novellhall Chapter 272 [The Streets Are Empty] Realm Achieved [5000]
Chapter 272 [The Streets Are Empty] Realm Achieved [5000]
Chapter 271 [The Streets Are Empty] Realm Achieved [5000]
Just then, a small commotion suddenly arose nearby.
It's the student actors' side.
These students were watching from the sidelines when Chen Xun and James were acting together.
Now they huddled together, quietly discussing the performance they had just witnessed.
Did you notice the change in Professor Chen Xun's expression?
Sofia lowered her voice: "From calm to sorrow, and then to final relief."
"Although I didn't shed a single tear throughout the entire process, I felt even more powerful than if I had cried."
"James' breathing rhythm is amazing!"
Kevin remarked, "He was breathing very lightly while looking at the screen, as if afraid of disturbing something, but when Ingrid Bergman in the movie said she would always remember this kiss, he took a deep breath, and I felt that his breath was full of memories."
Jack scratched his head, his eyes filled with envy and longing: "When will I be able to act at his level?"
"First, focus on performing your role well today!"
Sofia patted him, pulling the daydreaming student back to reality: "It's our turn!"
Next is a group scene of customers saying goodbye.
The plot is very simple.
Several regular customers came in one after another to return the videotapes, chatted briefly with Lao Li, and then left.
There aren't many lines.
But it requires the performance to convey the tacit understanding between regular customers, as well as the feeling of wanting to say something but holding back when saying goodbye to Lao Li.
After all, this small shop, though not large, carries the memories and youth of many people.
Jack was the first to go on stage.
He plays a construction worker who rents action movies every week.
As soon as he entered the door, he placed the videotape on the counter.
I looked around at the shops piled high with cardboard boxes.
"Are they really going to shut it down?"
He looked at Chen Xun, who was sitting behind the counter.
"Yes, we're closing tomorrow."
Chen Xun picked up the videotape from the table.
Jack paused for a few seconds, then pulled a crumpled five-yuan note from his pocket.
"Thank you so much for all these years!"
"What do you mean?"
Chen Xun raised his eyelids and glanced at him.
Because of the special effects makeup, his eyelids are drooping a bit now.
"The year my wife got sick, I didn't have the money to pay the deposit, so you let me take the Terminator back first. Later, you even let me watch a lot of videotapes for free."
Chen Xun looked at the banknote and suddenly smiled.
Jack turned and left.
As he reached the door, he glanced back at the shop, his eyes filled with reluctance.
It seems that a place that holds his youthful memories is about to disappear.
"Cut!"
Li Suyan shouted, "Great! The emotions are spot on!"
After several days of filming, she gradually got into the swing of things and started to resemble a proper director.
The second person to come in was Sofia, who played a single mother who brought her child.
Her farewell was even simpler; she just put the videotape down and patted the child's head.
"Say goodbye to Uncle Li."
The child said in a childish voice, "Goodbye, Uncle."
Chen Xun squatted down and took out a videotape of "The Lion King" from under the counter.
He handed it to the child, saying, "This is for you. Your mother can put it away for you from now on."
Sofia's performance was very restrained, and her eyes were slightly red.
She picked up the child, nodded to Old Li, said nothing, and turned to leave.
"Cut!"
Li Suyan's voice was a little choked up; she had also been drawn into this emotion.
The third person to come in was Kevin, who was playing himself as a college student who always came to rent art films.
Then he often talked about movies with Chen Xun.
He designed a detail for this scene.
After entering the store, he did not return the videotapes immediately, but instead walked around the store, his fingers lightly tracing the covers of the videotapes piled in cardboard boxes.
"What should we do with all of these?"
He asked curiously.
"Sell what you can sell, and throw away what you can't."
There was no discernible emotion in Chen Xun's tone.
Kevin was silent for a moment, then suddenly said, "I might open a shop like yours someday."
Chen Xun laughed: "Don't open it, it'll go bankrupt."
"But someone will always remember!"
Kevin seems unwilling to give up.
"I remember that movies used to be something you had to borrow and return yourself."
"I remember the shop owner would tell you that this one is better than that one."
He placed the videotape on the counter and took out a book from his backpack—a history of film.
On the title page was written: To Lao Li, thank you for letting me know that movies are more than just entertainment.
After the scene was finished, the set was quiet for a while.
James clapped: "This kid's performance was layered. First, there was nostalgia, then sadness. He connected his love for movies with Old Li's love for the shop."
Prieto nodded as well.
"These students' performances have gone beyond the level of students."
During a break, Li Suyan sidled up to Chen Xun and said, "Oppa, did you hear that? James and Prieto are both praising your student."
"They succeeded because they put in the effort!"
"Now they tell everyone they meet that we are students of Professor Chen Xun."
Li Suyan lowered her voice: "Jack was just chatting with the lighting crew, and he started by saying that Teacher Chen Xun taught us."
"Um?"
Chen Xun was somewhat surprised.
After all, he only taught their classes for the most recent period of time.
You can understand it if you think about it carefully.
In Hollywood, this label is more effective than a resume for Chen Xun's students.
Hollywood is a place where personal relationships matter.
The mentor-mentee relationship is very important.
Martin Scorsese's protégé, Spielberg's student, and a newcomer recommended by Meryl Streep.
These labels can open many doors that you couldn't open on your own.
Chen Xun never expected that one day he would become the label that others wanted to attach to him.
"Let them be."
"If they do get more opportunities because of this, it's not necessarily a bad thing."
[The formation of a mentor-disciple effect has been detected]
[Student Jack's professional recognition has increased]
[Student Sofia's industry attention is rising]
Student Kevin received positive feedback from his academic evaluation.
[Trendsetting progress +2%, current: 97%]
Chen Xun stared blankly at the panel that suddenly appeared in front of him.
Unexpectedly, students gaining recognition by using his name can also increase the progress on the panel.
In Hollywood, influence is a form of hard currency, whether through productions or nurturing new talent.
Filming continued in the afternoon, and the students were in better form thanks to the experience gained in the morning.
-
They not only performed their parts well, but also took the initiative to help the crew with odd jobs, moving equipment, tidying up props, and handing water to the staff during breaks.
These actions won the favor of the entire crew.
"Chen Xun, your students are really good."
Prieto chatted with Chen Xun in the dressing room: "He not only acts well, but he also knows how to be a good person, which is rare among young actors."
"Many young actors nowadays only focus on the camera; they feel that everything else is irrelevant to them."
"I often tell them that the film set is an ecosystem. If you respect everyone, the whole environment will respect the actors."
Chen Xun smiled.
When someone praised his students, Chen Xun felt equally honored.
"You're right!"
Prieto nodded: "I've worked with a lot of big names, and some of them bossed around the actors, which made the whole crew atmosphere terribly tense. The resulting films were stiff and soulless."
"Filmmaking is a collective creation; no one can do without the others."
Just then, Kevin came over and asked a question about camera positioning.
Prieto patiently explained it to him.
Kevin thanked him sincerely.
"This child has great potential!"
Prieto watched Kevin's retreating figure: "He's observant, quick to learn, and truly respects the industry."
"I can tell that he genuinely loves movies, and that he doesn't just want to be a star."
"He told me he wants to be a director when he grows up!"
Chen Xun also said a few words in defense of Kevin.
After all, they are his students.
"That's even better, directors who are actors usually understand acting better."
Prieto paused for a moment: "If you'd like, I can introduce him to a few independent film crews after he graduates."
"But I have one condition!"
"What?"
"He was able to go as Chen Xun's student!"
Prieto smiled slyly: "It's not that I'm being snobbish, sometimes these industry labels are just a stepping stone."
"Your name, Chen Xun, now represents someone who can perform, knows the rules, and doesn't act like a diva."
"This label helped him a lot when he got started."
Chen Xun was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Sure, as long as he's willing, I have no problem with that."
Student Kevin receives career recommendation as a photography instructor.
[Trendsetting progress +0.1%, current: 97.1%]
[Student Sofia Chen receives public praise from veteran actors]
[Trendsetting progress +0.1%, current: 97.2%]
Chen Xun looked at the progress bar numbers constantly changing on the panel and suddenly felt a little emotional.
This progress bar started to rise rapidly when "Ancient One" became a box office hit.
It was later put on hold for a long time due to the photo scandal.
It has even declined.
He originally thought he would need the next blockbuster film to quickly fill the gap.
Unexpectedly, through teaching and the short film that Lee So-yeon is currently making, she has achieved her goal.
Perhaps this is another way Hollywood does things.
Lee So-yeon walked over: "Oppa, we're filming the last scene tomorrow, the empty shot of the shop closing, and the shot of Old Lee locking the door and leaving. Once we finish filming that, we can wrap up."
"So fast?"
Chen Xun was somewhat dazed: "The two-week filming period is already coming to an end."
In the past, he would spend months filming commercial movies.
I'm still finding it a little hard to get used to.
"It's a day ahead of schedule!"
Lee So-yeon's eyes sparkled: "Everyone says it's because of the good atmosphere and high efficiency on set. Oppa, thank you. This film wouldn't have been made like this without you."
"It's all thanks to your own hard work!"
Chen Xun waved his hand: "I'm just here to help!"
"You've helped me so much!"
Lee So-yeon is very dedicated; from the script to the team to the performances, your presence is felt in every aspect of this film.
"so----"
She took a deep breath: "I'd like to add a line to the end credits: Special thanks to Professor Chen Xun."
Chen Xun looked at her, and finally smiled: "Whatever you want."
As I left the film set, several students gathered around me.
"Teacher Chen Xun, tomorrow is the last day."
Jack looked a little reluctant and nervous: "After it's over, will we still be able to learn from you?"
"I probably won't be teaching next semester."
Chen Xun spoke the truth.
Although the progress bar increases quite quickly when mentoring students.
But ultimately, he wanted to become a great actor.
Teaching is just a side job in my career.
"Could we occasionally invite you to watch our performances?"
Sofia was unwilling to give up: "Like extracurricular tutoring."
Kevin didn't speak, but his eyes held the same expectation.
Chen Xun looked at the group of young people.
Over the past period, they have transformed from inexperienced students into actors who can perform freely in front of the camera.
Their progress is evident to all.
And now they feel that they owe it all to him.
"Okay."
Chen Xun finally agreed: "You can send me your works in the future, but remember, this is all I can teach you. You have to walk the rest of the road on your own."
"The label of 'Chen Xun's student' can help you open the door, but whether you can stay in the room depends on your own abilities."
The students nodded vigorously.
An excited Lee So-yeon held a wrap party at a Korean BBQ restaurant in Koreatown.
She took out all her living expenses for the next few months and insisted on treating everyone herself.
The small shop was packed with more than 30 people from the film crew.
The smell of grilled meat mingled with the aroma of soju.
The cabin was filled with noise, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.
Lee So-yeon stood at the front, holding a glass of cola.
Her face flushed with excitement: "Thank you everyone, thank you so much!"
His voice choked with emotion: "This film was just an idea two months ago, but now it's finally finished. Without you all, it's nothing."
She thanked them one by one.
Thank you to the Prieto team for their professional guidance.
Thanks to James for appearing on screen for almost free.
Thanks to the art direction, sound recording, lighting, and production crew.
Finally, she looked at Chen Xun and said, "Oppa, I don't know what to say."
Lee So-yeon's eyes reddened: "From the script to the filming, without you, this film would never have been made."
"You taught me how to be a director, how to communicate with a team, and how to stay calm under pressure. You gave me an opportunity that I could never have otherwise reached."
Chen Xun raised his Coke and gently tapped her glass against his: "Congratulations, Director Li Suyan!"
Other students also gathered around to offer toasts. Jack, Sophia, and Kevin chatted excitedly about the fun and lessons learned during filming.
Chen Xun was forced to drink several cups, a smile on his face.
Just then, the panel suddenly appeared:
[The completion of the project "The Last Roll of Film" has been detected.]
[Final assessment in progress —]
A few seconds later, the complete assessment panel unfolded:
Project Name: The Last Roll of Film
[Final Assessment]
[Performance Rating: A+ (Chen Xun's restrained yet nuanced performance carries the entire film; James Cromwell's precise supporting role adds significant value; student actors' performances exceeded expectations)]
[Director Satisfaction Rating: S (Student director Li Suyan, with the assistance of a professional team, delivered a high-quality directing performance, demonstrating mature narrative control and on-set management skills)]
Team Collaboration: A (Highly efficient cross-generational and cross-professional teamwork, positive atmosphere, and abundant creative energy)
[Audience Expectations: B+ (Industry attention continues to rise, and public interest has been initially aroused)]
Overall Rating: A
[Comment: A high-quality short film that exceeds the scope of student work. It achieves a high level of artistic expression within a limited budget and has the potential to win awards.]
[Project rewards are being distributed —]
[Gain: Trendsetting progress +3%]
[Current trend-setting progress: 100%]
Chen Xun paused for a moment, his hand holding the wine glass still.
[Conditions met, realm unlocked: the streets are deserted]
[Level Description: Your influence has transcended the scope of a single work, and you have gained substantial say in the Hollywood industry. Your choices and actions will subtly affect the industry's focus of attention.]
[Immediate Effect: Industry Influence +15%, Public Subconscious Awareness +8%]
Next, a new area appears below the panel:
[Unlock New Feature: Industry Trend Prediction]
[Function Description: Based on current industry data analysis, it can provide a rough estimate of Hollywood market trends and award preferences over the next 3 months, with an accuracy rate of approximately 60%]
[Note: This function is not a definitive prediction; data sources include, but are not limited to, production company project initiation trends and film festival selection preferences.]
[Comprehensive analysis of film critics' focus, social media buzz, etc.]
[Cooldown time: Can be used once a month]
Chen Xun's fingers tightened slightly as he gripped the wine glass.
He felt a new flow of information flooding into his consciousness.
He seemed to have developed a new kind of intuition, a vague sense of the pulse of the industry.
At that moment, he sensed that something was shifting in Hollywood.
After several years of superhero movies dominating the screens, audiences and critics seem to be craving more solid dramas, more nuanced performances, and more realistic stories.
This desire won't be immediately reflected in the box office, but it will gradually become apparent in the upcoming awards season.
"Oppa?"
Lee Soo-yeon's voice pulled him back to reality: "What's wrong? Why are you spacing out?"
Chen Xun looked up and saw Li Suyan standing in front of him with red eyes, holding a cup of cola in her hand.
The surrounding area was a noisy barbecue restaurant, where crew members gathered in twos and threes to drink and chat.
"It's nothing."
Chen Xun put down his wine glass: "We've finished filming the movie, but the work isn't over yet."
Lee So-yeon was taken aback: "You mean post-production?"
"right!"
Chen Xun stood up: "We'll start editing tomorrow, and I have some ideas I'd like to discuss with you."
The next morning, in the editing room.
This is a dedicated editing room provided by the USC School of Cinematic Arts for graduation projects. It's not large, but it's fully equipped.
There were three screens on the wall, with a color mixing console in the middle and several boxes of filming footage hard drives piled up in the corner.
Li Suyan, Chen Xun, and editor Mark.
Mark was in his forties and had a goatee.
He was an Englishman who claimed to be a gentleman.
The three of them sat in front of the screen.
Mark was recommended by Professor Anderson. He has over twenty years of editing experience and has been nominated for an Emmy Award.
"Let's look at the rough cut first."
Mark opened the project file: "It was edited in the order of the script, and the runtime is 29 minutes and 47 seconds. The basic framework is all there."
The screen lights up, and a rough cut of "The Last Roll of Film" begins to play.
Black and white footage, a video store from the 90s, Old Li's daily life, the appearance of an elderly man with Alzheimer's disease, and the final farewell —
The story flows smoothly, the pacing is steady, and all the necessary emotional moments are present.
After the broadcast, the editing room was quiet for a few seconds.
"I think it's great."
Lee So-yeon spoke first: "It's basically just as I imagined."
She was very satisfied with the rough cut.
Mark nodded in agreement: "For a student project, it's already quite well done."
"There are a few scenes that need further editing, but overall there aren't many problems. I suggest we refine the pacing, adjust a few transitions, then do color grading and audio mixing. It should be done in about two weeks."
Chen Xun remained silent.
As he watched the screen pause at the end credits, his intuition, fueled by predictions of industry trends, grew increasingly clear.
"I want to change the structure!"
He finally spoke.
Lee So-yeon and Mark were both stunned.