Only then did he begin to pay attention to Li Haoyu's micro-expressions.

Seeing that Li Haoyu seemed to be frowning, Zhang Songwen was like a student waiting for the final exam, nervously awaiting the teacher's comments.

Zhang Songwen grew increasingly nervous, his anxiety intensifying. Like a drowning person holding their breath, awaiting the moment of their fate: sinking to the bottom or being rescued.

Zhang Songwen couldn't help but swallow hard and said, "Actually, I can also interpret a completely new version from another angle, perhaps that's what you want."

"No, there's no need to look at it anymore."

Li Haoyu put the script aside and looked at Zhang Songwen, saying, "Zhang Songwen, now there's only one last question. Are you still willing to play the male lead in the film?"

"Of course."

Zhang Songwen basically shouted it out.

He had been waiting for this opportunity for far too long.

"Of course I'm willing. The script is excellent, and the role of Gao Qiqiang is particularly challenging. I will definitely give it my all to portray this character well."

Zhang Songwen was excited for a long time.

Until Li Haoyu gently patted his back.

He finally calmed down.

He said to Li Haoyu, "Although I've played many supporting roles, I'm not well-known to the audience. Don't you really care, director?"

This matter is actually very important.

This is similar to films like "Wolf Warrior," "The Wandering Earth," "The Climbers," "The Battle at Lake Changjin," and "The Water Gate Bridge." The first thing audiences think of isn't the film director, but rather, "This is a Wu Jing film."

It not only broke the box office record from 34 billion to 8 million, but also set a record of 6 million viewers, which is unmatched to this day, while also earning the deep hatred of a large group of "Wolf Warrior PTSD" fans.

This is why so many movies strive to cast superstars.

Wu Jing's personal brand is already too obvious. He can make all the films in which he plays an important role first and foremost "Wu Jing's movies".

And this makes people overlook the other actors, and even the director and screenwriter of the film. This is the same as the peak of Stephen Chow/Jackie Chan back then, which is a true superstar appeal.

He genuinely felt that actors with box office appeal were a good thing.

But it's not entirely important, because some records are created by people. Since others can do it, Li Haoyu feels he can too.

Let "Raging Storm" create it!