novellhall Chapter 334 Audition for "The Wandering Earth"
Chapter 334 Audition for "The Wandering Earth"
Chapter 333 Audition for "The Wandering Earth" (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Chen Xun!"
Seeing Chen Xun leaning against the wall at the end of the corridor waiting for them, Guo Fan's eyes lit up, and he quickly walked over, his tired face instantly brightening.
He shoved the notebook in his arms toward him, his voice brimming with barely suppressed excitement: "We've graduated! Four months, and we've mastered everything we needed to and could learn!"
Chen Xun smiled and took the top book.
Open it and take a look.
It was filled with annotations.
From the logic of adjusting special effects parameters to the industrialized SOP process for shooting science fiction films.
They even have a clear outline of contingency plans for Marvel studios.
The blank spaces were filled with numerous storyboard sketches, each stroke revealing meticulous attention to detail.
"Thank you for your hard work!"
Chen Xun closed his notebook and patted Guo Fan on the shoulder.
He knew all too well how Guo Fan had endured those four months.
He only sleeps three or four hours a day, and even when we talk on the phone, he talks about special effects every three sentences. Process: Industrialization.
She had lost weight, but the light in her eyes grew brighter and brighter.
"What's so hard about it! These four months are worth ten years of hard work and struggle back home!"
Guo Fan laughed heartily, his tone full of emotion: "We used to say that we wanted to make our own Chinese science fiction films, but when we actually went to Hollywood, we realized how big the gap was between us and the top level."
"The problem isn't a lack of creativity, but a lack of a complete industrial system and standardized processes at every stage."
""
He paused, patted the stack of notebooks in his arms, his eyes full of certainty: "But things are different now!"
"We brought all of this back with us. We not only learned it, but also adapted it to suit our own domestic situation and created a science fiction film shooting process manual."
"As long as this system works, Chinese science fiction films will be able to stand up!"
The team members following behind Guo Fan also surrounded Chen Xun and thanked him repeatedly.
They knew better than anyone that they owed this opportunity to study at Marvel's core post-production base entirely to Chen Xun's connections.
Chen Xun secured access to the core engineering documents and special effects processes by using his status as the male lead to guarantee it.
Even the professional equipment and translation team they are using now were all arranged by Chen Xun.
"And then there's the equipment issue."
Remembering the most important thing, Guo Fan quickly added, "The top-of-the-line motion capture system, real-time rendering engine, and all the professional post-production workstations that you contacted the production team to replace have all been packed up and will be shipped back to China tomorrow."
"With these things, our previous ideas on paper can finally come to fruition!"
"Equipment is inanimate, but people are alive."
Chen Xun smiled and said, "With you and the team here, these things can reach their greatest value. I have always believed that you can make 'The Wandering Earth' a world-class science fiction film."
From the moment he decided to make "The Wandering Earth," he has been met with constant criticism.
Industry insiders say that China can't produce hard science fiction films; we simply can't catch up with what Hollywood has been making for decades.
Investors also felt that science fiction films were a bottomless pit, and that investing in them was a waste of money; no one was willing to take that risk.
Only Chen Xun connected him with learning opportunities in Hollywood and provided him with top-notch equipment. From beginning to end, he never questioned him, only offered unreserved support.
Guo Fan took a deep breath, his expression suddenly becoming extremely solemn as he looked at Chen Xun: "Chen Xun, in front of my entire team today, I'm telling you again, you absolutely must take the role of Liu Peiqiang."
"You've read the script. Liu Peiqiang is the soul of the entire film and the emotional anchor of the whole movie."
"No other actor in China could pull off this role."
His tone was full of sincerity: "I know you have a full schedule of projects in Hollywood right now. 'La La Land' is going to be on the awards season tour, 'Joker' is going to start filming early next year, and there's also Marvel's publicity work. Your schedule must be tight."
"Don't worry, I've separated all of Liu Peiqiang's scenes from the script."
Guo Fan quickly added, as if afraid that Chen Xun would refuse, that he had made the plan meticulously in advance: "All scenes will be filmed in one go, at most twenty days, definitely no more than a month."
"The timing is entirely up to you. Whenever you're free, we'll start filming. The entire crew will revolve around your schedule."
"Even if you have to shoot in two separate sessions, traveling between China and Hollywood, we will cooperate fully and will not cause you any trouble whatsoever."
The team members behind him echoed, their voices full of anticipation: "Teacher Chen Xun, if you could act in this, our whole team would feel completely confident!"
"Yes, you're a globally renowned actor now. With you on board, not only can the characters be convincing, but the film's global distribution also has a solid foundation!"
Looking at the sincerity in Guo Fan's eyes, Chen Xun did not hesitate for a moment.
He understands better than anyone what "The Wandering Earth" means for Chinese cinema.
This film will usher in the first year of Chinese science fiction films, break Hollywood's monopoly on hard science fiction films, and leave a significant mark on the history of Chinese cinema.
The character Liu Peiqiang is the most poignant and soulful element of the entire film.
Being able to play this role is not only his support for domestic science fiction, but also an opportunity for him to leave a deeper mark on the history of Chinese cinema.
"Director Guo, don't worry."
Chen Xun looked at Guo Fan, smiled and nodded: "I'll take the role of Liu Peiqiang."
"You don't need to worry about the schedule. I'll have Rob send you my schedule for the next year, and we'll pick the most suitable time to finish filming all the scenes together."
One sentence put Guo's mind at ease, which had been hanging in suspense for more than half a year.
He grabbed Chen Xun's arm excitedly, his hand trembling slightly, repeatedly saying, "That's wonderful! That's wonderful! With your words, I feel completely at ease about this trip back to China!"
He knew all too well what Chen Xun's joining meant.
He is not only a lead actor with superb acting skills, but also the anchor of the entire project.
With Chen Xun involved, the investors will have no more doubts, and the project's funding chain will definitely not have any problems.
Domestic audiences will have basic trust in this film, and if the film is well-made, it may even be able to go abroad and be released in theaters worldwide, thanks to Chen Xun's resources in Hollywood.
After calming his excited emotions, Guo Fan took out a thick folder from his bag and handed it to Chen Xun, his face showing a little embarrassment but also great seriousness: "Chen Xun, there's something else I need your help with."
"you say."
Chen Xun took the folder.
"These are the candidate profiles for Liu Qi and Han Duoduo, the male and female leads of 'The Wandering Earth.' They are all actors we've interviewed over the past six months, including newcomers and experienced young actors."
Guo Fan scratched his head, his tone full of candor: "I've been making films in China for so many years, so I have a good eye for casting. But this time is different. This is China's first hard science fiction film, and I'm not sure about it."
"You've been in Hollywood for so long, worked with the world's top actors, seen the casting logic of top commercial films, and know what kind of actors can carry the big screen and withstand the extreme emotional performances in science fiction films."
He looked at Chen Xun, his tone full of trust: "Could you help me vet these candidates and pick the best ones?"
Chen Xun opened the folder.
The information inside is extremely detailed, including audition clips, personal resumes, and performance style analysis for each actor.
Even the score for the suitability of the actor to the role is clearly written, showing that Guo Fan's team has put in a lot of effort.
From the project's largest investor to the actor playing the male lead, and now to the casting gatekeeper, Guo Fan has come to regard him as the most core partner of the "Wandering Earth" project.
During his four months in Hollywood, Guo Fan witnessed firsthand Chen Xun's status within Marvel.
His professionalism when discussing scripts and camera work with top directors and special effects teams, and his acting skills that can impress the entire Hollywood crew with just one scene.
At this point, the level of trust in him had reached an unprecedented level.
"no problem!"
Chen Xun closed the folder and smiled as he agreed, "I'll review the materials carefully later, and I'll watch all the audition clips one by one. I'll give you detailed feedback within three days."
"It's not just about casting; I can also have my acting coach in Hollywood provide remote guidance to the actors after they join the crew, so they can get used to the green screen acting style of science fiction films in advance."
Green screen performances are the ultimate test of an actor's conviction.
Most young actors in China have never been exposed to a pure green screen shooting mode, which can easily lead to a disconnect in their performances.
Chen Xun's words directly solved the most difficult problem of performance training.
Guo Fan looked at Chen Xun and was speechless for a moment. He could only pat him on the shoulder heavily, and all his words were condensed into one sentence: "Chen Xun, I will never thank you for your kindness. You must have a place in the history of Chinese science fiction films."
Outside the audition building at China Film Digital Production Base, the area was packed with people.
The nationwide open auditions for the "Wandering Earth" project ignited the entire Chinese entertainment industry from the day it was officially announced.
Chen Xun takes on the role of Liu Peiqiang, with Guo Fan directing the entire production, top Hollywood special effects equipment, and Chen Xun personally investing heavily.
Several labels combined have transformed this science fiction project, which was originally considered a bottomless pit by the industry, into a highly sought-after commodity by the entire sector.
Less than a week after the audition announcement, more than 3,000 actors applied, ranging from newly trained actors to seasoned veterans, all vying for an audition opportunity.
After all, this is not only an opportunity to act alongside Chen Xun, but also a chance to board the fast train of China's first hard science fiction film.
They might even have the opportunity to reach Hollywood by leveraging Chen Xun's resources.
Xin Zhilei, who was once an unknown in the entertainment industry, was brought to Hollywood to star in a Marvel superhero movie after playing the female lead alongside Chen Xun.
These people naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
The most central judging room in the audition building.
At the head of the table, Chen Xun, who had just flown back from Los Angeles, was looking down at the actor information in his hand.
He had just finished the global promotional campaign for "Zootopia" and had also coordinated the premiere schedule for "La La Land" at the Venice Film Festival.
Before I even adjusted to the time difference, I went straight to the audition venue after landing.
Guo Fan, standing next to him, noticed the faint redness in his eyes and looked embarrassed. "Chen Xun, you've really gone to a lot of trouble, flying all the way back. We could have just sent you the audition footage, but you had to make this trip."
"That's different!"
Chen Xun looked up and smiled, putting down the documents in his hand: "Casting is the foundation of a film, especially science fiction. Green screen performances require a very high level of conviction from the actors. Watching clips on a screen is never as direct as watching a live performance."
"Moreover, Liu Qi and Han Duoduo are the main teenage characters in the film, and their scenes echo Liu Peiqiang's, so I have to personally oversee them."
Guo Fan felt a surge of warmth in his heart.
He said he could watch the clips remotely, but in his heart he desperately hoped that Chen Xun could come in person.
With this accomplished actor who has swept through Hollywood and won international awards at the helm, not only can the most suitable actors be accurately selected, but the entire project can also be reassured.
Even the senior executives of China Film Group called him specifically when they heard that Chen Xun was going to return to China in person to participate in the audition.
"If you're ready, shall we begin?"
Guo Fan looked at the casting director beside him, who immediately nodded and picked up the walkie-talkie to notify the actors waiting outside.
The audition officially began.
The first role I auditioned for was the male lead, Liu Qi.
This character is the main teenager in the entire film; he is rebellious and unruly, but deep down he has a tenderness and sense of responsibility towards his family.
It portrays both the impetuousness of youth and the growth arc of facing adversity, demanding a high level of skill from the actors.
Among the actors who came to audition were popular young actors who had been in the industry for many years, as well as promising newcomers. However, after auditioning more than a dozen actors, Chen Xun and Guo Fan couldn't help but frown.
Either their acting is too immature to handle the extreme emotions in a sci-fi film, or their lines are full of flaws when reciting them in front of a green screen.
Otherwise, he's too concerned about his image and can't portray Liu Qi's wildness and roguishness from growing up in the underground city.
Even worse, some actors didn't even fully understand the script, portraying Liu Qi's rebellious nature as that of an impolite and hot-headed fool, completely deviating from the core of the character.
After a morning of auditions, neither of them could find the perfect candidate to play Liu Qi.
During the lunch break, Guo Fan looked at Chen Xun and sighed, "See, I told you so. After searching for half a year, there are only a few that are pleasing to the eye."
"The role of Liu Qi requires a lot of talent from the actor; being too slick or too stiff won't work."
Chen Xun flipped through the remaining candidate information in his hand, his fingertip pausing on Qu Chuxiao's name.
In his previous life, Qu Chuxiao played Liu Qi in "The Wandering Earth." Although there was a lot of controversy, he accurately captured the core characteristics of the character.
That carefree youthful spirit and the softness hidden beneath the rebellion are the perfect fit for the script.
"Qu Chuxiao has an audition this afternoon, right?"
Chen Xun looked up at the casting director.
"Yes, he was the second to audition this afternoon."
The casting director nodded quickly.
"Okay, we'll focus on him this afternoon."
Chen Xun spoke calmly, already having formed a preliminary prediction in his mind.
After lunch break, the lights in the audition room of the audition building were turned back on.
Looking at the cast list in his hand, Guo Fan couldn't help but sigh: "These dozen or so people this morning are either well-behaved students from professional acting schools who can't portray Liu Qi's wildness from the underground city, or they are popular young actors who are too reserved and can't let go of their inhibitions. Even their lines are delivered in a weak and soft way, and they simply can't carry the role."
"Don't rush, good talents always need to be selected slowly."
Chen Xun smiled and placed his water glass on the table, pointing to Qu Chuxiao's file: "Let's call him in first and see how things are going."
The casting director immediately picked up the walkie-talkie and shouted into the waiting area.
Half a minute later, the door to the judging room was pushed open, and a tall, handsome young man walked in.
He was wearing a simple black T-shirt and cargo pants, his hair was neatly cut, and he had little makeup on.
Standing there, he exudes a carefree, youthful vibe, instantly matching the character of Liu Qi in the script.
"Hello everyone, I am Qu Chuxiao, and the role I am auditioning for today is Liu Qi."