Huayu: Starting with mentoring female stars

"Alright, since your summer vacation is coming up soon, I'll give you a movie role, and this role will have a lot of screen time."

"You'll have plenty of room to make your mark."

Chen Zhou said.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yilong was completely stunned and couldn't believe it.

With a trembling voice, she asked, "Senior brother, you're not joking with me, are you? I can't take this kind of joke."

"Not long ago, because my graduation video went viral online, Liu Dehua contacted me."

"They also invested 300 million yuan in me to make a movie, which I will direct myself, and I will also have a script."

"You were also in the graduation short film back then, so now, of course I should give you a chance."

Chen Zhou preached.

The next moment, Zhu Yilong, his face serious, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Chen Zhou, "If you do not despise me, I am willing to become your godfather. Godfather, please accept my bow!"

As he spoke, Zhu Yilong was about to kneel down on one knee.

Chen Zhou immediately helped him up, saying, "There's no need to be so formal. We're all family."

Zhu Yilong went straight up and hugged Chen Zhou.

"Senior brother, you are truly my benefactor."

"Don't worry, I will never forget your kindness."

"I will also give my best performance to repay your trust."

Chen Zhou patted him on the shoulder.

"By the way, tell the junior students who acted in my graduation project to come and act in my movie as well."

"And they're all characters with lines and screen time."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yilong admired Chen Zhou even more. "Senior brother, you are truly loyal and righteous!"

Chen Zhou said no more, and then handed the script he was carrying with him to Zhu Yilong.

He was instructed to carefully study the script and the character.

Next, Chen Zhou went to the teacher's office, met his teacher Jiang Wei, and explained his purpose for visiting.

"Do you want a few actors who look mature and experienced, and who have good acting skills?" Jiang Wei said.

"Yes," Chen Zhou replied.

"I do know some who meet the criteria."

"Okay, give me some time, I'll contact them and confirm if they have time to go."

Jiang Wei said.

"Okay, thank you, teacher. I'll treat you to a meal sometime," Chen Zhou said.

"Chen Zhou, are you really planning to make a movie?" Jiang Wei asked with some concern.

"Mm." Chen Zhou nodded.

"Isn't this a bit too big a step?"

"How about this, since the semester is almost over anyway?"

"My TV series 'Lurking' is almost ready."

"How about you come and be my assistant director, get some experience first, and then go make your own movie?"

Jiang Wei made the suggestion.

"Teacher, I appreciate your kindness, but I've already made my decision," Chen Zhou said.

Seeing Chen Zhou's unwavering resolve, Jiang Wei had no intention of continuing to persuade him.

"Well then, I wish you a successful filming and great box office success after the film is released. Then I, as your teacher, can also benefit from your success."

"Haha, don't worry, when that day comes, the teacher will definitely benefit from my influence." Chen Zhou didn't stand on ceremony.

"You're quite bold to keep your mouth shut!" Jiang Wei joked.

After chatting for a few minutes, Chen Zhou left Beijing Film Academy.

Jiang Wei was very efficient; that very evening, he sent Chen Zhou some actor information.

Chen Zhou quickly decided to cast Chen Minghao as Ma Xianyong.

This is a very talented actor.

Fan Zong from "Magic Phone" and Ma Desheng from "The Long Season" are all classic characters.

Chen Zhou will have Wang Jingchun play the role of Li Haigen.

This person is also a talented actor.

The drama "The Hidden Corner," in which he plays the lead role, was incredibly popular, and he won numerous Best Actor awards.

For the role of Gao Ming, Chen Zhou chose Xing Jiadong to play the part.

He played Wu Liuyi in the TV series "Soldiers Sortie" which aired last year, and his image has deeply impressed people.

In short, they are all good actors.

But they all had one condition: because Chen Zhou was a new director, he was a little uneasy and wanted to see the script first.

Chen Zhou didn't mince words and sent the script of "The Nameless" to their agent via email.

The next day, Chen Zhou received replies from them one after another. They were all willing to play their respective roles and their attitudes were very positive.

He also stated that he doesn't need a high salary, he just hopes that the role will be reserved for him.

All other important roles have already been cast.

So now, the only person Chen Zhou needs to seriously consider is the female lead, Ma Jiaqi.

That evening, Chen Zhou was still considering the selection of personnel.

Liu Yifei called him.

It is said that "The Forbidden Kingdom" has finished filming and has just returned to Kyoto.

I'd like to invite Chen Zhou to dinner.

Chen Zhou thought to himself that Liu Yifei was a good candidate.

Although everyone says that Liu Yifei is just a pretty face, she has the foundation of her acting teacher and the rewards she received from the system.

Turning a pretty face into a competent actor is not a problem.

What Chen Zhou found particularly interesting was...

Liu Yifei's real-life image: She's always been the soft, cute, and adorable type, making everyone want to protect her at first glance.

Especially the roles of Zhao Ling'er and Wang Yuyan have deepened everyone's impression of Liu Yifei.

Therefore, if Liu Yifei were to play a tough character like Ma Jiaqi, it would create a huge contrast.

This is actually a great help in shaping a character.

However, for a low-budget film like this, even if Liu Yifei agrees to star in it, there will definitely be a lot of problems with her mother.

Anyway, let's meet them first and then talk about it.

An hour later, at a hot pot restaurant.

Chen Zhou and Liu Yifei sat facing each other.

At this moment, Liu Yifei was wearing a light blue dress, had her hair tied in a high ponytail, and was also wearing gold-rimmed glasses.

They really look like they're playing the role of little adults.

"Junior brother, what have you been up to lately? You haven't even contacted me." Liu Yifei said, sipping her drink, her tone seemingly tinged with complaint.

"You know, Liu Dehua's people have contacted me."

"After my script was approved, they invested 300 million yuan in me, so I've been busy setting up the production crew lately."

Chen Zhou answered.

"What? You wrote the script yourself?" Liu Yifei seized on the key point.

"Yes, it's called 'The Nameless'," Chen Zhou told us.

"Can I take a look?" Liu Yifei asked curiously.

She genuinely didn't know that Chen Zhou possessed this skill.

A short film script might be easy to write, but a feature film is a completely different story.

Furthermore, what the film market lacks most is always directors and screenplays.

But Chen Zhou actually directed and wrote the script.

In her eyes, this was truly a terrifying thing.

Having already prepared, Chen Zhou handed the paper script he was carrying to Liu Yifei.

Liu Yifei took the script and began to read it carefully.

Upon seeing this, Liu Yifei was immediately captivated.

For a full hour and a half, he didn't say another word.

Chen Zhou quietly ate his hotpot and drank his beverage, without disturbing Liu Yifei as she read the script.

Until Liu Yifei herself closed the script.

His expression immediately turned serious, as if he were making a very important decision.

"Junior brother, could I play the role of Ma Jiaqi?" Liu Yifei asked.

Chen Zhou deliberately remained silent, trying to keep Liu Yifei in suspense.

Seeing that Chen Zhou remained silent, Liu Yifei became somewhat anxious.

"Oh, my dear junior brother, please let me play this role. I really love it."

"Besides, you're the director, so even if I don't act well, you can correct me in time."

Liu Yifei was speaking.

"I'm afraid that won't work!" Chen Zhou looked very troubled.