novellhall Chapter 101: By a Twist of Fate, Filming Begins
Chapter 101: By a Twist of Fate, Filming Begins
Nortel moved quite quickly; the project was submitted in mid-September, and by mid-October, all the formalities had been completed.
As for the filming location, a section of an elevated highway was selected and closed for a specified period of time.
The situation now is different from the future. Although there is a lot of traffic, it is still within the controllable range. After reporting to the higher authorities, the request was promptly approved.
As for the female lead, nothing has been decided yet.
"Teacher Wang, this really isn't my fault. I feel like no one in our school is capable of playing this role."
After a week of training, Gu Qing finally said with a sense of helplessness.
He now regrets making that promise.
"Hey Gu, how about I recommend someone to you?"
Wang Jinsong crossed his arms, stroked his chin, and after thinking for a while, finally tentatively spoke.
"Who?"
"Liu Yifei, what do you think?"
"She's only 21 years old now, which roughly matches the age of the role. Her acting skills should also be quite good. Besides, she's a star student at our Beijing Film Academy. We shouldn't let the talent go to outsiders."
Wang Jinsong handed Gu Qing a cigarette and said in a serious tone.
"Teacher Wang, you should know about Liu Yifei, right? I..."
"You're a big director, do you expect to live your life at the mercy of others? Let's focus on the matter at hand, not the person. She's definitely the most suitable right now."
"Haha, Teacher Wang, you've brought up a bit of personal grudges in this."
Gu Qing smiled, but instead of taking the cigarette from the other person, she offered one to him instead.
Since "The Forbidden Kingdom," Liu Yifei has failed to keep her promise, much to the anger of the Wang brothers at Huayi Brothers.
However, Liu Xiaoli is not entirely unrelated, and given Liu Yifei's popularity, suppressing her is not an easy task.
However, it was still possible to pass messages privately, and Gu Qing naturally received the messages from both the King and Queen.
Although he was not afraid, he had no reason to provoke Huayi Brothers for no reason.
"Teacher Wang, how about I recommend someone to you? What do you think of Shu Chang?"
"She's not from the Central Academy of Drama or the Shanghai Theatre Academy, but her acting skills and age are perfect."
After thinking about it, Gu Qing decided to look for someone from outside.
"Shu Chang? That's quite suitable. You're the director, so you have the final say."
Wang Jinsong knew when to stop and didn't push too hard. He laid out all the conditions: no one at the Beijing Film Academy could meet Gu Qing's standards, so others would have to find someone themselves.
Although there is a gentleman's agreement, everyone involved in this project is paying close attention, so we can't act recklessly.
Gu Qing nodded and didn't say anything more. Casting was naturally up to him as the director, not to mention the investors.
Gu Qing didn't know much about Shu Chang, only that she was good friends with Liu Yifei, and that the two had similar experiences: both were beautiful, the same age, and both became famous at a young age.
Everyone says that the other person's career was delayed because of school, but that's completely unreasonable.
Shu Chang went to university in 04 and filmed five dramas that year. In the following years, she averaged four dramas a year.
In 08 alone, Shu Chang starred in five TV series!
Even for a professional actor, this kind of workload is very difficult to complete.
For the sake of her acting career, Beijing Foreign Studies University gave her the green light, as long as Shu Chang completes her studies within six years.
It wasn't her who changed, but the times. When the coal bosses left the scene, capital entered and naturally promoted its own popular celebrities. How could someone like her, who was lagging behind and working alone, fight against the trend?
Even if it's Liu Yifei, she can only live on in the memories of her fans.
The Rose Garden in Beijing.
Liu Yifei sat on the swing, feeling down at the moment.
Teacher Wang just called and said that he had done his best, but Gu Qing did not take a liking to her.
"Sisi, what's bothering you? Tell me so I can cheer you up."
A crisp sound rang out, and the person stepped through the doorway and reached out to cover Liu Yifei's eyes.
"Oh, Changchang, you're so mean! I'm in a terrible mood, and you're making fun of me."
Liu Yifei pulled down the person's hand, turned around and saw that it was her friend, and turned her head away angrily, not wanting to pay any attention to the other person.
The person who arrived was Shu Chang, who was laughing heartily and remained completely unmoved by his friend's anger.
Having known each other for many years, the two naturally wouldn't have a conflict over such a small matter.
Sitting across from Liu Yifei, she subtly inquired about what had happened.
Although Shu Chang is shy in public, she is a chatterbox in front of her friends. Before long, she made Liu Yifei laugh until she cried.
"Changchang, Qianqian, have some fruit. You two sisters haven't seen each other for a long time, you should have a good chat this time."
Just as they were having a pleasant conversation, Liu Xiaoli brought in a bowl of fruit.
"Changchang, get some rest. You've had so many TV dramas released this year. It breaks my heart to see you like this."
"Auntie, I'm not tired. I really enjoy acting. I can earn money and I don't have to go to class. Isn't that great?"
Shu Chang picked up a grape and popped it into her mouth, saying it nonchalantly.
She matured early and has been living alone for the past few years. Now that she can earn money to support herself, she should take advantage of her youth to earn as much as possible.
"Look, if you were half as considerate as Changchang, I don't know how much easier it would be for you."
Liu Xiaoli tapped Liu Yifei's forehead and said helplessly.
"Mommy~"
Upon hearing this, Liu Yifei immediately objected and threw herself into Liu Xiaoli's arms, acting coquettishly.
"You still haven't changed your little temper. You're such a grown-up, why are you still so clingy to your mother?"
"Hehe, even if I get married in the future, I still want to stay with my mom."
"Silly child."
Liu Xiaoli stroked her daughter's hair, her eyes filled with satisfaction. She had raised her daughter from a young age, and their bond was far beyond what ordinary affection could compare to.
Liu Yifei is not only her daughter, but also her dream and her pride.
Shu Chang, standing to the side, looked on with envy at the scene of motherly love and filial piety. Her parents had passed away early, and her uncle and aunt hadn't been very loving towards her. She had started acting to support herself a long time ago.
She didn't really experience much of what family affection felt like.
"By the way, Sisi, has the lead actress for that TV series been decided yet?"
Liu Xiaoli helped her daughter sit up and asked with expectant eyes.
"No, Director Gu refused."
Liu Yifei sighed and said with a strange expression.
"Is he afraid of retaliation from Huayi Brothers? That's unlikely."
Liu Xiaoli was quite surprised. Based on her private investigation, Gu Qing shouldn't be afraid of Huayi Brothers, especially since the two companies are competitors.
Gu Qing was naturally not afraid of Huayi Brothers. Besides, Liu Yifei's acting skills were not up to his standards. Why should he become someone else's protector for no reason? He wasn't a saint.
"Aunties, which movie are you talking about? Isn't Sissi going to try her luck in Hollywood?"
"By the way, I haven't asked you guys yet, why did you suddenly come back?"
Shu Chang looked surprised. She knew the inside story. Liu Xiaoli had said she would take Liu Yifei out to avoid the limelight, but they came back not long after.
"Wang Jinsong, a teacher at the Beijing Film Academy, called and said that Gu Qing has a TV series that is still waiting for the female lead, so we came back to take a look."
"It's a pity that Sisi doesn't seem to have caught the other party's eye. I wonder who was so lucky to win over Gu Qing."
Liu Xiaoli harbored resentment, because she had previously regarded him as her son-in-law.
Who would have thought that this time, I was rejected without even having an audition.
Shu Chang nodded as if she understood, though she didn't. She knew Gu Qing; she'd heard he was a famous movie director, but he had nothing to do with her.
She recently finished filming a period drama directed by Director Yu, so she hasn't been paying much attention to entertainment news.
Just as I was about to say something, the phone in my pocket rang.
"Hey, cousin, it's me."
"What? They want me to act? What kind of production is it?"
After processing the message from the other end of the phone, Shu Chang looked at the two of them with a strange expression.
"Um, Sisi, Auntie, the person you're talking about seems to be me."
Shu Chang raised her hand and said weakly.
After a long while, having heard the complete information from Shu Chang, Liu Xiaoli also sighed softly.
Liu Yifei, who was standing to the side, was only a little unhappy at first, but she quickly became happy for her good friend.
"Sissi, although you didn't say much, I know this role must be very important to you. Otherwise, I'll talk to the director and give you the role."
"Changchang, what nonsense are you talking about? I've already been eliminated by Director Gu Qing. Besides, this is not a project we can just decide to reject or accept."
Liu Yifei placed her palm on the back of the other person's hand, speaking sincerely.
"Yes, Changchang, since Gu Qing chose you, you should put your heart into the performance and stop talking nonsense."
Liu Xiaoli advised at the right moment that actors don't have much say in front of directors. If Zhang the butcher is gone, there's still Li the butcher.
"But I've never seen the script, nor have I met the director. How would I know if the script is good or bad?"
Shu Chang shrugged, saying helplessly.
"Silly girl, I know you well enough. Let me tell you about Gu Qing."
Liu Yifei was touched; how could she not understand what Shu Chang meant?
Based on her understanding of Shu Chang, as long as there is a script, enough money, and not much nudity, she will accept the role.
If that were the script, then Mr. Wang Jinsong wouldn't have specifically explained it to her.
It can only be said that she was truly not meant for that role.
At that moment, Liu Yifei sat down next to Shu Chang and vividly introduced Gu Qing's resume and deeds.
As Shu Chang listened to Liu Yifei's introduction, her eyes grew brighter and brighter.
Liu Xiaoli listened from the side, occasionally adding information, and felt very sorry for him.
It's because they met each other so late. Although the relationship between Gu Qing and Jing Tian has not been made public, some people who are interested can find out some interesting details by investigating.
She would naturally not let her daughter get involved in other people's affairs, but it wasn't impossible.
Looking at her daughter's angelic beauty, she felt that there was still a chance.
……
Gu Qing didn't personally call to invite Shu Chang; he simply sent an invitation in the company's name.
Shu Chang signed with a subsidiary of CCTV, and coincidentally, she finished filming a TV series, leaving her schedule free.
With Gu Qing having someone pass on the message, it wouldn't be difficult for Shu Chang to take on this role.
With Shu Chang's talent, the role of Li Shiqing is not exactly easy for her, but it's certainly a piece of cake for her.
At the end of October, in a corner where no one paid attention, the crew of "The Beginning" started filming quietly. However, it was not entirely silent, as there was considerable influence within the Beijing Film Academy.
Gu Qing didn't really want to promote this web series, mainly because he didn't have much to brag about.
This film was originally a trial run, and no big-name stars were used. Given his personality, he was too lazy to do any publicity.
Once "Source Code" is released, there will be a natural channel for publicity.
"Good morning, Qing-ge! I brought you breakfast."
"Thanks, have you eaten yet? Come and eat with us."
Gu Qing waved to the other person, inviting them to sit down and have breakfast together.
The person in front of him was Shu Chang, who had been on set for a week. He and Shu Chang had officially met and become friends.
Shu Chang is usually kind and quick-witted, and Gu Qing is happy to get closer to her.
"Brother Qing, can I ask you a rather personal question?"
"cannot."
Gu Qing took a big bite of the steamed bun and glanced sideways at the pretentious little girl in front of him.
Upon hearing this, Shu Chang coughed and almost choked on her breath. Shouldn't she have considered it and asked what the matter was?
"Changchang, you can't force matters of the heart. I already have a girlfriend."
Gu Qing also said earnestly that he knew he was charming, but he didn't think he would fall in love with every girl he met.
"What if I insist on forcing myself?"
"Ouch, that hurts!"
Shu Chang covered her forehead and said coquettishly.
"I think you've been reading too many novels. Do you think you're Zhao Min? Speak up, what's the matter?"
Gu Qing chuckled, her words laced with ill intent.
Zhao Min is cunning and scheming, unlike the naive and innocent Shu Chang.
"Qing-ge, are you misunderstanding something about Xixi?"
"Sissi? You mean Liu Yifei? No misunderstanding. I didn't like her because her acting skills are not good enough for me. It's not a misunderstanding."
"Oh? Wouldn't saying that be too hurtful to her?"
"If the truth brings pain, then lies will only make things worse."
"Okay, fine."
Shu Chang was taken aback for a moment, feeling that the words sounded rather pretentious and she was quite unaccustomed to them.
Seeing that the other person didn't understand, Gu Qing didn't take it to heart, drank the last sip of soy milk, and rubbed the other person's head.
There are quite a few celebrities in the entertainment industry who seem to defy aging, but this is the only one who has blossomed into a beautiful young woman in her teens. Every time he sees this face, he feels an unusual sense of familiarity.
She's practically watched this girl grow up.
Although Shu Chang is young, her acting skills are by no means lacking. When she was fifteen or sixteen years old, her acting skills were already natural.
Consort Dong'e and the Child Granny of Tianshan are both characters who played old people while still young, and the key is that they portrayed them very accurately.
Zhou Xun isn't the only one in the entertainment industry who's blessed with natural talent.
Although Zhu Yilong's Xiao Heyun was also good, Gu Qing could keenly sense during filming that he was overshadowed by Shu Chang.
However, Gu Qing didn't have much of a way to deal with it. It was normal for him to have his scenes suppressed. Li Shiqing was an important character, and he couldn't cut any scenes. He could only rely on his own efforts.
Half a month after filming began, Liu Yifei couldn't resist coming to visit the set. The crew consisted of students and teachers from the Beijing Film Academy, and since Liu Yifei was using the affiliation of the Beijing Film Academy to help out, he couldn't just kick her out.
Although this little girl always teased him on set, she also brought a lot of energy to the crew.
Gu Qing could sense that the crowd was still somewhat afraid of him, but with Liu Yifei and Shu Chang acting as mediators, he felt much more at ease.