novellhall Chapter 15: First Official Entry into the Group
Chapter 15: First Official Entry into the Group
Back at the apartment, he practically rushed in.
Lee So-yeon was grinning at the storyboard on her laptop screen when he startled her.
"Mo? You found some money?"
"Better than finding money!"
Chen Xun rarely showed a bright, sunny smile:
The role of the international student in "Silent Echoes" has been cast!
Lee So-yeon froze for two seconds, then let out a scream loud enough to shatter glass:
"Ahhh! Oppa! Daebak!!"
She jumped up from the carpet and rushed over to give Chen Xun a tight hug, so strong that he stumbled.
"I knew it! The look on your face when you came back that day was off! It definitely worked out! Fighting! Oh no, good job, bro!"
Chen Xun was dizzy from her shaking, but his mood was brighter than ever before.
Over the next few days, Chen Xun practically wore out the script.
He meticulously studied every psychological shift in "Li" and designed those moments without dialogue.
Time flies!
Monday morning.
Following the instructions in the email, he arrived at an old-fashioned independent film studio on the east side of Los Angeles.
It can't compare to a behemoth like Warner Bros. in terms of scale, but at least it looks like a proper filming location.
There are security guards at the entrance; you need to have your name checked before you can enter.
At the door, he unexpectedly saw Rob.
Rob wasn't wearing a baseball cap today; he had switched to a more understated bucket hat, and he still had a walkie-talkie around his neck, talking to a stagehand.
"Hey, you're here!"
When Robert saw him, he nodded, waved to the stagehand, and then walked over, looking Chen Xun up and down.
"Good spirits!"
Rob patted his arm: "Come with me, I'll show you around and introduce you to the director and the other main actors."
This "one of our own" treatment made Chen Xun feel somewhat flattered.
Previously, no matter which film crew he was on, he was always the one who was herded around like a sheep by the production assistants.
As Rob walked, he explained things to him:
"This is the main soundstage, where we set up 'Li's' rented room and interior scenes. Over there is the dressing room and rest area. You and several main supporting actors share that small one. Director Sarah prefers quiet, so don't go near the monitors unless she calls you."
They met Director Sarah in a makeshift rest area.
Sarah didn't look as disheveled today, and when she saw Chen Xun, she gave him a faint smile.
"Chen, welcome to the crew. Your audition left a deep impression on us. We look forward to your official performance."
"I'll do my best, director!"
Chen Xun answered neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Next, Rob introduced him to Eric, the white actor who played the American classmate "Lee," and the Chinese-American actress who played the mother in the video.
Everyone was fairly friendly.
The polite, somewhat distant manner between formal actors is completely different from the "fellow sufferers" atmosphere among extras.
Robert lowered his voice and said to Chen Xun:
"See? That's the difference between having lines and not having lines. Keep up the good work, kid. You'll be getting more and more of these kinds of situations in the future."
At this moment, a man in a suit who looked like a representative of the production company walked over and handed Chen Xun a document:
"Mr. Chen, this is your official contract and the final version of the script. Please confirm the details, especially the insurance section."
Chen Xun took the contract, which still carried the warmth of the printer, and looked at the English name and character name "Li" written on it in black and white.
Although the pay wasn't high, it was a huge sum for him, and it clearly stated the union's standard working hours and insurance terms.
This is completely different from his previous practice of settling accounts in cash on a daily basis.
"Thanks!"
He solemnly accepted the contract.
With this contract, he could apply to join the union and become a full-fledged extra.
Rob grinned as he watched him carefully read the contract.
"What? Is this the first time you've seen something so formal? Don't be nervous, you'll get used to it."
"Let's go, I'll take you to the dressing room for a makeup session!"
The costume designer was a very energetic Latina woman. Based on the character's description, she dressed Chen Xun in several outfits that fit the image of an "ordinary Chinese student studying abroad".
They weren't designer brands, just ordinary hoodies, jeans, and plaid shirts, but the quality was several levels better than his own cheap street vendor items.
"OK, honey, this looks much more natural, unlike some production crews who seem to want to write 'I'm a nerd' on the faces of Asian actors."
The saleswoman was adjusting his collar while complaining.
After finishing his makeup, Rob pulled him aside and handed him a schedule:
"This is your filming schedule for the next three weeks. It will be updated daily. Your scenes are relatively concentrated, but there are a few emotionally intense scenes. Please adjust your mindset accordingly."
"Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I'm currently one of the assistant directors on this project, though I'm not officially a director."
Chen Xun looked at Robert and suddenly understood the reason for his change in attitude.
Not only because of my outstanding audition performance, but also because I am now one of the actors he is in charge of.
Rob's performance directly impacts his reputation and achievements in this project.
In Hollywood, interpersonal relationships are sometimes that realistic, but that also creates stronger bonds.
"Understood, Rob."
Chen Xun nodded: "I won't embarrass you!"
Rob chuckled and punched him hard in the chest:
"That's more like it! Go on, find a place to review the script again. Your main scene this afternoon is the monologue, the first scene of the day. I'm looking forward to your performance!"
Chen Xun, carrying a thick script and schedule, walked to the small rest area assigned to him.
The space is not large.
But he had his own chair, a small table, and even a bottle of mineral water with the film crew's label on it.
The crew of "Silent Echoes" held their first formal rehearsal before filming began.
The atmosphere was comparable to a final exam.
Chen Xun was wearing a regular sweatshirt and jeans, styled by the costume designer.
Standing at the edge of my own little rest area.
Take a deep breath.
He has adjusted himself and is ready to start at any time.
Today we're going to witness the main event:
Li's monologue after having an emotional breakdown in her empty rented apartment and video chatting with her family.
The executive director clapped his hands:
"Alright everyone, let's go through it once. The main scene is when Li has an emotional breakdown in the apartment. Chen, you're going in. Focus on your performance for now, don't worry about the blocking."
Chen Xun walked to the center of the area, where the layout of the room was roughly marked with tape.
The Chinese-American actress who plays the mother in the video, Tsai Chin.
A veteran who has been immersed in Hollywood for decades, whose brows bear the marks of time and experience, is now sitting behind a "computer screen".
She simply sat there quietly, yet she exuded an aura that could not be ignored.
Chen Xun knew that rehearsals were just a way of performing.
But in Hollywood, the first rehearsal often determines the director's and colleagues' first impression of you.
This is real combat, not child's play.
"Action!"
The executive director's voice faded.
Chen Xun sat on the folding chair that represented the edge of the bed.
He put on that carefully crafted, forced, and stiff bright smile and faced Zhou Caiqin's direction.
"Mom, I'm fine! My classmates are all very friendly..."
He spoke a little faster, and his voice was half a tone higher than usual.
The everyday skills he absorbed from his character's attributes made his lie sound exceptionally believable.