Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 60 Who doesn't dream of being the protagonist?

The original female lead in "We Two" was a complete amateur, chosen from the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The director wanted to find someone who looked like herself when she was young, so she searched all the universities in Beijing and found one.

The film took three years to shoot, which may have been partly due to the director's desire to hone the skills of the newcomers. Even so, the girl's performance still felt inferior to the old lady's.

But Wu Yuchen doesn't have that kind of fetish, nor does she have the time to spend three years honing her skills, so naturally she wouldn't choose any ordinary people.

Moreover, this movie really relies heavily on the performances of the two female leads, one older and one younger. He wants to win awards with "We Two," so the performances of the two leads are crucial and cannot be taken lightly.

Wu Yuchen even abandoned Jiang Qinqin, so naturally he has someone better in mind.

She's petite but full of energy, energetic and adventurous, stubborn yet adorable, and also has a natural charm and good acting skills.

While writing the script, Wu Yuchen already had a figure in his mind, someone he had just met recently.

As soon as the call connected, Wu Yuchen asked proactively:
"Is that Brother Peng?"

"I am Dou Peng, and who are you?"

"I'm Wu Yuchen, the one who asked you to compose music last month, remember me?"

"Hey, it's you! I can't forget it! I bet I'll still remember that movie you made even 20 years from now. Contacting me so late, is it another job composing music?"

"Yes, there is something, but it's not about the music. Last time I visited you, your girlfriend was also an actress, right? I'm making a feature film, and I think she'd be perfect for the lead role. Could you ask her if she'd like to act in it?"

Before Dou Peng could speak, Zhou Xun's voice came through the phone: "I'll act!"

……

Inside the room, Zhou Xun was looking down at the script, while Wu Yuchen was carefully observing the twenty-something-year-old Zhou Xun in front of him.

Zhou Xun is not a professionally trained actress, but she is truly blessed with natural talent. Her charisma and comprehension are both top-notch, and her on-screen presence is also excellent.

Many people may have only come to know Zhou Xun through "Suzhou River", but she had actually been noticed by many directors before that, such as Chen Kaige, the current leading figure of Chinese cinema.

After "Farewell My Concubine", Kai started a new movie called "Temptress Moon", which started filming in 94 but was not released until 96.

His initial choice for the female lead was Zhou Xun, but after a few months on set, Kai felt Zhou Xun's height wasn't up to par. Even with 7cm heels, she still didn't quite fit, so he replaced her with a minor role as a dancer. He then brought in the beautiful Chen Hong for a re-audience. Although Chen Hong didn't meet his requirements, she soothed his frustration with the filming, and the two became involved. In the end, the female lead went to Gong Li.

Just think about it, from being the leading lady of director Chen's rising star, to becoming a little dancer a few months after joining the crew, Zhou Xun's feelings must have been like riding a roller coaster. She must have felt regret and resentment.

She acted in another drama last year, "Daughter Red". Although she played the female lead, it was only her teenage years and she didn't have many scenes.

However, the script I have now, "The Two of Us," is different. The tenant girl, Xiao Ma, is the absolute female lead, and the story unfolds from her perspective from beginning to end.

As for Wu Yuchen, although he is a new director, his talent can be seen from his previous short film "Car 44".

"Director, I'll act!" Zhou Xun looked up and said with a smile.

Wu Yuchen extended his hand and shook hands with Zhou Xun, then said:
"I'm telling you in advance, I made this film with the aim of winning awards."

I'll give you 1 yuan for the role. It's not a lot, but it should be enough. However, there are a few conditions. Filming for this movie is estimated to last at least six months, and it will be intermittent. You'll need to be available whenever needed and maintain a good condition. Can you accept that?

Zhou Xun understands the importance of opportunity, and she is now very eager for the leading role, not to mention that Wu Yuchen has clearly stated that he is aiming for an award.

"Director, if you need me, I won't go home for Chinese New Year this year!" Wu Yuchen finally smiled and released his hand from Zhou Xun's. Zhou Xun not only has a very suitable image and acting skills, but also has several years of experience as a struggling artist in Beijing, making her a perfect fit for the role.

With Xun Ge in hand, I have the world at my fingertips!
Then Wu Yuchen stood up: "I'm going to invite the actress who plays the old lady now, do you want to come with me?"

"Great! Director Wu, who would you like to cast as this old lady?"

Wu Yuchen asked with a smile, "Have you watched 'I Love My Family'?"

"I Love My Family" was the first family sitcom in mainland China, which was released two years ago. It starred Song Dandan and was quite popular in Beijing. Zhou Xun had obviously seen it.

"I've seen it. Are there any suitable ones?"

"Aunt Yu, the neighborhood committee director!"

"Huh?!" Zhou Xun was taken aback upon hearing this.

……

Jin Yaqin, who is 70 years old this year, is a retired actress from the Beijing People's Art Theatre and has a wealth of experience in theatrical performance.

She is the actress who played the old lady in the original "We Two," and her performance was outstanding, earning her the Best Actress awards at both the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Golden Rooster Awards.

Therefore, Wu Yuchen never considered replacing her, especially since she wasn't very famous and her salary wouldn't be high, making her the best choice.

This old lady has a mean-spirited look. As long as she doesn't smile and put on a stern face, she looks like a strange and mean old lady.

However, she herself has a very cheerful personality, enjoys lively gatherings, and is very popular. Therefore, after reading the script for "The Two of Us," the elderly Jin Yaqin hesitated:
"Director Wu, this old lady's personality is completely opposite to mine. Am I suitable for this role?"

Wu Yuchen smiled and said, "Teacher Jin, I have seen your portrayal of Granny Zhao in the TV series 'Dream of the Red Chamber' and the brothel madam in the movie 'Du Shiniang,' both of which were very vivid. I believe that the role of the old lady will not be a problem for you!"

Jin Yaqin was very pleased to hear that Wu Yuchen could still recount her few previous on-screen appearances.

She'd acted her whole life, in plays, TV dramas, and movies, almost always in supporting roles. She never expected that almost 10 years after retiring, a lead role in a movie would come her way. This delighted and excited the old lady. After all, who hasn't dreamed of being a lead?

"Then I'll give it a try!"

"Thank you, Teacher Jin! I have another request. This is Zhou Xun, who plays Xiao Ma, the tenant. I'd like her to stay at your house for a while so we can get to know each other better. What do you think?"

The movie tells a heartwarming story of an old lady and a girl who initially dislike each other but later develop feelings for each other and rely on one another. Wu Yuchen naturally wanted the two main characters to establish this feeling as soon as possible.

Jin Yaqin looked at Zhou Xun, who immediately gave her a polite and sweet smile and greeted her as "Grandma Jin."

"Haha, no problem! I love being around people. Right now it's just my wife and me at home, and I actually feel lonely!"

Jin Yaqin said warmly, and directly pulled Zhou Xun's hand to sit down.

Wu Yuchen also followed Zhou Xun's lead and changed how he addressed her:

"Grandma Jin, you can't be so lively from now on. It would be best to find an elderly, lonely person with an eccentric personality that you know to observe. It will help you understand the character."

"Don't worry, I understand. Art imitates life!"

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(End of this chapter)